Making a Splash at the New Morden Leisure Centre

ISSUE 76 WINTER 2018

Win a family ticket for Aladdin at New Wimbledon Theatre Making a splash at the new Morden Leisure Centre See the back page for your Christmas waste collection days The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, writes for My Merton

Winter is the time of year when we need Mascot service, which enables people particularly important during the to really look out for each other. As the to remain independent, to our festive season. If we all do our bit to weather gets colder and days get shorter, award-winning libraries, which offer reduce the amount thrown away, loneliness can set in, particularly for a range of activities and classes which particularly over Christmas, together older people. We all have a responsibility are available to everyone, as well as we can achieve one of our resolutions to look after our friends and neighbours. home visits for people who are not for 2019, to become one of London’s I come in to a busy office every day and able to get out and about easily. Our best recycling boroughs. there is always lots to be getting on with, fantastic new Morden Leisure So please help to make this winter a but I know that too many of Merton’s Centre, which opened its doors on bit brighter and greener by keeping an residents don’t have daily contact with 6 November, is packed with great eye out for your neighbours, getting other people, which can leave them activities for everyone, offering involved in a new activity group and isolated. However, there are brilliant residents of all ages opportunities to considering the environment during organisations in the borough, including meet new people in their community the festivities. I wish every resident in Age UK Merton and Wimbledon while increasing their fitness. This Merton a very Happy Christmas and Guild, that work tirelessly to ensure opening came a month after the start New Year. that everyone feels included in their of the new recycling and rubbish communities. collection service in October. The new The Council supports people too service makes it easier for residents to in a variety of ways, from our Telecare recycle more of their rubbish and this is

Mayor of London launches London-wide scheme in Mitcham In October, I proudly welcomed Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to Merton. He chose the Acacia Pre-School Children’s Centre in Mitcham to launch a new city-wide scheme called Healthy Early Years London. This scheme has been set up to help tackle health inequalities for the youngest children across the capital. My colleague, Councillor Kelly Braund, cabinet member for children’s services, and I told the Mayor all about the work we are doing in Merton to bridge health inequality gaps. We discussed the importance of healthy eating, exercise Leader of Merton Council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis, and social and emotional development for children Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and cabinet member and families. The Mayor also chatted with some of our for children’s services, Cllr Kelly Braund at the Acacia youngest residents, in the Acacia sandpit! Pre-School Children’s Centre. mymerton Issue 76 • Winter 2018 3 merton.gov.uk

contact us merton.gov.uk/report-it contents Registering to vote: Community 020 8274 4901 Council tax: 020 8274 4904 News 4 Waste collection services: 14 The latest news from 020 8274 4902 Your NEW around the borough Benefits advice: 020 8545 4178 Features Parking: 020 8545 4661 recycling Libraries: 020 8545 3783 Top tips for 15 Anti-social behaviour a greener hotline: 020 8274 4907 and rubbish festive season Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 My Merton is published by the Volunteering 21 London Borough of Merton and in Merton is distributed free to 80,000 collection households in the borough four Helping a family 23 times a year. be part of the Editorial community [email protected] service merton.gov.uk/mymerton What’s on listings: Regulars Fill in the online events form at: merton.gov.uk/eventscalendar Working life 12 Adverts Zoe Gallen on supporting For all advertising enquiries, contact victims of domestic violence [email protected] What’s on The London Borough of Merton 27 does not accept responsibility Your guide to all that’s going for or endorse any products or on in Merton this winter services offered by advertisers. 5 minutes with My Merton costs only 31 12p a copy to produce Nick Coke from The Salvation Army’s community church

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 21 November 2018. merton.gov.uk/mymerton You can also follow us on: My Merton is: Distributed by London Letterbox www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil 020 8940 0666 19 16 www.londonletterbox.co.uk Tackling Christmas Designed by loneliness in Merton Domino4 01932 988677 @Merton_Council [email protected] www.domino4.co.uk Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Print Whenever you see this logo that means www.flickr.com/mertoncouncil Partnership there’s a volunteering opportunity to get 0845 601 9478 [email protected] involved in www.cliffe-enterprise.com www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil 4 opens itsopens doors New leisure centre Keeping Merton informed news well as a specialist Changing Places room, which well asaspecialistChangingPlacesroom,which with apoolpodforeasyaccesstobothpoolsas perfect forMordenParkdogwalkers. café areawithoutsideseatingarea,whichisalso suite andthentakingarelaxingbreakinthe up asweatinthestudioand100-stationfitness a moveablefloor.Gym-goershavebeenworking toddler classesinthesecondpool,whichboasts enjoying aquaaerobics,divingandparent a refreshingswiminthe25msix-lanepooland 6 November.Sincethen,visitorshavebeentaking family centreopeneditsdoorsonTuesday Morden LeisureCentreisnowopen!Thenew standards for London’sschoolchildren,regardlessoftheirbackground. potential. TheMayor’sSchoolsfor Successprogrammeaimstoimproveexpectations and raise Hall onFriday5October. by theMayorofLondon,SadiqKhan, at the Schools for Success awards ceremony,held atCity The remarkableperformanceofRicardsLodgeHighSchooland RutlishSchoolwerehonoured schools Merton recognises Mayor of London and visitssothat theirsuccesscanbereplicated acrossLondon. All participatingschoolsareencouraged tosharetheirexpertisewithothersthroughseminars Of theschoolsrecognisedthisyear, morethanathirdaretakingpartforthesecondyearrunning. The state-of-the-artbuildingisfullyaccessible The ceremonywashostedby Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, JoanneMcCartney. The eventcelebratedtheirachievementsinsupportingpupilsneeding extrahelptofulfiltheir

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis Leader oftheCouncil,CouncillorStephenAlambritis Councillor Nick Draper, at the opening of the new Councillor NickDraper,attheopeningofnew www.better.org.uk andsearch Morden. London Road,intheheartofMordenPark. once demolitioniscomplete. landscape theareaandplanttreeswillbegin and thelandrestoredtoopenspace.Work begin todemolishtheoldMordenParkPool, was energy-inefficientandexpensivetomaintain. replacement forageingMordenParkPool,which for disabledpeople. includes toilet,shower,changingbedandahoist and cabinet member for community and culture, and cabinetmemberforcommunityculture, You can find the new leisure centre on You canfindthenewleisurecentreon Now thatthenewcentreisopen,workwill The councilinvestedinthenewcentreasa find outmore

Morden LeisureCentre

out how the council merton.gov.uk/parking lines infuture. from stoppingonzigzag schools, andwillbedeterred children’s safetyoutside of theimportance motorists willbereminded up enforcementaction, It ishopedthatbystepping restrictions areinforce. that theschoolkeepclear location statesthehours £55. Thesignageateach within 14days,reducesto charge notice,whichifpaid liable fora£110penalty that doessoisinstantly passengers andanyvehicle to dropofforpickup zigzag keepclearlines adjacent to,theschool must notstopon,or hours ofoperation,vehicles already used.Duringthe mobile CCTVcarthatis cameras, inadditiontothe plate recognition(ANPR) using automaticnumber enforcement officerswillbe outside schools,council by carsstoppingonzigzags about thedifficultycaused from parentsandresidents Following safetyconcerns the borough’sschools. who stoponzigzagsoutside enforcement onmotorists The councilissteppingup offenders on zigzag down cracks Merton

page 24 to find are improving air find outmore

quality in the Turn to

borough.

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 (Monday to Friday 8am–8pm). telephone 0333 300 2100 www.shswl.nhs.uk or and Wimbledon. Mitcham, Twickenham – withsatelliteclinicsin Richmond andWandsworth the boroughsofMerton, West London’sservicesfor of SexualHealthSouth Clapham willbethehub IUD/IUS/implant fitting. a youngpeople’sclinicand includes agaymen’sclinic, Monday toSaturday.It contraception services, integrated sexualhealthand quality, confidential,fully Road, SW11,willofferhigh floor centreat160Falcon Junction station.Thefirst November nearClapham health clinicon19 a newpurpose-builtsexual NHS Trust(CLCH)opened Community Healthcare Central London centre health sexual New Councillor MartinWhelton. on Hudsonandcabinetmemberfortransport, Wimbledon VillageStables,AngelaStewart Poppy GravesonOnyx,CarolAndrewsfrom Leader oftheCouncil,CouncillorStephenAlambritis, find outmore

topawardLondon Merton teacher wins gives individual students and gives individualstudentsand praised forthesupportshe Tracey wascommendedand University inTwickenham. ceremony, hostedbyStMary’s London PractitionerAwards Award’ attheAimHigher received a‘Commitment for Merton’sVirtualSchool a post-16AdvisoryTeacher ceremony. TraceyLewis, practitioners atanawards named oneofLondon’stop A Mertonteacherhasbeen

