Balancing the Borough's Budget

ISSUE 69 SPRING 2017

Win four tickets to see Footloose at NewTheatre Wimbledon Balancing the borough’s budget The latest on Future Merton regeneration plans Children walking their Daily Mile in Merton 2

The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, writes for My Merton

There’s been to make some difficult decisions about Merton doing a lot in the where we spend our money. This is the right thing newspapers made more and more difficult as the recently about government has cut council budgets by for children children from more than 40% since 2010. Imagine if Merton has recently taken in 22 Syria and your boss cut your pay by 40%! children under the age of 17 who are other war torn However, I’m a businessman so from countries affected by violence countries who I’ve made sure we stretch every penny and war, such as Syria, Iraq and are stuck in we have so that we can continue to Iran. The government gives us some refugee camps provide the services you value the most. money to cover the cost of care and with no family to look after them. I This year we’ve put £9m more into adult housing for these children but we don’t think any of us can imagine how social care to look after older and disabled have to cover a lot of the costs scary that must be for a child, and I people in the borough and we’ve also ourselves. However, in Merton we know that the community in Merton is invested more in children’s services. think helping children is the right doing a great deal to extend our support Although we’ve been forced to thing to do. It is certainly in the to refugees, and children in particular. agree to charge the government’s proud tradition of London, where You can read more on page five. new adult social care precept, we’ve so many people have escaped war Their experience makes me realise continued to freeze the core element and persecution in the past. how lucky we are to live here in of your council tax. We think it’s A great way you can help Merton. More and more people are important to keep council tax affordable children, including refugee moving here because we’re a great when people are worried about how children, is by becoming a foster place to have a family and for kids to Brexit might affect their finances. You carer. On page 21 you can find out grow up. Our schools are some of the can find out more about the council’s how rewarding it is to offer a child a most improved in the country and budget on page 16–17. place in your family. In Merton we we have amazing parks, playgrounds I’m so pleased I’ve been able to bring know how important families are and leisure centres. And we’ll soon up my children here, and I want many and we’ll continue to look after all have a brand new secondary school in more families to enjoy the same of our children, including offering South Wimbledon! Merton experience my family has had! refugee children the chance of Of course, all of this costs money. happiness despite the war and And at this time of year the council has violence they have experienced.

Bobbies back on the beat They say an Englishman’s home is his castle, which I think means we like to feel secure in our own houses! So I’m delighted at the news that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has brought back neighbourhood policing. Every ward in Merton will soon have two dedicated police constables and a police community support officer. Merton is already the third safest borough in London. But more “bobbies on the beat” is excellent news and can only make our community safer. We live in a really great borough where we all try to look after each other. But it’s a bonus Serving up the Friends to know that we have local police officers who are keeping an eye on our in Lower Morden’s first neighbourhood and looking after our safety. anniversary lunch mymerton Issue 69 • Spring 2017 3 merton.gov.uk contents contact us Community Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 News 4 Anti-social behaviour The latest news from hotline: 020 8274 4907 around the borough Council tax: 020 8274 4904 Benefits advice: Features 020 8545 4178 Cleaner, greener Libraries: 020 8545 3783 10 New waste and parks contracts Parking: 020 8545 4661 save taxpayers millions Registering to vote: 020 8274 4901 Feature 21 Waste collection services: Could you be a foster carer? 020 8274 4902 Community My Merton is published by the London Borough of Merton and is safety 19 distributed free to households in Everyone is welcome in Merton the borough four times a year. Editorial 5 minutes with 32 [email protected] Chief Superintendent merton.gov.uk/mymerton Steve Wallace What’s on listings: Fill in the online events form at: merton.gov.uk/eventscalendar Regulars Adverts Working life 9 For all advertising enquiries contact [email protected] 23 Ruth Hearty, Reparation Coordinator, Youth The London Borough of Merton The Daily Mile in Merton does not accept responsibility Justice Service for or endorse any products or services offered by advertisers. What’s on 25 Your guide to all that’s My Merton costs only going on in Merton 12p a copy to produce this spring

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it. My Merton is printed on fully recyclable paper, Don’t forget to which is accredited by the PEFC Council visit our website! (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). This edition of merton.gov.uk/mymerton My Merton is distributed from 16 March 2017. You can also follow us on: My Merton is designed by Domino4 01932 988677 14 16 Email [email protected] www.domino4.co.uk Future Merton Budget www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil Printed by Cliffe Enterprise The latest on regeneration Full analysis of how we Print Partnership projects across the borough have balanced the budget Contact 0845 601 9478 @Merton_Council Email [email protected] www.cliffe-enterprise.com My Merton is distributed by London Letterbox. Whenever you see this logo www.flickr.com/mertoncouncil Contact 020 8940 0666 or log on to www.londonletterbox.co.uk that means there’s a volunteering opportunity to get involved in www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil 4 between 10amand3pm Centre inMorden onWednesdays a representative atMerton Civic No appointmentneededto talk to www.croydonplus.co.uk exciting world-class eventpassesthroughourborough. police tominimiseinconvenience toresidentsasthis As usual,thecouncilwillbeworking closelywiththe the eventwhichfinishesinThe MallincentralLondon. and WimbledononSunday30July inthefinalstagesof Surrey willberidingthroughthe streetsofRaynesPark Cyclists takingpartinthePrudentialRideLondon– Road race and increaseitsoutreachwork. services toresidentsinthearea Banking grouptoimproveits a £16,939grantbyLloyds Credit Unionhasbeenawarded Croydon, MertonandSutton awarded Grant Keeping Merton informed news merton.gov.uk/carvedinstone between 1914 and 1918. between 1914and1918. who foughtintheconflict Roll ofHonour,listingthose the WimbledonandMerton website, whichalsofeatures on theCarvedinStone 1,436 wartimedocuments now availablealongside and historicdocuments. their knowledge,resources 29 organisationswhoshared a teamof39volunteersand service. Itwassupportedby run bythecouncil’sHeritage Heritage LotteryFundand by a£80,900grantfromthe Stone projectwasfinanced war memorials. commemorated onlocal War combatants more than500FirstWorld uncovered thelifestoriesof A heritageprojecthas Carved inStone find outmore find outmore A total of 512 stories are A totalof512storiesare The two-yearCarvedin find outmore

www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk

phones, athomeorschool. using theinternetonmobile positively andstaysafewhen learned howtousetechnology Mayor ofMerton.Pupils staying safeonlinemeanttothe ideas aboutwhattheythought Internet Centreinitiative. council aspartoftheUKSafer online withadvicefromthe learned aboutstayingsafe Primary SchoolinMitcham young people. technology bychildrenand and positiveuseofdigital promote thesafe,responsible taking partinactivitiesto marked SaferInternetDayby Schools acrosstheborough Pupils stay safe online William Shakespeare’s life. William Shakespeare’slife. by PeteChurchillandAdamSaunders,whichcelebrates which isinspiredbyfilmmusic,andSpeakUp,Out! The People’sGuidetotheOrchestra,bycomposerNeilBrand, Highlights oftheeveningwillincludetwonewcompositions: Foundation’s performanceofMusicisforLifeon8May. 19 primaryschoolswillbetakingpartinMertonMusic performing inaconcertattheRoyalAlbertHall.Pupilsfrom www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2017/music-is-for-life 020 86405446orbooktickets ontheRoyal Hall’s Albert website: The children presented their The childrenpresentedtheir Pupils fromHaslemere find outmore

Call Merton Music Foundation on Councillor BrendaFraser Mayor ofMerton, Primary Schoolwiththe Pupils fromHaslemere Merton will be Merton willbe musicians fromacross Young singersand Life for is Music

[email protected] Call 020 8545 3837 oremail Morden. Morden. Centre inLondonRoad, Chamber atMertonCivic at 7.15pmintheCouncil meet onWednesday10May Liaison Committeewill at theendofmeeting. question andanswersession charging points. trams andelectricvehicle be presentationsonbuses, Strategy andtherewillalso London’s DraftTransport will outlinetheMayorof from TransportforLondon improved. Arepresentative services inMertoncouldbe providers abouthowtheir speak directlytotransport residents theopportunityto Liaison Committeewillgive Our PublicTransport in Merton on transport Have your say The Public Transport The PublicTransport There willbeapublic find outmore

news Keeping Merton informed 5

New Merton welcomes secondary school to refugee family meet demand for Merton Merton is the first London borough to welcome a refugee family as part of the government’s Community Sponsorship Scheme. The council is working closely with partners, including the education Salvation Army and Merton Clinical Commissioning Group, to resettle the family in the borough. The family, who had been living in a refugee camp, were identified as having high priority for resettlement because they are particularly vulnerable.

