Bill Rowland retires!

At the end of August this year, our longest-serving member of staff, Bill Rowland, retired after 41 years of service.

Originally a Mounted Keeper, then Senior Keeper, and latterly Head Ranger at Putney Lower Common, Bill Rowland is a familiar face to so many of you!

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! 

Staff and friends gathered on Friday 13 September to say a merry farewell to Bill and Debbie, and wish them well on their future life in Suffolk.  We are fairly sure they will be back to see us soon!