For many years there has been rivalry between Hammersmith and Fulham. We were after all separate Boroughs until a Local Government reorganisation in 1968 when they were combined.

Environment Award 2008: Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre

The Fulham Society and the Hammersmith Society have different outlooks and there has been some ill feeling – usually towards us because we have had the temerity to comment on schemes for the Maggie Centre (We gave it an award), Thames Wharf and Fulham Football Ground (both of which we can see from Hammersmith Bridge).

Now there is a new broom in the form of Fiona Fowler (wife of the former Cabinet minister Lord Norman Fowler) who will be taking over as Chairman of the Fulham Society and we think relations are set to be more positive.

For two if not three of the last AGMs we have given a Wooden Spoon to the Council for their lack of a policy on street tree pits – that is the area around the base of the tree in the footpath. We have shown that there is no consistency of treatment which varies from just earth, to hoggin, to black tarmac to various forms of ‘bound gravel’. This is despite the formation of a StreetSmart guide adopted by the Council about 10 years ago after much exhortation by the Hammersmith Society. Lots of Borough’s deal with this problem successfully. It is a difficult problem as trees have to receive water, their roots go all over the place and dogs do nasty things on them.

As a result of our campaign, Harry Phibbs has been particularly tenacious in trying to get answers from Council Officers : They have recently come up with a new product – another form of permeable bound gravel which is being trailed at the moment around the Brackenbury area and Kings Street/St Peter’s Square – see illustration.

What do you think? Looks smart – will it last?

Resin-Bound Tree Pit

An alternative approach – not necessarily suitable for all locations – or certainly busy ones – is the personalised planted approach. I understand this is being trailed in Fulham (I am afraid the photo is from another Borough – but the principle is the same).

What do you think? Please contact Harry Phibbs or the Highways Department with your views.

Personalised planted tree pit

Dunnhumby building

Not wishing to pre-empt a winner for next year’s Environment Award but we will certainly be looking at the nearly complete offices for DunnHumby on Little Brook Green. This building next to the Brook Green Tesco store was last used by Access self Storage. It has been superbly converted, refurbished with original pattern windows and topped with a wonderful new roof extension by architects Collado Collins – Take a look when you are next passing by. You can also admire it from the Hammersmith and City Line.

I mentioned this in my last News Update. This event has been organised by Professor Hans Haenlein and others and is a wonderful opportunity for local people to see how they can engage in planning of their neighbourhood. This is an initiative born out of the ‘Neighbourhood and Community Rights Process’ which stems from the 2011 Localism Act. Please do sign up to attend as below and hear how this is happening in other areas :

— STOP PRESS – EVENT POSTPONED —
HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING WORKSHOP

Saturday 3 October 2015
St Paul’s Primary School Annexe, Worlidge Street W6

An opportunity for those who live, work and have an interest in Hammersmith & Fulham to hear about the Neighbourhood and Community Rights Process, a government initiative, which gives you the power to make a difference to your community by getting involved in local decision making, and working with others to make your area a better place

Supported by the Hammersmith Society and the Fulham Society and organised by Local Residents

Our President, Professor Hans Haenlein has been leading a group of residents and professionals to see whether the local community could benefit from the setting up of a Neighbourhood Planning Forum. This has been made possible by the Neighbourhood and Community Rights Process which stems from the 2011 Localism Act. An introductory workshop has been organised for Saturday 3 October 2015 at St Paul’s Primary School, Worlidge Street, W6. The session will start at 10am and finish at 1pm. There will be presentations by a number of guest speakers with experience and expertise in this.

Please come along. It is open to all and especially members of the Hammersmith Society and the Fulham Society.

Register your attendance with Rosemary Pettit, Hammersmith Society Membership Secretary :

The Council have announced (11 August) the setting up of a resident-led Air Quality Commission. This will be chaired by our own Rosemary Pettit (former Chairman of the Hammersmith Society). For more details, visit the Council website here

This a news update which has recently been sent to our members : If you are not receiving these regular bulletins, but would like to, please contact the Chairman, Tom Ryland – See contact details. If you are not a member of the Hammersmith Society but would like to join, please contact Rosemary Pettit, Membership Secretary.

The Hammersmith Society tries to fulfil its roles as a linking organisation for the many and diverse local groups within the Hammersmith area and disseminating information on local projects and initiatives. Do please keep us informed of any issues where our support would be helpful.

This is my first ‘electronic’ newsletter since taking over as Chairman from Rosemary Pettit. My first task is therefore to thank Rosemary for her excellent and unstinting stewardship of the Society over the last three years. She will be a hard act to follow – so you may be getting fewer of these for a start! Needless to say Rosemary is far from retiring and has taken on the task of Membership Secretary and will hopefully boosting our numbers. Please  encourage your individual members to join the Hammersmith Society : I attach a Membership Form but this can also be found on our website – See below.