Caring about Wandsworth's buildings, open spaces, rivers and transport.
The November meeting of the Society on the ever popoular topic of the Wandle attracted a record on line turnout. Emma Broadbent of the SE Rivers Trust gave us a fascinating insight into the work that the Trust are undertaking to naturalise the river and bring back wildlife.
To view a recording of the talk follow https://youtu.be/ebMHuX_vYAk
Thursday saw a massive turnout – probably due to an article and unsolicited publicity in a recent Brightside – to hear Tim Kidd give an interesting talk on the history of the Huguenots and their fascinating impact on the industrialised past of Wandsworth. Many apologies to those for whom it was “standing room only”.
We will be holding a walk around the area – including Mount Nod when it becomes a public open space – in the early Summer; this will be publicised to Society members through the Society Newsletter and monthly flyers but open to all, so watch this website for details.
A lively meeting which started with an interesting presentation by our elected London Assembly Member for Wandsworth & Merton. It moved to debating the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed local ULEZ due to be launched in October 2021 for all areas within the North & South Circular roads. There was some clear dissent about the fairness of the scheme on those owning older cars but the consensus view is that we will all benefit from cleaner air particularly those living on heavily trafficked roads.
To see how bad the air is around your home go to the website www.Addresspollution.org. Even homes 200 meters from heavily trafficked roads like East Hill only just meet just under the WHO’s annual legal limit of 40mcg/m3 – so what is the impact on those living closer?.
Alexis Haslam, Community archaeologist at Fulham Palace give a very interesting and informative presentation on the restoration of the palace to some 40 members and guests on 13 June. The talk was about the £3.8 million restoration including a new museum, restored rooms and re-planted garden which was launched in May . There will be an informal group visit by Society members on Monday 15 July (see events).
A strong turn out was present to re-elect the Chair and Executive who all agreed to stand again. The Treasurer was please to tell us that there had been an annual surplus in the 2018/19 year of £1,299 and that reserves stand at some £16,000. The AGM was followed by a fascinating illustrated talk by Iain Gray on follies.