Twitter @MertonLibraries andFacebook Mertonlibraries pedestrians, horsesandriders. the highstreetcalmerandsaferforeveryone,includingcyclists, 20 milesperhourzonewillslowdownvehiclesandhelptomake the safetyofresidents,particularlychildren,isparamount.Thenew through trafficaswellresidentsandvisitorstothevillage. Wimbledon HighStreetfrom30milesperhourto20hour. including WimbledonVillageStables,hasreducedthespeedlimitin Business Associationandanumberoflocalgroupssocieties, per hourzonetoimprovesafetyforroadusersandpedestrians. Wimbledon VillageHighStreethasbeendesignatedasa20miles per hour zone becomes 20 miles Busy high street talks andworkshops. health checks.Therewillalsobe aselectionofspecialone-offevents, such asYoga,TaiChi,MantraSinging, meditationclassesandfree range ofhealthandwellbeingsessions. Therewillberegularevents During January,ourlibrarieswillcelebrateallthingshealthywith a If youwanttogethealthynextyear,doitwithMertonLibraries! As 2019drawscloser,we’reallthinkingaboutNewYearresolutions. New year, new you Merton is a great borough for families to live in and move to, and Merton isagreatboroughforfamiliestoliveinandmoveto, Wimbledon HighStreetisanarteryroute,whichusedby Merton Council,afterconsultationwithWimbledonVillage find outmore exceptional achievements. selects staffwhohaveshown opportunities toalland opening upeducational extra mileinthespiritof authorities whogothe universities andlocal of staff inschools,colleges, achievements andendeavours Awards celebratesthe university. ThePractitioner and CareLeaverstoaccess for LookedAfterChildren how sheovercomesbarriers merton.gov.uk/libraries Keeping Merton informed

Practitioner Awardsceremony AimHigher London Tracey Lewisatthe

news

5 6 exchangedbe orusedinconjunctioncannot withany otheroffer.wimbledon.com/museum.prize Thevisit schedule, Theretour are nocashalternatives,the For accommodation2019. ortravelJuly 20 included inthisprize. and June 17 between run Tours2019.not 17-19 May do and 2019 January 1 2018, exceptDecember 24-26daily open Tennisis Tour,Lawn Museum Wimbledonand The the Museum 5AE. SW19visit Wimbledon to children)Road,two Church and adults (twoticket family one win to is Termscompetition The conditions: and &TOUR MUSEUM LAWN TENNIS WIMBLEDONTHE TICKET FOR WIN AFAMILY wimbledon.com/foundation Keeping Merton informed news this Christmasthis Park for free Monday 24December. well asonSaturday22Decemberand Sundays –2,916and23Decemberas Lane CarParkinRaynesPark,onfour council’s carparks,exceptCoombe parking willbeofferedinallthe money withlocalbusinesses.Free Christmas shopperstospendtheir managed carparkstoencourage there willbefreeparkingincouncil- This istheseventhyearrunningthat @WimbledonFDN

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 in December. in December. on sixdates centre carparks council’s town parking inthe being offeredfree shoppers are Christmas

n Wnsot b aadn grants and community organisations. awarding bytotallingover £400,000 yeara to charities Wandsworth and Merton in inequalities reducing and needs social meeting to contribution valuable a makes Club Tennis Lawn England All The The Wimbledon Foundation, thecharityof and sought-after titleintennis. sights most the Wimbledon make triumphs, that sounds traditions, the discoverto chance the winner lucky one offering is Foundation Wimbledon The the Sutton Link Have your say on with other major transport services into with othermajortransportservicesinto centre andMerton.Itwouldconnect people travellingbetweenSuttontown link wouldcreateahigh-capacityroutefor Merton, calledtheSuttonLink.Thenew transport linkbetweenSuttonand on proposalsforanew,directandquicker Transport forLondon(TfL)areconsulting

31 December 2018. The closingdate for entries is Visit merton.gov.uk/mymerton to enter. c) Serena Williams b) AngeliqueKerber Muguruza a) Garbine Who won the2018 Ladies’ SinglesFinal? answer the following question: simply win, to chance your For the consultation,visittfl.gov.uk/Sutton-link Sutton Linkschemeandtotakepartin attractive. Tofindoutmoreaboutthe public transportquickerandmore services andwouldmakejourneysby Underground, existingtramandbus including NationalRail,London central LondonandacrossLondon,

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 Morden. Permission has already Morden. Permissionhasalready is building68newhomesin for veteransandtheirfamilies, provider ofcharitablehousing Haig Housing,theUK’smain Merton for war veterans Providing new homes in merton.gov.uk/libraries place throughoutMarch2019. about theiremotionsandexpress themselves.Eventswilltake creativity tohelpyoungpeoplecope withexamstress,talk people totalkabouttheirwellbeing. Workshops willuse in Mertonlibrariesnextspring,aimedatempoweringyoung A seriesoffreecreativeworkshopsandeventswilltakeplace to Merton libraries comes Festival SPINE Your GPorparticipatingpharmacyareonhandtohelp. single doseofnasalspray,whichissquirtedupeachnostriltohelpprotectthemfromthevirus. recommends allchildreninreceptionclassandschoolyears1to5shouldbevaccinatedwitha two andthreeyoungpeopleupto17-years-oldwhoareatriskofflualsoeligible.TheNHS or pregnant,hasalongtermhealthconditioniseligibleforfreefluvaccine.Childrenaged It’s winteronceagainandtimetomakesureyouhavethefluvaccine.Everyoneover65, Get your free flu jab find outmore find outmore

www.nhs.uk, search flu vaccine well-known and much loved late well-known andmuchlovedlate Maxi MartinCourtafterthe while anotherwillbeknownas named been grantedforonetobe Queen ElizabethCourt, www.haighousing.org.uk website for further information. website forfurtherinformation. the newhousing.Visittheir veterans tobecomeresidentsof currently lookingforeligible in thegallery.HaigHousingare where theyenjoyedlayingbricks schoolchildren visitedthesite recently, localMorden the beginningof2018.More from MordenPrimarySchoolat which wasplantedbychildren their visitors’viewinggallery, mornings withthelatterheldin regular newslettersandcoffee project. Thishasincluded residents sincethestartof the localcommunityand Living, havebeenworkingwith councillor. Developers,United find outmore

Keeping Merton informed Holocaust MemorialDay merton.gov.uk search Mayor ofMerton. of speakersincludingthe contributions fromarange Synagogue choir,alongwith will includeTheWimbledon at 7pm.Theprogramme on Tuesday22January2019 held inthecouncilchamber the daywithacivicevent council willcommemorate is TornfromHome.The Holocaust MemorialDay The themefornextyear’s 2019 Day Memorial Holocaust become aregular meeting. took place,whichwill children’s scrutinypanel Finally, thefirstever the HousesofParliament. from herconstituencyatour over 100schoolchildren Siobhain McDonagh,gave Mitcham andMorden, schools, whiletheMPfor offered visitstolocal Stephen Hammond, the MPforWimbledon, from acrossMertonand about herrole.Councillors Mary Curtin,spoketothem the Mayor,Councillor the Mayor’sparlourwhere made. Theyalsovisited where localdecisionsare saw thecouncilchamber toured theciviccentreand Democracy Week.They in October,duringLocal got atasteforlocalpolitics Young peopleinMerton democracy about Learning find outmore news

7 8 to be put in. Much to the to beputin.Muchthe allow forelectricityandheating them withbookshelves. of thefixturesandreplacing interior, strippingoutmost Lindsay helpeddesignthe library. LocalarchitectPeter bought byparents,intoa by choosingtoturnabus, problem ofspaceandbudget, a creativesolutiontothe Philippa Jackson,found library, formerheadteacher, double deckerlibrarybus. (pictured) thestoryoftheir member foreducation, Cooper-Marbiah, cabinet School toldCouncillorCaroline Pupils atHollymountPrimary All aboard the book bus! Keeping Merton informed news clinical commissioning group develop policies or commission new services. clinical commissioninggroupdevelop policiesorcommissionnewservices. provided bythepublicsectorand whendecision-makingbodiessuchasthecouncilor sure theneedsoflesbians,gay, bisexual andtransgenderpeopleareconsideredacrossservices Transgender (LGBT)forum. BeingamemberoftheLGBTForum isanopportunitytomake Merton Counciliscallingonresidents tobepartoftheborough’sLesbian,Gay,Bisexual, Be of part the LGBT forum being successfully delivered acrossallofMerton’slibraries. successfully being information andwellbeingservices.Thisisamodelthat for residentstoengagewithreading,cultural,digital, economic outcomes, whilstbeinganinvaluableservice priorities ofbridgingthegapinresidents’health,socialand in partnershipwitharangeofproviderstodeliveronits library hasbeentransformedintoahubthatworks hosted MrEllis.Duringthevisit,hewasshownhow libraries duringhisvisitonThursday11October. libraries inhisportfolio,praisedMerton’saward-winning The CultureMinisterMichaelEllisMP,whoincludespublic Ministerfor service excellence Merton libraries praised by The engine was removed, to The enginewasremoved,to Born outofaneedfor As part of National Libraries Week, Wimbledon Library As partofNationalLibrariesWeek,WimbledonLibrary find outmore find outmore merton.gov.uk/libraries

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 www.mertonlgbtforum.org.uk or email [email protected] or www.mertonlgbtforum.org.uk

2017 and, as in other libraries, 2017 and,asinotherlibraries, used ticketbin,werekept. brake pedals,bell-pushand driver’s seat,steeringwheel, fascination ofthechildren, The bus opened as a library in The busopenedasalibraryin

books andtidytheshelves. their lunchtimestohelpreturn assistants, andtheygiveup have beenselectedaslibrary books. Ateamofchildren the childrenandteachersborrow

