The Lee Manor Society is celebrating its Golden Anniversary with an exhibition in the Manor House library of historic pictures of Lee and of the Society’s modern-day role in its enhancement.
Starting on Monday June 29 and running for two weeks to Saturday July 11 the exhibition is free to view during normal library opening hours (10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday, closed Sunday).
The display comprises photographs of Lee from its largely Victorian origins and through the first half of the 20th century up to the present day. It shows images of Society activities including restoration of the 250-year-old Ice House in Manor House Gardens, the planting of street trees and the removal of intrusive graffiti.
The photographs also display the results of members’ behind-the-scenes work on scrutinising planning applications to prevent change that would damage the neighbourhood and promote developments that enhance its character. Current schemes such as the restoration and replanting of the neglected “Big Bed “at the Old Road entrance to Manor House Gardens demonstrate the range of Society activities and the value we can add to the local scene.
Established in 1976 by residents concerned at the demolition of swathes of Victorian housing – then dismissed as hopelessly outdated but now prized for its convenience and fine detailing – the Society has worked for 50 years, alongside other local community groups, to maintain Lee as an attractive neighbourhood in which to live and work.