Dons Do Merton Proud

ISSUE 66 SUMMER 2016

Win tickets to Live at Wimbledon Park p6

Goal! Dons do Merton proud Summer fun in Merton Get recycling – it’s easy Latest on Rediscover Mitcham We We “ We What you can doto help: 2 l l l l l l l l l l situation include: places tovisit.Justsomeofthestepswehavetakenimprove problem inourtowncentreswheretrafficcanmakethemdifficult well asmakingsmallchangeslocally.Congestioncanbeaparticular working closelywithTransportforLondontoplanstrategicallyas Tackling trafficcongestioncanbeadifficulttaskthatinvolves were highlightedasproblemareas. us aboutparticularlybusyjunctions.Manyofthetowncentres 2015 werananadditionalonlinesurveywhereresidentscouldtell of concerninMertonthanacrossthewholeLondon.InJuly been thetopconcern.In2014itwasalsomorelikelytobeanissue concerns inMertonandsomepartsoftheboroughhaseven Since 2004trafficcongestionhasbeenoneofthetopthree most concernyou. As partofourresidents’surveyweaskwhichissuesaboutMerton Cover: Stuart Butcher of Pro Images Sports

www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/merton want toimproveyourconfidence weoffertrainingforadults: Get onyourbike.Ifyouhaven’t cycledforawhileandyou planner tohelp:www.tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/ transport links.Youcanusethe TransportforLondonjourney Rather thandriving,considerusingMerton’sexcellentpublic the extensionofTramlinkservicefromWimbledontoSutton especially parentswithpushchairsandwheelchairusers our pavementssaferandeasiertonegotiateforpedestrians, junctions tostopcarelessdriversfromblockingothers for pedestrians,busesandbicycles mobile phonetopayforparkinginMerton Introducing RingGocashlessparkingservicesoyoucanuseyour locations andfreeparkingatChristmas Introducing 20minutesfreeparkinginneighbourhoodshopping Working withSuttonCouncilandTransportforLondontolobby Cracking downonillegalpavementparkingbymotoriststomake Introducing AutomaticNumberPlateRecognitioncamerasatkey Developing planstoimproveMordenandWimbledontowncentres Spending £6milliontoimproveMitchamtowncentre,especially Improving parkingprovisioninsomeofoursmallershoppingareas You said” asked did:

page – but it’s just as inspiring. page –butit’sjustasinspiring. and residentswon’tmakethefrontpage–orback achieving theirdream.Thepeoplepowerofourstaff pool inMorden. money replacementleisurecentreandswimming and wewillsoonstartworkonbuildingavaluefor bins asanaffordablewaytokeepthestreetscleaner challenges. Wearelookingatbringinginwheelie improving theborough,despitefinancial Khan topersuadehimbackMerton’sdecision. hold, IwillbemeetingwiththenewMayorSadiq London MayorBorisJohnsonhasputthedecisionon spiritual homeintheborough.Andalthoughformer Plough Lane.Thiswouldbringthembacktotheir Council backedtheirplansforanewstadiumin on aschoolgoverningbodyallcontribute. up theirtimetohelpwithcommunityclean-upsorsit collectors andthecountlesslocalresidentswhogive financial challenges.Ourhomecarersandrefuse who haveensuredwecontinuetoimprovedespitethe bottom andre-builttheirclubfromtheashes. They nevergaveup,theystartedrightfromthe on ourteam.It’sthefanswhohavemadeclub. central government. library, despitethecutstoourfundingfrom we openanewschoolclassroomorimprove the odds.Igetthatfeelingatcouncileverytime team, AFCWimbledon,getpromotedtoLeague1. excused headingtoWembleywatchourlocal on aboutfootballtoomuch.ButIthinkcanbe My wifesometimeshasagoatmeforgoing Congratulations toAFC.Come on youDons! People powerhasmeantAFCWimbledonare At thecouncilwehaveourownbigplanstokeep AFC Wimbledon’spromotioncomesafterMerton At MertonCouncilit’sourstaffandresidents I wastherewiththefansatWembleyaswecheered Success isalwayssweetestwhenit’sagainst for Alambritis, writes Councillor Stephen Merton Council, The Leaderof My Merton My