Michael Ellis MP with children and Michael EllisMPwithchildrenand parents atWimbledonLibrary retailers andlocal firms. shoppers tosupport Merton’s council isencouraging sales seasonuponus,the With theChristmasand make tothecommunity. Merton’s smallerbusinesses invaluable contribution (1 December),celebratingthe on SmallBusinessSaturday of theborough’sbusinesses will bevisitinganumber Councillor StephenAlambritis Merton CouncilLeader, in Merton businesses small Celebrating Soundlounge inWimbledonBroadway White andKeironMarshallatthe Cllr StephenAlambritiswithHannah

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 Night Shelter. Supported by the Night Shelter.Supportedbythe Trust andtheMertonWinter Mitcham TownCommunity St George’sHospitalCharity, the MayorofMerton’sFund, Merton charitiesincluding have beenmadetoseveral raised £406,000anddonations Championships, TicketResale charity. Atthisyear’s longer requiredarere-soldfor Show Courts,whichareno scheme, wherebyticketsforthe Queue –istheTicketResale strawberries andcreamthe best traditions–alongwith mind. Forspectators,oneofthe the word‘tradition’comesto Think ofWimbledontennisand Tennis ticket resale benefits charities carers honoured Merton foster 0800 073 0874 or020 8545 4070 oremail: [email protected] children, youcouldhavewhat’s needed tobeafostercarer. patience, resilienceandtheability tocommunicateandinspire space inyourlivestofoster?Ifyou haveasparebedroom, foster carers,orthechildrenoffostering families.Doyouhave contributions tofostercare,whethertheyaresocialworkers, years. Theawardsrecognisepeoplewhomakeexceptional have giventothemanychildrenplacedwiththemover recognised forthededicationandremarkablecarethatthey couple, whohavefosteredinMertonfornineyears,were Foster CareratTheFosteringNetworkawardsinLondon. above) receivedtheawardforOutstandingContributionbya London busdriverandHannahNtow,aformernurse(pictured deserve atanawardsceremonyinOctober.KojoNtow,a A Mertoncoupleweregiventhepraiseandrecognitionthey find outmore

ymcastpaulsgroup.org/ all thattheyhavedoneforme.” can’t thanktheteamenoughfor relapse intodrugsandalcohol.I the streets,Iwouldhavehada saved mylife.IfIhadstayedon Merton WinterNightShelter shelter lastwinter,said:“The 38, whospent10weeksatthe getting backontheirfeet.Rob, place tosleepandsupportin hot, nutritiousmeal,awarmdry volunteers. Guestsaregivena groups andateamof300 partnership by14localfaith years, theshelterisrunin Wimbledon Foundationforfour merton-winter-night-shelter find outmore

jobs and covers 40 hectares jobs andcovers 40 hectares town centregenerates 15,000 its commercialheart.The town centreandfocuseson the developmentofWimbledon out thelong-termvisionfor Wimbledon Masterplan,sets 2019. ThedraftFuture centre bySunday6January future ofWimbledontown part inaconsultationonthe employees andvisitorstotake residents, businesses, Merton Councilisencouraging town centre plans Have your say on Keeping Merton informed

To haveyoursay visit an improvedretailoffer. transport interchangeand and culturalspaces,abetter centre, alongwithpublic of greenareasintothetown include integration well into2030.Priorities investment inpublicspaces help shapedesignand from theconsultationwill tennis courts!Theresponses in size,that’salmost1,500 merton.gov.uk/futurewimbledon Serving food at the Serving foodatthe Merton Winter Merton Winter Night Shelter news

9 10 Keeping Merton informed news National HateCrimeAwarenessWeek and PSCO Dixonfromsafertransportteamlaunching director ChrisLee,CouncillorEdithMacauleyMBE Mayor ofMerton,CouncillorMaryCurtinwithcouncil future Merton’s to shape chance Your and submit your feedback. and submityour feedback. merton.gov.uk/newlocalplan more andhaveyoursay,visit businesses. Tofindout borough, itsresidentsand the bestinterestsof growth, whileensuring and responsiblymanage council tosuccessfully a visionthatenablesthe develops overtime,creating guide howtheborough The LocalPlanwillhelp 2018 to6January2019. Local Planfrom31October and businessesontheDraft consulting withresidents Merton Councilare

England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to receive Gold. England, Scotland, NorthernIrelandandWalesto receiveGold. levels ofschoollife. DundonaldSchoolisoneof400 schoolsacross shows adeepandthoroughcommitment tochildren’srightsatall others inschool.Goldisthehighest accoladegivenbyUnicefUKand encouraging adults,childrenand youngpeopletorespecttherightsof commitment topromotingandrealising children’srightsand the RightsRespectingSchoolsAward isgrantedtoschoolsthatshow October. PresentedbytheMayorofMerton,CouncillorMaryCurtin, Rights RespectingSchoolprogrammeataspecialassemblyin Dundonald PrimarySchoolhasbeenawardedGoldbyUnicefUK’s prestigious Gold Award Schoolreceives Primary Dundonald Wardell andstaffpupilsfromDundonaldPrimarySchool Fiona Duffy,DirectorofChildren,SchoolsandFamiliesRachael Mayor ofMerton,CouncillorMaryCurtin,withheadteacher Report hate crime their experience because they their experiencebecausethey should gounreported. unacceptable andnoincident violence. Allhatecrimeis intimidation andemotional attacks orviolence,threats, verbal abuseandharassment, and caninclude;spitting, many forms,bigandsmall residents. Hatecrimecantake Merton Policearegivingto message MertonCounciland report hatecrime.Thisisthe We areheretosupportyou, the boroughjoinedherforsandwiches,cakesandentertainment. residents fromcarehomes,daycentresandlunchclubsacross afternoon teatocelebrateSilverSundayinOctober.Around100 The MayorofMerton,CouncillorMaryCurtin,hostedaspecial Sunday Silver Many victims do not report Many victimsdonotreport

can provide help and support. can providehelpandsupport. for alistoforganisationsthat visit emergency call111.Alternatively, emergency call999orifanon directly tothepolice–inan ways toreporthatecrime,either hate crimeintheborough. to understandandrespond you helpthecouncilandpolice done. Byreportingincidents, there isnothingthatcanbe being believed,orthinkthat are scared,worriedaboutnot Council twitter account. #GritMerton ontheMerton wintermaintenance orfollow merton.gov.uk/ ice andsafeforresidents. to keepourstreetsclearof Merton hassufficientstocks is planningaheadtoensure the borough.Thecouncil of salttogritroadsacross Council has2,500tonnes during thewinter.Merton the boroughkeepsmoving year’s coldsnaptoensure well inadvanceofthis Plans havebeenmade the cold snap for Ready There are a number of There areanumberof merton.gov.uk/hatecrime find outmore

history The changing shape of Morden Park 11

The people’s park Morden Park, formerly part of the estate belonging to Morden Park House, has always been seen as an important green space in the heart of the community. Recreational facilities have also been a familiar sight, with residents now enjoying the brand new Morden Leisure Centre. My Merton finds out more about the park’s history and its changing landscape.

The band stand

Morden Park Pool

nce privately owned, Morden shillings per adult. This was twice the Park was sold to the local going rate for a 45 minute swim, but council during the 1930s by the pool still proved highly popular. OGilliat Edward Hatfeild, owner Fast-forward to 2018 and the new of Morden Hall. The land was safeguarded Morden Leisure Centre opened its doors from development as part of the to the public on Tuesday 6 November, St Helier Estate at the insistence of continuing the tradition of popular politician, Herbert Morrison. recreational facilities in Morden Park. During World War II, Morden Park Morden Park House was used to grow vegetables and also held A timeline of the park’s history air raid shelters. As Britain rebuilt itself can be found in the reception following the conflict, the park was seen as an important green space. Children area of the new facility. To find A natural environment were bussed in from the poorer areas of out more about the new Morden Morden Park is also an important inner London to enjoy the fresh air and a Leisure Centre, turn to page four. natural habitat, home to many species, popular bandstand was later installed. including great crested newts, which A technical college (now part of South were carefully monitored during A time of change Thames College) was completed four construction of the new leisure centre. Built around 1780, Morden Park House years later. More than 2,000 students In the 1970s grounds staff began was used as council offices from 1965 enrolled on vocational courses in returning areas of the park to until staff moved to the civic centre in catering, mechanics and on pioneering meadowland. This forward-thinking 1985. The vacant house was boarded-up new IT modules. approach led to the creation of a natural and suffered a decade of vandalism and A plaque, which is attached to the environment rich with plant species, decay until proposals were made to exterior of the Merton College building, from grasses and wildflowers to herbs. convert it to the borough’s register office. was also unveiled to commemorate an A distinctive mound in the park is The painstakingly restored building is act of wartime heroism. In August 1940, thought to be a Roman barrow, used for now an attractive venue for weddings when Sgt Peter Walley’s plane was ancient burials or funerary rites. The and other events. crippled by enemy fire, he deliberately local woodlands also have trees which Morden Park Pool opened in 1967 crash-landed in the park, to avoid hitting are centuries old, including oaks that with a peak-time charge of two to three nearby homes. pre-date Morden Park House.

