Monday, March 2, 2020 at 18:04:13 Greenwich Mean Time
WIMBLEDON UNION OF RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS
Newsletter 59
Wimbledon College is temporarily closed after staff member contracts coronavirus
Wimbledon College will be closed for at least a week after a staff member caught coronavirus on a trip to Italy, forcing teachers into quarantine.
In a letter to parents sent yesterday, the esteemed south London school said the staff member is being treated for “confirmed novel coronavirus” following a recent trip to Italy.
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WIMBLEDON TOWN CENTRE : THE COUNCIL’S PLANS
The consultation on this ends on the 6th March 2020 Please make your views known
www.merton.gov.uk/futurewimbledon
TONY MICHAEL has studied the Council’s revised Masterplan for Wimbledon, on behalf of the Wimbledon Society and summarises the main points.
The Council has now produced its revised Masterplan for the town centre. Described as planning guidance, it shows how the existing plan’s policies will be applied to new developments. Depending on the results of the consultation, it should be adopted in May.
The Council has certainly listened to comments on the first draft by the public (and The Council has certainly listened to comments on the first draft by the public (and the Society), although there are still some very significant points of difference. What are the big issues?
Page 1 of 11 CONCEPT: This is a plan that promotes economic growth, by attracting major investment to the town. Should these really be the objectives now? Should not the emphasis be on climate change, sustainability, adaptation of buildings more than redevelopment, local scale and character, pedestrian areas, meeting housing needs?
STATUS: The aspiration to grow to be a Metropolitan town centre in the earlier draft was strongly resisted, and has now been dropped.
BUILDING HEIGHT AND STREET SCALE: The maximum heights are now shown as 14 storeys rather than 18. This is still well beyond the maximum of 7 storeys (22m metres to the eaves) that the Society proposed, and creates a street scale that is more appropriate to central London. Even Tottenham Court Road, for example, is mostly 4 and 5 storeys, and the road is much wider.
OFFICES: Substantial new office blocks are still being proposed, which are supposed to support local shops etc, (and which presumably will generate Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments to the Council). Yet independent reports have said that additional offices in Wimbledon are not needed to this extent. Developers may want to build these offices, but after selling the new building to a pension fund, they leave. New residents, on the other hand, support local businesses when offices are closed, so why not build more much-needed housing?
PEDESTRIANS AND TRAFFIC: There is welcome emphasis on creating new pedestrian links and spaces, and improving footway design. A proposed pedestrian arcade leading off the present Piazza could be a public asset if fully covered and glazed, as in the Hays Wharf galleria.
The comment “Streets for people and not cars” is welcome.
There is a suggestion that 2-way traffic could be re-instated in Hartfield Road, leaving the Broadway to be used mainly for buses. But this would mean that pedestrians in the Broadway would still have to contend with traffic fumes/noise/danger which is hardly desirable. The Council should look again at a carefully phased partial, and then a more comprehensive, pedestrianisation of the important central part of the town.
CLIMATE EMERGENCY: The recent declaration of a climate emergency by both central government and local Councils has obviously overtaken much of the thinking behind the current plans. The new document tries to take on board some of the new thinking, but the fundamental re-orientation of plans towards sustainability, energy and carbon reduction has yet to emerge.
GREENING: There are welcome proposals for major tree planting, specifically in St George’s Road, Worple Road, Hartfield Road and Queen’s Road. How quickly these planting schemes can be implemented will be a test of the Council’s resolve in turning words into action.
CONCERT HALL: There are references to ‘working with the Concert Hall Trust’ on the
Page 2 of 11 future of the Council-owned car park site in Hartfield Road. However, there is still no positive Council commitment to achieving what could be a very significant Frank Gehry- designed cultural and social icon, not just for Merton, but for London.
