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Pugwash

By Pugwash
in General ED Issues / Gossip

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Pugwash

Pugwash

Posted
Posted

Some time ago, one of the Forum readers asked who or what is the East Dulwich Society.


The EDS was set up 30 odd years ago as a campaigning society dedicated to the protection and promotion of interests of all who lived in ED. Over the years EDS has initiated or taken part in campaigns which covered every facet of community life in Southwark - from Education to Transport - Planning Strategies, Parking, Supermarket Development, Shopping Centre designations and Health and Social Care.


In 1997 EDS called a Public Meeting and founded the East Dulwich Action Group to fight off the impact of Sainsburys on DKH on local traders. The Action Group with the help of the Council Officers and Police, gained relief from crippling parking restrictions. It was EDS and Action Group which saved North Cross Road as a shopping area and its status as a street market.


In 1996 Kings College Hospital and the Regional Health Authority published a brochure on the future of Dulwich Hospital - the options provided for demolition with the land (our land) being sold for 240 Executives houses with a samll health facility replacing the hospital which had required some ?8 million of maintenance work. EDS organised a massive public meeting from which the 'Save Dulwich Hospital' Campaign Committee emerged. Dulwich Hospital is the last 'Pavilion Hospital' left in the country and it is still thought that a modern hospital could be developed from this building. Following an intensive campaign with the local community firmly backing EDS - A Community Hospital was demanded from the Health Authority. Alas this was not to be as it was discovered that decisions were being made and taken before public consultations. The next scheme - a Polyclinic gets no more mention. The latest scheme being for a Health and Care centre

which offers no real compensation for the lack of facilities like the Intermediate Care Unit.


EDS have also been heavily involved in the campaign over the closure of the Maudsley Emergency Clinic, The Felix Post Unit and the redevelopment of the A & E Dept at Kings in relation to people who seek medical help for their mental health.

In addition EDS have been campaigning for the refurbishment of The Concrete House in Lordship Lane, and continue to oppose the in fill and back garden development and encroaching on Common Land and Public Open Spaces.

EDS reps are attending the Crystal Palace Park Public Inquiry.


Membership of EDS ( a registered charity) is ?3 per household pa or ?1 pa concessions.


EDS are holding a Public Meeting on Tuesday 13th October 8 for 8.15 pm at the East Dulwich Community Centre, Darrell Road,

SE22 (next to the Dulwich Medical Centre) This is entitled 'THE EAST DULWICH DISCUSSION' Have your say on


Education - school places and buildings

Health and Social Care - Dulwich Community Hospital, site and buildings and other health and social care matters

Planning - learn how to influence your neighbourhood

And whatever else you feel needs airing about East Dulwich.


The meeting is being organised in conjunction with The East Dulwich Community Centre Association and the Barry Area Residents'Association.


The EDS is a registered charity 269292


You may join up as a member on the night

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https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/8292-the-east-dulwich-society/
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