Dorset Hall Group founder Barbara Gorna writes:
As we come up to International Women’s Day on March 8th, I think that it is important to reflect that if we want to get something done, it’s better to work together for a common cause.
I have asked politicians from all three major political parties in Merton to send a short message of support and make a public commitment to save Dorset Hall,
I am pleased to say that Wimbledon’s Conservative MP Stephen Hammond, Paul Kohler of the Lib Dems and Jackie Schneider of Labour have all pledged their support for our cause and will be posting their IWD messages on this blog channel.
To date, it has been a tough fight to get a commitment from Clarion, the owners of the building, to make urgent repairs that will prevent Dorset Hall deteriorating irretrievably. It is a relief that scaffolding has now gone up to halt leaks through the roof.
Our next step is to work with heritage experts to help with restoration of the inside of the building which has suffered water ingress.
Heritage England are on board. The Wimbledon Society are on board and we are listed as an important site on Mapping Women’s Suffrage.
As we move forward, we will be asking for best ideas for usage of the site – we intend to publish the most interesting and relevant, so do please get in touch with your thoughts.
Tom True, our heritage and museum expert who has just joined the Dorset Hall Group team, will be looking at the best way forward in the coming months.
We hope to continue to work with Clarion to produce the best outcome for all.
As ever, please do get in touch if you can help, want to get involved with the Dorset Hall Group or have memories / information to share.
The Dorset Hall Group team members: Barbara Gorna, Iain Simpson, Hugh Morgan, Simon Hood, Tom True
