Writer and editor Tony Matthews will tell the story of one of London's most fascinating parks in an illustrated lecture at Cannizaro House Hotel starting 4pm on Monday, 4 October, sponsored by the Wimbledon Society. Tickets cost £7.50 including tea and biscuits. See www.wimbledonbookfest.org
Presenting his new book Cannizaro Beyond the Gates as part of this year's Wimbledon Bookfest, the talk will be accompanied by afternoon tea at this glorious setting beside Wimbledon Common. The book provides much greater detail than ever before about this remarkable 300-year-old park - why it exists, how it got its name, who lived there, why it has long been a favourite location for music festivals and art exhibitions, and how the mansion became a luxury hotel.
It also asks questions about the past, present and future of these fantastic 34 acres. Cannizaro's tale is one of great achievements - the gardens were once compared with those at Kew - yet neglect and apathy have also played a part. Despite all, it still boasts a fantastic range of rare trees and plants to delight horticulturalists while attracting artists and the organisers of an annual music and entertainment festival that offers open air magic in beautiful surroundings.
Every year the Wimbledon Society sponsors an event at Bookfest which is now in its fourth year and growing rapidly. Both the Society and Bookfest itself are registered charities. Tony Matthews was a founder of the Friends of Cannizaro Park in 1996 and Chairman from 2004-7. Cannizaro Beyond the Gates was written with the assistance of people from all walks of life who have had some involvement with the park. It includes a full set of colour plates as well as many other illustrations.
Published by Wimbledon Society Museum Press with full support from the Friends it is available from the Museum of Wimbledon, the Friends of Cannizaro Park and local outlets. Price just £7.99. WSMP Wimbledon Society Museum Press an imprint of AAPPL, Church Farm House, Wisley, Surrey, GU23 6QL, UK +44 (0)1932 341206 +44 (0)7811 276386 www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk email: wsmp@aappl.com