Exhibition of old photos of Lee

The Lee Manor Society Golden Anniversary exhibition of old photographs of Lee has opened at Manor House Library.

It’s free to visit, and there is also a drinks reception on Thursday July 2nd, starting at 6.30 pm. All are welcome and the first drink is free!.

Today, Charles Batchelor from the Society was on hand to explain some of the pictures to visitors.

The exhibition is open every day except Sunday until July 11th. Full details can be found here.

How London Square is using Lee’s history for its marketing campaign

London Square has reportedly been doing video interviews with shop owners and other traders for their marketing campaign.

One shop owner told the Lee Manor Society they asked what the area has to offer in the way of cafes, pubs, shops and community activities.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that the latest hoarding adverts around the Lee Green development – as it’s now called – focus on the historic aspects of the area. Photos of Victorian buildings are matched by some curious wording, for example “It’s not what you know, it’s where you know.”

We shouldn’t complain since the buildings they are using for their marketing are some of those the Lee Manor Society works hard to protect and preserve.

Nevertheless, it’s interesting that London Square haven’t used any pictures illustrating how the development will look when it’s finished. So here’s a reminder.

Manor House Gardens Festival 2026

Photo: Paul Lowndes

Hundreds of people went along to the Manor House Gardens Festival on Saturday June 20th. It was a sweltering day so the drinks and ice cream sellers did roaring business” Live music and an abundance of stalls as well as the activities and rides for children combined to make it another memorable Festival.

Below is a video filmed by the Chair of the Friends of Manor House Gardens Paul Lowndes.

Lucy Anne Bishop who is the project leader on the Big Bed Rescue Project found plenty of interest from Festival visitors, and was able to show them some images of how it’s hoped the bed will look once it’s been planted in the autumn.#

Meanwhile there was a constant stream of visitors to the Ice House which stayed open all afternoon. Over the weekend, an unexpected guest also found its way in – a frog apparently looking for somewhere to cool down.

Photo David Ford

Leegate: demolition is complete

London Square has confirmed that the demolition phase of the development is now complete and the demolition team is expected to be leaving the site by July 3rd. .

London Square is about to post a bulletin on its noticeboards confirming that the completed work includes :

  • the demolition of the former petrol station (later the car wash). The fuel tanks have been removed.
  • The removal of all asbestos on the site by a licenced asbestos contracator.
  • the demolition of the garages at the south end of the site where London Square plan to build a terrace of houses.

There is still some work to be done before the demolition contractors can leave. This includes the removal of surplus hardcore in eight wheel lorries.