Our Estate Lives will be exploring the history of the Roundshaw Estate, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Local volunteers will be trained by First Call Housing Foundation to research the history of their area and to record interviews with older members of the community including those whose memories of Roundshaw go back to the 1930s. Children at The Amy Johnson Primary School in Wallington will also take part.

The school’s name, together with many of the roads on the estate such as Lindbergh Road and Hawker Close, testify to the area’s former use as Croydon Airport. It was from here that aviator Amy Johnson flew on her record breaking solo flight to Australia in 1930.

Once residents’ reminiscences have been collected an exhibition will be created and a DVD produced. The interviews will also be broadcast on internet TV.

The project will be looking at three South London estates. As well as Roundshaw similar research and exhibitions will take place in Lambeth and Wandsworth. The three estates are sharing the £45,400 HLF grant.

For the Heritage Lottery Fund, Head of HLF London Sue Bowers, said: “This project will emphasise the development and importance of social housing in this part of south London and will give residents a chance to contribute to the history of the local community.”

For First Call Housing Foundation, Project Manager Nick Tufnell, said: “This is an exciting project to be involved in and we commend the Heritage Lottery Fund for recognising that it is important that the proud history that social housing has played in Britain is celebrated by this tenant led project.”

In a separate grant HLF has given £42,600 to a project focusing on the South Acton Estate in Ealing. The estate, the largest in West London, has been undergoing a regeneration that will see the rebuilding of the entire estate when completed in 2020. The HLF-funded project, I Spy, gives residents the chance to reflect on the history of the estate since its beginnings in 1949. The project is being run by Ealing –based Theatre Studio West.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK.

Further information

HLF Press Office, Vicky Wilford on 020 7591 6046 / 07973 401937 or vickyw@hlf.org.uk or Phil Cooper on 07889 949173.

Ewemade Orobator, First Call Housing Foundation on 020 8767 8882 or 07813 322 563.