Founded 1945.
Patron: Admiral the Lord Boyce, KG, GCB, OBE, DL
Lord Warden & Admiral of the Cinque Ports.
Chairman: Christopher Melchers, .

Registered Charity No.283177
Founder Member of Civic Voice, the successor of The Civic Trust.
Membership Number ClV0029
 

Hythe was severely damaged during World War II and emerged rubble strewn and disfigured.  A major rebuilding task lay ahead. Some of the returning population had the foresight to see that reconstruction would set the character of the town for the future. They formed the HYTHE CITIZENS' UNION in 1945, with the task of monitoring every development and building project of importance, and ensuring that public spaces, trees, and historical landmarks were, as far as possible, restored to a high standard.

In addition to housing and town planning, the founders of the Citizens’ Union organised lectures, exhibitions and local history study, as well as social events to increase membership, and raise funds. Sixty years later, now under the name of the HYTHE CIVIC SOCIETY, a Committee of a dozen or so backed by a membership of over 850 residents, is doing much the same.

We vet every local planning application and our comments on recent proposals are posted here. We promote the attractions and amenities of Hythe. We participated in the SEEDA partnership that delivered a number of community projects that have benefit the town and its visitors. We maintain an archive of photographs and documents, often dealing with research queries from all over the world. We record the personal memories of the older generation - details you don’t find in the History Books. And, in most years, the Society makes an award to any development, which improves the town's appearance or amenities. An occasional award is also made to deserving citizens whose voluntary work has added value to Hythe. There are social events for members and a well-supported programme of talks for the winter months.  In the summer we organize weekly guided walks for individua1s or groups. Details of the town walk can be seen here.

The walk includes a visit to the church of  St. Leonard – the “Church with the Bones”

Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter with lively and sometimes controversial comment on local matters, as well as articles of historical interest.

Members who wish to publish their own Research may receive assistance.