Community “Gathers” for 37 years Advised that if the green space at Elmwood and Wortley, then known as the Education Center Park, had a community purpose, it was less likely to be sold to developers and would better qualify for funding for repair and upkeep, a group of community-minded south Londoners gathered 37 years ago and dreamed up “Gathering on the Green”. The area would then after be known as “The Green”. With a focus on children’s events – bubble-gum blowing contests, decorated bicycle parades (in at least one year, led by John Crozman wearing tuxedo-tails and playing his fiddle), a children’s pet look-a-like contest, kite flying contests, horse shoe pitching, tug-of-war and a bed race, the event also offered entertainment by various singing groups, bands and dance troupes, food booths, arts and craft booths, tea-leaf reading and more. Organizers were resourceful. “We contacted Westminster Hospital to inquire if they had any beds to spare for our bed race,” reminisces Eleanor Huber. “They had a storage room full. We quickly learned why the beds had been in storage when wheels hilariously started falling off and frames broke up during the race. One bed dismantled so completely that the participants completed the race holding up the mattress by just its four corners!” The hospital also provided an old sheet to which green paint was applied to create the first Gathering on the Green banner. “One year we contacted Wosley Barracks to ask if they would lend us some tents,” said Eleanor. “Imagine the surprise when a cavalcade of military vehicles advanced along Wortley Road then proceeded to set up tents. The Green looked just like an army camp!” Originally for the Old South community, Gathering on the Green now draws thousands of people from throughout London and beyond. Proceeds benefit the many community initiatives that the Old South Community Organization supports.
Charlotte Moore
Tea Garden volunteer Margaret Hopkins – the kettles are on!
As a founding member of Gath- ering on the Green, Charlotte Moore (1917-2000) had suggested a tea garden. Charlotte would have none of disposable cups – tea would be served in china tea cups along with her home- baked currant scones. Now named Char-lotte’s Memorial Tea Garden, the tradition continues 37 years later under the same shady Maple tree, and is one of the event’s most popular attractions. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and delicious scones this year at Gathering on the Green! Below: enjoying Charlotte’s Tea Garden in 1983 (left) and 1985.
Guests enjoy fresh flowers, tea cups and saucers and home- baked goods at Charlotte’s Memorial Tea Garden, 2018.
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John Crozman
‘ Small town’ group’s aim ( Neighbourhood News - London Free Press, 1982 ) South London likes to think it’s more than a neighbourhood. On the Green, a fair sponsored by the South London Community Organization, tried to show that South London “is a small town within a big city,” said organization president Bernie Koenig. The “country fair in the city” attracted 1,000 more residents than last year and made $600, also more than last year. Koenig said the “trash bash – the community garage sale – was the big money maker. Held at the education centre at Elmwood Avenue and Wortley Road, On the Green’s outdoor entertainment ranged from a folk singer and jazz band to the Sweet Adelines chorus and a magician. The evening wound up with a square dance.
Page 12 Wortley Villager • May 2025
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