Merton tackles air pollution head-on Merton will see a new In response to a national health much-needed comprehensive emergency and the Mayor of secondary school open in London’s pledge to cut air September 2018. pollution in the capital, Merton Named Harris Wimbledon Council is making it easier for Academy, the school will be people to move to less polluting located on High Path, not far vehicles by installing a network from South Wimbledon of electric charging points. Underground Station. This is There are now 21 charging the area where the demand points with retractable cables for school places is greatest. across Merton and plans to The new building will open its expand the network. Users can doors to pupils in 2020, but download a free Smartphone the first children to benefit app to find the nearest point, from an education at the reserve it or report a fault. school will start in September Network operator Source 2018 at a temporary site in London will charge £2 per Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Housing, Whatley Avenue (SW20). Councillor Martin Whelton charges up an electric vehicle hour, with most cars fully The council is working charged in four hours. vehicles over the next three rising to £115 in 2018/19 and closely with the Education To encourage drivers to ditch years. The levy will apply to £150 in 2019/20. Funding Agency to ensure diesel in favour of cleaner fuels, resident, business and trade find out more the school is value for money the council is also proposing to parking permits. The initial merton.gov.uk/transport-streets/ for the borough’s taxpayers. phase in a levy on diesel levy for 2017/18 will be £90 electric_charge_point The development of Harris Wimbledon Academy follows Merton’s successful primary school expansion programme, which created Get ready over 4,000 new school places to meet unprecedented for carnival demand from parents who Mitcham Carnival 2017 is happening on 10 June, so get want their children to be the date in the diary. Three Kings Piece will be alive with educated in Merton. music and dance. There will be stalls selling delicious More secondary school food and drinks from all over the world and there will be places will be created by the displays from local charities, businesses and community new school and also through groups. Anyone interested in having a stall at this year’s the expansion of Harris carnival should contact: [email protected]. Academy in Mitcham to Stalls cost £25 for charities and £50 for businesses. provide an extra 300 places. find out more find out more merton.gov.uk/mitchamcarnival merton.gov.uk/harriswimbledon

news 6 Keeping Merton informed

Borrow books at the Merton adult education touch of a button Learn a new skill on a Merton Adult Education course. There are a range of courses beginning in the summer term including first aid, arts, crafts, baking, languages and yoga. There are also courses available to help equip residents with the skills they need to find a job and enable others to gain qualifications to develop their careers. These include barbering, haircutting, accounting, graphic design, counselling, and computing as well as workshops on CV writing, interviews and job skills. find out more To enrol for a course, visit: merton.gov.uk/learning/adulteducation

Technology is allowing library users to borrow, Wimbledon war hero remembered return and renew items at the touch of a button. Self-service technology and the support of Merton Council marked the 100th France, George used his own body to volunteers has enabled Merton Council to keep anniversary of the “act of valour” for shield his fellow soldiers from the blast. all seven of its award-winning libraries open and which Wimbledon resident George He died from his wounds later that extend their opening hours during recent years. Edward Cates was awarded the Victoria night, aged just 24. On the same date From 1 May, Colliers Wood, Raynes Park, Cross during World War One. On 100 years later, Mayor of Merton Pollards Hill, and West Barnes libraries will all 8 March 1917, 2nd Lieutenant Cates, Councillor Brenda Fraser unveiled a operate self-service periods during off peak times. who was born in Hartfield Road and commemorative stone near Wimbledon The buildings will continue to be staffed by educated at Rutlish School, sacrificed his war memorial, Parkside, to honour the security guards throughout opening hours. own life to save his comrades. Having memory of George Cates. find out more merton.gov.uk/libraries triggered a delayed action bomb, whilst find out more deepening a trench at Bouchavesnes, merton.gov.uk/carvedinstone

Your FOOD WASTE is recycled into ENERGY to power our homes

Recycle all your food waste to power our local community

www.merton.gov.uk/recycling

news Keeping Merton informed 7

Zero tolerance of abuse Merton

Merton Council took a motorist racially abused while carrying The defendant pleaded guilty in Bloom to court and won after one of its out his job. The motorist was to charges of racially aggravated civil enforcement officers was fined £600 and had to pay intentional harassment and the £100 in compensation to the use of threatening abusive officer following the December words. This is a reminder that hearing at Wimbledon the council will never tolerate Magistrates Court. abuse or aggression towards its The enforcement officer was employees and will take action issuing a penalty charge notice where necessary to prosecute to the motorist’s vehicle in those who act inappropriately. Greenfingered residents, Belvedere Avenue, Wimbledon, The council’s parking community groups, schools in November. He was wearing enforcement officers play an and businesses are being a body camera which recorded important part in keeping Merton encouraged to sow and grow the incident and he immediately moving and ensuring motorists colourful displays of flowers reported it to the police. obey the Highway Code. to enter Merton in Bloom. Merton in Bloom forms part of the Royal Heathrow Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom and London expansion in Bloom competitions. As well as floral displays consultation which transform front Have your say on the gardens, balconies and government’s proposal to build community gardens, judges a new northwest runway at Together we can tackle child abuse will be looking at children’s Heathrow Airport. The Residents who suspect that a the Department for Education’s drawings of gardens. Heathrow Northwest Runway child they know may be at risk Together, we can tackle child Other categories include Consultation is open until of harm are being urged to abuse campaign. The campaign best hanging basket, best 25 May. It gives the public the report their concerns to the highlights how important it is school wildlife garden, best opportunity to comment on a Merton Multi-Agency for people to report any floral allotment and best draft National Policy Statement. Safeguarding Hub (MASH). suspicions or concerns they commercial premises. This sets out the policy that The MASH, a partnership of have about a child who may be The closing date for entries applies to decisions on whether education and social care staff suffering abuse. Anyone worried is Friday 16 June. major infrastructure projects from Merton Council, the police about a child in Merton should find out more can go ahead. and the NHS working together contact the MASH on 020 8545 merton.gov.uk/mertoninbloom find out more www.gov.uk/ to protect children, is supporting 4226 or 020 8545 4227. dft/heathrow-airport-expansion Watch live footage of nesting New volunteering strategy peregrine falcons

to help the third sector A live webcam will stream footage of Following a consultation, a combined strategy to support the protected peregrine falcon chicks onto voluntary sector and to encourage more residents to get our website for the first time as they involved in volunteering is being drawn up by the Merton hatch on the Civic Centre roof for the Partnership, which includes the council. The voluntary sector third year in a row. in Merton has grown during the last two years and the strategy Peregrine falcons have been nesting aims to promote collaboration between organisations. It will on the roof since 2015 and are monitored by the council and the also support voluntary groups to explore new sources of London Peregrine Partnership. Last year four chicks hatched. funding and equip trustees with the skills they need to take an The female normally lays three or four eggs in late March active role on charity boards. The plans will encourage or April, which hatch about a month later. The chicks fledge volunteering by recruiting more residents to help with at 38 to 44-days-old and the adults spend around two months community initiatives and also promoting the benefits to teaching them to hunt before they become independent. businesses of employee volunteering schemes. find out more merton.gov.uk/falcons

news 8 Keeping Merton informed

Free childcare Pre-school children get active Did you know your two-year- The All England Lawn Tennis activity in the classroom every values to the children in terms of old child could enjoy up to 15 Club (AELTC) is launching an day. Mr Bloxham said: “Activities focus, discipline, energy and hours of free early education early years event to help improve focus on co-ordination, agility, teamwork and we’re confident and childcare a week? the physical activity habits of balance and strength but schools will quickly see the Parents whose total children in Merton. Following ultimately we want to get them benefits.” Through the AELTC household income is a successful pilot, AELTC moving and get the oxygen tennis programmes, an AELTC £16,190 or less and are Head Coach Dan Bloxham has flowing, which will help them coach is now delivering tennis to claiming certain out-of-work been training local early years throughout the school day. a Merton school every day of the benefits or Working Tax teachers to deliver ten minutes Sport brings so many good school week. Credit are eligible to claim of fun yet healthy physical help with childcare costs. They could get up to 570 Your views on public services hours of childcare a year free Merton Council’s overview and scrutiny panels regularly review of charge and, if working, issues and services that affect residents. These reviews involve may also qualify for help to finding out about local people’s experiences and looking at how reduce the cost of any other areas deal with the same challenges. The panels then suggest additional childcare needed. new ways to work in Merton. Past reviews have covered issues For eligibility, visit: including diabetes prevention, employment opportunities for merton.gov.uk/two, or care leavers, improving air quality and tackling loneliness merton.gov.uk/fsd for among older people. What do you think they should look at next? more about childcare A training find out more providers in Merton including session for early merton.gov.uk/scrutiny or email: [email protected] council-run settings. years teachers

The Wimbledon Foundation, the charity of WIN AFTERNOON The All England Lawn Tennis Club, is offering TEA FOR FOUR AT one lucky winner the chance to enjoy afternoon tea with up to three guests in the Wingfield Café.

