150 years of sporting history on Wimbledon Common was celebrated on Sunday 22nd May, with WiSH once again at the heart of the local festivities. Football is just one of the sports with roots on the Common; rugby, golf, long distance running, and horse-riding are among those to have been long linked with the Common, and all were represented and celebrated in this hugely popular day of sporting displays, stalls, and activities.
A team of WiSH volunteers was on hand early doors to set up the WiSH stall for the Common’s special community day to mark its sporting milestone – and enjoyed a fun, sunny day sharing stories with young and old alike of Wimbledon’s football history from its roots on the Common in 1889 through to building its new home in Plough Lane for the return of football there in 2020.
Wandle and Haydon Wombles played their part too, mixing and mingling with the summer crowd as they soaked up the sun and joined in the many sporting displays and activities on offer. The Wombles, back in their natural habit on Wimbledon Common, not only enjoyed promoting the wonderful sporting history the local area can boast but joined in themselves with some cultural history too as they danced along with the entertaining Morris dancers.
WiSH was delighted to be involved in this fantastic day of sporting heritage celebration and looks forward to enhancing its links with the local community and telling the story of Wimbledon Common’s special place in the history of so many local sports which have gone on to be global phenomena.
