Canterbury Society AGM 2025
Held on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at Fruitworks Co-working, Jewry Lane, Canterbury.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting. The evening combined the formal business of the Society with an engaging presentation by Alison Coles on “The Life and Times of Sidney Cooper – Art for Everyone”.
The meeting reflected on a year of activity, events and partnerships, including the success of the Heritage EXPO attended by over 800 visitors, the installation of several new Blue Plaques across the city, and continuing engagement through our monthly newsletter and social media channels, each reaching over 800 people.
We extend warm thanks to our sponsors, members, and volunteers whose contributions make this work possible — and to Hilary Brian for her outstanding leadership as Chair. Hilary is stepping down but will continue to be involved in the Society’s work.
AGM 2025 Draft Minutes
The draft minutes from the 2025 AGM (held on 17 September) are available below and will be formally approved at the 2026 AGM.
Guest Speaker Presentation
Speaker: Alison Coles – former Director of Galleries and Senior Director at the University of Kent, where she helped to fundraise for the Colyer-Fergusson complex.
The Life and Times of Sidney Cooper (1803–1902) – Art for Everyone
Alison’s talk traced Sidney Cooper’s journey from a modest childhood to national recognition, his pioneering lithographic work, and his lasting legacy through art education in Canterbury.
The Canterbury Society is keen to see the building brought back into active use as a flexible, inclusive, and community-oriented arts space — one that celebrates Cooper’s legacy of creativity and philanthropy while serving the cultural life of the city today. The Society strongly supports the principle of securing its future as a public, accessible cultural asset.
Key Highlights
- Chair’s Report: Reflections on a productive year and thanks to sponsors including BID, Bo-Concept, Boys & Maughan, Canterbury Auction Galleries, Canterbury Commemoration Society, Ed-IT, Martello Developments, Paul Roberts Canterbury, South Canterbury, and The King’s School.
- Marketing & Membership: Continued growth in engagement, with over 800 newsletter subscribers and followers across social platforms.
- Finance: The Society holds a reserve capital of over £4,500. We thank Kim Parker for his eight years of service as Treasurer and welcome Dianna Whitfield as our new Treasurer.
- Committee 2025–26: Acting Chair – John Walker; Treasurer – Dianna Whitfield; Secretary – Kathryn Fielding; Trustees – Mehri Holliday, Carole Wells, Clive Bowley, Martin Vye, Guy Mayhew, Kim Parker, and Hubert Pragnell.
Looking Ahead
The Committee continues to shape plans for the Society’s future direction, including recruitment of a new Chair and a review of our structure and priorities for 2026.
Thank you once again to all members, supporters and friends who make the Canterbury Society’s work possible.