Bill Rowland - 40 years and counting!

We celebrate Bill Rowland's 40 years on the Commons

In January this year, staff and Conservators threw a surprise party for Bill Rowland to mark his amazing 40 years working on the Commons.

Bill joined the Commons in 1983.  His background in the Household Cavalry, and then in the fire service, made him the perfect candidate for the role of Mounted Keeper, and he was offered the job straight away. 

Once Bill had completed his three months probation, he and his wife Debbie were offered accommodation on the Commons – and to their surprise, this would be in the Windmill, which was still living accommodation on the ground floor in those days, with the museum up above.  

Bill commented “We couldn’t believe it, it was such a unique place to live. We moved in on the Thursday, with no furniture other than a double mattress, and had a party on the Saturday night. We lit the Windmill up and invited everyone to this huge building in the middle of Wimbledon Common!”

There started his long and committed service to the Commons.  Bill's face is so familiar to so many visitors to the Commons that he probably needs no introduction.  Whether patrolling the Common on horse, walking his dogs on Putney Heath - Bisto, Hardy, and now Rolo - or in his latest role looking after Putney Lower Common.  With his calm and ever helpful attitude, Bill has forged friendships and respect amongst the Commons visitors and we are all very grateful to him for all his hard work - he even has a bridge named after him at Putney Lower Common!