The Wilson's Residents Association is a local amenity group started for the residents in six streets in Camberwell, in South East London: Dagmar Road, Grace's Mews, Grace's Road, Maude Road, Vestry Road, (north of the Bickleigh Pub) and Wilson Road.
The Association was formed in 1986, by a group of Council Tenants in Wilson Road, who were housed in 'street properties' owned by Southwark Council. They found that they had no 'voice' at the local Neighbourhood Housing Forum. Council properties on Estates are recognised as distinct units and have their own Tenants and Residents Associations, often with their own Halls for functions and social clubs. However 'street properties' are not as distinct, often it is not obvious which properties in an area are Council, Housing Association, private landlord or owner occupied. With advice from Cllr. Tony Ritchie we decided to form a Tenants and Residents Association for everyone living in the area irrespective of the status of their occupancy.
To raise funds we gathered together bric-a-brac and sold it at the local Car Boot Sale (held in the car park of the Wilson Annex of the Camberwell School of Art). But we soon gained the recognition of Southwark Council and we are now funded by the Council.
The main aim of the Association is to promote the interests of the local people.
The Association is governed by a Constitution run by a committee and funded by Southwark Council. The Association is also affiliated to the Southwark Group of Tenants Organisations.
The Association writes, publishes and distributes a newsletter three to four times a year, to advertise Open Meetings, invite members to the AGM, announce activities like the Party in the Park and day trips to France, changes in Southwark Council Services or free skips for bulky rubbish, or warn residents about hazards such as criminals working in the area, con callers or rats.
The following essay was written by a nine year old resident for a nationwide competition
From Medieval times to the present, Camberwell has had a very colourful history. The settlement first developed in Medieval times because of the presence of 'good' water: the Camber Well. This water was so highly thought of, that it was claimed that it could cure lameness if you bathed in it. The parish church was dedicated to Saint Giles the patron saint of the lame. This church was important not only to the people of Camberwell, but also to the inhabitants of Dulwich, where there was no parish church.
This role of welcoming people from other places has always been part of Camberwell. In the 17th Century, Camberwell welcomed French Huguenots who left their mark in street names: Champion Park, Champion Hill, and de Crespigny Park. The next influx was in the 1850's with the coming of the railways. This made it possible for people to live in Camberwell, who worked in the City of London. The next wave of immigrants was 100 years later when first the Greek Cypriots came and made Camberwell their home building their Cathedral and opening businesses like greengrocers, bakers, restaurants, banks and travel agents. They were swiftly followed by West Indians who came as economic migrants at the invitation of the British Government after World War Two.
All these waves have been reflected in the housing stock. 17th Century houses are close to Camberwell Green and the Church. Victorian houses radiate out from there and are fringed with the 1950's estates. Camberwell has natural colour with tree-lined streets, large gardens and many open parks, but also human colour because of its multicultural society, which has meant there is a colourful diversity of food, music and art.
I like living in Camberwell in South East London because I can walk to: the park, the swimming pool, the library and the tennis court. I don't like Camberwell as there are often armed sieges and police helicopters flying overhead. This is because of a drug problem linked to social problems like: unemployment and poor housing. But all in all I personally really like Camberwell and I hope you will too when and if you come to visit.
Click here to return to the Home Page