Follow us on Twitter @DulwichSociety
The Fox Problem
Several local residents have voiced concern about foxes in Dulwich Park and in their own gardens.
Foxes, like other wild British mammals, are protected by law against cruel treatment and also against the use of poisons and illegal traps or snares.
Non-lethal deterrent strategies are the answer, not culling – see this statement from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs): “Recent events have heightened public concern about urban foxes, however, attacks of this kind are extremely rare and we have no records of any other such attacks in recent years. In light of this, we have no plans to carry out a government-led cull of foxes...
Previous attempts to kill urban foxes to achieve a sustained population reduction have not been successful in the long-term because of the mobility of foxes and their ability to produce offspring in large numbers; territories made vacant by culling resident foxes are rapidly colonised by new individuals. The most effective strategies to resolve fox problems have primarily relied on non-lethal methods, focusing on preventative and deterrent strategies. The availability of food is likely to be a key factor in limiting urban fox populations.”
The Society’s Wildlife Group suggests the following tips for avoiding problematic inter-species encounters.
Firstly, take a good look around your local “territory” (garden, patio, back yard) and see what lies within that could attract a fox to visit. Bear in mind that any creatures living “wild” will be looking for the same things – water, nutrition and shelter from the elements and from enemies. Foxes aren’t, by nature, nocturnal, as their physiology shows, but tend to forage by night as a result of centuries of human persecution.
Do you have a pond or other fresh water that an animal would want to drink from (especially during this last summer’s bouts of extreme heat)? You may wish to make access a little harder if you don’t want foxes as regular callers, e.g. put in a prickly vegetation surround, wobbly stones, etc., in much the same way you might protect pond fish from cat or heron predators. But do be sure to still provide access to fresh drinking water for the birds (and any hedgehogs you may be lucky enough to have in your area), by positioning water sources accordingly (e.g. suspended bird bath, small water dish under a low plank across two bricks).
Do you offer a fox a meal? You may not be deliberately feeding a local fox group, but inadvertently triggering their hunting and scavenging instincts by having in your garden an inadequately protected outdoor-living prey species, such as a pet rabbit or guinea pig (i.e. not housed in suitably tough galvanised metal caging or run that’s too heavy for a fox to lift. It would need to be underwired below the soil to a distance far enough for the pet not to be dug out). Perhaps there is uneaten catfood around, or spilt bird food. Any wild rodents using your garden or living in and around your premises will also be attracting foxes hunting for food. (The mice will have been raiding the spilt bird food first and the rats will have been chasing the mice...it’s amazing what goes on in the garden at night, when you’re not around ). If you are a keen gardener, be aware that certain fertilizers (blood, bonemeal, manure) will all attract foxes. They will dig into the treated soil because their ultra-keen sense of smell will be telling them – falsely – that tasty carrion lies buried below. All members of the dog family routinely “cache” (hide/bury) surplus prey as a kind of wildlife larder.
Has your garden got the ideal spot to shelter a breeding earth? Foxes will lie up under any vegetation, or sunbathe on flat rooves, and rotate their open-air sleeping quarters, but pregnant vixens usually seek out a dry, secluded spot (e.g. under a garden shed) which offers a ready-made roof and protection from predators (such as an unneutered tom cat or inquisitive family pet dog) who might kill and eat her cubs. So block off such zones if you don’t want fox cubs in your garden.
Damage and soiling problems in gardens are usually the result of young foxes practising digging (which uproots your treasured plants in the process), “playing” to hone their hunting and other survival skills in adulthood, or of territorial marking with faeces or urine which has been impregnated with oily pheronome-rich excretions to send signals to other mammals. Faeces are often placed deliberately to act as visual, as well as scented, markers. Many deterrence methods exploit this – for instance, using dog (male or female) urine can be highly effective in telling a visiting fox that a bigger, fiercer animal has already tagged the territory as their own, so the intruder had better beat it. Human urine is also a good deterrent – but for hormonal reasons, it must be male.
Other methods rely on the scarecrow effect – lights, noises, vibrations, jets of water, etc. But any unexpected object, even one as simple as a large plastic container in the middle of the garden, will put a fox off – until the animal has got used to its presence and no longer views it with suspicion.
Then you can find an alternative objet trouve and place it in a new site – cheaper than some other deterrents. John Bryant, a wildlife consultant who advises on non-lethal solutions to urban wildlife problems, is based in Tonbridge, Kent, and offers advice over the ‘phone and on-site consultations, if necessary, at around £80-£90. (Humane Wildlife Deterrence 01732 357355, www.jbryant.co.uk). Foxolutions.co.uk, 0844 8040630, www.foxolutions.co.uk, based in Beckenham, offer a range of deterrents and repellents for all kinds of sites. The Fox Project charity, admin 01892 824111 offers advice and a DIY deterrence helpline 01892 826222.
Southwark Council Advice:
Southwark Council has also put advice on their website. It does not offer a pest control service in regard to foxes, as they are not categorized as pests and are offered protection by the law.
They suggest taking the following practical steps to deter foxes from entering property:
* Remove potential food sources.
* Keep rubbish in bins - closed wheelie bins are fox-proof.
* Don't leave bagged rubbish outside.
* Remove piles of garden clippings.
* Fill gaps under garden sheds (a fox can squeeze under a 10cm or 4 inch gap and like to shelter under sheds).
* Only leave bird food in bird food dispensers.
* Protect small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs in sturdy hutches (chicken wire isn't strong enough to keep foxes out, use strong welded mesh instead).
* Tidy up an overgrown garden
* Repair any damaged air bricks (don't block them up - houses need ventilation).
Wallpaper - An Exhibition at the Cuming Museum
1 July to 28 August 2010
This exhibition is a rare chance to see some of the finest examples of the Arts and Crafts wallpaper design of the late 19th and early 20th century as well as contemporary wallpaper designs created by students from the London Collage of Communication surface design degree course.
Programme of events:
Thursday evening talks at 6pm
July 15 - Dr Christopher Jordan “An introduction to the exhibition”.
July 22 - Tony Roche “Contemporary print making”.
July 29 - David Mabb “William Morris Interventions”
ALSO: Activities for children and families
July 24 Wonderful wallpaper! Family art day. 2012 Open Weekend (london2012.com/openweekend). Look at the historic wallpapers and have a go at making your own. Learn some printing techniques and design your own wallpaper.
August - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am
Summer holiday craft activities for holiday clubs.
The Cuming Museum
Old Town Hall
151 Walworth Road
London SE17 1RY
Tel 020 7525 2332
www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum
Transport Train and Tube: Elephant & Castle
Bus: 12, 35, 40, 45, 68,171, 176, 468, P5
Admission free
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
Minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Committee held at the Old Grammar School, Burbage Road on Tuesday 15 June 2010
Present: Mrs Rankine (Acting Chairman)
Mr Bagley
Mr Bazalgette
Mrs Onslow
Mrs Badman (The Dulwich Society)
Mr Green (The Dulwich Society)
Mr Johnson (The Dulwich Society)
Mr David Lloyd Roberts (The Dulwich Society)
In attendance: Mr Major (Chief Executive); Ms Bilbie (Finance Manager); Mr Hoare (Principal Building Surveyor); Mr Chater (Senior Management Surveyor) and Mrs Tuckwell (Scheme of Management Administrator)
Mrs Rankine opened the meeting by welcoming Mrs Tuckwell (who was providing maternity cover in the absence of Nina Rees),
Mrs Badman and Mr Green.
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Brownbill, Dr Evans, Mr Hogarth and Mr McInnes.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 16 March 2010
The minutes of the last meeting, which had been circulated previously, were APPROVED by the Committee as an accurate record to be signed by the Chairman.
3. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
4. The Scheme of Management Charge 2009/2010 – Draft Annual Accounts
Ms Bilbie introduced the report circulated with the agenda.
In response to a question, Mr Hoare confirmed that the gardening contract (shown in the Accounts under ‘Amenity Expenditure’) included works to the Old Burial Ground and to the Millpond. Mrs Badman enquired whether the scope of works was comparable from year to year and Mr Hoare explained that whilst the overall objective was to keep the total expenditure on the Amenity Areas roughly in line year to year, there were fluctuations in
the make up of this, for example, there was a cyclical repairs programme for items such as posts and chains.
In comparing Basic Expenditure for 2010 with that for 2009, it was noticed that Licence Fee income had fallen but Architect’s costs had risen. Mr Major explained that in 2009 there had been some substantial one-off licence fees for new build projects which had not been repeated in 2010. Also the Consultant Architect's time was often spent on relatively minor proposals, such as applications for satellite dishes, which could be time consuming and the cost of which was not fully reflected in the licence fee.
The Committee NOTED the report.
5. The Scheme of Management Charge 2009/2010 & 2010/2011
Ms Bilbie introduced the report circulated with the agenda, which the Committee NOTED.
6. Matters raised by The Dulwich Society
The Committee RECEIVED and NOTED the report circulated with the agenda, with discussion in particular on the following:
Estate's protocol for responding to queries and complaints
Mrs Badman asked if the Estate could send an email acknowledgement, pending full response to correspondence. Mr Major explained that the Estate still received a large volume of post where the correspondent often did not provide an email address.
Unkempt Gardens
Mr Green raised the issue of a house in Baird Gardens where the garden was quite overgrown. Mr Hoare replied that this related to a leasehold property (and as such, was not subject to the Scheme of Management) but the Estate had written to the lessee.
Zelkova
In response to a further query, Mr Major replied that it was difficult to give a deadline for the removal of the tree since this depended on the response from Southwark Council to the Estate's application to have the new TPO lifted. Mr Green requested that when the tree is felled, that some of the wood could be retained for distribution to all local schools, as The Dulwich Society was keen to sponsor a project where each school would be invited to make something out of the timber. He confirmed The Dulwich Society would be willing to pay for the transportation costs in delivering the timber to
each school.
Dulwich Woods
Mr Green noted that London Wildlife Trust had fenced off part of its section of the
Woods which he considered detracted from the open aspect of the woods. Mr Hoare agreed to raise this with London Wildlife Trust.
London South Bank University Sports Ground
Mr Chater reported that the University had now been in touch with the Estate regarding the preferred shade of green, thus it was expected that the repainting would take place shortly.
Mrs Badman advised that she had received correspondence from the University stating that it was considering its future occupation of the sports grounds and she offered to provide Mr Major with a copy of this.
The representatives of The Dulwich Society also indicated that there was a rumour circulating that Kings College may wish to relinquish its lease of the Griffin Sports Ground. Mr Major responded that the Estate had received no such indication from its tenant.
Norwood Road
Mr Green advised that many residents had expressed concern over the 'night time economy' operating in the area and the nuisance this caused to residents. Mr Major replied that whilst the Estate was the freeholder of the commercial units facing Brockwell Park, the occupants had leases from the head lessees and he was unaware of any premises where the user clauses under the lease had been breached. Since there were no houses within the vicinity of these commercial units he expressed surprise that the late trading hours at of some of the premises was resulting in a nuisance to residents.
In response, Mr Green stated that customers using the bars and restaurant were parking in Winterbrook Road and Stradella Road and there was concern over disorderly conduct by some of the users of the facilities.
Herne Hill Cycle Track
With regard to the Open Day held on 6 June, Mrs Badman reported that this had been well attended and the details of those who expressed an interest in the cycling had been recorded.
S G Smith
The representatives of The Dulwich Society reported that parking on the street adjacent to the premises continued to be an issue, due to the number of cars parked by staff or customers using the car dealership. Mr Major reported that as a condition of closing the petrol station, the area must only be used for the parking of customers’ cars awaiting servicing – the tenant is not permitted to park vehicles for sale on the land. The Committee agreed that there was probably nothing to be done which could prevent
cars with valid road tax disc from being parked on the public highway. However, Mr Chater agreed to speak to Mr Smith regarding this issue.
