Place Name
Dennis Reeve was one of the founders and leaders of the Capstan Youth Club, which was set up shortly after the Second World War. The club featured in the 1949 Mitcham Youth Handbook stating: “A new but thriving mixed Youth Club meeting in the Institute, 155 High Street, Colliers Wood, Wednesdays (7.0 to 10.0 p.m.), alternate Saturdays (6.0 to 10.30 p.m.), and Sundays (5.30 to 10.0 p.m.). The Club activities include cricket, netball, indoor games, swimming, camping, hiking, cycling, theatre visits, inter-club visits, discussions, etc. The Club has a members’ committee to assist the Leader and is governed by a Management Committee formed by Colliers Wood Community Association to which the Club is affiliated. The Club also belongs to the London Union of Mixed Clubs and Girls’ Clubs.” Reeve, who lived at 13 Harewood Road, was named as one of two leaders, along with a Mrs G E Harrington, of 56 Park Road. In February 1955 the Streatham News reported that the club as moving to a new location. Under the headline “Capstan Youth Club move” the article explained: “Capstan Youth Club have moved into premises at Mitcham-road, Tooting, after an order to quit their original premises in the High-street, Colliers Wood. Eventually, members will make workshops in the basement for their hobbies.” This was a temporary base, however. In June 1957 the News a nib announcing: “Members of Capstan Youth Club are giving a ‘new look’ to the derelict clubhouse that they have taken over in Rose Avenue, Mitcham. But progress is slow because repairs and alterations have to be paid for out of club funds.” This road was named after Reeve, a great fan of classical music who wanted to introduce the teenagers at the club to opera and orchestral works, sometime in the 1980s. The road itself was laid out on the site of Tamworth Farm House, the former home of Chuter Ede Labour’s post war Home Secretary, It was demolished sometime around 1977.
