Providing Quality Services in Tough Times

Home , London Borough of Merton, Lower Morden, Morden Park, Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Park

ISSUE 65 SPRING 2016

Providing quality services in tough times

Council tax frozen for year the sixth running

Being smart about sugar Keeping the borough clean 2

The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, writes for My Merton Building a I never thought I’d become a politician, I fell into it by accident. better Merton I was fighting for our local I was there before Christmas when the council hospital at St Helier when made the historic decision to approve plans to bring AFC Wimbledon back to the borough. The I realised the best way to change atmosphere was electric and I couldn’t help giving things was to stand for election. a big cheer when our planning committee gave its I can understand why some verdict – it was just like being at an important game. people say they can’t trust politicians. Too often, Tense, exciting. And the team won in the end! It was a fantastic night, meaning we can look they think we say one thing but then do another. forward to getting a brand new state of the art That’s why, when I promised I would freeze stadium, offices and 600 new homes for Merton. Merton’s council tax, I made sure I stuck to It shows what we in Merton can achieve even when, like all councils in the country, we’re faced my word. with big cuts to our funding. By being business- I’m a businessman so I know a company like, by working with developers and land owners, would quickly go bust if they tried to get away we intend to create much needed new housing. We’re not going to let funding cuts stop us with increasing the price after you’d already finding new ways of investing in our town bought their product! centres and improving your local community. So I’m pleased we’ve been able to keep our That’s why I think Crossrail could be great for the borough. It will bring investment, jobs, shops promise to freeze Merton’s council tax again and housing and will make it easier for people to this year, for the sixth year running. Every week do business in Wimbledon. But it needs to be I speak to local residents who are struggling done properly. We won’t support Crossrail unless with the high cost of living and I’m glad we it’s right for residents and businesses. But I’m can help them. confident we’ll find a solution and I’m looking forward to a thriving town centre that competes By using our money carefully, we’ve also with the very best in London. set up a new £1.3m fund. This will reduce the We’re also looking at ambitious plans to impact government cuts to our funding will rebuild both Morden and Mitcham town centres. have on services for our most vulnerable As a Morden man myself, I residents, including older people and children. can hardly wait! The fund uses the income we have received as It’s an exciting a result of building more homes, without time for the putting council tax up. borough, despite the financial I might be a politician these days, but challenges. By promises are there to be kept and you can being business-like, trust me to try to keep mine. AFC Wimbledon can be just one of many success stories in Merton. mymerton Issue 65 • Spring 2016 3 merton.gov.uk

My Merton is published by the London Borough of Merton and is distributed free to households in the borough contents four times a year. The editorial content of Community My Merton is produced by the London Borough of Merton’s News 4 Communications Team The latest news from My Merton is designed by around the borough Domino4 01932 988677 Email [email protected] www.domino4.co.uk Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Features Print Partnership Contact 0845 601 9478 Health and Email [email protected] wellbeing www.cliffe-enterprise.com 10 Tackling your sweet tooth My Merton is distributed by London Letterbox. Contact 020 8940 0666 or log Community on to www.londonletterbox.co.uk safety 21

A look at Safer Merton’s first quick reference pop up event in Pollards Hill keyservices 5 minutes with 32 Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 Merton foster carer Anti-social behaviour hotline: 020 8274 4907 Evelyn Marshall Council tax: 020 8274 4904 Benefits advice: Regulars 020 8545 4178 Libraries: 020 8545 3783 19 Environment 12 Parking: 020 8545 4661 Regenerating Latest on keeping Merton Registering to vote: clean and a successful 020 8545 3407 Morden recycling project on the Waste collection services: Phipps Bridge estate 020 8274 4902 What’s on 25 Your guide to all that’s going contactus on in Merton this spring My Merton, Communications, 8th Floor, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX Tel 020 8545 3327 Don’t forget to Email [email protected] visit our website! merton.gov.uk/mymerton Dreamstime.com

| merton.gov.uk/mymerton What’s on listings: 020 8545 3327 Timbrk [email protected] © You can also follow us on: Adverts For all advertising enquiries contact [email protected] 9 16 The London Borough of Merton www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil does not accept responsibility Free childcare Budget for or endorse any products or Merton freezes council services offered by advertisers. for two-year-olds Find out if you are eligible tax for sixth year My Merton costs only @Merton_Council 12p a copy to produce

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it. Whenever you see this logo www.flickr.com/mertoncouncil My Merton is printed on fully recyclable paper, which is accredited by the PEFC Council that means there’s a volunteering (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). This edition of opportunity to get involved in My Merton is distributed from 7 March 2016. www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil news 4 Keeping Merton informed

New outdoor learning area New at Garfield Primary Sports Blast courses Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung opened the new The council’s free Sports outdoor learning area at Blast is getting bigger with Garfield Primary School in the more classes becoming autumn. The council’s £85,000 available all the time. The investment in the school means latest additions to what’s on that the younger children can offer for 14 to 25 year-olds now enjoy their new mud living in the east of the kitchens, tepees, allotments and borough are Yoga and sand pit. There is also a tunnel Basics2Box. Classes are held and hill. Garfield Primary at St Marks Academy. School headteacher Michele parents to ensure their children find out more Thomas, said: “We recognise have the opportunity to fulfil merton.gov.uk/sportsblast the importance of early years their potential from their earliest Free racquet education and work with educational experiences.” sports for children Volunteer in The council is now offering free racquet sports lessons to children your local library aged 9 to 16 who live or go to The council is calling on school in Merton. Sessions on residents to volunteer to help squash, table tennis, badminton out in its award-winning and tennis are all part of a new libraries. Volunteering is a good way of initiative called 4 Racquets. contributing to the community. It also offers the opportunity to Young people taking part meet new people and can be great experience to put on a CV. could also be in with an Volunteers who currently help in Merton’s libraries have a opportunity to huge variety of skills to share, including teaching people how to represent use IT, supporting many community activities and providing Merton customer service to members. West Barnes Library volunteer in this Chiara, said: “I love working here, teaching people how to use a year’s computer and how to do things like email. It is so rewarding London Youth Merton hosts and I am thankful for this opportunity. I would recommend Games. volunteering in a library to everybody.” find its first ever find out more merton.gov.uk/libraries out more merton.gov.uk/4racquets aquathlon The council and BETTER © Jose Manuel Gelpi Diaz | Dreamstime.com Leisure have teamed up to host Merton’s first ever aquathlon. Merton FoodCycle Supported by British Triathlon, project launches the event is open to disabled and non-disabled athletes in the A nationwide charity that cooks borough and will take place on healthy meals for vulnerable adults the 10 April at Canons Leisure using surplus food from supermarkets Centre. Some of the races will has launched in Merton this spring. be part of the selection process FoodCycle Merton works with people dealing for young athletes to go through with homelessness or those on low incomes. to the Balfour Beatty London The charity is looking for volunteers. If you are Youth Games. interested, contact [email protected] find out more for more information. merton.gov.uk/aquathlonevent

news Keeping Merton informed 5

Council tax frozen Celebrating for sixth year the Queen’s Merton Council has frozen council tax for the sixth year in a birthday row, while setting up a new fund to protect vulnerable residents. The decision follows full council agreement at the annual budget The council is marking the meeting on 2 March when Councillors agreed the budget for Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016–17. In the face of government cuts, the council stuck by its April with a series of events. word to keep council tax affordable for residents. For a fourth year running the council has also decided not to pass on government council tax benefit cuts to the Clean for the Queen lowest income families in the borough. Merton’s clean team will Continuing reductions in government funding means that the council is having to make join forces with Sustainable increasingly difficult decisions about how it delivers services. However, the council has set up a Merton, community groups new £1.3m fund to reduce the impact of cuts on vulnerable people. Merton will continue to be and schools to give the business-like and fair, and will ensure that the services used by the most vulnerable families bear borough a spring clean. less of a share of the cuts than other services we provide. More information on the council’s find out more budget is on pages 16 and 17. www.keepbritaintidy.org

