Merton Secondary Schools Are Top of the Class Meet Shared Lives Officer Rochelle Simpson 2

ISSUE 73 SPRING 2018

Win a family ticket for Awful Auntie at New Wimbledon Theatre

New library for Colliers Wood opens Merton secondary schools are top of the class Meet Shared Lives officer Rochelle Simpson 2

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

You might have seen me a few weeks And that’s just like running a council, library in Colliers Wood, on three levels back waving my blue and yellow scarf it’s not easy, but if we are business-like with space for the community, and with other fans to celebrate the council and make tough decisions, we make our thousands more places at schools that signing the planning contract to allow community a better place than it would are ranked among the country’s best. AFC Wimbledon back into the borough have been. They’ve meant our new Morden with a brand new stadium back at As you’ve probably seen, the Leisure Centre will open later this Plough Lane. government has cut local authority year, with two pools and amazing For those who didn’t know, I’m a funding by more than 40% since 2010. gym facilities. trained referee, and helping AFC got me Dealing with government cuts might And they’ve meant AFC’s new reminiscing about a “friendly” match I not be as painful as Vinnie Jones kicking stadium, back in Merton at last, has oversaw years ago, involving some of the lumps out of you, but sometimes it’s felt finally got the green light. Dons’ Crazy Gang of the 80s, players like it! I don’t think I could referee the Crazy like Vinnie Jones and Dennis Wise. We’ve had to make many tough calls, Gang any more, but now when I think Even though it was a friendly, I had in a business-like way, but these have of our parks and green spaces, our to make some tough calls that day, meant we can provide the services you schools and our libraries, I will think of I can tell you! And that memory got value the most, to make Merton a great all the other referees all over the country, me thinking. place for families to live. making things better! A referee has a difficult job, but if they They’ve meant we can put more into make the tough calls, they make the the budget for caring for our older game better. people. They’ve meant a brand new

Providing the best possible service for our residents It’s great to see a photo of one of the borough’s several all of us using outstanding schools on the cover of this magazine. We’re Veolia, will so proud of our schools here in Merton, and will always reduce overheads take the chance to recognise the amazing work teachers and save millions Finding out and staff do. of pounds that how Veolia recycle The fact 91% our schools are OFSTED-rated ‘Good’ or can be spent on mattresses at ‘Outstanding’, and Merton’s state schools officially hold the things we can all Garth Road top spot in the country for ‘Progress 8’ scores, explains why enjoy, like libraries or parks or leisure facilities. demand for secondary school places in the borough has But we should still expect a reasonable level of service – reached record levels. We are making sure we can meet this especially as it is so vital to everyone’s everyday lives. With demand by opening a new school at the centre of the so much of the litter on our streets caused by black bags borough, another great resource for Merton’s families. being ripped open, the introduction of wheelie bins later As a council, we strive to provide the best possible this year should improve matters. services for our residents, at school, at work, and at home. Of course, it is not Veolia who drop the remaining litter. Which is why I’m pleased to see the apology from The people who do must take their share of responsibility Veolia on page 20, which acknowledges worrying litter – and if we catch them we will fine them. But it’s helpful to levels in some parts of Merton. Joining neighbouring have this assurance from Veolia that they will be working boroughs in the South London Waste Partnership, with flat out to give Merton residents the service we deserve. mymerton Issue 73 • Spring 2018 3 merton.gov.uk

contact us contents merton.gov.uk/report-it Community Registering to vote: 020 8274 4901 News 4 Council tax: 020 8274 4904 The latest news from around the borough Waste collection services: 020 8274 4902 Benefits advice: Features 020 8545 4178 Merton’s 13 Parking: 020 8545 4661 suffragette Libraries: 020 8545 3783 history Anti-social behaviour hotline: 020 8274 4907 Community 16 Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 safety My Merton is published by the Cleaner, 22 London Borough of Merton and greener is distributed free to 80,000 households in the borough four times a year. Health and 19 wellbeing Editorial [email protected] 5 minutes with merton.gov.uk/mymerton 32 Kirsten Heard, Headteacher What’s on listings: of Raynes Park High School Fill in the online events form at: merton.gov.uk/eventscalendar Adverts For all advertising enquiries Regulars contact [email protected] 15 Working life 9 The London Borough of Merton Merton secondary Rochelle Simpson of the does not accept responsibility schools top of the class Shared Lives scheme on for or endorse any products or building better communities services offered by advertisers. My Merton costs only What’s on 25 12p a copy to produce Your guide to all that’s going on in Merton 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 (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest visit our website! Certification schemes). This edition of My Merton is distributed from 14 March 2018. merton.gov.uk/mymerton You can also follow us on: My Merton is: Distributed by London Letterbox 020 8940 0666 10 14 www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil www.londonletterbox.co.uk Designed by Full analysis of how New Colliers Domino4 01932 988677 we have balanced Wood Library [email protected] @Merton_Council www.domino4.co.uk the budget opens its doors Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Print Partnership Whenever you see this logo www.flickr.com/mertoncouncil 0845 601 9478 that means there’s a volunteering [email protected] opportunity to get involved in www.cliffe-enterprise.com www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil 4 development will also bring development willalsobring squash andfitnessclub.The homes, retailspaceanda includes much-needednew part ofadevelopmentthat stadium atPloughLanewillbe new 11,000–20,000-seater back homeintheborough.The stadium forAFCWimbledon that clearsthewayforanew signed alandmarkagreement and GalliardHomeshave Wimbledon, MertonCouncil Representatives fromAFC AFCWimbledon stadium Work set to start on new Keeping Merton informed news signing theagreement Cllr StephenAlambritis Erik Samulsonand AFC Wimbledon or email:[email protected] To arrange collection, 020 86648860(press option 1) equipment thatisnotbeingused, pleasegetintouch. FREE, soifyouormembersofyour familyhaveanydisability having deepcleanedandsafetychecked itfirst.Collectionis mattresses. Were-usenearly90%ofreturnedequipment, safely bylendingthemequipmentincludingbeds,chairsand money. Lastyear,wehelpedhundredsofresidentsliveathome we couldre-useitandsavethousandsofpoundstaxpayers’ Have yougotdisabilityequipmentdon’tuseanymore?Ifso, disabilityequipment Help others by returning find outmore

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merton.gov.uk/stadium families andfanswholivehere. well asMertonandthemany loved clubAFCWimbledon,as will benefitboththegreatly network. Thisnewdevelopment to thelocalbus,roadandcycle It alsoincludesimprovements fitness clubareupandrunning. once thestadium,shopsand other longer-termemployment construction jobsaswell major regenerationandmore find outmore

from local charities, from localcharities, cuisine, aswelldisplays and drinkinspiredbyglobal stalls sellingdeliciousfood and dance.Therewillbe Piece willbealivewithmusic date inthediary.ThreeKings place on16June,sogetthe Mitcham Carnival2018takes Get ready for carnival series byEllieO’Ryan School. Book:LittlestPetShop Morris Primary Year 2,William Cover byHiba, book covers’. Libraries Week for ‘National page andsearch council’s Flickr the bookcoversvisit If youwouldliketoview inspiring andcolourfuldesigns. drawing padsandcreatedsome 5 to11yearsoldtooktheir favourite book.Childrenaged redesign thecoveroftheir primary schoolchildrento Libraries Weekbyinvitinglocal libraries celebratedNational Merton’s award-winning Week Libraries National information. website forpricesandfurther carnival shouldvisitthe having astallatthisyear’s groups. Anyoneinterestedin businesses andcommunity merton.gov.uk/mitchamcarnival find outmore

news Keeping Merton informed 5

An outstanding year for Merton’s

young people It’s official! Merton’s Children’s in the top five departments in Services Department and its state the country, while the Merton schools are now amongst the Safeguarding Children Board best in the country for progress. was one of just five in the country Ofsted inspection results in 2017 to be rated as ‘Outstanding’. saw Wimbledon Park Primary, This huge achievement for the Rutlish and Ricards Lodge join borough is testament to the Cricket Green School at the top committed teachers, governors, of the table all achieving social workers and children’s ‘Outstanding’. This means services staff who work all Merton secondary schools tirelessly to ensure children in are now rated either ‘Good’ Merton receive a first class or ‘Outstanding’. Merton’s education and service. See page Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah with Headteacher Children’s Services Department 15 for more on our outstanding Alison Jerrard and Ricards Lodge pupils was also rated ‘Good’, placing it secondary schools.

