Top 10 Summer Activities in Merton

ISSUE 62 SUMMER 2015

Win tickets to a New Wimbledon Theatre show on page 14

Top 10 summer activities Classics in the Park tickets on sale now! in Merton

Find out the latest on St Helier Hospital Love Your Street and your parks this summer 2

We asked The Leader of Every year we ask 1,000 local residents about what issues most Merton Council, concern them and what they think about the services we provide. Councillor Stephen Alambritis, writes for My Merton.

“You said” As I sat on the top deck of the 93 from Morden to Wimbledon last week, I was struck by the new flats Whilst satisfaction with how the council deals with litter being built near South Wimbledon tube station. remains positive, concern about people who litter our streets has With housing so hard to come by in London, I can increased over that last few years and is now a top concern for imagine the excitement of the new residents who will some residents. move in, once the flats have been completed. These are tough financial times for the council, but one way we can invest in the future is by working with other organisations to achieve more for our residents. The council has a key role over planning in the We did: borough and we use our powers to encourage building developers to build the kind of developments we need We know that residents have had enough of the small minority in Merton. This can help create new jobs, new homes who drop litter on our streets, so we have set up the Love Your to address the huge shortage of housing across Street campaign to boost the positive work the council does with London, and new facilities. residents, community groups, businesses and schools to tackle A great example is the work we are doing with litter in Merton. To help: developers to rebuild two of our libraries. Both l We are holding clean-up days, bringing the community Colliers Wood Library and West Barnes Library will be together to tackle problem areas replaced by new libraries with improved facilities as l We’ve teamed up with eddisonwhite estate agents. well as new homes. But at a time when our funding Residents who sign up to the Love Your Street pledge will from central government has been reduced, the good automatically be entered into a draw for a £100 One4all news for the council is that we have been able to do voucher every three months this and save money at the same time. l We will be increasing the fixed penalty notice charge to This is the kind of business-like and innovative discourage litter louts approach that Merton excels at. Although local l We will be issuing litter fines in parks this summer to government is facing many challenges, we have been help keep parks clean and tidy able to work creatively to come up with new ways of l We are trialling wheeled bins in Lavender Fields to see delivering the affordable services that our residents if they can help reduce litter on the street need the most. Once residents move in to their new homes in South Wimbledon I look forward to bumping into What you can do to help: them on the top deck. And I’ll be sure to tell them to check out our new library in Colliers Wood when it’s l Stand up against people who litter and show your commitment open for business! to keeping your street and Merton clean by signing up to our Love Your Street pledge at merton.gov.uk/loveyourstreet l Always dispose of your litter responsibly l If a public bin is full please take your litter home with you l When you see litter or fly-tipping, report it to us PS: I’m crossing my fingers that it’s going to be a sunny summer and we can all enjoy Merton’s great parks. When the weather is good there tends to be Cover: Wimbledon Park summer shoot. more litter from picnics so if you do notice a build up Photograph by Paul Tanner Photography. call us on 020 8545 9750 and we’ll clean it up. mymerton Issue 62 • Summer 2015 3 merton.gov.uk

My Merton is published by the London Borough of Merton and is distributed free to households in the borough four times a year. The editorial content of My Merton is produced by the contents London Borough of Merton’s Communications Team Community Editor of this issue: Felix Ampofo Feature contributions from News 4 Elizabeth Thompson 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 Merton means Email [email protected] www.cliffe-enterprise.com business 15 My Merton is distributed How the council is helping by London Letterbox. local businesses and young Contact 020 8940 0666 or log people get apprenticeships on to www.londonletterbox.co.uk

Lavender fields 18 quick reference A history of the lavender keyservices industry Merton is Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 renowned for Anti-social behaviour hotline: 020 8274 4907 5 minutes with 32 Council tax: 020 8274 4904 Founder of Sustainable Benefits advice: Merton Tom Walshe 020 8545 4178 Regulars Libraries: 020 8545 3783 16 Parking: 020 8545 4661 Ten things to Environment 12 Registering to vote: Latest on keeping Merton 020 8545 3407 do this summer clean in the summer and Waste collection services: recycling tips 020 8274 4902 What’s on 25 contactus Your guide to all that’s going on in Merton this summer My Merton, Communications, 8th Floor, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX Tel 020 8545 3327 Don’t forget to Email [email protected] merton.gov.uk/mymerton visit our website! merton.gov.uk/mymerton What’s on listings: 020 8545 3327 [email protected] You can also follow us on: Adverts For all advertising enquiries contact [email protected] 10 23 The London Borough of Merton www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil does not accept responsibility St Helier hospital Merton’s longest for or endorse any products or Latest developments on the services offered by advertisers. serving employee future of the hospital Lew Block has worked at the My Merton costs only council 50 years. He tells us @Merton_Council 12p a copy to produce what’s changed

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 29 June. www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil news 4 Keeping Merton informed Logo unveiled to celebrate Merton’s 50th year Local school children and Mayor Councillor Agatha life in Merton over the last dignitaries, past and present, Akyigyina celebrated the 50 years. came together at Merton council’s 50th year with former There are lots of celebratory Council’s civic centre in Mayors, current and former events taking place as part of Morden to see the unveiling of councillors and long-serving Merton’s Golden Jubilee. a special Golden Jubilee logo council officers. Local school find out more designed by Stella Rodriquez (8 children and their parents merton.gov.uk/Merton50 years) from Singlegate School. were also there and everyone The winning design was present enjoyed a performance revealed to all just ahead of from the young musicians Left to right: Former deputy lieutenant of Merton, Sir John Wheeler, the first full council meeting of Merton Music Foundation Stella Rodiquez and former Mayor of the new council year in as well as seeing the Merton’s of Merton, Cllr Agatha Akyigyina Merton on April. At the occasion the then Golden Moments film depicting the move

The council is calling on residents to take “one small Gearing up for RideLondon step for man” and get Merton residents will see the come out and join in the range involved in a virtual health Prudential RideLondon cycle of events that will be taking initiative that will see Merton events up close on Sunday 2 place in Raynes Park, travel the distance from the August as thousands of Wimbledon and Wimbledon earth to the moon. Merton amateur and professional Village and spread out along on the Move is a free health cyclists come whizzing the route to get the best views programme to get people through Wimbledon and and cheer on the riders. active and contribute to the Raynes Park, many raising find out more goal of walking, jogging, money for charity. Check the Transport for London running or cycling 250,000 RideLondon is working with and Prudential RideLondon miles over a 12-month the council and residents to websites for help planning any period. Residents and local make sure that the event is a journeys you make on the day business are all encouraged great day by planning ahead as the festival will be on many to sign up and there will be and involving the community London and Surrey roads. Merton Council employee prize draws for everyone Tony Richards is the Mayor of and local businesses. www.tfl.gov.uk/ride-london Merton’s rider this year – come who enters. Anyone can Residents are encouraged to www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk out and support him on the day take part regardless of age and how active they are. Remember it’s the little steps that count. Individuals can register Children – get reading this summer! in teams of up to five The Summer Reading Challenge kicks members with friends, off on 11 July and Merton’s libraries are colleagues or family encouraging all 4 to 11 year olds to get members. Once registered, involved. With over 10,000 of Merton’s teams will be able to log young people signing up last year, this their journeys via the year’s reading challenge is set to be a website or the free mobile big hit too. The challenge encourages phone app. Residents can children to read six of their chosen also earn virtual badges, set books over the summer. They can be personal goals and organise fact, fiction, picture or audio books, group activities. just as long as they are borrowed from find out more the library. merton.yomp.co find out more merton.gov.uk/libraries

news Keeping Merton informed 5

Residents choose their MP In May, residents went to the ballot box to vote for the Members of Parliament to represent them in the House of Commons for the next five years. In the Mitcham constituency, Labour candidate Siobhain McDonagh held her seat with 61% of the total vote. Conservative candidate Stephen Hammond also held his seat in the Wimbledon constituency with 52% of the total vote. For the full results of the election visit merton.gov.uk/electionresults

New Mayor for Merton Latest on Morden Councillor David Chung, ward Leisure Centre councillor for Longthornton in Since the last issue of My Merton the council has appointed a Mitcham, has been appointed specialist company, Sweett UK, to manage the redevelopment of the new Mayor of Merton the new Morden Leisure Centre. The London based company have 2015/16. Councillor Pauline worked on high profile projects including Southwark Council’s Cowper, who represents flagship leisure centre, The Castle and Lambeth Council’s newly Cannon Hill ward, will be opened Streatham Ice Rink and Leisure Centre. Sweett UK has supporting Councillor Chung a track record of working with designers throughout the UK, as Deputy Mayor. providing top quality leisure facilities and most importantly good Elected to Merton Council value for money to the tax payer. in 2002 Councillor Chung, The new Morden Leisure Centre will cost less to maintain than who is a wheelchair user, is the current Morden Park Pool, saving money in the long term and actively involved in health and will be enjoyed by residents of all ages for many years. well-being matters in the local find out more merton.gov.uk/leisureformorden community. He is an avid supporter of the voluntary sector and dedicated to addressing the issues of climate change. Merton recognises local heroes During the formal Mayor Heroes from Merton are to be to deal with a particularly have nominated businesses making ceremony at full council recognised this summer at the challenging situation include and organisations like Merton in May, Councillor Chung Merton Civic Awards, hosted Paul Kohler, who suffered at Music Foundation, Tots announced that his chosen by the Wimbledon Guardian the hands of violent burglars Landing and estate agency, charities for his tenure are in association with Merton at his Wimbledon home last Andrew Scott Robinson. The Merton Centre for Independent Council. School teachers, year, and Jack Fishwick, who winners will be announced at Living (CIL) and Friends in mothers and exceptional was paralysed in a rugby a special event in Wimbledon St Helier (FISH). He will also youngsters of all ages are up accident. Younger nominees on 15 July. hold fundraising events for for a well-deserved award. include weightlifters and a girl find out more children’s charity One Life Heroes who have gone above who gives up her time to hear www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/ and the Alzheimer’s Society. and beyond to help people or other children read. Residents mertoncivicawards