Grange Lane
In addition to the report circulated with the agenda, Mr Hoare stated that the works undertaken in Grange Lane had not reduced the width of the roadway and the Estate wished to monitor the effectiveness of the traffic calming measures before considering the proposal for double yellow lines.
7. Any other business
Crown & Greyhound
Mrs Badman commented on the Estate's proposals (reported in The Dulwich Society's Journal – the Summer Edition) to provide accommodation in the upper parts of the Crown & Greyhound Public House. She hoped that this would not result in the loss of the function rooms, which were an asset to the community. Mr Major responded that the Estate's proposal was to retain the public house whilst making better use of the upper floors which
were in a somewhat dilapidated condition; the scheme was likely to include a function room.
8. Date of next meeting
The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 9 November 2010.
Queries raised by The Dulwich Society
The Dulwich Society has raised the following matters which fall within the context of the Scheme of Management; these are followed by the Managers’ responses:
a) Public access to the Scheme of Management Meeting applications and decisions
At the last meeting the Estate agreed to give serious consideration to putting the monthly schedule of planning applications, and the summary reports on the Trustees’ decisions, on its website. The Society chairman met the Chief Executive to discuss the matter further in January and came away optimistic that something would be done. When will this information be on the Estate’s website?
The Estate is to add to the website details of all applications received by the Scheme of Management and their status. The changes have been discussed with the Estate’s website provider and it is hoped that these will be implemented shortly.
b) Unigate Dairy Site
At the last meeting the Estate advised us that an architect had been briefed to develop a revised scheme. What progress has been made and when can the Society expect to be consulted on any proposals? What further progress has there been on coming up with a scheme for finding temporary occupiers for some of the buildings until new work can start?
Architects have produced alternative schemes for the site and these are being discussed with planning consultants. The Estate is not pursuing a policy of letting the units in the short term as it wishes to keep vacant possession of the whole site.
c) Flower stall outside the dairy site
This query has been raised previously and the Estate promised to regularise the situation but nothing appears to have been done. A business that started as one man selling some flowers by hand in the doorway has grown to a large stall with a canopy and lights operated by a generator situated on the pavement - plus two staff and it apparently operates all Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Has the Estate granted the stall holder a licence to trade there or if it has not, what steps are being taken to remove him?
The Estate has granted a Licence to the trader for the sale of flowers on the forecourt area. However, following complaints received from Lambeth Council, it has written to the trader about the use of a generator and encroachment on to the public footpath.
d) S G Smith
What steps is the Estate taking to require S G Smith to implement the agreed scheme and when does the Estate expect work to start on site?
The Licence for the planned alteration and improvement works is likely to be completed soon but the Estate does not yet have a timetable for the works to be carried out.
e) Marlborough Cricket Club – fence
The Society is grateful for the Estate’s assistance on this project. Work on the new fence is now complete.
The Estate is pleased with the improvement which was achieved with the co-operation of its tenant, the Council and The Dulwich Society.
f) Low Cross Wood Lane – gate
Please will the Estate up date us on the current position over the proposed installation of the wooden gate at the entrance of Great Brownings from Low Cross Wood Lane.
The Council wished to proceed with the works without providing the Estate with plans of the scheme. The Estate is awaiting this information from Southwark in order that it can formally licence the works to replace the existing wooden gate and fence with a galvanised metal fence and gate.
g) Low Cross Wood Lane – lights
A recent pamphlet from the Conservatives confirms that additional lighting is to be provided at each end of the road. Is the Estate aware of this?
The Conservative representative on the Council has confirmed to Mr Major that the lighting is to be improved in this area.
h) Low Cross Wood Lane - trees
Has the Estate carried out any remedial work on the dangerous trees in Low Cross Wood Lane noted at the last meeting?
The Estate is unaware that any of the trees in this area are considered to present a danger. However, the Estate’s tree consultant has inspected the trees and reported on those which obscure the lighting in the area and instructions have been given to carry out the works to deal with this.
i) Low Cross Wood Lane - graffiti
At the last meeting the Estate stated that removal of graffiti on the fences along Low Cross Wood lane was the responsibility of the owners of the fences. What steps has the Estate taken to make the owners carry out their responsibilities?
The Administrator is writing again to the freeholders, reminding them of their responsibility for the removal of graffiti from their fencing.
j) ‘Lovers Walk’
Since the Estate appears unwilling to install signs at each end of lovers walk, the Society has put in a CGS bid to fund the work.
Grove Walk is private land in the freehold ownership of The Dulwich Estate and any signage will only be installed if the Estate consents to this.
k) Zelkova
The Society has noted that the Estate has appealed following Southwark Council’s rejection of its application to remove the TPO. When is the decision expected?
The Estate has been given no indication of the timeframe for the appeal nor has it been advised of the appointment of an inspector to view the tree.
l) South Bank University Sports Ground
The steel fence has still not been painted. Please confirm what further steps the Estate has taken to pressure SBU to do what they promised.
As previously advised (at the meeting of the Committee on 17 November), the University has agreed to paint the fencing in the spring.
m) Dulwich Pond
The Society has received a copy of Lloyd Turner’s report from the Estate. How does the Estate intend to respond and take the matter forward?
Lloyd Turner is drawing up detailed proposals, but these cannot be finalised until the results of additional water/silt testing are received (expected within approximately seven days).
n) Private Roads
What remedial road works does the Estate propose to carry out in 2010?
Works proposed to roads which are Amenity Areas under the Scheme of Management:
College Road – footpath and surface water drainage repairs;
Hunts Slip Road – commencement of kerb repairs and resurfacing;
Grange Lane – partial resurfacing, surface water drainage repairs and provision of kerbs (in conjunction with traffic calming paid for by the Estate).
o) Standy-by Generator in College Road
Has the Estate been told by EDF when the temporary “generator” will move from the garden area on College Road/ South Circular?
The contractor informed the Estate that building works should finish in the next five weeks and that commissioning by EDF should then take another two weeks (weather permitting). The "generator" will then be removed.
p) Lyndenhurst Wall
Following the setting of a court date, the site owner has now started work on rebuilding the wall. Please will the Estate confirm that no licence is required and that it is not involved in any way.
The Managers have not been advised of any proposed changes: the wall is to be rebuilt and thus a ‘like for like’ structure does not required consent under the Scheme of Management.
q) Gainsborough Court
This block is still very poorly maintained. What enforcement action has the Estate taken to make sure the owners comply with the Scheme of Management?
The Administrator has just received confirmation that the Freeholder is currently obtaining quotes for works to improve the external appearance of the property and expects these to be completed by the summer.
r) Belair Cottage
Has the Estate taken any further enforcement action been taken on the owner of Belair Cottage regarding his fence/boundary wall?
The rear boundary fence has been fixed as requested. A further letter is to be sent to the owners requesting that the building materials are moved away from the boundary fence on College Road and the removal of the ripped tarpaulin from the boundary. Should the owners fail to improve the appearance of this boundary then Managers will consider issuing a breach notice.
s) Baird Gardens’ fencing
Parts of the fence along Dulwich Wood Park are in very poor condition. At the last meeting the Estate confirmed that they would look into it. What progress has been made?
The Estate has inspected the fence and the damaged section is the responsibility of a leaseholder. The Estate has written to the leaseholder requesting that repairs are carried out.
t) Beechwood Court fencing
The boundary fence along the upper part of College Road is in a very bad condition. What is the Estate doing regarding having it replaced?
The Estate will inspect and investigate who has liability for this boundary (only part of the property is held freehold).
u) Catholic Church Hall fencing
The fence along Dulwich Wood Park is in a very bad condition. What is the Estate doing regarding having it replaced?
This fence is the responsibility of the Church. The Estate has inspected and has written to the Church.
v) Hogarth Court fencing
Parts of the fence along Fountain Drive are in very poor condition. At the last meeting the Estate confirmed that they would look into it. What progress has been made?
The Estate has inspected the posts and chains to the front boundary of Hogarth Court along Fountain Drive and no repairs are needed.
w) Service Area to Half Moon Lane Shops
Please can we have an update on the current position and when the Estate think that works will start on site?
The Estate hopes to receive planning consent on 18 March and will instruct contractors as soon as the funding arrangements have been agreed with Southwark.
x) Great Brownings
Please will the Estate detail the regular inspection regime (mentioned at the last meeting) for trees in the woods surrounding this development? What progress has been made on eradicating the Japanese Knotweed in these woods?
Various areas of the Woods have been inspected. Where Japanese Knotweed is found this has been treated and the results will be monitored in the coming weeks.
DULWICH SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2010- REPORTS
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT - 2009
The Society has had another successful year. Particular highlights include the publication of the first edition of ‘Dulwich Gardens open for charity’, the successful Cleaner Greener Safer bid for the Marlborough Cricket Club (work there will start shortly) and the very well attended local history day held in conjunction with the Dulwich Picture Gallery. The Society’s Journal goes from strength to strength and the various specialist groups and committees continue to do their best to maintain Dulwich’s unique ambience.
Once again I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our Executive Committee and the Chairs, and members, of our committees for the time they dedicate to the Society and its activities. I would also include the members who deliver the newsletter around Dulwich and welcome the new volunteer deliverers and co-ordinators who have joined us over the last year.
Public Meeting - the Society promoted a public meeting in September when local residents were given the opportunity to question the Trustees of the Dulwich Estate. Over 200 people attended.
Residents Associations - the Society invited the officers of all resident’s associations on the Estate to an informal evening at the Dulwich & Sydenham Hill Golf Club in the Autumn so they could get to know each other and share information.
Herne Hill Velodrome - The Society continues to press the Dulwich Estate, British Cycling and the Velo Club de Londres to come to an agreement over the future of the Velodrome so that the refurbishment of the track and the support areas can move forward. Progress is slow but we are moving forward.
Shops - the Society remains concerned over the Estate’s attitude towards their retail properties in the area and, following on from the public meeting, aims to set up a separate committee to look at the situation more closely.
Post Office - the Society is monitoring the situation regarding the rent review and is pressing the Estate to make sure that the post office remains.
Scheme of Management Advisory Committee - The Society met with the Dulwich Estate three times last year. We have hopefully persuaded it to be more open with its decision making processes and this should be reflected in its website content over the next 12 months.
Finger Posts and benches - The Society persuaded Southwark to carry out a programme of refurbishment of the white post and chains in the northern part of Dulwich Village and this is now complete.
Southwark in Bloom - Dulwich won further medals in both the London in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions.
Ian McInnes, Chairman.
HON. SECRETARY’S REPORT - 2009
The Executive Committee met 9 times during the year. Following the retirement of Graham Able as Master of Dulwich College we invited his successor, Dr. Joseph Spence to stand as a Vice-President which he has accepted.
Margaret McConnell, after many years, has given up the task of organising the distribution of the Journal (the new name for the Newsletter) but remains our advertising manager – a vital role to reduce the cost of producing our quarterly publication.
A happy and historic event in July was the registration of the Post Office cart by the Lord Mayor of London at Guildhall under the auspices of the Worshipful Company of Cabmen.
We hope you have seen our new notice board under the canopy of the Village Post Office and which is now in a more prominent position then the previous one.
To improve security of the Edward Alleyn statue we have had a CCTV system installed, together with smart water treatment of the statues themselves, which allows the metal to be identified should they be stolen; plaques indicating these security measures are also to be installed.
Patrick Spencer, Hon Secretary.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT - 2009
Membership - throughout 2009 membership numbers remained between 1060 and 1080, slightly below the 1100 figure which we had hoped to achieve. Our plan for a test membership drive in a limited area was delayed for a number of reasons, but has now been carried out in Burbage and Stradella Roads, Tollgate Drive and Ferrings, and early results look encouraging enough to consider targeting other areas. The Society's public meetings in 2009 also brought us some new members. If members have friends or neighbours who are interested in joining I should be happy to supply membership brochures.
Charity Gift Aid – the Society claimed and received £2606 in Charity Gift Aid (recovering tax paid on subscriptions) for the financial year 2008/09. This is always a useful addition to our income and I encourage those members who have not signed a Gift Aid declaration to consider doing so. I can confirm whether members have signed a declaration or not, and provide forms.