WIMBLEDON The Wimbledon Foundation makes a valuable contribution to meeting social needs and reducing inequalities in Merton and Wandsworth by awarding grants totalling over £350,000 a year to charities and community organisations. The Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) visits two local primary schools every week and has so far introduced over 190,000 children to tennis.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Wimbledon is played on which surface? a) Hard court b) Grass court c) Clay court In your answer, you must include the following: name, email address, phone number and postal address. You can email your answer to [email protected] or send it to: My Merton, 7th floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX.

The closing date for entries is 30 April 2017.

The competition is to win afternoon tea for a maximum of four people at the Wingfield Café, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AE. The Wingfield Café is open daily except between 19 June 2017 and wimbledon.com/foundation 24 July 2017. The prize cannot be exchanged or used in conjunction with any other offer. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel included @WimbledonFDN in this prize.

Merton –proud to be aFairtrade borough •Merton – proud to be aFairtrade borough • Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough •Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough •Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough • Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough working withyoung peopleinMerton Council’s Youth Justice Service. L Merton My justice Positive experience to get jobs in the catering experience togetjobsinthecatering hygiene whichgivesthemtheskillsand and Guildsqualificationinfood Lower Morden.ManytakeaLevel2City for elderlyresidentsatanursinghomein storm inthekitchenwheretheymakecakes recycled. Theyoungpeoplealsocookupa Police, andthentheyarerepaired or stolenbicyclesaredonatedbyMerton theft andseehowithasaffectedthem.Lost young peopletoconnectwithvictimsofbike first aid. animal careandhorsemanagement schemes includingcommunitytidying, week, theteamrunavarietyofactivitiesand have togivebackthecommunity. offence andaspartoftheirrehabilitation 18-years-old whohavebeenconvictedofan her teamworkwithyoungpeopleaged13to Council’s YouthJusticeService,Ruthand dedication ofpeoplelikeRuthHearty. The Recycle a Cycle project encourages The RecycleaCycleprojectencourages Every Saturdaymorningandduringthe As ReparationCoordinatorforMerton including cooking thanks to the including cookingthankstothe found anewpassionforskills their livesaroundandgotjobsor ots ofyoungpeoplehaveturned speaks to Ruth Hearty to findout why sheloves herjob

them blossom.” all theyoungpeopleIworkwithandsee rewarding. I’mluckythatIgettoknow is thebestjobofmylife,Iloveit.Itso colleagues andIwantthebestforthem.” through alot,buttheyquicklyrealisemy not veryconfident,manyofthemhavebeen the youngpeoplecometousandtheyare to finishisincrediblyrewarding.Someof to dowell.Seeingthedifferencefromstart them feelgoodaboutthemselvesandwant “I believepraiseandencouragementhelps the youngpeopleistobepositive.Shesaid: voluntarily becausetheyenjoyitsomuch. Many returntotakepartinthecourses them moveforwardpositivelyintheirlives. qualifications, skillsandexperiencetohelp not havethoughtofbefore. industry, somethingmanyofthemwould merton.gov.uk/yjs Youth Justice Service, visit For more abouttheMerton Despite its challenges, Ruth said: “This Despite itschallenges,Ruthsaid:“This Ruth believesthekeytoengagingwith These coursesallowparticipantstogain find outmore:

Turning young lives around with. peoplethey work faced by theyoung vulnerability issues safeguarding and seeks to address the the borough. Italso youth offending in to prevent andreduce agencies, whichaims council andother a partnership of the Justice Service is The Merton Youth working life

9 10 Regular round-up my environment efficiency andenvironmental benefits. better valueformoney,improved Sutton Council.Thecontractsmean also agreedajointparkscontract with contract acrossallfourboroughs. Wehave waste collectionandstreetcleaning Sutton andKingstoncouncilstoagreea high standardbutatalowercost. find newwaysofdeliveringthesetoa pressure onbudgets,thecouncilneedsto all bigprioritiesforyou.Withcontinued recycling collectionsandgreenspacesare an estimated£2millionayear. spaces, savingMertonCounciltaxpayers and maintenanceofourparksopen collection andstreetcleaningservices begin providingMertonCouncil’swaste This springtwonewcompanieswill savetaxpayers millions New waste and parks contracts We have been working with Croydon, We havebeenworkingwithCroydon, We knowthatcleanerstreets,wasteand

Merton –proud to bea Fairtrade borough •Merton – proud to be aFairtrade borough • Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough •Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough •Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough • Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough landfill and energy from waste facility. landfill andenergy fromwastefacility. already successfullyagreedthe the samefourboroughswhichhave Waste Partnershipwhichbrings together been managedbytheSouthLondon sports pitchesandplayfacilities. maintenance services,cemeteries, covering allourparksandgrounds began operatingfrom1February, specialist landscapecompanyi on 1April. maintenance. Thecontractwillbegin waste, wintermaintenanceandvehicle recycling, streetcleaning,commercial to provideallourwastecollection, company Veoliahasbeenselected process, leadingenvironmentalservices The contracting process has The contractingprocesshas A secondcontract,awardedto After acareful,two-yearbidding dverde, dverde,

from wet weather. from wetweather. enclosed wheeliebinsprotectmaterial Recycling ratesincreasedtoo,as the agreed thatthestreetslookedcleaner. were happywiththeserviceand 81% homes, 89%ofparticipantssaid they the six-monthpilotschemeof1,000 rates ofcustomersatisfaction.During Lavender wardin2015,whichsawhigh a successfultrialofthesystemin to residentsacrosstheboroughfollows waste areintroduced. wheelie binsforrecyclingandgeneral contracts untilOctober2018,when the sameservicesundernew in thefourboroughs. household wasteandrecyclingcentres The partnershipalsomanagesallthe The decision to roll out wheelie bins The decisiontorolloutwheeliebins Residents willcontinuetoreceive

my environment Regular round-up 11

Recycling

Did you know that you can recycle batteries, hard plastic, electrical items, furniture and wood at our Household Reuse and Recycling Centre? The Spreading the word centre in Amenity Way, off Garth Road We are making recycling easier for On the Baron’s Estate in Mitcham, in Morden, residents who live in flats with a residents now recycle more than they did also accepts books, oil, printer communal bin area. In partnership with before the improvements were made and cartridges and scrap metal. cleaners and caretakers, we are we are continuing to support them to Please sort your recycling before increasing the number of recycling bins recycle even more. Circle Housing estate arriving and remember to take along and giving the existing ones a spruce up, cleaner Mark Crosby said: “We have your recent council tax bill or driving putting up clear signs and distributing worked closely with the council to increase licence as proof that you are a leaflets and free reusable recycling bags. the number of recycling bins almost Merton resident. We have also raised awareness among three fold, tidied up the area and kept Paper and card, cans, foil, glass residents about the range of rubbish people informed. Residents have really bottles and jars, plastic bottles, tubs which can be recycled by distributing got on board and are recycling much and trays and cartons can all be leaflets, holding information events and more. The whole area looks smarter too.” recycled from your kerbside. knocking on people’s doors. Follow-up Pictured above: Mark Crosby at the find out more visits have provided ongoing support. Baron’s Estate in Mitcham. merton.gov.uk/amenity

Garden waste Now spring is just about here, you might be thinking about getting out in the garden, cutting back shrubs and mowing the lawn. You can take your garden waste to Merton Council’s Household Reuse and Recycling Centre in Amenity Way off Garth Road in Morden or you can sign up for our garden waste collection service. We will collect your garden waste every fortnight (with a break after Christmas and in January when there is not much growth) including grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, twigs and leaves, which are all compostable. For £70 a year from 1 April (or £65 a year for new customers signing up in March) you will get fortnightly collections and a garden waste bin (or 24 garden waste collection bags if you have no space for a bin). For more information visit: merton.gov.uk/gardenwaste.

COMPETITION

Win four tickets to see Footloose at New Wimbledon Theatre this April!

Kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose as, due to popular demand, the explosive rock ‘n’ roll musical sensation Footloose returns to New Wimbledon Theatre for two nights only this April. Based on the 1980s hit film that took the world by storm, Footloose sizzles with the same spirit of youth, rebellion and romance. In your answer, you must include the following: City boy Ren thinks his life is over when he is forced to move to Bomont, name, email address, phone number and postal an American rural backwater. But things are far worse than he could have address. You can email your answer to ever imagined, as the town bans dancing. It isn’t long before Ren can’t [email protected] or write to us resist breaking the rules, and he’s not alone. Starring Maureen Nolan as at My Merton, 7th floor, Civic Centre, London Vi Moore, enjoy the best in UK musical talent, cutting-edge choreography Road, Morden SM4 5DX. The closing date for and classic hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, entries is 12 April 2017. Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the unforgettable title track, Footloose. Footloose is back on 21 and 22 April and it’s better than ever before! Terms and conditions: *The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel Who starred as Ren McCormack in the 1983 film of Footloose? included in this prize. The competition is for one group ticket (four tickets) to see Footloose at New Wimbledon Theatre, a) Kevin Costner b) Kevin Bacon c) Kevin Spacey valid on either performance on 21 or 22 April 2017.