A beacon for the Queen Merton will join boroughs Crossrail, across the UK in a beacon Green light to lighting ceremony on but not at 21 April. The beacon will be AFC Wimbledon lit by the Mayor of Merton, any cost Councillor David Chung on In a cross-party response to stadium plans the Piazza in Wimbledon. Crossrail 2 proposals in January, the council came out in support of Crossrail 2 coming to Wimbledon, but not at any cost. All councillors were in agreement that Crossrail 2 would bring opportunities to the area. The council is pro-growth but recognises its duty to represent current businesses Lunch for the Queen and residents of the borough. The council welcomes At the moment, the proposals requests from residents for Crossrail 2 will cause to close their streets for unacceptable disruption. The Cheering from dedicated committee gave the green light parties to join in the national council has sent its response football fans could be heard at to the plans which will see a new celebrations on 12 June to Crossrail and will continue the civic centre in December as 20,000 seater football stadium where the Queen will be to fight for residents the council’s planning in Plough Lane. The plans will hosting a special lunch concerned about the plans. committee unanimously now go to the Mayor of London. on the Mall. find out more approved AFC Wimbledon’s find out more merton.gov.uk/crossrail2 application to build a new merton.gov.uk/Wimbledon_ stadium. The cross-party greyhound_stadium Celebrating the Commonwealth Merton is celebrating Commonwealth Day on Monday 14 March by raising the Commonwealth flag outside the civic centre. Schools are being encouraged to hold their own flag raising ceremonies find out more as part of the increasingly popular event. merton.gov.uk/queen90 find out more merton.gov.uk/commonwealth-day

news 6 Keeping Merton informed

£4k for Council acts on illegal pavement parking Mayor’s In response to residents’ able to walk on the pavements charities concerns, from 4 April the without bumping into a car Merton’s float at this year’s council will be looking out or having to go into the road. New Year’s Day Parade won for cars illegally parked on Parking on grass verges is also £4,000 for the Mayor of Merton’s pavements. Roads out of bounds. In particularly Merton’s charities, Merton affected are listed on the narrow roads, as long as there Centre of Independent Living council’s website. Parking is at least a metre of pavement and Friends in St Helier. on pavements can mean for pedestrians, parking will Merton’s entry was the Magic people in wheelchairs or with be allowed. Carpet Ride. pushchairs, and those with find out more sight impairments, are not merton.gov.uk/parking New technology to cut congestion New automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will be going up around the borough from April as part of the council’s efforts to keep Merton moving. Residents have told us repeatedly that congestion is a top concern for them. Enforcing traffic offences is one way of encouraging people to obey the rules of the road. The cameras will be installed at yellow box junctions, banned turns and in bus lanes and will come into force from June 2016. As well as ensuring 100% accuracy, the ANPR cameras will free up enforcement officers’ time so they can focus on handling residents’ complaints about badly parked vehicles and take action in areas where there is a consistently high number of traffic contraventions. find out more merton.gov.uk/parking

MERTON COUNCIL

yetFrozen again Merton has frozen council tax for the sixth year running

merton.gov.uk/counciltax

news Keeping Merton informed 7

Spacehive Morden Leisure Centre funding to benefit a step closer communities

Merton communities can now benefit from a new website designed to encourage crowd- funding to help transform local public spaces. Spacehive, a social enterprise, is all about getting lots of people involved and pledging Indicative photo of Morden Leisure Centre their support, financial or otherwise. Anyone can put The council has been working with a specialist leisure centre design and technical team, forward project ideas and anyone community groups, Greenwich Leisure Limited, South Thames College and others on the can fund them. All Merton design for the new affordable and family friendly Morden Leisure Centre. The council has projects can be found on the designed a planning proposal and is considering all the response to the initial proposal from ‘Merton Hive’, set up by the residents and other interested parties before making any necessary amendments. The council council’s Future Merton team. So has invited a number of construction contractors to put forward their bids to build the new whether it is a new community centre which is on course to open in 2018. Watch this space as My Merton will continue to garden, revived sporting facilities update readers on how the new leisure centre is progressing. or a new playground, Merton find out more Hive could be the answer. merton.gov.uk/leisureformorden find out more www.spacehive.com/ initiatives/mertonhive MERTON COUNCIL Carnival comes to Mitcham Mitcham Carnival 2015

This year’s Mitcham Carnival is be BMX riding too. The fun fair on Saturday 11 June at Three will be there with everyone’s Kings Piece, Commonside West favourite rides and there will Frozen from 12 noon until 5pm. There also be over 100 charity and yet will be fun and entertainment trade stalls as well as food and for all ages. The council’s drink stalls. SportsBlast team will be there Anyone wishing to book a offering children the chance to stall should do so online. play a variety of sports including find out more again football and netball. There will merton.gov.uk/mitchamcarnival Merton has frozen council tax for the Why not GLA elections and sixth year running EU referendum foster? The Greater London Authority election on 5 May 2016 give This Foster Care Fortnight Londoners the chance to vote for the Mayor of London and its (16–19 May), Merton is calling 25 members. The candidates are responsible for issues like merton.gov.uk/counciltax on people who could offer a housing, transport and policing, to green spaces and air quality. safe and stable home to children who are not able to live with To vote, Londoners need to register by 18 April. On 23 June there their birth family to get in touch. The council is especially will be a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the interested to hear from people who would like to provide a home European Union. for a teenager. Hear from a Merton foster carer in the interview find out more on the back page of this issue. To register: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote find out more fostering.merton.gov.uk For election details: www.londonelects.org.uk

news 8 Keeping Merton informed

Poplar School’s rocket Prudential RideLondon seeds launch into space is back Children at Poplar School, Wimbledon, joined in the excitement RideLondon is back for a third around British astronaut, Tim Peake’s launch into space before year. On 31 July residents will Christmas. line the streets of Wimbledon As part of their space project, they sent two kilograms of rocket to cheer on thousands of lettuce seeds to the International Space Station on Soyuz 44S cyclists riding through the where they will spend several months. When the seeds return to town centre on their way to earth, the pupils will plant them and record data on how seeds the finish line in The Mall. grow and compare their development with seeds which remained find out more on earth. www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk Celebrating National SmartWater to Libraries Day outsmart criminals Merton’s award-winning libraries celebrated The council is using Smartwater in an effort to catch out National Libraries Day earlier this year. criminals who steal from them. This action has been prompted Libraries across the borough gave visitors a taste of the range by a number of thefts of vehicle parts from refuse trucks and of services they offer including IT sessions, Spanish language community buses. SmartWater is invisible. Each batch contains classes, story time, craft activities and much more. a unique forensic code which means the police can trace the find out more www.merton.gov.uk/libraries stolen item back to the owner and bring the criminals to justice.

MERTON COUNCIL Fostering why Steve thinks you should go for it Steve was in foster care at the age of 13 because of a breakdown in the relationship with his mother.

