A Society for Forest Hill, London.
To contact the Society about our activities please email email@foresthillsociety.com
Support the Forest Hill Society - become a member today.
Combining the ideals of local currencies such as the Brixton Pound with innovations in blockchain technology, the Forest Hill Society is excited today to announce the launch of a new hyper local crypto-currency for Forest Hill and Honor Oak - the FoHo.
FoHo coins will be accepted at virtually all local shops with the current rate of exchange standing at 10,000 coins for a Ferfect Chicken Box. But that price is expected to pass the 1,000,000 coin mark before the end of April - showing that now is a great time to invest in FoHos (and in chicken boxes).
Locals will be able to buy FoHo via the universally popular PayByPhone parking app which can also be used to 'pay' for free parking in local car parks. Mining FoHo coins is also particularly simple, our new FoHoApp will generate 0.01 FoHo for every footstep taken along one of Forest Hill or Honor Oak’s shopping streets, or 10 FoHos if you arrive at a shop by bicycle.
Ms A Showers, a local crypto enthusiast, said that the idea of FoHo coins was somewhere between SoSo and HoHo.
* Press release issued by the Forest Hill
Society on 1st April 2023. Some of the details in this article may not
be valid on any other day of the year.
Forest Hill Society volunteers will be planting in Forest Hill station forecourt, and the platform and other planters we care for in the town centre, on Saturday April 22nd, meeting by the main station entrance at 2.30pm. No experience is necessary and we welcome all comers, but please bring protective gloves and, if possible, a trowel - although we do have some spares. As we work in close proximity to busy roads this will not be suitable for children.
Lewisham Council have been asking residents for their views on their proposals for street enhancements and CPZ across Crofton Park ward.
Details of the consultation can be viewed at https://pclengagement-hub.co.uk/en-GB/projects/stapi , although the consultation has now closed.
The Forest Hill Society wrote outlining some of the concerns we have heard from local residents and members:
We acknowledge that the London Borough of Lewisham has declared a Climate Emergency and is keen to implement changes that will help to deliver on the commitments that were made to reduce the dependence on cars, and their toxic effects, in our area of London.
With this in mind, we would like to raise some points in response to the ongoing consultation that is currently underway mainly in the Crofton Park ward around Honor Oak Park, which is therefore relevant to the members of the wider Forest Hill Society. We are writing to you directly as the format of the consultation does not adequately take note of responses from those who are not directly resident in that area, but we feel that this is very relevant to the work of the Society.
1. We are concerned that the current structure of the consultation could create more problems for the wider area. The selection of a single, limited area between two train stations, but only covering some of the surrounding streets, risks displacing cars onto other local streets and not fixing the issue. In particular, Devonshire Road already has a traffic and a parking issue, and it is on the boundary of the area proposed for the CPZ, and so this is highly likely to be exacerbated. This may also be true on other boundary roads such as Westbourne Drive and Church Rise. We believe it would be unfair to implement any CPZ intervention without completing the consultation in the surrounding areas as well, and to implement all areas at once, if this is to go ahead.
2. We are also concerned that the goals of the Sustainable Streets initiative are incomplete. While we welcome the improvements that might arise from a reduction in cars parking on our streets, this needs to be accompanied by investments in active travel and making streets safer for walking and cycling if residents are to switch away from cars.
We recognise the benefit of better cycle parking provision, more car club bays, clear sight lines at corners and tree cover, but these cannot be done without considering the wider implications of safe cycle routes, traffic calming, reduction of rat-runs, and other interventions to increase green spaces and rain water absorption. We understand that Lewisham is considering these separately under the terms of "Healthy Neighbourhoods" but they are not included in the current consultation. This is likely to cause confusion and duplication if the investments from both programmes are not coordinated. We believe that the two programmes need to be implemented together so that residents get the benefit of better, safer and less congested streets, not simply the disincentive of parking permits and charges.
3. In practical terms, we would like to request that any contracts that are signed with third parties for parking enforcement are made fully transparent. Just like with private parking enforcement, there is the potential for a conflict of interest for a business that is rewarded for issuing fines instead of for achieving the Sustainable Streets goals, and could result in low levels of trust and satisfaction, undermining the Council's goals. It is important that the incentives of all parties are aligned, and transparent, and the revenues raised are similarly reported in a transparent way so that residents can see a direct link between this additional revenue source and the benefits in their own streets.
