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Photograph 1
The sign is green so it must be
Bromley! The Lawrie Park Estate is one cohesive area but that didn't stop it
being put into two separate boroughs. Lawrie Park Road starts in Lewisham - but
half way along becomes Bromley.
Photograph 2
Back at the Sydenham end -
The Old Cedars (originally Wunderbau) was once a hotel but is now a residential
home for the elderly operated by Excelcare. The splendid gardens to the rear
can still be glimpsed from Raymond Close.
.
Photograph 3
2
Lawrie Park Road - opposite The Old Cedars. A residential centre run by
Lewisham Council and recently and attractively refurbished.
Photograph
4
Number 64 - another Lewisham Council property. A fine old villa was
demolished about 15 years ago to build this home for elderly people. Perhaps
not entirely successfully artistically. It has also leaked water across the
pavement for many years being a hazard to frail people when frost or ice is
around.
Photograph 5
Opposite is Cricketers Walk.
A plaque on this building proclaims it was built on the site of WG Grace's old
home. This development replaced a post war hostel for NatWest staff. When
NatWest closed the building it was used for a time as a hostel by Hackney
Council. Presumably for the people they did not want in Hackney! It certainly
caused a real crime wave in Lawrie Park.
Photograph
6
York House - a good solid traditional set of well maintained
apartments. The gardens are attractive and the new wall should mellow with
time!
Photograph 7
The south side of the Sydenham end of
Lawrie Park Road consists of many villas similar to these now converted (or
being re-converted) into flats. One of the villas pictured is where the police
arrested the infamous M25 murderers. Infamous both because of the terrible way
the murders were done and by the controversy over whether there had been a
miscarriage of justice.
Photograph 8
The villas above had long
gardens reaching down to the railway line which have now been redeveloped into
modern houses by Lewisham. The initial effect was most attractive - but a lack
of maintenence has taken its toll. More successful has been the small scale
development opposite known as Colvin Close.
Photograph 9
Lawrie Park
Road's most famous address is St Christopher's Hospice. Founded by Dame Cecily
Saunders - this was the foundation of the hospice movement and the belief that
all could die peacfully, in comfort and with dignity. The original 1960s
building has expanded to include a large house and a new education
centre.
Photograph 10
Finally - people waiting at the bus
stop opposite the Hospice can get a glimpse through the bushes of the Sydenham
Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. The Club is 'seriously competitive' but the local
tennis association runs access courses to enable young and not so young people
to get into the game.
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