12 honour-based violence.” also helpvictimsofforcedmarriageand and holdingontobenefitpayments.We perpetrators takingcontrolofthefinances they make;whatdo;wear. feels someoneiscontrollingthedecisions see alotofcoercivecontrol;wherevictim more subtlemeansofcontrol.Zoesaid:“We violence butperpetratorsoftenuseother, home andfiresafetychecksforvictims. police andfirebrigadetoo,astheyprovide on thecouncil’sbehalf.Sheliaiseswith Victim Support,whichprovidestheservice coordinator, ZoeGallen,workscloselywith a sympatheticear. staying safe–aswelltea,tissuesand free legaladviceandpracticalhelpon 1,600 peoplesince2010;offeringsupport, Church, theservicehashelpedmorethan Shop comesin.BasedatMordenBaptist and stay safe. out more abouttheOneStop Shopservice andhow victimscan seek help F Merton My violence every year intheUK,withabuse occurring inany relationship. It isthought thatoneinfour women andoneinsixmensuffer domestic Merton says NO MORE A supportive borough working life “We’ve seen economic abuse too; “We’ve seeneconomicabusetoo; Domestic abusecaninvolvephysical The borough’sdomesticviolence hurt shouldn’t Love help we can speak out relationship an abusive If youare in Crown Lane,Morden, SM45BL Morden BaptistChurch, noon at Mondays from 9.30am–12 020 7801 1777 Call Victim Support on: (closed onbankholidaymondays). One StopShop COUNCIL MERTON

where the borough’s One Stop where theborough’sOneStop help canbedifficult–whichis taking thefirststepstofinding or avictimofdomesticabuse, 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

Violenc Domestic

talks to Zoe Galleninthecouncil’s Safer Merton team to find e/ Abuse

The borough’sdomestic violencecampaign really isn’t thecase.” feel they willbejudged–which should bestrong, andthey There’s astereotype that men feel embarrassed andashamed. are also affected: “Menoften are women, aproportion of men While themajority of victims until 10 December. “It’s about raising until 10December.“It’saboutraising campaign, whichrunsfrom25November She alsopromotestheannual16Days borough, gotopage25findoutmore. operates inlicensedpremisesacrossthe innovative AskAngelaschemewhich role too.Sheisinvolvedinsupportingthe Zoe has an educational and campaigning Zoe hasaneducationalandcampaigning

would beatalibrary orinaninternet cafe. The safest way to view information online merton.gov.uk/domesticviolence as asurvivorwithhappyfuture.” safe –seeingthemcomeoutthe otherside definitely knowingwe’vekeptsomeone experiences. Zoesaid:“Thebestpartis victims startagainafteroftenhorrific in theirowntime.” a victim,butyouhavetoletthemseekhelp sometimes youwanttodosomethingfor difficult. Andyouhavetobepatient– knowing whatsomepeoplegothroughis said: “Hearingthedetailsofcasesand No Moreflagattheciviccentre.” professionals andweflytheUKSays We tweetdaily,offerlearningdaysfor awareness ofdomesticandsexualviolence. But the rewards come from helping But therewardscomefromhelping It’s ajobthatcanbechallenging.Zoe find outmore

feature

Protecting our residents 13

SAY ‘NO’ to unwanted callers Showing scammers the door Fraud, identity theft and data breaches have become a sad part of modern life, with stories about scams rarely out of the news. My Merton investigates what residents can do to keep themselves safe and what to do if you get caught out.

ybercrime is a growing worry, Protect yourself with email phishing scams Action Fraud, the national police reporting costing UK consumers £3.5billion centre for fraud and cybercrime, advises: Ceach year. Many fraudsters, l Don’t give personal information (name, however, still take the traditional approach. address, bank details, email or phone Help is According to Merton’s Trading number) to anyone before verifying their Standards Manager, John Hillarby, credentials. at hand doorstep crime is an issue in the borough: l Don’t trust emails asking you to click on Merton’s Mascot Telecare service is “Vulnerable residents are frequently a link and confirm your bank details – a good option for older or vulnerable targeted by unscrupulous traders offering banks never send such emails. people living at home who need some to do work on their properties. It’s usually l Destroy, preferably by shredding, extra reassurance. The service provides of a poor standard, if completed at all, receipts with your card details and post 24-hour assistance at the touch of a prices escalate and traders may become showing your name and address. button, whether a client has had a fall aggressive and intimidating.” l Install up-to-date anti-virus software and or is feeling anxious – about an unwanted John’s message is: “Say ‘no’ to unwanted a firewall on your computer and ensure caller, for example. callers and remember that ‘too good to be your browser is set to the highest level The service is provided by the council true’ offers probably are. Always research of security. for a monthly fee. An enhanced service the credentials of a company before parting find out more includes visits from a mobile response with any money. If you become a victim of a scam, contact: team and free access to a handyperson. “Be online savvy too and keep your Citizens Advice consumer helpline on If you, a friend or relative could personal details safe. If you do fall victim 03454 04 05 06 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. benefit from the Mascot Telecare service, to a scam, know you are not alone. Action Fraud, day or night, using the online visit mascot-telecare.org.uk or call Report it – you’ll be helping us expose fraud reporting tool: www.actionfraud.police.uk 020 8274 5940. the scammers and making sure you Action Fraud also provide advice about fraud or receive support.” cybercrime on 0300 123 2040.

1014 Recycling more of your rubbish my environment

© Veolia make awiderange ofitems–including newplasticbottles. Then, the plastic isshredded, meltedandreformed intopelletsto Lasers are usedtoseparate andcolours the ofplastic. different types hand ormachinetoseparate them from ofrecycling. other types Rainham inKent orRochford inEssex.There, they are by sorted to oneofthree specialrecycling facilitiesatCrayford inLondon; andcans. glass, cartons pots andrecycle them inyourgreen andpurpleboxes,alongwith tubs,trayshomes. Pleasewashandsquashyourplasticbottles, and and foodcontainers webuyandrecycling plasticfrom around our which endsupinlandfillby reducing the amountofwater bottles environment. We canalldoourbitto reduce the amountofplastic all plasticwasteevercreated across the worldisstillinthe natural away. Plastictakes thousands ofyears todecomposeand79% of Most plasticcontainers are onlyusedoncebefore they are thrown Plastic planet rubbish collection service collection rubbish Your Your Your newrecycling beganinOctoberandweare andrubbishcollectionservice After the plasticiscollectedfromAfter outsideyourhome, itistaken

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 NEW boroughs inLondon.We are already seeingencouraging 45% within12 months–makingusoneofthe bestrecycling aiming toboostMerton’s recycling rate from 37% toover recycling and and recycling

the road, whichbenefitsthe environment. reduce the amountoftimethatthe wastecollectionlorriesare outon beganinOctober tomake them morecollection service efficientand Many collectionroutes changedwhen the newrecycling andrubbish ofrecyclingenables different tobecollectedatthe types sametime. Our newfleetofwastecollectionlorrieshavesplitchambers, which road the on lorries New online atmerton.gov.uk/recycling orbycalling020 8274 4902. waste collectionsfor2019 canbebooked from mid-December, either fourandsixitems.Bulky for uptothree itemsand£50forbetween collections booked 2019. forcollectionfrom 1January Itwillcost£30 other Londonboroughs, feesare beingintroduced forallbulkywaste and Recycling Centre Road, Morden inGarth SM44AX.Inlinewith Alternatively, youcantake yourbulkywastetothe Household Reuse take awayyouroldappliancewhen they deliverthe newone. sell itorgivethe itemawaybypostingdetailsonline.Someretailers will collect furniture whichisingoodcondition forasmallfee,oryoucan Manycharitieswill piece ofbulkywastethatyouneedtogetridof? Do youhaveapieceoffurniture, alarge electricalapplianceoranother Bulky waste be usedtoprotect other vitalservices. over £1.5 millionayear, whichwill to keep ourstreets cleanerandsave will also help signs and the new service

my environment

Recycling more of your rubbish 15

Simply having a GREENER Christmas time This is the first festive season since the new collection service started. Paper and card, non-recyclable rubbish and food waste are collected one week; then plastics, cans, cartons and glass, plus food waste the next week. Planning what gifts and food you will need before heading out to the shops and buying things which come with less packaging can all help to reduce the amount of waste which is thrown away after Christmas. Please remember that we will only collect your paper and card recycling and rubbish which is stored inside your new wheelie bins with the lid closed. To check your collection day, visit merton.gov.uk/recycling Christmas collections Top tips for a There will be no recycling or rubbish collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Please see the back cover for the revised collection schedule. GREENER Garden waste collections will continue throughout December and January. An annual subscription costs £70. Join at any time during the festive season year at merton.gov.uk/gardenwaste l Reduce your food waste by using up leftovers to make Garth Road Reuse and Recycling Centre in Morden (SM4 4AX) tasty new recipes. For ideas, see lovefoodhatewaste.com will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. and smallchangebigdifference.london/page-tips-recipes It will be open on every other day from 8am to 4pm. l Recycle the cardboard boxes containing your online Christmas shopping in your blue-lidded wheelie bin. Christmas tree recycling l Buy a Christmas tree with roots We will collect and compost your real Christmas tree free of charge. and plant it in your garden after After you have removed all the decorations, place the tree at the front the festive season. edge of your property so that it can be seen and easily reached by l Don’t forget the batteries! the collection crews from the pavement, but please don’t put it on the These can now be recycled from pavement. All trees must be out by Monday 7 January and will be your home every week. Put household batteries in one open collected by Thursday 17 January. plastic bag and place it on or next to your wheelie bins or recycling boxes on collection day. l Stuck for a gift idea? How about a reusable coffee mug or a foldaway bag to take to the shops? Or give an experience like theatre tickets or a promise to babysit, rather than wrapping a present. l Swap glossy or foil-type giftwrap for wrapping paper, which can be recycled in your blue-lidded wheelie bin, along with Christmas cards and envelopes. l Planning to buy some new outfits in the January sales? Recycle your old clothes and other textiles every week by placing them in one tied plastic bag and putting it on or next to your wheelie bins or recycling boxes on collection day.

