14 November 2007
by Michael Rines

Woodbridge Society Chairman Tony Hubbard announced at the AGM on 7 November that membership had grown during the year to a record 420, and the registration of the Society as a charity meant that its already strong financial position would be underpinned.

He said the Society's strength and good standing in the town meant that it had to be listened to, especially in its representations on planning issues such as the development on the Notcutts site.

Hubbard said: "We do still deplore the fact that the development of the whole site has been dealt with in a piecemeal and apparently uncoordinated manner, and we are still waiting to see the plans for the residential development and the revised garden centre."

He added that the Society would be watching carefully the expected proposals for the Whisstocks and Sun Wharf developments, because the riverside area needed to be protected "with the utmost vigilance".

He also drew attention to the inadequacy of the car parks in the town, which he said was a threat to it as a business and retail centre. He expressed the personal view that the only long term solution was an appropriately designed multi-storey car park.

During the past year, the Society's very successful programme of winter lectures and summer visits, together with its twice yearly free newsletter, had provided very good value to members for their £7 subscription (£12 for two people living at the same address).

Anyone interested in the promotion of high standards of planning and architecture in the town, and who has an interest in its history and traditions should contact membership secretary Sue Leslie at 6 Sandy Lane, Woodbridge, IP12 4DH, telephone 01394 385485