The Turks Head Company is the charity that owns and manages the Turk’s Head in Green Bank, Wapping.
As it says on the plaque outside, income from renting the Turks Head Cafe and Studios above pay for charitable activities.
Below is last years annual report to the 150 associate members of the Turks Head which gives you a good idea of what they’re about and we’ll be bringing you a 2010 update on their current projects and plans soon.
Turks Head Charity [...view on Charity Commission Website]
Turks Head Company Annual Report 2009
Local Wapping Life
This year has been a busy one for the Turk’s Head. Early in the year, the cafe was used for a public consultation on the local development framework proposed by Tower Hamlets Council.
Over fifty Wapping residents attended the event organised by us (the only such event organised in the whole of the borough) and a number of amendments were proposed to the plan. They included:
- Concentrating retail activity on Wapping Lane
- Seeking mixed development where possible
- Bringing empty or derelict land and buildings back into use.
These are vital concerns to local residents who want to maintain local shops, keep a balanced community and make sure that land is not wasted.
The Turks Head trustees have submitted over 30 suggested amendments to the local plan and will monitor further developments.
The trustees believe that the planning framework has a major influence on the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the community and will continue to pay serious regard to such matters
Allotments
As a follow up to the consultation, we are supporting efforts to create allotments on derelict land next to the Wapping Sports Centre.
Food growing has health and environmental benefits for residents and the site is a substantial one. It is owned by the Council who are investigating its potential for future use.
Residential Moorings
We were pleased to see the creation of new residential moorings at Hermitage Wharf, which the trustees had supported. We hope to work with the new residents on educational projects, since they have formed a charity to promote education about the river.
The site is adjacent to the civilian memorial park we fought so hard to obtain. Unfortunately the scheme implemented by Berkeley Homes is much less than our aspirations for the site Local politics and nimbyism led to a poor quality design and a missed opportunity.
Administration
The trustees have three priorities for the forthcoming year:
- To promote food growing
- To bring derelict land back into uses that benefit the community
- To seek opportunities for leisure and healthy activities
We have set up our own office at the Turk’s Head as a base for our activities. Following the retirement of our elder trustees, we will be recruiting new ones to help in our objectives. We intend to investigate the possibility of expanding our premises to add to our asset base.
Become an Associate Member
Associate membership is £5 a year or £1 for unemployed and pensioners: complete the Trust Form to join.
Happiness at Work – 29th October to 15th November
Can You Help with Barrels or Planters?
The Turks Head is looking for a pair of oak barrels or large planters so they can plant redcurrants and blackcurrants to grow up the wall in the community food garden. Please contact them if you’re able to help.
Turks Head Cafe
1 Green Bank
Wapping E1W 2PA
Please see 4 January 2011 update on The Turks Head Company
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