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.
