South London Sports
South London Sports
Saturday 7 July
10.30am - 4.30pm
Leaders: Christina Malathouni & Ian McInnes
This tour of South London sporting venues is the Society’s response both to English Heritage’s ‘Played in London’ (to be published in May) and London’s Olympic extravaganza of lycra sports outfits and venues inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion and ergonomic bicycle design.
Starting at the 1930s Temple Bowling Club, with its unique first floor indoor ‘green’ first used in the 1934 Empire Games, we follow with the recently refurbished Grade II listed Brockwell Lido. Next will be the Herne Hill Velodrome, the last remaining venue from the 1948 Olympic Games still in active use. Although the site has lacked maintenance over the years, the recently formed Herne Hill Velodrome Trust has resurfaced the track and is actively campaigning for funds to improve cyclist and spectator facilities.
It’s then by bus to Crystal Palace for a late lunch break (buy your own in Westow Hill). The second half of the day will be at the Grade II* listed National Recreation Centre, a very positive outcome from a Society case a few years ago. We will also view the Grade I listed sculptures of prehistoric animals. Departure can be via the Grade II listed Crystal Palace Lower Level Station, built specifically for visitors to the Crystal Palace in mid C19.
All interior visits are subject to confirmation from site owners/managers. Please bring a Zone 1-4 travel card for the bus rides.
Cost: Members only £14
Meet: Outside Denmark Hill Railway Station at 10.30am