Past Talks

These are stories he collected into a book for the Society about various themes and people of local significance. He was editor of the Society Newsletter and wrote books on Cannizaro and Chester House.

Wimbledon and Putney Commons is a precious asset for Wimbledon and used by many. In tonight’s talk we have the opportunity to hear about the plans for the Common in the coming years. Colin Cooper, CEO of the Commons Conservators, will tell us what the future holds for the Common and how he and the other Conservators are working hard to keep it forever open, unenclosed and preserved for us to all enjoy.

Jane Morris’ highly individual beauty was the icon of the Victorian Pre-Raphaelite movement, famous especially from many portraits by her long-time lover Dante Gabriel Rossetti – but in the shadow of her illustrious, multi-talented husband William she has been unfairly neglected by posterity. John Hawks looks at the life and contribution of someone who most certainly was ‘not just a pretty face’.

John Hawks was the founding manager of Merton Abbey Mills and he is also involved with many Merton based societies including The Wandle Industrial Museum and Merton Priory Trust and the Chapter House Museum.

Geoff Simmons runs a community history project in south west London called Summerstown182. This involves Guided Walks and Talks in the Wandsworth area, working with schools and putting up plaques. Over the last ten years a trail of these have emerged along the Wandle Valley, shining a light on some of the lesser-known history in this area. They range from the youngest soldier to serve Britain in the First World War to a ground-breaking acknowledgment of Romany Gypsy and Traveller heritage in Wandsworth and one celebrating the contribution of migrants on Tooting Market.

Mick will look at sporting activities from the past and present along the River Wandle –
some of which are more disturbing than others!

Her early years, her life in Naples with her husband, her meeting with Lord Nelson, and her return to the UK and life in Merton. The talk also includes something about the Borough of Merton and some other observations on local places and history.

An architect, Wimbledon enthusiast and Society president, Asif Malik conducts a virtual architectural tour of Wimbledon, exploring the stories of well known features of our area, and delving into some hidden gems.

The talk  is about Allenswood School mainly centred on Marie Souvestre, progressive headmistress of her time, her pupils and especially Eleanor Roosevelt. A case is made for public recognition of Eleanor’s time at Allenswood.

An illustrated tour of the five-mile walking route linking the nine ponds. Learn about the history of the commons including royal celebrations, ghostly stories, and the exploits of villains.

Please note that due to technical issues with the Wimbledon Society talk recording, this is from a similar talk organised by the WPCC for which we are very grateful!

Clive Whichelow has written many books covering subjects from humour to history. His latest book Pubs of Wimbledon Town, the sister volume to Pubs of Wimbledon Village has recently been published.  Both these volumes are available from our online shop.

Between 1861 and 1881 the population south of the railway increased eightfold to 8000, leading to a demand for inns and beer houses. Many survive but others have gone, and this talk uncovers the stories of some of the pubs that have been part of Wimbledon town.

Did you know about Shakespeare’s visit to India? It was a long time ago of course. He was enormously popular, and many thousands were in his audiences. Intrigued? Why not be led by an expert guide on this journey involving drama, travel and history, not to mention comedy and romance. It is a tale worthy of the Bard himself and could be titled not Romeo and Juliet but Raj and Jennifer.

Michael is Chairman of The Wimbledon Society Local History Group and commissions the talks we have been providing for your interest and information. He is a teacher, writer and actor who has lived locally for over fifty years.

Clive Whichelow reveals one of the best-kept secrets in British film history, the Merton Park Studios which were used by some of the biggest names in the business including actors Peter Sellers, Michael Caine, Rita Tushingham and directors Joseph Losey, Joan Littlewood and Lindsay Anderson. Action films, comedies, musicals, sci-fi films and the famous crime series Scotland Yard, Scales of Justice and Edgar Wallace mysteries were all made there as well as adverts, children’s films and wartime propaganda films – even a Walt Disney film. Find out what really went on at this criminally overlooked studio.

Lynette Shanbury is Executive Director & Joint CEO of Polka which is one of the few theatres in the UK dedicated exclusively to children. Based in Wimbledon since 1979, Polka creates world-class theatre to entertain and inspire young audiences.

A Head Gardener’s Year

A talk by Mark Saunders

Mark Saunders has been Head Gardener at Fittleworth House in Sussex since 1997. His office is a 19th century potting shed. His photography has won prizes and his kitchen garden stands as an example. In his presentation he illustrates the changing seasons.

Julian Pooley from the Surrey History Centre shares with us the story of this environmental pioneer in whose footsteps we walk.

John Evelyn was a 17th Century diarist virtuoso and horticulturalist born in Surrey at Wotton. His family gained wealth through the gunpowder industry. His diary was published first by the early 19th century antiquary William Bray.

The John Evelyn Club was founded by Richardson Evans in 1904 – this became the Wimbledon Society some 50 years ago.

 A Walk in the Village (10th December 2020)

A talk by Asif Malik

The changing faces of Merton, Morden and Mitcham