Tell us your traffic hotspots Residents told the council in box junctions, no right turns contraventions later this year, the borough more quickly. the last annual residents’ and keeping bus lanes free replacing CCTV vehicles. You could win a prize by survey that congestion is a during busy periods. The Not only will this free up letting the council know about major concern for them. One council will be using a new staff time to deal with other traffic hotspots where cameras of the ways to ease congestion system of Automatic Number issues, it will improve the could help. is by enforcing moving traffic Plate Recognition cameras behaviour of motorists and find out more offences which include yellow to monitor these traffic allow everyone to get around merton.gov.uk/parking

news 6 Keeping Merton informed

Join Safer refuse trucks Merton’s LGBT Forum for safer roads Merton Council is fitting sidebars to all of its refuse trucks that Residents are invited to be weigh over 7.5 tonnes in order to make the roads safer for cyclists. part of the borough’s The bars will prevent cyclists becoming trapped under the vehicles. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and The installation is part of the council’s drive to make cycling safer Transgender (LGBT) forum and make its heavy goods vehicles compliant with the Fleet Operator to make sure LGBT people Recogntion Scheme (FORS). Merton is offering free Safer Urban are considered in the Driver Training for all companies in the borough whose drivers decision making process of need to complete their Certificate of Professional Competence the council and other local accreditation. The council also offers free cycle training for residents. organisations. Anyone is find out more visit merton.gov.uk/roadsafety or for driver training visit www.safeurbandriving.co.uk welcome to be part of the forum as long as they commit to taking an active role within it. The council is particularly looking for Merton befriending service people with skills in The council is calling on residents who can spare volunteers. Residents can choose to finance, fundraising, IT, one hour a week, to spend it keeping a senior receive a phone call or visit once a web design, social media resident company. Merton’s Befriending initiative, week. Volunteers will receive training and will be and events planning. a free service run by Age UK and funded by reimbursed for their expenses. find out more Merton Council, pairs residents aged 65 years find out more www.ageukmerton.org.uk merton.gov.uk/lgbt and over who are living in isolation with local or email [email protected]

MERTON COUNCIL Fostering why you should go for it Lucy is the birth child of a Merton family who regularly foster. We asked her... what is it really like?

How did you feel when the first foster What type of relationship do you have child came to stay? with the foster child? I was really excited. The first child that came to I see it as being an older sister. I help our foster stay with us was a baby boy. The last time we had children the way I would help my little brother. a baby in the house was when my little sister was born and I was too young then to help my mum. What would you say to a But this time I could so I was really happy. family with children who are interested in fostering? How does it feel to be part I would say go for it! It helps your children learn of a foster family? more about society and the world around them It is interesting and exciting. We get to meet lots a bit more. of other foster families and their birth children. We get to go to fun events and parties. But it’s difficult explaining to my friends as they confuse it with Call us today adoption so I need to explain that the children only stay with us for short periods of time. 0800 073 0874 Foster merton.gov.uk/fosteringMerton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

news Keeping Merton informed 7 Celebrating Age festival

Merton’s 13th Celebrating and funded by Merton Council, year include scenic walks, Age Festival launches on provides residents over the age outings to the races and 7 September with lots of of 50 with opportunities to singing workshops. fun activities planned for learn new activities, socialise find out more the month. The festival, and meet new people. Some call 020 8648 5792 or co-ordinated by Age Concern of the activities lined up this www.ageuk.org/merton

Love Your Street gets Fieldgate Lane clean-up Brownies’ thumbs up

Fieldgate Lane in Mitcham has been given a makeover thanks The third Morden Brownies to the council’s new Love Your Street campaign. (from St John Fisher) helped to Working in partnership with Sustainable Merton and spread the Love Your Street Barratt Homes, the council’s clean team helped transform the message in Merton this spring. previously run down, littered and disused site into an urban After signing up to the orchard for the whole community. Read more on page 11. council’s Love Your Street find out more pledge, the Brownies along with merton.gov.uk/LoveYourStreet for future clean ups the council’s litter enforcement team, picked litter from Cannon Hill Lane, Cannon Hill Common and Joseph Hood Managing illegal encampments Recreation Ground. Find out more about the Love Your Merton has seen a number of Where this happens on private Street campaign on page 11. illegal traveller encampments land it is up to the owner of the Style Junkie over the past few months. land to take action and the exhibition council does not intervene. However the council is Winners of Merton’s Junior Neighbourhood Watch committed to protecting its own recycling competition Style Children from Morden land. But its duty of care to Junkies, that saw students Primary School took check on people’s health and design costumes using part in Merton Junior wellbeing means that it can take recyclable material, are on Neighbourhood Watch. a while to move people on. Once display at the Sustainable The joint initiative all checks are done, the council Living Centre in Morden between the council, works with the police to ensure Hall Park. The exhibition Merton Neighbourhood the site is vacated and cleaned runs until 26 July from 11am Watch and Circle Housing Wardens took place in the council up so it is ready for the public to to 4pm. For details about chamber. The children took part in five interactive sessions on enjoy again. Residents who spot drop-in workshops this crime prevention, environmental crime, anti-social behaviour, an unauthorised encampment summer turn to page 13. finger print taking, litter picking and how to help the police on council land can contact the find out more identify suspects. property management team on merton.gov.uk/stylejunkies 020 8545 3071.

GLL_AHF_BetterH&F_ActivityMembership_Gym_Canons_48Sheet_FV.indd 1 Full terms andconditionsare available atthepoint ofpurchase, pleasespeak toamemberofstaff. Registered address: GLL,Middlegate House,TheRoyal Arsenal,LondonSE186SXIPSRegistered No.27793RInlandRevenue CharityNo.XR43398 Terms andconditions apply,visitwww.better.org.uk for more information. Activation fee of£15 applies.Memberscan purchase anactivity ‘Top Up’for agroup exercise class,swim,ortouseanotherBetter gymfacility for £3.00peractivity. Otheractivities willbeatanadditionalcost.We reserve therighttowithdraw thisoffer withoutpriornotice. 8 funded by the council offers funded bythecounciloffers charity, basedinMordenand Merton MusicFoundation.The months, organisedbythe on withschoolsoverthelastsix The performancewasworked that takesplaceeverytwoyears. show waspartofMusicisforLife Hall earlierthisspring.The world renownedRoyalAlbert front ofapackedaudienceatthe Merton schoolsperformedin 1,500 youngmusiciansfrom Keeping Merton informed news Merton’s musical stars A BETTER WAY ABETTER TO KEEPFIT. GYM MEMBERSHIP ONLY £19.95 AMONTH.

www.better.org.uk/canons Why nottry ittoday? Joinnow at £3 peractivity. group exercise, orvisitanotherBetter gym,itcostsjust If you ever want to vary your routine withswimming, £19.95 amonth. healthy withourgymonlymembershipfrom just At Canons Leisure Centre, you can getfitandstay LEISURECENTRE CANONS www.mmf.org.uk to childrenintheborough. high qualitymusiceducation of thepolice,firebrigade,NHSoravolunteerwhosupportscouncilintheirsparetime. organisations thatgotheextramiletomakeMertonabetterplace.Thiscouldincludemember Champion awards.Theawardsrecognisemembersofthecommunitywhoworkfororwithpublic Residents haveuntil23SeptembertoputforwardtheirnominationsfortheMertonCommunity Nominate your community champion find outmore find outmore

merton.gov.uk/communitychampion

range ofactivities,exhibitionsandtalkstakingplace. is welcometocomealongtheWarStoryDaywheretherewillbea Merton Memorieswebsiteforeveryonetosee.Thewholecommunity the interviewsandCarvedinStoneprojectwillbeaddedto heritage teambycalling02085453239.Informationprovidedthrough effort. Anyonewhowouldliketotakepartcangetintouchwiththe relatives foughtintheFirstWorldWar,orsupportedlocalwar at MordenLibrary.TheywillbeinterviewingMertonresidentswhose team willbeahostingWarStoryonSaturday1Augustfrom11am–5pm descendants oftheborough’sFirstWorldWarheroes. Merton’s warhistoryissettobecarvedinstonethanks As part of the new Carved in Stone project, the council’s heritage As partofthenewCarvedinStoneproject,council’sheritage find outmore merton.gov.uk/carvedinstone in stone lives to carved be Local war heroes’