MERTON COUNCIL Can you be there for a Can you..? teenager who can’t live at home? More young people aged 11-18 are coming into care. If you have a spare bedroom and a desire to help young people please get in touch today.

Foster for Merton and we can offer you: ✓ Comprehensive, on-going professional training ✓ 24/7 support and mentors ✓ An allowance of up to £507 per week

We host two information events each month, call us for a friendly chat on 0208 545 4070 / 0800 073 0874 or visit merton.gov.uk/fostering for more details.

history

A legacy of learning 13

House of Lords reception

URSULINE BLUE: PANTONE: 286U CMYK: 100/66/0/2

URSULINE 125 GOLD PANTAnONE: 872Cinspirational (METALLIC INK) student poem CMYK: 5 /20 /85/15 Celebrating 125 years of educating young women Ursuline High School in Wimbledon grew from just three students to become one of the country’s top schools. My Merton looks at its history.

rsuline High School in Catholic Women’s Suffrage Society. of Lords. There will be a production of Wimbledon celebrates its Showing concern for the needy, the Evita performed at the Epsom Playhouse 125th anniversary this year. Ursuline school took in refugees from later this month, plus a whole school UThe Catholic school for girls, France and Belgium during World War mass at Westminster Cathedral in April. which is rated amongst the top 100 II. Pip, the resident dog, kept boarders non-selective schools in the country, safe by howling to warn of air raids. Did you attend prides itself on offering an excellent The school has had various Ursuline High School? education to young women, whilst incarnations, from a private boarding The school is keen to contact former celebrating the extraordinary potential school and girls’ grammar, to a pupils for a special reception in July. of each 11 to 18-year-old girl. comprehensive, founded in 1969 Please contact Marion Lyons at The history of the school began in together with a new sixth form. Over time [email protected] to find out more. 16th century Italy where one such new facilities have been added – the latest extraordinary woman, St Angela of being playing fields and a pavilion, Merici, was born. Very much a female in negotiated by the council with a developer Ursuline Convent, Wimbledon, early 1900s a man’s world, Angela was well known as part of a planning agreement, which for moving amongst the rich and are due to open in September. influential, reconciling their differences, To mark its 125th year, the school has at the same time as helping the poor and been holding concerts, debates and faith needy. She founded the order of events as well as a reception in the House Ursulines in 1535, named after the early British Saint Ursula, a patron of learning. Ursuline orders grew up across the A brief history world, including in London. In 1892 a 1535: Angela Merici founds the Ursuline order. community of nuns from Forest Gate 1892: School established in Worple Road. came to Wimbledon and founded a 1895: The first high school built in Alexander Road called St Angela’s. school at a house on Worple Road. From 1958: Mural put up and gym opened. (New hall opened in 1959.) humble beginnings – its first pupil, Netta 1969: Ursuline becomes a comprehensive school and opens sixth form centre. Powell, was one of only three students – 1974: St Angela’s Sixth Form block opened. Now St Angela’s art block. the school grew and moved to The Downs 1984: The Diamond Jubilee of Sister Francis Lemarchand (a previous Headteacher). in 1901, where it occupied the much 1999: School becomes 11–18 and opens Merici Sports Centre and St Ursula’s building. larger Claremont building. 2010: New sixth form centre opens with a pastoral centre. It continued to attract strong women – 2013: St Angela’s Arts Centre is refurbished. in 1912 one teacher, Miss Fenell, chaired 2017: Ursuline playing fields and pavilion – provisional opening date September 2017. meetings of the Wimbledon branch of the

1014 of housing estates progressing, Future Merton is taking shape. With thecountdown to ournew library openingandtheregeneration FutureMerton Regenerating our borough feature seven libraries. The results revealed that seven libraries.Theresultsrevealed that both onlineandateachofMerton’s through eventsandsurveys,accessible comment onoptionsfortheinterior library customerswereaskedto for bookswereallpriorities. meeting roomsandplentyofspaces a coffeeshop,children’slibrary, facilities thelibrarywillcontain– consultation helpingdefinewhat to theprojectfromstart,with apartments forsaleandrent. development whichalsoincludes project torebuilditaspartofastriking to openthissummerafteratwoyear Colliers Wood’snewlibraryisontrack opening soon New library In a final piece of consultation, In afinalpieceofconsultation, Residents’ viewshavebeencrucial

development built by Rocco Homes. development builtbyRoccoHomes. incorporating thelibraryintoa by thecounciltosecureagooddeal by 1970s buildingandfollowsnegotiations an evenlargerspace. which canbejoinedtogethertocreate mezzanine level,threeflexiblerooms include achildren’sareaand,onthe – belowtheapartments.Thelibrarywill basement, groundfloorandmezzanine three levelsoflibraryspace–the aid creativity. with aninjectionofvibrantcoloursto space; mostoptedforneutraldecor library userswerekeenforaflexible

The new library replaces an ageing The newlibraryreplacesanageing The seven-floorbuildingincludes

merton.gov.uk/futurewimbledon Wimbledon? new in What’s to help inform the plan. to helpinformtheplan. currently consideringalltheirideas who gotinvolved. development. Thankyoutoeveryone the communityaspirationsforfuture buildings andspacesinthearea them thechancetotalkabout interactive workshopswhichgave to helpinfluencethetown’sfutureat residents andbusinesseswereinvited During JanuaryandFebruary decisions forthenext15years. guide developmentandinvestment now preparingamasterplanthatwill economic growth. and shoppersacentrefor town asadestinationforresidents about shapingavisionforWimbledon The FutureWimbledonprojectis The Future Merton team are The FutureMertonteamare As partoftheprojectcouncilis find outmore

feature

Regenerating our borough 15

Ravensbury Estates revamp latest

Ambitious plans to regenerate three of the borough’s housing estates will move forward in March with the submission of the Estates Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The plan sets out a framework for the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Eastfields estate in Mitcham, High Path estate in South Wimbledon and Ravensbury estate in Morden, and has been written with the views and ideas of residents very much in mind. Over the past two years Merton Council and Clarion Housing (formerly Circle Housing), the housing association which owns most of the estates, have been consulting residents about the future of their homes. Built in the 1950s and 1960s, the properties are ageing and expensive to heat and maintain. Rebuilding them is seen as a better way of bringing them up to a decent standard than renovating them bit by bit. Clarion Housing want to create new homes which are attractive, modern, High Path energy efficient and well-landscaped. There would be homes for existing South Wimbledon residents along with around 1,000 more properties built across the three sites. While the project represents an important, long-term investment in affordable housing in the borough and a big improvement to quality of life for residents, we want to make sure residents get the best deal possible and their voices are heard – which is why their input in the estates local plan has been so important. find out more To read the Estates Local Plan visit merton.gov.uk/estatesplan

feature 16 10 Balancing the borough’s budget Looking after the pennies Every year Merton Council needs to decide how to spend its money in the year to come and how it will pay for services. My Merton looks at this year’s budget.

unning a council and services This year Merton Council has decided to such as rubbish collection, social invest extra money into services used by Investing services and parks, is a bit like vulnerable adults and children. We’re also in older and Rrunning your household budget. investing in families and in good quality You need to look at how much money you public services that can be used by all our disabled have coming in, such as wages or a residents. By cutting waste across the people pension, and decide what you can afford to council, money is available for the services spend your money on and what you can’t. families enjoy. You might ask yourself questions like: Just like with household budgets, there This year Merton Council has decided Should you get a loan to buy a new car or have been some difficult choices to make, to invest £9m extra in adult social continue to pay out to repair the old one? but we’re confident we have planned our care. Across the country an increasing Can you afford to buy the kids the latest spending in a business-like way that will number of older and disabled people fashions or do you need to say no? Will you help all our residents while keeping Merton need council help. It’s great that more have enough for your holiday? And what an affordable borough. people are living longer but it means will you do if the company cuts your wages that many more people need care and your income goes down, or your mum services to help them live in their own gets ill and you need to drop everything to home for longer and more and more look after her? people need help to pay for their care Obviously local councils are dealing in later life. with much bigger amounts of money than In Merton we think it’s important our household budgets. And they have to to properly fund adult social care. We keep 80,000 residents happy, not just a don’t think the government is doing family of four. But similar decisions have to enough to help. But we’re making our be made. own decision to prioritise funding for older and disabled residents.

