Campaign launched to save Headstone Horticultural Society

The Headstone Horticultural Society is currently at risk of closing due to redevelopment plans for more housing and a car park.

Founded in 1943 as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign, the horticultural society became a community landmark with the help of volunteers and providing a place of sanctuary at its community garden.

The Headstone society have been told to leave their premises for the upcoming developments and Harrow Council have served a termination of the lease by August 20.

However, the society have not been offered an alternative site to continue their operations.

A campaign has since launched to save the site.

Margo Dimlic, who founded a petition to save the horticultural society, said: “The truth is that this society is popular, and so their removal does not come from a lack of demand.

“The Headstone Horticultural Society have now managed to get word out online to fight against the proposal and have been overwhelmed by the growing signatures and comments of people that have been personally affected by all of their hard work or see the benefit of not-for=profit community spaces such as these and their role in our society.

“More than ever, the Headstone Horticultural Society needs the support of the entire community - of Harrow and beyond - from those that lives will be changed as a result, or have experienced an important feature of their community disappear for good.”

Tomorrow (May 8) marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a day when many will recollect the time Germany formally surrendered during the Second World War.

For the Horticultural Society, it was also be the time for remembrance, but they are now stuck in a time of uncertainty on if they can continue their services.

Nearly 1,000 people have supported the petition to Harrow Council to save the society from redevelopment.

To sign the petition, visit here: https://www.change.org/Save-HHS-Harrow