Journal Distribution - I would like to thank those members who have recently volunteered to help with distribution of the quarterly Journal, and particularly to thank those who have now retired after many years doing this valuable work.
Wilfrid Taylor, Membership Secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING & ARCHITECTURE GROUP - 2009
Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management License Applications - The Planning and Architecture Group continues to make monthly visits to the Old Grammar School on the corner of Burbage Road. The Group exercises the Dulwich Society’s right to comment on licence applications made to the Dulwich Estate’s Scheme of Management. This year has seen a general reduction in license applications due to the downturn in the economy.
Planning Applications - During the year objections have been lodged with Southwark for planning applications for extensions or new buildings which are considered inappropriate in their setting or to have an adverse affect on neighbours’ amenity as for example, 39 Alleyn Road ( demolition and new much larger house ), 549 Lordship Lane ( demolition of the Concrete Victorian house ), 11A Fountain Drive ( outline planning permission ) 8 Frank Dixon Way ( extensive demolition and massive new structure with a new basement larger than the ground floor footprint ), Dulwich Hamlet School ( five rooflights on main roof on Roseway side ), Dulwich College Science block replacement ( larger and three storey in place of existing two storeys ). These applications have been refused or withdrawn. The application on 120 Court Lane for an extensive rear extension although objected to was approved by the Community Council. The scheme for a high quality rear extension at 61 Alleyn Park by architects Knox Bhavan which was supported by the Group gained approval on appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after Southwark Council had refused planning permission. The Society has been successful in its views being upheld in a very high proportion of cases during this year. Ian McInnes and David Roberts brought this mismatch between schemes which the Dulwich Society object to or support and the planning decisions of Southwark Council to the attention of Gary Rice, head of planning, College Ward councillor Kim Humphreys, and senior officers in a Council office meeting The Society hopes that due consideration will be given to its views by Council officers in the coming year.
Wall on Red Post Hill - The period of time that Hausman Hughes Ltd have for complying with the Section 215 notice requiring rebuilding of the wall served by Southwark Council has passed. The Council has decided to prosecute Hausman Hughes Ltd for failing to comply with the notice and in so doing to put the matter before a Court to verify that it is proceeding reasonably prior to any direct rebuilding of the listed wall.
North Dulwich Station Road Bridge - There is general satisfaction with the view from the station across the road and sandstone paved central reservation without the addition of expensive planters.
Belair Changing Rooms - Discussions between Southwark Council and the Dulwich Estate have delayed a start date for the new changing rooms which are to be built during the coming year.
Gallery Road - A joint meeting between Southwark Council public realm officers and Village Ward Councillor Toby Eckersley, the Dulwich Society, the Picture Gallery, the Old College lawn tennis and croquet club, and others discussed proposals for resurfacing of both the road and the footpaths, car and coach parking, cycle and pedestrian use and other issues. A revised scheme is to be subject of further discussion and consideration by Village Councillors.
Edward Alleyn Statue - The statues are now under 24 hours video surveillance and have had forensic Smart Water applied to them. Warning signs are being prepared for installation in the gravel surround to the statues’ plinth.
Dulwich Pond - The Dulwich Estate have commissioned an independent assessment of the pond condition and environmental matters along with proposals for managing the silt within the site area. The environmental survey is to be passed to the Dulwich Society Wildlife Group by the Estate.
Dulwich going greener - The first of a series of articles dealing with energy generation or energy conservation has been published in the Society’s quarterly Journal. This article described solar water heating panels installed on rear extension outbuildings in Dovercourt Road.
Streatham & Marlborough Cricket Club - The application by the Dulwich Society for a Cleaner Greener Safer grant from the Dulwich Community Council towards the replacement of the derelict concrete and mesh fencing along Dulwich Common was successful. A 50% grant to a maximum of £ 5,000 was granted. The Dulwich Estate generously have prepared tender documents and obtained prices. The lowest price was approval by Southwark’s Project Office and work is to be contracted early in 2010. The Dulwich Society will make a contribution with the remainder coming from the Cricket Club. The Cricket Club has with encouragement from the Society moved the unsightly container behind the line of trees to the carpark. With the new fence and without a prominent container there will be a substantial visual improvement to this important part of Dulwich Common.
Architectural Poster - Local artist Mark Ashmead is being considered by the Society for carrying out watercolour illustrations for an architectural poster to cover 20 the century houses and other buildings.
David Lloyd Roberts, Chair.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE - 2009
The year 2009-2010 has proved to be as interesting and challenging as last year, and the Traffic and Transport Committee has dealt with matters relating to road safety, reduction of traffic congestion, improvement of conditions for walking, cycling and better public transport.
Traffic calming proposals for Dulwich Village - Work continues, but very slowly. However, changes at the gates to Dulwich Park on Court Lane have been completed, and 20 mph limits are presently being installed in Red Post Hill and Sunray Avenue. We continue to press for a timely implementation of the overall scheme, which received extensive support in the consultation process.
Herne Hill Junction - After a lengthy consultation process, the work on this joint Southwark/Lambeth scheme is progressing well. The large pedestrian island at the entrance to Brockwell Park is substantially complete and work is in progress in Railton Road and Half Moon Lane. We have pressed for standards of footway paving on the Southwark side (in Half Moon Lane and Norwood Road) to match those on the Lambeth side.
Walking and Cycling Network - As reported in the Society’s Journal, in conjunction with the Dulwich Safe Routes to Schools group, we are working on proposals for a network of safe walking and cycling routes between homes and schools in Dulwich. The Dulwich Estate’s senior officers have agreed to support the network, with the proviso that the rights of lessees will need to be respected and that funds will have to be found.Liaison with local schools is continuing and we are working closely with Southwark Council over provision for safe walking and cycling along Gallery Road. Our proposals are embedded in a document by Southwark Living Streets and Southwark Cyclists describing our network and similar networks being developed across Southwark. This document is being submitted to Southwark Council and Transport for London.
Nuisance parking by red vans in the area - We have pressed for more vigorous inspection into the practice of vans, advertising their availability for hire, being left permanently parked in local streets.
Cleaner Greener Safer Bids - In 2009 £2,000 was awarded to repair the fountain at the south end of Dulwich Village and £10,000 (50% of the total cost) was made available to secure the car park at the Half Moon Lane end of Stradella Road.The following bids were presented to the Community Council on 3 February 2010 and results will be available before the Annual General Meeting.- Feasibility study for proposed walking and cycling network- Access to Cox’s Walk- Improving safety for cyclists at the pinch points in Hunts Slip Road - Tree planting at the junction of Village Way and Half Moon Lane- Improving the entrance to Belair Park from the South Circular road
Car Clubs - Southwark Council is making progress on contracting with a car club operator and locating on-street car club parking bays in places across the borough, including Dulwich. The Council will have made an announcement by the time of our AGM.
Paxton Green Gyratory - We are beginning to work with Tyrell Evans’ medical practice and Kingsdale School to formulate proposals to make this safer for pedestrians and other road users.
Alastair Hanton, Chair
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP - 2009
Collaboration with the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery brought good publicity and attendances to joint events arranged by members of the Local History Group. Two were particularly successful. At the ‘Dulwich House Detectives’ day on 11 October in the Linbury Room, short talks were given on the development of Dulwich from the Middle Ages to the post-war estates, and the collections in the Southwark Local History Library and Dulwich College were described by the archivists. An information sheet summarizing the most useful sources for research was prepared. On display were some beautifully drawn nineteenth century plans in private hands, Ordnance Survey maps and copies of old photographs.
‘The Dulwich Assembly- a Georgian Entertainment’ written and devised by Brian Green took place in the Dulwich College Chapel on 7 December. It was based on the diaries of Richard Randall, organist at Dulwich College from 1763 to 1782 and featured the newly restored 18th century organ in the Chapel. Local history walks organised in association with the Friends, the Dulwich Festival and the Herne Hill Society were also well supported.
The Dulwich Society Journal published a number of articles on local history during the year. The series on ‘lost houses’, ‘the street where you live’ and Dulwich architects continued. Other subjects ranged from Dulwich College in the 17th century, Dulwich Mill, and St. Faith’s Church to the Battle of High Wood in 1916. The Gazetteer of Dulwich Roads and Place-names first published in 1997 was revised and placed on the Society’s website. The Dulwich Hospital War Memorial, whose history was researched by members of the group has been re-instated. Future plans include erecting a red sign post on Red Post Hill.
Bernard Nurse, Chair.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GARDEN GROUP - 2009
The main activity of the Garden Group this year has been the production of the first edition of ‘Dulwich Gardens open for charity’. This booklet included details of over forty garden openings in the Dulwich area. Four thousand copies were distributed. Quite a number of the garden owners listed have told us that their visitor numbers had substantially increased as a result of its publication. Garden visitors have also commented on the convenience of finding all local garden openings listed in one place. An improved version, covering 2010 garden openings, is currently in preparation.
Our year started with a most interesting talk by Colin Jones on ‘London’s ‘secret’ parks and gardens’. Our other main event was a thoroughly enjoyable visit to the gardens of Lord Beaverbrook’s old estate at Cherkley Court, followed by a tour (and tasting !) at Denbies Wine Estate.
Thanks are due to our committee members, without whose hard work these activities could not take place. We were very sorry, that due to poor health, Rosemary Toler had to resign from the committee. We are grateful to her for her many contributions to our work.
John Ward, Chair.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREES COMMITTEE - 2009
The Festival Tree Walk in Horniman Gardens, led again by Letta Jones, was attended by 50 people. A tree on the London List of Rare Trees, (a 100 yr old Single Leaf Ash) was identified.
The Copse is doing well, with bluebells beginning to flower
For the London Squares Weekend there were two free walks in Dulwich Picture Gallery Garden, led by Stella and Jill.
The funding, by the Society, for planting a grove of 6 beech trees for the Play Field at the Horniman Triangle was agreed and effected. This is on Dulwich Estate land, and was a very neglected area in Lewisham Borough who have now greatly improved the play facilities. This renovation and improvement has greatly attracted family users.
The leaning Zelkova, at the College crossroads, is under much discussion and concern as to its safety. A final decision has yet to be made, and the Committee is following the position carefully in the hope of its preservation.
The Tree Map continues to sell well through several local outlets.
Trees will be planted for the Society in memory of Rosa Davies, a very long term Society member and one of the founders of the Trees Committee, and for Ken Jefferies, long a friend and honorary auditor for the Society.
Jill Manuel, Chair.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WILDLIFE COMMITTEE - 2009
Cleaner, Greener, Safer - Successful Bids for Grants - Committee member David Nicholson-Lord successfully obtained a Dulwich Community Council CGS grant of £3,000 for signage for the wildlife areas in Dulwich Park (the perimeter Woodland Walk). The committee, working with the Friends of Belair Park obtained £8,000 for extended native hedgerow and wildflower plantings in Belair Park. These were carried out by Walworth Garden Farm. The Belair Biodiversity Corridor project - a rolling scheme which will be monitored and planned with advice from Butterfly Conservation, Buglife, London Wildlife Trust, The National Trust and Natural England - aims to provide nectar-rich feeding and breeding places for butterflies and moths and areas will be coming into bloom for the first time this summer, 2010, International Year of Biodiversity. Butterflies were our chosen priority species to help because, not only are they in dramatic decline in the UK (many of our 59 species are now facing extinction), but they are an important “indicator” species that can tell us when things are going wrong elsewhere in the natural world around us. This year, the Committee have supported a CGS bid by the Friends of Belair for a removable silt trap and reed bed filter to improve water quality in the Park lake. (Results to be announced).