feature Balancing the borough’s budget 17

Council Budget tax key points

We’ve frozen your council tax for six l Core council tax frozen for seventh years in a row, including for those on year in a row to protect low paid low pay. We’re one of only a few residents from government cuts boroughs to have done this because of l £9m more for adult social care our good financial management. l Implementing the government’s We’re freezing the core element of 3% precept on council tax your council tax again this year. l Council Tax support scheme for But the government has cut funding low income residents protected to local councils by over 40% since l Almost £20m for secondary school 2010. Imagine what that would do to expansions across the borough your household budget. At the same l A brand new school at the heart of time, there is a crisis in adult social care the borough in South Wimbledon in this country. More people are living l Almost £10m to expand special longer and need help in their old age. schools for disabled children But the government haven’t given l Expanding Perseid special school councils any extra money to help pay in Morden for adult social care. Instead they have l Almost £10m to upgrade the created a new council tax increase borough’s footpaths and highways Investing called a “precept”, which they expect l New library in Colliers Wood all local councils to charge. So your l Refurbishing West Barnes library in families council tax will increase overall by the l £40m invested this year in town government’s 3% precept. However centres, schools, parks, libraries and we have kept the core Merton element other big projects the same, as we have done for the last We’ve also decided to spend £1m six years. extra on children’s services. Merton We know many residents are has become known as a great place worried about what Brexit will do to to bring up your family which is their finances so we don’t want to why more people are moving here make things more difficult than they and starting a family. That’s why already are. That’s why we are freezing we’ve expanded our primary schools the core element of your council tax. to provide more than 4,000 extra places since 2010. We’re now starting on secondary schools, with 300 more places planned at Harris Merton in Mitcham and a new secondary school planned for South Wimbledon. With a new leisure centre planned to open next year in Morden and a new library in Colliers Wood, Merton really is a great place for families.

Spring Loaded ADULT EDUCATION IN MERTON

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www.south-thames.ac.uk/adultedMerton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

My Merton Full Page Spring 17_FIN2.indd 1 07/02/2017 14:48 community safety

A diverse and inclusive borough 19

Neighbourhood Everyone is watch welcome in Merton That is the joint message of reassurance that to the police. I believe he targeted me from all three party leaders on Merton because of my vulnerability.” Spring Council after recent international events Samantha approached the police; have triggered unrest across the world. however, disabled people’s organisation Over the last year Merton Council has Merton Centre for Independent Living (CIL) worked tirelessly with partners including found that only two in 100 disabled people Merton Police to promote community who have experienced hate crime feel able cohesion across the borough. to do so. Loaded In Merton reported incidents of hate Merton CIL’s Chief Executive, Lyla crime were higher last year than in other, Adwan-Kamara said: “We have been working similar boroughs. We want people to come with disabled survivors of hate crime, forward and report hate crime and our data including survivors of physical and financial ADULT EDUCATION IN MERTON shows that some sections of the abuse, to build up their confidence to stand community are doing so. up to the perpetrators. It takes many hours of But while racially-motivated crimes are support before people feel able to take action being reported, incidents of bullying and and to approach the police, and our team are NEW TERM –19 APRIL intimidation against people who are able to help them with that process.” Neighbourhood Watch schemes have disabled or transgender are almost all under If you have been a victim of hate Part-time and short courses been around for more than 30 years, the radar. Hate crimes are those motivated crime, call the police on 101 – or if a during which time they have been by a hostility or prejudice based on personal crime is in progress, ring 999. To report for adults, including: shown to reduce crime and fear while characteristics, which could be the victim’s a crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers helping to build a sense of community. race, religion, sexual orientation, disability on 0800 555 111. Merton CIL can be • Art and Craft Merton’s schemes currently cover 38% or transgender identity. contacted on 0203 397 3119 or visit: of the borough, but we’d like them “When I am in my wheelchair, people www.mertoncil.org.uk • Business, Finance operating in as many streets as possible. touch me even if I don’t want them to,” says and Computing If you’re interested in finding out more Samantha, a young woman who attributes or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch the sexual harassment she has encountered Domestic violence scheme of your own, please email Lee to being disabled. “Other times, people treat one-stop shop • Childcare Roberts: [email protected] me like a nuisance, as if I am getting in the way. I got stalked once and I had to report The One Stop Shop is a confidential • ESOL service for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Merton. Drop in on • Health and Wellbeing Mondays between 9.30am and midday • Languages at Morden Baptist Church in Crown More police on Lane, Morden. • Training for Work find out more Call 020 7801 7777. Apply Call the 24-hour National Domestic the beat Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If it plus lots more to is an emergency, always call the police on By the end of the year, every ward in 999. www.merton.gov.uk/domesticviolence choose from… the borough will have two dedicated NOW police constables and a police community support officer. This follows a commitment by the Mayor of London to restore neighbourhood South Thames College, Merton Campus policing. The role of these ward London Road, Morden SM4 5QX officers is to work shifts over seven days a week, patrolling the streets 020 8918 7777 and getting to know the local area and the people who live there. /SouthThamesCollege @SouthThamesColl www.south-thames.ac.uk/adultedMerton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

My Merton Full Page Spring 17_FIN2.indd 1 07/02/2017 14:48 6 April – 14 May

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My Merton Magazine Spring edition 2017.indd 1 11/11/2016 12:28

MERTON COUNCIL

Drive4life Pre-learner driving skills course Children’s cycle training If you find today’s busy roads a challenge, For 17-24 year olds with a provisional car Merton provides free ‘on road’ cycle training our free session can return you to driving licence. Free 3 hour theory session for children age 10+ at Merton schools during confident driving. Designed for drivers followed by 3 free driving lessons. school term, and Easter and summer holidays. over 55 years old. For more information visit: Application form available at: Further details and application form available at: merton.gov.uk/drive4life merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety

Free events: Dr Bike (free Motorbike and moped courses Adult cycle training cycle maintenance) & Be a brighter biker, for learner riders. Free adult cycle training for beginners, Exchanging Places (HGV/ Free classroom session and CBT. refreshers and commuters from March to Cyclist practical safety tips Bike Safe, for experienced riders. A free November on Saturday mornings in Morden. with lorry) training day for experienced riders provided by We can even provide a bicycle for you to use if you haven’t got your own. For Dr Bike locations visit: the police. cycleconfident.com For Exchanging Places locations visit: Further details and application form available at: Further details and application form available at: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety

All events and training are funded in conjunction with Transport for London and are available to those who live, work or study in the London Borough of Merton. Please contact us for more information: Contact: Future Merton, London Borough of Merton, 9th Floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX Telephone: 020 8545 3205 / 06 Email: [email protected] Web: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety

merton.gov.uk/roadsafety Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

feature

Foster for Merton 21

Could you be a foster carer? Fostering is a way of providing a family life for a child who is unable to live at home and Merton Council is looking for new foster carers. Ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs between from 8–21 May, My Merton talked to a foster carer to find out more about what fostering involves.

’ve learned more in five years of “You have to be very open-minded and understand that you will not judge fostering than working for 15 years!” and inquisitive. There’s plenty of support them, that is the most rewarding part of the says Merton foster carer Sarah*. and you have to use it. You’re going to meet job. We tell them we will always be there ‘‘I “Children teach you so much; so much along the way, but if you ask for them no matter what.” about life, actually, so for me it’s been questions, find a buddy, join support To become a foster carer you need to MERTON COUNCIL really interesting.” groups, it’s all there for you – and it’s have a spare bedroom, some experience of Sarah is a short-term foster carer for certainly very rewarding!” young people, as well as patience, resilience Drive4life Pre-learner driving skills course Children’s cycle training children aged between four and ten. In the There is currently a shortage of foster and understanding. You don’t need to be If you find today’s busy roads a challenge, For 17-24 year olds with a provisional car Merton provides free ‘on road’ cycle training time she’s been fostering she has looked carers for older children, particularly super parents, but you do need to have the our free session can return you to driving licence. Free 3 hour theory session for children age 10+ at Merton schools during after 13 children; one for just over a year teenagers. desire to help and offer the young person a confident driving. Designed for drivers followed by 3 free driving lessons. school term, and Easter and summer holidays. and others for a couple of nights. Mani and Steve, a couple from Merton, safe and secure place to live. over 55 years old. Fostering was something she had thought currently care for teenagers in the borough. *not her real name. For more information visit: Application form available at: Further details and application form available at: about a lot and once her own children were Steve explained why they chose to foster merton.gov.uk/drive4life merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety teenagers, the time seemed right. older children. He said: “We really wanted find out more: “I started to work with children with to care for teenagers as we thought our merton.gov.uk/fostering Free events: Dr Bike (free Motorbike and moped courses Adult cycle training disabilities, giving respite to families. I got skills would be better suited to the 11 plus Call 020 8545 4070 or 0800 073 0874 to a stage where I thought I could give a age group. When they grow to trust you or email: [email protected] cycle maintenance) & Be a brighter biker, for learner riders. Free adult cycle training for beginners, Exchanging Places (HGV/ Free classroom session and CBT. refreshers and commuters from March to little bit more and was thinking that maybe I could go down the avenue of fostering.” Cyclist practical safety tips Bike Safe, for experienced riders. A free November on Saturday mornings in Morden. with lorry) training day for experienced riders provided by We can even provide a bicycle for you to use Sarah’s fostering journey has been Foster information if you haven’t got your own. deeply rewarding – for both her and her For Dr Bike locations visit: the police. meetings cycleconfident.com family. “Within your own family sometimes life is lovely and I don’t think Find out what fostering involves, the For Exchanging Places locations visit: Further details and application form available at: Further details and application form available at: your children understand what life can be assessment process, the impact on family life, merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety like out there. It’s been quite educational support, training, payments and much more at for them because every child who comes an information meeting at Morden Baptist All events and training are funded in conjunction with Transport for London and are available to those who live, work or study through the door is different.” Church, Crown Lane, Morden. in the London Borough of Merton. “The children have individual challenges, Please contact us for more information: of course, but we deal with these day-by- • 22 March, 6.30pm • 24 May, 6.30pm day. That’s just family life! You deal with • 5 April, 10.30am • 7 June, 10.30am Contact: Future Merton, London Borough of Merton, 9th Floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX the problem and try and make the child’s • 20 April, 6.30pm • 22 June, 6.30pm Telephone: 020 8545 3205 / 06 life as nice as possible. And at home they’re • 3 May, 10.30am • 5 July, 10.30am Email: [email protected] not challenging because we have really • 24 May, 10.30am Web: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety good boundaries and routines. merton.gov.uk/roadsafety Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

