Phil Gillam: Building on a theory about our environment

And does it follow, therefore, that attractive and elegant surroundings must make us feel happier, more positive, more creative?

My heart sings every time I see St Chad's overlooking The Quarry.

You know – just as people will often say that a beautiful sunny day makes them feel so much better after a prolonged period of rain and grey skies.

That makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

Now, I don't know if there's any scientific research to back all this up, but I have a hunch that featureless office blocks and bland concrete frontages probably do generate negative vibes while lovely buildings make us give out silent squeals of delight.

Shrewsbury Civic Society have got me thinking about all this.

The society is taking part in National Civic Day on June 18. (Make a note in your diary).

This is a day when communities across the nation can celebrate the place where they live, and people can raise awareness of their environment.

As I say, I really don't know if there's any scientific backing for my theory. I'm only going by my own feelings. On the other hand, though, recent surveys have found that the large majority of people regard heritage as important and believe how their town looks, affects their sense of pride, place and belonging.

This is something that will be further explored on National Civic Day.

Mike Carter of the civic society explains what the day is all about:

"On Saturday June 18 we will have a special day of free activities at the Bear Steps in St Alkmund's Place, Shrewsbury. The Gallery will be open as usual, but upstairs there will be an exhibition of Civic Society materials that tell the story of Shrewsbury's history.

"Civic Society members Mary de Saulles and Russell Game are sorting and cataloguing the archives. They have come across a number of photos that remain unidentified. Can anyone help us to identify them?

"There will also be a simple questionnaire for you to clarify your feelings about Shrewsbury and about its future. Take part if you would like to.

Throughout the day – 10am-4pm – there will be free guided walks which will outline some of the important places that make the town what it is. Just gather at the Bear Steps and you won't have to wait long."

Apparently, the society has also invited some bloke who writes a column every week in the Shrewsbury Chronicle to pop along and give a short talk at The Bear Steps. It could be interesting, I suppose.

Anyway. While on the subject of Shrewsbury Civic Society, Martina Chamberlain of the society's planning committee asks: "Are you interested in Shropshire's war memorials? Do you know of a local one in your area in desperate need of TLC?

"National charity Civic Voice is helping to create a national record of all our war memorials and has funds available for their repair and upkeep. They need eagle-eyed people willing to go out and assess their condition. There are over 100 war memorials in Shrewsbury alone, but so far only three have had their condition reported.

"If Shropshire war memorials are to get their share of the funds available, and get vital maintenance, we need to get their condition recorded. So we need volunteers to participate."

You can contact Martina by email info@shrewsburycivicsociety.co.uk or post: Care of Shrewsbury Civic Society, Bear Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury.