Tag Archives: The Canons

The Canons Minutes – 1948 Survey by Borough Engineer

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From the minutes of the
Allotments Committee
July 8, 1948

The Canons

I have made a survey of The Canons with respect to its present condition, and have to report that the house is, generally, in a dilapidated state owing to:-

(a) the property not being fully occupied;
(b) the defective state of the roof;
(c) windows and doors not being fully weatherproof.

Essential external repairs would cost approximately £300, and internal repairs and decorations about £700. In my opinion the total amount recoverable from the War Damage Commission in respect of war damage repair would be between £100 and £150.

The following is a summary of the accommodation, references being to the plans which I lay before you.

Basement
Room No. Remarks
1 Caretaker’s living room
2 Unused. Suitable only for storage.
3 Unused. Suitable only for storage.
4 Coal storage
5 Coal storage
6 Larder. Suitable for storage.
7 Caretaker’s scullery
8 Ladies’ lavatory
9 Suitable only for storage.
10 Suitable only for storage.
Ground Floor
Room No. Remarks
11 Entrance hall
12 Used by Scouts
13 Suitable for use when repaired
14 Suitable for use when repaired
15 Used for dressing accommodation, etc.
16 Used by Scouts
16A Used by Scouts
17 Storage
17A Caretaker’s W.C.
First Floor
Room No. Remarks
18 Caretaker’s bedroom
19 Caretaker’s bedroom
20 Caretaker’s living room
21 Suitable for use when repaired
22 Used by Athletic Clubs
23 Used by Athletic Clubs
24 Used by Athletic Clubs
Attic Floor
Room No. Remarks
25 Suitable for use when repaired
26 Suitable for use when repaired
27 Suitable for storage.
28 Suitable for use when repaired
29 Suitable for use when repaired
30 Suitable for use when repaired
31 Suitable for use when repaired

Yours obediently,
Riley Schofield,
Borough Engineer and Surveyor.

Resolved – That the Borough Engineer be instructed to carry out the repairs suggested.

Source: Proceedings of the Council and committees, Mitcham Borough Council, Volume 14 1947-48, pages 723-4

Minutes of meetings held by the Mitcham Borough Council are available on request from the Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre at Morden Library.

The Canons Minutes – Trees

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From the minutes of the
Allotments Committee
7th January 1954

Tulip Tree : The Canons

In November, 1948, I reported to the Committee the result of an inspection of the tulip tree at the Canons by Mr W.M. Campbell, the Curator of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

Mr Campbell at that time recommended removal of that half of the tree which was dying back. This work and soil and turf treatment also recommended were carried out.

Recently signs of decay became evident and I asked Mr Campbell to again inspect and report on the tree. Two inspections have been made and it is with great reluctance that a recommendation is made for the tree to be removed at once. Armillaria mellea (Honey fungus) is now present in the root system and is responsible for the rapid decay now apparent at and below ground level.

Mr Campbell concludes his recommendations by suggesting the planting of two young Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip trees) and offers to make available a young Metasequoia glyptostroboides, which, until five years ago, was only known by fossilised remains.

Yours obediently,
Riley Schofield,
Borough Engineer and Surveyor.

That the recommendations of Mr Campbell for the removal and replacement of the tulip tree be adopted, and that the thanks of the Committee be conveyed to him for his offer to make available a rare tree to be planted at the Canons.

Source: Proceedings of the Council and committees, Mitcham Borough Council, Volume 20 1953-54, pages 522-3.

South Mitcham Residents’ Association
– Read letter from the South Mitcham Residents’ Associationforwarding resolution by that association regarding the destruction of fruit-bearing trees in The Canons’ orchard.

Resolved, That the Town Clerk be instructed to send a suitable reply.

Source: Proceedings of the Council and committees, Mitcham Borough Council, Volume 12 1945-62, page 423

From the minutes of the
Allotments Committee
February 2, 1946

13. “The Canons” Trees

A number of trees in the grounds of “The Canons” require attention. I should like the approval of the Committee to the following, the estimated cost of which is given.

Removal of dead walnut tree from the allotments £12
New support to tulip tree on lawn £2 10s.
Lopping and pruning of trees alongside Carp Pond and Madeira Road £325

Total £339 10s.

Source: Proceedings of the Council and committees, Mitcham Borough Council, Volume 12 1945-46, page 261

Minutes of meetings held by the Mitcham Borough Council are available on request from the Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre at Morden Library.