16th Dec 2016
Planting a Tree in Wormholt Park to commemorate the 90th Birthday of HM The Queen 
With The mayor and Cllr Harcourt
The tree is a Liriodendron Tulipifera “Tulip Tree”

We were sorry to see Rosemary Pettit step down at the AGM and we wish her well in her role as Lady Mayoress,  but are pleased to welcome Chris Tranchell who was elected. The Committee now consists of Hans Haenlein – President, myself as Chairman, Melanie Whitlock – Vice Chairman, Annabel Clarke – Hon Secretary, Richard Tollemache – Hon Treasurer, Richard Farthing – Membership Secretary, Richard Jackson – Newsletter Editor, Angela Clarke, Richard Winterton, Annabelle May, Julian Hillman, Derrick Wright, Chris Tranchell.

Our next Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday 11 September. Please contact me or any of the Committee if you would like matters to be raised.

The statue was finally unveiled at a ceremony on a glorious afternoon on 24th May in front of an invited audience. Unfortunately the original Guest of Honour Sir Roy Strong was unable to attend due to ill health but the organisers were delighted that Gilly Drummond, Chairman of the Capability Brown Festival Celebrations 2016 was able to take his place, together with Cllr Michael Cartwright in his role as Mayor. Gilly is also Chairman of the English Heritage Historic Parks and Gardens Panel and President of the Association of Gardens Trusts.

The Leader of the Council Stephen Cowan, MP Andy Slaughter and the sculptor Laury Dizengremel were also in attendance. Celebrations continued in the Blue Boat Pub nearby.

Hammersmith Society Committee: Capability Brown Statue

Capability Brown Statue unveiling

Capability Brown Statue unveiling

Capability Brown Statue unveiling – Richard Jackson

Capability Brown Statue unveiling

The location of the statue is on the newly adopted riverside walk at Distillery Wharf, but unfortunately the statue has been removed temporarily to rectify a slight wobble, but will be returned in about two weeks.

Congratulations especially to our Committee Member Richard Jackson for making the project happen, raising the necessary funds and overcoming so many obstacles along the way.

Following the success of this statue, it seems that plans are now afoot for another statue to commemorate William Morris. Watch this space!

We are delighted that the new Mayor, elected on 17 May, is Cllr Michael Cartwright. Michael was elected as a Councillor in 1992 and represents Broadway Ward. He was Deputy Leader from 2014 – 2017. He is a member and long term supporter of the work of the Hammersmith Society. We understand that Cllr Mercy Umeh will continue in the role of Deputy Mayor.

We also wish to congratulate Rosemary Pettit on her appointment as Mayoress and Consort to the Mayor. Rosemary has been on the Hammersmith Society committee for several years and was Chairman from 2012 to 2015.