Walterton and Elgin Community Homes

Walterton and Elgin Community Homes Walterton and Elgin Community Homes (WECH) is a successful resident controlled housing association in Westminster. Housing Association

We emerged from the struggle of residents against the sale of their homes to private developers.

02/10/2026

The annual WECH AGM took place just over a week ago in the refurbished Selbourne House HQ.

Judging by the turn out and energy we saw last Thursday, it seems the fire that stoked the unstoppable force some 41years ago still burns brightly in 2026.

The book "Against the odds: Walterton and Elgin from campaign to control" sums up WECH's indomitable spirit perfectly.

"Since 1985 the residents of the Walterton and Elgin Estates have shown what is possible when local people act together. WECH has shown how resident involvement can be sustained and developed over a long period. WECH has not only improved many homes but has empowered a community."

Watch the full video of the WECH story here ▶ https://youtu.be/s-zE5Rd36lw?si=AdEbGYEzvBoBw8CW

30/09/2026

The 2026 WECH AGM was a clear illustration of the enduring strength and vibrancy of an organisation that was formed 41 years ago.

Selbourne House was packed to the rafters as members came together in the annual affirmation of democracy in action at WECH, where residents have control of an organisation founded to serve them.

The AGM acts as both focal point and forum that allows residents to gather together and ‘check the temperature’ and overall health of the WECH organisation, in terms of finance and administration, organisational matters and most importantly, resident representation.

Sometimes in these meetings things can get heated but that just shows how much people care about WECH and what it means to them. As local Georgia Gould - MP for Queen's Park and Maida Vale , who attended the AGM said in her speech to residents:

“I walked in as there was sort of a thriving debate. So, I know that continues to ensure that this is genuinely a community conversation, and I'm really grateful for all the generations that built this. For everything you do to continue to keep this amazing institution alive and to support it.”

Final word goes to the Chair of the WECH Board, Gordon Quinlan:

“I know people get emotional about different things. This, that, and the other. We had a seismic change three years ago, which led to the Board being replaced, and that wasn't done lightly. You know, that's an illustration of resident control.

“You have to remember, the residents have the power. The board is answerable to the residents. The Chief Exec is answerable to the Board. So, you [the residents] do have the power, but that has to be handled responsibly.”

29/09/2026

Here at WECH we are still celebrating after our newly transformed Japanese Garden was awarded “It’s Your Neighbourhood: Level 4 - Thriving” at the prestigious London in Bloom awards ceremony, held at Kensington Town Hall.

The award recognises the transformation of WECH’s community gardens and their contribution to biodiversity, community wellbeing and civic pride in North Paddington.

The Japanese Garden was developed by WECH in partnership with the Hammersmith Community Gardens Association (HCGA), following funding from Westminster City Council’s North Paddington Capital Community Fund.

The project forms part of a wider programme to transform WECH’s community facilities and create greener, more welcoming spaces for residents and the wider neighbourhood.

Achieving Level 4 - Thriving in its first year is a significant milestone. WECH and its horticultural partners are now aiming to progress to Level 5, the highest standard within the scheme.

The London in Bloom awards form part of the wider Britain in Bloom network associated with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), celebrating communities across Greater London for improving green spaces, supporting biodiversity and making neighbourhoods healthier and more attractive places to live.

From six Sakura trees to a Japanese Garden

The story of WECH’s Japanese Garden began with the gift of six Sakura trees from the Sakura Project, facilitated by Lady Victoria Borwick. From that starting point, HCGA’s gardeners and builders, led by Myra Heller, worked tirelessly to transform an underused space into a distinctive and tranquil community garden.

For WECH CEO Suzanne Wolfe, whose RHS training has helped shape the organisation’s approach to horticulture and community greening, the garden is part of a much bigger vision.

“We are absolutely delighted that our Japanese Garden has been recognised as a Level 4 – Thriving garden in the London in Bloom awards.

“To achieve this in our first year is a fantastic achievement and is testament to the dedication of Myra, her team at HCGA and everyone who has contributed to the transformation.