The Village Copse, Dulwich Park - Helping Hands-on for a Green Solution - Committee members joined Dulwich Park Friends and volunteered to hand-pull invasive Creeping thistles from the copse after successfully persuading park staff not to use Roundup to tackle the problem. The chemical fix would have killed all other vegetation near the thistles, including saplings, grasses and wildflowers. Recent research has shown that an inert ingredient in this best-selling weed killer is known to kill human cells, too - particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells. (Environmental Health News)The Copse was planted in recognition of past work by the now defunct Dulwich Village Preservation Society.
Interesting Sightings - Birds and Bees and the Occasional Beetle - Several types of Bumble bee were seen feeding on wildflowers in Dulwich Park last summer. Dulwich saw an influx of Painted Lady butterflies, too, when they visited the UK in their thousands. Two female Stag beetles were noted along the footpath in Dulwich Park (and were safely relocated to nearby trees to give them the optimum chance of meeting the male of their dreams without having their hopes, and everything else, squashed). Summer bird counts in the park were good and a visiting Reed warbler stayed for two days in thick reeds by the lake boardwalk - a sure sign that lakeside plantings have been a success (bearing out the old ecological saying: “Create the right habitat and the creature you’re after will move in…”) Both pairs of Little grebes (a waterbird that has special conservation status and protection) produced four chicks each. Throughout Dulwich, a notable decline in House martins was noted by our British Trust for Ornithology UK Bird Atlas recorder, Dave Clark, in line with national trends. But Swifts were here in healthy numbers again last year. The Committee continue to work to get Swift boxes installed within Dulwich Park, once work is done on the Lodges. Kestrels have been nesting on the church on the South Circular by the Harvester pub and they produced three chicks. Sparrowhawks, whose main site is near Dulwich Hospital, raised two chicks. Wildlife recorder Dr Peter Roseveare noted the wide range of waterbirds, including Mallard, Tufted and Mandarin duck on Belair Park lake. An influx of Wood pigeons kept our local pigeon count up. But it was the unusually cold start to this year that produced the most dramatic sights: Dave reported “a startling January.” Counts in Dulwich Park and Sydenham Hill Woods revealed high numbers of wintering migrant thrushes - “up to 250 Redwings and a scattering of Fieldfares in the park at any one time within the cold snap.” Also reported were 25 Lesser Redpoll, the odd Blackcap in people’s gardens plus, one afternoon, a very handsome grey, speckled Gadwall duck on the lake in Dulwich Park. “The Saturday after the thaw, there were over 1,000 birds on the playing fields in nearby Peckham Rye Park and I lost count when I reached 450 for Redwing“. Interesting Hearings -
Bats in Belair Park - Not so easy to log as “sightings“, because they hunt for food once daylight dims and stick to the dark corridors on the edges of woodland and railway lines, but their ultrasonic squeaks can be picked up and monitored by hand-held bat detectors. We recorded four species of bat on our July Bat Walk, led by London Wildlife Trust conservation officer Chantal Brown, around the perimeter and lake in Belair. Both Common and Soprano (which “shouts” at a higher-range radio frequency) pipistrelles were recorded, along with a Myotis bat (probably Daubenton’s, but not visually confirmed) hunting over the water, plus a Leisler’s - a first for this area. Sadly, this last record wasn’t cause for unmitigated rejoicing because, although on the increase in London, they flourish where Noctules are in decline - deterred from food-finding by the loss of large, mature trees, their flight paths further limited by bright lighting. The park has lost several large trees in recent tree works. But, on a happier note, tree surgeons inspecting one of the bat boxes installed by the Dulwich Society during pruning work noted signs of occupation - a sprinkling of dry, insect-remains droppings inside. (It is, incidentally, against the law to inspect, or otherwise “interfere” with a bat roost unless you have a special licence).
Plant Surveys and Newsletter Items - Roy Vickery, formerly of the Natural History Museum and currently chair of the South London Botanical Institute, has agreed to survey the plant life along the Woodland Walk in Dulwich Park. The first of his surveys, in January, 2010, took place in heavy snowfall - but succeeded in recording an astonishing number and range of species, both planted and wild - and the group, which included members of the Institute as well as the Trees and Wildlife Committees, even saw a clump of violets on our icy journey - in bloom. The Newsletter (now The Journal) published regular fascinating reports by Dr Roseveare on what has been turning up here in Dulwich (from Nutcrackers, heard if not clearly seen, to a Treecreeper and a Woodcock in a garden which, alas dead, was clearly identifiable. Other items examined the increasing Rose-ringed Parakeets and the decreasing House martins. More of your sightings and suggestions please, and you could see your name in print.
Angela Wilkes, Chair.
Violin/Piano Recital in aid of the Haiti Earthquake Appeal
Saturday 20th February, Christ Church, Highland Road, Gipsy Hill at 7.30pm
Repertoire to include
Brahms Scherzo in C minor
Glazunov Meditation
Franck Violin Sonata
Free entrance
All donations and profits from refreshments to be donated to Haiti Earthquake Appeal
January 2010
Thursday 14th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture – Gods, heroes and mortals: Greek myths in ancient art by Neil Faulkner. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture Theatre 8pm. £7 students £1
February 2010
Thursday 11th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture – Tria Juncta in Uno : the lives of Sir William & Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson by Anthea Bryant. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture Theatre 8pm. £7 students £1
Sunday 21st Peckham Society Lecture Recent Archaeology in Southwark by Christopher Constable, Southwark’s archaeologist 3pm Goose Green Centre, St John’s Church East Dulwich Road, SE22
March 2010
Wednesday 3rd Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture The Art of the Mamluks by Alison Ohta. Linbury Room 10.30am £10.
Saturday 6th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery. Sarah Moulden author of The Furniture at Dulwich Picture Gallery will discuss the history and significance of the Gallery’s fine collection of furniture. 10.15am Tickets £8 booking essential.
Sunday 7th Walk led by Ian McInnes - Court Lane and its development. Meet corner of Court Lane beside the Old Burial Ground 2.30pm. £6 (on behalf of the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery)
Tuesday 9th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Series- ‘ The 60’s.’ TV Premiers: Television & Prime Ministers 1957-1969 by Michael Cockerell. Linbury Room 10.30am. £10.
Wednesday 10th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Art and the Ottomans by Tim Stanley. Linbury Room 10.30am £10.
Thursday 11th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture - Rome in Africa, Africa in Rome by Paul Roberts. James Allen’s Girls’ School Six Form Lecture theatre 8pm.
Tuesday 16th Dulwich Picture Gallery. Lecture - Gainsborough and the Linley Sisters: The Problem with Muses of Music. By Jordan Mearns. 2.30pm. Admission Free
Saturday 20th The Dulwich Choral Society Concert - St John Passion Bach with Dame Emma Kirby (soprano) - performance of Bach’s masterpiece with period instruments and outstanding solists. 7.30pm All Saints’ Church, Rosendale Road.
Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery - Flamenco Music and Dance and Supper. Juan Ramirez and his troupe, Viva Flamenco, with food by Barcelona Tapas. 6.30pm St Barnabas Hall. £17 (tapas on sale, bring your own wine)
Wednesday 24th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Jewelled Arts of the Murghal Court by Susan Stronge. Linbury Room 10.30am £10
Thursday 25th, Dulwich Society Garden Group. Bill Lockyer, a regular exhibitor and medal winner at Chelsea, will give an illustrated talk on ‘Auriculas’ - often known as ‘designer primroses’. 8.00pm at the St Barnabas Centre, Calton Avenue. Admission free. Refreshments. Plant sales.
Saturday 28th Dulwich Helpline Concert - James Allen Community Orchestra conductor Leigh O’Hara in the Holst Hall, James Allen’s Girls’ School at 6pm. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Beethoven’s Symphony No 3 in E flat major (Eroica). Tickets £7 (concessions £5) sae to JAGS Music Department.
April 2010
Friday 2nd Southern Counties Cycling Union Good Friday Meeting - Herne Hill Velodrome Cycle racing from 10am. Entrance in Burbage Road
Thursday 8th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture Dance: Manners, Morals & Class - a social history from the Renaissance to the Romantic era by Jeremy Barlow. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th form lecture theatre 8pm.
Tuesday 13th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Series ‘The 60’s’ The British in Spain 1957-69 by John K Walton. Linbury Room 10.30am £10.
Saturday 24th Dulwich Helpline Bowjangles-, classical instruments and music introduced with dance song and comedy. Alleyn’s School, Michael Croft Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (£12 concessions) from Dulwich Helpline 020 8299 2623.
Sunday 25th Walk led by Steve Grindlay, archivist of the Sydenham Society. Sydenham Hill to Crescent Wood Road. A look in detail at the C19 and C20 buildings. Meet 2.30pm corner of Sydenham Hill and Crystal Palace Parade beside the roundabout. £6 (on behalf of the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery)
Tuesday 27th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Series ‘The 1960’s’ Code-breakers: the scientists who measured life in molecules by Georgina Ferry. Linbury Room 10.30am £10.
May 2010
Friday 7th Dulwich Festival 7-16 May opens
Sunday 9th Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibition Paul Nash, the Elements ends.
Tuesday 11th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Series ‘The 1960’s’ On the Buses: The End of Austerity Routemaster Bus Trip. Morning tour 9am-12noon. Afternoon tour 1.30pm-4.30pm. A tour of iconic landmarks and key examples of architecture from the period 1957-1969. With Joel Kerr. £10 booking essential.
Thursday 13th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture Vietnamese Painting & The French Connection by Ann Peerless. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form lecture theatre 8pm.
Sunday 16th The Dulwich Society : Local History Walk - Telegraphs, semaphores and the threat of Invasion! Led by Brian Green as part of the Dulwich Festival - Very hilly walk -robust walkers - Meet 2.30pm Dulwich Park Café.
Tuesday 18th. Dulwich Society Garden Group visit to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. Rhododendrons and Azaleas should be in full bloom. Guided tour. 9.00am coach from Dulwich Picture Gallery, College Rd entrance. Price £28 includes transport, admission, tour and tips. Booking - Ina Pulleine. Tel. 8670 5477 (after 11.00am).
Saturday 22nd. Private guided tour of Buckingham Palace Gardens arranged by the Dulwich Society Garden Group. Includes a 20 minute talk on the history of the gardens and a one hour tour. Limited to 25 places. 8.30am from Dulwich Picture Gallery, College Rd entrance. Price £35 includes transport, admission, tour and tips. Booking - Ina Pulleine. Tel. 8670 5477 (after 11.00am).
Tuesday 25th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Series ‘The 1960’s’ Architecture & Community: British Architecture 1957-1969 by Hilary Grainger. Linbury Room 10.30am £10.
June 2010
Wednesday 2nd Sydenham Music Festival Concert – Fidelio Piano Quartet - Beethoven Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major Op.16, Brahms Piano Quartet in Eb Major Op. 60. The Dolphin Gastro Pub, Sydenham SE 26. 7.30pm Tickets £10
Sunday 6th Herne Hill Veleodrome, Burbage Road – Veteran Cycling Day. Vintage Bikes and costumed riders. Racing.10am-5pm.
Tuesday 8th Sydenham Music Festival Concert – London Concord Ensemble – A fun evening with an American flavour (including Samuel Barber’s Music for a Summer Evening plus works by Mozart and Beethoven. The Dolphin Gastro Pub, Sydenham SE 26 7.30pm Tickets £10.
Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture – Art in the Open Air : Arty Gardens and Sculpture Parks. Linbury Room 7.45pm Tickets £10
Wednesday 9th Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibition the Wyeth Family – Three Generations of American Art opens.
Thursday 10th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture – The Wyeths Exhibition by Ian Dejardin Gallery Director. Linbury Room 12.30-1.30pm Free and first come first served basis. Collection.
8pm Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture – At Home in the Empire: Furnishing the British Domestic Interiors in India by Robin Jones. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th form lecture theatre.