What were you thinking when you first What advice would you give to people arrived at your foster family? who want to foster teenagers? I felt relieved. I was expecting to have someone like I would say, don’t judge a book by its cover, not all a teacher reading the rules but they made me feel at young people fit the stereotypes given to them by home. My carer told me about the local area - where society. Try and find a young person’s strengths and to go and not to go and it made me feel like she was guide them down the right path. looking out for my safety. Were you made to feel part of the family? If you are interested in fostering Yes. On my birthday my carers took me out to for Merton, please contact us: dinner like I was one of their own children. It’s important that foster children are not treated differently and doing things together as a family 0800 073 0874 really helps. Even the smallest thing like saying I was welcome to help myself to a snack made [email protected] me feel at home. Foster merton.gov.uk/fostering feature Supporting families 9 Free childcare for two-year-olds If your child is two, and you’re on a low income, you might be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare a week. My Merton speaks to a parent who took up the offer, and finds out how it has helped both her and her child.

zmah Rafique’s two-year-old son Adam took up a free place © iStock at a preschool in September and hasn’t looked back. “He absolutely loves it,” she says “he doesn’t like holidays. Now To be eligible you need to be receiving certain out-of-work Uhe knows his colours, his ABC and how to count to 20. benefits, or be receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual It’s so beneficial for the children and it gets them ready for nursery.” household income of less than £16,190. Finding out if you’re Studies of children who take up their early education show that it eligible is easy – visit the council website and use the handy not only helps prepare a child for school but impacts on their checker. If you’re eligible you’ll receive a reference number that learning beyond. Children who attend preschool go onto gain you can use to claim your free place. better grades at GCSE than those who do not. On the website you can also find out when your two-year-old can In addition to the benefits for your child, there are benefits for start their early education and how to find a local childcare provider parents as well. Some parents are using the 15 hours their child is at which offers free places. You will also find a great video of real preschool to train for work or find a job. Some families in receipt of stories from parents whose children have taken up a free early Working Tax Credit are using the 15 hours of free childcare to education place. increase the hours that they work. Some are using it for extra time for themselves. Uzma says, “It means I can get so much done, find out more shopping and getting things I need”. merton.gov.uk/two

10 to sweet cordials and fruit juices too. So if to sweetcordialsandfruitjuices too.Soif how muchyouconsume.Thesame applies As theydon’tfillyouupit’sdifficult tolimit teaspoons inanaverage-sizedcan ofcola). contain alotofsugar(aroundnine childhood obesity.Thisisbecausethey number oneculpritwhenitcomesto nutrients, aswellbeingsweetintaste.” instead astheseoffervitaminsandother apple, bananaoraseasonalfruitsalad your sugarintake,soperhapschoosean added sugar.Fruitdoesn’tcounttowards intake offoodsanddrinksthatcontain fine, butitisstillimportanttolimityour “Sugar aspartofahealthybalanceddietis Health, DrDagmarZeunerexplains: meals andketchup. as inprocessedfoodssuchcereals,ready cakes andbiscuits,moreobviously,aswell syrups. Theyarealsofoundinsweets, naturally presentinhoney,spreadsand of itwithoutrealising.Thesesugarsare food andweofteneatextrateaspoons ages seventoten. cubes (agefourtosix)andsixfor teaspoons. Forchildrenthelimitisfive sugar aday,equivalenttosevencubesor consume nomorethan30gramsofadded and somecancers. the vitalorgans,leadingtoheartdisease lead tothebuild-upofharmfulfataround T and blamedfor therise intype 2diabetes. hard to avoid onebigissue –sugar. It’s beendescribed as‘deadly astobacco’ Watch any TVprogramme orread abouthealth andnutritionit’s anarticle way to better health Thesugar-smart Health and wellbeing feature Fizzy drinks are often named as the Fizzy drinksareoftennamedasthe As MertonCouncil’sDirectorofPublic However therearehiddensugarsinour The recommendationisthatadults

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make healthylifestylechoices. focus onprevention,helpingpeople CLCH, MCCGandthecouncilwill services. Overthenextthreeyears, community healthprofessionalsand assured ofcontinuityintheirfrontline Trust. Healthserviceuserscanbe The RoyalMarsdenNHSFoundation over theprovisionoftheseservicesfrom Commissioning Group(MCCG)totake the councilandNHSMertonClinical organisation wascommissionedby (CLCH) from1Aprilthisyear.The Community HealthcareNHSTrust be providedbytheCentralLondon rehabilitation andschoolnursing,will such asspeechandlanguagetherapy, adults andchildrenintheborough, Community healthservicesfor forMerton provider New health Health and wellbeing feature

11 1012 Regular round-up my environment ‘how to’video,visitwww.merton.gov.uk/foodwaste about foodwasterecycling,toorder afoodcaddyoroutdoorbintoseethe council thandeliveringtohouseholds thatdon’tusetheservice.Tofindoutmore available thisway,toresidents who needthem,makesmorefinancialsenseforthe council taxbilltothelibrarybestampedbyamemberofstaff. Makingliners libraries. Toclaimyourfreesupplyoflinerstwiceayear,youneed totakeyour Food wastekitchencaddylinerswillnowbeavailableforfree at alltheborough’s liners at libraries Free food waste caddy the morning. Merton andcouncillors,gaveMordentowncentreaspruce-uptowelcomein2016. ten tothirtyyearsoldfromtheassociation,alongwithmembersofSustainable Year’s Dayclean-up. with localenvironmentalgroupSustainableMertonandCouncilinaNew Young peoplefromtheAhmadiyyaMuslimyouthassociationinMordenteamedup Spring clean for 2016 fertiliser foruseonarablefarmland The foodwastewecollectisturnedinto The council’sCleanTeampickedup15bagsoflitterthatwerecollectedduring Up andoutat9amonNewYear’sDaymorning,ateamof40youngpeoplefrom

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my environment

Regular round-up 13

Book your garden waste Council acts to collections now minimise flood risk

It’s that time of year when plants are We’ve been working with Councillors Andrew Judge and Nick Draper starting to bloom and the grass needs our gully cleansing with the gully cleaning team. mowing. The council provides a experts at FM Conway to fortnightly garden waste collection keep the borough’s service for £65 for drains clear and reduce the year, which the chances of flooding. includes a brown During the heavy rain at wheelie bin. the beginning of the If you receive a year, our team focused pension or are on hotspots in Colliers on state benefits, Wood, Mitcham and Raynes Park and other areas of the borough at risk of the cost is £50. flooding. Many of you have told us that that gully cleansing should be our top find priority when it comes to how we reduce flood risk in Merton, so we’ve out more increased the number of priority gullies to be cleansed from 4,795 to 5,450. merton.gov.uk/gardenwaste find out more merton.gov.uk/flooding

Helping estates Getting to recycle more rid of your old sofa © Albund | Dreamstime.com

Many of us will be throwing out the old to make way for the new when Phipps Bridge caretaker Michal Rusinkiewicz it comes to household items. You We want to encourage more residents to single flat door to explain to people may think there’s no life left in use our recycling services because it’s how the recycling service works and what your old sofa, fridge or TV. But, as good for the environment. Also, recycling the benefits were. The team cleaned up long as they’re in working order, more means we pay less in landfill taxes, the bin areas and put up posters showing there is usually somebody who and that’s better value for our taxpayers. what can be recycled and how to use would benefit from them and give At Mitcham’s Phipps Bridge Estate, the food waste bins. them a new home. Before throwing recycling needed a big boost. Caretaker After three weeks, we found there was them out, think about giving them for estate manager, Circle Housing, a four-fold increase in recycling collected away to charity or you could even Michal Rusinkiewicz, explained: from the estate. Michal said: “The make yourself some cash and sell “Residents had the opportunity to recycling bins are now full every day and them. Your old possessions don’t recycle and the facilities are there, but people are very positive about recycling. need to end up in landfill. The they didn’t know how. Plus, the bin area Most residents have got behind it.” council offers a free bulky waste was cluttered and dirty which made it This year, following the success at collection service but if you want to off-putting to residents.” Phipps Bridge, the council’s Waste make room for something quickly Michal and his team of eight cleaners Service Development Team will be then selling or donating bulky items worked together with the council’s Waste working with more estates in the might suit you best. Service Development Team to turn borough to help them recycle more. find out more things around. They distributed recycling find out more merton.gov.uk/bulky guidance leaflets and knocked on every merton.gov.uk/recyclefromhome

COMPETITION Win a family ticket* to see

Footloose:Theat New Wimbledon MusicalTheatre

Based on the 1984 screen sensation starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose: The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. All hell breaks out as Ren soon has the whole town up on its feet. Featuring the classic 80s hits Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear it for the Boy and the unforgettable title track, Footloose. This brand new production, bursting with youthful spirit, dazzling In your answer, you must include the following: dance and electrifying music stars Maureen Nolan (renowned for her role name, email address, phone number and postal as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers) and Luke Baker as Ren McCormack address. You can email your answer to (Green Day’s American Idiot, Sunny Afternoon, Beautiful Thing, I Can’t Sing). [email protected] or write to us Footloose The Musical will be at New Wimbledon Theatre from Monday at My Merton, 7th floor, Civic Centre, London 2–Saturday 7 May. To book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon Road, Morden SM4 5DX. The closing date for (booking fees apply). For your chance to win a family ticket for four, simply entries is 25 March. answer the following question: Terms and conditions: *The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel Which actor starred in the Footloose film in 1984? included in this prize. The competition is for four tickets to see Footloose The Musical at New Wimbledon Theatre A) Kevin Stacey B) Kevin Costner C) Kevin Bacon on Tuesday 3 May, 7.30pm.

