Hill House
A community centre
From Wallington and Carshalton Times
17 September 1936
Hill House was one of the few older buildings left standing when the estate was built. It was opened officially in November 1936 by Alderman Chuter Ede, though it had begun to function as a community centre in the September of that year.
Hill House in the 1970s
There was a large hall downstairs, several rooms upstairs and large grounds so there was plenty of parking space. It was used most days - some of the things were dog training, playgroup, keep fit, whist drives, etc. Every Wednesday evening there was bingo for over 200 people. My husband John was caller and I sold the books while our sons collected the winning tickets for checking. There was also a loan club held every week in one of the rooms. We had jumble sales sometimes and of course it was a popular venue for wedding receptions. A couple of times a year we would hold a dance and had to apply to the police for a temporary licence to sell alcohol on the night. One night during a dance there was a panic when two policemen turned up, but it was my daughter's boy friend who was a bit-part actor in 'Z Cars'. During some of the dances we would have a fancy dress competition which was always a good laugh.
One year a festival following a carnival held on the field opposite the hospital included a pig roast. Our 'chef' for the day was Freddy Brown. John also got a New Year's Eve thing going where anyone who would only be at home could come, bringing their own food and drink, and he would supply the music. That became very popular. The big hall was eventually called The Piner Hall after Alf Piner who had been chairman for many years. (Connie Crilly)
Photos and invitation courtesy of Connie Crilly