News for the Kilmorey site: As with all things in life, there have been big changes! At the end of April 2016, I suddenly found out that the Environment Trust's funding of the Kilmorey project, in conjunction with Richmond Council of London, had ended three years ago. So now the Environment Trust had made the decision to end all further involvement with the management of the Mausoleum and its grounds in the Spring 2016. It's a sudden and almost abrupt end of an era, but we have been assured that Richmond Council will still provide some support in helping keeping the grounds maintained, and access for Open Days. A bit brighter news, was that the official celebrations for the completion of restoration of the Kilmorey Mausoleum, was held on the 11th of May 2016, with Lord True present and the Deputy Mayor, who congratulated the architect and the builders Triton, for the renovation work completed. Over £90,000 had been spent on the Mausoleum restoration work. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the celebrations on the day, and typically, it also poured down with rain towards the end of the ceremony, and celebrations! Finally, a big thanks to both Gill and Derrik Mercer, who were involved with the Kilmorey project from it's early days, and have always been helping with organising and providing support for the Open Days. As from 2016, they are also finishing their long term support and involvement with the Kilmorey Mausoleum. A final note, concerning the composting toilet. As the Environment Trust ceased further involvement with the Kilmorey Mausoleum, they had the composting toilet and it's hut dismantled this June 2016. And removed it off the site at the end of June, to be re-used elsewhere. The Latest Restoration Work. A big day was on the 20th of October 2015, as the final touches to the building and restoration work was completed! The re-discovered entrance brick path to the mausoleum was finally finished, and the Triton builders did a very good job in restoring it over the past few months. Also the renovated and re-built cast iron gates are now fitted, and now work. Currently at the Mausoleum.  Spring views at the Mausoleum.  Pages covering the building and restoration work of the Mausoleum walls and railings will be added eventually. Just watch this space! The Open Day on September 18th 2016 was a great success, with 228 visitors recorded, and took just over £50 in donations to help enable us to keep running these types of events. And the weather
stayed dry for the day! But more important was that one of Lord Kimorey's great grandsons from the legitimate side of the Needham family, turned up on a visit from Australia. And a neighbour of Priscilla's great granddaughter was there at the same time as well. So quite an event on the day! The new organizers for the Open Day events from 2017, are Maeve Adams and Evie Bissell for the Environment Trust.
The first Open Day of the year on Sunday 26th March was
again successful, having over 200 visitors attend. Important dates/events coming up :
Please note that organised volunteer gardening has
ended until further notice, due to Claire McCormack our lead volunteer leaving the group project in October 2013, after many years of dedicated work. Minimum grounds maintenance and regular inspection will be carried out by myself and another volunteer, whilst the volunteering situation and work days are being sorted out. Now Richmond Council are in charge of the volunteering at the site. With many thanks to Steve for his regular visits, and work carried out on the grounds. As promised, a section has been added about
Gordon House and the Tunnel, and the link can be found below. The Kilmorey Mausoleum Meadow page has been updated and added to. The Recycling and more Fungi Pages have also been updated. See what's been happening on our other web pages!
Click here for the plants page A brief history of the Mausoleum Architectural features of the Mausoleum Gordon House today and the Tunnel Page 1 Another page has been added for new Fungi discoveries:
| The Kilmorey Mausoleum is a unique historical monument and local wildlife site located in Twickenham, West London. Situated behind a large old weathered brick wall, and with small aged black wooden door at the entrance; it gives the appearance of a hidden ‘enchanted’ type garden.  Click here to enter the Mausoleum grounds It is now maintained by volunteers, with assistance from Richmond Council and English Heritage. The current site is about one third of an acre in size, triangular shaped, 70 metres/229 ft long on each side approximately. And the aim is to maintain the site for the community in an environmentally and sustainable manner, and to encourage local wildlife. It has also been used for wildlife educational purposes by some local schools.
The grounds are open and free to visit on some days, when the information board is displayed on the entry door, and volunteers are available at the site, usually on Open days. Just a few requests to visitors. Unfortunately no dogs allowed on site. We encourage visitors with young children to respect the site, and behave responsibly; since it is both a historical burial ground and natural wildlife area, with plants and fungi that can be easily damaged. Keep to the paths, and please leave the grounds litter free as you found them, and only take photos and nothing else! The Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames will continue to encourage public open days and group visits by appointment. Please contact The Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames on 020 8891 5455. E-mail: office@environmenttrust.co.uk Link for the Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames A video clip of the roof top view of the
Mausoleum grounds. Filmed in 2011 whilst work was being carried out
on the Mausoleum roof. All the images of the Kilmorey Mausoleum are photographs taken by Tony Lewis. Web design by Tony Lewis 2009 - 2017 |
