Desborough Civic Society

About the society

Desborough Civic Society was formed in 1999 principally to encourage high standards of town planning and development and to stimulate public interest in and care for the history and character of the town and its surroundings.

The Society is completely independent and non -political and aims to work in partnership with local and regional authorities. It has responsibility for managing the Heritage Centre in Station Road from where a series of lectures and meetings take place throughout the year.

The more members we have, the stronger our voice and we have a greater chance of influencing decisions that affect planning developments in Desborough. We can be an effective voice looking after your interests.

Out of County Membership now available for locals living outside of Desborough. You will receive the electronic version of the Desborough Scrapbook for an annual subscription of £18. Apply online below or payment can be made by cheque made out to the Desborough Civic Society and posted to Desborough Heritage Centre, 72 Station Road, Desborough NN14 2RS.

View sample of the Desborough Scrapbook

Membership Fees

  • Individual (all ages) £10 per year
  • Joint (all ages) £15 per year
  • Life membership £60

Become a member

  • Influence decisions that affect planning developments in Desborough
  • Monthly talks on Desborough heritage and occasional outings
  • Inspire a sense of civic pride

2023-2024 Programme

All monthly lectures start at 7.30pm. Non-members welcome.

Monday 25th November

Susan Copperwheat: Strawbear to Squirt: Traditional Events Past & Present (chiefly of Northamptonshire)

Monday 16th December

Stuart Irons: Desborough's High Street

2025

Monday 27th January

Sharn Matthews: The Life & Books of Mrs Beeton

Monday 24th February

Steve & Jo Parish, Queen Victoria's Wardrobe

Monday 24th March

Carl Bakewill, A Day in the Life of Gravedigger (with songs)

Monday 28th April

Leonard Holden, The Grand Union Canal at Foxton & Beyond

Monday 26th May

Graham Bell, "By Endurance We Conquer": Earnest Shackleton's Adventure

Monday 30th June

Roger Fowkes, The Home Guard in Northamptonshire

Monday 29th September

Ian Addis, Northamptonshire's Literary Heritage

Monday 27th October

Mike Stroud, Kelmarsh & its Hall: a History of the village, house & its fascinating occupants

Monday 24th November

Helen Frost, The Women's Land Army During the First World War