Construction of the new leisure Fighting for the future centre continues of St Helier Hospital Following a motion agreed by Merton’s councillors, Leader Great progress is being made The windows are all in and of the Council Stephen Alambritis has written to the Epsom on the construction of the new the building is watertight. The and St Helier University Hospital NHS Trust and Merton’s Morden Leisure Centre which internal walls are being built Clinical Commissioning Group to reinforce its commitment will open for the borough’s and the external brickwork is to maintaining all services at St Helier Hospital. families in autumn 2018. near completion. Both pools are The motion came after the Trust published an engagement well underway and the diving document, Providing high quality healthcare services 2020 to tower is in place in the 15m by 2030, setting out proposals which could see the accident and 13m pool, which will have a emergency department and the consultant-led maternity movable floor. service moved to Epsom and Belmont. The state-of-the-art leisure The council is committed to ensuring that a full range of centre will provide residents NHS acute services continues at the hospital and is urging with first class facilities, residents to support the St Helier Hospital campaign. accommodating swimming and water-based exercise, diving, gym, café and a studio that will cater for health, fitness and community activities. The council has already budgeted for the leisure centre, which will be better value to Merton’s council tax payers as it will cost less to maintain in the long-run than the continuing repairs necessary to keep the current Chris Parsloe (Merton building going. Council project team) find out more viewing the two pools merton.gov.uk/leisureformorden

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

news 6 Keeping Merton informed

Could you foster for

©AELTC/Thomas Lovelock ©AELTC/Thomas Merton and change a child’s life? We all want to make Merton a great place for families, and one way you might be able to help is by providing a great family for a Merton child. Fostering is a way of providing a Bond Primary School stable family life to a child unable to live at welcomes royal visit home, and caring can be from one night to a number of HRH The Duchess of Cambridge visited children from Bond years. As the numbers of children coming into care increase, Primary School in Mitcham on Wednesday 17 January. The we urgently need more foster carers. Could you help? Duchess of Cambridge, came to see the work of the Wimbledon The council offers comprehensive, on-going professional Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI), the AELTC’s local community training, 24/7 support and mentors, a weekly allowance coaching programme. The WJTI has introduced over 195,000 per child, plus additional grants. children in Merton and Wandsworth to tennis. find out more fostering.merton.gov.uk find out more www.wimbledon.com

The Wimbledon Foundation, the charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, is o ering one lucky winner the chance to enjoy afternoon tea with up to three guests in the Wingﬁ eld Café. The Wimbledon Foundation makes a valuable contribution to meeting social needs and reducing inequalities in Merton and Wandsworth WIN AFTERNOON TEA by awarding grants totalling over £350,000 a year to charities and community organisations. The FOR FOUR AT Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) visits two local primary schools every week and has so WIMBLEDON far introduced over 190,000 children to tennis. For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Players are allowed to wear which colours at Wimbledon? a) Purple and green b) White c) White and green 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 ﬂ oor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX. The closing date for entries is 30 April 2018.

The competition is to win afternoon tea for a maximum of four people at the Wingﬁ eld Café, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AE. The Wingﬁ eld Café is open daily except between 18 June 2018 and wimbledon.com/foundation 21 July 2018. The prize cannot be exchanged or used in conjunction with any other o er. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel included @WimbledonFDN in this prize.

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

news Keeping Merton informed 7 Merton’s vision for Morden moves a step closer Exercise your democratic right to vote With Merton heading to the polls for local elections on 3 May, make sure you have your say by registering to vote. Everyone who is 18 and over, and who is registered to vote, has a An artist’s impression of the area outside Morden Tube Station chance to decide who will Merton Council is a step closer for local people. Mayor of Parade on London Road was be making the decisions in to transforming Morden into a London Sadiq Khan has shortlisted for a prestigious Royal our local area over the next vibrant town centre following the highlighted the role that town Institute of British Architects four years. Polling stations announcement of Transport for centres with potential like Journal Award. Making more will be open on election day London’s (TfL) commitment to Morden have for the future of of Morden will help make across the borough from be a key partner. The deal the city. With Morden at the start Merton a great place for families, 7.00am to 10.00pm.The between Merton and TfL, who of the Northern Line, it’s ideally creating a town centre with a cut-off date for registering own large parts of the town placed to access the capital. The buzzing local economy, and to vote in the local elections centre, is aimed at delivering a town centre has beautiful parks becoming a destination residents is Tuesday 17 April. You shared vision for the town and open spaces, fantastic from Merton and beyond will can register to vote or log centre, with great shops and schools and the new Morden enjoy visiting. a change of address online, cafés and more business space Leisure Centre which is opening find out more by post or over the phone. bringing new job opportunities later this year. Morden Court merton.gov.uk/moremorden find out more merton.gov.uk/voting or call 020 8274 4901 Merton wins Championing the arts prestigious London Borough of Culture funding Have your Merton has beaten off tough competition from 22 other say on more London councils to secure London Borough of Culture The Wimbledon Foundation, charity of the All England Lawn Heathrow funding. The successful bid Tennis Club, recently launched its fourth local grant programme, focuses on bringing film to the the Arts and Community Engagement (ACE) Fund, to support a flights whole of Merton, particularly creative project that will engage the local community, particularly If you’re thinking of flying in the east of the borough. disadvantaged groups who face barriers to accessing the arts. away, why not have your say on There will be seasons of Baseless Fabric Theatre has been awarded a grant to create a street Heathrow Airport’s latest plans short films curated by the opera version of die Fledermaus which will be performed in public for expansion? Residents are community and guest curators. spaces across Merton and Wandsworth in August 2019. Leading invited to comment on These will be played at the up to this, Baseless Fabric Theatre will run workshops in schools, Heathrow’s plans to build a new pop-up cinema locations community centres and care homes across the two boroughs and third runway and move the across Merton. work with a secondary school to create their own performance. M25 by 28 March. find out more If you were fortunate to catch their promenade version of Cosi find out more merton.gov.uk/lboc Fan Tutte last summer, you’ll know this is not to be missed. www.heathrowconsultation.com

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

news 8 Keeping Merton informed

Take a stand Rugby legend opens new against abuse Merton Council is reminding Colliers Wood Library residents of the difference one phone call can make if they are Former rugby star, Brian subject to abuse or suspect Moore, officially opened someone else is. A confidential, the new Colliers Wood 24-7 phone line is available for Library on Thursday 22 reporting abuse against February marking a new vulnerable adults. Abuse does chapter for the library. not have to be physical, it can also Brian took a tour of the be financial, sexual, psychological new state-of-the-art or involve neglect. Callers will facilities, which is fully speak to specially trained staff accessible and dementia- who will deal with their problem friendly thanks to a and take action, if necessary, to partnership with the ensure safety and well-being. Alzheimer’s Society. Left to right: Mayor of Merton Marsie Skeete, Merton Council hopes that by Fiona Hope unveiled a Brian Moore, Fiona Hope and Cllr Nick Draper, making it easy to pick up the Cabinet Member for Community and Culture plaque in memory of her phone, it will give people the late father, former chief librarian Donald Hope, who the previous library was named in honour help and support they need. of. The library opened its doors on 5 February to visitors excited to see the new building, coffee find out more shop, community meeting rooms, special activity zones and children’s area. In an emergency, dial 999. To The new Colliers Wood Library is part of Merton’s award-winning libraries, which are going report abuse to Merton Council, from strength to strength and have some of the highest usage and customer satisfaction of any contact the 24 hour safeguarding library service nationally, whilst also being one of the most cost efficient. See page 14 for more line 0845 618 9762 or email on the new library. [email protected] or First Response Team 020 8545 4388.

