Anne Evans, Vice Chair of the Penarth Civic Society, launches an appeal for committee membership.

In 1987, Penarth nearly lost the old Sea Water Baths building on the seafront. That it didn't was due to a campaign by a newly established organisation, the Penarth Civic Society.

Since then, the Society has helped set up the County Treasures project, written a number of Town Trails, commented on planning applications, organised many talks and walks and, more recently, set up several projects to look after our environment.

Not many residents know that the Society has a Beach Wardens Scheme or that we set up the Penarth Tree Forum. We are delighted that the Vale Council has very recently planted over 100 trees in the town and we are now recruiting volunteers to look after these trees. (See the Penarth Tree Forum Facebook page).

But there is a snag. About five years ago the Society committee was so short of members that the whole thing very nearly folded. It was saved by new blood on the committee.

Now, again, we are asking for people to help us with our work by joining the committee. No specific skills or knowledge are required but anyone who could help with the secretarial side of running a society such as ours would be particularly welcome.

Don't be put off if you are a relative newcomer to the town – many of us were too but we have learned. We can be reached on [email protected].

We would love to hear from you.