The 11 November meeting reviewed the work and play of the Wandsworth Society over 50 years, from objections to the “motorway box” in 1971 and cyclostyled newsletters through to today’s objections to tall buildings and meetings and visits on zoom throughout the pandemic. To view the meeting click below
Author: Caroline Pook
October Meeting
Tony Jones’ the Emanuel School Archivist, gave us an interesting talk on the work he has been doing to establish a fascinating archive. To view the talk please click below:
Springfield Hospital Redevelopment
On the 10 June Emma Hill, Community Engagement Officer at Springfield Hospital, spoke to the Society on the future of the hospital and of this vast area between Wandsworth Common and Tooting. Link here:
The talk covered the timing and development of the whole Springfield site, including new housing, redevelopment of the old hospital buildings, the new hospital facilities (both the buildings and the services services to be offered), a youth hub and how the new 32-acre public park is being integrated with the site.
These links will take you to the two short videos that Emma included in her talk to illustrate the development of the Springfield Village project
(1) Creating Springfield Village – YouTube
and the works on site
(1) The view on the ground at Springfield – May 2021 – YouTube
And this is a link to the update page for the development
Sambrooks open in the Ram Quarter
The independent Sambrook’s brewery has pulled the first pint in its new home at the Ram quarter ensuring that a 500 year history of beer making on that site continues.
The company has relocated from Battersea to launch its new brewhouse and bottle shop, with a taproom to follow late this year. The first Sambrooks beer to be brewed on the site is its original ‘Wandle Ale’, named after the river.
Alongside its state-of-the-art brewing facilities, Sambrook’s is opening a heritage centre in mid-May where visitors will have the chance to look ‘behind the barrels’ at how its ales are made, enjoy tours and try their hand at beermaking with a ‘be a brewer for the day’ experience.
Talk on the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building
On a freezing snowy evening 80+ people sat in the warmth of theiir own homes to hear Mark Justin give a fascinating talk on the history of this iconic building and tell us about its use today. A full report will be available in our March newsletter.
Mark, the owner of Le Gothique Restaurant, believes he is the longest serving pub landlord in London. Once we are permitted, the restaurant and bar will re-open and is well worth a visit whether for a drink or meal and enjoy the peaceful garden.