mymerton Issue 66 • Summer 2016 3 merton.gov.uk

My Merton is published by the London Borough of Merton and is distributed free to households in the borough contents four times a year. The editorial content of Community My Merton is produced by the London Borough of Merton’s News 4 Communications Team The latest news from My Merton is designed by around the borough Domino4 01932 988677 Email [email protected] www.domino4.co.uk Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Features Print Partnership Contact 0845 601 9478 Health and Email [email protected] wellbeing www.cliffe-enterprise.com 9 Developing effective and My Merton is distributed by London Letterbox. efficient patient care Contact 020 8940 0666 or log on to www.londonletterbox.co.uk Community

safety 21 quick reference Fun in the sun keyservices 5 minutes with 32 Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 Merton Mencap CEO Anti-social behaviour hotline: 020 8274 4907 Andrew Whittington Council tax: 020 8274 4904 Benefits advice: Regulars 020 8545 4178 Libraries: 020 8545 3783 10 Environment 12 Parking: 020 8545 4661 Summer fun • Wheelie bin pilot Registering to vote: • Recycling from flats 020 8545 3407 in Merton • Help clean up Merton Waste collection services: 020 8274 4902 What’s on 25 Your guide to all that’s going contactus on in Merton this summer My Merton, Communications, 7th 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] 17 19 The London Borough of Merton www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil does not accept responsibility New family Rediscovering for or endorse any products or services offered by advertisers. leisure centre Mitcham Bright future for First phases of work to My Merton costs only Wimbledon Park the town centre complete @Merton_Council 12p a copy to produce

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it. Whenever you see this logo www.flickr.com/mertoncouncil My Merton is printed on fully recyclable paper, which is accredited by the PEFC Council that means there’s a volunteering (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). This edition of opportunity to get involved in My Merton is distributed from 27 June 2016. www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil news 4 Keeping Merton informed

Competition gets youngsters reading Five of Merton’s young readers won prizes in the spring for completing Morden Library’s first Easter Reader challenge. Over 110 children aged four to 12 took up the Cllr Maxi Martin challenge to read four books over the Easter holidays. The names of Merton the 69 children who read all four mourns loss books were entered into a prize draw and the five winners were of Councillor presented with WHSmith vouchers. Easter Reader winners Maxi Martin This spring the council announced the sad death Steven Hammond MP and Siobhain McDonagh MP with children at Think of Labour Councillor Maxi St John Fisher School Martin, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on Fairtrade 6 April 2016. She had been As part of Fairtrade Fortnight’s ill since December. Sit down for breakfast, stand up A dedicated and for farmers campaign, St John passionate advocate of Fisher Primary School hosted a children and young people Fairtrade Big Breakfast for pupils in the borough, Maxi had and their parents. All of the served as Merton’s cabinet goodies on offer were generously member for children’s donated by local businesses, services since 2010. She had M&S, the Co-op, Tesco, Waitrose been cabinet member for and Sainsbury’s. Remember, social services and education small change locally means in previous administrations. lives changed globally. She was Mayor of Merton find out more in 2003/04. http://fortnight.fairtrade.org.uk Tributes have poured in from young people who knew her as the person £1,000 to who stood up for them and support Merton cared about them and from Learn friends and colleagues who communities worked with her over the Former Mayor of Merton something new years. Councillor Martin Councillor David Chung was always very popular presented a cheque for £1,000 Merton Council has launched its new programme of adult with children across the to Ethnic Minority Centre learning courses for 2016/17. In partnership with South borough when she visited chairman Tony Sandiford Thames College and Groundwork London, the council has them at their schools, taking earlier this spring. The designed a diverse range of courses with something for a huge interest in their donation came from everyone, whether it’s learning new skills for a career change, learning and working to Sainsbury’s, Balham Hill and perfecting a hobby or discovering something completely new. make Merton a place of will go towards providing find out more opportunity for them. support for Black and Asian merton.gov.uk/adulteducation Minority Ethnic communities in the borough.

