Bricks and mortar build on library talks’ success 01/02/11
The history of housing in West Barnes proved a fascinating subject for a talk and slide show at the area’s much-loved library on Monday, 17 January, 2011.
Merton heritage manager Sarah Gould kept visitors to the regular Monday coffee morning fascinated for more than 90 minutes.
She provided a detailed and thoroughly researched look at how homes developed, ranging from the prehistoric shelters of nomadic Stone Age hunter-gatherers right up to the laying out of many new residential roads in the 20th century, chiefly between the First and Second World Wars.
Hunting game
Ms Gould used copious illustrations, photographs, maps and diagrams to explain how the early settlers were attracted to the Wandle valley’s rich soil and a good water supply, which supported an abundant supply of game.
Despite a heavy downpour of rain before the talk, up to 40 people braved the elements to fill the children’s section of West Barnes Library – by the end there was only standing room at the back.
At the end of the talk Ms Gould said she was keen to organise some local history sessions to record people’s memories and gather photographs of the area in earlier times.
She said: “There are a lot of local history books written about the Wimbledon and Mitcham area. There is sparse information in terms of specific books written about this particular area. We are very keen to redress the balance on that.”
Local reminiscences
Ms Gould added: “There are two things that I would like to do, funding and so forth allowing. One is to organise various sessions where we can record local people’s reminiscences.
“Also, with regard to photographs, I’d like to get local people together in putting together some sort of display. Not necessarily a mini-museum, but perhaps a display that we could have on show at West Barnes Library.”
The talk was one in a series of being held at the library in Station Road. The next, 21 February, 2011, will be entitled Mine’s A Pint! – The History Of Pubs In Merton. Historian Clive Whichelow will reveal the story of the borough’s inns and alehouses, including pubs from the West Barnes and Raynes Park area.
And on 21 March, Ms Gould will be back to present The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick-maker..., looking at the history of shops in West Barnes and Raynes Park.
External links:
Wikipedia’s history of Motspur Park
Merton Heritage Centre
(The fight to Save West Barnes Library)
(HOME)
[MotspurPark.info tries hard to get facts right, but if you spot a mistake or something missing, please write to mail@motspurpark.info]
Visitors enjoy a coffee and a chat before Sarah Gould starts her talk
Ms Gould displays one of several maps of West Barnes she brought along
