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.
There are currently 6 Cittaslow towns in
the UK; Aylsham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Diss, Mold, Perth and Penarth.
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.
Cittaslow UK is a Community Interest Company
(CIC) which reflects its ambition to grow membership and expand its
activities across a whole range of projects. The CIC is
managed by a Board of Directors, drawn from representatives of each
of Britain's initial Cittaslow towns. Slow Food UK also has a
place on the CIC Board.
The first Chair of the Cittaslow UK Board was Jack Coburn,
current Chair of the Perth and Kinross Cittaslow
Steering Group. At the AGM held in Perth in November
2010, Jack stood down and the new Chair is Liz Jones from Cittaslow
Aylsham. Giles Margarson, also from Cittaslow Aylsham,
remains as Company Secretary.
In May 2011, Cittaslow UK appointed Sophie McKeand
as Project Officer. Sophie's role is to work with the
existing Cittaslow towns, identify and contact potential new
Cittaslow towns, source appropriate funding for Cittaslow projects
and be the contact point for Cittaslow enquiries.
Further information about Cittaslow UK is
available at www.cittaslow.org.uk.
