As in the Chairman's Annual Report (see previous news item) the call has gone out for more volunteers to help with the general running of the Carshalton Water Tower.

"By request we are opening more frequently, adding several Saturdays. In volunteering you will never be left to manage on your own. There will always be other helpers around. Please come along one Sunday afternoon and see how pleasant it can be.
Why not bring a friend with you? Your friends can become Water Tower Volunteers. They need not join as a Friend if they do not wish to do so. Any free Sunday afternoon, during our open season, you have to offer will be most welcome. "

Please contact Julia as soon as possible as your help is most urgently needed if we are to continue our service to the public!

Paul Freeman

The AGM was held on the Saturday 14th June at the Water Tower and Jean Knight gave her 16th Annual Report giving a overview of another busy year for the Carshalton Water Tower.

This year John Freeman gave a presentation of how the spectacular exterior lighting in winter months has been developed to be energy efficent on a small budget. this was a scaled down version of the paper presented to the Chartered Institute of Electrical Engineers at their headquaters in london earlier this year.

Jean Knights 15th Annual Report is available to view in PDF Format here - Chairmans Report 2007/08

Paul Freeman

The first 2008 Sunday opening of the Tower on the 6th of April was a shock to system with snow falling during the morning, yet despite this there were a small number of visitors to that afternoon. Thanks to the stewards and public who were around for the unusual start to the season.

The Friends are looking for more volunteers to help with . If you can spare a few hours to help out on one or two Sundays a year then please contact Julia Gertz.

John Freeman

On Saturday the 7th of July Jean Knight (Chairman of the Friends of Carshalton Water Tower) welcomed local MP Tom Break to a small gathering at the Carshalton Water Tower.

Tom thanked those present for their donations and help in connection with current round of restoration projects at the Tower.

The current work has centred around the Pump Room with its water wheel which has received attention to the brickwork, its stone support pillars, doorways and windows. The Water Wheel itself was partly restored 10 years ago this year, and receieved a new coat of paint for the occasion.

John Freeman

The Annual General Meeting was held on the Saturday 16th June at the Water Tower.
Those in attendance heard reports from Jean Knight, Liz Thornton, John Thornton and Paul Freeman. Covering the Chairmans report, Treasurers report, an overview of the last year and the launch of the website.

Afterwards we were treated to a passionate talk by Gerald Smith OBE who gave a history of Nonsuch and an update on the Friends of Nonsuch and the issues they currently face. All rounded off by Strawberries and cream.

A copy of the Jean Knights Report is available to view in PDF Format here - Chairmans Report 2006/07

Paul Freeman

The Hermitage exhibiton is now on display at the Carshalton Water Tower. This includes pictures and information of the earliest known history of Hermitage. It records the the 1992-93 excavation and restoration work along with the associated archeology of the site.

The exhibition was opened to the public on the weekend of the 26th May and included a talk on the Saturday evening to compliment the launch. This was by Andrew Skelton who was involved in the restoration in the 90's and has since written and published a detailed report on the Hermitage and his findings.

The exhibition will be on display in the Water Tower until the the end of the season.
Please see the Visit Us section for opening dates and times.

The quiz night on Saturday 21st April drew eight teams and as has become the tradition the winners from previous years set the questions.

This years quizmaster was Amanda Hill, who having been a contestant on Mastermind, gave us some interesting questions.

Winners this year were the 'The Reluctant' team led by Andrew Skelton, who received the winners shield.

 

This will be a splendid afternoon with Andrew Skelton guiding us and explaining the 18th century landscape garden. However in addition to this we have just received news that Loire Wines, who are the Sponsors of the London Open Squares event, have chosen to give us some Loire wines to taste on this occasion.
Tickets are £3.50 Each and these can be purchased at the desk in the Water Tower on the day.
The event web site is www.opensquares.org

 

After a discussion last year the offer was made to design a website for the Carshalton Water Tower
and Historic Gardens Trust. This would enable the trust to reach a new wider community whilst
keeping those who are already Friends and supporters updated with what is happening at the Water Tower.

The website allows for the promotion of the Water Tower to attractmore visitors to see this unique building and garden, highlighting the events that are held there and the opportunities for for private hire.

The site has been designed and created at no charge to the Trust (excluding unavoidable site hosting charges) and will be maintained for free.
Please enjoy the site and we hope that you'll visit the Carshalton Water Tower in the near future.

Paul Freeman

Last year in addition to all the parties and presentation and a Christening, two of the most interesting hirings have been the visits of the Folly Fellowship on March 12th and that of the Newcomen Society on 20th May, which are international organisations.

The Folly Fellowship used the Tower for their AGM, which was extremely well supported. They appeared to be extremley pleased with our hospitality and promised to suport us when we have the lease of the Folly Bridge with it's restoration.

The Newcomen Society visit on an exeedingly inclement day, but even their Society Members who drove all the way from Devon, in the early hours of the morning, said that the journey had certainly been worthwhile.

Jean Knight

 

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