Silver Jubilee

25 years ago this week, the Ruthin & District Civic Association was formed. It was born in 1988, then called the Ruthin & District Association and was the creation and contrivance of the late Keith Kenyon Thompson (whose widow still runs the book shop). At the time, Kenyon Thompson was both a teacher at Schola Ruthinensis and the town's deputy mayor. His vision was for an amenity association that would promote, preserve and educate.

There were over 100 people at the inaugural meeting. But not everyone was impressed. There were tensions between the association's prospective committee, the chamber of trade and the largely co-opted town council. Some were moved to complain that the town did not need another association, certainly not of this sort. Others felt that Kenynon Thompson and his ilk were interfering busybodies and medlers. Yet others believed it was the job of the town council to defend Rhuthun/Ruthin's interests. It was evident that, actually, there was a certain amount of jealousy on the part of some of the town council. It may have been that dissatisfaction among some in the town regarding the town council was a reason to form the association.

An early dynamism and vitality was apparent, as the embryonic association set about trying to make a difference. It was oft courted by the Free Press, with comments sought and freely given on the issues of the day facing Rhuthun. Its meetings were reported. It was soon after that the Free Press also reported Kenynon Thompson's untimely death but, even so, the association managed to maintain its momentum.

Perhaps not surprisingly, as the 20th century gave way to the 21st, the association began a slow stagnation. It relied on volunteers and inevitably (and unlike Kenyon Thompson) these tended to be retired people. As such, the association was considered by some as something of an older prsons', middle class ghetto. This epithet was both unfortunate and incorrect but that was the perception.

What has the association achieved over the last 25 years? Given the voluntary nature of the organisation, a considerable amount. It:

• Was instrumental in a dozen years of the Open Doors heritage weekends, the best promoted and organised in Denbighshire.

• Developed the Quayle Awards to recognise best practice in development.

• Placed a number of plaques on buildings of note in Rhuthun.

• Produces Town & Around, an eclectic mix of news and views on and about the town.

• Published the well-received Slow Walks booklet.

• Held hustings at each parliamentary election for a number of years.

• Commented on and where necessary shamed public and private developments.

There are currently over 100 members. This is almost 99 more than Dinbych's association can muster : ) Another indication, perhaps, of Rhuthun's relative prosperity.

Other than Kenyon Thompson, former chairs have included local politician Robina "Bobby" Feeley. The current chair is Liz Williams, owner of Pine & Oak Direct. "Trust this woman".