The historic Swan and Sugarloaf in South Croydon, pictured before it was taken over by Tesco and much of the Victorian and Edwardian interior was lost forever
The South Croydon Community Association has been hard at work developing “The Weird, the Wicked and the Wonderful: Tales from South Croydon’s forgotten heritage”, a heritage trail which will be discussed at a public meeting being held on Monday evening, January 20.
“South Croydon is a busy 21st century London suburb, with a long and fascinating history,” John Clingan, the secretary of the SCCA, said. “It lies within the ancient manors of Croham and Haling and formed part of the estates of the Archbishopric of Canterbury.”
The project aims to reveal the rich heritage which helps to define the community. Around 20 sites have been carefully researched to provide the basis for guided and self-guided heritage trails. SCCA intends to set up a website which will be a community heritage resource and printed material will be available for local use, including by schools. SCCA aims to have 100 volunteers equipped to help to protect the heritage for future generations.
“In part, the project is a response to the 2011 riots in Croydon. The heritage trail – both the process of its development and the uses to which it will be put – is designed to help regain a sense of identity and community,” Clingan said.
The 2014-2015 targets are for 500 residents – young and old – to have access to, and a better appreciation of, the diverse and largely forgotten heritage that surrounds them: a contribution to wider processes of renewal and regeneration in Croydon.
The SCCA is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to help develop the trail. The meeting, at St Peter’s Church House, Heathfield Road, on Monday January 20 starts at 7pm and is open to anyone interested in finding out more about the project or contributing ideas and stories.
Coming to Croydon
- Croydon Ramblers, Chelsham walk, Jan 19
- Croydon Roller Derby trials, Jan 19
- STDLCC Screening: The East, Jan 20
- STDLCC Screening: Winter Nomads, Jan 27
- Renaming ceremony for Lake Conan Doyle, Feb 1
- Coulsdon and Purley Debating Society, Feb 3
- Babylon at the Spread Eagle Theatre, Feb 4-6
- Steve Knightly at Stanley Halls: Feb 5
- Purley Swimathon: Feb 8 and 13
- Mark Steel at Ashcroft Theatre, Feb 12
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Feb 20
- Mr Pooter comes to Croydon, Feb 20-22
- Stop the Incinerator fund-raiser, Feb 24
- Coulsdon and Purley Debating Society, Mar 3
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Mar 20
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, a residents’ or business association or local event, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
