In times of change, it is more important than ever for groups such as the Bury Society to have a strong voice, its chairman has said, as it achieves its highest ever membership figure.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury Society chairman Martyn Taylor standing next to the blue plaque marking Charles Dickens' stay at the Angel Hotel. The town's blue plaque trail was organised by the Bury Society. Photo: Mariam Ghaemi.Bury Society chairman Martyn Taylor standing next to the blue plaque marking Charles Dickens' stay at the Angel Hotel. The town's blue plaque trail was organised by the Bury Society. Photo: Mariam Ghaemi. (Image: Mariam Ghaemi)

The Bury Society and the Sudbury Society were both formed in the 1970s in response to the threat of historic buildings being knocked down. But far from being about preserving the past, they very much focus on celebrating history and heritage as well as looking to the future.

Martyn Taylor, chairman of the Bury Society, which has just reached record membership numbers at 576, said with so much change on the cards for Bury St Edmunds now is a vital time to join the group.

Consultation is underway on a draft blueprint for the future of Bury town centre and the building of thousands of more homes has left many people concerned about the impact on an already strained road network.

Mr Taylor said: “We do need more members. The more members you have the bigger your voice can be.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury in Bloom and the Bury Society unveiling the sculpture of a wolf guarding St Edmunds crown on the Southgate Green roundabout. Picture: Gregg Brown.Bury in Bloom and the Bury Society unveiling the sculpture of a wolf guarding St Edmunds crown on the Southgate Green roundabout. Picture: Gregg Brown. (Image: Archant)

“One of the things I always like to try and do is get across the Bury Society is not an elitist society. People think it’s just people concerned with themselves living in the historic core. That’s not true. Anyone can join the Bury Society.”

The Bury Society voices its views on planning applications and takes up issues, as well as organising talks and excursions for members.

Mr Taylor also said people would probably not realise Bury in Bloom - which is responsible for stunning floral displays around the town - was part of the society.

“I’m sure people don’t realise the Bury Society is so involved in the town. We don’t stand up and shout about it,” he said.

East Anglian Daily Times: The launch of the Love Sudbury campaign by the Sudbury Society. Picture: GREGG BROWN.The launch of the Love Sudbury campaign by the Sudbury Society. Picture: GREGG BROWN.

Mr Taylor said they really want younger people to get involved, but understood they have family and work commitments.

Stephen Thorpe, vice-chairman of the Sudbury Society, said the Sudbury Society currently has about 170 members. “It’s picking up now,” he said. “We have got a higher profile in the town and local papers. We are getting younger people joining.”

•To join the Bury Society contact Sue Savage, membership secretary, on 01284 719243 or download a form here. To join the Sudbury Society email christinaread36@gmail.com or see here.