Volunteer in your Become a volunteer local care home Residents of Carter House Care Home in Raynes Park were treated to a celebratory afternoon tea event in February to mark the annual Dignity Action Day (DAD) celebrations. DAD is a national annual event where members of the community are encouraged to visit anyone they know living in care to make their day as special as possible. The day also highlighted the shortfall in volunteers visiting care homes for the elderly. Volunteers are key to bringing more happiness, conversation and friendship to an elderly person’s life. If you are interested Local young volunteers on the NCS programme helping to raise in becoming a volunteer, please contact Merton Seniors on awareness and funds for community shop, Fayre & Square [email protected] Volunteering makes us feel experience the benefits for good, but did you know it can yourself. Volunteer Merton has improve your life and even your hundreds of local volunteering health? Research has shown opportunities and can help you helping others can help you find the perfect one that too. By giving your time to help matches your interests, skills those in need through a range and availability. National of activities, from visiting the Volunteers’ Week takes place elderly to cleaning riverbanks, from 1 to 7 June each year you can improve your job and is the perfect time to start prospects, make new friends your journey. and even burn calories by find out more staying active! Why not www.volunteermerton.org.uk

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working life Building better communities 9 Sharing lives for a closer community Providing a comfortable and safe home for a vulnerable person in the community can be a rewarding experience and certainly helps that person become more independent and confident. My Merton talks to Rochelle Simpson in the council’s Shared Lives team to find out more about how the initiative is helping people in the borough from all walks of life.

ochelle Simpson is one of the to offer and the vulnerable adults who have to ensure that they have a family-style council’s Shared Lives officers been referred to us either by a social worker environment where they can make their working in the Shared Lives team. or a care worker and assess what the best own decisions, think and act for themselves RShe has been part of the team for match would be. Once a match has been and be part of the local community.” six years. found we arrange a meeting between the two Individuals in all sorts of situations are Asked about her work, she said: “Shared parties. If that meeting is successful we meet part of the Shared Lives initiative, from Lives is all about bringing people together, again along with the social worker to develop those recovering from mental health so that those who want to share their home a tailor-made support plan which would meet problems, older people, adults with learning and provide a vulnerable adult with a roof the person’s specific needs. We regularly disabilities and those that may need a short over their head and the stability and security review the support plans so that adjustments break after a period of hospitalisation. that comes with that are able to do so with can be made if those needs change.” the support of the Shared Lives team.” The aim of the Shared Lives initiative is to Merton’s Shared Lives Rochelle explains the process, “The team make sure that individuals do all the things look at the carers who have accommodation they want to do in their daily life. “We want scheme has been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The five standards that are assessed are safety, care, responsiveness, effectiveness and leadership.

Rochelle explains how the Shared Lives carers support the vulnerable adults, “A carer’s role is extremely varied and can be anything from helping individuals keep healthy and active to managing their money, sharing domestic tasks like cooking and cleaning and completing forms. They also help them to understand letters, meet new people and support them in learning new skills.” What Rochelle loves about her job is seeing the improvement people make once they are settled in a welcoming and caring home environment. “I am always amazed at the number of people who contact us opening their home to strangers in need.”

find out more merton.gov.uk/shared-lives-scheme

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feature

10 Balancing the borough’s budget Budgeting wisely for difficult times Every year the council has to balance its budget for the coming year so it can continue to deliver the services residents need. We have to decide how much to spend on local services and how much we are going to ask local residents to pay in council tax. My Merton looks at this year’s budget.

Watching Looking

the pennies With money tight, and the country’s after those economic outlook uncertain, it’s never in need been more important for Merton Council to take an efficient and organised approach to its finances. Every year, by the start of March, we finalise The loss of money the coming year’s budget, including the level of council tax, and set from the government, out longer-term spending plans for the coming three years too. In an together with the fight increasingly tough financial environment it’s vital to plan ahead. to keep council tax low, In 2010, the council received more from the government than was has made it crucial for the council to provide lean, raised by council tax, but since then Merton has faced year-on-year efficient services. The focus is on offering value for reductions in central government funding. That austerity has come money, while prioritising help for the most at the same time as a squeeze on household incomes, which is why, vulnerable residents of our community. in spite of the need for additional income, we have sought to keep council tax increases to a minimum.

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feature Balancing the borough’s budget 11

Listening to Investing in residents services

The council regularly asks an Meanwhile, a partnership approach to independent pollster to carry out a building means there is now a new residents’ survey to help us prioritise library in Colliers Wood – read more on the issues that matter most to you. page 14. And our innovative library This is a great way to hear directly from volunteer programme, launched in 2010, has won awards and allowed the council to residents what is and isn’t working. offer valuable experience to residents, while keeping our libraries open at a time This year you gave Merton your when many councils have been forced into cuts and closures. best ever ratings for value for money In a borough that strives to be a good place for families, the budget has also been and efficiency, which we achieved increased for services for our older relatives. With people living longer, often with through innovative solutions such as health needs or dementia that require services offered by the council, Merton added sharing services with other boroughs an extra £9m to last year’s budget for adult social care, with a further small increase in areas including trading standards, this year. Council tax went up by 3%, to raise around a quarter of that amount, and in licensing and building control. 2018, it will go up again by another 3% to raise the next quarter – about 66p a week on a typical B and D bill.

But the council doesn’t just want to hear about what you like. This year, while feedback about many services has improved, concerns about litter and flytipping have risen. We spend £5 million a year tackling these issues, but it’s not possible to continue doing more for less. So the council decided to combine its buying power with that Cllr Mark Allison, Cabinet Member for Finance said: of neighbouring boroughs for waste “This has been a tough decade for families’ finances, with less money services, and introduce wheelie bins to go around and so many more things you would like to spend it on. It’s to stop the litter that results from split been exactly the same for the council. We want Merton to be a great place black bags. for families to live and grow up, but that means having to be careful with As a result of feedback from residents, it is the council’s aim to the pennies. By taking a business-like approach, making tough decisions, make Merton a great place for families and working with partners to be more efficient, we’re able to have a new to live while still offering value for library and a new leisure centre, and more support for our older people money. Later this year we’ll see the and children’s services. And with austerity not likely to end for some time, launch of our new leisure centre in we’ll continue to do our best to fight for what our residents want.” Morden Park. The low running costs of the new centre, compared to the ageing facilities it will replace, will find out more about the council’s budget for 2018/19 at merton.gov.uk/budget and read bring savings in the long term. the results of our last residents’ survey at merton.gov.uk/residentssurvey

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COMPETITION

Win a family ticket to Awful Auntie at New Wimbledon Theatre When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord Who wrote Awful Auntie? and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in danger! Waking a) Roald Dahl up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella b) David Walliams what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for c) Jacqueline Wilson the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie! From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny Terms and conditions: comes the world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a alternatives, accommodation or travel included in the very small ghost and a very Awful Auntie! prize. The competition is for a family ticket (four tickets) to see Awful Auntie at New Wimbledon Theatre, valid on Visit merton.gov.uk/mymerton to enter and answer the any performance between 24 and 28 April 2018. following question. The closing date for entries is 13 April 2018.

http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/she-s-first-to-the-ball-gm174859189-22967214?st=97b72e5 http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/she-s-first-to-the-ball-gm174859189-22967214?st=97b72e5

MERTON COUNCIL

Two Merton

GP Hubs kids activities You can now see a GP seven days a week Prices from OPEN

Both hubs offer ‘on the day’ £10 and pre-bookable appointments during the evening Mon-Fri from 5-8pm and 8am-8pm on Saturdays. One hub is also open every Sunday 8am-8pm. Nurse appointments for wound care are available. Telephone consultations and advance appointments can also now Loads of be booked. Call your GP or 111 out of hours. holiday fun Please note the hub is only available for patients registered right on your doorstep with a Merton GP practice and an appointment is needed. merton.gov.uk/leisure

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history

Merton’s suffragette heritage 13

100 years of votes for women 2018 marks 100 years since women were first given the vote in this country. My Merton finds out about the celebrations in Merton and how the borough played its part in the women’s suffrage movement.

