Friday, January 3, 2020 at 15:31:50 Greenwich Mean Time

WIMBLEDON UNION OF RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS

Newsletter 57 Happy New Year!

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].

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Wimbledon Guild, in partnership with , is delighted to announce that Live! is back for a second year. A great day out at the theatre for the whole family, Merton Live! will showcase a fantastic line-up of local schools, dance, drama, music and gymnastics groups with performances throughout the day at one of ’s biggest theatres.

This year, the event will be on Saturday 1st February from 10am -5pm. Merton Live! will be one of the charity’s main fundraising events of 2020. This family day out will help to raise money to aid the vital work Wimbledon Guild does to support local people in Merton who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness.

Page 1 of 5 Merton Live! will showcase a fantastic line-up of local schools, dance, drama, music and gymnastics groups with performances throughout the day at one of London’s biggest theatres. In addition, the theatre will be throwing open its doors for ticket-holders to explore this historic building with backstage tours and a host of theatre related activities for all the family including: theatre workshops; face painting; slime making; insight to technical side of the theatre; arts and crafts; treasure hunt; food and drink, plus lots more.

Already confirmed to perform on the day include Hollymount School, Kings College School, Willington School, Cricket Green School, The Study, Wimbledon Community Chorus, Ricards & Rutlish 6th form Schools, , Urban Dance City and the Merton Gymnastics Club.

Tickets for the event offer superb value at just £6.50 adults, £4.50 child and under 3’s go free and are now available online via www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon (direct link: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/merton-live-2020/new-wimbledon- theatre/#showinfotabs=overview)

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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 and to Asif Malik in particular for allowing me to share their quarterly calendar with you.

David Morris

1935-2019

David Morris was for many years the treasurer to both the Wimbledon Society and the Wimbledon Union of Residents’ Associations. Sadly David died in August 2019. WURA extends its sympathy to his family.

Page 2 of 5 I attach a copy of his obituary with the kind permission of the Wimbledon Society.

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***** St Raphael’s Hospice As many of you know, my wife, Caroline, spent her last days in St Raphael’s Hospice in Cheam. My son-in-law, John Forward is running in the London Marathon later this year to raise money for the hospice as a thank-you for the care that Caroline received. The link to donate is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-forword2?utm_campaign=pfp- share&utm_content=John- Forword2&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=RRyMPjwEM

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Wimbledon and Commons National Lottery Heritage Grant Award

Important Survey

The ‘Commons for the Next Generation, Green Space for All’ project to develop a new masterplan for the Commons was officially launched on the 1st November 2019 Funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project aims to better understand the challenges and requirements of the Commons as the 150th anniversary of the passing of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871 (‘the 1871 Act’) that brought the Commons into public ownership approaches. The first part of the work to develop the masterplan is now underway and whether or not you visit , Putney Heath or Putney Lower Common, as the charity which manages Wimbledon and Putney Commons we would like to hear your views on these green spaces and their current visitor offer. Your feedback will inform a new masterplan for Wimbledon and Putney Commons, ensuring they provide a sustainable, accessible and exciting resource for the whole community going forward. To have your say please complete the survey

Page 3 of 5 This link gives some context and the link to the survey: https://www.wpcc.org.uk/about-us/heritage-lottery-grant

This link is direct to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WimbledonPutneyCommons

Thank you for taking the time to help shape the Commons of the future.

Winter Talk - “Citizen Science Counts - the BTO’s Garden Bird Watch shows how” 13th February 2020 from 7.30pm London Scottish Golf Club

Wimbledon and Putney Commons Annual Winter Talk “Citizen Science Counts - the BTO’s Garden Bird Watch shows how ” 7.30pm on 13th February 2020 at the London Scottish Golf Club

For our annual Winter Talk in 2020, we are delighted to welcome to the Commons, Peter Almond, an Ambassador for the British Trust for Ornitholgy’s (BTO) Garden BirdWatch Scheme. Peter gives regular talks on gardening for wildlife in the Surrey area and he will be talking to us about the data the Garden BirdWatch scheme has gathered over the last 25 years, why this Citizen Science data is so important and what we can do for garden wildlife. This ties in with the launch of our own Citizen Science initiative here on the Commons later in the spring and our DEFRA appointed Conservator, Dr Ros Taylor, will outline how this scheme will work. Reserve your place here: Booking Form

Page 4 of 5 Holding an Event on Wimbledon and Putney Commons

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. *****

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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.

