The Downton Society - Supporting our Village and our Environment
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The Downton Society, a registered charity, was set up in 1975 to:
- promote conservation and awareness of sites and buildings of historic interest
- encourage high standards of planning & development;
- stimulate interest in the village & its environment
Over 40 years later the Society is still thriving. Members have been actively involved in campaigns to introduce the Lorry Ban and the Flood Defence scheme, in drafting the Village Design Statement and, in 2017, successfully completing the Downton Neighbourhood Plan. The Committee continuously monitors planning applications in the Conservation area, and keeps a close eye on local authority housing policy and developments proposed for Downton.
DSoc also initiates projects to improve the green environment. The latest is Downton In Bloom - which, with community support, will encourage environmental awareness as well as enthusiasm for gardening and flowers. Committee members plant tubs on the Greens, and work with other local groups and the Parish Council amenity committee to help improve public spaces in Downton.
On the social and community side, the Committee organises Moviola films, which are shown monthly in the Memorial Hall; and the Footpath Group which has an itinerary of guided walks throughout the year. The Wrightson cup is presented annually to the Trafalgar School. There are also occasional talks and visits; and an annual wine tasting evening and summer party are highlights for members.
The Society is independent and has no formal affiliation to any local authority, but it makes a point of maintaining close links with the Parish Council and other bodies within the Southern Wiltshire Community area. These include the Area Board, Salisbury Civic Society and the Salisbury Conservation Advisory Panel.
We always welcome new members, especially those with specifc knowledge and skills - but all that is really required is an interest in your local community. If you would like to know more, please contact a member of the committee - or join us by clicking here and filling in the application form.
Our records are kept according to General Data Protection Regulations and, to understand how we use your data, please read the attached Privacy Policy carefully, and feel free to contact the Society Secretary if you have any questions. The Downton Society is a charity, not a public body, and the data we hold is required to enable the Society to fulfil its charitable purpose and to manage its membership.