Suffragette meeting Suffragettes taking place on Edith Begbie Wimbledon and Gertrude Common Wilkinson recuperating at Dorset Hall, after their release from Holloway Jail

elebrations begin with the Innes Society is planning to recreate one Josephine Butler, who also campaigned borough’s Heritage Discovery of the suffragette garden parties held in on issues including prostitution and Day, which takes place from the grounds of Dorset Hall. In a touching Higher Education for women. C12.30 to 4.30pm on 12 May. gesture, they are also seeking to get a new Dr. Francis Bather was instrumental in The programme includes bitesize history rose named after local suffragette Rose the foundation of what later became the talks on women’s suffrage, photo Lamartine Yates, who lived at the property Wimbledon Women’s Social and Political displays, craft activities and a heritage from 1906 to 1935. Union and designed its distinctive quiz. You can watch rare film footage of From 1910, Rose was the Organising windmill banner. Sophia Duleep Singh, the suffragettes provided by the London Secretary of the Wimbledon WSPU. was the daughter of an exiled Indian Screen Archives Kinovan and find out Under her leadership the branch maharajah, who lived at Cannizaro House about the work of local museums and organised meetings, fundraising events for many years. A God-daughter of Queen heritage organisations. Entry is free. and marches, including a rally on Victoria, she later became a suffragette, Between May and October Merton Wimbledon Common which attracted joining demonstrations, selling newspapers Heritage Service will be staging debates, 20,000 participants. and giving speeches supporting “Votes guided walks, exhibitions and Other notable Merton residents for Women.” reminiscence sessions linked to the involved in the suffrage movement In 1909 the Wimbledon WSPU women’s suffrage centenary. The John included the Victorian social reformer opened a shop in Victoria Crescent (now the site of Wimbledon Piazza), to raise funds for their campaign work. This sold Merton’s suffragette heritage handmade goods, as well as suffragette The borough played its part in the votes newspapers and china. Suffragette Rose Lamartine for women struggle, with Wimbledon a Yates giving a speech on Latimer Road Baths (now Wimbledon key location for the Women’s Social and Wimbledon Common Leisure Centre), was a venue for suffragette Political Union (WSPU) – the organisation meetings and lectures, as was Wimbledon commonly known as the Suffragettes. Theatre and Vestry Hall, Mitcham. This national movement, led by Emmeline Pankhurst, believed that direct action find out more or ‘deeds not words’ was the only way to For the latest on centenary events visit bring about change. merton.gov.uk/heritage and look out for updates on social media.

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14 New Colliers Wood Library Library opens a new chapter for Colliers Wood Colliers Wood’s brand new library is now open! My Merton looks at some of the library’s unique features, from the living roof to the dementia-friendly interior.

he new library opened its doors on Monday 5 February to over 1,000 Music mayhem at the new Colliers Wood Library residents. Since then visitors have been Tbrowsing the library’s three floors of books and using the computers, nipping into the new coffee shop and taking part in free family and community events. Public involvement has been central to the project, with users consulted on the facilities needed and the interior design of the space. As well as having more room for books, new study areas and activity zones, it has a larger children’s library, more computers, improved Wi-Fi facilities and three meeting rooms, available to hire for activities and classes. It is fully accessible and, following consultation with the Alzheimer’s Society, its wall colours, flooring and furniture have been planned to make previous, very dated building with brand new it Merton’s first fully dementia-friendly library. facilities, including 60 new homes. As a result of The opening comes after negotiations between the council’s business-like approach, the cost to Merton Council and Rocco Homes led to the local tax-payers of this state-of-the-art facility, developer investing £2 million in upgrading the which will be enjoyed by generations of families old library. It is part of a project to replace the to come, was just £200,000. Drawing from the area’s architectural heritage, the building has been constructed from the same material as the iconic Colliers Wood Tube Station, designed by Charles Holden. It has excellent green credentials too, with solar panels and a ‘living roof’ of plants that provides energy-efficient insulation, as well as biodiversity. Among the new apartments, 75% are offered at affordable rent by Metropolitan Housing Association. Merton’s award-winning library service is going from strength to strength and the redevelopment of Colliers Wood Library is another important part of the plans to further develop libraries across Merton. You can find the new library just a minute’s Books and office space at the walk from Colliers Wood Tube Station. Visit new Colliers Wood Library merton.gov.uk/libraries for opening hours.

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

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Educating Merton’s children 15

Merton secondary schools are top of the class A record number of Merton families are applying to the borough’s state secondary schools following the announcement that local schools have topped a national league table for the progress pupils make. My Merton takes a closer look.

igures released late last year by the With schools in Merton performing so Department for Education revealed well, and the borough cementing its that Merton was the best- reputation as a great place for families, Fperforming borough nationally for more parents are choosing to live in the the ‘Progress 8’ scores at our state schools. borough and send their children to our The scores measure how much progress local comprehensives. To satisfy this pupils make from 11 to 16 years old. increasing popularity, the council has been The announcement was quickly followed planning carefully to ensure that there are by the news that Wimbledon’s Ricards enough places for local families. Lodge High School has been rated A brand new school, the Harris ‘Outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted inspection. Wimbledon Academy, run by the Harris Ofsted praised the progress the school has Foundation, will welcome its first students made in a number of areas. Comments in this September. It will open first at the former the report include; “Leaders and governors Merton Adult Education Centre on Whatley have significantly improved the school since Merton’s exam results are also at an Avenue, before moving to South Wimbledon its last inspection. It is now outstanding” all-time high with students achieving good where it will accommodate 1,150 pupils. and “Pupils develop into confident, mature, A level results. Raynes Park High School Meanwhile, sixty additional places per reflective and resilient young women.” and St Mark’s Academy are also performing year (300 in total) have been added to the The result brings the number of Merton particularly well in applied general Harris Academy Merton. The council will secondary schools with the highest rating qualifications, with an average grade of then monitor demand closely to see if any possible to four – Rutlish School was named distinction. These rigorous level 3 advanced further permanent expansion is needed for ‘Outstanding’ in June 2017. Harris Academy qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds allow future years. Merton and Ursuline High School are also students to continue their education through ‘Outstanding’, with Wimbledon College applied learning and develop the fundamental find out more about the borough’s retaining their ‘Good’ rating at the start of knowledge and practical skills that are schools and applying for places at the year. valued in universities and the workplace. merton.gov.uk/schools.

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community safety 16 10 Keeping Merton safe Getting to know your local police My Merton caught up with Merton’s dedicated ward officers (DWOs) to find out how you can contact them.