The Society’s response to the consultation can be seen on the website. In essence it believes the Masterplan fails to deal properly with building heights, office accommodation, pedestrianisation, climate change and the proposed concert hall. Wimbledon Society http://www.wimbledonsociety.org.uk/ Founded in 1903, The Wimbledon Society is committed to protecting all those local amenities which contribute to our quality of life.
Community facilities and the built environment of open spaces, parks and buildings form a fundamental part of our lives. The Society has played a key role in the enhancement and protection of these vital facilities since its inception.
Civic Societies provide an army of volunteers from their ranks of members, who bring time, skills and commitment in seeking the preservation of the best of our heritage for now and for the future. Societies such as ours form a truly independent body of opinion acting entirely for the community benefit and, importantly for today, are free of political or commercial influence.
I am grateful to the Society for allowing me to share with you both the society’s views on the Wimbledon Town Centre Plan and their quarterly calendar of local events
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Heathrow Expansion
The following is taken from the HACAN web site Court rules Government policy on 3rd Runway illegal
28/2/20
The Court of Appeal ruled that the Government’s policy on a third runway at Heathrow was illegal. It found that the Department for Transport should have taken the climate change implications of the Paris Agreement into account when drawing up the National Policy Statement which outlined its plans for a third runway. The court invited the Government to review the climate section of the National Policy Statement.
What the court ruling means
Page 3 of 11 https://hacan.org.uk/?p=5971
Message from HACAN
If you are not a member already, join us!
If you are not a member already, join us! For just £15 a year, you can receive regular information from us, join in our campaigns. For details check out our website www.hacan.org.uk, call us on 020 8876 0455 or email us at [email protected] Quieten the Skies
The absence of planes after the eruption of the Icelandic volcano brought home to so many people just how much noise Heathrow aircraft are creating over London and the Home Counties. Over the last few years HACAN has produced a series of reports and videos showing how over the last decade aircraft noise has become a real problem in areas far from Heathrow. It has been exacerbated in some areas by the increase in flights from City Airport and the new flight paths they are using. Below is the outline of a practical plan to quieten the skies:
• End the practice of Heathrow operating at 99% capacity. This is the reason why so many planes are being held in the skies over London, causing unnecessary extra noise, emissions and air pollution.
• Introduce a steeper ‘glideslope’ for aircraft when landing. This would mean planes are higher for longer. We understand the industry is examining the practicality of this.
• Encourage planes to join their final approach path as late as possible. Since the mid- 1990s, aircraft have been directed on to their final approach path, sometimes 20 miles from the airport, resulting in such a concentration of noise in places like Vauxhall – see the video on our website – that the overall noise climate can be worse than West London, which at least has the benefits of runway alternation.
• Encourage fewer, if bigger planes, to use Heathrow. Sensible use of the larger aircraft coming on the market could be a win-win situation, allowing more passengers to use the airport but with fewer planes. The Government’s proposed Plane Tax could be the vehicle to encourage this to happen.
• Curb expansion at City Airport. For parts of East and South-East London the combination of noise from Heathrow and City Airport has become a real problem. *****
Catalytic converter theft The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft. To keep yours safe, ask your car dealer if they can give you any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle park it in a secure compound. If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the convertor can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.
Page 4 of 11 by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable. You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. Visit securedbydesign.comExternal Link for more details. Keep an eye out for suspicious people and activities
To report a crime that is happening or if you see anything suspicious CALL 999. To report a crime that has already occurred go to https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ or CALL 101
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Wimbledon Neighbourhood Planning Group The Wimbledon Neighbourhood Planning Group ( http://www.wimbledon-npg.org ) held its inaugural General Meeting on 25/01/20. They now have well over 100 members, a formalised constitution, duly elected officers and a steering committee. Their biggest task today is to define the Wimbledon area for which the plan will be made. Significant progress was made late last year and the group is now refining the border through a consultation process with residents and businesses. If they are successful in becoming recognised as a Forum they will be in position to prepare a development plan for Wimbledon which, subject to approval in a referendum of all electors in the area, will have statutory backing and rank alongside the Merton Masterplan for all planning applications in the area.
