The pavement gardens next to the Holland Park Roundabout are getting a makeover. They were created 10 years’ ago to brighten up TfL’s backfilled pedestrian subway crossing. NCS applied for the Council’s City Living Local Life (CLLL) award. The plan is to establish the beds as an example of drought resistant planting, acknowledging the garden’s exposed position and our increasingly warmer summers. There will be information boards, and with bee-friendly planting, the flower beds will be pinpointed on the RBKC Bee Highway Map.
Our Annual Lecture was given by Philip Davies and entitled ‘London: The Great Transformation 1860-1920’. Philip had scoured libraries, archives and private collections for images, often finding new material. We were particularly taken with the images of 19th century construction workers – many wearing bowler hats! Perhaps we should mandate this dress code for all workmen plying their trade in the Conservation Area?
No NCS report would be complete without an update on the Academy pub. Last year it was put up for sale. As an Asset of Community Value (ACV) community groups may bid for the property. The Kensington Society, submitted an expression of interest, supported by NCS and the Clarendon Cross Residents’ Association. Sadly, at the time of writing, no purchaser had been identified. However, we live in hope that one day, the much-loved Academy will reopen – with a traditional menu and a decent pint.
Martin Ingell, Chairman