16 mince pies eaten andmulled winedrunk. magical, whensparkling festive lights are switched on,carols are sung, Feeling festive? Celebrating Christmas inMerton’s town centres is in Merton’s town centres Christmas Christmas inMerton feature about what’s happeninginMerton –andmost of itisfree. Colliers Wood turn. on the borough’s Christmas lights Friday 30 November, 4pm The big borough Christmas lights switch on takes place on 30 November in Colliers Wood at 5.30pm on the plaza adjacent to the entrance of Colliers Wood tube station. The event, which starts at 4pm, will include performances from a local school choir, plus Colliers Wood Chorus, a Santa’s grotto, real reindeer 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 and children’s entertainer.

Keep an eye on the council’s website which we’ll be updating with the main Christmas events in Merton: merton.gov.uk

find out more tube station onMerton HighStreet, for allto enjoy. South Wimbledon, just past theentrance to the The council willbe providing aChristmas tree in

Wrapping up

. .

My Merton My

Light UpMorden 2018. Hall Park,hostedbytheNationalTrustat6.30pm. switch-on at6pm. stalls andthefamousChristmastreelights games, hotdrinks,giveaways,Santa,Christmas will besomethingforeveryonewithcompetitions, the stagebesideMordenBaptistChurch.There community choirswillkickoffthefestivitieson for allthefamily. Startingat4pm,schooland party alongCrownLaneandpromisesfestivejoy December! Mordenwillbehostingitsownstreet Come andjoinintheChristmasfunthis Friday 7December from 4–6.30pm The festive atmosphere will continue in Morden The festiveatmospherewillcontinueinMorden findsoutmore

feature Christmas in Merton 17

Winter Wonderland 2018. Celebrate in Pollards Hill. Sunday 2 December, midday–7.30pm Wednesday 5 December, 6pm Firework display at 5.30pm Irene and Paul Strank from the Paul Strank Charitable The popular ‘Wimbledon Foundation, will be switching on the Pollards Hill Christmas Winter Wonderland’ is tree lights this year. Come along and join in the festive cheer returning to Wimbledon at the New Horizon Centre, which will be hosting a market in Broadway. The annual day their dinning room area. of festive family fun will see part of the road being pedestrianised to host this A Christmas tree will be installed on Fair Green in Mitcham, for all to enjoy. popular celebration. Thousands of visitors will be treated to Christmas market stalls, street entertainment, festive performances and children’s rides. Look out for live ice carving and the big Brass Band, which brings the magic of Christmas to Wimbledon. The ‘magical marquee’ will provide a covered area for families to sit, relax and enjoy the hot food on offer, plus children’s rides to keep them happily entertained. Don’t miss the magnificent firework display at 5.30pm, courtesy of Centre Court Shopping Centre and new this year a later finishing time of 7.30pm – see The Broadway twinkling with Christmas spirit as night falls. Christmas in the Village. Sunday 9 December, 10am–5pm Wimbledon Village Business Association (WVBA) has planned a family day to ensure everyone can join in the festive fun. There will Raynes Park. be free family activities, including a reindeer treasure hunt, story Christmas festival. time and gingerbread decorating. No festive day out would be complete without Father Christmas and families can watch Santa Friday 7 December, 3.30–7pm arrive through the high street on horseback. Young visitors and The Salvation Army, along with The Raynes Park Association families will have the chance to meet Santa in his grotto, courtesy and Raynes Park Association of Independent Businesses, are of the Wimbledon Foundation. Father Christmas is free to visit all set to welcome residents and visitors to the Raynes Park and there will be free gifts during the day. Christmas in the Village Christmas celebrations. Local choirs and performers will take to will be culminating in the switching on of the Christmas tree lights the stage in the Waitrose car park, along with a live nativity with at 4.30pm. Funds raised will go to the Wimbledon Guild. animals! Santa’s Grotto will be outside the Raynes Park Tavern find out more Wimbledon-Village.com and there will be plenty of Christmas stalls where you can buy Facebook: www.facebook.com/wimbledonvillage/ gifts for the festive season. Twitter: @WimbledonVil Instagram: @Wimbledonvillage

COMPETITION

Win a family ticket to Aladdin at New Wimbledon Theatre

Paul Merton leads the cast in this year’s Visit merton.gov.uk/mymerton to enter and high-flying pantomime as Widow Twankey, answer the following question. joined by Lee Ryan as Aladdin and magician Pete Firman who will be on hand to spread What is the name of the evil uncle in Aladdin? a little magic over SW19 and help Aladdin a) Abanazar overcome the evil Abanazar. Packed with b) Abanasta all the traditional pantomime ingredients c) Abanana audiences expect, Aladdin features The closing date for entries is 4 December 2018. laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, Terms and conditions: beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash alternatives, hisses. This year’s panto is a treat your accommodation or travel included in the prize. The competition is for a family ticket (four tickets) to see Aladdin at New Wimbledon Theatre, whole family will treasure! valid on 11 December 2018 at the pantomime press night.

MERTON COUNCIL Open your heart and home to change a child’s life

Merton Council urgently needs foster carers for teenagers, siblings and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Foster for Merton and we can offer you: On-going comprehensive training 24 hour support, 365 days per year An allowance of up to £514 per week, per child

Come along to one of our Information Events at Morden Baptist Church on: 9 Jan at 10.30am, 23 Jan at 6.00pm 6 Feb at 10.30am, 20 Feb at 6.00pm 6 Mar at 10.30am or 20 Mar at 6.00pm

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

feature

Tackling loneliness 19 No need to go it alone One million people aged 65 and over in the UK report that they are often or always lonely. My Merton finds out about the help and opportunities that are available in the borough.

oneliness is one of the big issues Here to help Elderly uses volunteer drivers to take of our times with an ageing The good news is that if you’re feeling older people to Sunday tea parties and the population, busy lives and less lonely, there are organisations just waiting Commonside Trust has lots going on – Lconnection with communities to help. Your local library could be a good from tea dances to keep fit. all contributing to feelings of isolation. place to start. Merton’s seven award- There’s practical help too for people As well as having an obvious impact on winning libraries have clubs and wellness affected by mental-ill health. The Sunshine our emotional well-being, it can affect our classes with everything from Tai Chi to Café in Wimbledon Chase is open seven physical health too. Feeling isolated puts us scrabble. There are one-off talks and events days a week providing emotional support at greater risk of heart disease, high blood too and the chance to really be part of to people in crisis, along with therapies pressure and Alzheimer’s; the impact of library life as a volunteer. To find out more and leisure activities in a welcoming, safe loneliness has even been likened to that about volunteering opportunities in the environment. The charity Imagine of smoking 15 cigarettes a day! borough, turn to page 21. Plus, the home Independence also operates in Merton, People often think of loneliness as a visits service brings books to you, if you offering peer support to help people problem of old age, and to some extent this can’t get out, providing a befriending manage stress, build networks and prepare is true – as many as four out of five older service as well as a book! for work. They run activities and courses Londoners report feeling lonely at least Wimbledon Guild and Age UK Merton that contribute to addressing issues of some of the time. also offer befriending, putting isolated isolation and loneliness by building In fact, loneliness can affect anybody. older people in touch with volunteers confidence and self-esteem, empowering The heroine of Gail Honeyman’s who’ll visit regularly. Both organisations and motivating people and bringing them bestselling book Eleanor Oliphant is provide a wealth of drop-in clubs and together to enjoy shared interests and to Completely Fine was inspired by the story activities too. The charity Contact The develop new ones. of a young office worker who spent every weekend alone. So, whatever your age, issues such as mental ill-health and unemployment can have an impact too.

find out more Wimbledon Guild wimbledonguild.co.uk Age UK Merton 020 8648 5792 Libraries merton.gov.uk/libraries Commonside Trust commonside.net or 020 8764 9582 Sunshine Café is at 296a Kingston Road, SW20 8LX Imagine Independence www.imagineindependence.org.uk/ london/merton, 020 8685 6192 Thinkaction Merton (MIAPT) offer one-to-one and group therapy. Register online at thinkaction.org Ieso Digital Health www.iesohealth.com/ merton or call 0800 074 5560 Big White Wall Talking www.bigwhitewall.com/selfrefer/merton

MERTON COUNCIL Would you like to play an important role for Merton Council? We are looking to appoint an independent person to assist in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct and to consider complaints against elected councillors. l You are able to demonstrate experience of reviewing information to reach evidence based conclusions. l You have strong communication skills and strong personal ethics. l You have high standards of probity. Experience of mediation or dispute resolution would be helpful as would knowledge of public sector ethical governance issues.