St George's NHS Foundation Trust Question Time
Hilary Harland Public Governor of St Georges and member of the Forum has asked us to circulate the attached invitation.
The Chief Executive of St Georges Hospital will be at Raynes Park Library on Thursday 12th March 5.30 - 7.30 to engage with the local Merton Community and to answer questions people may have about the services St Georges provides.
Best Wishes
Merton Residents Health Forum Steering Group
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OPPORTUNITY!
Make money from your spare room and help an iconic local business.
Wimbledon Village Stables is recruiting new staff and is seeking accommodation for professional horse riding Instructors while they work at the stables.
If you wish to know more please contact the stables [email protected]. ***** Friends of Cannizaro Park Spring Talk Sunday 8 March at 7.30pm at Hotel du Vin, Cannizaro House The Friends of Cannizaro Park announce a Spring Talk with top landscape designer Mark Gregory. Mark is a lively and friendly Yorkshireman, and after a lifetime spent in landscape work, he has lots of stories and lots of gardening advice!
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Page 6 of 11 A Bridge Afternoon for Wimbledon Guild
Please join us at Wimbledon Park Golf Club for an afternoon of Bridge on Monday 30th March. A delicious afternoon tea of sandwiches and cakes will be served, followed by a raffle.
Essentials: Please bring your own cards, bidding boxes and a Bridge cloth. Tables and score cards (Chicago scoring) will be provided.
Entry fee: £80 per table. If you would like an individual ticket or are short of a player, email us at [email protected] and we will try to help you make up a table.
Venue: Wimbledon Park Golf Club, Home Park Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HR. (Free car parking in the Golf Club car park, meter parking also available on Home Park Road.)
Time: Monday 30th March, arrival from 1.30pm, play from 2pm to 5pm.
To book please email the events team: [email protected] or call 020 8739 2920.
This event is being proudly sponsored by Handelsbanken.
Book a space
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Anti idling event
Clean Air Merton will be speaking at an anti idling talk being organised by Merton Extinction Rebellion, with David Smith (aka Little Ninja) as the main speaker.
If you'd like to attend, please register on the Eventbrite invitation below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/say-no-to-idling-little-ninja-talk-in-wimbledon-tickets- 97633742151?ref=eios
Reminder: Next Clean Air Merton meeting Tuesday 5 May at 7:30pm Location: The Sultan, pub on Norman Road, Colliers Wood All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
Clean Air Merton welcomes new members and ideas, so please click here to get in touch.
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Sale of logs on the Commons to stop
Collecting wood from the log pile on the Commons has become an annual family event for many over the last 20 years or so we have been selling it. The majority of the wood came in from local tree surgeons and a member of the Commons staff then splits it. The wood was used for a variety of purposes - burning in stoves, wood carving and importantly, for wildlife gardens. However, with changes in legislation about burning wood in stoves, and as part of the charity’s wider commitment to the environment, the Conservators have recently considered at length their current policy of selling unseasoned wood, which has generated income to support the charity for over two decades. It is increasingly recognised that the burning of unseasoned logs contributes towards air
Page 9 of 11 pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, if not burned in an approved appliance. Recognising their inability to validate the way in which the wood is ultimately burned or otherwise utilised, the Conservators therefore reached a decision to stop selling chopped wood. There is still some wood available which is currently being split and this will be idea for seasoning ready to burn next winter if you have the appropriate stove.
Posted on 20th February 2020
Commons' Walk - 25th March 2020 10.30am
Join the team at the Commons for a spring walk and learn about our history, current projects and conservation work (and likely some amusing tales from our staff!)
Read more
Birdsong Identi ication Workshop 25th & 26th April
Our resident bird enthusiast, Les Evans-Hill, is running his very popular Birdsong Identification Workshop on 25th & 26th April. Places are limited and filling up quickly so if you are interested in learning how to identify birds by their song, sign up now!
