NEW HERITAGE BOUNDARIES PROJECT WINS NATIONAL LOTTERY SUPPORT
Beyond The Boundaries, an exciting new heritage project involving the local community in a programme of creative activities and events inspired by the 50th anniversary of the creation of the London boroughs, launches on Thursday.
Invisible Palace and the Crystal Palace Community Development Trust have been awarded a grant of £45,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The launch takes place this Thursday at midday at Upper Norwood joint library on Westow Hill – with a second chance on Saturday, again in the library, again at midday.
The project will explore how the creation of the London boroughs has informed the unique heritage of Crystal Palace as a point where five London boroughs meet and bring the area’s rich heritage to life.
An oak tree, the ‘Vicar’s Oak’, originally marked the boundary of four ancient parishes: Lambeth; Camberwell; Croydon and a detached portion of Battersea parish containing the hamlet of Penge.
The site of the Vicar’s Oak remains the boundary of the modern boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Croydon and Bromley.
The project will create opportunities for engaging groups that are often under-represented in heritage activities and provide numerous opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer, including: oral history and digital recording training; heritage research and talks; contributing memories and experience; creative workshops and performance, and the chance to develop ideas for a commemorative path into Crystal Palace park marking the site of the Vicar’s Oak.
The project will work across boroughs and is aiming to get a wide range of local volunteers of all ages involved. Working closely with local history libraries and archives, participants will gain a deeper insight into the history of the area.
Commenting on the award, Sue Giovanni, from Invisible Palace and one of the project coordinators, said: “We are delighted to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and are confident the project will encourage local people to get involved in the many and varied activities and events that celebrate their local history and the history of their communities.”
Want to get involved? Come to our launch events in Upper Norwood library on Thursday 3rd December and Saturday 5th December from 12pm-2pm to share seasonal refreshments with us and see some of the fascinating materials relating to the history of the boroughs and their boundaries.
About Invisible Palace:
Invisible Palace is a new organization for the Crystal Palace area and surrounding communities. Through the Boundaries project Invisible Place will develop a programme of arts, cultural, heritage and educational activities and events, in collaboration with individuals who live, work or study in the area. We aim to provide activities that promote wellbeing, increase skills, and minimize barriers to participation. [email protected]
About Crystal Palace Community Development Trust:
Through active consultation with local communities the Crystal Palace Community Development Trust has been able to initiate a number of projects. These include managing the Anerley Business Centre and Halls in Anerley, Bromley, to provide support for small businesses, as well as activities for people of all ages. Opening of the Kingswood Estate Community Shop in Southwark, equipped with computers and internet access for use by the people living on the estate. Youth activities, including a youth club for children of all ages and art classes for children aged 8 to 15 . Activities for the elderly, as well as learning and employment support. (Source: Invisible Palace / Crystal Palace Community Development Trust joint press release)