The Forest Hill Society will, of course, continue to engage with the consultation processes in the rest of Forest Hill in Stage 2, and may expand on these points in that process, but we hope that the above issues will be taken into account in the review of Stage 1.
The Forest Hill Christmas Tree will be switched on Saturday 10th
December shortly after 3:45pm at Forest Hill station with carol singing led by Churches
Together for Forest Hill and Sydenham. We hope you can join us.
2020 Christmas Tree at Forest Hill Station and carol singing from 2018.
This year we will be planting a sustainable Christmas tree at the
station. This does mean that this year's tree will be smaller than
usual, but it will grow!
All members and non-members are welcome to attend our AGM, which will
take place at 7:30pm, Tuesday 11th October at the All Inn One pub on
Perry Vale, just opposite ForestHill Station.
The AGM is an opportunity to find out more about what is happening in ForestHill, to share your concerns and to shape the future of the Society.
At the AGM in October we elect the new committee for the ForestHillSociety. We are always keen to have new members on the committee, as well as existing members who wish to continue.
We are fortunate to have a committee consisting of many people who are passionate about ForestHill
and making a difference to benefit the area. The most visible way this
can be seen is the planting and maintenance of plants around the town
centre. This year the ForestHillSociety has again been awarded “Outstanding” for the In Bloom competition organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Having more members on the committee means we get a better idea of what is important to you and the everybody in the community. And it also means more people to help at events and in campaigns.
We are particularly looking for people with an interest in the following areas:
Environment - including planting and gardening around the town centre and looking at ways to improve air quality in the local area
Transport - including improving roads for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring ForestHill is well served by public transport, and considering flight paths over ForestHill
Planning and Development - including developing long-term plans for the town centre, and also reviewing planning applications in the area
Communications and Events - including contributing to our newsletter and arranging events for the community (e.g. book sales, gin tasting, history talks, pub quizzes, Christmas tree lighting and carols).
We are particular interested in anybody who would like to assist with the editing of our paper newsletter.
You can put your name forward for the committee in one of two ways:
1. Email email@foresthillsociety.com to let us know you wish to stand
2. Join us at the AGM and raise your hand when we ask for nominations
and you can become part of the team that has been making ForestHill even better for 16 years.
43
DARTMOUTH ROAD, LONDON, SE23 3HN, application DC/22/127781: Prior Approval
under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General
Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) for the change of use of the
existing ground floor and basement from retail (Use Class E) to a single
dwelling (Use Class C3) at 43 Dartmouth Road SE23.
We are writing to
object to the above application by virtue of the unsuitable accommodation
proposed and the detrimental impact on the Forest Hill Conservation Area.
The proposals do not
satisfy the requirements within “Technical housing standards – nationally described
space standard” (Department for Communities and Local Government, March
2015) or the London Plan (March 2021). The above space standards do not
cater for a 1 bedroom/2 person accommodation over two floors, so this would be
subject to the 1 bedroom/2 person requirement. The proposed 45 sqm unit would therefore
not satisfy the requirement within both of the above documents of 58 sqm.
The Forest Hill
Conservation Area is characterised by its commercial and retail centre around
the railway station and surrounding suburban residential streets and green
spaces. The commercial core, including the retail units along Dartmouth Road contribute
to this area’s character. The loss of a retail unit in this area and the
resulting inactivity of its frontage would erode this commercial character and
ultimately, the character of the wider Conservation Area.
A new trial access to Forest Hill station started on 30th July which is designed to demonstrate that we can make the station more pedestrian friendly.
The car park remains open except the side closest to WH Smith. Drop-off and parking at the station is still possible through the existing vehicle entrance, but this also functions as the exit from the car park. The initial trial was not designed to be the final solution and as such was never expected to be perfect.
We have received lots of predominantly positive comments about the scheme with pedestrians feeling safer getting to the station, particularly with young children. We understand that it has made it harder for some cars manoeuvring around the car park after dropping off passengers and for the next phase we are looking at ways that this can be improved. Based on feedback they key issue is widening the entrance and exit and providing an easier way to turn around and drop off. In regards to that we will propose removing the 4 car parking spaces in front of the Lazy Chef cafe in order to widen the entrance/exit. We are also working with the council to remove the dilapidated toilet that has been closed for a number of years.