Wimbledon

Trinity ward: PC Mike Pacitti, PC Tom Queen, PCSO Gabi Di Maria, 020 8721 2453 • [email protected]

Dundonald ward: PC Doug Walter, PC Curtis Glover, PCSO Karen North, 020 8721 2450 • [email protected]

Abbey ward: PC Pete Beesley, PC James Peppitt, PCSO Nicola Cleeter, 020 8649 3584 • [email protected]

Hillside ward: PC Trevor Walsh, PC Tony Watts, PCSO Chrissie Storey, 020 8721 2458 • [email protected] Policing the Chariot Festival at Shri Ganapathi Temple Wimbledon Park ward: PC Paul Roberts, ollowing a decision by crime. In Merton these also PC Gerry Byford, PCSO Lisa Matthews, 020 8721 2452 Mayor of London Sadiq include local concerns about [email protected] Khan, every borough in street drinking, burglary, Fthe Metropolitan Police moped and vehicle crime. Raynes Park ward: PC Lee Spear, PC Oliver Thursby, PCSO area now has its own dedicated If you haven’t met your James Cushing, 020 8721 2459 • [email protected] ward officers (DWOs) working DWO team yet, you can contact closely with local people to them by email or phone or chat Village ward: PC Matt Rigby, PC Dean Shaw, PCSO Shelley Collar, provide a reassuring presence to them while they’re patrolling 020 8721 2457 • [email protected] and respond to issues that your neighbourhood. concern them. Talk to the team about any In Merton each of our crime and anti-social behaviour 20 council wards has three issues. However, to report a DWOs – two police constables serious crime, or one that’s and one Police Community happening now always call Support Officer (PCSO). 999. To report non-emergency While neighbourhood crimes, or to give information policing isn’t a new thing, the to the police call 101. number of ‘bobbies on the Merton police also have a beat’ across London has been strong social media presence, increased after Sadiq made with PCSO Dave Haywood the commitment in his latest responsible for posting to Police and Crime plan. Twitter, Facebook and The plan also gives local neighbourhood forum Nextdoor. DWO teams the freedom to set DWOs have their own Facebook many of their own priorities pages too, where you can find based on the needs of their out more about local issues and areas, at the same time as give your views. But remember, focussing on priority areas to report a specific crime or for like anti-social behaviour, an immediate response, call the Officers visiting local domestic violence and hate police as above. schoolchildren

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

community safety Keeping Merton safe 17 Getting to know your local police My Merton caught up with Merton’s dedicated ward officers (DWOs) to find out how you can contact them.

Morden Mitcham

Cannon Hill ward: PC Robin Young, PC Jojo Duffy, Colliers Wood ward: PC Mark Cockburn, PC Stednet Grey, PCSO Sandra Wood, 020 8721 2455 • [email protected] PCSO Dave Russell, 020 8721 2743 • [email protected]

Lower Morden ward: PC Ellen Jefferies, PC Scott Kleis, PCSO Cricket Green ward: PC Samantha Simmons, PC Amanda Derek Dickson, 020 8721 2456 • [email protected] Stonehouse, PCSO Tracey Whayman, 020 8649 3576 [email protected] Merton Park ward: PC John Weatherhead, PC James Brevitt, PCSO Nigel Sanders, 020 8721 2451 • [email protected] Figges Marsh ward: PC Stephanie Capper, PC Steve Green, PCSO Emeka Okafor, 020 8649 3603 Ravensbury ward: PC Shaun Matthew, PC Gary Gunnell, [email protected] PCSO Alex Gonzales, 020 8721 2725 • [email protected] Graveney ward: PC Alex Henderson, PC Nigel Smith, PCSO Michael St Helier ward: PC Chris Bermingham, PC Kylie Harrington, Scanella, 020 8721 2724 • [email protected] PCSO James Lewis, 020 8649 3575 • [email protected] Lavender Fields ward: PC Emily Bailey, PC Mick Stanistreet, West Barnes ward: PC Chris Adams, PC Tom Clargo, PCSO Aneta Kapuscinska, 020 8721 2744 PCSO Nicola Glackin, 020 8721 2454 • [email protected] [email protected]

Longthornton ward: PC Gemma Armstrong, PC Anthony Morton, PCSO Dave Haywood, 020 8721 2742 [email protected]

Pollards Hill ward: PC Claire Gauntlet, PC Carl Smith, PCSO John Joseph, 020 8649 3604 • [email protected]

Ask for Angela Our One Stop Shop anywhere in Merton is here to help

With an increased awareness and clubs where staff have If you or someone you know 020 7801 1777, 9am to 5pm, of sexual violence and been specially-trained to help is suffering domestic abuse, Monday to Friday. Always harassment, an initiative which anyone who feels unsafe. Just contact Merton’s One Stop call 999 if you are in danger. was launched in December go to the bar, ask for ‘Angela’ Shop, based at Morden Baptist For more advice visit 2016 to help people in and you’ll get help to find a taxi Church, open Mondays 9am to merton.gov.uk/ threatening situations has been and leave safely. The scheme 12 noon. The One Stop Shop domesticviolence. making the news. Ask Angela now covers 95% of licensed is closed on bank holidays but is a scheme running in bars premises across the borough. you can call Victim Support on

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

MERTON COUNCIL

Could you foster for Merton and change a child’s life? We are urgently looking for ordinary people to Come along to one of our Information do something extraordinary, can you help? More Events at Morden Baptist Church on: young people and siblings are coming into care, 28 March at 6.30pm if you have a desire to help get in touch today. 11 April at 10.30am Foster for Merton and we can offer you: 25 April at 6.30pm 3 Comprehensive, on-going professional 9 May at 10.30am training 23 May at 6.30pm 3 24/7 support and mentors 6 June at 10.30am 3 An allowance of up to £507 per week, per child 20 June at 6.30pm

Call us today on 0800 073 0874 / 020 8545 4070 or visit merton.gov.uk/fostering for more details 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

MERTON COUNCIL feature

Health and wellbeing 19 Take a fresh approach to your health this spring Longer days and lighter evenings are the perfect time to take a fresh look at your health and wellbeing. My Merton finds out about the help available to feel happier and healthier this spring.

Helping you © iStock.com go Smokefree You may have seen TV adverts for the NHS Smokefree campaign which show the harm smoking does to your body. Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable death in England. The good news is that A new (One) You once you stop, your body will begin to New antenatal Lots of us begin the year with good recover and, with the right support, intentions – to eat well, drink less and quitting is easier than you think. Contact service move more – but by the time spring One You Merton for expert, personalised Mums-to-be and their partners are comes along those resolutions are hard support, including nicotine replacement being invited to new antenatal groups Could you foster for to maintain. The key to staying motivated therapy. Visit www.oneyoumerton.org and drop-in clinics run by Merton’s is having someone on your side, which health visiting team. The groups, is where One You Merton can help. available to women from 28-weeks It offers free, friendly telephone gestation, take place at local children’s Merton and change a support from local health advisors centres and cover issues including seven days a week. Find out more at bonding, safe sleeping and www.oneyoumerton.org and take the breastfeeding. They are also a great How Are You lifestyle quiz to kick-start opportunity to meet local health visitors. child’s life? a new you! Call 0330 0539 264 to find out more. We are urgently looking for ordinary people to Come along to one of our Information do something extraordinary, can you help? More Events at Morden Baptist Church on: Are your kids’ Tackling food poverty young people and siblings are coming into care, 28 March at 6.30pm jabs up-to-date With a growing number of if you have a desire to help get in touch today. Some children in Merton are missing foodbanks across the UK, 11 April at 10.30am out on their MMR (measles, mumps, including a fantastic project Foster for Merton and we can offer you: 25 April at 6.30pm rubella) vaccination, putting them in Merton, which is run by at risk from unpleasant illnesses, the local Elim church, the 3 Comprehensive, on-going professional 9 May at 10.30am that could be life-threatening. If you issue of food poverty has risen training 23 May at 6.30pm think your child has missed their up the agenda. The council is MMR jab or booster, contact your doing its best to help those 3 24/7 support and mentors 6 June at 10.30am GP or health visitor now. Read more most in need, and has been 3 An allowance of up to £507 per week, per child 20 June at 6.30pm at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations working with the charity Sustainable Merton on an action plan offering bespoke solutions for local families. These include projects to Call us today on 0800 073 0874 / re-use surplus food and offer lessons in food preparation and meal-planning, and an 020 8545 4070 or visit expanded Healthy Start Voucher scheme, which provides free vitamins to eligible pregnant women and children under four. merton.gov.uk/fostering for more details 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

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM VEOLIA UK Our commitment for a clean, tidy and safe borough

The London Borough of Merton is part of the South London Waste Partnership which is made up of four London Boroughs (Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton) that are working together to provide better value waste management services to their residents. Since 1 April 2017, Veolia has been delivering waste and recycling collections and street cleansing services across Merton to ensure cost savings and improved environmental outcomes. It has been a challenging transition involving new staff changes, new vehicles and a different collection methodology in our street cleansing services.