As is the case every year, I dad been dreaming of a white Christmas, not a mild and parally wet on e. Likewise, I had hoped to enjoy walking in a winter wonderland, not a winter wetland and I have never seen the Thames flowing so swily as at Kingston on Boxing day morning. Prolonged wet weather like we have experienced recently can cause any number of problems for w ildlife especially hibernang insects including buerflies, moths, bees and wasps for insects spendi ng the winter tucked up in sheltered niches may find dampness creeping in causing mildew which c an prove fatal Fish can suffer too when rivers overflow onto surrounding countryside for when the floods recede, fish may become isolated and trapped with no way back. My two garden robins spent many nights singing in the rain. Unusually for birds, both male and fe male sing so the pair were clearly serenading one another at midnight. In the late aernoon of the shortest day I heard my first songthrush delivering his full song, albeit b riefly, and on Christmas day a mistlethrush, two magical moments especially as both species are be coming scarcer by the year

Page 5 of 5 David Morris – 1935 – 2019

David Morris, who died in August, was for many years a staunch supporter of both the Wimbledon Society and its Museum.

As a member of the Museum Committee he was the Portraits Curator, making orderly sense of the motley assembly of oils, watercolours, engravings and photographs which make up the collection. He also advised on insurance, not just for the items displayed and stored, but also for when they went out for exhibitions (eg: in Eagle House) and on loan to other museums.

In recent years he prepared a detailed long-term forward planning document for the Society’s Strategy Group. In this he outlined various ways to move the Society forward in the 21st cen. and to increase its membership and thus its influence. This is still the gold standard by which the Society is operating.

David’s background was in accountancy where he was affectionately known in his firm as DEAM – the initials with which he signed himself (David Edward Alban) and to be on the DEAM team was regarded by colleagues and the junior staff he led as an important career step.

He took a first-class degree in PPE at University College, Oxford and in his accountancy exams came second in the whole country.

His energetic approach to life was to some degree hampered by a serious attack of tuberculosis while on National Service, which left him bedridden for some months and also meant withdrawing from the more energetic of sports. He was instructed to drink Guinness to aid his recovery, so at University he formed a Guinness-drinking group – a first example, perhaps, of his future team- building skills.

A great love was sailing and he kept a boat at Emsworth, near Chichester and delighted in developing skills and friendships aboard.

With his shock of white hair he was a familiar figure around Wimbledon, in Sainsbury’s as well as the boardroom, and his friendly but firm approach to life will be missed by all who knew him.

The Society deeply regrets his passing and sends sympathy to his widow, Moira, and sons William and Richard.

Wimbledon Diary December 2019 to March 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 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 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.

December 2019 Fri 6 Lantern Community Choir Christmas Concert. Tickets £5. Studio Theatre. Lantern Arts 8.00pm Centre, Tolverne Road, London, SW20 8RA. Box office 0203 761 7070 Sat 7 The Fir Tree. Christmas Family Concerts with the Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy 2pm and a musical tale with well-known music and carols. Adults £10, children £7, under 5’s free. 4pm Tickets from wimso.org.uk. Holy Trinity Church, Broadway, SW19 1SB Sat 7 A Ceremony of Carols - Britten. With carols for the audience to sing and interval mince 7.30pm pies to start your Christmas season. The Hill Singers. St Matthew’s Church, Durham Rd, , SW20. Tel: 020 8644 3794. Sat 7 Born a King – William Lloyd Webber. Plus festive carols and advent music with the 7.30pm choristers of St Mary’s. West Barnes Singers. Tickets £12, children free. Includes mulled wine and mince pies. St Saviour’s Church, Grand Drive, SW20 9DG. Tel: 020 8648 3987 Mon 9 Conservators General Open Meeting. Join the Conservators and staff for presentations 7.00pm on current issues and operational matters. London Scottish Golf Club, Windmill Car Park. See WPCC website, or email [email protected], or tel 8788 7655. Tue 10 Wimbledon Guild Carol Concert. St Mark’s Church. Enjoy an evening of Christmas 6.30pm songs, drinks and mince pies. Tickets on sale now, www.wimbledonguild.co.uk or call 020 8946 0735. Wed 11 The Arts Society Wimbledon. Illustrated lecture “Man and Animals in Art”. Wine and 7.30 for mince pies after the talk. Speaker: Susie Harris. Sacred Heart Church Hall, Edge Hill, 8pm SW19 4LU. Non-members £10. http://www.artsocwim.org.uk. Sat 14 Merton Historical Society. “The Story of the Huguenots” An illustrated talk by historian 2.30pm and author Joyce Hampton. Venue: St James’ Church Hall, Merton. Enquiries: [email protected] Sat 14 Christmas Carols at the Windmill. Windmill Museum and the Conservators, with the 3pm – Wandle Brass Band. Mulled cider and mince pies. Magical and atmospheric family event. 5pm Wimbledon Common, Windmill Road, SW19 5NR. Free entry. Sun 15 Music Among Friends. Simon Ballard (piano) with The Colour House Ensemble. Mozart: 7.30pm Piano Concerto No.12 in A K414; Fesca: Septet No.1 in G minor for oboe, horn, violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano. Tickets £14 (concessions £10). Information from John Hawks 07949 593431. Tue 17 Comedians and Carols. This is the original and best of this bizarrely popular festive 7.30pm hybrid of a comedy show and a carol service. Tickets £10 / £8. Lantern Arts Centre, Tolverne Road, London, SW20 8RA. Box office 0203 761 7070 January 2020

