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The Thorney Island Society, 10 Old Pye Street, London SW1P 2DG
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Rose Malik - General Enquiries)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Lucy Peck - Planning & Newsletter Editor)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Louise Cartledge - Membership)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Hari Kitching - Events and Visits)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Robert Timms - Finance)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Clare Annamalai - e-Newsletter)
0203 883 1583
@ThorneyIslandSo
@thethorneyislandsociety
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About Us
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President Sir Nicholas Underhill Clare Annamalai (Communications) Marsh Charitable Trust
Ex-Chair and Co-Founder |
THE SOCIETY'S CONSTITUTION - Click Here
The Thorney Island Society takes its name from the island in the Thames upon which Westminster Abbey was first built.
A Westminster conservation and amenity society founded in 1985 – its objective then being to save the Library erected in Great Smith Street in 1893. Today it continues to look after the interests of both residents and businesses within the area and acts as a ‘watchdog’ on local planning and development issues. The Society is also concerned about the extension of conservation boundaries and the scale and aesthetics of building programmes within its remit.
Some of the most historic landmarks in the capital are situated here including Westminster Abbey, The Palace of Westminster, Tate Britain and St. John’s, Smith Square.
Many of its street names evoke medieval origins – Horseferry Road, Old Palace Yard, Abbey Orchard Street, Strutton Ground and Perkins Rents. Much to the Society’s regret, there have been adverse material changes to the area including the closure of the library in Great Smith Street and the demolition of 18th Century and Art Deco houses in Marsham and Tufton Streets. The area continues to be under threat from further construction and development work thus removing the village of old Westminster with its hospital, library, swimming pool, post office and local shops.
In 1994, the area covered by the Society was extended by being asked to adopt St. James's Park and The Green Park. Later, to commemorate this, an oak tree was planted in St. James's Park. A tree to mark the millennium was planted in The Green Park.
The Thorney Island Society has been at the forefront of attempts to preserve the heritage of old Westminster whilst understanding the importance of striking a balance between conservation, improvement and new building programmes. It has particular regard for the residential, ecclesiastical and commercial interests of this important part of London. Westminster City Council send planning applications for our architects to consider and report on.
Since its foundation, the Society has grown in numbers and influence. It has over 300 members including corporate members and is particularly active in local history and research matters which have encouraged the opening of a neighbourhood resource centre and archive at 10 Old Pye Street where we collect paintings, prints, photographs, period post cards and small relevant artefacts. The Society also nominates representatives to attend conservation events and wildlife studies in the capital and to undertake committee work with a number of public bodies including The Metropolitan Police, The Royal Parks Forum and the Wild Life Forum.
There are regular visits to places of local interest, intriguing landmarks and venues within the area covered by the Society - some of which are not readily accessible to the public.
Our members include many prominent people and businesses and we are grateful not only for their help and support but for the time which so many other members dedicate to the Society’s aims. We are, of course, always keen to welcome new members. If you are interested, please complete and return the membership form.
Our Annual General Meeting 2023
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Minutes - Coming Soon! (Will be approved at the next AGM on 5th November 2024)
Our Annual General Meeting 2022
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Our Annual General Meeting 2021
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Our Annual General Meeting 2020 was held on 10th November 2020 via Zoom and was chaired by Sue Ball. Please see the Annual Report below. The Financial Report was given by Gordon Slater which marked his final AGM as he then stepped down after 15 years in the post. The meeting thanked him for his many years and huge contribution to the Society. New nominations were proposed and seconded for the posts of Hon Treasurer (Robert Timms) and Hon Membership Secretary (Louise Cartledge), as well as all other Committee positions. After the business of the meeting, Dorian Gerhold gave a great talk on the History of Victoria Tower Gardens, a recording of which can be found on our Events page.
Please click below to view:
Financial Statements & Treasurer's Report
To view details of previous AGM's, Annual & Treasurer's Reports, Financial Statements and Previous Minutes
Support Us
Our Society is run entirely by volunteers so we are reliant on members and friends who give their time and knowledge.
If you would like to help in any way, please contact us.
We need assistance in the reviewing of planning applications, editing the Newsletter, sorting and cataloging in the Archives and organising Visits/Events.
Thank you.