Merton in Bloom MERTON COUNCIL Application for entry 2016

Surname:______

First Name(s):______

Address:______

______

Postcode:______Daytime Telephone No:______Merton Email:______Please tick the categories you wish to enter: in Bloom 1 2 3 4 5 Competition 6 7 8 9 10

All entries must be visible to the passing public. (excluding 4 and 5) 2 016 Categories Details of Exhibit(s) and address, if different to 1 Best front garden over 20 sqm 6 Best bloomin’ pub above: 2 Best front garden under 20 sqm 7 Best floral allotment garden ______3 Best balcony 8 Best hanging basket 4 Best school wildlife garden ______9 Best commercial premises 5 Best child’s A4 drawing of 10 Best community garden a garden.* Please send applications and entries for category 5 to: Greenspaces Events Team 13th Floor *(entries will be judged in age categories 3–6, 7–10 and 11–14) Merton Civic Centre London Road, Morden SM4 5DX You can also enter online at: merton.gov.uk merton bloom Closing date forMerton applications – proud 10 June to be 2016 a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud/ to be a Fairtradein borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough• •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough • •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough • •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough

working life

Keeping Merton tidy 15

Working life: parks support Ted Walters has been working for Merton’s parks service for five years, picking up litter, emptying bins, cleaning the pavilions and checking the play equipment. My Merton finds out more about what the parks teams do.

ed is part of a team of seven, working across verges, parks and greenspaces in the borough. T“We all have our rotas and I look after 20 parks in the borough. I visit these during the week sorting out any issues that may need a rapid response. In the summer the visits are a lot more frequent because the parks get really busy. Part of my role is to make sure the parks are clean and safe for the public to use.” For Ted the best thing about the job is being out in the open air and meeting people. “You get to know the people who use the parks regularly, like the dog walkers, and they get to know you.” But Merton in Bloom MERTON COUNCIL unfortunately park users can sometimes Application for entry 2016 be the job’s biggest challenge too. “Some people come and have a picnic and leave Surname:______rubbish everywhere and they’re often the people who complain that the park’s First Name(s):______not tidy.” Address:______Ted continues, “Merton has some lovely parks especially Cricket Green, Morden ______Park, South Park Gardens, Wimbledon Postcode:______Park and Cannizaro. We do our best to Daytime Telephone No:______Merton make sure they’re well-kept in spite of budget pressures. There are great facilities Email:______for people to come and use too, and the Please tick the categories you wish to enter: in Bloom public love them. But Dundonald Rec is my favourite.” by the side of the bins in bags. They think 1 2 3 4 5 Competition My Merton asked Ted, what one thing they’re doing their bit by parcelling it can people do to keep the parks in tip top up but it means the foxes and squirrels 6 7 8 9 10 condition? “Use the bins. We now have get in. Thankfully most people are “There are great All entries must be visible to the passing public. Big Belly solar powered bins in all our responsible and if they see the bin is

(excluding 4 and 5) 2 016 | Dreamstime.com © Dary423 parks that can hold more rubbish and let full they take their rubbish home.”

Categories facilities for people Details of Exhibit(s) and address, if different to 1 Best front garden over 20 sqm 6 Best bloomin’ pub us know when they need emptying. If you to come and use above: 2 Best front garden under 20 sqm 7 Best floral allotment garden litter in the parks you risk getting an £80 find out more fixed penalty notice from enforcement For more about Merton’s parks and green too, and the public ______3 Best balcony 8 Best hanging basket 4 Best school wildlife garden officers. Sometimes people leave rubbish spaces visit www.merton.gov.uk/parks love them!” ______9 Best commercial premises 5 Best child’s A4 drawing of 10 Best community garden a garden.* Please send applications and entries for category 5 to: Greenspaces Events Team 13th Floor *(entries will be judged in age categories 3–6, 7–10 and 11–14) Merton Civic Centre London Road, Morden SM4 5DX You can also enter online at: merton.gov.uk merton bloom Closing date forMerton applications – proud 10 June to be 2016 a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud/ to be a Fairtradein borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough• •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough • •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough • •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough

feature 16 Delivering value for money services £

Balancing the budget 2016 £ Every£ March the council has to balance its budget for the coming year. We have to decide how much to spend on local services and how much we are going at ask local residents to pay in council tax. My Merton looks at this year’s budget.

or lots of residents, the only Looking after those in need contact they have with the council With more than 40% of government cuts is when we pick up their rubbish to council funding, councils across the UK Fand when we send£ them their are having to make savings and services £ council tax bill. That’s why we’ve promised are becoming increasingly stretched. £ to keep council tax low and why we That’s why we have decided to set up a think it’s important to continue a weekly special new fund to try to reduce the waste collection. impact of the cuts on adult social care and vulnerable children. Being business-like We’re putting aside £1.3m this year to Since 2010 the government have cut the make sure we can deliver some of the funding for local councils by 40% and services that are needed the most. We’ve more cuts have been announced this year. found the money to do this thanks to Although difficult, we’ve taken a business- the hard work of our planning team and like approach, planning in advance and the extra money we receive when more making our services more efficient. homes are built. And we’ll be looking to, New technology means our social where we can, add to this special fund in workers spend less time on paperwork future years. and more time with families. We’ve We’ve already added £12m to the adult shared many of our services with other social care budget since 2010 to take councils to make savings. And we’re account of the increasing population of testing out wheelie bins to see if they older people. In fact adult social care is could save us money while making the our biggest area of spending. We want to streets cleaner at the same time. continue to deliver some of the services By planning ahead carefully, we’re also to our most vulnerable residents, and to expanding our schools, and aim to provide mitigate the impact of funding cuts an extra 4,000 places for local children. without putting up Merton’s council tax. £ A balancing act The Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung opening a new building at Pelham Primary School We’ve worked hard to balance the budget £in a way that reflects the needs of all our residents, whether you need a school place, adult social care, your street swept or just don’t want your council tax increased. It’s a difficult balancing act but we’ve made sure we’ve kept the promise we made to you to keep Merton an affordable borough for everyone, while at the same time looking after those who need our help the most. £ find out more For detailed budget information visit merton.gov.uk/budget

feature £ Delivering value for money services 17

Modernising £Sharing Balancing£ the budget 2016 our services services

Like many councils, we’re looking to provide services Pooling staff and resources with other boroughs differently. Instead of old-fashioned meals on wheels we’ll be is one of the ways we’ve become more efficient, working with the local voluntary sector and encouraging people to and we’ll be doing more of this over the coming buy their meals direct from Wiltshire Farm Foods, a leading supplier years. Instead of making cuts to our building control of microwave-ready meals that can be ordered over the phone or service we’re negotiating a shared service with a online. Where people are unable to do this we’ll make sure they have neighbouring borough. And in adult social care we plan £ £ a home care worker who can help prepare their meal. to save £400,000 in 2018/19 by sharing management We’ll also be offering a different service to carers. At the moment functions with other councils£ or the NHS. the council pays Crossroads to provide respite care so carers can We’ll be looking at libraries too, one of our best have a few days off. But some carers would prefer regular evenings performing services and one we’re especially proud off. Eligible residents will get their own personal budgets to spend of. We are looking into sharing our management how they wish, with support from us to help them buy in the with another borough. They will benefit from our services they need. We’ll be working with Crossroads so they can great service, while we will be able to share some of offer more choice while also saving the council money. the savings we make by reducing duplication.