For further information please contact Democracy Services at [email protected] or telephone 020 8545 3616 Apply online at: merton.gov.uk/independentperson The closing date for applications is Friday 7 December

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.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 –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 caught upwithherto findoutmore about volunteering intheborough. or digitalskillsandplanet-savingenvironmentalprojectstoo. you cangetactiveoutdoors,office-basedoptionstodevelopfinancial befriending olderresidents.Therearesportscoachingroleswhere of opportunitiesoutthere–frommentoringyoungpeopleto give backtotheircommunitybyvolunteering.Thereareplenty the bestthingisthatI’mlearningsomuch.” much todo.Iloveeverybitofit.feelpartagreatteamand but Ioftenstaylongerasreallyenjoyitandthereisalwaysso For library opportunities goto or call 020 8685 1771 Browse theMVSC website for local roles giggle with,andIfeelempoweredtodomorewithlife.” made greatfriends.Ialwayshavesomeonetochatto,a over sixtyandhadbeenthroughsometoughtimes,butIhave me tobuildmyconfidenceandgiveasenseofroutine.Iam something tolookforwardto,”shesays.“Volunteeringhashelped where CatherineHollandvolunteers.“EveryweekIhave befriending andgardening,tohelpingoutintheHomeFoodCafé, improving yourwell-being. helping youfindpaidwork,tointroducingnewfriendsand there arepositiveeffectsforyoutoo;fromboostingyourCVand may notbeabletoprovidevitalservicespeopleinneed.But T Library’s resource team, where sheorganises donationsof books. libraries since April; meeting andgreeting customers andworking inMitcham Tatyana Chunchukova has beenvolunteering withMerton’s award winning For Wimbledon Guildvisitwimbledonguild.co.uk or call 020 8946 0735 coordinators, aswell asmany more roles. assistants andchildren’s activity for ‘meeters andgreeters’, ITsupport Merton’s libraries aloneare looking Tatyana is one of thousands of Merton residents who regularly Tatyana isoneofthousandsMertonresidentswhoregularly “I trytodevoteatleastfourhourseachweekvolunteering, Wimbledon Guildhasavarietyofopportunities,from Volunteer andyou’llbehelpingorganisationsthatotherwise find outmore she said. she and Ilovebeingsurroundedbybooks–people,” love ofreading:“Ineededtobreakupmydailyroutine atyana wasdrawntohervolunteeringrolebydeep

amazing –volunteer! something Do merton.gov.uk/libraries volunteermerton.org.uk

My Merton My Volunteering feature

21 Feeling

anxious Ieso Digital Health offers one-to-one online therapy. Register at www.iesohealth.com/ or merton or call 0800 074 5560 Big White Wall offers online therapy sessions through typing, audio or via low? secure webcam. Register at www.bigwhitewall.com/ selfrefer/merton. Thinkaction Merton (MIAPT) offers one to one and group therapy (face to face, Free support is telephone or Skype). Register at www.thinkaction.org.uk/online-registration available in Merton or call 0300 012 0012 Get the help you need when For more information, visit you need it – in person or online www.mertonccg.nhs.uk/mental-health

JUST £29.95MEMBERSHIPS A MONTH MORDEN LEISURE CENTRE OPEN NOW BETTER, MORDEN LEISURE CENTRE Enjoy a variety of activities at the brand new state-of-the-art leisure centre. • 25m Swimming Pool • Secondary Pool • 90 Station Gym • Fitness Studio • Café

Find out more at better.org.uk/morden In partnership with

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18

LW/01/23/L/1018/01 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398

132880 MordenMyMerton_Ad_FINAL.inddMerton – proud to be 1 a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be29/10/2018 a Fairtrade 15:30 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 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 and only the second in the UK, to welcome and onlythesecondinUK,towelcome health needsoftheirdaughter. care inadequatetomeetthelife-threatening camp wasextremelytoughandmedical in aLebaneserefugeecamp.Lifethe members killed,thefamilyhadbeenliving their homehadbeendestroyedandfamily their area. work neededtosettlearefugeefamilyin local peopleundertakethebackground Programme, apioneeringschemethatsees T months. Park Community Church, whohadbeenpreparing for theirarrival for awaited by agroup of local residents from The Salvation Army’s Raynes In February 2017, aSyrian family flew into Gatwick from Lebanon, eagerly into the community Welcoming afamily they chose to welcome thisfamily into theircommunity. Merton was the first London borough, Merton wasthefirstLondonborough, Having fledtheconflictinSyria,where Community Sponsorship Community Sponsorship UK aspartoftheGovernment’s accepted forresettlementinthe he familyfromLebanonhadbeen My Merton My caught upwithThe Salvation Army to findoutwhy and employment. and employment. English andaccesshealth,education and gettingreadytohelpthemlearn renovating asuitablehomeforthefamily connections. Theysetaboutfindingand pooled theirskills,expertiseand in thefaceofplightrefugees. members ofthechurchwhofelthelpless launched inJuly2016.Theideacamefrom a familyundertheprogramme,which finding school places for thechildren. accommodation was suitable and helped inpractical ways; ensuringthe Army’s application to thescheme and The council supported The Salvation To prepare for the arrival, volunteers To prepareforthearrival,volunteers [email protected] or visit merton.gov.uk/fostering apply to foster. Call usfor achaton020 8545 4070 or0800073 0874, email needs of unaccompanied children. Anyone agedover 18withaspare room can step of theirjourney, with round-the-clock andspecialist training support onthe civil war andpersecution. We ensure thatfoster carers are supported onevery Children come to theUKwithnoparents orcarers for many reasons including care, Merton Council urgently needs20 more foster families to them. lookafter Following anincrease inunaccompanied asylum seeking children coming into in your lives to foster? Do you have space

same scheme. soon tosponsorafamilyunderthe catering business. jobs, whilemumisbusysettingupa life-changing. Herfatherhastwopart-time operation which,ifsuccessful,willbe she iscurrentlyundergoingamajor daughter’s healthhasimprovedand mum anddadnotfarbehind.The are speakingEnglishfluently,with seven years.Almosttwoyearsonthey as theyhadbeenoutofeducationfor had startedschool–anexcitingmoment quickly. Withinaweekthechildren The WimbledonSynagogueis The familysettledintoMertonlife

A caring borough

feature

23 feature

24 Cleaning the air

Merton’s electric Helping you take car club scheme aims to have 125 charging points a breath of fresh air by 2021. Air pollution is the fourth biggest threat to public health after cancer, obesity and heart disease. My Merton takes a closer look at air quality in Merton and how everyone can do their bit to improve the air we breathe.

s Londoners, we live in a city with some of the most Improvements we are making polluted air in Europe. It is estimated that up to 9,000 We’ve found that around 60% of dangerous nitrogen dioxide people a year are dying prematurely in the capital – emissions come from transport. To encourage greener travel Afrom conditions including respiratory and heart disease we’ve improved cycle routes, while boosting uptake of electric and cancer. Vulnerable groups including young children, older vehicles. We’ve established electric car club schemes and aim to people and those with lung problems are the worst affected. have 125 charging points in the borough by 2021. There’s a Living in Merton we’re lucky to be surrounded by an oases of reduced fee (£25 a year) for resident parking permits for an green space in the form of more than 100 parks and gardens. electric vehicles, too. We also took the difficult decision of However, like most London boroughs, there are still significant introducing a residential parking permit levy for diesel vehicles, pollution black spots, where the quality of our air doesn’t meet encouraging our residents to switch to less harmful fuels. European standards. The air quality around our schools is a particular concern and it is a council priority to continue making any improvements we can – such as banning cars from idling close to schools, moving entrances away from congested areas and pedestrianising roads nearby. We are also exploring the use of Clean Air Zones and tackling pollution around schools through better enforcement and projects like school streets. This year, the council published its latest Air Quality Action Plan, which sets out the work that is taking place to measure air quality, On a bigger scale our regeneration projects seek to encourage encourage change and tackle the problem of poor air quality. better air quality by prioritising cycling and walking routes and We constantly measure the borough’s air quality using two supporting public transport improvements. methods – diffusion tubes, which hang on lamp columns and find out more measure nitrogen dioxide levels at specific locations, and at air quality Read Merton’s Air Quality Management Plan at merton.gov.uk stations situated in Morden and South Wimbledon. We do this to and search local air quality check that air quality is at safe levels; to see how our improvement plans are working and to alert residents to instances of high pollution.

community safety

Christmas safety 25 Stay safe this Christmas Follow the Safer Merton guide to protecting yourself and your belongings this Christmas.