2210 Staying healthy feature obesity include limits on advertising obesity includelimitsonadvertising outside unsupervised. concerns aboutlettingchildrenplay Some residentsalsohighlighted options andfastfoodshopsareanissue. numbers ofcheap,unhealthyfood Merton respondentssaidthatthelarge harder forchildrentoleadhealthylives, should beahighpriorityforLondon. most agreeingthatchildhoodobesity between OctoberandDecember,with responded tothedebate,whichtookplace families leadhealthierlives. can bedonetohelpchildrenand contribute tochildhoodobesityandwhat in thecapital;factorstheythink aware oftheextentchildhoodobesity Partnership, askedifLondonerswere about childhoodobesity. which aimedtostartaconversation Great WeightDebate,anonlinesurvey other Londonboroughrespondedtothe More peoplefromMertonthaninany a major issue Weighing in on Suggestions to reduce childhood Suggestions toreducechildhood When askedaboutwhatmakesit More than300Mertonresidents The initiative,bytheHealthyLondon

© iStock.com/SolStock www.greatweightdebatemerton.co.uk action on tackling the issue. action ontacklingtheissue. a communityandpresentscallto report sumsupthechallengewefaceas about childhoodobesityinMerton.The Zeuner gathersthefactsandfigures Childhood ObesityTogetherbyDrDagmar published inFebruary.Tackling Director ofPublicHealth,whichwas year’s annualreportbyMertonCouncil’s 6, thefinalyearofprimaryschool. increases tooneinthreepupilsYear Reception Yearisoverweightandthis or obese.Oneinfivechildrenstarting in Mertonareestimatedtobeoverweight is arealsointheplans. knowledge aboutwhatahealthyweight increasing childrenandfamilies’ offer morehealthyoptionsand facilities. Supportingfoodbusinessesto outdoor activitiesandtheuseofleisure of parksandoutdoorspacesincrease groups andvoluntaryorganisations. with theNHS,schools,community healthy weightactionplaninpartnership Locally, wehavedevelopedachild options theeasiestandpreferredchoice. local actiontomakethehealthiest healthy weightis. drinks andraisingawarenessofwhata availability ofcheaperhealthierfoodand unhealthy food;increasingthe Childhood obesity is the subject of this Childhood obesityisthesubjectofthis Around 4,500primaryschoolchildren This includesideastoincreasetheuse Changes requirebothnationaland find outmore

www.nhs.uk/change4life Google Playandreadmoreat Find itintheAppStoreoron it’s funtodoandarealeye-opener. saturated fatandsalttheycontain– foods tofindouthowmuchsugar, scan thebarcodeofhundreds from Change4Lifeandyoucan new, improved#BeFoodSmartapp arriving atschool.Downloadthe amount ofsugarbeforeeven way totheirdailymaximum mean manychildrenarehalf cereals, fruitjuiceandsweetspreads Change4Life, sugarybreakfast According tothehealthcampaign Smart Be Food

Merton –proud to be aFairtrade borough •Merton – proud to be aFairtrade borough • Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough •Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough •Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough • Merton –proud to beaFairtrade borough Call 020 8685 6192 oremail:[email protected] them explore new opportunities for training and employment. them explorenewopportunitiesfortrainingandemployment. variety ofways;fromaccompanyingthemonagroupwalkortothegymhelping support workershelptheirclientsimprovewellbeingandfeellessisolatedina are beingrecruitedtohelpothersintheMertonCouncil-fundedinitiative.Thesepeer being pilotedinMerton.Peoplewithexperienceoflivingmentalhealthissues A newpeersupportschemetohelppeoplewithseriousmentalhealthconditionsis New mental health support scheme could make positive change. could makepositivechange. the areasofyourlifestylewhereyou online quizwhichwillhelpyoupinpoint later thisspring.Togetstarted,takethe refreshed for2017withmoretocome last year,thecampaignhasbeen fightback toahealthieryou.Launched campaign isagoodplacetostartyour Aimed atadultsofallages,theOneYou You One There’s only Contact DanielButler on020 8545 4899 [email protected] living withdementia. the MertonDementiaActionAlliance tohelpsupportresidents voluntary andcommunityorganisations arebeingurgedtojoin the communityandathirdofthemlivealone.Businesses life easierforpeoplelivingwithdementia. Society andaimstoraiseawarenessaswellmakingeveryday Merton ClinicalCommissioningGroupandtheAlzheimer’s friendly boroughbythisdate. year 2020,wehavesetoursightsonbecomingadementia With morethan2,000peopleinMertonlikelytobelivingwith dementiabythe DementiaFriendly Let’s become find outmore find outmore In Merton, around two thirds of people with dementia live in In Merton,aroundtwothirdsofpeoplewithdementialivein Dementia FriendlyMertonissupportedbyCouncil, find outmore

www.nhs.uk/oneyou

Contact your GPorhealth visitor orvisitwww.nhs.uk/vaccinations children at risk of illnesses which could potentially be life-threatening. children atriskofillnesseswhichcouldpotentiallybelife-threatening. cough andpolio.Thisisputting diphtheria, tetanus,whooping the pre-schoolboosteragainst (measles, mumps,rubella)and under-fives, includingtheMMR important vaccinationsforthe Merton aremissingouton Unfortunately, somechildrenin their routineimmunisations. sure theyareup-to-datewith your child’shealthistomake important thingsyoucandofor As aparent,oneofthemost up-to-date? Are your kids’ jabs find outmore

Council LeaderCouncillorStephen Alambritis Mayor ofMerton,CouncillorBrenda Fraserand for Alzheimer’sSocietyLondon; AngelaRippon; (L–R) TimothyMcLachlan–operational director

to theclassroom. focused onlearningwhentheyreturn have reportedthatpupilsaremore and developtheirsocialskills.Teachers children’s physicalandemotionalhealth air andexerciseaimstoimprove schools acrosstheborough.Thefresh gradually beingrolledouttoprimary each day.TheDailyMileMertonis lessons towalkorrunamileoutside fitness bytakingashortbreakfrom Pupils areimprovingtheirhealthand inMerton The Daily Mile Staying healthy feature

A Special evening with…… Jah Wobble And the Invaders Of the Heart

One Off Special Performance Merton Arts Space Wimbledon Library Compton Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 7QA

SATURDAY July 1 DOORS: 7.30 pm

ADMISSION: £17+ booking fee Tickets: www.merton.gov.uk/artsspace

Now open in Wimbledon Library A new multi-function arts and cultural space that can hold up to 300 people. Upcoming events include theatre, comedy nights, live music, dance and talks.

merton.gov.uk/libraries

what’son 25 Your comprehensive guide to what’s happening in Merton. merton.gov.uk/events

COLLIERS WOOD MITCHAM MORDEN RAYNES PARK WIMBLEDON/MERTON

New Wimbledon Theatre 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG Book online www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon Telephone booking 0844 871 7646 Group bookings 0844 871 7696 Access bookings 0844 871 7677 (no booking fees apply)