Any final plans will need agreement of TfL, Network Rail, Lewisham Council and other parties. This trial has demonstrated that there are ways to improve this important location in our town centre and make it safer for all users of the station. We now feel that we have collected sufficient feedback and therefore we propose to end the trial early - within the next couple of weeks. We are targeting mid September, pending availability and discussions with station staff, TfL and councillors.
Finally we are continuing to campaign for a nicer station as a whole. In the longer term we would love to have a better station building (with a public toilet), improved crossing on the south circular, and also lifts for disabled access and a pedestrian crossing on the Perry Vale side.
Thanks to everybody who has provided feedback to us already - both positive and negative comments. Please do continue to send feedback and suggestions to email@foresthillsociety.com
The construction of
residential dwellings (Use Class C3) together with new play space, cycle
parking spaces, refuse/recycling stores and associated landscaping works at
Drakes Court Estate, Devonshire Road SE23. |DRAKES COURT, DEVONSHIRE ROAD, LONDON, SE23 3LY
Following the final consultation phase the
planning application for the above is now being considered. The Planning
Committee of the Forest Hill Society discussed this application at their
meeting on 26th July 2022.
We would like to support this thoughtfully
considered scheme which is considerate to existing residents and neighbours in
scale & design, sympathetic to its context and with a particularly
comprehensive & imaginative landscaping plan. The documents and plans in
the application were clear and detailed which is not always the case with
infill developments. The scheme will provide 8 new quality social rented
council homes and substantial improvements to the landscaping & amenity
areas.
It is pleasing that comments made by residents
and others have been incorporated in the final submission.
However, we do consider it important that the
contractors respect the intentions of the plan during the construction. Once
large quantities of plant & materials are moved on site, we have
unfortunately seen too many ‘non material amendments’ seeking to remove
inconvenient trees or RPA’s compromised in some other infill developments.
We feel this plan should be a source of pride
for those who have worked hard to develop it, and welcomed by the local
community.
We are so proud of and grateful for the Horniman Museum - 2022 winner of Museum of the Year.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens was announced as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022 yesterday (14 July 2022). The £100,000 award – the largest museum prize in the world – was presented by DJ and broadcaster Huw Stephens at a ceremony in the spectacular setting of the Design Museum, London.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens was recognised for its transformational programme in 2021, re-orientating its activity to reach diverse audiences more representative of London and engaging people in addressing the climate emergency.
Nick Merriman, Chief Executive of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, says: ‘To be awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year, when the other finalists have such wonderful achievements to share, is an incredible honour. Thank you to the judges and to Art Fund. I particularly want to pay tribute to everyone involved in the Horniman, in whatever capacity, in 2021. It takes a community of people to create a museum that truly serves its local area. People love museums – we hear “I love the Horniman” a lot – and this award is a great endorsement of love as a motivation for the work that we do here; love for our communities and love for the world we all share.’
A new trial access to Forest Hill station will implements from 30th July 2022 which is designed to make the station more pedestrian friendly.
The car park will remain open except the side closest to WH Smith. This side of the car park will be converted into a pedestrian friendly space with additional plants and flowers. We hope that this will improve the welcome to Forest Hill and encourage events to take place in the town centre.
Drop-off and parking at the station will still be possible through the existing vehicle entrance, but this will also function as the exit from the car park. During the trial period the impact of the scheme will be monitored to see if the scheme works for all the community, and consider whether any changes are necessary to turn this into a permanent change.
Once the changes are in place we would welcome your feedback (positive or negative) to understand the views of the community.
10th - 12th June 2022 at The Old Chapel, 27-33 Malham Road, London SE23 1AH
Hidden within the bizarre dystopian world that is the Shrine of the Goat lies a fragile environment. The goats appear to have control but are they protecting it or taking it over? Tiny morsels of plant life remain in the hope that one day they will thrive once again.