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19/12/2013 16:50 feature Investing in libraries 9 Investing in better libraries for the future Unlike some other councils who have closed libraries due to reductions in government funding, Merton has used its business-like approach to keep all its libraries open. Record numbers of you are using them to borrow books, take advantage of free Wi-Fi and take part in one of the many activities including health classes and reading groups. In fact our libraries welcomed more than 1.2million visitors last year. My Merton finds out more.

wo popular Merton libraries locally and with a spacious, modern library are about to be completely across three floors. The new library will rebuilt, to benefit future include a coffee shop, three meeting Tgenerations. Donald Hope rooms and activity zones, including a library in Colliers Wood and West Barnes children’s area. library, both of which are in need of We’re still finalising the details of the redevelopment, will be rebuilt thanks to new library in West Barnes – watch this deals negotiated by the council as part of space for more details. new housing developments. This means the new libraries can be provided at a Record breaking challenge reduced cost to council taxpayers. It’s nearly time for children aged four to Donald Hope library will vacate its 11 to rise to the Summer Reading current premises in Cavendish House this Challenge. This year the theme is record summer for a temporary location at the breakers, drawing on the super-human Guardian Centre for the Blind, Clarendon feats to be found in the pages of the Road, Colliers Wood. It will remain there Guinness World Record books, and other for up to two years while Cavendish works of fact and fiction. House is redeveloped with new The challenge runs from 11 July to apartments to address housing need 12 September and invites children to read six library books during the period, collecting stickers, bookmarks and other give-aways as they go. Complete the challenge and you’ll receive a certificate, medal and voucher for a free meal at Chipotle in Wimbledon. The challenge is a national scheme. But Merton entrants will be entered in a local draw with some fantastic prizes to be announced.

find out more merton.gov.uk/libraries 10 previous assurances fromhealthbosses these plansare under discussiondespite St Helierhospitaltheirpreferred option. options forthesiteonatrain,with closing consultants wereoverhearddiscussing in Aprilafterthehospitaltrust’smanagement news reportsofsecretplanstocloseit. M is far from secure. or beingdowngraded, recent revelations show thefuture of thehealth service Despite thesuccess so far inprotecting St Helierhospital from closure disclosure of hospital plans Council demands full Supporting thelocal hospital feature The councilhasexpressedshock that The planswerereportedonBBCLondon

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 of StHelierhospital,following secure thelong-termfuture continue campaigningto erton Councilhaspledgedto populated areawith highnumbersof St Helierhospital issituatedinawell St Helierhospitalonitscurrent site. way ofdoingthisistoinvest improve to keepourhospitalopen.” disclosure oftheseplansandwe willfight Council, said:“Wearedemandingfull to fightingretainStHelierhospital. public andhasreasserteditscommitment council hascalledfortheplanstobemade that thehospital’sfuturewassafe.The It’s thecouncil’sviewthatbest Cllr StephenAlambritis,Leaderofthe on thisfight. council isclear that itwillnotgiveup the hospitalforpastdecade. The fought planstodowngradeorclose vital toaddressingthat. that accessiblepublichealthservices are ward youlivein.Thecouncilbelieves vary dramaticallydependingonwhich inequalities, wherelifeexpectancycan Merton isaboroughofhealth having healthservicescloseathand. families andolderpeoplewhorelyon Local peopleandcampaigners have our hospital open.” will fight to keep these plansandwe full disclosure of “We are demanding Cllr Stephen Alambritis Leader of theCouncil,

feature Keeping Merton clean 11 Pledge to love your street Merton’s streets have been treated to a spring spruce-up thanks to the council’s Love Your Street campaign and the work of residents, local organisations, community groups and Merton Council as part of a programme of Love Your Street borough-wide clean-up events.

Working with communities businesses to keep Merton clean and tidy Chamber of Commerce, Baitful Futuh Fifteen clean-up events have taken place and to make a stand against the small Mosque and local residents came along as part of the Love Your Street campaign minority of people who litter. Fieldgate to plant a variety of fruit trees and bushes so far, with over 120 bags of rubbish Lane is a top example of what can be including Merton variety apple trees, collected by volunteers and the council achieved when the whole community herbs and other plants. to date! If you haven’t yet joined your works together. neighbours and the council in a Working in partnership with Prize for spruce-up event, keep an eye out for Sustainable Merton and Barratt Homes, pledging to more planned over the summer months the council’s clean team helped local Love Your at merton.gov.uk/LoveYourStreet residents to transform the disused and Street run-down site into an urban orchard that Morden resident Transforming local areas can be enjoyed by the whole community Mike Roberts is The Love Your Street campaign is all for years to come. Fifty people from the first winner about the council working with residents, Merton Council, Sustainable Merton, of the Love Your community groups, schools and Circle Housing Merton Priory, Merton Street prize draw, taking home a £100 One4All voucher. After signing up to the Love Your Street pledge, Mike was chosen as the lucky winner of the prize draw for the first gift voucher which is kindly sponsored by eddisonwhite estate agents. Thanks to everyone who has taken the

pledge so far and for showing your support for the campaign. Make sure you put the campaign sticker in your window to show you’ve made the pledge! It is also great to see so many businesses and schools showing their ongoing commitment to keeping Merton clean. Take a look at who has signed up so far on page 22. To take the pledge visit merton.gov.uk/ LoveYourStreet.

1012 Regular round-up my environment there’s neveranexcusetodroplitterinMerton! There arealsorecycling-on-the-gobinsinstalledatstationsacrosstheboroughso gum andcigarettebuttbinsacrosstheboroughhigh-techsmartinparks. specialists, raisingon-the-spotpenaltychargesto£80,theinstallationofspecial to keepMertoncleanincludingitspartnershipwithenvironmentalenforcement bottles, dogpoo,deadleaves,wastetrappedintreegrillsandmore. tube, includingpaper,cigarettepacketsandbutts,cansglass,plasticmetal environmentally friendlyandvacuumupanywastethatwillpassthroughits12.5cm amount oftimethanpreviously,thefivenewGluttonmachinesare and litter.Enablingthecouncil’scleanteamtocoveralargerareainshorter ‘Glutton’ streetcleaningmachinesthataredesignedtosuckupallkindsofwaste Merton Council’scleanteamhasbeenhittingtowncentreswiththeirbrandnew Keeping town centres clean centres, streets andparks stay clean andtidy. The council’s clean team ison-handto make sure Merton’s town means thatthere ismore waste produced over thesummermonths. Merton enjoying picnics, walks inthepark andbarbecues. Often this Thanks to thewarmer weather, more peopleare outandaboutin this summer Be with anewGlutton machine cleanliness and parking,CllrJudySaunders Cabinet memberforenvironmental The introductionofthenewGluttonmachinesbuildsoncouncil’sotherwork

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 green green and clean to letourteamknow. sunny weekend,phone02085459750 installed inmanyofourparks. they arefull.Wealsohaverecyclingbins to theparksteamletthemknowwhen capacity ofeachbinandsendingasignal rubbish inside,massivelyincreasingthe compactors whichsquashdownthe bins usesolarpowertooperateinternal modern, efficientway.Thesespecial technology todealwithanyrubbishina work overthesummer,usinginnovative The solarbinsinparkswillbehardat green parks Keeping an £80 fine. charge anyone they catch littering with people from dropping litter andwill about inparks too, helpingto deter Our enforcement officers willbeoutand If younoticeabuild-upoflitteron

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 environmental enforcementand streetcleaningservices. The additionalmoneywillgostraightbackintothecouncil’s penalty notices(FPNs)from£75to£80since1Aprilthisyear. people wholitter,thecouncilhasincreasedon-the-spotfixed As partofitszero-toleranceapproachtothesmallminority Bigger fines for litter louts visit merton.gov.uk/recycling. recycling boxesorfoodwastecaddies you canrecycleortoorderextra To checkouttherangeofmaterialsthat cans andallplastictubsfoodtrays. aerosols, cartons,tetrapaks,tinsand so manymaterials,includingempty in Mertonissoeasynowandwecollect recycling asmuchpossible.Recycling difference totheenvironmentby local areaclean,youcanreallymakea As wellasdoingyourbittokeep more even recyclecan Now you Recycling l l l are somehandyrecyclingtips: help yourecycleevenmore,here which tookplacemid-June,andto To markNationalRecycleWeek, Recyclingtips Clean-up events l l l council taxpayers’money. of wastesenttolandfill,saving great waytoreducetheamount waste collectionservice.It’sa Don’t forgettouseourfood- room inourlorries plastic bottlestomakemore Flatten cardboardandsquash be recycled Labels, capsandlidscanall you likeandwewillcollectit Put outasmuchrecycling containers Rinse andcleanrecyclablefood into differentboxes No needtoseparaterecycling find outmore

future couldbecomeareality! Nussbaum willinsertintoavirtuallandscape.Seehowyourvisions foraneco- you candrawandcollageyourvisionofarecycledhouse,which artistRosa Georgie Jefferiesmakeacostumefromrecycledmaterials.On 12,19and26July recycled materials. reprocessed andcantryoutsomefantasticchairsotherobjectsmadefrom Alongside thefabulouscostumes,youwillseehowrecycledmaterialsare Living Centre,theStableYard,MordenHallPark,11amto4pm,until26July2015. from wastematerialandsecond-handclothes. part intheMegaRecycleStyleJunkiescompetitiontocreateinnovativecostumes Over 50studentsfromtheWimbledonCollegeofArtand19Mertonschoolstook Style Junkies exhibition Free drop-inworkshopswillcomplementtheexhibition.On5Julyyoucanhelp The winningpiecesfromthecompetitionwillbeondisplayatSustainable

involved overthe summer,seepage11. Street campaign.Tofindouthow youcanget squeaky cleanaspartofthecouncil’s LoveYour

my environment working togethertokeepMerton and thecouncilhavebeen Residents, communitygroups clean Merton bit to keep Do your Regular round-up decoration. and pistachio recycled fabrics the dressis pistachios and spray-painted is decoratedwith The headdress influences. Egyptian Medusa and Art Decowith girl combines Her 1920flapper College ofArt. from Wimbledon Becky Williams