We are sorry for how this process of change has affected certain parts of the borough. The cleanliness of Merton is our priority and we are committed to making immediate improvements to specific areas in the Borough that have been identified.

On behalf of the teams in Veolia, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding. We have so far made improvements with additional sweeping resources and we have increased the number of vehicles to collect flytipping which has helped solve this growing issue. We will continue to work with the London Borough of Merton and its residents to improve our performance levels to reflect your civic pride and our overall aims for a clean, tidy and safe borough.

If you spot any litter or flytipping, please report it online at merton.gov.uk and we will highlight it to our teams.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding.

Resourcing the world 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

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Keeping Merton clean 21 IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM VEOLIA UK Help us tackle Our commitment flytipping in your area for a clean, tidy We know you care about where you live and want it kept clean and tidy. This is why we spend £5 million every year and safe borough clearing rubbish from our streets and fining people who have dropped litter The London Borough of Merton is part of the South and dumped rubbish. My Merton looks at London Waste Partnership which is made up of four London Boroughs (Croydon, Kingston, Merton and the cost and number of fines issued and Sutton) that are working together to provide better how we can all help keep Merton clean. value waste management services to their residents. Since 1 April 2017, Veolia has been delivering waste and recycling collections and street cleansing services across Merton to ensure cost savings and improved environmental outcomes. It has been a challenging transition involving new staff changes, new vehicles and a different collection methodology in our street cleansing services.

On behalf of the teams in Veolia, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding. We have so far made improvements with additional sweeping resources and we have increased the number of vehicles ore than 40 people in Merton Where larger-scale fly-tips are free bulky waste collection service – as to collect flytipping which has helped solve this growing have received fines of £400 concerned, the council will seek long as you’re up-to-date with issue. We will continue to work with the London Borough for dumping rubbish under prosecutions which bring much larger your council tax, we will remove up to of Merton and its residents to improve our performance Mnew rules allowing the fines and a criminal record. five bags or furniture items every three council to issue fixed penalty notices for If you have rubbish to dispose of months. merton.gov.uk/waste. levels to reflect your civic pride and our overall aims for a small-scale flytipping. make sure you place it in a black sack and l Becoming a Street Champion – join more clean, tidy and safe borough. The punishments have included fines leave it at the boundary of your property than 60 groups and individuals around If you spot any litter or flytipping, please report it online for items of furniture left in the street, bags on your collection day or take it to the the borough who have signed up to be Garth Road recycling centre. Never place at merton.gov.uk and we will highlight it to our teams. of rubbish placed beside the eyes and ears of their community litter bins, or household waste in, or alongside, litter bins. telling us about local issues. Thank you again for your patience and understanding. rubbish left on We know clean streets are a big priority merton.gov.uk/streetchampions or Visit the council’s grass verges or for residents, and the council spends email environmental.development@ website for a list of FPNs roadsides, and £5 million each year on street cleaning. merton.gov.uk and the names of people are on top of You can help us by: l Joining a clean-up operation – we organise whom we have successfully the 4,000 l Reporting any incidents of flytipping – regular litter collections and support prosecuted after they fines of £80 merton.gov.uk/litter or call residents wishing to organise their own. failed to pay an FPN issued each year 020 8274 4901 Find the latest dates on the council merton.gov.uk/fpn for dropping litter l Disposing of your old furniture responsibly – website or social media. in town centres. Either donate to charity, sell it or use our Resourcing the world 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 Regular round-up my environment green inMerton andhow we can alldoourbitto help… l l l making Easterabitgreenerthisyear… We’ve puttogetherfivetoptipsfor means abigspikeinhouseholdrubbish. packaged infoil,plasticandcardtoo,it tooth, butwithmanyoftheseeggs This isgreatnewsifyou’vegotasweet will bepurchasedintheUKthisEaster. More than90millionchocolateeggs Egg-cellent ways to help the planet we can use to fundother services. waste we recycle, theless we pay inlandfill fees, generating savings It’s amission of ours to increase recycling intheborough. The more A cleaner, greener

Decorate boiled or blown eggs Decorate boiledorblowneggs Recycle yourpackagingandEaster Choose chocolateeggswithminimal Easter crafts. use paperorcard,notplastic,for instead ofbuyingplasticonesand for the‘widelyrecycled’symbol. Some plasticcanberecycled–check box orcommunalrecyclingbin. cards. Cardandfoilgoinyourgreen foil areperfect. Eggs andbunniesjustwrappedin packaging that’salsorecyclable.

Small Change, Big Difference in MitchamTownCentre Sculpture of‘Cornucopia’displayed 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

cooking up easy chicken soup to freezing cooking upeasychickensoupto freezing favourite foodwastehacks–from food wastescheme. of inedibleleftovers,usingthecouncil’s healthy, sustainableeatingandrecycling to cutdownonwasteitalsoencourages EU LIFEProgramme.Aswellashelping innovative pilotscheme,fundedbythe currently costingus£1.4millionayear. London’s foodwastemountain,whichis cooking tipsinacampaigntoreduce out ofrawfoodandsharingtheirsavvy Merton residentshavebeencreatingart l

If you’re entertaining family and friends, If you’reentertainingfamilyandfriends, at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com over-buy. Findcreativeideasforleftovers shopping toavoidthetemptation plan mealsinadvanceandtakealistout Local residents have told us their Local residentshavetoldustheir Small Change,BigDifferenceisan My Merton My gets thelatest onbeing borough #smallchange onsocialmedia. on thewebsite(above)orusing watering recipes–signuptoget involved exclusive cookeryclassesandmouth- London, includingpop-uprestaurants, Change, BigDifferencethisyear,across of plenty. called “Cornucopia”–afoodwastehorn a workofartaspartthecampaign Arts teamedupwiththecounciltocreate www.smallchangebigdifference.london tips inthe‘stuffwelove’sectionat pesto inicecubetrays.Watchtheir l There’s more to come from Small There’s moretocomefromSmall Students atWimbledonCollegeof

Recycle your peelings and plate Recycle yourpeelingsandplate numbers areattheendofthisfeature. for freenow–ourwebsiteandcontact If youdon’thaveone,jointhescheme scrapings inyourfoodwastebin.

my environment

Regular round-up 23

Getting ready Garden for wheelie bins waste Spring is a great time to sign up for our This October will see changes to the weekly collection, with two collections garden waste collection service which way your recycling and household (food and recycling) one week and costs £70 per year for one garden waste waste is collected, with a new, three collections (food, recycling and bin, or 25 bags. We will collect your borough-wide wheelie bin scheme. general waste) on alternate weeks. garden waste every fortnight throughout Bins will be delivered to households Paper and card will be collected the year, including grass cuttings, hedge before roll-out in October along with separately from tins, plastic, glass trimmings, twigs and leaves and you can information explaining how the and cartons. sign up at any time. scheme will operate in your street. If you don’t have a food waste bin, Households will continue to receive a you can order one today!

Merton joins world record attempt

Did you know? Every year we collect real Christmas trees from residents across the borough and recycle them into amazing soil conditioner that’s available free to residents. This year we collected 4,000 trees and made 81 tonnes of conditioner, which is available to collect from Garth Road recycling centre.

