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Formby Civic Society is a registered Charity (No. 516789)

After just over 50 years, how successful have we been?

In helping guard Formby's 'unique identity', we have from the beginning taken an active interest in planning issues. We assisted with the establishment of our only Conservation Area, in the early 80's. We published 'Viking Village' written by founder member, Edith Kelly, in 1973 and later a 'Town Trail'. We have built up a valuable historical archive and local history library, which are both still being added to through the generosity of local people. In addition an valuable record of Formby's past is provided by a high quality pictorial collection, now digitally scanned, including over 2000 transparencies of cottages, farms, houses and lanes; the Sibley Collection of drawings and watercolours and a considerable collection of documents and maps, much now accessible via the Internet. We also have copies of the Formby Tithe Map and Schedule, (1848), a particularly valuable historical resource. The schedule has also been digitised. Using these assets we have carried out research on the history of many local subjects such as the Formby Lifeboat Station, (The First in Britain), Asparagus Cultivation, early Flying at Freshfield (1910 -12), the story of the old Power Station and Sand-winning here in the first half of the 20th century.

Our small museum collection in Duke Street Library, one of only two museums in Sefton, features the unique 'Formby Tapestry', created by another founder member, Lilian Rushton, which provides a visual record of Formby's history from the Vikings to the 20th Century alongside a changing exhibition relating to the history of the area, and a unique collection of ceramic models of old local cottages organised by former chairman, Peter Lucas.

In addition we have arranged and presented other occasional historical exhibitions or displays such as an display on early flying from Freshfield beach (then designated an aerodrome!), 1910 – 1912  held at Duke Street Library, last year.

Our contribution to the Millennium Celebration was the organisation of the Parish Boundary Walk - the "rediscovery" of the ancient Parish Boundary, encircling Formby, 14 miles in length, partly over private land and dating back in essence to the early mediaeval period. This was walked and enjoyed by over one hundred people during a two day period. Another of our traditional activities is the Art Group at present run by Barbara Mossop, which itself arranges exhibitions of Member's work, notably the annual Open Air Exhibition, held under the Chestnut Trees in Chapel Lane each summer.

In 2002, after a great deal of thought and work, including two public meetings, the Society officially submitted a submission and petition to allow Formby to regain some of its Civic independence by means of the creation of a Parish Council to replace the Formby Urban District Council lost with reorganisation of local government in 1974. This was in fact successful and the first Council completed their first four year term of office last year.

To read about Formby Civic Society Present please click here

The historical origins of the Society are described in a 'Short History', written by Jean Beer in 1993. (copies still available) The Society was founded in 1953, 100 years after the coming of the railway to this sleepy and then entirely rural village and 50 years after its inhabitants obtained, (with great difficulty), status as an Urban District Council. Registered as a Charity, later affiliated with the Civic Trust, and now Civic Voice, the Society was founded to "foster the identity of Formby, safeguard its amenities, develop it cultural activities and encourage local studies".