13 COMPETITION Win a group ticket to see the critically acclaimed Britain’s Got Bhangra at New Wimbledon Theatre

Shake your shoulders, twist that What area in London does the light bulb; this is the story of how main character Twinkle move to Britain’s Got Bhangra! from Punjab? Farmer’s son Twinkle moves A) Pall Mall from the fields in Punjab to B) Southall the streets of Southall to make C) Whitehall a better life for himself and his wife. With no money, but In your answer you must include the following: a gifted voice, he becomes a name, email address, phone number and postal star on the growing Bhangra music scene. address. You can email your answer to Following Twinkle’s fortune through the rise of Bhangra and [email protected] or write to us the evolution of the music scene and multicultural Britain from the 1980s at My Merton, 7th floor, Civic Centre, London to the current day, this colourful, energetic musical is guaranteed to lift Road, Morden SM4 5DX. The closing date for you from the Dhol Drums! entries is Friday 24 July. Britain’s Got Bhangra will be at New Wimbledon Theatre from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October. To book tickets, visit Terms and conditions: The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon or call 0844 871 7646* booking fee included in this prize. The competition is for one group applies. For your chance to win a family ticket for four, simply answer ticket (four tickets) to see Britain’s Got Bhangra at New Wimbledon Theatre, valid on any performance between the following question: Monday 28 September–Thursday 1 October. © David Fisher © David

Buy a home on the open market with shared ownership - part buy part rent

You choose a home from the open market and buy an affordable share. The rest is funded by Moat and the Greater London Authority. Exclusively available to Londoners who want to buy a new build or new conversion property in Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lewisham, Merton or Southwark. And if you’re also a social tenant* you can choose to purchase a second hand property. With only limited funding available, don’t miss out! For more information visit our website ahomeofmyown.org.uk or call Vikki on 0845 359 6873 or email [email protected]

* Social tenants are people with an assured, secured or fixed term tenancy with a local authority or housing association. Further eligibility criteria apply. Intermediate or discounted rent tenancies do not qualify for social tenant status. The market value of your property can go down as well as up. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage, rent or other loans secured on it. Moat Homes Limited is a charitable housing association. 4/15

London advert 186mm x 131mm.indd 1 15/04/2015 08:05 feature

Merton – the place for business 15 Merton means business Merton is officially London’s number one small-business friendly borough. The council received the accolade from the Federation of Small Businesses last year, in recognition of the high level of support and advice provided to start-ups and existing businesses. My Merton finds out more.

here are over 5,000 businesses operating in the borough from small traders, shops and cafés to the Theadquarters of international companies. They form the lifeblood of the borough, providing jobs for more than 75,000 people, and the council has committed to support them through the difficult economic climate of the past few years. Working with partners including the Chamber of Commerce, the council has invested £600k in its Merton Business Support Service (MBSS) to help create and sustain business and jobs. The service’s experienced consultants and advisors help Leader of Merton Council, Councillor new and expanding businesses with issues Stephen Alambritis with Wimbletech founder, David Fletcher. including law, tax, marketing and strategy as well as providing opportunities for networking and training. we launched a year ago, Wimbletech, with Merton’s business loans scheme can also incredible support from Future Merton and provide the finance which small businesses the library, has created a sustainable home Need may struggle to access from traditional for start-ups and co-workers in the borough lenders. Loans of between £10,000 and that has provided jobs, training and free business £22,000 may be available to businesses community events.” with the potential to grow and smaller With an eye to the future the council also micro grants may be available to help works with Merton Chamber of Commerce support? people starting out. to boost apprenticeships in the borough. As well as financial support, the council’s Their Take One scheme encourages Merton Chamber of Commerce Future Merton team play a key role advising businesses of all kinds to pledge to ‘take (MCC) is on hand to give local businesses. One company to benefit is one’ young person on as an intern or your business a boost with Wimbletech, a hub and rental space for apprentice and provides the support to technology start-ups, based in Wimbledon make the placement a success. So far over business planning and growth. Library. Wimbletech was set up by local 100 young people have successfully For more information about entrepreneur David Fletcher who received completed an apprenticeship in Merton. membership with the MCC support from the council. He said, “Since and to see case studies about businesses who have had great success since joining, visit www.mertonchamber.co.uk

find out more: MBSS helpdesk on 020 8619 0700, (l-r) Cllr Stephen Alambritis with the council’s programme email [email protected] manager for business and economy, Sara Williams; Regional or visit www.mertonchamber.co.uk/ Chairman of the Federation of Small Business, Steve Warwick merton-business-support-service and the council’s business growth officer Eric Orsei

16 many of themare free. on your doorstep, and the best outof summer top ten ways of getting Here’s ourguideto the great outdoors. get ready to enjoy the something more active, it’s afamily picnicor Common. So whether the wildsof Mitcham natural Wandle Trail, to Wimbledon Park to the the borough, from sporty gardens dotted around more than100parks and green space. You’ll find too far from arelaxing Merton, you’re never Wherever you live in Ten steps to afeel-good summer Summer inMerton feature paddling poolisopenalready. the summerholidays.WimbledonPark open from10amto5pmeverydayof recreation ground,Mitcham.Allare Wimbledon ParkandTamworth super interactivewaterplayareas,in Merton hassixpaddlingpoolsandtwo

muscle tone in the fresh air. muscle toneinthefreshair. add ittoajog,buildstaminaand of thegymsintoyourtrainingroutineor chest andlegpresses.Workavisittoone Equipment includescrosstrainersand Pollards HillandMostynGardens. gyms atlocationsincludingFiggesMarsh, Get fitforfreewithMerton’snineoutdoor 1 Flex your muscles and guidedsummercyclerides. are alsofreeclassesinbikemaintenance whatever yourlevelofexperience. There fun andgreenformoftransport, you thebikeconfidencetoenjoythis have arangeoffreeschemestogive For anyonenotsureaboutcyclingwe two wheels 4 the CanonsLeisureCentre. netball andthemulti-usegamesareaat Dundonald Recequippedfortennisor the multi-purposegamesareaat volley ballandlacrosse.Newthisyearis range ofsportsincludingsoftball,beach pitch. Merton’sparkscaterforawide while, callupafewmatesandbook If youhaven’tplayedteamsportsfora 2 Take to Team effort

Ten steps to afeel-good summer

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 get expertcoachinginwritingasong. creative learntosewyourselfabagor kayaking ago.Forsomethingmore leave drylandbehindandgivesailingor such asgolf,BMXorhorseriding across theborough.Tryanewsport Merton ActivePluscoursesatvenues a summerholidaytorememberwith Young peopleagedeightto16canhave something new 9 Try accompanied by a fireworks show. accompanied byafireworksshow. Stratford willperformpopularclassics London Sinfonia,conductedbyStuart 11 and12September.TheCityof transformed intoamusicalarenaon Wimbledon Park’sathleticsstadiumis Enjoy anoutdoorspectacularwhen in thepark 5

Classics Classics

will beprizesandchallengesalongtheway. groups andworkplacescansignupthere to takepart,everystepcounts.Individuals, you burn.Youdon’thavetobeafitnessfanatic track howmanymilesyoutravelandcalories the freeYompapponyoursmartphoneand your walks,jogsandcycleridesbydownloading wide campaigntogetresidentsactive.Measure Merton ontheMove,council’sborough- from theearthtomoon!Takepartin This summerhelpMertontravelthedistance including instruction. sailing sessionsforjust£15an hour in termtimetopayandplayfamily from over50s’sailingeachWednesday something new,whateveryourage– the widerangeofopportunitiestotry is definitelytheplacetostart.Checkout rapids, WimbledonWatersportsCentre on thehighseasorcanoeingdown If you’veeverfanciedcharteringaboat 7 the moon Travel to Three KingsPieceinAugust. It willbetakingplaceasusualat borough sinceElizabethantimes. has beenasummerfixtureinthe Mitcham’s historicStatusFair 6 of thefair All the fun Allthefun and wild Wet Wet 10 l Find outmore l l l l l l l or allyou needto know aboutour wnload theMerton ontheMove or bowls goto merton.gov.uk/bowls or active plusgoto or thewatersports centre visit or classics intheparkgoto pitchesor sports goto or cycle training visit green spaces visitmerton.gov.uk/parks F Do F F F F F F or visitmerton.yomp.co app from theAppStore orGooglePlay or call 020 8545 3667 booking.merton.gov.uk/active-plus wimbledon-park-watersports-centre booking.merton.gov.uk/ merton.gov.uk/classicsinthepark booking.merton.gov.uk/pitches www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/merton Check online to find out your nearest one. Check onlinetofindoutyournearestone. bowling greensacrosstheborough. new people.Thereareanumberof by joiningalocalclub,you’llquicklymeet to learn,getsyououtinthefreshairand, Bowls isagreatsportforallages.It’seasy Summer inMerton 8