Find out more For rubbish and recycling June will see an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the simultaneous information and to order food launch of a flotilla of plastic boats. The aim is to highlight the environmental impact of plastic waste. Events taking place across the world will contribute to the challenge – waste bins visit merton.gov.uk/ including one in Merton. All the boats will be made from recycled plastic bottles and waste or for garden waste visit will be recycled again once the attempt has been made. merton.gov.uk/gardenwaste Schools can sign up and take part in the flotilla at 2pm on 27 June 2018 at the lake, For any waste queries call us Wimbledon Park Watersports and Outdoor Centre. find out more at www.plasticbottleboatchallenge.com or on 020 8274 4902. email [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

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

COLLIERS WOOD MITCHAM MORDEN RAYNES PARK WIMBLEDON/MERTON

Arts and entertainment New Wimbledon Theatre l Academy Choir Wimbledon – 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG Mozart and Haydn Book online www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon Saturday 24 March Telephone booking 0844 871 7646 2018, 7.30pm Group bookings 0844 871 7696 St John’s Church, Spencer Access bookings 0844 871 7677 (no booking fees apply) Hill SW19 4NZ. Tickets l Pinocchio £5 to £25. The Academy Until Sunday 8 April 2018 not everything Alberta tells her turns out Choir Wimbledon and The Colour House to be true and Stella quickly discovers London Mozart Players Theatre, Merton Abbey she’s in for the fight of her life against are performing Mozart’s Mills, Watermill Way, her very own Awful Auntie! From the Mass in C Minor and Wimbledon. £12 adult/ award-winning West End producers of Haydn’s Te Deum in C. £10 child. Shows every Gangsta Granny comes the world find out more Saturday and Sunday at premiere of David Walliams’ amazing www.academychoirwimbledon.co.uk 2pm and 4pm. Come tale of frights, fights and friendship, and enjoy this timeless featuring a very large owl, a very small l Attic Theatre adventure and of course ghost and a very Awful Auntie! Company singing the lessons to be learnt! workshops find out more l Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Every Thursday www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk l MACCA: The Concert – Tuesday 1–Saturday 5 May 2018, until 29 March 2018 Celebrating the music of Tuesday–Saturday 7.30pm, at two venues Paul McCartney and The Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm Attic Theatre Company Greatest Hits of the Beatles Tickets from runs a weekly singing Thursday 29 March 2018 £16.90. session for people over 55. Tickets from £21.25. Starring West Following the This is a drop in session End leading man Emanuele Angeletti sold-out and and requires no sign up (Let It Be) as Paul McCartney, this is a critical success or audition. celebration of the music of a legend. of double Olivier St. Marks Church Hall, In the first concert of its kind to tour Award-winning Compton Road, the UK and Europe, Macca: The The Red Shoes, Wimbledon. £5 per session. Concert, featuring acclaimed West End New Adventures Vestry Hall, Cricket Green, performers and using state-of-the-art return with one Mitcham. £4 per session. visual media projection throughout, of their most popular and beloved find out more celebrates McCartney’s entire solo productions, Matthew Bourne’s www.attictheatrecompany.com/ l Children’s career from 1970 to 2016 including all Cinderella – a thrilling and evocative going-for-a-song Theatre Musical his best loved hits, the acclaimed Wings love story, set in London during the Workshop over the World 1975–6 Concert Tour and Second World War, which forms part l Social Sundays Monday 9–Friday a selection of Beatles favourites. of the company’s 30th anniversary Every Sunday until 13 April 2018, celebrations. Matthew Bourne’s 29 April 2018 10.30am–1.30pm l Awful Auntie interpretation of the classic fairy tale, Alchemy Bar, 28–30 Saint Have you always wanted Tuesday 24–Saturday 28 April 2018 has, at its heart, a true war-time Georges Walk, Croydon, to give musical theatre a Tickets from £26.50. When Stella sets romance. A chance meeting results CR0 1YJ. Adults £5, go? Are you aged between off to visit London with her parents, in a magical night for Cinderella children £3, under fives seven and 12 years? Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea and her dashing young RAF pilot, free. On the day there will Book now to take part her life is in danger! Waking up three together just long enough to fall in be board games, food and in Annie the musical. months later, only her Aunt Alberta love before being parted by the horrors more to keep both adults find out more can tell Stella what has happened. But of the Blitz. and children occupied. [email protected]

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

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

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Here’s a selection of what’s Arts and entertainment continued stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: Marryat Players MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE String Orchestra

The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George Award-winning author Elizabeth George delivers another masterpiece of suspense in her 17th book in the Inspector Lynley series. When a Member of Parliament shows up at New Scotland Yard requesting an investigation into the suicide of the son of one of his constituents in the beautiful town of Ludlow, the Assistant Commissioner sees two opportunities in this request: the first is to have an MP owing him a favour, and the second is to get rid of Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, whose career at the Met has been hanging by a thread for quite some time. So he assigns Havers to the case and for good measure partners her with the one person who shares his wish to see the back of her, Detective Chief Superintendent Isabelle Ardery. l Marryat Players former organist at l Elgar’s Dream Other books: string orchestra St Saviour’s Church. of Gerontius • The Liverpool Matchgirl by Lyn Andrews Thursday 12 April 2018, Programme to include Saturday 9 • Girl on Fire by Tony Parsons 8.30–9.30pm J.S.Bach’s Passacaglia June 2018, 8pm • The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle The Great Hall at King’s and Fugue and end with Sacred Heart Church, • The Flower Seller by Linda Finlay College School, Southside, Louis Vierne’s Second Edge Hill, SW19 4UL. • Nadia and Kaye disaster chef: simple recipes Wimbledon, SW19 4TT. Organ Symphony. find out more for cooks who can’t by Nadia Sawalha Free. Don’t miss the find out more www.sacredheartmusic.co.uk/ acclaimed Marryat Players http://stsaviour.net concerts/tickets Orchestra for young musicians conducted by Robert Max in the Great Hall of King’s College events School for a one hour Mayor of Merton performance of Mozart Charity Ball 2018 eMagazines and eAudiobooks and more. find out more Saturday 28 April, 6–11pm The new RBdigital app has been developed to give www.marryatplayers.com Chak89, 105 Bond Road, Mitcham, CR4 3HG. even easier access to Merton Library eMagazines £75. Civic dinner and fundraising evening in aid and eAudiobooks. Download today so you can enjoy l Organ Recital of the Mayor’s charities – Merton Mencap and some of the new titles, you can even access back Saturday 12 May 2018, Commonside Community Develpment Trust. issues of over 700 eMagazine titles. Don’t worry if 8.30–10.30pm you’ve downloaded the ‘Libby’ app, you can still St Saviour’s Church, To book a table or apply for a sponsorship continue to use it. Grand Drive, SW20 9DL. package please contact the Mayor’s Office: Tickets £10 to include programme and interval 020 8545 3517 refreshments. Children £1. Can be bought in advance or at door. Organ Recital by David Adkins,

