|
|
The John Innes Society
What is the John Innes Society?
The John Innes Society is a Registered Charity. It is a non-political
organisation that is primarily dedicated to safeguard and improve the
built and natural environment in and around Merton Park. We exist
solely for the benefit of the community and everyone in it within this
special part of south-west London.
Who was John Innes?
John Innes (1829 - 1904) was a businessman, property developer and
benefactor - the "Squire of Merton" - who who lived in the old village
of Merton and created Merton Park. His vision and enlightened ideas
resulted in the laying out of this garden suburb with tree-lined roads,
fine houses in a variety of sizes and styles, and the holly hedges that
are still a feature today. His name has become famous through his
bequest that founded the first horticultural research institute in the
country.
What do we do?
Conserve
As a conservation society we work hard to safeguard and enhance our
area. Threats to our quality of life are, fortunately, few. However, we
are always ready to fight developments that threaten the area. Two good
examples of this are the successful opposition of the extension of the
relief road through Merton Park and the preservation of the Church Lane
playing fields as a "dedicated public open space in perpetuity" when
the intention was to develop it for housing. Of course, we also fight
smaller battles - issues such as road safety, parking, graffiti, street
furniture, inappropriate development - anything that adversely affects
the character of our area. We promote good and sympathetic design by
monitoring planning applications and informing the Council of our
views.
We also work and provide money to make the area a nicer place in
which to live. For example, we have helped secure funding for the major
improvements to John Innes Park. We have also enhanced our area through
planting and caring for trees, and measures to protect and promote
wildlife. In all of this we work closely with our members, the local
council, land use and conservation bodies, and other local
organisations.
Inform
We inform residents about the heritage of the local area and issues
that are relevant to its conservation and enhancement. We have many
publications about Merton Park and its history. To commemorate the
centenary of the death of John Innes in 2004 we published a book, by
Neal Priestland, "John Innes - His Life and Legacy". We also produce a
bi-monthly, informative newsletter, which contains information and
views about relevant planning matters, notices of and reports on the
Society's events and activities, and articles about conservation,
sustainability, wildlife, local history, and the activities of local
clubs and organizations. We have also organized talks and exhibitions
about the area and other relevant subjects.
Bring Together
We hold events to raise money to support our purposes and encourage
community values and involvement among the people who live in the area.
The social events include Music in the Park, bring and buy
plant sales, a teddy bears' picnic, a pancake party, and wine
tasting evenings.
There is a garden group and a Best Feront Garden competition, bridge
and bingo. Other new social activities are
under consideration to meet the needs of our members.
|
|
|