Bowled over feature

Girl in tree © MNStudio, Dreamstime.com 17 history

18 Lavender fields of Mitcham

Lavender fields forever Late summer visitors to Victorian Mitcham would have been greeted with the sight of the fields of blue lavender that give one of the borough’s wards its name. You can also see a couple of sprigs of the plant in Merton’s official coat of arms!

avender had been grown Dried lavender was sold in markets, around Mitcham, Sutton and door-to-door and on the streets Croydon for centuries – since by female flower sellers, calling L1500 in fact. But it was in the ‘buy my sweet lavender, sweet 19th century that the trade had its blooming lavender, sixteen bunches heyday when Queen Victoria’s love of a penny’. the scent meant fashionable Londoners Most of Mitcham’s lavender found couldn’t get enough. Acres of lavender its way to the Potter and Moore were harvested between July and distillery, established beside Figges September by agricultural workers who Marsh in 1749 by Ephraim Potter were paid as little as 40p a week for a and William Moore. When William’s 14 hour-a-day stint in the fields. grandson, James, took over the other fragrant plants including They would cut the lavender, then perfumery he bought up more land in peppermint, chamomile and rose. bundle it loosely to be dried or have the area and by 1900 the company had After the death of James Moore’s son its perfumed oil extracted. more than 500 acres of lavender and in 1885 the estate was divided up and the company bought by W J Bush, who continued to make perfumes and cosmetics from the site. The business was sold on in the 1960s but the name Potter and Moore still exists today, manufacturing cosmetics from a base near Peterborough. Over time the lavender fields were built upon for housing, making way for London’s growing suburbs (the site of the original factory is now occupied by houses on Eveline Road). Lavender Fields ward was created in 1965 with the rest of Merton borough, taking a name that draws on this fascinating part of the borough’s heritage.

feature

Merton’s Golden Jubilee 19 Merton 50 years on As events take place to mark 50 years of Merton borough, My Merton looks back at the tasks facing the new council in 1965 and ask how things might be different in 50 years’ time.

erton Council was joining with partners to share services established in April 1965, or seeking to attract external funding. Morden 50 years ago along with the 31 other Other factors are changing the way MLondon Boroughs and the the council works too. In 1965 life Greater London Council (GLC). While expectancy in Britain was 71 but today the GLC was responsible for fire and it’s 81, and rising. This ageing ambulances services, roads and population will mean adult social care sewerage, the boroughs’ responsibilities will place growing demands on the lay with libraries, refuse collection, council budgets and increase the need swimming baths and public health. to work closely with the NHS. Merton shared responsibility for housing In 1965 climate change was unheard and traffic with the GLC, and as an outer of. Now sustainability is a key factor in London borough also ran its own schools. how we plan and deliver services with The Merton archives from 1965 show recycling high on our agenda and the priorities of the new council were improvements for cyclists crucial to similar to today. New libraries for future transport policy. And who’d have Raynes Park, Colliers Wood and thought in 1965 that so many of our Pollards Hill were planned, a housing services would be provided remotely? shortage was driving a need for homes Online access to services is something How Morden could and there was a focus on school that can only help the council grow in look in the future expansion and older people’s welfare. efficiency as it moves towards its next While the concerns might be the 50 years. same in 2015, our means of delivering It is right that we celebrate all that services has changed. People’s concerns we have achieved as a borough over the have not changed over the decades but last 50 years, including our excellent the ever changing social and financial libraries, schools and parks. There are landscape means changing the way we challenges to come as the shape of deliver services. Reductions in funding local government changes dramatically from central government and the need due to funding reductions and an to protect residents from council tax ageing population. However in Merton rises have seen the council focus on we will use our business-like approach working in a more business like way. to continue to provide affordable This involves finding different ways to services that our residents need the deliver services by getting the best value most for the next 50 years, for money and, where it makes sense, and beyond.

The Nelson Health Centre Better healthcare closer to home

A modern NHS facility providing health services for the local community

Opened on 1 April, the Nelson Health Centre is a spacious, modern environment allowing more people to be seen, diagnosed and treated closer to home. The centre brings a wide range of health services together in one place, designed to provide the highest standards of care to local residents. Services include x-ray, ultrasound and blood tests outpatient clinics and minor procedures How to find us

Wilton Grove outpatient physiotherapy, podiatry Wilton Crescent

Cliveden Road and diabetic renal screening Avebury Road A238 South Wimbledon Rayleigh Road Underground Station Merton Park assessment and investigation services Dorset Road Tramlink Stop Wimbledon Chase community mental health services Primary School Merton Hall Road Henfield Road Langley Road

Mostyn Road Kingston Road Morden Road Opening hours are Tramslink Stop

Quintin Ave Sheridan Road 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and Richmond Ave Chatsworth Ave Church Lane

Sandringham Ave

The Rush 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. Sheridan Road The Nelson The Nelson Health Centre Health Centre Melrose Road

Poplar Road

Chaseside Ave e n Church Path a

Kingston Road A238 y Mostyn Road Manor Gardens r Cannon Hill Lane e t Wimbledon a W

Chase SW20 8DA

John Innes oad or R Park 020 3668 3300 Man Erridge Road

www.mertonccg.nhs.uk/Nelson

RD3850 NHS Merton CCG Advert FIN.indd 1 08/06/2015 17:28 Community safety

Stay safe and healthy this summer 21 Watch your brews in The Nelson Health Centre the summer breeze Whether it’s a barbecue in the back garden, a country picnic or a day Better healthcare closer to home at the beach, there’s nothing quite like eating outdoors. My Merton gets the lowdown on safe stays in the sun. A modern NHS Stay safe, facility providing get help Alcohol can also be a factor behind health services for incidents of domestic violence, which some evidence shows increases during the summer months and at the local community holiday times. Domestic abuse isn’t always a physical attack but can involve intimidation and psychological Opened on 1 April, the Nelson Health Centre bullying too. Merton’s One Stop Shop is a spacious, modern environment allowing is a confidential service, available on more people to be seen, diagnosed and Mondays from 9.30am to 12.30pm at treated closer to home. The centre brings a Morden Baptist Church, SM4 5BL (closed bank holidays). At other times wide range of health services together in call Merton Victim Support on 020 one place, designed to provide the highest 7801 1777 or the National Domestic standards of care to local residents. Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency call 999. Services include

x-ray, ultrasound and blood tests Dreamstime.com © Warrengoldswain, outpatient clinics and minor procedures How to find us

Wilton Grove e all like eating outdoors in Caffeine may help combat drowsiness, outpatient physiotherapy, podiatry Wilton Crescent the sun. For many of us a but not the effects of alcohol on Cliveden Road and diabetic renal screening Avebury Road A238 South Wimbledon Rayleigh Road cold beer, chilled glass of decision-making and coordination. Underground Station Merton Park Dorset Road assessment and investigation services Tramlink Stop wine or fruity cocktail is the l Drink can have other dangerous effects Wimbledon Chase Primary School W community mental health services icing on the cake, but too much alcohol too, impairing your judgement and Merton Hall Road Henfield Road Langley Road and heat don’t mix. Hot weather can lead making risk taking more likely.

Mostyn Road Kingston Road Morden Road Opening hours are Tramslink Stop to dehydration and alcohol increases the Swimming and alcohol don’t mix and Quintin Ave Sheridan Road 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and Richmond Ave effects. The end result could be heat avoid drinking while in charge of the Chatsworth Ave Church Lane

Sandringham Ave

The Rush 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. Sheridan Road stroke. As the weather warms up, it’s barbecue. Dreamstime.com © Lightpoet, l The Nelson important to keep an eye on alcohol If partying outdoors remember to apply The Nelson Health Centre Health Centre Melrose Road consumption and keep hydrated by your sun cream first – it’s easy to forget

Poplar Road

Chaseside Ave e n Church Path a If you are concerned L alternating alcohol with thirst quenching after a few drinks, and try and stick to Kingston Road A238 y Mostyn Road Manor Gardens r Cannon Hill Lane e t Wimbledon a about your own or W soft drinks. Here are some tips to keep the shade.

Chase SW20 8DA

l John Innes you safe and healthy this summer: Be careful with cocktails – the amount someone else’s drinking you ad Ro 020 3668 3300 anor Park Erridge Road M l Don’t drink and drive – if you’re the of spirits in drinks mixed by friends can get help by calling the designated driver, stick to soft drinks or while holidaying abroad can be Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team at and water or book a cab. much larger than British pub measures. The Wilson Hospital on www.mertonccg.nhs.uk/Nelson l If you’ve had a lot to drink you may not If you’re mixing the cocktails yourself, 020 8687 4666 be safe to drive the following day and boost the fruit juices and keep the it’s a myth that coffee will sober you up. alcohol content low.