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

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

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Polka Theatre Walks and talks 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB l Know Your Rights! l Wandle trail walk Box office: 020 8543 4888 Friday 23 March 2018, Saturday 19 May 2018, www.polkatheatre.com 10am–12 noon 2–3.30pm High Path Community Carshalton Station. Free. Resource Centre, A three to four mile walk lives and thinking through a thrilling 63 High Path, South from Carshalton to Mitcham. and exhilarating programme of theatre Wimbledon. Free. What is from the UK and beyond, interactive a judicial review? How to l Wandsworth workshops, debates and unique challenge decisions in to Morden walk creative learning experiences. Adult Social Care. along the Wandle find out more Saturday 2 June 2018, l This is My Bed www.mertonmencap.org.uk/ 9.30am–1pm Wednesday 13–Sunday 24 June 2018 adultsfirst Wandsworth Town Station. English Touring Opera in association Free. A five mile walk to with Polka Theatre. There’s one thing l Wandle Industrial Morden Hall Park along about your bed. It’s your very own bed. Museum and walk the Wandle Trail. Except somebody else seems to think Sunday 15 April it’s their bed too. And then the bed 2018, 2–4pm l Mitcham itself has its own ideas, and can turn Mitcham Junction Station. evening walk l Chocolate Cake itself into a bus or a train or a rocket. £1.50 includes entrance to Thursday 14 June 2018, Friday 23 March– And when a bear turns up one night it Wandle Industrial Museum 7–8.30pm Sunday 13 May 2018 whisks you off to meet the very things and refreshments. A three Mitcham Junction Station. Adapted by Peter Glanville and Barb you’re frightened of. Thank goodness to four mile walk around Free. A three to four mile Jungr. Music and songs by Barb Jungr. there are some unexpected friends to Mitcham. stroll around Mitcham Follow the adventures of two brothers help you along your way. Common and the Canons. and the night-time disappearance of a l Wimbledon chocolate cake in this scrumptious new l Double Act National Trust l Mitcham musical adaptation by the creators of Friday 15 June–Sunday 5 August 2018 Association Common walk We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to By Jacqueline Wilson. Adapted and Saturday 21 April Saturday 23 June 2018, Hide a Lion from Michael Rosen’s directed by Vicky Ireland. Meet Ruby 2018, 3.15–5pm 2–3.30pm beloved poem Chocolate Cake, which has and Garnet. They’re twins, identical Christ Church Hall, Mitcham Junction Station. just been published as a picture book. and inseparable – and do absolutely Cottenham Park Road, Free. A three to four mile everything together. But their lives are West Wimbledon. walk visiting the ponds and l Techtopia Festival about to change. Recently, Dad’s gone a WNTA members £3, hills of Mitcham Common. Thursday 24 May– bit weird. He’s been acting strange ever non-members £3.50. Sunday 3 June 2018 since he started dating that frizzy dizzy The Perfect Playground by l Learning Celebrate, explore and question how Rose. And now he’s only gone and Michael Gilbert. The Disability Liaison technological innovation shapes all our bought a bookshop in the country… History of the Crystal Nursing Team at Palace leading up to its St George’s Hospital destruction by fire in 1936. Tuesday 19 June 2018, find out more 11am–1pm www.wimbledonnta.org.uk High Path Community Resource Centre, 63 High l Wandle Path, South Wimbledon. evening walk Free. Find out how the team Thursday 17 May can support you to plan for 2018, 6.30–8pm a patient’s admission, Mitcham Junction Station. treatment and discharge. Free. A three to four mile find out more walk from Mitcham to adults.first@ Carshalton via Bennetts’ swlondonmencap.nhs.uk; Hole and Wilderness Island. mertonmencap.org.uk/adultsfirst

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

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

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Health and fitness

merton.gov.uk/artsspace Wimbledon Library, Cranleigh Tennis and Social Club 35 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NB

l Pilates l Cranleigh l Wimbledon Park l Hearts and Minds Support Group Raynes Park Library Tennis and Bowls Club open A weekly drop-in group for any one aged 14 to Thursdays, 11am Social Club morning 25 with mental health issues. Run by volunteers £10. Feel better and Any Sunday afternoon, Saturday 26 May 2018, with lived experience of mental illness themselves, energised from the 2–4pm or Friday 12 noon–6pm the group provides a relaxed space and offers a first session! mornings 9.30–11am Wimbledon Park Bowls range of different creative and social activities. find out more Behind 1 Cranleigh Road, Club, Wimbledon Park, Anyone can come along whether they wish to [email protected] Merton Park, SW19 3LX. Revelstoke Road, join in with the activities or just have a friendly www.ldapilates.com Free. Come and try out Southfields, SW19 7HX. chat. It is non-judgemental, non-clinical and South Mitcham our new artificial clay Free. A great chance to completely free. Community Centre tennis courts. receive free coaching as find out more Saturdays, 9.45am find out more we welcome you to try the [email protected]; £3. Increases core muscle www.cranleightennis.co.uk sport of bowls at our Facebook @HeartsandMindsPS; strength and muscle tone. friendly, welcoming club. Twitter @heartsand_minds l Exercise classes find out more for over 55s wimbledonparkbowlsclub.co.uk The Merton and Morden Guild, 34a Aberconway Road, Morden, SM4 5LF. £4 per session with the first class free. Weekly exercise classes across the borough for all abilities from chair bases/chair assisted to dynamic exercise. find out more Merton and Morden Guild on 020 8640 1640

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

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

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Family

l Mitcham Road, Mitcham. Free. l May Fair l 1st Lower Horticultural A show that brings Monday 7 May Morden Scout Group Society’s Spring spring flowers, colour and 2018, 1–4pm Bow Lane, off Lower Show fragrance to St Marks St Saviour’s Church, Morden Lane, Morden, Saturday 24 March Hall. There will also be Grand Drive, SW20 9DL. Surrey, SM4 4SJ. 2018, 2pm teas and cakes available for Free. May Fair with May Subscription applies St Marks Church, St Marks sale. Everybody welcome. Queen, maypole dancing, on formally joining. entertainment, games and We are a uniformed Mitcham Horticultural Society’s Spring Show sideshows, grand draw youth organisation and stalls, barbecue and © Photodisc and are an open, other refreshments. flyball, temptation alley, co-educational, active find out more food and drink, raffle, fun and community based http://stsaviour.net for the whole family, ‘Ask Scout Group. We host the Vet’, canine/animal all the sections from l Merton Dog Watch charity stalls, scurry runs, age six up to the age Saturday 12 May run by Loyal Paws and of 18 and welcome 2018, 10am–4pm Paul’s doggie day care. new members – young Morden Park (bandstand), find out more or old! London Road, Morden, www.mordenfunday.org/ find out more SM4 5HE. Free entry. Dog merton-dog-watch-2018 www.1stlowermorden.org.uk

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

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

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Family continued l Easter holiday tennis camp Tuesday 3–Friday 13 April 2018, 11am–5pm Behind No 1 Cranleigh Road, Merton Park, London, SW19 3LX. Prices start from £7.20. For ages three to 16 and for all abilities, there is something for everyone. Children learn to play tennis and get to practice their ball skills in a fun and safe environment. find out more www.limitlesstennis.co.uk/holidaycamps Luna Cinema This June, The Luna Cinema transforms the beautiful setting of Wimbledon Park into London’s most exciting open air cinema.

l Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Friday 22 June l Dirty Dancing Saturday 23 June 2018 l Notting Hill Sunday 24 June 2018 So what are you waiting for? Round up your friends or get planning that date night, grab a picnic or enjoy the delicious hot food and full bar at every screening! Capacities are strictly limited and all tickets must be booked in advance. Head to thelunacinema.com for details.

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

MERTON COUNCIL Stay tuned

Merton Council @merton_council

merton.gov.uk 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

MERTON COUNCIL 3 May local Register elections to vote

Don’t miss the bus

If you have moved into the area you now need to register to vote

The way we all register to vote moved to the area, make sure has changed. Under the old you get heard and register to system the ‘head of household’ vote. Go online and register, could register everyone all you need is your National who lives at their address. Insurance number and date Now everyone is responsible of birth. Make sure you have for registering themselves. registered to vote by Tuesday If you have just turned 18 or 17 April. gov.uk/register-to-vote

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... Kirsten Heard, Headteacher of Raynes Park High School

Following the announcement that Merton was the best-performing borough in the country for the progress pupils make between 11 and 16, we meet the Headteacher of Raynes Park High School, Kirstin Heard, to talk about what makes a good school.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I wanted to make a difference; seeing students leave school with the best set of exam results as well as being prepared for the next chapter in their life, makes me very happy. I also believe that learning is for life; no two days are the same and teaching has certainly kept me busy for the last 24 years!

How do you maintain high standards? I am very clear that I have high expectations in all that we do and high aspirations for all our students. We are committed to driving up standards – smart uniform, regular attendance and good behaviour in and outside school. We are also very proud of our strong pastoral care, which enables us to meet the personal, social and academic needs of our students.

Why is Raynes Park High School performing so well at applied general qualifications? The style and structure of these courses has ensured students really thrive at this level in applied subjects including IT, business studies, PE, health and social care, setting them in good stead for university and employment.

How is Raynes Park involved in the BECSLink (Business, Education, Charity and Sport)? On Friday 16 March Raynes Park High will become the first state school in the country to be an accredited BECSLink community! Thanks to this partnership and the Tim Henman Foundation, we news and information from your council will be able to offer scholarships to our students. mymerton find out more www.rphs.org.uk