Sunday 13th Sydenham Music Festival – Susan Bullock in Concert –Mozart Symphony No 29 in A major, Wagner Wesendonck Lieder, Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin, Canteloube Songs of the Auvergne. Festival Orchestra of St Bartholomew – conductor Robert Trory, Susan Bullock soprano. 7.30pm St Bartholomew’s Church, Westwood Hill SE 26. Tickets £18, concessions £14
Tuesday 22nd Dulwich Picture Gallery Contextual Lecture Series – The Sixties. Lady Chatterley & The Bishop : The Honest to God Uproar 1963 and beyond – Kenneth Wolfe. Linbury Room 10.30am. Tickets £10
Friends of the Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture A Collection of Rarities – The Ashmolean Museum. Linbury Room 7.45pm Tickets £10.
Sunday 27th Sydenham Music Festival Concert – Festival Orchestra of St Bartholomew: Elgar Cello Concerto, Sibelius Symphony No 5. Conductor Robert Trory, Solo Cello Maja Bogdanovic. St Bartholomew’s Church, Westwood Hill SE 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets £18, concessions £14
Wednesday 30th Thursday 1st July, Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd The Dulwich Players – A Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare. Open air production in the garden of The Dulwich Picture Gallery nightly at 8pm (matinee Saturday 5pm) £12 seated, £8 on the grass. Tickets from the Art Stationers, Dulwich Village or the Friends Desk, Dulwich Picture Gallery.
July 2010
Saturday 3rd Lambeth Orchestra Concert – Elgar Nursery Suite, York Bowen Viola Concerto, Vaughan Williams Symphony No 5.
Conductor: Christopher Fifield, Paul Silverthorne (viola). At All Saints, West Dulwich at 7.30pm. Tickets £10, concessions £8
Thursday 8th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture – The Glamour Holiday : The Grand Era of Travel in the 1920’ & 30’s by Claire Walsh. James Allen’s Gils’ School 6th form lecture theatre 8pm.
Friday 9th Friends of the Dulwich Picture Gallery – Grand Opera Evening – Handel at the Gallery. Accompanist and Presenter William Vann. The evening starts with a champagne reception at 6.30pm, performance commences 7.15pm. Tickets £40 from The Friends Desk, Dulwich Picture Gallery
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th Friends of the Horniman 19th Annual Aty Exhibition in the Conservatory, Horniman Gardens 10am-4.30pm admission free.
Tuesday 13th Dulwich Picture Gallery Contextual Lecture Series – The Sixties. Swinging Sixties – Swinging Shakespeare –J enny Stevens. Linbury Room 10.30am. Tickets £10
Tuesday 20th Dulwich Picture Gallery Contextual Lecture Series – The Sixties – the Secrets oif State : Preparing for the worst.Peter Hennessy. Linbury Room 6.30pm for 7pm. Tickets £10 Iincludes glass of wine)
Thursday 22nd Friends of the Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture – Sargent and the Sea – Graham Greenfield. 7pm for 7.30pm Linbury Room £10 (includes a glass of wine)
August 2010
Monday 30th (Bank Holiday) Friends of the Dulwich Picture Gallery Film – Hairspray in the Garden. Gates open 6.30pm 7.30pm learn Hairspray dances. 8pm film starts
September 2010
Wednesday 15th Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibition – Salvator Rosa: Bandits, Wilderness and Magic opens
Sunday 19th Kingswood House Open Day 1-4.30pm. Beckenham Concert Orchestra will be playing on the Terrace. Cream teas served in the Billiard Room. Kingswood House, Seeley Drive SE21.
Sunday 19th Friends of Kingswood House - Open House Day 1pm-4.30pm. Beckenham Concert Band will play on the Terrace. Cream Teas available in the Billiards Room
Thursday 24th Dulwich Society Traffic & Transport Group PUBLIC MEETING chaired by Peter Kolvin QC to discuss a Dulwich Walking & Cycling network for schoolchildren. At 7.30pm in the Great Hall, Dulwich College.
Saturday 25th Lambeth Archives Open Day. 10am Minet Library, Knatchbull Road. www.lambeth.gov.uk
10am-4pm Dulwich Going Greener - Harvest Open Day in the Dulwich Vegetable Garden, rear of Rosebery Lodge, Dulwich Park.
Sunday 26th In aid of Dulwich Helpline - James Allen Community Orchestra Concert. At 6pm in the Holst Hall, James Allen’s Girls’ School. Tickets £7, concessions £5 send sae and cheque payable to JAGS, to Music Dept, JAGS, East Dulwich Grove SE 22 8TE
October 2010
Saturday 2nd Dulwich Society unveiling of the RED POST, in the grounds of Herne Hill United Church, Red Post Hill at 11am.
Sunday 3rd Dulwich Society Local History Group Walk - “Edward Alleyn and Bankside” Meet outside the South Door, Southwark Cathedral at 2.30pm, No charge and visitors welcome.
Saturday 9th Chrissie Gittins reads from her book The Humpback Whale and from her other stories and poems in a family poetry workshop. 3pm Horniman Museum.
Thursday 14th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture Frenzied Gaiety or Else Bitter Tears - 19th Century Russian music and art by Nick Slope & Petra Casen. At 8pm at James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture theatre.
Wednesday 27th Dulwich Society Trees Group AUTUMN COLOURS trip. Morning visit to Sheffield Park Gardens with a Guided Tour. Afternoon visit to Nymans gardens and romantic ruins. Coach from Dulwich Picture Gallery 9am. Cost £18 (please complete the application form on page 37).
November 2010
Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th Dulwich Quilters Exhibition. The Old Library, Dulwich College. 10am-5pm
Thursday 11th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture - Minotaurs and Labyrinths - myths and Minoan art by Louise Schofield at 8pm at James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture theatre.
Saturday 27th Dulwich Orchestral Society 60th Anniversary Concert.- Huapango - Moncayo; Clarinet concerto in A major- Mozart; Soloist: Boyan Ivanov : Symphony No 2 in E minor - Rachmaninov. Guest Conductor Leigh O’Hara. All Saints' Church, Lovelace Road, West Dulwich, SE21 at 7.45pm. Tickets £8, concessions £5 and children under 16 free, and include an interval drink.
Sunday 28th In aid of Dulwich Helpline - Living in Victorian Dulwich Village - an illustrated talk by Brian Green - a continuation of last year’s talk on East Dulwich. Linbury Room, Dulwich Picture Gallery 3.00pm admission £7 (concs £5) tickets from Dulwich Helpline 020 8299 2623 or on the door.
December 2010
Wednesday 1st Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Painting in Watercolour: the Light in the Pigment by Timothy Wilcox. Linbury Room 10.30am, £10.Saturday 4th Rotary Club of Dulwich & Peckham Craft Fair St Barnabas Hall, Dulwich Village opens 11am-4.00pm. In aid of the Gates Foundation for Third World Polio eradication.
The Ionian Singers Concert including music for harpsichord and seasonal music for chorus by Byrd, Morley, Gibbons, J S Bach, Cornelius, Howells, Bax, Barber and Warlock. Timothy Salter conductor, Jane Chapman harpsichord. 7.30pm All Saints Church, Rosendale Road. Tickets at the door or in advance from 020 8693 1051 or
Sunday 5th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery – Film – Swallows and Amazons 3.45pm Linbury Room £4 free juice and popcorn!
Monday 6th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery – Film – It’s a Wonderful Life. 7.45pm Linbury Room £8
Thursday 9th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture – From Yuletide to Nativity – Christmas in early England by Dr Sam Newton. 8pm James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture Theatre. South London Art Gallery at 7pm Performance – ROTOR – an ensemble of performances, sound, installations and art works by nine creative practitioners who have responded to The Score, a contemporary dance work by Siobhan Davies. Tickets £7 £5 concessions.
Saturday 11th Dulwich Choral Society Concert – The Seasons (Haydn) St John’s Church, Goose Green, East Dulwich at 7.30pm. Dulwich Festival Orchestra with soloists Mary Bevan (soprano) Andrew Staples (tenor) and Charles Rice (bass) . Conductor Aidan Oliver. Tickets in advance £13 children under 17 £6 from The Art Stationers, Dulwich Village or South London Music, Grove Vale SE 22 or phone 020 7274 6159. (£15 on the door).
Wednesday 15th Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibition Norman Rockwell’s America opens.
Thursday 16th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture – Norman Rockwell by Ian Dejardin. Linbury Room 12.30-1.30pm . No bookings. Free admission, collection.
Tuesday 21st The Concordia Chamber Choir will be performing a Charity Christmas Concert at 7pm at Christ’s Chapel, Dulwich Village. Programme includes carols for audience participation and a number of readings. Choir pieces include The Lamb – Taverner, Coventry Carol arr. M Brown and O Magnum Mysterium – Victoria. Tickets £10 (children 16 and under free) from Julie John 020 8670 7465
2010 Subscriptions
Please note that subscriptions for 2010 are due on 1 January
If you pay your subscription by cheque please send me a cheque for £10 payable to The Dulwich Society. Paying promptly saves the Society the cost of mailing reminders. If you would prefer to pay by standing order I should be happy to send you a form.
If you already pay by standing order you need take no further action.
If you have forgotten how you pay please ring me.
A Happy Christmas and New Year to all our members !
Wilfrid Taylor, Membership Secretary
30 Walkerscroft Mead, Dulwich
London SE21 8LJ
Tel: 020 8670 0890
PUBLIC MEETING - MINUTES
29th September 2009
St.Barnabas Church Hall, Dulwich Village
The meeting was organised, introduced and chaired by Ian McInnes, Chairman of the Dulwich Society.
He began by introducing the representatives of the Dulwich Estate:
Angela Brownbill - Chairman of the Trustees
John Major - Chief Executive
Nina Rees - Scheme of Management Administrator
John Senter - Consultant Architecture to the Dulwich Estates
Each of the representatives of the DE was asked to give a short explanation of their role before answering questions. Questions had been requested before the meeting and the chairman confirmed that he had received over 120. The Dulwich Estate team had had previous notification of the questions which he had grouped together so as to focus on the subjects which seemed to concern residents most. The team would answer the questions under the group headings and also take relevant questions from the floor.
Angela Brownbill explained the origin of the Charity with a brief history, the method of appointing trustees and something of how the Charity is obliged to function. She confirmed that, as a Charity, the Trustees’ duty was to its Beneficiaries. Residents’ often held a misconception that the Estate was there for the good of Dulwich due to the Charity’s Scheme of Management.
John Major explained that the Scheme of Management came about in 1967 as a result of the Leasehold reform Act. Prior to this the DE held the freehold of most of the properties on the Estate. In order to keep some control over development with a view to maintaining the value of its own properties, the lease covenants were carried over to the freeholders who required a licence for alterations to property and to the felling of trees.
Nina Rees said her role was to organise the applications for alterations and tree works, investigate complaints from neighbours and generally keep an eye on the state of property on the Estate.
John Senter explained his role as Consultant Architect to the Dulwich Estates and also the role of Tony George who advises on trees on the Estate.
Public Meeting
Tuesday 29th September 2009 at 7:30pm
St Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich Village
Subject: The Dulwich Estate
This meeting will be of interest to everyone who lives in Dulwich. This is a chance for you to find out more about the Dulwich Estate. Who are the Estate Trustees? How does the Scheme of Management work in practice? Who are the Beneficiaries of the Estate?
Representatives of the Trustees of The Dulwich Estate, the Estate Management Office and the Scheme of Management Administrator will speak at the meeting. It will be chaired by retired judge, His Honour Michael Goodman.
There will be opportunities for questions from the floor but, in order to cover a relevant balance of subjects, and to avoid any duplication, these should be provided in advance.
Please send questions by email to the Chairman at
Please note that queries regarding individual properties will not be discussed.
www.dulwichsociety.com
January 2009
Thursday 8th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture Rebels and Martyrs- the Image of the Artist in the 19th Century by Lois Oliver. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture Theatre at 8pm (coffee from 7.30pm) £7, students £1.