RD3850 NHS Merton CCG Advert FIN.indd 1 08/06/2015 17:28 MERTON COUNCIL

Businesses, schools and organisations that have pledged to love their street

Businesses ABC Grocery and Butchers, Morden Cafe D’Oro, Morden Easy Tan, Morden eddisonwhite, Colliers Wood eddisonwhite, Wimbledon Ganley’s Irish Bar, Morden Jose’s Café, Morden Kebaby, Morden KFC, Morden Morden Dry Cleaners Paddy Power, Morden P J Harvey & Co Ltd Locksmiths, Morden Robert Dyas, Wimbledon The Generator Business Centre, Mitcham The Old Frizzle, Wimbledon Timmy All In One, Morden Village Café, Morden

Schools Beecholme Primary School Dundonald Primary School Haslemere Primary School ge to lo Hatfeild Primary School d ve dge to lov Hillcross Primary School le y le e Holy Trinity CE Primary School P ou P yo Malmesbury Primary School r ... ur .. Poplar Primary School street street. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School The Priory C of E Primary School Wimbledon Chase Primary School Thanks to the Love Your Street Organisations Merton Chamber of Commerce campaign sponsor Sustainable Merton eddisonwhite Thanks to all the residents who have signed up so far. Show your support by signing the pledge at: merton.gov.uk/LoveYourStreet Residents who sign up are in with a chance to win a £100 One4all voucher.

merton.gov.uk/loveyourstreet 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 working life

Merton’s longest serving employee 23 Businesses, schools and organisations that have pledged to love their street Merton’s Businesses ABC Grocery and Butchers, Morden Cafe D’Oro, Morden Easy Tan, Morden longest eddisonwhite, Colliers Wood eddisonwhite, Wimbledon Ganley’s Irish Bar, Morden Jose’s Café, Morden Kebaby, Morden serving KFC, Morden Morden Dry Cleaners Paddy Power, Morden P J Harvey & Co Ltd Locksmiths, Morden employee Robert Dyas, Wimbledon The Generator Business Centre, Mitcham The Old Frizzle, Wimbledon Merton’s longest Timmy All In One, Morden Village Café, Morden serving member

Schools of staff, Lew Block, Beecholme Primary School Dundonald Primary School talks to My Merton Haslemere Primary School about his 50 years ge to lo Hatfeild Primary School d ve dge to lov Hillcross Primary School at the council and le y le e Holy Trinity CE Primary School P ou P yo Malmesbury Primary School how things have r ... ur .. Poplar Primary School changed over the street street. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School The Priory C of E Primary School last half a century. Wimbledon Chase Primary School Thanks to the Love Your Street Organisations ew’s career at Merton has Merton Chamber of Commerce seen him start at the tender campaign sponsor Sustainable Merton eddisonwhite age of 17 on the front line as Thanks to all the residents who have La driver and gardener with the signed up so far. Show your support by parks, allotment and cemeteries signing the pledge at: department and work his way up to look merton.gov.uk/LoveYourStreet after how Merton’s ground and highway “I love meeting Residents who sign up are in with a verges are maintained. “I really enjoyed my Lew Block chance to win a £100 One4all voucher. first day at Merton, it was sunny and I residents and helping them with any loved working hard out in the open” remembers Lew. “After my first job, I had problems they see the duty of looking after the mobile team on the green areas who drive around the borough to tidy and along the highways.” maintain the grass verges and green areas Lew Block along the public highways as well as taking care of all the borough’s school grounds. I liked this job as we got out and about and like way about our work. We’ve had a lot time, I still like coming to work and made sure the borough looked clean and less money from the government so we meeting different people through my job.” tidy. I started my current role as Grounds need to focus on the things that really Picking a highlight from such a long Maintenance Officer in 1984 after working matter to residents.” career is tricky but Lew says that a top my way up through the ranks.” Throughout the years, and like any job, memory for him was driving a float as part With a half a century experience under Lew’s role has had its ups and downs but of the Merton Shows years ago where all of his belt, Lew has seen a lot of change over the highlight for him is helping people the community got involved. His ultimate the last 50 years. “I’ve had to adapt quite a every day. “I love meeting residents and highlight though is meeting his wife, lot over the years which hasn’t always helping them with any problems they see “I met my wife during my time at Merton been easy”, he says. “When I started, on the green areas along the highways. as she also worked as part of the Parks, everything we did was written in notepads Over the past 50 years, I’ve also really Cemeteries and Allotments department. So and now I use IT. Teams are smaller now enjoyed working alongside many this year has two big anniversaries for me and we have to think in a more business- dedicated colleagues and after all this – I’m 45 years married and 50 at Merton!” merton.gov.uk/loveyourstreet 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

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

Basic cycle maintenance Motor bike and moped courses Adult cycle training training for adults Be a brighter biker, for learner riders Free adult cycle training for beginners, A half day session held once a month Free classroom session and CBT refreshers and commuters on at local venues. Bike Safe, for experienced riders. A free Saturday mornings in Morden. We can even provide a bicycle for you to For more information please contact: training day for experienced riders provided by the police. use if you haven’t got your own. Further details and application Please type cycle maintenance in the Further details and application form available on: subject heading. form available on: 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 COUNCIL Free children and adult courses

n your et o bik mer SummerG holiday courses for children e this sum Adult beginner, improver and commuter level courses Dr Bike sessions offering advice, minor repairs and MOT’s Public bike maintenance courses (chargeable)

For more information and booking visit:

cycleconfident.comMerton – 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

Drive4life Pre-learner driving skills course Children’s cycle training 25 For 17-24 year olds with a provisional car Merton provides free ‘on road’ cycle training our free session can return you to driving license. Free 3 hour theory session for children age 10+ at Merton schools followed by 3 free driving lessons. during school term, and Easter and summer 55 years and over. what’son Application form available on: holidays. Your comprehensive guide to what’s happening in Merton. merton.gov.uk/events For more information visit: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety Further details and application merton.gov.uk/drive4life form available on: COLLIERS WOOD MITCHAM MORDEN RAYNES PARK WIMBLEDON/MERTON

Basic cycle maintenance Motor bike and moped courses Adult cycle training training for adults Be a brighter biker, for learner riders Free adult cycle training for beginners, Arts and entertainment A half day session held once a month Free classroom session and CBT refreshers and commuters on New Wimbledon Theatre at local venues. Bike Safe, for experienced riders. A free Saturday mornings in Morden. l RideLondon We can even provide a bicycle for you to For more information please contact: training day for experienced riders provided by Street Party 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG the police. use if you haven’t got your own. Monday 10 August Book online www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon Further details and application Please type cycle maintenance in the Further details and application Wimbledon Hill Road. form available on: Telephone booking 0844 871 7646 subject heading. form available on: As RideLondon cyclists Group bookings 0844 871 7696 merton.gov.uk/roadsafety speed through Wimbledon Access bookings 0844 871 7677 Town Centre, Love All events and training are funded in conjunction with Transport for London and are available to those who live, work or study Wimbledon will be l Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom in the London Borough of Merton. l Big Screen Tennis cheering them along and l Autumn 11 and 12 August, 10am, 1pm, 4pm Alternatively, please contact us for more information: 29 June–12 July celebrating with a street Arts Festival Tickets Love Wimbledon’s Big party. With help from Love Wimbledon will be £16.40– Contact: Future Merton, London Borough of Merton,12th Floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX Screen returns to The surrounding businesses, celebrating the great arts £18.40. Telephone: 020 8545 3205 / 06 Piazza (outside Morrisons) there will be lots of fun and culture in Merton Holly is a Email: [email protected] this summer screening activities planned from during three weekends in young Fairy Web: merton.gov.uk/roadsafety The Wimbledon Tennis live music, face painting to September. Meet the Princess, Championships live. The street food – come along Merton Arts Trail team who is merton.gov.uk/roadsafety special ‘court’ on The and help us cheer on those and get creative on The learning how Piazza will be equipped brave cyclists. Free. Piazza during the weekend to fly and with astroturf summer find out more of 12 and 13 September. her magic lawn and deckchairs. www.lovewimbledon.org Purchase art from local doesn’t Relax and soak up the artists and designers at the always go MERTON COUNCIL sun whilst watching the Arts Market on The Piazza according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, Free children world’s tennis heroes on the weekend of 19 and doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but and adult battle it out live for free. 20 September. And get he can fly on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. Ben find out more booky with Wimbledon and Holly have fun helping Gaston the Ladybird courses www.lovewimbledon.org Bookfest on The Piazza; clean up his messy cave, plan a surprise birthday weekend of 26 and 27 party for King Thistle, and get involved in another September. Free. jelly flood! Join them on this enchanting musical find out more adventure packed full of games, songs and www.lovewimbledon.org laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses

l Alice in Wonderland Every Saturday and Sunday in June, 2pm and 4pm Alice disappears down that rabbit hole again for some mad adventures in the strange and magical world of l Blood Brothers your Wonderland. The Colour House 8–12 September, 2.30pm, 7pm on b er children’s theatre pulls the rabbit Tickets £13.15–£41.65. Written by Willy Russell, et ik m from the hat in this wonderful musical the legendary Blood Brothers tells the moving tale SummerG holiday courses for children e this sum adaptation of this famous tale. Alice in Wonderland is a classic for the whole of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on Adult beginner, improver and commuter level courses family to enjoy! Tickets: £10 adults, £8 child. opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again find out more 020 8542 5511; www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk/rebrand Dr Bike sessions offering advice, minor repairs and MOT’s with fateful consequences. Public bike maintenance courses (chargeable)

