Was this entire woodland once at risk of disappearing? We are standing before the Edlmann Memorial, a monument that holds a story of conservation and generosity. The Edlmann Memorial, a simple yet elegant stone pillar, marks a crucial chapter in the history of Petts Wood. While the eastern portion, now the Willett Memorial Wood, was secured through public donations, the western edge faced an uncertain fate. This is where Colonel Francis Edlmann stepped in. In 1927, he purchased the remaining 47 acres, adding them to his neighboring Hawkwood Estate. Upon his death in 1950, the estate, including those vital acres, went up for sale. A local couple, Robert and Francesca Hall, driven by a desire to preserve the woodland’s beauty, purchased the entire Hawkwood Estate. In a testament to Edlmann’s legacy, they donated the western portion, now known as Edlmann Memorial Wood, to the National Trust. This memorial, erected in 1958, stands as a tribute to both Edlmann’s initial act of preservation and the Halls’ generosity. It reminds us that the preservation of natural spaces often hinges on individual acts of passion and foresight.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service