The London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies
NEWSLETTER March 2015 NEW LIFE FOR THE LIT&SCI Norman Plastow, Past President, writes: One of Wimbledon’s oldest societies closed at the end of last year after 124 years. The Wimbledon Literary and
Scientific Society was founded in 1891 by some distinguished local residents to encourage the study of literature and science.
Membership was by invitation Above left: Norman Plastow presides over the final meeting where and meetings took place in Secretary Sally Flew, centre, lectured on the Lit & Sci’s prestigious the homes of members, history and distinguished list of previous presidents. But all is not lost. where they presented papers Andrew Simon, right, now heads a team that is resurrecting it for the on a range of suitable sub- future like a phoenix rising from the ashes. jects. The meetings took place after dinner, and in Hall which centred round a new members and chaired all those days when it was usual display of scientific instru- meetings until the Society to “dress for dinner” the dress ments and objects. These in- was fully re-established in was black tie. (In the early cluded living physiological 1948. days almost all the members specimens, and even cholera In the post war period, were men.) Most members and anthrax, exposed on a smaller homes were available followed this tradition until green baize table! for meetings. Seating became quite recently. Membership During World War One, the a problem and chairs had to was limited to 80 but meetings continued, but with be hired. Reluctantly, the members could bring one less lavish refreshments. The Society moved from private guest, who had to be formally Lit&Sci flourished again homes to the Town Hall com- introduced before between the wars, but during mittee room, and then to proceedings began. World War Two the Society church or school halls. These The leading members in had to suspend its activities were less intimate settings those early days included Sir for some time. When they and also increased the Thomas Jackson and Sir restarted, meetings were held running costs. In addition to William Preece. They at 3pm and refreshments lectures there were dramatic arranged outings as well as were limited, due to rationing. readings and productions. the regular meetings. There From 1945, the Society was Summer garden parties were was also an annual resurrected by Dr Seligman introduced and a Christmas ‘Conversazione’ in the Village who, as President, recruited lunch at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club. (Contd on Page 3 ) INSIDE: News 3 Local History Group 4/5 Kirk Bannister - the interview 6 Environment 7 Museum 8 Planning Committee 8/11 Around and About 12