Read more
Holding an Event on Wimbledon and Putney Commons
Page 10 of 11 As the Commons are now a popular location for events, you will need to seek permission from the Ranger’s Office before organising any formal or semi-formal event on or across the Commons. This is to ensure that there is no clash of events that would spoil the enjoyment of participants, or negatively impact our visitors, other users or indeed have a negative impact on the Commons – a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. Whilst we are limited to the size and type of event we can host here on the Commons, we are always happy to see if we can help. Please complete the Enquiry Form and one of our team will get back to you to discuss your request. As a charity, we do charge for events on the Commons. The charges will depend on the nature of the event. Please contact the Ranger’s Office for further information. *****
Nature Notes by Tony Drakeford
We are extremely fortunate to have Tony Drakeford living in our area. Tony is a renowned naturalist, photographer, and author. His reputation grew as a result of his Nature Notes column first published in the Wimbledon News 15 years ago and subsequently in the Wandsworth Borough News, Surrey Comet and other newspapers. With his agreement we will be publishing Tony’s Nature Notes on a regular basis. An old country name for the second month of the year was February-fill- dyke, alluding to the fact that rainfall then would top up the countryside for farmers. This year, courtesy of a more powerful than usual Jetstream, February certainly lived up to its tl e with torren al downpours and extreme flooding countrywide. However, spring's awakening is just over the horizon. Despite the recent weather, flowering in spectacular fashion have been ornamental winter cherry trees with a range of delicate pinks and white, so good to see on dull rainy days. But sadly, the blossom has been rather transient, whirled away in constant high winds. With the arrival of March I always look forward to the flowering of goat willow, be er known as 'pussy' willow with its golden male catkins adorning the trees and eagerly sought a er by early bees out of hiberna on. O en grey squirrels may spend hours si ng in the upper branches feas ng on the catkins. Female catkins are less spectacular and grow on separate trees, but the male catkins are o en gathered to decorate churches on Palm Sunday. Yellow mahonia flowers are also a magnet for bumble bees Blackbirds are singing full songs and dunnocks voice their brief 'songs' and it always seems to me that the li le bird is embarrassed with his performance and wishes to complete it as quickly as possible! I have also heard more song thrushes this year which is most encouraging given their steadily declining popula on. Frogs are spawning and a pair of blue ts are busy nes ng in a neighbour's garden. So, come on spring!
Page 11 of 11 Wimbledon Diary February to June 2020
The Society’s Diary provides members with an easy reference list of events in the Wimbledon area. Details are believed to be correct, but can change and should be checked. Send items for inclusion to Asif Malik on [email protected]
v The Society’s Museum of Wimbledon on Ridgway (corner of Lingfield Road) is open on Saturdays and Sundays 2.30pm to 5pm. School visits can be arranged.
v The Society’s Local History Group meets on the first Friday of each month – except August. In the Museum of Wimbledon (corner of Lingfield Road) at 8.15pm. All welcome.