Wed 8 The Arts Society Wimbledon: illustrated lecture “The Subtle Science and Exact Art of 7.30 for 8pm Colour in English Garden Design”. Speaker: Timothy Walker. Details as December 11. Thu 16 Wimbledon Society Excursion “Pre-Raphaelite Sisters” Lecture and Exhibition at the 11.00am National Portrait Gallery. Explore the untold story of the women of Pre-Raphaelite art. Meet at the main entrance for a prompt start at 11am. Booking form with this newsletter. January 2020

Fri 17 I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Cue: An evening of fun and silliness. Tickets £5. Lantern Arts 7.30pm Centre, Tolverne Road, London, SW20 8RA. Box office 0203 761 7070

Sat 18 Wimbledon National Trust Association: Lecture by Nicholas Brazil “Literary and Artistic 2.15pm Thames”. £3 for WNTA members, £3.50 for non-members. Enquiries 020 8401 2157, www.wimbledonnta.org.uk. Venue: Christ Church Hall, Road, SW20 0RZ Thu 30 Wimbledon Society Lecture. “From the Stage Door”. Sherrie Plant takes us on an 2.00pm intimate tour behind the scenes of New Wimbledon Theatre. Free lecture. Venue: Lounge, Emmanuel Church, Ridgway. Fri 31 Lunchtime Recital: With local and international professional musicians. St John’s 1.00pm Church, Spencer Hill. Donations in aid of the St John’s Music Fund. Coffee and cakes from 12.30. See stjohnswimbledon.co.uk

February 2020

Sat 1 Merton Live! Brought to you by Wimbledon Guild and New Wimbledon Theatre, to 10am – celebrate local talent in Merton. A fantastic line-up of local dance, drama and other groups. 5pm Tickets £6.50 adults, £4.50 children. New Wimbledon Theatre. www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Sat 8 Merton Historical Society: “History of Croydon Airport” An illustrated talk by local 2.30pm historian. Venue: St James’ Church Hall, Merton. Enquiries: [email protected]

Wed 12 The Arts Society Wimbledon: illustrated lecture “Passion and Ideas”. The battle between 7.30 for 8pm Colour and Line in Western European Art. Speaker: Andrew Spira. Details as Dec 11. Sat 22 Wimbledon National Trust Association: Lecture by Martin Boiling (Woodland Trust) 2.15pm “Standing up for Trees”. Details as 18 January. Fri 28 Lunchtime Recital: With local and international professional musicians. St John’s 1.00pm Church, 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, Inner Park Road. Tickets £25 each to include interval refreshments, from Zoe Penny, 7.30pm 020 8947 4297; [email protected]: also from TicketSource; info on wimso.org.uk. March 2020

Wed 11 The Arts Society Wimbledon: illustrated lecture “Treasures of the Fan Museum”. 7.30 for 8pm Speaker: Jacob Moss. Details as December 11. Sat 14 The Academy Choir: “Saul”, oratorio by Handel. The dramatic story of the first king of 7.00pm Israel's 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’s 7.30pm programme. 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 11.30am Royal 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. Fri 27 Lunchtime Recital: With local and international professional musicians. St John’s 1.00pm Church, 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 2.15pm Wings”. A stage manager’s view from the Prompt Corner. Details as 18 January.

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