Founded in 1965

The Eltham Society

Preserving the Past | Conserving the Present | Protecting the Future

Founded in 1965

The Eltham Society

Preserving the Past | Conserving the Present | Protecting the Future

What We Do

Founded by a group of local people in 1965, the Eltham Society’s motto – Preserving the past, Conserving the present, and Protecting the future – is at the very heart of everything the Society stands for, but the Society also has a very lively social side.

all events

With its watching brief on Eltham, the Society aims to:

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Encourage high standards of architecture and town planning in Eltham.

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Stimulate public interest in and care for the beauty, history and character of the area.

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Encourage the preservation, development and improvement of areas of public amenity and historic interest.

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Pursue these aims with exhibitions, talks and publications.

On the social side, the Society does the following:

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Hosts monthly talks on many and varied topics with some very interesting speakers – recent talks have included Old Eltham and The Life and Times of Philip Larkin.

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Organises several events throughout each year – recent outings have included a trip to the Police Museum in Sidcup.

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Leads various walks – recent walks have included one around the Progress Estate, Houses for Workers.

Amenity Committee

The Amenity Committee works hard to deliver the Society’s aims of Preserving the past, Conserving the present and Protecting the future and is a very well-respected entity. It deals with planning applications, offering sound observations at borough planning meetings and is, at times, consulted by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The Committee also works with various organisations on topics of local interest.

One important task of the Amenity Committee is to seek out new projects worthy of the Eltham Society Award.

The Society has been recognising projects of local excellence in this way since 1975.

The aim of the award is to recognise improvement in standards of design, layout and amenity of buildings, land and public areas with Eltham. Nominations are made in the year following construction, opening or first use. Both major and small developments are equally eligible. Some notable award-winners have included The Orangery restoration and extension, the Bob Hope Theatre refurbishment, and Roper Street C of E School’s new classrooms and playground.

Examples of past Eltham Society Award winners:

2022

Wyborne Primary School

The Museum of Everything

The award was presented to James Searjeant, headteacher, Grace Titchener, school’s history leader, and Alison Hales, the Historical Association’s quality work assessor, on 15th November 2022.

“In the opinion of the Society, the museum inside the school building has created an imaginative learning space that develops the inquisitive minds of the children.”

2019

Bob Hope Theatre

Improvements to the theatre

“In the opinion of the Society, the new façade and foyer has increased the outward profile of the theatre and much improved access for disabled people. It has enabled the creation of space for exhibitions on Bob Hope and the history of the theatre.

Backstage improvements have achieved better facilities for rehearsal, the base for the New Stagers and development of the theatre’s workshop and education activities

The imaginative designs contribute to the quality and facilities for visitors and people of Eltham.”

Eltham society award winners since 1975

2018

Eltham C of E Primary

Restoration and improvements

The award was received by Matthew Bulpitt, headteacher, Rupert Osborn, Chair of Governors and David May, Chair of Finance on Friday 19th January 2018. The citation reads:

“In the opinion of the Society, the restoration of the historic building and improvements to facilities for school children with new classrooms and play area. The imaginative designs contribute to the quality and appearance of Eltham’s built environment.”

Publications

Apart from producing the quarterly Newsletter, the society occasionally commissions, edits and produces publications.

A recent popular and high-profile project was working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to name new benches in Eltham High Street after prominent people with a significant connection to Eltham. The publication Sitting Pretty in Eltham tells the stories behind these people.

For details of all the society’s publications click on the button below.

publications

Publications

About the Society

Founded in 1965, this historical and amenity society has flourished so that our membership is over 400. Many members are, of course, living in the catchment area of SE9 but others have moved to other areas in the United Kingdom and abroad. We have town namesakes in Australia and New Zealand.

Discover Eltham

Where is Eltham?

Eltham is approximately 10 miles south-east of London and the southernmost town in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Mention of Eltham is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and is strategically placed between London and Kent. Its proximity to the River Thames led to the establishment of a moated manor house, which soon became the home of Royalty, Eltham Palace.

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