For more information and booking visit: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH • SENIOR CITIZENS • FAMILY • HEALTH & FITNESS • WALKS & TALKS • FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS cycleconfident.comMerton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

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Here’s a selection of what’s l ‘A Time of stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: Anniversaries’ at Cranleigh Live Wandle Industrial 1 Cranleigh Road, Merton Park, SW19 3LX MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE Museum From 17 June, l Shindig Saturdays A good catch Wednesday 1–4pm Saturday 25 July and by Fern Britton and Sunday 2–5pm Saturday 26 September, A witty novel from the best-selling Vestry Hall Annexe, 2–11pm author and TV presenter, Fern London Road, Mitcham, From Centre Court to Britton. Set in a Cornish fishing Surrey CR4 3UD. Centre Stage – live music, village, four young people are the The Wandle Industrial fun and games and main players in this portrayal of Museum is opening a on-court tennis for all the families and their secrets. The young don’t always new exhibition for 2015. family! Pimms, make the right choices and with domineering fathers Come and take a look at strawberries and cream

and big profits at stake they bend to the inevitable. the many anniversaries Dreamstime.com Stitt, © Jason will be served from 2pm With every action having its consequences, this that are being celebrated followed by a BBQ from 4pm. At 7pm we open the follows their lives through misunderstandings, huge this year, including Shindig stage as 4-Stroke hosts an open mic session. secrets and the sad effect of mistaken parentage. Merton’s 50th and many Donations on the door. more events that have Other books: taken place over the last demonstrations. Junior l “Cheeze and • The turning point – 200 years. Tickets: 50p Sumo Suits, soft play area, Whine” by Colliers Freya North adults; 20p concessions Deen City Farm animals, Wood Chorus and • Piranha – Clive Cussler and children. African drumming and Immediate Voices • Legacy of Greyladies – find out more many more. International Saturday 19 July, 7pm Anna Jacobs 020 8648 0127 food is available for a Christ Church, • Daughter of the house – Rosie Thomas [email protected] small charge. Christchurch Road, Colliers find out more Wood. After the great NEW DVDS: MY MERTON RECOMMENDS l Morden Park 020 8648 3740 success of last year’s WWI Choral Society [email protected] commemoration concert, The theory of everything presents Yankee a light-hearted programme This is the extraordinary story of Doodle Dandee l Carlton Theatre in anticipation of the the most brilliant and celebrated Saturday 4 July, Group presents summer holidays. Cheezy physicist of our time, Stephen 7.30pm Northanger Abbey schmaltz, Disney classics, Hawking and Jane Wilde, the arts St John the Devine, at New Wimbledon and re-imaginings of pop student he fell in love with whilst High Path, Merton. Studio Theatre songs. Unusual choral studying at Cambridge in the A programme of 11–15 August, 7.45pm music with a chance to 1960s. At the tender age of 21 American music for with a Saturday quaff Cabernet and crunch he was diagnosed with the fatal American Independence matinee at 3pm Camembert with the choirs illness Lou Gehrig’s disease. Over the course of day. £10, £6 concessions, find out more afterwards. Cost: £5. their marriage as Stephen’s body collapsed and his including wine. www.atgtickets.com/shows/ find out more academic renown soared, fault lines were exposed find out more northanger-abbey/ 020 8543 2179 that tested the lineaments of their relationship and 020 8648 6445 new-wimbledon-studio [email protected] dramatically altered the course of both of their lives. A tear jerking must see film. l International Day at South Mitcham Merton Arts Trail Other DVDs: Community Centre • Testament of youth Saturday 25 July, September 19, 20, 26, 27, 11am–6pm • Into the woods 12–4pm Local artists open their homes and studios to public • Birdman Cobham Court, to showcase their latest art works in this community Haslemere Avenue, festival of the arts in Merton. Merton Arts Trail Mitcham CR4 3PR. invites Merton to Get Creative. Free. For more information on books, borrowing Come along for a fun find out more eBooks and DVDs, visit merton.gov.uk/libraries day at rock terrace, lots www.mertonartstrail.org of activities, music and

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Polka Theatre Health and fitness 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB l Back to Netball Box office: 020 8543 4888 Back to Netball is a www.polkatheatre.com re-introduction to the sport for ladies of all ages. l STATIk Sessions are coach-led 1–5 July and cover the basics from It’s Mikey’s first day at work in the chest passes to footwork. regimented radio factory. Wearing Whether it is about his new uniform he joins the rediscovering sporting

signal-fixers, preparing radio abilities you forgot you Manuel Gelpi Diaz, Dreamstime.com © Jose transmitters. But when a mysterious had or just meeting a find out more voice unexpectedly comes through group of like-minded 07740 194200 l The Bockety World of the airwaves, chaos ensues and it ladies, these sessions www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/OpenDays Henry and Bucket brings about the hilarious destruction cater for all abilities. [email protected] 10 June–14 June of the factory regime. Energetic The writer of Grandad, Me and clowning and a vibrant soundtrack l Take on an Teddy Too explores friendship in this in a show about breaking the mould, allotment plot humorous play. Henry and Bucket inspired by the wisdom of children. Want to grow your own are best pals, although sometimes Tickets £13.50, concessions £10. fruit and vegetables and you wouldn’t think so! Like all good keep fit too, then try an friends they have their ups and downs. l Dot, Squiggle and Rest allotment! Martin Way But as long as these two are together, 26 June–16 August Allotments currently have transforming their dusty, battered Join us on an adventure, as a garden Monday 7–8pm plots available and would and bockety world into a place of becomes a miniature universe of St Marks Academy, welcome new members. wonder, their adventures can take dots, squiggles and sounds of all Mitcham (free). We are located on both them anywhere! Tickets £13.50, different shapes. What will you Wednesday sides of Martin Way, concessions £10. discover at the bottom of the garden? 9.30–10.30am Raynes Park, sandwiched Meet a singing box and a dancing Wimbledon Park, between Whatley Avenue prism, follow footprints along a Wimbledon (£4). and Bushey Road. Our site twisting path and find creatures that 6.15–7.15pm covers some 11 acres and wiggle and squiggle. In collaboration Ursuline High School, has over 280 plots of with the Royal Opera House this Wimbledon (£4). different sizes cultivated show, live music and puppetry will 7.30–8.30pm by a wide range of local draw young audiences into a world Raynes Park people. We have a small of music and play. Tickets £11.50, High School (£4). shop which sells seeds and concessions £9. find out more other items useful to l Puss in Boots 07872 407212 plot-holders, and we hold 17–28 June l Gorilla 07860 515185 several social events each Meet the moggy who transforms his 17 July–16 August [email protected] year, ranging from plant master from a pauper to a prince! Would It’s the night before Hannah’s sales to pumpkin festivals. you trust a talking cat? You never know, birthday and something amazing l Summer Enquiries to maga@ he might turn you from a pauper to a is about to happen. When her toy Tennis Camps allotment.me.uk prince just like the hero of Puss in gorilla comes to life, dressed in her from 20 July, Boots, brought to vivid life by Patrick father’s coat and hat, they embark 10am–11am (3-4 years), Lynch. With smoke and mirrors on a moonlit adventure. The world’s 10am–1pm (5+), discover how this sure-footed feline fools friendliest gorilla takes to the 10am–4pm (5+) the King and the Ogre to put his master main theatre this summer, as Our holiday camps are a lot at the top. With a host of puppets, Polka’s sell-out show returns. of fun and a great place for a windmill and an avalanche of fruit Tickets £13.50, concessions £10. children to start playing come and see this classic furry tale! tennis and to improve their Tickets £13.50, concessions £10. game with an intensive