Monday 19th Dulwich Subscription Concert at 7.30pm in the Old Library Dulwich College. - The Court Lane Ensemble led by Simon Hewitt Jones - Mozart, Vivaldi and Imogen Holst. Tickets £15, £10 concessions, £5 students. (tel: 020 8761 6659)
February 2009
Thursday 12th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture The Barbizon School and French 19th Century Paintings by Kathleen McLauchin. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture Theatre at 8pm (coffee from 7.30pm) £7 students £1.
March 2009
Wednesday 4th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Islamic Art - Spain by Miriam Rosser 10.30am Linbury Room £10.
Thursday 5th Dulwich Picture Gallery - Director’s Lecture Sickert in Venice 12.30-1.30pm
Saturday 7th Concert - All Saints Church Annual Concert at 7pm followed by supper and auction, in aid of the new church organ. Programme includes Haydn: Nelson Mass; English Songs - James Bowman countertenor. Concert tickets in advance £15 (concs £12) supper tickets £25 from Brockwell Art Services, 232-234 Railton Road SE 24 Tel 020 7274 7046
Sunday 8th Dulwich Society Garden Group. ‘Pruning Clematis’ - demonstration, discussion, information with Denise MacDonald, committee member British Clematis Society. Wet or fine, in the garden of 137 Burbage Road SE 21. at 2pm-3.30pm. Free
Monday 9th Dulwich Park Dawn Chorus Walk. 6am-7am Meet at the College Gate.
Tuesday 10th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture - George Frederic Watts by Peter Scott. Linbury Room 7.45pm Tickets £10
Wednesday 11th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Concert - Malcolm Martineau and Friends Wendy Dawn Thompson mezzo-soprano. Programme includes songs by Mozart, Schubert, R. Strauss and Copland. 7.30pm Tickets £20 (incl.glass of wine)
Thursday 12th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture The World of Carpets by Roderick Taylor, James Allen’s Girls School 6th Form Lecture Theatre at 8pm (coffee from 7.30pm) £7 students £1
Sunday 15th Dulwich Walk led by Ian McInnes. Meet North Dulwich Station 2.30pm and finish at the South Circular. History of the houses and former occupants. Tickets £4
Tuesday 17th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Gwen & Augustus John by Linda Smith. Linbury Room 7.45pm. Tickets £10
Wednesday 18th Dulwich Park Head Gardener Walkabout. 1.30-3.00pm Meet outside the Pavilion Café. Tour of Park looking at spring growth with gardening tips. Free.
Dulwich Subscription Concert at 7.30pm The Old Library, Dulwich College. Jane Friend cello, Tim Barratt piano. Tickets £15, £10 (concs)£5 (students) Tel 020 8761 6659
Thursday 19th Dulwich Society Gardens Group illustrated talk “London’s lesser known Public Gardens” by Colin Jones. St Barnabas Centre, Calton Avenue 8pm Free.
Saturday 21st Flamenco Supper with Juan Ramirez and his Troupe. St Barnabas Hall, Dulwich Village 7pm. Tapas on sale, bring your own wine. Arranged by Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery. Tickets £17 from the Gallery.
Wednesday 25th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Islamic Art-Iran by Sheila Canby. Linbury Room 10.30am £10.
Thursday 26th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Andrea Palladio - His Life and Legacy by Graham Greenfield. Linbury Room £7.45pm. Tickets £10 (incl glass of wine).
Saturday 28th Dulwich Choral Society Concert - Mendelssohn’s Elijah 7.30pm . St Barnabas Church Calton Avenue SE 21. Tickets from The Art Stationers, Dulwich Village or on the door.
ALSO Dulwich Helpline Charity Concert starring Jo Brand and The New Foxtrot Serenaders 7.30pm Michael Croft Theatre, Alleyn’s School. Tickets £15 (concs £12) Tel 020 8299 2623
Tuesday 31st Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture John Singer Sargent by Frank Wioodgate. Linbury Room 7.45pm. Tickets £10
April 2009
Thursday 2nd Dulwich Society Annual General meeting 8pm St Barnabas Centre.
Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th at 8pm The Dulwich Players present ‘The Rivals’ by Richard Brinsley Sheridan directed by Katie Lipsidge at the Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College. Tickets £8 from The Art Stationers, 31 Dulwich Village SE 21.
Sunday 5th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Children’s’ Event Easter Egg Trail 10.30am-12.30pm £5 per child
Local Walk - The Casino Estate led by Ian McInnes. An exploration of the ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ estate. Meet North Dulwich Station 2.30pm Tickets £4
Thursday 9th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture - Northern Lights: Scandinavian Design in the 20th Century by Deborah :Lambert. James Allen’s Girls’ School Sixth Form lecture theatre 8pm (coffee 7.30pm) £7, students £1
Wednesday 15th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Concert - Vienna Piano Trio Beethoven Septet, Schubert Piano Trio in E flat. 7.30pm Tickets £22 (incl glass of wine).
Friday 17th Practical Action SE London presents a Charity Concert - programme includes works by Vivaldi, Ysaye, and Ravel. Jane Ng Violin, Cameron Roberts piano. At 7.30pm St Bartholomew’s Church, Westwood Hill, Sydenham. Tickets £12 (includes glass of wine) Tel. 020 8656 4084
Saturday 25th James Allen Community Orchestra Concert - 7.30pm in the Holst Hall, James Allen’s Girls’ School. Programme includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 5 in E Minor. In aid of Dulwich Helpline. Tickets £7 (cons £5) on the door
Thursday 30th Friends of Dulwich Park AGM 7pm in The Francis Peek Centre, Dulwich Park.
May 2009
Friday 8th - Sunday 17th The Dulwich Festival.
Thursday 14th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture - Four Women Artists: Artemesia Gentileschi, Rosalba Carriera, Angelica Kauffman & Berthe Morisot by Pamela Halford. James Allen’s Girls’ Sixth Form lecture theatre 8pm (coffee 7.30pm) £7, students £1
Sunday 17th Dulwich Festival Historical Walk led by Brian Green. Meet 2.30pm outside The Dulwich Wood House corner of Crescent Wood Rd and Sydenham Hill. 1_ hour hilly walk.
Monday 18th Dulwich Subscription Concert 7.30pm in the Old Library, Dulwich College. David Juritz violin and friends. Programme to be announced. Tickets £15, £10 (cons), £5 (students) tel 020 8761 6659
June 2009
Tuesday 2nd Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Great Sculptors of the 20th century- Jacob Epstein by Linda Smith. 7.45pm Linbury Room tickets £10.
Wednesday 3rd Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery lecture The Tudor House and Garden by Paula Henderson. 10.30-11.30am Linbury Room. Ticket £10 (3 lectures £25)
Sunday 7th Dulwich Helpline - Garden Safari six beautiful Dulwich gardens. Ticket and map available on the day from 4 Woodyard Lane (off Dulwich Village). Adults £5 children under 16 free. No dogs. Tea and cakes available. 2-6pm
Tuesday 9th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture Great Sculptors of the 20th century - Elisabeth Frink by Frank Woodgate. 7.45pm Linbury Room tickets £10.
Thursday 11th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society lecture The Turner Prize - its History and Controversies by Barry Venning. James Allen’s Girls’ School, 6th form lecture theatre 8pm. (coffee 7.30pm) Free to members. Visitors £7, students £1
Monday 15th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Film - The Station Agent 7.45 pm, bar opens 7.15pm Linbury Room £8
Wednesday 17th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery lecture Gardens of a Golden Afternoon : the Lutyens and Jekyll partnership by Jane Brown. 10.30-11.30am Linbury Room £10.
Tuesday 23rd Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery lecture - Mozart and his Operas Anthony Burton in conversation with Dr Jane Glover. 7.30pm Linbury Room. Tickets £10
Thursday 25th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Midsummer Mozart: a summer’s evening of music from four great Mozart operas. Long interval for picnic. 6.30pm Champagne Reception - included in ticket price. 7.15pm Performance. Tickets £40
July 2009
Wednesday 1st Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery lecture The Outdoor Room by Barbara Simms 10.30-11.30am Linbury Room £10
Wednesday 8th July The Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibition - The Best of British opens.
Thursday 9th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society lecture Great Houses and Castles of Bohemia and Moravia by Barbara Peacock. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th form lecture theatre 8pm. (coffee 7.30pm) Free to members. Visitors £7, students £1.
Thursday 9th & Friday 10th The Dulwich Players present The Adventures of Alice in the Dulwich Picture Gallery Garden at 8pm. Tickets £12 seated, £6 on the grass & children under 12. Refreshments available Box Office 8670 0890.
Saturday 11th at 5.30pm and 8.30pm as above.
& Sunday 12th at 6pm
Wednesday 15th Dulwich Picture Gallery Lecture J M Waterhouse; The Modern Pre-Raphaelite by Graham Greenfield. 7.30pm Linbury Room tickets £10.
Sunday 19th Kingswood Festival at Kingswood House, Seeley Drive SE 21 1-6pm. Bring the family
Monday 20th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Film - William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet (1996) 7.45pm bar opens 7.15pm Linbury Room £8
Thursday 30th Dulwich Society Wildlife Group BAT WALK. Belair Park, Gallery Road . The walk will be led by Chantal Brown of London Wildlife Trust. Expect to see (or hear) Pipistrelle, Daubenton’s and Noctule bats. Meet in the car park 8.45pm. Wear stout shoes and bring a torch. Walk lasts around one hour.
September 2009
Saturday 5th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery - Concert - Jazz in the Gallery Garden Charles Cary Elwes and friends featuring vocalist Morag McLaren . 6pm-9.30pm £6 café open for light meals. (Linbury Room if wet)
Monday 7th Dulwich Community Council Planning Meeting
Sunday 13th Friends of Athol House - Funday Sunday - 2-5pm bouncy castle, market stalls many activities. Raffle drawn by Jo Brand.
Sunday 27th Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibitions The Polish Connection and Best of British close.
Tuesday 29th The Dulwich Society - Public Meeting with The Dulwich Estate. St Barnabas Hall, Dulwich Village 7.30pm
October 2009
Thursday 1st Dulwich Community Council Planning Meeting
Thursday 8th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture The wonderful Mediterranean- Cradle of Cultures and Civilizations by Patricia Wright. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form lecture theatre at 8pm, ( coffee 7.30pm) £7, students £1
Wednesday 21st Dulwich Picture Gallery Exhibition Drawing Attention: Rembrandt, Tiepolo, Van Gogh, Picasso and more opens.
Sunday 11th Dulwich Society & Friends of the Gallery - Local History Day Dulwich -House Detectives Linbury Room Dulwich Picture Gallery 12.00-4.00pm Free.
Thursday 22nd Friday 23rd Saturday 24th The Dulwich Players present ART by Yazmina Reza. 8pm Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College. Tickets £8 from The Art Stationers, Dulwich Village.
Wednesday 28th The Young Fabian Society of Dulwich talk The Attack on World Poverty speaker Benny Dembitzer. 7.30pm Methodist Hall, Half Moon Lane SE 24. More information www.ethical-events.org (tel: 020 7274 5406)
Thursday 29th Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery - Concert - Chilling Classic for Halloween. Emily Atkinson, soprano, Susanne Hawkins, mezzo-soprano and Jessica Maryon-Davies, piano, will delight with songs from Mendelssohn, Fauré, Severac, Duparc, Saint-Saens and others, all with a spooky theme. 7.30pmLinbury Room £17, £15 Friends (includes a glass of wine before the performance and during the interval).
Saturday 31st Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery - Treasures Roadshow 1pm at the Gallery. £10.
November 2009
Tuesday 10th Dulwich Community Council Planning Meeting
Thursday 12th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture Mexican Art & Culture by Chloe Sayer. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form lecture theatre 8pm (coffee 7.30pm) £7, students £1
Saturday 21st Dulwich Choral Society Concert - Saint Nicolas - Britten, Choral works and ‘St Paul’s Suite’ - Holst, with the choir of James Allen’s Girls’ School. Musical Director Aidan Oliver 7.30pm All Saints Church, Rosendale Road, West Dulwich.