news Keeping Merton informed 5

New mayor Exciting new art space for for Merton Wimbledon In May, Merton Council elected Councillor Brenda Fraser as the new mayor for the year 2016/17. Councillor Fraser has Library represented residents of Longthornton ward since 2010 and Wimbledon Library is the is the first Jamaican woman to serve as Mayor of Merton. place to be when it comes Councillor Fraser will be supported by her Deputy Mayor to the arts, with its latest Councillor Stan Anderson. Her charities are Age UK Merton refurbishment creating and The Avanti Club, a mental health support group. a flexible out-of-hours Councillor Fraser has been an Open University lecturer in performance and health since 2003. She has previously worked in the health exhibition space, following sector and for the police. The new Mayor is also a magistrate, Mayor of Merton, the council’s successful bid school governor and is on the Board of South Thames College. Councillor Brenda Fraser for £62,000 from Arts Council England. The area at the back of the library is called Merton student UK young Merton Art Space. Moveable bookcases, scientist of the year chairs and tables as well Ricards Lodge A-Level student as sound and lighting Roxanne El-Hady, has been rigs mean artists can crowned UK Young Scientist of create the space and the Year at the The Big Bang atmosphere they want. Fair. She was presented with the As well as exhibitions and prestigious award at the NEC performances, there will arena in Birmingham. Roxanne also be impromptu entered her climate change “scratch sessions”, which investigation into the National will give the audience the Science and Engineering opportunity to see new Competition and was invited to work being developed in demonstrate her work, comedy, music and other alongside other finalists at the performing arts. fair. Over 70,000 people from find out more across the UK were there. She is merton.gov.uk/artsspace hoping to study earth sciences and geology at Bristol, UCL or Edinburgh University. Big friendly read

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, The Big Friendly Read, runs from 16 July to 10 September at libraries across Merton. This year, the Reading Agency’s challenge is in collaboration with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate as part of Roald Dahl 100 celebrations and will feature some of Roald Dahl’s best-loved characters and artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake. Children are set to take on the challenge to read six books over the summer. Prizes include a collector’s folder, Quentin Blake illustrated postcards for each book read and a medal, certificate and a free Chipotle meal voucher. find out more merton.gov.uk/libraries

news 6 Keeping Merton informed

Merton supports national campaign to tackle child abuse

Applauding DofE success Representatives from the council and police Over 100 young people from Merton received their Duke of With a number of UK councils, Merton Council is supporting Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards certificates from the then Mayor the Department for Education’s national Together We Can Tackle of Merton, Councillor David Chung at a special ceremony in Child Abuse campaign. It sets out to encourage residents to act on April. Merton Council funds the scheme, which benefits many their instinct and get in touch with the council’s multi-agency young people in the borough. The event, held at Wimbledon safeguarding hub if they suspect a child is being harmed. College, was hosted by Ursuline High School pupils, Anais find out more merton.gov.uk/mash Mango and Katie Keane (pictured with their teachers). Over 290 Merton young people have received DofE awards this year and together they have 5,000 hours of volunteering under Nominate your community hero their belt. Fifty-three young people taking their gold DofE The Wimbledon Guardian is calling on residents and businesses to award will be heading off to Snowdonia on an expedition – nominate their community hero. The deadline for nominations is a record-breaking number for Merton. mid-August and a special ceremony will take place in September. find out more merton.gov.uk/dofe Get your nomination in now. find out more www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/MCA -