Improving the environment Working and saving smarter money

© iStock £ We’re using improved technology to speed We’re hoping to save nearly half a million pounds by making up the way we manage services and the council more environmentally friendly and reducing our £ communicate with residents. Better IT will spending on electricity, gas and water. mean social workers can update case notes on the In Merton we’re doing our bit to clamp down on diesel emissions go, giving them more time to work with families. by increasing the cost of parking permits for diesel cars. Our new website will make it easier for everyone Garden waste collection costs have been frozen since 2011 so they to get the right information first time round, will go up by £5 a year from 2017 to £70 (£55 concessions). This is saving us money in staff time. And if you call us, the first price rise since this optional service was introduced five years our new personal customer accounts mean we can ago. You can still drop off your garden waste for free at Garth Road, see the history of your enquiry, helping us sort or you could compost it at home. things out quickly.£ We’re also cutting down on waste by stopping the delivery of food waste caddy liners to residents who don’t use the service. Instead you can now pick up your free supply of caddy liners from your local library twice a year. See page 12 for details. Sterling image © hometowncd, iStockphoto.com image © hometowncd, Sterling

history

18 Discovering Merton’s past

Your date with history Whether you are a history enthusiast, or just want to know more about the area where you live, Saturday 28 May is a date for your diary. This marks the next of our popular Merton Heritage Discovery Days – an event which showcases the borough’s fascinating past and different methods for exploring it. My Merton finds out more.

Residents enjoying Merton Heritage Discovery Days

he 2016 Heritage Discovery Day from Merton Heritage Service to Heritage volunteers will be on hand will be held at Morden Library document the impact of the First World during the afternoon to guide you and Civic Centre. It will include War upon this area. through this fascinating new resource. Tphotographic displays, children’s Heritage Officer, Sarah Gould, Author and broadcaster, Robin archaeology and craft activities, as well as explained: “The website allows everyone Gregory will also be giving a talk about bite-sized talks throughout the afternoon. to access the amazing life stories of his book Tim’s Wars, which describes A big draw will be outdoor cinema Merton combatants who sacrificed the experiences of a Merton soldier screenings of historic film footage their lives for King and country. in the trenches and is based on a diary supplied by the “Bigger Picture Project.” Many of these people were effectively kept by his late father-in-law from 1914 Their specially-designed ‘Kinovan’ will hidden from history but the Carved in to 1918. be parked in front of Merton Civic Stone team is keen to ensure that their Centre showing archive cine film. courage and contribution are recorded find out more On the second floor of Morden Library for posterity.” The Merton Heritage Discovery Day you can visit an exhibition about the The website features filmed interviews is a free event and will run from 12.30pm history of the St Helier Estate, together with the descendants of Merton to 4.30pm at Morden Library and Merton with a heritage marketplace featuring servicemen, together with a record of Civic Centre. For info call 020 8545 3239 stalls and displays from local museums, First World War resources held by local or visit www.merton.gov.uk/heritage historic houses and societies. museums, schools and private collectors The Carved in Stone website is at We will also be launching the Carved – beneficial to anyone researching their merton.gov.uk/carvedinstone in Stone website, produced by volunteers ancestors, or Merton’s wartime heritage.

feature

Breathing fresh life into Morden 19 Making more of Morden It’s a busy commuter hub with a young, diverse and growing population, but Morden town centre is still missing something to make residents want to spend time there. My Merton finds out the latest.

hile plenty of people live or work in the one-way system around the Civic Centre in an Morden, or travel through, for many it’s effort to make the high street more pleasant for still lacking that x factor – yet it has the pedestrians. The council will also work with TfL to Wpotential to be a vibrant and attractive redesign Morden bus station and to create a brand town centre. In an effort to change this, the council new public space in the heart of the town. The project has developed a vision for improving Morden that launches in April 2016 with consultation happening involves redesigning its dated high street and this year, followed by design testing in 2017 and removing buses from outside the Underground construction from 2018. station, replacing them with a new public space. It’s This announcement follows November 2015’s news also about encouraging new housing and commercial that Morden has been made one of the Mayor of premises to the town along with the infrastructure to London’s 20 Housing Zones. The zones are an support them such as school places and health initiative to speed up the building of new housing facilities. Between October and December last year and regeneration projects across the capital. Merton the council held a consultation about the town’s Council and TfL’s property arm will seek to attract a future. More than 1,250 people took part, over 80% development partner and will this year be working of whom broadly supported the council’s vision. with the community to create an exciting masterplan In the meantime, the council has successfully bid for the town. for funding from Transport for London (TfL) to create a brand new public space at the heart of the town. The find out more Morden design project will explore ways of removing www.merton.gov.uk/moremorden

An indicative view of Morden town centre and, inset, proposed tram station at Morden Hall Road

MERTON COUNCIL

Walk4life Merton Pre-learner driving skills course Children’s cycle training Free group health walks in parks and For 17-24 year olds with a provisional car Merton provides free ‘on road’ cycle training open spaces. Walking in the fresh air has driving license. Free 3 hour theory session for ages 10 plus during school term and many health benefits plus you make new followed by 3 free driving lessons. holidays. Easter holiday dates available friends too. Application form available on: now at: For more information visit: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety cycleconfident.com merton.gov.uk/walk4life

Adult cycle training Motor bike and moped courses Free adult cycle training for beginners, Be a brighter biker, for learner riders refreshers and commuters from March Free classroom session and CBT to November on Saturday mornings in Bike Safe, for experienced riders. A free Morden. We can even provide a bicycle for training day for experienced riders provided by you to use if you haven’t got your own. the police. Further details and application Further details and application form available on: form available on: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety

All events and training are funded in conjunction with Transport for London and are available to those who live, work or study in the London Borough of Merton. Alternatively, please contact us for more information:

Contact: Future Merton, London Borough of Merton,12th Floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX Telephone: 020 8545 3205 / 06 Email: [email protected] Web: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety merton.gov.uk/roadsafety Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough ref: 3.36 Community safety

Keeping Merton safe 21 Pop-up events address crime concerns My Merton caught up with the council’s Safer Merton team at a special event for Pollards Hill residents.

t the start of the year, Safer The first event took place at the New Merton, the partnership made up Horizon Centre, Pollards Hill in January of the council, police, fire brigade and was a success, with Inspector Wilson Aand other local organisations saying: “I am very pleased with how the announced that a series of pop-up events event went. It was a great opportunity to will be held across the borough to address get feedback about live issues concerning people’s crime concerns and give members people who actually live in the area.” At

the event the council’s enforcement team | Dreamstime.com © Flydragonfly were on hand to talk about their work been done about your issues at a later date. keeping the borough clean and tidy and Also attending your local pop-up event will how residents can help. They also offered be local neighbourhood watch groups and a free microchipping service as, from local councillors. 6 April, all dogs must be microchipped. Pat de Jesus from the team explained: find out more “For us it’s all about getting people to Stay informed about crime and safety issues understand the work we do and the in your area by joining Neighbourhood Link, ways we can help them. It’s also about a free messaging service from the police. encouraging people to report issues Visit www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk MERTON COUNCIL such as graffiti for example.” The local For more on crime and safety of the community the chance to speak to Neighbourhood Watch and council road issues in Merton visit Walk4life Merton Pre-learner driving skills course Children’s cycle training them face-to-face. Inspector Jon Wilson safety team also had stalls on the day. www.merton.gov.uk/safermerton from Merton Police said: “It’s an age of There are more pop-up events planned Free group health walks in parks and For 17-24 year olds with a provisional car Merton provides free ‘on road’ cycle training electronic media but many people still for other areas of the borough with dates open spaces. Walking in the fresh air has driving license. Free 3 hour theory session for ages 10 plus during school term and many health benefits plus you make new followed by 3 free driving lessons. holidays. Easter holiday dates available value personal contact so we’ll be knocking and venues to be advertised in the near on doors and visiting areas across the future, giving you the chance to meet your friends too. Application form available on: now at: For more information visit: borough to make it easy for people to tell us local police officers and councillors. The merton.gov.uk/roadsafety cycleconfident.com about issues that matter to them.” police promise to report back on what’s merton.gov.uk/walk4life

Save up to 25%* per year on your business energy bill

The Brighter Business scheme will give you expert energy efficiency advice and support to help reduce the running costs and environmental impact of your business.

