Mr George Fergusson Governor Of Bermuda unveiling the dispensary Plaque in Wilkinson Street SW8
UNVEILING OF THE RENOVATION OF THE DISPENSARY PLAQUE
The Governor of Bermuda, Mr George Fergusson did the honours today, unveiling the newly renovated Plaque that had marked the opening of the dispensary in 1866. In 1866 , the newly created Dispensary would have given vital medicine to the poor of South Lambeth.
The afternoon commenced with an address by Mr Tom Fish. Ordinand of St Stephen’s, in the absence of Rev Bill Wilson who was away working. Tom made the interesting point that while the Dispensary was no longer necessary given the NHS , essential work to assist the poor continues under the auspices of St Stephen’s Church. ASSA also supports these causes.
Mr Michael Leapman, historian, journalist and author then introduced his research for us into the history of Charitable dispensaries and the detail that is available with regard to the South Lambeth Dispensary . We will try to produce this on our web site soon. He made note that on the day of the Stone laying ceremony on 14 July 1866, The South London Press reported that there was ” a numerous and fashionable company.”
Mr George Fergusson then unveiled the plaque on Wilkinson Street in front of the numerous and fashionable Company that was available on our streets in 2012.
We were extremely fortunate to get the 10 minute window this summer when it was not pouring down.
Today, anyone fashionable then returned to the cover of the church and took tea, cucumber sandwiches and fabulous cake.
Our thanks to the Fergussons, George and his wife Margaret for attending the event and giving our streets another overlay of importance, history and interest.
ASSA thanks everyone who was involved in the impetus and momentum to have the plaque renovated before the writing on the stone became entirely illegible.
This extends to so many people and our thanks to Anne and Dick. With Luck and a fair wind it will mean that in another 140+ years time, local residents in 2150 + will also be aware of the legacy and the history of the Victorians in their streets.
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