We were very said to hear of the recent passing of Steve Grindlay, a good friend of the Forest Hill Society.
Steve was an expert on the history of Forest Hill and Sydenham and was always enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with the local community, and also published Sydenham & Forest Hill Through Time, which we still refer to regularly.
One of the very first events the Forest Hill Society organised in February 2007, for which we are incredibly grateful as it helped to establish us, was Steve’s walking tour of Forest Hill, which attracted over 70 people to brave the rain to find out about local history. Photos are available at Forest Hill Walk | Flickr
Steve continued to run history talks in the local area and educated many of us about the area, encouraging us to look for clues on buildings and on drain covers. We continue to run occasional history talks to this day based on many slides that Steve put together, and the knowledge that he passed on to so many others. You can also see a vast collection of historical photos that Steve brought together on Flickr Steve Grindlay | Flickr
We send our condolences to his wife of 52 years, Sue.
We remember Steve with great fondness and thanks
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My sympathies.
I didn’t know Steve, but I’ve always found it interesting to see the photos of Forest Hill that he’s been posting on local forums for probably 2 decades - so I’m very thankful to him for that.
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Steve was also a stalwart of the Sydenham Society. His blog spot was full of amazing detail - there’s a link to it here, including a photo. http://sydenhamforesthillhistory.blogspot.com/
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We have so many wonderful memories of Steve’s walks, talks and writings that I have had to pause for the moment to compose my thoughts and reflect on this profound loss.
I am so grateful to FHS for what you have written here. We have indeed lost a good friend. We have so much to be grateful for in what he has achieved for us that we are moved by sadness and happiness all at the same time.
Our consolation lies in knowing that we are a community and we do not grieve alone.
His work as a local historian brought people together and in this cause we shall continue.
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I wonder if we need to do anything to preserve these articles, now Steve is not able to do so?
Great question.
I don’t know anything about running websites and servers etc, but presumably there would be a cost for keeping SG’s content online.
I wonder what the annual cost would be? (I’d be happy to chip-in).
There is no cost to a blogspot site AFAIK, but that may not always be the case.
What could be more relevant is the ‘Pro’ account on Flickr where Steve shared many of his photos that are now also embedded in forums, blogs and social media content. The Forest Hill Society, possibly in partnership with the Sydenham Society, will look into paying to preserve access to these.
We have also contacted Lewisham Council and Lewisham Local History Society (through the @FHCllrs) to look at ways that Steve’s archives might be preserved and made available, so that his wife does not have to manage this.
When we know more we will definitely share that here
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If anyone knew Steve and wanted to join the family, you can find details of Steve’s funeral and then a reception on Wednesday 22nd July 2026
There is also a chance to donate to St Christopher’s Hospice or Alzheimer’s Society
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