Working with performance artist, theatre director and curator Jacek Ludwig Scarso, and building on previous collaborations performed at Tate Modern, theatrical live scenes are merged with music and an integrated VR Performance in response to the unique site of The Old Chapel, creating a dreamscape where visitors and performers intermingle.
Physically and virtually immersed in a surreal habitat, visitors are confronted with the image of goats as a poignant metaphor for stubborn resilience and an unpredictable future.
Playful, bizarre and mysterious, the piece directly responds to LFA‘s ‘act’ theme, using performance as a vehicle to interact with the idea of architecture as spectacle, and to poetically reflect on the fragility of an urbanised ecosystem.
Further information and ticket booking via Anise Gallery. Tickets are £5 for adults and free for children.
This year the Forest Hill Society is once again able to offer a free edible “starter” plant to any one who comes to our tables at Forest Hill station on Saturday afternoon, 28th May. We aim to encourage people to grow their own edible plants, or plants with edible products.
No need for a garden, these plants can be grown on a window ledge in any old container. Our plants are provided by the Forest Hill Library garden team, Sydenham Gardens and Kilmorie School.
We recommend coming down as soon as possible after 2pm as plants go quickly. We would particularly welcome families at 2pm to give children a chance to grow these edible plants. If you don't have children who wish to grow the plant then you are most welcome, but we want to give priority to children for the first 15-20 minutes.
FREE DRAMA WORKSHOP as part of Lewisham Borough of Culture 2022
As part of Borough of Culture TEATRO VIVO have been made 'Artists of Change' working with the Climate resilience team at the council.
The end result will be a 20-minute show that will be performed twice in every ward in the borough - representing what the people of Lewisham think the borough should be doing around climate, greening, and reaching net zero by 2030.
After working with the climate team, we're reaching out to residents to hear what they want to say and we’d love for you to get involved. We’re running a drama workshop in each ward in the borough including one at Albion Millennium Green on Wednesday, May 25th 6.00-7.30pm.
Nice old photos of The Forester’s Arms, currently know as the All Inn One
and the Forest Hill Hotel, including floor plan).
Forest Hill Station
1910
1911
Some film from 1964 driving up from Lordship Lane to junction with South
Circular then down into Forest Hill and round under the railway bridge.
You may notice there are works happening down London road… nothing much changes eh?
(link takes you to relevant bit @ 3:10 ish but there may be more you notice)
From Facebook. 1971 apparently.
I saw this pic the other day which I thought was gorgeous. 1960 apparently
Here’s a blast from the past - Spiggy’s on Dartmouth Road
In the 1870’s the Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro painted
Lordship Lane station from the bridge in Sydenham Hill Woods looking
north at the Crystal Palace High Level Railway. What was open
countryside then is all overgrown now, but there are a few visible
pointers to the old railway track.
I’ve led walks for friends along the railway route from Nunhead to
Crystal Palace a couple of times. Here’s an overlay of some current
views with the painting to compare. The accuracy of his drafting, of the
landscape and especially of the houses that are still there is, as you
might expect, excellent.
In his painting, centrally we see the railway line, then the station
buildings, just beyond them was a bridge over Lordship Lane heading into
the current Horniman
Nature Trail, at the back of Woodvale. To the right in the distance we
see the hill on which Horniman Gardens now stand. In the near right
foreground now stand the apartment blocks of the Sydenham Hill Estate.
Finally, left of centre, the red house with the cream house left of it
on the corner of Woodvale.
this pic appeared on Twitter recently, the original wooden bridge
from which Pissarro painted Lordship Lane station. Don’t know the date -
guessing around 1900 from the dress of the two children pictured?
Lordship Lane Station looking north in c. early 1920’s
Lordship Lane Station looking north in the early 1950’s
Lordship Lane Station looking south during demolition in 1956
Photo by John L. Smith
The site of Lordship Lane Station looking north east in July 2007
Photo by Nick Catford
Aerial view showing the site of Lordship Lane Station - the
platforms are shown in black. The arrow indicates the camera position
and direction of the photograph above.
Click here for more pictures of Lordship Lane Station
Click here for pictures of Cox’s Walk footbridge south of Lordship Lane Station
Click here to see literature advertising the ‘Palace Centenarian’ - the last train
and this is one side of the station, a 2 storey building with steps up to platform level.