The scheme provides: Fully funded energy efficiency surveys Grant funding towards £ 50% of the costs of energy efficiency improvements** (subject to availability) Access to a list of local installers, or the option to use your own

*Source: Department of Energy & Climate Change, SME Guide to Energy Efficiency **Up to a maximum of £2,500 for premises up to 250m2 and £5,000 for premises of more than 250m2

Find out if you’re eligible: merton.gov.uk/brighterbusiness

MERTON COUNCIL Cllr Maxi Martin, cabinet member for children’s feature services with pupils at Abbotsbury Primary School A helping hand 23

Save up to 25%* per year on your business energy bill

The Brighter Business scheme will give you expert energy efficiency advice and support to help reduce the running costs and environmental impact of your business. Merton’s community The scheme provides: Fully funded energy helps refugees efficiency surveys We’ve all seen the heart-rending pictures on the news of men, women and Grant funding towards £ 50% of the costs of energy children making treacherous journeys across land and sea to flee war and find efficiency improvements** peace in Europe. A number of people in Merton are making life a little easier (subject to availability) for those who have had to leave their home. My Merton finds out more.

Access to a list of local he pictures of desperate people there are a lot of people wanting to help, so workers take donations with them when installers, or the option to fleeing violence in the Middle East we thought, let’s just get on and help the they visit refugee families in the borough. use your own for sanctuary in Europe have refugees who are already here. They aren’t And they remain on standby to welcome affected many of us. In Merton from Syria, but they have been forced to refugees to Merton when the time comes.” *Source: Department of Energy & Climate Change, T we’re lucky to have a strong community move far away from their home.” Along with gifts of toiletries, residents SME Guide to Energy Efficiency which comes together to look after the have also donated over £500 worth of **Up to a maximum of £2,500 for premises up to 250m2 and £5,000 for premises of more than 250m2 more vulnerable in our society. Local “...We found in Merton, Oyster cards for asylum seekers to use. resident, Jackie Schneider, businessman there are a lot of people Mitcham resident, Charlotte Walea, has John Merriman, Reverend Andrew raised money to buy solar lights for the Wakefield and Merton Council’s director of wanting to help, so we refugee camps in Calais and Dunkirk. children, schools and families, Yvette thought, let’s just get Merton Welcomes Refugees has set up a Stanley, have formed the Merton database of Merton residents, some of Welcomes Refugees Network, bringing on and help...” whom are descended from refugees, who Find out if you’re eligible: together faith and community groups, Jackie Schneider want to offer friendship to current refugees including local churches, the Islamic and help them feel as at home as possible. Community Centre, and Baitul Futuh Member of Morden Baptist Church, merton.gov.uk/brighterbusiness mosque in Morden to help. John Merriman, added: “People have been Jackie said: “The country is set to take in very generous with donating toiletries. We 20,000 Syrian families, but councils are need the very practical things like nappies, find out more still waiting to hear when and how many toothpaste and soap. Merton Council is Merton welcomes refugees FaceBook page each area will receive. We found in Merton, very much part of this too. Their social www.mertonwelcomesrefugees.org

The teacher who was worried The coach who noticed at practice

The family member who was The concerned neighbour who felt uneasy You If you suspect child abuse, visit gov.uk/reportchildabuse to get the number for your local authority

George & Dragon 37 Golden Square, London W1F 9LA. Tel: 020 7278 6655 Job number DFE008 Client DfE Size 6 sheet (450x300) 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 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG Book online www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon Telephone booking 0844 871 7646 Group bookings 0844 871 7696 Access bookings 0844 871 7677

Saudha

l West Barnes l Saudha Singers, Elijah by Saturday 12 March Felix Mendelssohn Morden Assembly Hall, l Sleeping Beauty huge success that is Dreamboats Saturday 7 May, 7.30pm Tudor Drive, Morden, Tuesday 22–Saturday 26 March, and Petticoats, Save the Last Dance St Paul’s Church, SM4 4PJ. This unique 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday for Me will take you back through Augustus Road, festival of Indian classical matinees, 2.30pm the ‘music and magic’ of the early Wimbledon Park music continues with a Matthew Bourne’s dazzling 60s, a time when each passing week SW19 6EW. Tickets: £10, session led by Chandra production of Sleeping Beauty has brought another rock ‘n’ roll classic. children free. Chakraborty and includes won the hearts of thousands and This nostalgic, feel-good journey critically-acclaimed smashed box office records across the will transport you back to music’s l Hansel and Gretel musician Rekesh UK and the USA since its premiere. golden era as we follow two teenage Saturday 6 February– Chauhan. Tickets: £10 New Adventures have revived this sisters through the summer of ’63. Sunday 10 April adult, £8 children. new classic in the repertoire to give Cost £16.50. The Colour House find out more audiences one more chance to see the Theatre, Merton Abbey www.saudha.org final piece in the trio of Tchaikovsky l Peppa Pig’s Surprise Mills, Watermill Way, masterpieces. With sumptuous sets Wednesday 20 April, 1 and 4pm, SW19 2RD. Tickets: l Colliers Wood and costumes, evocative lighting Thursday 21 April, 10am and 1pm £12 adult, £10 child. Chorus Spring and masterly storytelling you will Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their find out more Choral Concert be transported in time from the friends are back in Wimbledon in a Box office: 020 8542 5511 Saturday 14 May, halcyon days of the late Edwardian brand new live stage show, Peppa www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 7.30pm era through to the modern day. In a Pig’s Surprise. It’s a lovely day and Christ Church, world full of magic, fairies, vampires, Peppa is playing outside with her Christchurch Road, love and romance, all bought to life friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig Colliers Wood, SW19 by uniquely talented dancers – have got a surprise for her and 2NY. Colliers Wood will Princess Aurora ever find her George – they can’t guess what it is, Chorus welcomes two true love again? Cost £16.50. can you? Enjoy fun, games and of guest choirs for a course, surprises in this charming, joyous and varied joint l Save the last dance for me colourful new show with new songs concert. Free. Tuesday 12–Saturday 16 April, and new life-size puppets, Peppa Pig’s find out more 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday Surprise promises to be the perfect www.collierswoodchorus.org.uk matinees 2.30pm theatre show for all pre-schoolers! or 020 8543 2179 From the team that brought you the Cost £17.15.

