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The John Innes
Society
What is the John Innes
Society?
The John Innes Society is a Registered Charity, affiliated
to the Civic Trust. 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 an annual Music in the Park, bring and buy plant sales, a
teddy bears' picnic, a photographic competition, an annual buffet supper, a
pancake party, and a wine tasting evening. There is a garden visiting group, a
classical music appreciation group, a walking group, bridge and bingo. Other
new social activities are under consideration to meet the needs of our members.
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