THE FULHAM SOCIETY

THE FULHAM SOCIETY

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT                                                            November 2008

            Two new factors may already be influencing the course of projected events which concern The Fulham Society.  One is the new Mayor of London; the other, the “credit crunch”.

            The full policies of the new Mayor, Boris Johnson, have yet to be revealed; but it does already seem that they will include support for the concept of Metropolitan Open Land, - open space with the urban landscape which is already listed for preservation as a desirable amenity and should therefore not be built upon otherwise than with a view to enhancing the use of the open space itself.

            The proposed annexe to All Saints Church, having been in the sights of The Fulham Society for the best part of two years, has risen to top place in our list of concerns because, at long last, planning permission for it is being sought from the Borough Council.  There has been much dispute about its design.  The designers have worked hard to modify their original concept.  The Parish Church Council, fully persuaded of the need for extra facilities which the annexe would provide for this thriving church, has accepted the latest design.  The Fulham Society, well aware of the degree of support for this project amongst members of the congregation, some of whom are also members of The Fulham Society, has nevertheless felt obliged to oppose if from the outset, primarily because it would be built over an important graveyard and on land which has rightly been designated as Metropolitan Open Land for the very good reason that it is extremely attractive, - part of the view towards Bishops Park and the grounds of the Palace from the north side of Putney Bridge which is a lovely and unique counterpoise to the ugliness of the buildings across the road and one that belongs, in a sense, to all residents of Fulham.  We were encouraged, therefore, that our two letters to the Council, one with several cogent arguments against the project, one concentrating exclusively on the topic of Metropolitan Open Land, were acknowledged by the Council which also assured us that this critical planning application would be determined not by a Council Planning official but by the Councillors’ Planning Committee.

            Closely related to the project for the annexe to All Saints – not only because it is nearby but also because it could be the source of funding for the annexe, - is the proposed development by Barton Finch of the land to the south west of Fulham High Street between the Temperance Pub and the drive to the Vicarage by Parkview Court.  This major project has clearly evolved considerably since first brought to our attention two years ago; and several of its possible features remain undecided upon today.  Amongst these is a Tesco store, the case for which seems not yet to have been fully made.  The Fulham Society is particularly concerned about the extra vehicular traffic which will be caused by such a large supermarket along this part of an important main thoroughfare wherein traffic jams already occur far too frequently.  Other questionable features of the scheme include a car park under the paddock, adjacent to the Allotment area and beyond the present church hall, - which may fall foul of archaeological considerations, including damage to the moat; and the design and size of a new church hall where the existing one stands.  Much of this part of Fulham High Street is extremely unsightly and The Fulham Society thus accepts the need for its appropriate and tasteful development.  However its location on the very edge of Fulham’s principal amenities, - the Church and its large graveyard, the Palace and its large grounds, Bishop’s Park, the Vicarage with its own garden and extensive open space beyond, all with important historical connections and archaeological possibilities, to say nothing of the existing dwelling houses, - present the developers with an unusually complex minefield of difficulties, objections and conflicting interests with which to grapple.  Much of their plan would greatly improve this part of the High Street, and The Fulham Society will continue trying to ensure that its final version leaves these precious amenities intact.

            Whilst not directly involved with Fulham Palace , we are represented on the Palace Management Board by our Vice-Chairman, John Putnam.  Moreover, the Chairman of the Fulham Palace Museum Trust, John Rylance, also serves on the Fulham Palace Management Board and is a member of our Executive Committee.  It has been pleasing to note the many improvements to the Palace and its grounds already accomplished and continuing to occur.  One of The Fulham Society’s chief concerns has been that, in accordance with the original agreement with the Church Commissioners, governance of the Palace should be at arms’ length from the Borough Council and all income ring-fenced for the Palace.  Progress in this direction was noted in May and the position has since been further consolidated.  Incidentally, The Fulham Society itself has donated two large, attractive metal urns to the Palace: they are situated either side of the main entrance to the building.