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

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Marryat Players Here’s a selection of what’s l Rossini – Petite stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: Messe Solennelle by the Wimbledon MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE Choral Society Sunday 20 March, 5pm Death of a Nurse by M.C Beaton Death of a Nurse is the 31st book in the bestselling series featuring the Scottish policeman, Hamish Macbeth, by the very popular author M.C Beaton. Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane l Marryat Players Musicians performs Other books: Terrace, London SW1X Friday 8 April, Vivaldi, Corelli, Dag • Little Shop of Happy Ever After – Jenny Colgan 5DQ. Join Wimbledon 7.30–8.30pm Wiren and more • The Pharaohs’s Secret – Clive Cussler and Choral Society for a Great Hall at Kings conducted by Robert Max. Graham Brown vibrant performance of College School, Southside, Free admission. • The Shop Girls of Chapel Street – Jenny Holmes Rossini’s much-loved Wimbledon Common. find out more • Sammy the Shy Kitten – Holly Webb Petite Messe Solennelle, Marryat Players Chamber www.marryatplayers.com with its hints of opera Orchestra for Young 020 8947 8203 NEW DVDS: MY MERTON RECOMMENDS writing intertwined with beautifully crafted solo Spectre arias. The Wimbledon Attic Theatre Company A cryptic message from the past Choral Society is delighted Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, N4 3JP sends Bond on a rogue mission to be back at Cadogan Hall to Mexico City and eventually to perform this glorious l Attic Theatre Company presents Rome, where he meets Lucia work. Tickets: £25; £20; the world premiere of Beacons Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the £15; £10 (students). Tuesday 22 March–Saturday 16 April, beautiful and forbidden widow find out more Tuesday–Saturday 7.45pm, Thursday and of an infamous criminal. Bond www.cadoganhall.com Saturday matinees 3.15pm infiltrates a secret meeting and Box office: 020 7730 4500 Written by uncovers the existence of the www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk Tabitha sinister organisation known as Spectre. Meanwhile Mortiboy. back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the Julie sells ice new head of the Centre for National Security, cream on the questions Bond’s actions and challenges the cliffs at relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond Beachy Head covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and and searches Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine for love Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old online. Her nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may friend Bernard walks the clifftops and can’t seem to hold the clue to untangling the web of Spectre. As settle. When sixteen year old Skye arrives for the Bond ventures towards the heart of Spectre, he learns summer and decides to stay, the lives of all three of a chilling connection between himself and the l The open become unexpectedly entwined. But when memory enemy he seeks. studios art show takes hold, will their buried fears force them apart? Thursday 12– Tabitha Mortiboy’s magical new play – which began Other DVDs: Sunday 15 May life in Merton at Attic Theatre Company’s annual • Brooklyn Wimbledon Art Studios, Playfest – tells of love, loss and midnight ice cream • The Intern 10 Riverside Yard, sundaes under the starlit skies of the South Downs. • A Walk in the Woods Riverside Road, London, Press night: Thursday 24 March. Tickets: £14.50 • Fireman Sam: The great escape of Pontypandy SW17 0BB. Free entry. previews, £18 full, £16.50 concessions. find out more find out more For more information on books, borrowing 020 8947 1183 book online: www.parktheatre.co.uk or call 020 7870 6876 eBooks and DVDs, visit merton.gov.uk/libraries

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l Organ Recital l St Andrew Saturday 23 April, Society Dancing Polka Theatre 7.30–9.30pm Tuesday evenings until 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB St Saviour’s Church, 14 June, 8–10.30pm Box office: 020 8543 4888 Grand Drive. Organ Holy Trinity Church Hall, www.polkatheatre.com Recital by David Adkins, 234 The Broadway, organist of St Saviour’s Wimbledon SW19 1SB rummages in the washing basket to Church. The first half of (next to Polka Theatre create this funny and imaginative the programme will be a and close to all transport). version of The Emperor’s New Clothes. celebration of English Cost of £4.50 includes Ages three to six. Tickets: £12 adults music for St George’s Day. interval refreshments. and children, concessions £9 (£1.50 Full programme available Soft shoes recommended transaction charge per booking). nearer the time. Adult and some instruction admission £10 to include is available. This friendly l Rumpelstiltskin interval refreshments and group welcomes visitors. l Snow White Friday 22–Sunday 24 April programme; children £1. Age range 18 to senior Wednesday 23 March– A fairytale favourite spun before your find out more citizens. Sunday 10 April eyes in this woolly wonderland of a 020 8397 0805 find out more From the company that brought you the show with weaving, puppetry and www.stsaviour.net Alison Raffan 020 8540 1755 hit shows Red Riding Hood and Flat music. Auntie spins as hard as she can www.standrewsoclondon.netne.net Stanley, Olivier Award-winning Mike to make the King’s special jumper, but Kenny joins forces with acclaimed the royals are out of cash and the Prince literacy lunatics LipService (Maggie Fox just wants to be a shepherd. Everyone and Sue Ryding) and director Matt gets their threads in a twist and then Aston to create a brand new show for Rumpel you-know-who steps in. Ages children and their families. Ages four to three to seven. Tickets: £12 adults and eight. Tickets: £13.50 adults and children, concessions £9 (£1.50 Save the date children, concessions £10 (£1.50 transaction charge per booking). transaction charge per booking). l James and the Giant Peach l The Emperor’s New Clothes Friday 27 May–Sunday 14 August Saturday 16–Sunday 17 April To celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary Illusions of grandeur are burst like soap year in 2016, we bring you Polka’s bubbles as the well-known story of acclaimed production of one his most vanity is recounted with a washing popular stories. Ages five to 11. machine, a clothes line, puppers and Tickets: £15 adults and children, Live at Wimbledon Park song. A welcome return from skilful concessions £10 (£1.50 transaction Intimate outdoor picnic concerts puppeteer, Martin Bridle, who charge per booking). set in the stunning surroundings of Wimbledon Park l Wimbledon Thomas Tallis 40 part St Mark’s Place, Friday 26–Monday 29 August, Wimbledon Park Chamber Choir motet ‘Spem in Allium’. Wimbledon, SW19 7ND Following the success of Classics in the Park 2015, 40th anniversary As this requires a large (beside the library). Free. we are delighted to announce an even bigger concert number of singers, WCC Over 200 affordable, and better event for 2016. ‘Live at Wimbledon Saturday 16 April, is inviting other singers to original comtemporary Park’, will feature 3 days of dazzling Classical and 7.30pm join them for this concert. artworks on show. Jazz performances plus a fun filled bank holiday St Matthews Church, Tickets £10 from website. Twenty local artists will Monday family event. A stunning line up of Durham Road, London find out more be displaying their new performers to be announced, just bring your SW20 0DE. This year, www.wimbledonchamberchoir.org.uk works including an picnic blankets and sunscreen. WCC is celebrating its exciting and stunning 40th anniversary with l Worple Group display of watercolours, For more details of the line-up for a special concert in art exhibition oils, acrylics and pastels. each day and ticket information, visit St Matthews Church. The Saturday 7 May, find out more merton.gov.uk/live main work of the evening 10am–5.30pm www.worplegroup.co.uk will be a performance of St Mark’s Church, 07438 542800

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

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Health and fitness l Merton Melanie’s spring/summer walks Active Plus Saturday 26 March, 1pm Keep your kids entertained Meet at Mitcham Junction (by the bus stop on the this Easter and upcoming bridge) for 3–4 mile walk around the common. summer holidays with a Sunday 22 May, 3pm fantastic range of courses for eight to 16 year-olds. Meet at Mitcham Junction (by the bus stop on the Find something for bridge) for a 3–4 mile walk around the com.on, everyone with arts, finished with a drink at Mitcham Golf Club. sports and leisure and find out more watersports courses 07944 833605; [email protected] running at venues all over the borough. With a range l Norbury Bowls l Raynes Park of prices to suit every Club open day Bowls Club budget, your children can Saturday 30 April, 11am–3pm have an Easter and 2.30pm Free. Taunton Avenue summer to remember! Turle Road, off Stanford Sports Ground, Raynes find out more Road, Norbury. Why not Park SW20 0BH. The 020 8545 4069 come to our club and try outdoor season of lawn merton.gov.uk/activeplus your hand at bowls? bowls starts with two open Whatever your age, ladies days on 7 and 15 May. or men, all will receive a find out more warm welcome. Season Brian Elsdon 020 8946 0971 starts April. Whether you Kathy Lock 020 8337 1018 have bowled before or are a Hardev Dhillon 07983 356272 complete novice we would like to see you. Come and l Mitcham l Sports Blast find out more have a look around, a cup Bowls Club There are lots of free merton.gov.uk/sportsblast of tea and a chat and make April to September sports activities for young www.facebook.com/ some new friends. New The Canons, Madeira people aged 14 to 25 living sportsblastmerton members welcome. Road, Mitcham CR4 4EG. in the east of the borough twitter.com/SportsBlastLBM find out more find out more including tennis, netball, Jeff Doerr 020 8542 4079 07931 000174 Zumba, football and BMX.