Wimbledon Library, Compton Road, Wimbledon Find out more: merton.gov.uk/artsspace

l Sound Space Merton Arts Space is being transformed into a performance venue for creative new music with monthly performances from Saturday 8 April at 8pm. l Costume display Tuesday 30 May until Tuesday 6 June A free exhibition of costumes designed and made by students from Wimbledon College of Art. l Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart Don’t miss a special performance by Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart on Saturday 1 July at 7.30pm. Tickets start from £17 + booking fee. l Sunny Afternoon and Strictly Come Dancing’s Louisa Tuesday 28 March–Saturday Lytton as Rizzo and Celebrity Big Brother 1 April, 7.30pm; Thursday and star Darren Day as Teen Angel. Arts and entertainment Saturday matinees, 2.30pm Featuring all the unforgettable songs Step into swinging 1960s Britain and from the hit movie including You’re The l Wimbledon series of alternating motets discover how The Kinks rose to stardom One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Choral Society and psalms wrapped up and rocked a nation. Featuring the Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To Saturday 25 March, with a set of versicles and iconic hits You Really Got Me, Waterloo You, Sandy and Greased Lightnin’. 7.30pm responses at the start and Sunset, Lola and Sunny Afternoon. Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane settings of the Magnificat l Addams Family Terrace, London SW1X and Benedicamus Domino Tuesday 16 May, 7pm; Wednesday 9DQ. Vespro della Beata at the end. 17–Saturday 20 May, 7.30pm; Vergine was published in find out more Wednesday and Saturday 1610 and is made up of a www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk matinees at 2.30pm Starring Samantha Wimbledon Choral Society Womack as Morticia, Les Dennis as Uncle l Grease Fester, and Carrie Hope Monday 24–Saturday 29 April, Fletcher as Wednesday. 7.30pm; Friday 28 April, 5.30pm A heart-warming story and 8.30pm; Saturday 29 April of love, family and 5pm and 8.30pm friendship with a twist. Starring Tom Parker, from boy band Featuring a live orchestra The Wanted; Over The Rainbow winner and extraordinary Danielle Hope as Sandy; EastEnders original score.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH • SENIOR CITIZENS • FAMILY • HEALTH & FITNESS • WALKS & TALKS • FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS

what’soninyourarea

26 merton.gov.uk/events

Here’s a selection of what’s Arts and entertainment continued stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: l Morden Park l Singing MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE Choral Society workshops concert Vocal coach Katriona Dangerous Games – Saturday 25 March, Taylor will be running Danielle Steel 7.30pm a singing workshop Television correspondent Alix Phillips St John the Divine, High on Saturday 29 April dodges bullets and breaks rules to bring Path, South Wimbledon. between 10am–1pm; important news to the world. Alix thrives on the risks Faure Requiem and a gospel singing and whirlwind pace of her work. But her latest French music of the workshop on Saturday assignment puts her at the centre of an explosive 19th and 20th century. 20 May between 10am– story that will reshape many lives, including her own. Tickets: £6; concessions 1pm and a singing £4 including wine or a performance workshop Other books: soft drink. on Tuesday 20 June • The Cutthroat – Clive Cussler find out more between 10am–1pm. • The life she left behind – Jessica Blair 020 8648 6445 or Katriona Taylor Each workshop • A traitor in the family – Nicholas Searle www.choralsociety.org.uk workshops will be held at the Summer House, in eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines Preston Road, Raynes Park and costs £38. Merton libraries have more than 30,000 eBooks and find out more eAudiobooks available as well as over 300 eMagazine titles www.katrionataylor.com that can be downloaded and read on your computer, tablet events or smartphone. Mayor of Merton l Local artists’ Ingredient, Unveiling the exhibition Essential Elements of Food Annual Charity Ball Saturday 6–Saturday Ali Bouzari (eBook) Saturday 29 April from 6.30pm 13 May between 11am There are millions of ingredients, but until midnight and 3pm only eight Ingredients: Waters, Courtside Restaurant, All England Lawn Raynes Park Methodist Sugars, Carbs, Lipids, Proteins, Minerals, Gases and Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon. Church, Worple Road, Heat. Ingredient isn’t a book of recipes – it is about In aid of the mayor’s charities, Age UK Raynes Park. Free learning to see beneath the surface of food, exposing Merton and the Avanti Club. The ticket annual art exhibition. the moving parts that cause every failure and every price of £90 per person includes a sparkling Local artists exhibit and triumph in the kitchen. sell their paintings and reception and three course dinner with photographs. Other eBooks wine. There will also be live entertainment, find out more • Orange Blossom Days – Patricia Scanlan dancing and an auction. www.lanternarts.org • The Caller – Chris Carter • The Second Sister – Claire Kendal l Organ recital Saturday 13 May, 100 Greatest Thriller Movies 7.30pm by Radio Times (eMagazine) St Saviour’s Church A special one off eMagazine – Find the top 100 classic Hall, Grand Drive, thriller films, selected by Radio Times’ film experts. Raynes Park. Church From Hitchcock’s 1935 masterpiece The 39 Steps to organist David Adkins Matt Damon’s Bourne movies, featuring reviews, cast will be performing his and crew information, plot synopses’ and trivia. annual recital. Tickets To book tickets, please contact the mayor’s available in advance or Popular eMagazine Monthly titles: BBC History, on the door. Adults £10; office by email:[email protected] BBC Music, Golf World, Filmfare, Vogue. Weekly children £1. titles: The Economist, TV Times, Hello!, All or call 020 8545 3517 find out more About Soap and Amateur Gardening stsaviour.net | Dreamstime.com Barhorst © Craig

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Polka Theatre Senior citizens 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB l Become a small things you can Box office: 020 8543 4888 Dementia Friend do that can make a www.polkatheatre.com Saturday 22 April, difference to people 10–11am living with dementia. l To Dream Again favourite friends including The Morden Park Baptist find out more Friday 10 March–Sunday 2 April. Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, John and Church, Lower Morden Book your free place at Main Theatre. Performance Flamingo and Umbrella, as they plan Lane, Morden. Becoming www.dementiafriends.org.uk times vary a birthday party for Scarf Lady in a Dementia Friend will and click on the link to attend Dreams meet reality in a new play their garden. Told through a fantastic give you an understanding an information session inspired by Shakespeare’s A blend of puppetry, storytelling and of dementia and the Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sophie’s music, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday world is changing, so she reaches out will take you and your children on to her parents, Demetrius and Helena. a magical adventure. Ages three to Health and fitness Through her stories, maybe she can six. Tickets £15; concessions and help them recapture the moment when previews £10 (£1.50 transaction charge they were young and in love? Can they per booking). go back to the beginning and let the enchanted forest cast its spell again? Ages seven to 11. Tickets £13.50; concessions and previews £10 (£1.50 transaction charge per booking).

l Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday Thursday 6 April–Sunday 14 May. Main Theatre. Performance times vary The enchanting world of Sarah and

Duck is brought to life in a brand © www.123rf.com/profile_sam74100 new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA l Headway South l Running courses award winning CBeebies show. Join West London for women Sarah and Duck and a host of your Monthly meetings Starting in April on held on the second Wimbledon Common Tuesday of the month Courses for beginners l Under the Rainbow 7.30–9pm and improvers. Thursday 4–Friday 26 May. Drake House, find out more Adventure Theatre. Performance 44 St George’s Road, www.commonrunners.co.uk times vary Wimbledon. Our Inspired by the experiences of Wimbledon support l Colliers Wood refugees, this new Polka production group offers adults Bowls Club uses evocative music, puppetry and a with a brain injury New season starts transformative set to gently tell the and those who care for Saturday 29 April until story of a woman’s travels across land them information, Saturday 30 September and sea. Along the way she befriends a activities and the Men and women of all turtle and a beautiful bird of paradise, opportunity to share ages are welcome. and discovers an island that gives her experiences with others Haydon’s Road Recreation hope for the future. Ages three to six. who are facing similar Ground, Gardigan Road, Tickets £12.50; concessions and challenges. off Haydon’s Road, previews £10 (£1.50 transaction charge find out more Colliers Wood, SW19 1AP. per booking). www.headwayswlondon.org find out more 020 8545 5871