“But the garden is about much more than winning an award. It is about creating a space where people can connect with nature, improve their wellbeing and feel a greater sense of pride and belonging in their neighbourhood.”

WECH CEO Suzanne Wolfe with Chair of the Board Gordon Quinlan and Secretary Martin Lewis after yesterday evening's packe...
24/09/2026

WECH CEO Suzanne Wolfe with Chair of the Board Gordon Quinlan and Secretary Martin Lewis after yesterday evening's packed Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Selbourne House...

Walterton and Elgin Community homes (WECH) is a successful resident controlled housing association in Westminster. It emerged from the struggle of residents against the sale of their homes to private developers. It is now a beacon of how resident control can not only revitalise the physical environment of run down estates but also create sustainable and inclusive communities from the bottom up.

Our 2026 AGM was another example of "Resident Control in Action", in which Board Members are elected, the annual report is received and external auditors are appointed.

We were also honoured by the presence of Georgia Gould - MP for Queen's Park and Maida Vale, who said a few words and restated her continued support of WECH and what it represents.

The evening went without a hitch and as per usual food and beverages were served post-meeting, allowing our people to reconnect and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to get through this thing called life.Electric word life, it means forever and that...
23/09/2026

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to get through this thing called life.

Electric word life, it means forever and that’s a mighty long time, but I’m here to tell you there’s something else…

Tamar Davies SKETCH CLUB COMES TO THE COMMUNITY CAFE TOMORROW: 10.00 - 11.30am 🤩

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS 📣

23/09/2026

AGM 2026

We are thrilled and very proud to announce that WECH - in collaboration with our partners in horticulture - Hammersmith ...
21/09/2026

We are thrilled and very proud to announce that WECH - in collaboration with our partners in horticulture - Hammersmith Community Gardens Association, won the “It’s Your Neighbourhood: Level 4 - Thriving” award for our Japanese Garden, at the London in Bloom ceremony held at Kensington Town Hall on Friday.

The London in Bloom Awards is an annual regional horticulture competition and environmental movement that celebrates community gardening, biodiversity, and the upkeep of green spaces across Greater London. It operates as part of the broader RHS - Royal Horticultural Society “Britain in Bloom” network.

Winning a “Level 4” in Year One is a fantastic achievement and we hope to go one step further next year and reach the pinnacle “Level 5” standard.

The transformation of WECH’s community facilities and gardens, was made possible by the North Paddington Capital Community Fund from Westminster City Council, for which we are very grateful.

Onwards and upwards 🚀

17/09/2026

Whether you’re brunching, lunching or having an early dinner, the Community Cafe have got you covered with the flavours to savour!

The Learning Disability Network London’s LDN Eats dream team start prepping early, cooking up a storm, from cornmeal porridge, red lentil soup, jerk chicken bagels and coleslaw salad, it’s a smorgasbord of tantalising food that will nourish both your soul and belly simultaneously.

This enterprising venture has been enabled by the award of £286,721 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support a new three-year programme focused on food nutrition, wellbeing and community connection in North Paddington.

As WECH CEO, Suzanne Wolfe, says:

"National Lottery funding will help us to provide activities and resources to activities that will enrich our engagement with local people over the next three years.

"It enables us to have tangible outcomes around improved nutrition, employment pathways and skills development, in conjunction with partners such as LDN London and others."

15/09/2026

That’s the thing about really special places… they are generally known by many names.

For example, Glastonbury Festival is also known as “Glasto” and “Worthy Farm” but each of these places have the exact same geographic coordinates.

Another special location is a bit closer to home and is so nice the locals have named it thrice.

Whether it’s “The Woodfield” (official), “Woodfield Hall” (popular) or “Woodfield House” (archaic)… this beautiful space is a hidden gem just off one of London’s busiest roads.

We sent WECH TV Anchorman, David Little, to discover its charms…

Address

Selbourne House 36A Elgin Avenue
London
W93AZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 1pm

Telephone

+442072663347

Website

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