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l Merton Bowling Club l Ridgway stables Every Wednesday 6–8pm ending 15 July Starting 14 July Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, Martin Way, until end of August Merton SW20 9BX. We are looking to inspire There are plenty of people to take up the sport or become social opportunities to ride over members. The age group is 15 to 90 plus and we the summer with our four would encourage all abilities to come along. day Merton Active Plus Please wear flat shoes. Free. Courses. Children from find out more 8 to 16 can learn to ride 020 8641 8070 or 07971 582695 and look after the horses. [email protected] Open to all standards. find out more l Wimbledon Park Bowls Club 020 8946 7400 A sociable class open to l Merton Active Plus Every Saturday 11am–12.30pm www.merton.gov.uk/ new members ranging Keep your kids busy this activeplus from teenagers to seniors. summer holiday by Kilts are not mandatory booking them on a Merton l South Mitcham but soft shoes are Active Plus course. There Community Centre recommended. Have fun are plenty of fun activities Cobham Court, and give it a try. £4.50 from squash to badminton, Haslemere Avenue, for non-members, hand craft workshops and Mitcham CR4 3PR. refreshments included. kayaking for young people Zumba Class find out more aged 8 to 16. Every Tuesday, 7–8pm 020 8540 1755 find out more Lose weight and tone up www.standrewsoclondon.netne.net merton.gov.uk/activeplus with this energetic fitness Wimbledon Park, SW19 7HX. Wimbledon Park group. Cost: £4. Bowls Club, voted third best club in England in Yoga fitness group Hercules Wimbledon AC 2014, are holding taster sessions each Saturday Every Wednesday, Track and Field Headquarters, until the end of September for free. 5–6pm Wimbledon Park SW19 7HX find out more Stretch and 020 8265 5475; www.wimbledonparkbowls.co.uk strengthen l Tuesdays and Thursdays with [email protected] core UK Athletics coaches 6.30–7.30pm muscles. 11–14 years, 7pm–8.45pm older age groups l Merton Park Bowls Club Cost: £4. HWAC provides training and competition for all Come and Try evenings, every Wednesday Pilates Armianu, Dreamstime.com © Valentin ages and abilities 10 years upwards-novice to until August, 6pm–dusk fitness international. Our teams compete in a variety of John Innes Park, Mostyn Rd, SW19 3LL. Please group leagues throughout the year. Cost: members wear flat shoes, bowls are available. Coaching will Every £2 per session, be provided. First night free then £5 per session. Saturday, non-members 9.45–10.45am £5 per session. l Open days at Mitcham Bowling Club Improve flexibility and Annual Sunday 5 July, Sunday 12 July, 1–6pm strengthen core muscles. subscriptions: The Canons, Madeira Road, Mitcham, Surrey, Cost: £3. adults over 19 £20 CR4 4EG. Mitcham Bowling Club seeks new find out more per year, under 19

members and welcomes new bowlers to our green 020 8648 3740 £15 per year. Lah, Dreamstime.com Che\’ © Shariff in July to try out this exiting sport. Why not take [email protected] time to have some fun? We provide bowls. Just turn l Tempo run of between 5–10k up and wear flat shoes! l Scottish Lauriston Cottage, 6a Southside (Wimbledon find out more 020 8640 8370 Country Dancing Common) SW19 4TG. Wednesdays 7pm Tuesdays evenings All abilities welcome. Free showers and toilets, Visit merton.gov.uk/bowling_greens to find out more about the borough’s many 8–10.30pm separate for women. bowling greens. Follow Merton Bowlers Holy Trinity Church Hall, find out more on Twitter @MertonBowler 234 The Broadway, 020 8337 8707; www.herculeswimbledonac.org Wimbledon, SW19 1SB.

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Senior citizens Family events l Celebrating Age l Going for a song l Summer School – Wandle Trail walk Wednesdays 1–2pm The Enormous Turnip Free Kids First events Saturday 19 September, Vestry Hall, Cricket 3–7 August, 9am–12.30pm Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, 2.30pm Green, Mitcham, St Marys Church Hall, Morden, SM4 6PX Mitcham Tram Stop. CR4 3UD. Do you Church Path, Merton Walk from Mitcham enjoy singing? Want to Park, SW19 3HJ. A fun to Carshalton Ponds. improve your voice? week-long programme for Includes a visit to the newly Want to meet new 3–6 year olds. Students opened Watermeads people? No audition, play games while working and Beddington Park just come along and on a mini musical ready (stop at Pavilion Café for join in. Only £3.50 for performance to friends refreshments). 3–4 miles, per session. and family. easy, linear. find out more find out more find out more 020 8640 6800 or email 07952 127021 07944 833605 [email protected] www.reflectproductions.co.uk

l Guided tours at l Merton Vision Could you cross a road? l Aspirations and Outcomes for Southside House Open Day Come and find out what Education, Health and Care Plans Opens on Wednesdays, Celebrating 50 years information and help we (EHCPs) Saturdays, Sundays and Saturday 26 September, provide for people who are with Paula Jewes, EHCP Consultant bank holiday Mondays, 12–5pm blind or partially sighted. Friday 19 June, 10am–12pm 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Would you know how to find out more Statements are changing to EHCPs over the next make a cup of tea safely if 020 8540 5446 three years and need to contain ‘outcomes’ for your you couldn’t see? [email protected] child or young person. Schools will also plan their SEN support using outcomes. Come and find out what an outcome is, how it is different from an aspiration, output or provision, and how do we Community Forums know if they are the right ones for our children.

Merton’s Community Forums are for any residents l Coping with Stress, Relaxation 3–4 Woodhayes Road, interested in their local area. It’s a chance to and Confidence Building Wimbledon Common, raise any issues. These will be taken up by the with Janey Bell, Professional Trainer in Neuro- London SW19 4RJ. organisation responsible to follow up and report Linquistic Programming Southside House back on how problems are solved. The dates for Thursday 2 July, 10am–2pm (lunch included) provides an eccentric the next series of forums are as follows: Learn stress management, coping skills and backdrop to the lives relaxation techniques. and loves of generations l Wimbledon Community Forum of the Pennington Tuesday 22 September l Talk with a paediatrician Mellor Munthe families. Trinity URC Church, Mansel Road, from 6.30pm. Dr Serena Haywood, Maintained in traditional l Raynes Park Community Forum Consultant Paediatrician style without intrusive Thursday 1 October Raynes Park Library, 6.30pm. Wednesday 23 refurbishment and l Morden Community Forum September, 10am–12pm crowded with family Thursday 8 October Council Chamber, 6.30pm. Dr Haywood has expertise possessions of centuries, l Mitcham Community Forum in early diagnosis, attention Southside offers a wealth Tuesday 13 October Vestry Hall, 6.30pm. disorders such as ADHD of fascinating family l Colliers Wood Community Forum and other challenging stories. Tickets: £9. Tuesday 20 October behaviours. Come along

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Free Kids First events Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, Morden, SM4 6PX

l Free talk on l Adults First l Julie Phillips, autism: Lead Officer Annual Conference Merton’s for Adult Autism Daytime Safeguarding Services in Merton Provision and Adults and with Jonathan Brown, Individual Activity DOLS Manager Manager of the Programmes Tuesday 7 July Learning Disability Tuesday 23 June, Come and hear Julie

© Cckkeej, Dreamstime.com © Cckkeej, Team Thursday 17 10am–2.30pm (lunch explain why DOLS l Free talk on autism: Eating issues September, 10am–12pm and refreshments (Deprivation of Liberties) for children with autism Hear an update about provided) Assessments have to be with Judy Gilham, Deputy Head of Merton’s Autism A conference for carried out and how Eagle House School Strategy, their plans for carers of adults with Merton plans to involve Wednesday 8 July, 10am–12pm services and provisions a learning disability. family carers in the process. Session exploring the difficulties that families face for adults with autism She will also be answering when a child with autism doesn’t want to eat or wants in the borough. any questions you may to eat all the time. Discuss the reasons behind these have on this subject. difficulties and learn strategies you can use to bring find out more an end to stressful mealtimes. 020 8687 4644; [email protected]; www.mertonmencap.org.uk

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH • SENIOR CITIZENS • FAMILY • HEALTH & FITNESS • WALKS & TALKS • FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS Want your business to soar?

Give your business a boost with our business planning and growth programme. 1 to 1 advice Peer Learning Networking Contact our business advisers to see how we can help. 0208 619 0700 mertonbusinesssupport.co.uk [email protected]

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

MERTON COUNCIL

performed by City of London Sinfonia with fireworks

11–12 September Wimbledon Park SW19 City of London Sinfonia Presents: An evening of classical performance Conducted by Stuart Stratford Doors open 6pm Performances Start 7.30pm with Tickets from £30

VIP packages available

merton.gov.uk/classicsinthepark 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...

Tom Walshe from Sustainable Merton

What is Sustainable Merton? It’s Merton’s environmental charity. I set it up with four other residents eight years ago because it was clear the whole environmental movement wasn’t having an effect on people’s lives at grass roots level.

You’re involved in Dig Merton, what’s that? For a long time we’ve been encouraging people to use more locally-produced food and to grow their own. Through Dig Merton, an initiative run in partnership with the council, residents contact us about bits of open space and we offer support to make them prettier and a bit more useful. The new urban orchard in Fieldgate Lane Mitcham is a good example. It was a challenge but by getting together with the council and other partners we managed to pull it off. An area that used to be open for flytippers will now be occupied with plants and trees.

Tell us about your food charter It’s a very exciting statement that more people should be able to grow their own food and learn how to prepare it. It’s about getting people together to share food, in community lunch clubs for example, because food is a very important part of our social wellbeing.

What’s next for you? Community Champions is our big project moving forward. When we set up eight years ago the idea was to support residents to a more sustainable lifestyle and the key is human engagement. It’s about developing a core of champions who care about their area and are happy to pass on useful information to other residents to help reduce their impact on the environment.

find out more www.sustainablemerton.org 020 3417 0476 mymertonnews and information from your council