At a recent meeting of the Executive Committee recognition for the contribution made by long-serving member of the Society, Caroline Penn, was considered.

Our Constitution now allows service to the Society be acknowledged by way of Honorary Lifetime membership – which we feel to be a perfect fit between endeavour and reward.
With over 30 years of continuous service as a member of the Executive Committee, Caroline is believed to be the longest continuous serving committee member in our history.

As a trained planner, her commentaries and critiques on local developments, input to planning policies, challenging HMOs, architectural research and work towards heritage Listing have been – and continue to be – invaluable.
In 1984 Caroline chaired an Action Group of parents and residents fighting the first planning application to build houses on Roundhill School playing fields. Subsequently, Beeston Civic Society founder and then Chair, Marion Wallwork, invited Caroline to join the committee. Caroline stood as Vice Chair and stepped in as Acting Chair on several occasions during her time on the Committee, officially standing down in 2020. The Society wanted to recognise the significant commitment, time and effort she put in during this time.

“As a mark of gratitude in recognition of more than 30 years stalwart service”

In accepting the honour of Honorary Lifetime Membership Caroline commented: “I’m flattered, surprised and obviously pleased to accept the kind offer. I suppose I’m one of the few very long-time serving committee members still alive who were at least as active as me!”
We all wish her well in her well-deserved ‘retirement’, and look forward to continue to keep in touch about our Local Heritage List and anything else she still wishes to take an active interest in!

Beeston Civic Society
Committee 2023-24