Home fire safety visits At home If you’ve bought valuable Did you know that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) offers items as presents, don’t free home fire safety visits to London residents? These advertise the fact by placing visits provide fire safety advice, including information on the box outside and don’t prevention, detection and escape. Free smoke alarms and leave curtains open to show specialist alarms can also be fitted where needed. off gifts around the tree. In addition, London Fire Brigade have been trialling a new While you’re out for the evening, make sure doors are locked service called ‘Fire, Safe and Well’ in Merton, which is an securely and leave a light on, so it looks like someone is at home. enhanced home fire safety visit. As well as providing fire safety advice an LFB Community Safety Advisor is able to provide information about falls prevention, cold homes assistance, smoking cessation, social isolation and atrial fibrillation testing (a heart condition that causes an irregular/abnormally fast heartbeat, which can increase risk of having a stroke). for more information and to book Home fire safety visit: Freephone 0800 028 4428, email [email protected] Fire, Safe and Well visit: Email [email protected] and provide your contact details.

Protect your presents Don’t tell the world you’ve gone away for Christmas – cancel any deliveries and ask a neighbour to remove post. If your children receive the latest phones as gifts, make sure they hang onto them! Set up the devices’ tracking features and keep them hidden when out and about. Register new bikes, tech and other valuables with a service such as immobilise.com Keep safe when out and about Crowded shops, bars and restaurants are a pickpocket’s dream, Merton supports so keep your purse or wallet safe in an inside pocket of your coat No More; a national or bag. Don’t take more money or cards than you need and be wary at cashpoints. campaign to get people

If you’re on a date or in a bar or club with someone and it doesn’t talking about domestic feel right, ask the staff for ‘Angela’. Ask Angela is a scheme aimed at and sexual violence. tackling sexual violence in all the borough’s licensed premises. Bar Turn to page 12 to staff have been specially-trained to help anyone who feels unsafe; ask find out more. for ‘Angela’ and you’ll get help finding a taxi and leaving discreetly.

COMPETITION Win a family ticket to The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre

When Mole abandons spring cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of Visit merton.gov.uk/mymerton to enter and the adventures that lie ahead. With Toad’s answer the following question. obsession for all things fast causing chaos (poop, poop!), it falls upon his friends Ratty, Who wrote The Wind in the Willows? Mole and wise old Badger to save him. But that a) Simon Grahame means coming face to face with the ferrets b) David Grahame and weasels of the Wild Wood… In Toby Hulse’s c) Kenneth Grahame delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The closing date for entries is 4 December 2018. classic story of friendship and bravery, this Terms and conditions: winter warmer will take you on a journey Family ticket valid for up to four people, party must include one child. Tickets valid for performances between 2 January and 16 February 2019. through the seasons. Playing at Polka Theatre Booking required by 21 December 2018. Subject to availability. Not valid in 9 November 2018–17 February 2019. conjunction with any other offer. Travel and accommodation not included.

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 –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 Your comprehensive guideto what’s happeninginMerton. merton.gov.uk/events what’s 7ND. £5persession. St MarksPlaceSW19 St MarksChurchHall, Wimbledon 3-4pm CR4 3UD.£4persession. Road, Mitcham Vestry Hall, 338London Mitcham 1-2pm free firstsession! drop intoeitherfora Mitcham andWimbledon, Workshops runin and happierinside. feel muchhealthier spirits andmakeyou Singing canliftyour vocal chordsandbody. afternoon exercisingthe way tospendanenjoyable of 55.Itisanexcellent for anyoneovertheage singing workshop is Going ForaSong Wimbledon in Mitcham and Every Wednesday workshops Company singing l Attic Theatre andentertainmentArts ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT •YOUTH •SENIORCITIZENSFAMILY •HEALTH &FITNESS •WALKS &TALKS •FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH •SENIORCITIZENS •FAMILY •HEALTH &FITNESS •WALKS &TALKS •FAIRS &EXHIBITIONS COLLIERS WOOD

www.wimbledonartfair.com exclusive perks. spend onartandother chance towin£200 your freeticketforthe family. Pre-registerfor activities forthewhole demonstrations, and drinks, workshopsand food andseasonal of theeventwithstreet can expecttomakeaday and sellwork;visitors a chancetoshowcase to bemuchmorethan fairs inLondonandisset one ofthefewfreeart Wimbledon ArtFairis Yard, LondonSW170BB. Studios, 10Riverside Free. WimbledonArts 11am–6pm Sunday 18November, and Saturday 17– 16 November, 2–10pm, Thursday 15–Friday FairArt l Wimbledon find outmore MITCHAM

existing televisioncommitments. on Saturday15December,dueto Ryan will notbeappearinginAladdin will treasure! Pleasenote:Lee hisses. A treatyourwholefamily costumes andplentyofboos comedy, stunningscenery,beautiful Aladdin featureslaugh-out-loud traditional pantomimeingredients, Abanazar. Packedwithallthe help Aladdinovercometheevil spread alittlemagicoverSW19and Pete Firman whowillbeonhandto Ryan as AladdinandMagician Widow Twankey,joinedby Lee year’s high-flyingpantomimeas Paul Merton leadsthecastinthis Sunday 6January2019 Saturday 8December– l Aladdin street trying to make sense of life’s street tryingtomakesenseoflife’s characters onadowntownNew York your favourite(andunforgettable) popular demand.Catch-upwith all laugh-out-loud musicalisbackby in 2014–2015,thefur-lariously is back!Followingasmash-hitrun and multi-awardwinning AvenueQ Fantasies cometrue–thehilarious 9 February 2019 Tuesday 5–Saturday l Avenue Q Access bookings0844871 7677 (no bookingfees apply) Group bookings0844871 7696 Telephone booking0844871 7646 Book onlinewww.atgtickets.com/wimbledon 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG New Wimbledon Theatre on MORDEN what’son

RAYNES PARK

merton.gov.uk/events for audiences14+. your lifesuck –booknow!Suitable all thefuzzlasttimeround?Don’tlet really justfor...nevermind.Missed find yourpurpose?Andistheinternet with aBAinEnglish?Howdoyou burning issues–likewhatdoyou at thebiggestpartyintown! outrageous rock‘n’rolldebauchery version, wepromiseyouanight of and astar-studdedHollywoodmovie London’s WestEndandLasVegas smash withhitseasonsonBroadway, an awesomeliveband.Nowaglobal What LoveIs playedloudandproudby Fight thisFeeling andIWantToKnow Countdown, HereIGoAgain,Can’t including and laughingwithitsepicsongs, musical comedywillhaveyousinging they cancometrue!Thishilarious dreams areasbigthehair,andyes, yourself inacityandtimewherethe with over25classicrockanthems.Lose Rock ofAges isanLAlovestorylavished Saturday 2March 2019 Tuesday 26 February– l Rock of Ages inyourarea We Built This City, The Final We BuiltThisCity,TheFinal WIMBLEDON/MERTON

27 what’soninyourarea

28 merton.gov.uk/events

Here’s a selection of what’s Arts and entertainment continued stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: l St Saviour’s grotto, refreshments, The Study Wimbledon MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE Church Christmas stallholders, arts and and Bishop Gilpin Church Fair crafts. All welcome. of England Primary Master of His Fate Saturday 24 November, £1.50 entry. School. Doors open by Barbara Taylor Bradford 11.30am–2pm find out more 6.30pm; service starts London 1884: Queen Victoria St Saviour’s Church, Grand [email protected] 7pm. Tickets: £12 adult, is Empress of India and Drive, Raynes Park, SW20 07747 064621 under 16s £5, family Britain is at its peak of 9DG. Admission by ticket: £30 (two adults worldwide power. James donation. Get into the l West Barnes plus two under 16s). Falconer works as a barrow Christmas spirit! Join us Singers Christmas find out more boy in a flourishing London in an all-age event: stalls concert www.wimbledonguild.co.uk market, but hungers for more. selling Christmas cards and Saturday 1 December, Alexis Malvern is the only gifts, books, cakes, jams 7.30pm l St Saviour’s child of the market’s owner, Henry Malvern. and preserves, together St Saviour’s Church, Church Jumble Sale Raised by her father and heir to his businesses, with raffle, tombolas and Grand Drive, Raynes Park, Saturday 5 January she has no interest in marriage. Turning away from games to play, plus SW20 9DG. Choruses 2019, 10.30am–12noon family tradition, young James Falconer dreams seasonal refreshments. from Messiah. Festive St Saviour’s Church, of building an empire of stores like Fortnum and carols with choristers from Grand Drive, Raynes Park, Mason’s. He believes that Henry Malvern could l Winter Fair St Mary’s Wimbledon. SW20 9DG. offer him a way to climb beyond his beginnings, Saturday 1 December, Tickets will be £10 each part of the new middle class. But, tragedy and 10am–4pm and children are free. l St Saviour’s betrayal threaten the dreams of both James and The Winter Fair at Church Traditional Alexis – and jeopardise everything they hold dear. Wimbledon Library is the l Wimbledon Guild Burns Supper perfect opportunity to pick carol concert Saturday 26 Other books: up some Christmas Thursday 13 December. January, 7pm for • Pandemic – Robin Cook presents whilst supporting St. Mark’s Church, 7.15pm start • Sea of Greed – Clive Cussler local artists/creatives. Wimbledon. Get into the St Saviour’s Church, • A Winter Beneath The Stars – Jo Thomas Christmas spirit at this Grand Drive, Raynes • The Forgotten Daughter – Mary Wood l Hatfeild annual carol service held Park, SW20 9DG. • If You’d Just Let Me Finish – Jeremy Clarkson Christmas Fair in aid of Wimbledon Tickets £10 from Saturday 1 December, Guild. This year, the carols Wendy Cannon, 12noon–3pm will be performed by two 020 8397 0805, no later Tombolas, raffle, Santa’s Wimbledon schools: than 19 January 2019.