Sunday 22nd In aid of Dulwich Helpline - Victorian Dulwich - illustrated talk : by Brian Green - Linbury Room, Dulwich Picture Gallery 2.30pm admission £7 (concs £5) tickets from Dulwich Helpline 020 8299 2623 or on the door.
December 2009
Saturday 5th The Ionian Singers Concert - The Voice of Advent conductor Timothy Salter Seasonal music includes excerpts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Messiah Handel, and works by Berlioz (The Shepherds’ Farewell), Poulenc, Fauré, Praetorius, Swelinck, Wagner and Wolf. All Saints’ Church, Rosendale Road, West Dulwich 7.30pm. Tickets include interval wine £12 (students £6) at the door or from 020 8693 1051
Monday 7th at 7.30pm Christ’s Chapel. Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery present The Dulwich Assembly - A Georgian Entertainment by candlelight, with orchestra, harpsichord and organ, recalling the Life and Loves of Richard Randall of Dulwich and his musical career in Opera, the Stage and as Organist. Programme includes music by Handel, Stanley, Boyce and Arne. Tickets £18 (to include a seasonal drink)
Thursday 10th Dulwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society Lecture The Material Culture of Christianity by Andrew Spira. James Allen’s Girls’ School 6th Form Lecture Theatre 8pm (coffee 7.30pm) £7, students £1
Chairman and sub-committeee reports for the Annual General Meeting to be held on 2nd April 2009...
Chairman's Report 2008
The Society has had another successful year. Membership numbers remain at around 1,100 households and our Sub-committees have organised meetings, guided walks, lectures and excursions which are well attended and popular. Our newsletter, published four times a year, continues to receive excellent reviews.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our Executive Committee and the Chairs, and members, of our Sub-committees for the time and hard work they dedicate to the Society and its activities. I would also wish to include the dedicated members who deliver the newsletter around Dulwich - without their help on saving postage our financial position would be very different.
Dulwich Post Office Cart: November 1st saw the installation of the historic Dulwich Post office Cart in the Post Office. We took the opportunity to make a day of it and were joined by a large number of members and Southwark’s Mayor.
My thanks to Kenneth Woolfe for finding it, to Willis Walker and Graham Nash for refurbishing it, and last but not least, Mr Patel, for allowing us to put it in his shop.
Edward Alleyn Statue: Earlier in the year the statue of the small boy was vandalized and broken off from the plinth. Luckily it was found in nearby bushes but it took some time to have it re-fixed - mainly because we had to enhance the fixing detail without substantially altering the statue’s character. The return of the boy was also celebrated at the November 1st event and the Society is currently discussing with the Dulwich Estate ways of improving security in the immediate area.
Licensing: Many of our members were very concerned over the Beauberry House (formerly Belair House) Restaurant’s intention to extend their licensing hours. The Society co-ordinated a large number of strong representations from other road based residents’ associations and, together, we were successful in making the restaurant withdraw its proposals.
The Society has also assisted in preparing a guide for local residents so that they know who to complain to when local restaurants or pubs give rise to noise or anti-social behaviour. People must complain to the authorities for action to be taken.
Website: The Society’s website was re-launched in November. It is now dulwichsociety.com.
Scheme of Management Advisory Committee: This Committee met three times last year and gives the Society a regular opportunity to raise questions and bring pressure on the Dulwich Estate, as the Managers of the Scheme of Management. At each meeting we raise many topical issues and the Estate is, under the terms of the protocol governing the Committee, obliged to give a reasoned response, which for the most part they do.
Finger Posts and benches the Society was successful on two schemes under Southwarks’ ‘Cleaner Greener Safer’ funding scheme - the provision of benches in Cox’s Walk and new finger post signs in the Village. The benches are now installed and work is about to start on the signs - the first should have been on the roundabout by the end of February.
Dulwich Park: The Society’s involvement with Dulwich Park has been reduced following the completion of the Heritage Lottery Fund works but we have continued to press Southwark Council on providing new uses for the College Gate and Rosebery Lodges. We attended the interview process for potential tenants in the former but have yet to hear if anything is going ahead.
Crystal Palace Park: We have retained an interest in the ongoing planning application for the restoration of this Grade II* park on the borders of Dulwich.
Bromley gave planning consent late last year but the application has now been called in by the Secretary of State.
Herne Hill Velodrome: The Society continues to press the Dulwich Estate to come to an agreement with British Cycling and Velo Club de Londres so that some investment can take place on the site. It also regularly reminds the Estate that local residents will object to any commercial proposals on the site.
Marlborough Cricket Ground: This cricket ground is on the South Circular, at the edge of the Estate and is in very poor condition. We have pressed the Estate to take action but have also acted as an intermediary between Southwark and the Club to try and facilitate funding for them so that they can clean up the site.
West Dulwich Shops: The Society was consulted by the Estate on their proposed redevelopment of the old dairy site in West Dulwich. We were encouraged by the designs but, unfortunately, the credit crunch has meant its cancellation. The Society is continuing to press the Estate to come up with a viable short -term use for the site.
Dulwich Gardens: The Society’s garden Group has prepared a directory showing all the Dulwich gardens that will be open for charity during 2009. It will be sent out as part of the next Newsletter mailing.
Southwark in Bloom: Dulwich won a silver medal last year and the Society and the Friends of Dulwich Park are collaborating on trying to achieve a better result this year.
Green Homes Concierge Service: Seven member’s houses were selected to be surveyed under a Southwark funded initiative to improve the environmental performance of the existing housing stock in the Borough.
Constitution - The Society is reviewing its constitution with regard to the length of tenure of the Chairman and Executive Committee officers. A proposal will be brought to the Annual General meeting in 2010.
Stella Benwell: Stella has been chair of our trees committee for many years and an active campaigner on behalf of the trees in Dulwich. She has decided to retire from the chair, but not the committee, and I wish her well in her ‘retirement’.
Secretary's Report 2008
The Executive Committee met 11 times.
A notable event was held on Saturday, 1st November when the repaired boy of the Edward Alleyn statue was officially reinstated on a base that strengthens the figure; the ceremony was carried out by the Mayor of Southwark and witnessed by many members of the Society. This was followed by the restored Dulwich Village Post Cart being pushed to the Post Office where it was officially installed. We are grateful to Mr Patel for allowing it to be displayed, Willis Walker and Graham Nash for its meticulous restoration, and to Frank Ralfe who set the scene in Victorian postal uniform. We then adjourned to the Greyhound to celebrate.
2 benches have been installed in Cox's Walk for weary walkers at the joint expense of Southwark Council and the Society. We had suggested benches also for Low Wood Cross Lane and Rock Hill but the police opposed this (as did some local residents) as it was felt it might encourage anti-social behaviour which has occurred in these footpaths.
On the suggestion of Rosemary Dawson we have pressed Southwark to start on the renovation of the fingerposts, and work has included replacing a number of missing fingers and installing stronger brackets. Further work is in progress.
Patrick Spencer
Membership Report 2008
Our membership numbers fell during 2008 to below the 1100 we achieved at the end of 2007, partly because the Committee decided to cancel the membership of those who had not raised their subscription from £7.50 to £10.00, a change made in 2005. However, new members are continuing to join and we are now just below the 1100 figure which we should exceed in 2009. In the near future, we propose to run a membership drive in some limited areas of Dulwich where membership is not as high as we might expect, and to extend this if it is successful. As always, I encourage our current members to recruit new members themselves. I will be happy to supply copies of our newly-updated membership brochure for this purpose.
Charity Gift Aid:
We received a payment of £2653 from HM Revenue & Customs for our claim for Gift Aid for the financial year 2007-08, as always a valuable addition to our income thanks to over 84 % of our members who have signed Gift Aid declarations. If you are part of the 16% who have not signed declarations but would now be prepared to do so, I will gladly supply declaration forms. There is no charge to you and the only requirement is that you pay at least £2.82 in tax each year.
Membership Secretary - Wilfrid Taylor
Planning and Architecture Group Report 2008
The Planning and Architecture Group continues to make monthly visits to the Old Grammar School on the corner of Burbage Road. The Group exercises the Dulwich Society’s right to comment on licence applications made to the Dulwich Estate’s Scheme of Management. This year has seen a peak in March of 22 license applications followed by a trough of 9 applications in November reflecting the dramatic downturn in the economy and in construction work.
The Group continues to review planning applications to Local Authorities and to give written comments to Planning Departments. This year objections have been lodged with Southwark for what are considered excessive extensions and alterations or new buildings which would be inappropriate in their setting and have an adverse affect on neighbours’ amenity as at, for example, 6 and 11A Fountain Drive, 112 and 120 Court Lane.
HOUSE EXTENSION GUIDELINES: Seeking to avoid applications for aggressive extensions the Group are proposing a re-phrasing of the Estate’s Guideline for extensions. The current Guideline mentions considerations like appropriate size and neighbours’ amenity. We are requesting that it warns that if applications do not give regard to the stated considerations then they are unlikely to be approved.
On the other hand, the Group supported the Planning Appeal for an appropriate single storey full width rear extension at 21 Frank Dixon Way with a letter to the Planning Inspectorate. This and adjoining houses, originally one room deep, have very wide and long plots. The Appeal against Southwark Council was successful.
9 DULWICH VILLAGE: Member of the Group, Julie Greer has raised the significance of the refused appeal to develop the rear garden at 9 Dulwich Village. The Planning Inspector had placed great importance on Southwark Council’s Conservation Area Appraisal stating, “As the Conservation Area Appraisal makes clear, an important aspect of Dulwich Village is its open character and well treed gardens ”. The Planning Inspector valued the borrowing of views from neighbouring properties, saying that, “the scheme would compromise the openness of this area and deprive it of its semi rural character”. The Inspectorate’s decision is a strong deterrent for general backland development. This decision will impede any further proposal to develop the land behind the listed wall on Red Post Hill next to Lyndenhurst, 19 Village Way.
LISTED WALL ON RED POST HILL: Southwark Council’s Planning Conservation Department finally served a Section 215 notice on Hausman Hughes Ltd, the company owning the listed wall on Red Post Hill and the land behind it. This legal notice requires them to re-build and re-instate the wall on a new structural foundation to secure the long term future of the wall. The notice has until the end of May in 2009 to run. If no action is undertaken by the owners the Council will be in a position to undertake the re-instatement itself and fully recover the costs from the owners.
NORTH DULWICH STATION ROAD BRIDGE: Rebuilding works have been completed to provide a stronger road bridge including the listed brick parapet with decorative panels opposite the station. Don Adie drew up proposals for the infill brick panels on the parapet wall to be recessed as they had been originally. He also prepared a scheme for the concrete central reservation to have an evergreen strip of low vegetation. Unfortunately these ideas were not put into practice, in part due to the limited notice about the bridge works preventing an early adoption of what would have been enhancing features. An alternative for hardwood planters with box trees underplanted with lavender is under consideration for the central reservation.
BELAIR CHANGING ROOMS: Southwark Council’s scheme for the new changing rooms was appraised by the Group at one of its meetings and while supporting the proposal a number of comments were made. Some of these have been included in the conditions attached to the Planning Permission and others have been noted by the architects. We wait to see the finished building in 2009.
WARD PLANS: Southwark Council consulted over various options for the Dulwich area relating to traffic management particularly with a view to extend the 20 mph zones to cover the whole area, to distribute humps as a physical means of controlling speed and to alter traffic junctions. The results of this exercise are not known.
EDWARD ALLEYN: The solitary statue of Edward Alleyn has been joined by that of the boy’s statue with a new baseplate securely fixed to the stone plinth. While the new baseplate is intended to increase the security of the statue, following its removal in December of last year, many have commented that there is a visual benefit too. The un-veiling took place on the 1st of November in the presence of the Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Eliza Mann.
DULWICH POND: The Dulwich Estate have had an assessment made of the pond of which about 1/3 is now silt. There has been some contamination found in water samples. Removing the silt from site will be an expensive exercise. The Dulwich Society is seeking a second opinion as to how the pond can be managed in the long term.
