THEY were united in their opposition to a major shopping development in the heart of Ealing and for more than four decades they have shown they are firmly grounded in the borough.
The Ealing Civic Society was founded in 1967 when a group of neighbours campaigned against a shopping complex that would have turned Mattock Lane into a dual carriageway with a series of roundabouts running parallel to the arterial Uxbridge Road.
And although they may have won the battle when the smaller and more environmentally friendly Ealing Broadway shopping centre was built in the 80s, the group is looking for more volunteers to win the war by keeping the very best of what Ealing has to offer – both old and new.
The group's publicity officers Mike Tiley, who is also a verger at St Mary-Le-Strand church, said they have about 200 members but are looking to expand, and they are encouraging younger people to join.
Mr Tiley, 63, said: “Most of our members are from Ealing and West Ealing but we’re hoping to bring in people from all over the borough. Ealing Civic Society was founded to preserve and improve the borough in areas of planning, design, environment and transport and with the many younger families moving to the area, we hope they will take an interest too.
“Aside from checking licensing and planning applications, we also hold an annual building design competition, awarding the architects who have contributed to the communities in Ealing and they receive a society plaque.
“We also award green wall plaques to buildings where famous Ealing people lived. But we’re not just about preserving old things _ we also want to encourage quality new buildings.”
For more information about becoming a member, see www.ealingcivicsociety.org or call 020 8567 4682.
