For more than fifty years, the Camberwell Society has been part of the conversation about what Camberwell is — and what it could become.
It began in the 1970s with a simple but urgent purpose. Local residents came together to resist plans that would have transformed parts of Camberwell into an urban highway system, cutting through streets, communities and the character of the area itself. What started as a defensive campaign quickly became something bigger: a long-term commitment to protecting and improving the place people call home.
Today, the Society has evolved into a broad, active and independent civic voice for Camberwell. We still care deeply about the built environment and the future of local streets, but our work now stretches far beyond planning applications and development debates. We champion better transport, greener spaces, cleaner streets and a healthier local environment. We support public art, local history, community events and projects that bring people together. We work with charities, schools, residents, businesses and campaign groups — and sometimes challenge those in power when Camberwell deserves better.
This new website is part of that next chapter. It is a place to share ideas, report on local issues, celebrate creativity and connect people who care about Camberwell’s future. Whether you have lived here for fifty years or arrived last month, there is a place for you in the conversation.
We encourage you to take your time and explore the website, which has a whole variety of functions to help you keep up with the latest news and events, restaurant openings, music and arts venues and holiday programs for the kids.
The search function is a real game-changer, from checking the progress of planning applications to going back in time to read the features published in our beloved Camberwell Quarterly magazine.
The Society is powered by local people: volunteers, contributors, campaigners, historians, gardeners, artists, organisers and neighbours who believe Camberwell thrives when people take part in shaping it.
We invite you to join us — by becoming a member, attending events, sharing your views, volunteering your time or simply staying informed. Camberwell has always been strongest when its community speaks up together.
Marie Staunton, Camberwell Quarterly Editor