l Wimbledon Park Watersports This spring there are a series of fun-filled activities on offer at the Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre. You can book birthday parties for kids aged eight and above, adult sailing courses and l Wimbledon much more. All courses need a Park Bowls Club minimum number of participants, Every Saturday, May to so why not ask your friends? September, 11am–12.30pm Come to the taster day 19 March. Wimbledon Park find out more SW19 7HX. booking.merton.gov.uk/ find out more wimbledon-park-watersports-centre/ 020 8265 547 [email protected]

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

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Walks and talks Merton Mencap l Mitcham Horticultural Kids First events Society’s Spring Merton’s forum for parents of children and Community Forums Bulb Show young people with disabilities or special needs Merton’s Community Forums are for residents Saturday 19 March, Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, interested in their local area. It’s a chance to raise 2–5pm Morden SM4 6PX issues. These will be taken up by the organisation St Marks Church Hall, responsible to follow up and report back on how St Marks Road, Mitcham. l Speech and language therapy problems are solved. This first show of the year workshop with Karen Akroyd, Manager of will be a mass of colour, a Merton’s Language & Learning Support Team l Wimbledon Community Forum wonderful spectacle. Free. Thursday 17 March, 10am to 12.30pm Monday 14 March, 7.15pm find out more Chaucer Centre, Room B. Find out how the service is Mansel Rd Centre, 1 Mansel Rd, London SW19 4AA. 020 8640 3659; www. commissioned and how the team can help you and mitchamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk your child. Learn about speech therapy techniques, l Mitcham Community Forum how assessments are undertaken and much more. Tuesday, 15 March, 7.15pm l Southside House Vestry Hall, 338 London Road, Mitcham CR4 3UD. Sunday 27 March l Dealing with children’s obsessions 3 Woodhayes Road, and compulsions with Dr Sally Morgan, Wimbledon SW19 4RJ. Clinical Psychologist l Morden Park l Wimbledon Maintained in traditional Wednesday 20 April, 10am–12.30pm House Wedding Fair National Trust style without intrusive Chaucer Centre, Room D. Learn how to deal with Sunday 20 March, Association refurbishment and mild or severe repetitive routines and rituals. 11am–3pm crowded with family Information and practical advice. Christ Church, possessions of centuries, Wimbledon SW20, Southside offers a wealth of l Short Breaks (respite) Service corner of Cottenham fascinating family stories. with Michelle Butcher, Merton’s Short Breaks Park Road and Copse Hill. This magical house and Team Leader ‘The Changing Face of gardens can inspire the Thursday 19 May, 10am–12pm Cryptography’ by unusual, adventurous and Chaucer Centre, Room M. Short Breaks give children Professor Fred Piper unexpected. Guided tours and young people with Special Educational Needs Saturday 19 March, on Wednesday, Saturday, (SEN) and disabilities the chance to do something they 2.15–4pm Sunday and bank holiday enjoy. They also give parents time away from caring. A Morden Park House, afternoons at 1, 2 and 3pm. Short Break can be offered by a wide range of providers, ‘Women on the Home London Road (behind Gates open 20 minutes or families may choose to organise their own Short Front’ by Carol Harris Merton College), before each tour: Visitors Breaks through a direct payment. Find out more about Saturday 16 April, Morden SM4 5QU. Free can book and pay for tours Short Breaks and what services are available. 2.15–4pm admission. We are pleased online. Adults £9, students to announce our Wedding WNTA members £3, £7.50, families £20. l Mental capacity and powers of Fair is back by popular non-members £3.50 find out more attorney explained with Philip Warford, request so why don’t you find out more www.southsidehouse.com Managing Director of Renaissance Legal pop along? There will be 07981 902771 020 8946 7643 Thursday 16 June, 10.30am–1pm lots of local exhibitors Chaucer Centre, Room D. If a person lacks the ability including photographers, Women on the Home Front by Carol Harris to make a decision then their mental capacity is florists, cars, bridal wear questioned. Philip will explain the principles around and much more. This is mental capacity and what you need to consider. He will also an opportunity to also talk about powers of attorney, the appointment of view this beautiful someone to make a decision on behalf of a person with Georgian house set in a learning disability and how they can be used. lovely parkland. All visitors will be entered find out more into a draw to win a free [email protected]; ceremony (terms and www.mertonmencap.org.uk/kidsfirst.htm conditions apply).

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

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l Mitcham Family events Carnival Saturday 11 l Find yourself Grand Drive. Free Chair’o’Plane, Go-Karts June in Mitcham Festival admission. and there are Bouncy This year’s Saturday 19 March, find out more Castles for all ages. It’s Mitcham 11am–5pm 020 8395 6095 a day not to be missed! Carnival will take Mitcham Fair Green, www.stsaviour.net Entry is £1.50 per adult,

place at Three Mitcham Town Centre. all children must be | Dreamstime.com Louro © Luis Kings Piece. Come and find yourself l Hatfield Primary accompanied and are find in the heart of Mitcham. School ‘Wild West’ free with a paying adult. out more Take part in fun activities Summer Fair find out more or book a stall at lined up for the family Saturday 11 June, Kallina on 07747 0646621 merton.gov.uk/mitchamcarnival including taster tai chi 12–3.30pm sessions for adults and Saddle up your horse and l Wimbledon l Morden Family Fun-Day arts, crafts and a bouncy giddy-up along to the Guild Village Fair Don’t miss...... the buses Sunday 17 July, 10.30am–5pm castle for children and Wild West to join us for Saturday 18 June, Morden Park Sports Field. Free. toddlers. All for free! an afternoon of fun at 10.30am–5pm find out more www.mordenfunday.org Hatfield Primary School, Wimbledon Common, l May Fair Lower Morden Lane, Southside. Shopping areas, Book a stall at Mitcham Carnival and Morden Family Monday 2 May, Morden. Rides will children’s zones and Fun-Day and get a 10% discount on both events. 12–3pm include a 75ft inflatable performances including a St Saviour’s Church, obstacle course, fun dog show. Free entry.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH • SENIOR CITIZENS • FAMILY • HEALTH & FITNESS • WALKS & TALKS • FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections Thursday 5 May and EU referendum Thursday 23 June

Register Have a great idea for a new business? Not sure of the next step? The Merton Business Support Service gives you the knowledge and skills to make your business ideas happen; to vote and we will be there for you every step of the way! The way we all register to vote If you have just turned 18 or moved to has changed. Under the old system the area, make sure you get heard and Call the helpdesk today to see how we can help! the ‘head of household’ could register register to vote. Go online and register, mertonbusinesssupport.co.uk everyone who lives at their address. all you need is your National Insurance [email protected] Now everyone is responsible for number and date of birth. www.mertonccg.nhs.uk 020 8619 0700 registering themselves.

The Merton Business Support Service is financially supported by The London Borough of Merton. www.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

MERTON COUNCIL

Don’t miss...... the buses

Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections Thursday 5 May and EU referendum Thursday 23 June

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

www.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...

Evelyn Marshall Merton Council foster carer

Merton Council is calling on people to become foster carers and give young people a loving home. My Merton met Evelyn Marshall who has taken that step.

How long have you been fostering? My partner and I have been fostering for 20 years. We’re currently fostering a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl. In total, we’ve fostered 30 children with Merton Council.

Why do you foster? There are so many children who need a loving home and I can offer that as well as being able to support them through a very difficult time. I want to be there for them for the highs as well as the lows.

What support do you get from the council? Merton’s fostering team go above and beyond to support me. They support us through various challenges. They visit monthly and are always there at the end of a phone.

Why do you foster teenagers? There has been such an increase in the numbers of teenagers coming into care I felt I had to offer stability and support to them. I enjoy listening to them, helping them with their education and helping them to achieve their goals.

What would you say to potential foster carers? Fostering is very rewarding. But you need to be open minded, adaptable, patient and a good listener.

What are the challenges? The challenges are always in the beginning when a child comes to stay. They can sometimes be angry and act out because of what has happened to them. We are trained and supported to deal with this.

What is most rewarding about fostering? I love it when a child comes back to see me and has reached their goals in life. news and information from your council find out more mymerton merton.gov.uk/fostering