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Walks and talks Community forums Anyone with an interest in the local area is invited to l Walk4life Abbey for the Wimbledon l Wimbledon Wombles attend these free community meetings. Discussions Get out into the fresh air National Trust and Windmills walk about a range of local topics will be held, with issues and take part in our Association. Robert has Tuesday 21 March, 10am being followed up by the relevant organisations. Walk4life programme. been a guide at the Meet at YMCA, 200 The l Wimbledon Wednesday 22 March, 7.15pm A series of free, 50-minute abbey for more than 20 Broadway, Wimbledon. The Mansel Road Centre, Mansel Road, Wimbledon. led walks are being held years and will be talking Find out how Wimbledon during the spring across about the building’s grew from a village and learn l Morden Wednesday 29 March, 7.15pm Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden. Merton. The walks are multi-faceted history, more about the debates suitable for all ages and astonishing beauty and over the preservation of l Raynes Park Thursday 15 June, 7.15pm you can walk at your less known peculiarities Wimbledon Common, lawn Raynes Park Library Hall, Approach Road, Raynes Park. own pace. and eccentricities. tennis and the Wombles. l Wednesday 21 June, 7.15pm find out more Tickets £3 for members; find out more Wimbledon Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon Library, Compton merton.gov.uk/walk4life £3.15 for non-members. For details about the Road, Wimbledon. find out more YMCA’s regular walks, visit l Merton Chamber www.wimbledonnta.org.uk www.ymcalsw.org/Wimbledon find out more merton.gov.uk/communityforums of Commerce Workshops running this spring at Tuition House, Family 27 St George’s Road, l Little Red Wimbledon, include: Riding Hood Emergency first aid at Saturdays and Sundays work on Tuesday 28 Easter at 2pm and 4pm until March; What makes a Sunday 9 April good leader? on Thursday egg hunt Colourhouse Theatre, 20 April; Fire warden Watermill Way, Colliers marshal training on Wood. Little Red Riding Thursday 11 May; Hood is walking through Ways to drive higher the woods on her way to employee engagement on grandma. On her journey Tuesday 16 May; Best she meets lots of friends down the river to see if you practice for improving which is good news will win in this Morden your website on Tuesday because there is a hungry Hall Park classic. 20 June and Thinking of wolf hot on her trail. Will find out more Starting a Business: l Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt she reach grandma’s www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Business Basics on 14 April to 17 April, 10am–5pm and cottage safely? Or will she morden-hall-park Wednesday 29 March Easter basket making 10 April to 13 April, be outwitted by the and Wednesday 28 June. between 10am and noon cunning wolf? A fantastic l Armed Forces Day find out more Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden. traditional tale with a Saturday 24 June, Morden www.mertonchamber.co.uk/ Make a green Easter basket in the garden centre and musical twist and lots of The parade will assemble mcc-events bring it with you to the Cadbury Egg Hunt. Bunny action and excitement. at 9.15am and will march has hidden his giant Easter eggs in different habitats Tickets: Adults £12; past Merton Civic Centre at l Wimbledon in the park. Can you help us find them? The search children £10. 10am where the Mayor of National Trust will take you across bridges, meadows and our new find out more Merton and a Deputy Association wetlands boardwalk for clues about different animal www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Lieutenant for Greater Saturday 22 April, homes that will lead you to Bunny’s secret stash of London will take the salute. 2.15pm chocolate. Tell us the answer to all of the clues and l Quacky races The parade will proceed up Christ Church Hall, you’ll receive your delicious prize, a Cadbury Thursday 6 April London Road and into Cottenham Park Road, chocolate Easter bunny. Prices: £4 for the Easter Egg between 11am and 3pm Morden Park via the South Wimbledon. Blue Badge Hunt and £2 per Easter basket. Morden Hall Park, Thames College entrance guide Robert Fromow will find out more Morden Hall Road, where there will be stalls. be giving an illustrated www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Morden. Borrow a rubber The parade will assemble talk about Westminster duck and send it bobbing at the bandstand.

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Fairs and exhibitions

Canons Leisure Centre, Maderia Road, Mitcham CR4 4HD

l GO TRI Aquathlon Sunday 2 April. Registration begins at 12.30pm and the first race l Mitcham l May Fair begins at 1.30pm Horticultural Monday 1 May, GO TRI Aquathlon TriStars 2 for 11–12-year-olds. Swim 200m and run 1km. Society spring show noon–3pm GO TRI Aquathlon TriStars 3 for 13–14-year-olds. Swim 300m and run 2km. Saturday 25 March, 2pm St Saviour’s Church GO TRI Aquathlon Youth for 15–16-year-olds. Swim 400m and run 3km. St Mark’s Church, Hall, Grand Drive, GO TRI Aquathlon Adult for anyone aged 17 or over. Swim 200m and run 2km. St Mark’s Road, Mitcham. Raynes Park. The Tickets: £7 for participants aged 17+ and £5 for children aged 16 and under. Free admission. entertainment for all the find out more merton.gov.uk/aquathlonevent find out more family includes maypole www.mitchamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk dancing, a May Queen, sideshows, refreshments l Mum2mum and grand draw. markets find out more Merton Active Kids Saturday 22 April, stsaviour.net Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre, Saturday May 20 and Home Park Road, SW19 7HX Saturday 24 June, 2–4pm l Merton Dogwatch Saturday 20 May, l School holidays 10am–4pm Keep the kids active throughout the Easter Morden Park Bandstand, holidays between Monday 3 April and London Road, Morden. Friday 21 April and during half term Merton’s biggest and between Monday 29 May and Friday 2 June best canine event of • Horse riding the year includes a dog • Tennis show, agility course • Badminton and microchipping. • Squash find out more

• Golf | Dreamstime.com © Baibaz www.mordenfunday.org/ • Multi-sports Ricards Lodge High merton-dog-watch-2017 • Multi-water sports School, Lake Road, • Football Wimbledon. Buy top- • Sailing quality, second hand baby • Song writing workshop | Dreamstime.com © Sergiyn and children’s clothes, • Schools out stay active holiday camps books and equipment at find out more merton.gov.uk/activekids our award-winning pop-up market. Entrance £2, kids go free. Stalls must be booked in advance. find out more www.mum2mummarket.co.uk © Photodisc ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH • SENIOR CITIZENS • FAMILY • HEALTH & FITNESS • WALKS & TALKS • FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS

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l Friends of Wimbledon Guild Library workshops Mitcham Common Village Fair Big Lunch Sunday 18 June, l Sudha’s craft is suitable for people noon–4pm Fortnightly on wanting to expand their Ecology Centre, Windmill Saturdays at 11am at vocabulary and gain Road, Mitcham. Games, Raynes Park Library confidence in speaking. food and fun for all ages. Join Sudha for some free No booking required. find out more and fun arts and crafts www.friendsofmitchamcommon.com in the children’s library. l Welcome Suitable for children mornings for aged three and above. under-fives No booking required. Every Wednesday, 10.30–11.30am, l English Morden Library l Wimbledon biggest annual event Conversation Arts and crafts followed Guild Village Fair includes jousting, live Every Friday, 5–6pm, by stories and rhymes Saturday 17 June, music and fun for all Mitcham Library for babies and children 10.30am–5pm the family. This group focuses on aged under five, plus Wimbledon Common find out more English conversation their parents and carers. Southside, Wimbledon www.wimbledon and basic reading and No booking required. Village. The charity’s guildvillagefair.org

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MERTON COUNCIL Fly-tippers we are watching y u Fly-tippers and those who pay fly-tippers The residents of Merton and Merton Council are always on the look out and regularly report offenders. You may have already been seen and reported and could receive an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment. If you see fly-tippingreport the offence online at: merton.gov.uk/flytipping

MERTON COUNCIL

DON’T BE ON YOUR OWN

STAY SAFE WITH A MASCOT TELECARE RED BUTTON

24 hour assistance is just a button push away If you live on your own, give Some of our sensors do not even require you yourself peace of mind. to press them as they are designed to go off With MASCOT Telecare, emergency automatically if you get into difficulty. help will quickly be with you if you A handyman service is included for help with have a fall or get into difficulty those small DIY jobs such as changing light bulbs, putting up shelves, fixing door bells and MASCOT Telecare will provide you with either ensuring your house/flat is safe. an alarm unit, which can be placed on a table, or a small discreet pendant which may be worn MASCOT Telecare services will give peace of around your neck. In both cases, when the mind to you and your loved ones. For more button is pressed the alarm call is sent via your information please call: telephone line to the MASCOT control centre in Merton. 020 8274 5940

www.mascot-telecare.org.uk [email protected] Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

minutes 5 with...

Chief Superintendent Steve Wallace

The new Borough Commander of Merton who took over on 6 March has been in the police for 25 Years. His career has included time in Leicestershire, Hampshire and the Metropolitan Police and a national role in Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Inspecting Forces.

What made you decide to become a police officer?I joined the police with the intention of doing the right thing for the victims of crime as well as investigating, prosecuting and getting criminals locked up.

What do you enjoy most about your job? It is the best job in the world and I feel privileged to be able to serve the public. I enjoy knowing I make a difference to people’s lives every single day by providing leadership and support to my staff - who are totally committed to making Merton a safer place.

What are your plans for Merton? Firstly, policing is not just about crunching numbers, it is about the quality of what we deliver and remembering that behind every crime is a victim. Secondly, I ask that my staff work together as one team, for example neighbourhood teams and CID. Thirdly, it is about making every day count.

Why is partnership working between the police and Merton Council so important? The police alone cannot solve society’s problems and Merton Council plays an integral part in people’s lives with its links to diverse communities. Protecting vulnerable people is at the forefront of what we do and we achieve that by working in partnership with the council.

How can residents get involved in keeping Merton safe? People are so interested in the job the police do – I often see people reading crime books on the Tube and television shows about detectives are very popular. Merton is the third safest borough in London but I want us to become the safest borough by working in partnership with the council and by getting more Merton residents involved in volunteering with the police, or coordinating a neighbourhood watch to share information and keep our borough safe. news and information from your council find out more mymerton 2017 February Police: Image Merton http://content.met.police.uk/Borough/Merton