Cittaslow in the UK
Cittaslow first came to the UK in November 2003
when Ludlow in Shropshire was recognised as the country's first
Cittaslow town.
Cittaslow International asked Ludlow to lead the
establishment of a Cittaslow UK network, which
came into being in 2006 when Aylsham and Diss in Norfolk and Mold
in North Wales became Cittaslow towns. Graeme
Kidd, the then Mayor of Ludlow, became the first Chair of
Cittaslow UK.
Cittaslow UK is responsible for liaising with
British towns that are interested in joining the movement and for
assessing membership applications. Cittaslow UK
also promotes the principles of Cittaslow to raise
awareness and understanding of the movement, and acts as a forum
through which member towns can exchange ideas and best practice and
discuss common issues.
Cittaslow UK has its headquarters in Ludlow. It
shares its registered office with Slow Food UK, which is also based
in the town. Slow Food UK provides Cittaslow UK
with admin and financial management assistance.
There are now 8 Cittaslow towns in the UK.
Ludlow, Aylsham, Diss, Mold, Perth, Berwick upon Tweed, Cockermouth
in Cumbria, and Linlithgow in West Lothian. Perth and Kinross is
also recognised as the UK's first Cittaslow
Supporter - a title that can be given to larger areas
that do not qualify for full Cittaslow
membership.
2 more towns - Lampeter in South Wales and Sturminster
Newton in Devon - are currently applying to join the UK
network. A number of other towns across the UK have made enquiries
about joining Cittaslow and are currently
considering membership applications.
Cittaslow UK is in the process of
reconstituting itself as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to
reflect its growing membership and expanding activities. The CIC
will be managed by a Board of Directors, drawn from representatives
of each of Britain's initial Cittaslow towns. Slow
Food UK will also have a place on the CIC Board.
In May 2008, Jack Coburn, the Chair of Perth and Kinross
Cittaslow Steering Group, was elected as the new Chair or
National Co-ordinator of Cittaslow UK. Giles
Margarson of Cittaslow Aylsham was elected as
Secretary and Graeme Kidd, the past-Chair, was elected as Technical
Co-ordinator.
Further information about Cittaslow UK is
available at www.cittaslow.org.uk.
