Barratt commemorates Plough Lane

On Friday 8th May 2009, the Barratt Southern Counties team, members of the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association (WISA) and former Wimbledon FC players, Roy Law (1958-1972), Dickie Guy (1967-1978) and Ian Cooke (1963-1977) gathered to witness the sealing of a commemorative time capsule at The Sanctuary in Wimbledon.

In homage to Wimbledon FC, on whose Plough Lane ground the new mixed-use development stands, Barratt and WISA have assembled a collection of Wimbledon FC memorabilia for the capsule, including a shirt from the centenary season (1989-1990), a scarf, pin badges, programmes from important games including the FA Cup Final 1988 and the Amateur Cup Final 1963, DVDs of memorable matches and a selection of photographs of the former football ground and the team.

The time capsule will be buried within the grounds of The Sanctuary in a secret location.

In December last year, a plaque was unveiled at The Sanctuary to mark its formal naming as Reynolds Gate, in memory of Eddie Reynolds, the striker who helped take the club to FA Amateur Cup victory in 1963. The six apartment buildings were also named after managers, coaches, players and directors involved with the club, namely Allen Batsford, Stanley Reed, Harry Stannard, Dave Bassett, Lawrie Sanchez and Alan Cork.

“By burying this capsule on the former site of Plough Lane we hope to leave a special reminder for future Wimbledon residents, so that the richness of this site’s past is never forgotten,” said Trevor Sawyer, managing director of Barratt Southern Counties.

“All the apartments at Reynolds Gate have now been reserved and it is fast becoming a striking new community; its residents have bought their very own slice of local history and we hope that living here will create new memories for the future.”

Dickie Guy, Wimbledon FC goalkeeper for 11 years and President of AFC Wimbledon, said: “On behalf of AFC Wimbledon I would like to personally thank Barratt Homes for recognising Wimbledon FC in this way. They have gone the extra mile to ensure the history of the site is remembered – the time capsule is a great gesture.”

Sean Fox, Treasurer of WISA, said: “Wimbledon FC enjoyed nearly eighty years at Plough Lane, during which time it won both the FA Amateur Cup and FA Cup, a unique double, as well as rocketing from the lowest League division to the top flight in record time. We hope that the items in this time capsule will bring alive to future generations the colourful history of this special site, reminding them what a remarkable club Wimbledon was, and still is today.”

The development blends a convenient location with attractive contemporary design. All the apartments have balcony views, many over the inviting gardens and a lively communal verandah. There are also approximately 400 parking spaces available for residents; a rare commodity in London.

The mixed-use development also includes provision for 45,000 sq ft of retail space, creating both necessary facilities and employment opportunities for the existing community.

For further information on Barratt Southern Counties, visit barratthomes.co.uk. For further information on WISA email Gail Moss at publicity@wisa.co.uk.