eMagazines and eAudiobooks Merton Libraries have over 38,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks. Most of these are available through the Libby App but some eAudiobooks can also be listened to through the RBDigital App. All you need is your library card and a suitable device.

eBooks • The Christmas Sisters – Sarah Morgan • The Rebel’s Revenge – Scott Mariana • Roar – Cecelia Ahern • A Lawless Place – David Donachie • Meghan, A Hollywood Princess – Andrew Morton

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

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 ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH •SENIORCITIZENS •FAMILY •HEALTH &FITNESS •WALKS &TALKS •FAIRS &EXHIBITIONS Raynes ParkLibrary. Council Chamber,civiccentre. l Morden l Mitcham l Raynes Park l Wimbledon up by therelevant organisations. topics willbeheld,withissues beingfollowed meetings. Discussions aboutarange of local invited to attend these free community Anyone withaninterest inthelocal area is Community forums Merton ArtsSpaceinWimbledonLibrary. Pollards HillLibrary. www.south-thames.ac.uk/merton-adult-education Contact Merton College on020 8918 7777 orvisit interests you. find acoursethat learn forfun,you’ll people orsimply qualification, meet prospects witha boost yourcareer to learnanewskill, Whether you’relooking adults acrossMerton. a widerangeofcoursesfor Merton AdultLearningoffers Learning courses Merton Adult find outmore Thursday 28 February, 7.15pm Wednesday 27 February, 7.15pm

Tuesday 4December, 7.15pm

Thursday 6December, 7.15pm

winter woodland. Ages three to six. winter woodland.Agesthreetosix. Theatre beingtransformedintoa younger audienceswiththeAdventure a cosy,immersiveexperienceforour world. Thisdevisednewstorywillbe winter traditionsfromaroundthe along thewaywillexplorecultural, The storiesthattheseanimalsshare away toavoidbecomingawinterfeast. Cockerel onajourneyafterrunning Pig andGoatmeetingGoose,Hare friendship andworkingtogetherwith In theWinterWoodisataleof Sunday 17February 2019 Thursday 29 November– l IntheWinter Wood A unique opportunity to get expert A uniqueopportunitytogetexpert 7 February 2019, 4.30–6.30pm Every Thursday, 10January– l Polka Youth Theatre what’son www.polkatheatre.com Box office: 020 8543 4888 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB

merton.gov.uk/events techniques usedbyprofessionalactors. new performanceskills.Exploredrama Polka’s MainStageeveryyear.Learn perform eachweek.Performon create apieceoforiginaltheatreto theatre professionals.Deviseand performance. Workwithleading nine to14whoenjoystheatreand performance skills,foreveryoneaged drama traininganddevelopnew inyourarea

29 what’soninyourarea

30 merton.gov.uk/events

Health and fitness l Free Spectra health checks for National HIV Testing Week Wimbledon Library Thursday 22 November, 11am–2pm

l Spectra health checks for World Aids Day Exhibition Room 1, Wimbledon Library, Pollards Hill Library 35 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NB Saturday 1 December, 2–5pm l V Vox Community Singing Group Mondays from 26 November, 1–2pm l Befriending in central Wimbledon every few weeks, to A friendly group signing jazz, pop, classical, course Free. The mental health befriend a person with musical theatre, folk, rock and original music. Saturday 2 March charity APCMH Merton mental health problems. All abilities welcome. (morning and and Sutton (Being find out more find out more www.veronachard.co.uk afternoon), and Alongside) will be training [email protected], Wednesday 6 March new volunteers, who or call on 020 8542 9637 l Wimbledon Speakers’ Club (evening) at a venue spend a couple of hours First and third Wednesdays of each month, 7.30–9.30pm Walks Membership is £95 per year or £6 per meeting. For anyone who would like to practice and develop skills and talks for public speaking and effective communication. find out more www.wimbledonspeakers.org events Mayor of Merton l Introduction to art psychotherapy l Petite Performers Christmas dinner Tuesday 27 November Saturday 9.30–11am Saturday 1 December 2018 10.45am–12noon Dance classes for ages 14 months to four years, A three-course dinner, which includes a pre-dinner Wimbledon Guild, Guild taught by qualified and experienced dance teacher drink, takes place at The Wimbledon Club, House, 30–32 Worple Rowan George. Classes include ‘You and Me Dance’, Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AG. £50 per Road, London SW19 4EF. ‘Baby Ballet’ and ‘Mini HipHop’. ticket. Visit the Mayor of Merton’s web page on Community art therapist find out more the Merton website to book tickets. Aisling Fegan will be www.thepetiteperformers.com/wimbledon-sw-london talking about the history, Christmas Carol Service practice and how this Tuesday 18 December 2018, 7.30pm start fast-developing therapy Sacred Heart Church, Edge Hill, Wimbledon, is supporting patients. Angela Young unearthed London SW19 4LU. find out more letters between her www.wimbledonguild.co.uk great-grandmother, the Charity Ball 2019 Countess of Rothes, and Saturday 27 April 2019 l Wimbledon Able Seaman Jones, both All England Lawn Tennis Club. Tickets: TBA. National Trust survivors of the Titanic, Civic dinner and fundraising evening in aid of the Association The Aristocrat, the Able which resulted in her Mayor’s charities. Contact the Mayor’s Office to lectures Seaman and the tragic exploring further. Her talk book a table or apply for a sponsorship package. Held at Christchurch sinking of RMS Titanic gives an insight into the Hall, Cottenham Park Saturday 23 February story of these survivors. 020 8545 3517or Road SW20 0RZ. 2019, 2.15–4pm find out more www.merton.gov.uk/mayorofmerton £3 WNTA members, Whilst researching her wimbledonnta.org.uk £3.50 non-members. book The Dance of Love, or call 020 8401 2157

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

minutes 5 with... Major Nick Coke from The Salvation Army’s Raynes Park Community Church

Major Nick Coke is from The Salvation Army’s Raynes Park Community Church, a charitable organisation working in the heart of Merton.

ith four churches in Merton, The Salvation Army has been an active part of the community for 130 years, offering services Wfrom prayer and worship, to befriending and food parcels as well as campaigning against modern slavery, domestic abuse and homelessness. It is also part of a Community Sponsorship Programme, which sees local people help settle refugee families into their community. Turn to page 23 to find out more about this pioneering programme.

Tell us why you became involved. Joining The Salvation Army in my early 20s was the result of two great loves of my life. In my teenage years I came to realise that following Jesus involved putting belief into practical action. The other draw might have been that my now wife Kerry was already a member!

How relevant is The Salvation Army today? Despite higher standards of living, better health and growing personal wealth, some people fall through the cracks, or struggle with life. In Merton, like elsewhere, we have challenges with economic inequality, lack of housing, loneliness and mental ill-health. We are committed to nurturing communities of hope where we learn how to grow together, overcome difficulties and live our lives to the full.

What’s the most rewarding part for you? I know people who have overcome extraordinarily difficult circumstances and others who are fighting their way through it. To play even a tiny part easing their struggle is a privilege. news and information from your council find out more mymerton www.salvationarmy.org.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 Your Christmas recycling, rubbish and garden waste* collections

YOUR USUAL COLLECTION DAY YOUR REVISED COLLECTION DAY

Tuesday 25 December 2018 Thursday 27 December 2018 2 days later

Wednesday 26 December 2018 Friday 28 December 2018 2 days later

Thursday 27 December 2018 Saturday 29 December 2018 2 days later

Friday 28 December 2018 Monday 31 December 2018 3 days later

Monday 31 December 2018 Wednesday 2 January 2019 2 days later

Tuesday 1 January 2019 Thursday 3 January 2019 2 days later

Wednesday 2 January 2019 Friday 4 January 2019 2 days later

Thursday 3 January 2019 Saturday 5 January 2019 2 days later

Friday 4 January 2019 Monday 7 January 2019 3 days later

Monday 7 January 2019 Tuesday 8 January 2019 1 day later

Tuesday 8 January 2019 Wednesday 9 January 2019 1 day later

Wednesday 9 January 2019 Thursday 10 January 2019 1 day later

Thursday 10 January 2019 Friday 11 January 2019 1 day later

Friday 11 January 2019 Saturday 12 January 2019 1 day later

Please put out your waste and recycling by 6am on the day of your collection. If you live in a flat above a shop, please put your bags out at your normal collection times. *Garden waste is a chargeable collection service. To sign up, visit merton.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Your collections will return to normal from Monday 14 January 2019

Waste helpline: 020 8274 4902 merton.gov.uk/recycling