            Executive Committee members are often very busy behind the scenes between monthly meetings.  An example of this relates to the River Walk.  A working part of Committee members has surveyed the full length of the River Thames frontage of the former borough of Fulham from Chancellor’s Road to Chelsea Creek so as to report in detail on the condition of the River Walk, to draw attention to obvious defects and to recommend improvements.  There is, for example, a need in some parts of the Walk for better rubbish bins, improved notices and signs about wildlife, local history and adjacent items of interest.  There is a need for maintenance to be carried out to consistent standards for the whole length of the Walk; for better seating, better policing, and so on.  The report also includes acute observations on the width and safety of the Walk at various points, the topic of pedestrians vs. cyclists and the need for better walls and more regular clearance of rogue shrubs and weeds in some parts.  The report contains a separate and comprehensive section dealing with those parts of the Hamersmith Embankment which are, in fact, in the former Borough of Fulham.  Other locations specifically mentioned are Dorset Wharf and Rainville Court , Blake’s Wharf and Meadowbank Close, Carrara Wharf and the Broomhouse Drawdock.  The intention is to illustrate the Report with photographs and in due course to submit the final version to the LBHF Council and distribute it to other bodies concerned with Fulham’s riverside amenities.  It is hoped that the Council will find this Report useful as an indication of what needs to be done and as a general work of reference of the same quality and significance as The Fulham Society’s “Renaissance in Fulham” illustrated report of 2007.

            Before I leave the subjects of planning and the environment, - and here I should say that, in addition to the critical projects already mentioned, our specialists on the Executive Committee are always dealing with thirty or forty other projects of varying importance, including, for example, parks, - there is a development planned by Lady Margaret’s School, details of which are shown on the boards in this room.  We are particularly asked by the School to have a look at these and record any observations on the forms provided.

            As Alex Hill-Smith, will tell you shortly, our financial position remains reasonably satisfactory.  There is, however, a pressing need for more members because departure, for one reason or another, of older members is not at present being counterbalanced by influx of new members.  I do urge all present members to do whatever they can to persuade friends and acquaintances to join.  My hope is that, if we do manage to recruit new members, one or two of them might be able in due course to serve on our Executive Committee, particularly if they have expertise in town planning, the environment or local government.

            Our usual social events, including the Carol Service last December and the Summer Party in July, were thoroughly enjoyable as always, benefiting as they do from much hard work by many tireless volunteers.  It is a sad fact, however, that because of the improvements at Fulham Palace , noted above, we are no longer able to use the east facing reception rooms for the Summer Party.

            We were pleased by the success of this year’s Celebrating Fulham week, organised by the Council with support and co-operation of The Fulham Society.  The many imaginative events which took place were well attended.

            By way of a footnote, I should perhaps mention that the Executive Committee was intrigued but gratified to learn from newspaper reports that its sister body, The Hammersmith Society, had conferred its top Annual Environment Award for new buildings in Hammersmith upon the designers of the building known as Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre, - the adjunct to Charing Cross Hospital, which is actually in Fulham.

            May I take this opportunity of reminding you that this year’s Fulham Society Carol Service will take place on Wednesday 10^th December in the Chapel at Fulham Palace ; and I am pleased to say there will be sherry beforehand and a reception with food and wine afterwards.  Doors open at 7.30 pm and tickets cost £12 from our Secretary, Mrs Donelan, at 1 Roseville Road, SW6 7BN .  This is always a most enjoyable event, with an excellent choir from Lady Margaret’s School to lead the singing.

            Finally, I want to pay tribute again to the officers of The Fulham Society’s Executive Committee, - John Putnam, the Vice-Chairman; Maya Donelan, our Hon. Secretary; Binky Aylmer, the Minutes Secretary; Carol Blanks and Anne Prestwood who deal with Membership; Deborah Williams, editor of the Newsletter; Keith Whitehouse our historian and archaeological expert; Niel Redpath, our former Chairman, who continues to be of great help to us; and all the other members of the Committee whose contribution and support have been so invaluable to me.  I thank them all.  I also particularly want to thank Ian Jones, author of last year’s illustrated report called “Renaissance in Fulham” for all his excellent work.  His expertise in town planning served us well and we greatly regret his recent departure from our Executive Committee.  Sue Hill, a long-standing member, has also resigned but, I am glad to say, has promised her continued and valuable help in catering, food and drink, - when we need it.  Another resignation is that of Alex Hill-Smith, our Treasurer.  I thank all these three people for their work for us as members of our Executive Committee.  With regard to Alex Hill-Smith, he has had to resign very recently due to the pressure of work; but his wife, Isobel, having offered her services to replace him as Treasurer, we have agreed to co-opt her on to the Committee straight away, with a view to that appointment being ratified in due course.  And finally, I would like to say thank you to Alan Rainbow who continues very kindly to supervise and update our website.

            Ladies and gentlemen, that completes my report to you this evening.  Thank you for coming to our AGM and thank you for listening.

18 November 2008                                                                               John M. Robb

Last modified: 17 February 2010