v Wimbledon Windmill Museum: Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common: open April to October, Saturdays 2pm to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am to 5pm. Free entry. School visits can be arranged. February 2020 Sat 22 Wimbledon National Trust Association. Lecture by Martin Boiling (Woodland Trust) “Standing up 2.15pm for Trees”. £3 for WNTA members, £3.50 for non-members. Enquiries 020 8401 2157. Fri 28 Lunchtime Recital. With local and international professional musicians. St John’s Church, 1.00pm Spencer Hill. Donations in aid of the St John’s Music Fund. Coffee and cakes from 12.30. See stjohnswimbledon.co.uk Sat 29 Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra. Concert in aid of Macmillan Merton. St Paul’s Church, 7.30pm Inner Park Road. Tickets £25 each to include interval refreshments, from Zoe Penny, 020 8947 4297; [email protected]: also from TicketSource; info on wimso.org.uk. March 2020 Tue 3 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “Booksmart”. USA 2019. Comedy about two 8pm for female graduates letting their hair down. Cash and card sales at cinema from 8pm. Jan to Jun 20 8.30pm start membership £30. Full time students and U30s free membership. Tickets £6. Join and book online. www.wimbledonfilmclub.com Tue 10 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “Closely Observed Trains”. Czech 1966. 8pm for Oscar-winning drama/comedy set in WWII Czechoslovakia. Details as 3 March. 8.30pm start Wed 11 The Arts Society Wimbledon. Illustrated lecture “Treasures of the Fan Museum”. 7.30 for 8pm Speaker: Jacob Moss. Sacred Heart Church Hall, Edge Hill, SW19 4LU. Non-members £10. Sat 14 The Academy Choir. “Saul”, oratorio by Handel. The dramatic story of the first king of Israel's 7.00pm relationship with his eventual successor, David. St John's Church, Spencer Hill, Wimbledon. SW19 4NZ. www.academychoirwimbledon.co.uk Sat 21 European Sacred Music. Dvorak’s Mass in D provides the centrepiece of this concert. 7.30pm The Hill Singers. St Matthew’s Church, Durham Rd, Raynes Park, SW20 Tel: 020 8644 3794. Tue 24 Wimbledon Society Excursion. “RIBA Building guided tour” The headquarters of the Royal 11.30am Institute of British Architects at 66 Portland Place. The conducted tour of this landmark building will offer a unique insight into the architecture profession. Booking form with this newsletter. Tue 24 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “A Woman at War”. Iceland 2018. Eco-thriller as 8pm for green activist wages one woman war against big business. Details as 3 March. 8.30pm start Fri 27 Lunchtime Recital. With local and international professional musicians. St John’s Church, 1.00pm Spencer Hill. Donations in aid of the St John’s Music Fund. Coffee and cakes from 12.30. See stjohnswimbledon.co.uk Sat 28 Wimbledon National Trust Association. Lecture by Brian Freeland “The View from the Wings”. A 2.15pm stage manager’s view from the Prompt Corner. Details as 22 February. Sat 28 Mark’s Gospel Live - a solo performance by renowned actor Rev. Joseph Morris. 5.00pm St John the Baptist Church, Spencer Hill, SW19 4NZ. All welcome. Suggested donation £10. Refreshments from 4.30pm. More information on www. stjohnswimbledon.co.uk Mon 30 A Bridge Afternoon in aid of the Wimbledon Guild. Wimbledon Park Golf Club, Home Park Rd, 1.30pm SW19 7HR. Afternoon tea and raffle. Entry £80 per table. Bring your own cards, bidding boxes and arrive bridge cloth. Play from 2pm to 5pm. Information from [email protected] Tue 31 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “Transit”. France/Germany 2018. Kafkaesque 8pm for drama about couple trying to escape racists in Paris. Details as 3 March. 8.30pm start
April 2020
Wimbledon Society Lecture. “The Head Gardener’s Year”. Mark Saunders, head gardener at Thu 2 Fittleworth House since 1997, will illustrate the changing seasons. Free lecture. 8pm Venue: Lounge, Emmanuel Church, Ridgway.
Sat 4 Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra. For our late Spring concert, acclaimed double bassist Toby 7.30pm Hughes will play works by Ravel arranged by for double bass and orchestra. St Matthew's Church, Durham Road SW20 0DE. Eventbrite for tickets. More information on wimso.org.uk Wed 8 The Arts Society Wimbledon. Illustrated lecture “Art & Architecture: Estranged Bedfellows”. 7.30 for 8pm Speaker: Richard Whincop. Details as 11 March. Sat 18 Wimbledon National Trust Association. Lecture by Michael Gilbert. “Precis of A to Z of 2.15pm Croydon”. Appearing as Croindene in Domesday Book, Croydon has been home to 6 archbishops, London’s first international airport and 3 town halls. Details as 22 February. Sat 25 Wimbledon Society Walk. "The 17thc Walk in Richmond Park." Covering about 4 miles over 10.30am 2 ½ hours, the walk includes the Isabella Plantation, Ham Gate, Petersham Gate and Richmond Gate. Also, a refreshment stop at Pembroke Lodge. Meet by the tea cabin in the Pen Ponds carpark. May 2020
Wimbledon Society Town Visit. “Spencer House” – a Blue Badge guided trip. Built 1756 - 1766 Mon 4 for the first Earl of Spencer, the house is a magnificent 18th c aristocratic palace. 1-hour long tour. 11am Meet at the house - 27 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NR. Booking form with March Newsletter.
Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “In Bruge”. UK 2008. Anniversary members’ Tue 5 8pm for choice. Black comedy about 2 hit men hiding out in Bruge. Details as 3 March. 8.30pm start Wed 13 The Arts Society Wimbledon. Illustrated lecture “The Art of Dance”. 7.30 for 8pm Speaker: Jennifer Toynbee-Holmes. Details as 11 March. Tue 19 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “Bait”. UK 2019.Award winning first feature set 8 for 8.30pm in Cornwall as tensions rise between locals and outsiders. Details as 3 March. Thu 28 Wimbledon Society Coach Excursion. “Restoration House and Rochester Town”. The house is 8.45am for an Elizabethan mansion visited by Charles II on the eve of his restoration. In Rochester, there will 9am start be time to visit the Cathedral. Meet at Southside / Grange. Booking form with March newsletter.
June 2020 Tue 2 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”. France 2019. 8pm for BAFTA winner is a beautiful 18th c drama exploring the female gaze. Details as 3 March. 8.30pm start Wed 10 The Arts Society Wimbledon. Illustrated lecture “A Brief History of Wine” 7.30 for 8pm Speaker: David Wright. Details as 11 March. Sun 14 Wimbledon Society Walk. "Morley Park - Wimbledon’s Hidden Gem”. A new public park created 2pm by community action on the site once occupied by Atkinson Morley Hospital. Leader: Jane Barnes, Friends of Morley Park. Meet at Morley Park car park, Cottenham Park Road. Tue 16 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “The Doo Dah Man”. UK/USA 2017. Road 8 for 8.30pm movie set in southwestern USA. Details as 3 March. Sat 20 The Academy Choir. “Monteverdi’s Vespers”. With His Majesty’s Sagbutts & Cornetts. Sacred 8pm Heart Church, Edge Hill, Wimbledon, SW19 4LU. Tickets £15-30, students £5. www.academychoirwimbledon.co.uk Wed 24 Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators. Annual Open Meeting. The Conservators will 7.30 for present their annual reports and accounts for 2019/20. The Conservators and staff will be 8pm available for informal conversations from 7.30pm when refreshments will also be available. The formal meeting starts at 8pm Sat 27 Wimbledon Society Lecture. “William Morris – the Arts & Crafts Movement and the Architecture Meet thereof”. A presentation at a private house in Wimbledon Village, featuring houses by architects at10.30am, such as Webb, Lutyens and Voysey. Meeting point will be sent with joining instructions. £10 charge, talk at 11am proceeds to Wimbledon Society. Booking form with March newsletter. Tue 30 Wimbledon Film Club at HMV cinema, Broadway: “Happy as Lazzaro” Italy 2018. Set in remote 8 for 8.30pm Italian village, farm boy and young nobleman form an unlikely friendship. Details as 3 March.
Please note: We have tried our best to include all the information sent and we hope that it is accurate. However, lack of space means it has not been possible to include everything. Please contact the individual organisations for further details of their programmes and to check items.
The Wimbledon Society is a Registered Charity • Charity Number 1164261 • Company Number 9818707 • Founded in 1903 Registered address 22 Ridgway, Wimbledon, London SW19 4QN www.wimbledonsociety.org.uk