DULWICH GOING GREENER: A liaison has been started to benefit both DGG and the Dulwich Society. A direct result of this has been some seed money for tools and plants for the DGG’s Food Group who have started a practical and educational allotment behind the Methodist Church Hall on Red Post Hill.
Chair - David Lloyd Roberts
Traffic and Transport Committee Report 2008
The year 2008-2009 has proved to be as interesting and challenging as 2007-2008 and the Traffic and Transport Committee has continued to deal with matters relating to road safety, reduction of traffic congestion, improvement of conditions for walking, cycling and better public transport.
Local Plan for Dulwich - Following an invitation from the Dulwich Community Council we set out proposals for a Local Plan for Dulwich. In this connection a paper was prepared jointly with the new local charity Dulwich Going Greener setting out objectives for Village Ward. These objectives are:
- to make it pleasanter and safer to walk rather than to drive
- to make it pleasanter and safer to cycle
- to make the area more permeable for walking and cycling
- to make it safe to walk and cycle to school
- to make public transport better
- to reduce the need to own one or more cars
- to make the street environment more inviting
- to promote walking, cycling and public transport
- to make better use of the Velodrome site
- to improve the design of College Road and improve car parking for the Gallery and slow traffic on this road
These objectives also apply to College and East Dulwich Wards. As reported at the last AGM the aim of the plan is to make Dulwich public space quieter, cleaner, greener, safer and healthier for leisure, shopping, play and non-motorised as well as motorised travel.
20 mph traffic calming proposals for Dulwich Village - Proposals have been prepared by traffic planning consultants Mouchell and consulted on by Ward Councillors. These proposals include changes at the southern end of Court Lane, at the junction of Court Lane and Eynella Road, at the junction in the centre of Dulwich Village and humps and other speed reducing measures elsewhere. The results of the consultation on these proposals are expected to be known before the Society’s AGM.
Controlled Parking Zones - Village Ward Councillors are currently carrying out a survey and informal consultation on controlled parking zones.
North Dulwich Railway Bridge - The year has seen the completion of extensive strengthening work on the railway bridge on Red Post Hill. A wider central reservation and the retention of the 7.5 ton weight restriction have ensured (a) the slowing down of traffic and (b) prevention of very large and heavy vehicles using this route from Denmark Hill through Dulwich Village to the South Circular. The work has been done to the highest standards and the end result is a great success.
Herne Hill Junction - Early in the year Lambeth granted Planning Permission for work to begin on reconfiguring the Herne Hill Junction and construction has started.
Cleaner Greener Safer Bids - A bid made for a safer crossing of Half Moon Lane at Stradella Road was not successful but will be pursued through the normal channels for street changes. A bid for tree planting in the central strip near the northern entrance to Charter School was agreed but could not be carried out because of underground electric cables. Other means of reducing traffic speeds at this location are under consideration along with the proposals for Dulwich Village referred to above.
Car Clubs - Southwark Council is presently in the process of selecting a club to run the scheme in parts of the Borough and we hope that Dulwich will be one of the first to benefit.
Junction of Gallery Road and Alleyn Park - This has been reconfigured and is considered by local residents to be an improvement.
Parking of trade vehicles in residential roads in Dulwich - The parking of school buses, coaches, traders’ cars and vans in residential roads is becoming unacceptable. Measures to prevent this nuisance are under consideration.
Cycling - Improvements for the safety and encouragement of cycling are currently being consulted on, including the two pinch points on Huntslip Road; the Gipsy Hill roundabout and Alleyn Park North.
School Travel - The Society is represented on a group from several local schools encouraging travel to school by means other than car chauffeuring. The Committee is developing proposals for a network of safer routes to school, using the many green spaces in Dulwich.
Membership - As always, we welcome new members on to our Committee.
Chair - Alastair Hanton
Local History Report 2008
The main event of the year was the installation of the old Dulwich Village Post Office cart. The cart, which is thought to date from the end of the nineteenth century and be the only one of its type still in existence, was purchased three years ago by the Dulwich Society and painstakingly restored by two of its members. The postmaster, Mr Patel, has kindly allowed it to be displayed with a notice in the Post Office. The ceremony on 1 November at which the restored statue of Edward Alleyn was also unveiled, was attended by the Mayor of Southwark.
The Society’s Newsletter has continued to publish articles of original research and reminiscences on local history, notably the series of ‘Tales from the Village’ and ‘On the street where you live’. Also published were more lives of distinguished local residents and local architects as well as the background to the newly restored First World War memorial on Dulwich Common dedicated to the Dulwich Volunteers. Articles have generated several enquiries and information from members of the Society. An increasing number of email enquiries from members of the public via the Society’s website have also been answered; some of these have come from countries abroad.
The summer walk, starting at Cox’s Walk, was held on a Sunday afternoon instead of the usual evening and was well supported. In 2009, the walk will take place on May 17 during the Dulwich Festival. The autumn lecture held last November featured a very informative and well illustrated talk on cinemas of South London.
Members of the Society with an interest in the history of the area are very welcome to join the sub-committee, which meets three times a year.
Chairman - Bernard Nurse
Garden Group Report 2008
This has been a year of transition for the Garden Group. When it was first set up in May 1979, the Group’s main activity was to arrange garden openings so that keen gardeners could share their gardens with other enthusiasts and our members could visit, learn and enjoy. For many years we were the only organisation in Dulwich arranging garden openings. However, over the last few years, garden openings, particularly those to raise money for charity, have become very much more widespread.
To adapt to this new situation, we have decided that it is not necessary for us to arrange garden openings in future. Instead, we will publish a small directory each year, listing almost all gardens in the Dulwich area that open for charity - copies of the first edition were distributed with the March issue of the Dulwich Society Magazine. It is hoped that the new ‘directory’ will help to further increase pubic interest in gardens and garden visits.
We would very much like to thank all the garden owners who have opened their gardens for us over the years - we have all learned a lot from you and you have given a great deal of pleasure. Our thanks are also due to those who regularly distributed the garden visit ‘invitations’ to our 270 members twice every year - we are most grateful to you.
Our year started on a high note with a very good lecture by Tony Pizzoferro of the Lambeth Horticultural Society on Plants and Planting for small Gardens. In July we had a very successful coach trip to Lullingstone Castle where we received a warm welcome from the Hart Dyke family. After a tour of the Castle, Tom Hart Dyke took us on a most enjoyable tour of the ‘World Garden’. Our annual competition - for any plant grown from seed in a pot, was won by Ina Pulleine with an Echanasia. Mr G Gent received second prize for a Bonsai Accacia.
During the summer we visited a number of gardens that had been opened especially for us. These visits were truly enjoyable and we are most grateful to the householders for their hospitality and for all the work they put in, in preparing their gardens for our visit.
We are also most grateful to the members of our group for their continued support. Thanks are also due to our committee members, without whose hard work these activities could not take place.
Chair - John Ward
Trees Committee Report 2008
This year’s Tree Walk was in Dulwich Woods. It was led by Letta Jones and attended by over 50 people.
We have offered up to ten trees to Lewisham for planting on the Horniman Triangle, which is on the Dulwich Estate. Lewisham is installing new playground equipment and a café, and we have proposed a group of trees in the centre of the open space. We have given two Wellintonias to Dulwich Park to screen the view of the new house, on the right of the College Gate.
Members of the Committee are contributing profiles of interesting Dulwich trees in the Newsletter and we continue to sell the Tree Map, attend the Estate Governors’ tree surveys, and monitor the ongoing subsidence issues.
Chair - Stella Benwell
Wildlife Committee Report 2008
The committee have, with the aid of Dulwich Community Council funding through their Cleaner, Greener, Safer initiative, plus significant contributions from the Society, been able to purchase the following since our last AGM:-
- 15 new bat boxes for Belair Park. Made of woodcrete (a hard-wearing mix of wood chip and concrete), they include one large maternity roost for colonies of mothers and babies to live in during the summer months. Nursing female bats often leave their young at home, hanging upside-down hooked onto vertical surfaces when they go outside to feed - not surprising, really, when newborn bats are a quarter of their mum’s weight at birth.
Echo-location monitoring during recent bat walks has proved the presence of numerous species of bats in Belair (Daubenton’s, two kinds of pipistrelle and Noctule) who use the “dark corridors” on the park’s perimeters, as well as the lake and the railway line, to navigate during their nightly hunting expeditions. It can take up to 2,000 small flying insects to provide one meal for one individual bat over a single evening.
The boxes, which will be sited in sheltered, secure positions high up on the most mature trees away from public access - in particular, trees with tall, open canopies giving easy, uncluttered flight-path entry for bats - are to be fixed in place by a local tree surgeon. The Society is meeting the cost of installation (£250). Once in place, they aim to help boost the local bat population because, when weather conditions are harsh, these small flying insectivorous mammals really need to keep out of the elements. Bats are unable to generate body heat themselves, or cool down in hot weather, but must automatically adjust to the ambient air temperature at all times of year. Bats, including one type hitherto unrecorded in Southwark, are known to be hibernating successfully in nearby Sydenham Hill and Dulwich woods but should benefit from this Society-led initiative to increase and enhance their habitat throughout the natural year. - New signage in Belair Park - this will draw attention to the special plant, animal and bird species that are to be found in the Woodland Walk (the recipient of a previous year’s CGS community council grant of £8,000 to the Dulwich Society and Friends of Belair). It comprises a large information board, with lockable panels, as well as a new wooden, illustrated educational structure featuring a model bat box (with occupants inside) and highlighting six iconic species to be seen on the site: dunnocks, chiff chaffs, Holly Blue butterflies, burdock, hawthorn - and bats.
- New kingfisher bank in Dulwich Park. This was built over the winter. It is cunningly constructed to look like a small, steep stretch of natural, sandy riverbank of the kind that birds would normally choose to dig a nest tunnel inside. Kingfishers have been spotted “sussing out” nesting sites in the immediate area and it is hoped that - with the addition of a handily placed perching pole in the water nearby and a recently sown grassy topknot on the bank - they will be encouraged to build their families in Dulwich. Again, the work (carried out by Mr Lloyd Turner, a specialist who has constructed many artificial nesting sites throughout the country for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust founded by the late Sir Peter Scott) was made possible by a Cleaner, Greener, Safer grant (£5,000) via Dulwich Community Council.
Visits/Events: A visit to Barnes Wetland Centre, SW London, was arranged last year. There was also a well-attended summer evening bat-walk in Belair, jointly arranged with the Friends of Belair and London Wildlife Trust, which attracted budding young bat detectives, society members of all ages, as well as experts from the London Bat Group, who were delighted to record a noctule bat in the area for the first time.
Birds: Our valuable bird population data-gathering goes from strength to strength. Our committee members are now regularly recording species and monitoring populations in several venues throughout the area, including Dulwich, Peckham Rye and Belair Parks, as well as Sydenham and Dulwich Woods, leading informative and enjoyable walks and giving advice to those spotting an unusual visitor on their lawn or feeder. Local information is being fed into the new British Trust for Ornithology UK Bird Atlas and our recorders are taking part in the forthcoming sparrow surveys in the area.
Committee: Committee members have contributed Newsletter articles on local sightings, given advice on wildlife “problems” and casualties. Among the thought-provoking items submitted are those on house sparrows, bats, swifts and martins, kingfishers, little grebes, parakeets and the question of whether Dulwich is, in fact, really going greener.
Wildlife Rescue, a hands-on rescue, rehabilitation and conservation manual written by the Committee chair, Angela Wilkes, was published by Broadcast Books last year, see website: www.broadcastbooks.co.uk.
Looking ahead: the Committee aim to improve bird-nesting opportunities locally. Enhancing natural sites will feature alongside the addition of new artificial ones. A Butterfly walk will be held in South Norwood Country Park later this year (date to be confirmed) and there will be a Bat and Moth night in Belair in June.
Chair - Angela Wilkes