Wimbledon Park Book tickets from £15 Win tickets for at merton.gov.uk/live (booking fees will be hosting apply). For your chance to win a family a Bank Holiday ticket for four to any of the dates simply answer the following question: weekend programme What type of music of intimate picnic do The Brand New concerts this summer, Heavies play? 26–29 August A) folk B) funk C) classical In your answer, you must include the The City of London Sinfonia following: your name, email address, takes to the stage on Friday 26 phone number and postal address. August bringing prom favourites to You can email your answer to Wimbledon with a dazzling fireworks [email protected] finale. On Saturday 27 August or write to us at My Merton, The Definitive Rat Pack perform 7th floor, Civic Centre, London Road, swing classics from Sinatra and Morden SM4 5DX. friends. British funk music institution The closing date for entries is 1 August. The Brand New Heavies join the Terms and conditions: The tickets are non- line-up on Sunday 28 August and transferable. There are no cash alternatives, on Bank Holiday Monday 29 August, accommodation or travel included in this prize. The competition is for four standard picnic style Horrible Histories will be with us to tickets to any ONE date for Live at Wimbledon entertain families with gruesome and Park, 26-29 August 2016. ghoulish tales from the past. 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

news Keeping Merton informed 7

New homes New faces in for Merton

Merton’s cabinet Circle Housing Merton Priory Merton’s cabinet welcomed Councillor Tobin Byers (pictured top left), is preparing initial planning new cabinet member for adult social care and health, who will continue the council’s applications for its three support for St Helier hospital. Also welcomed to the table was Councillor Ross regeneration neighbourhoods. Garrod (pictured top right) who takes on responsibility for environmental cleanliness If planning permission is and parking and Councillor Katy Neep (pictured bottom right) who is now cabinet granted, building work on the member for children’s services. first new homes for High Path find out more merton.gov.uk/cabinet and Ravensbury estates would start late 2016. We expect that planning applications for the master plans for High Path, Microchipping Primary school brings Eastfields and Ravensbury will dogs becomes law be submitted later this year. blooming bulbs to park Circle Housing is a charity and Earlier in the spring, the puts any money it makes back government made it a legal into communities. Building new requirement for dog owners to homes and improving existing have their dog micro chipped. neighbourhoods are important The council already works with elements of its ambitions the Dog Trust to provide dog for Merton. Regeneration owners the opportunity to have would mean building new, their pets chipped for free. high-quality, durable homes Fitting a dog with a microchip that meet residents’ needs must be done by a trained now and in the future. professional. A programme of community find out more development will be delivered merton.gov.uk/dogs alongside the regeneration, including employment Morden Primary school pupils teamed up with Friends of Morden opportunities and training Park to plant daffodils for the enjoyment of park users this initiatives for local people. summer. The bulbs were kindly provided by the Metropolitan find out more Public Gardens Association and Taylor Bulbs as part of their Bulbs www.mertonregen.org.uk; for London campaign. 020 3784 5951 Flydragonfly | Dreamstime.com Flydragonfly Merton pupils dance Crossrail2, but at Royal Festival Hall not at any cost Earlier this year, Pupils from Ursuline young people from High School The council is seeking a meeting with new Mayor of London, Merton schools Sadiq Khan, to ensure the concerns of Wimbledon’s residents performed with are taken to the top. The council backs Crossrail, but not Britain’s national at any cost. The new railway will open up the borough to dance company, huge opportunities with improved links to central London, Rambert, at the potentially bringing millions of pounds worth of business Clore Ballroom, and jobs to Merton. However, the council values the borough’s Royal Festival Hall. existing businesses and residents and is committed to ensuring One hundred and minimal disruption to Wimbledon’s vibrant town centre. seventy-three find out more children from Merton primary, secondary and special needs schools consultations.tfl.gov.uk/crossrail/2 danced pieces based on the company’s professional repertoire. The performances were enjoyed by an audience of about 150 people.

news 8 Keeping Merton informed

RideLondon returns to Merton Merton residents will once again get a front-row seat at Ride London, as thousands of amateur and professional Carved in Stone cyclists ride through Raynes Park and Wimbledon on 31 July. Many will be raising money for charity. Ride London website now live has been working with the council and keeping residents Merton Heritage informed about the cycling festival to ensure the event is Service launched its a great day for the community and local businesses. new Carved in Stone There’s always a great turn-out of supporters cheering website at the hugely popular on the riders, giving the event a real party atmosphere. Heritage Discovery Day in May. find out more www.tfl.gov.uk The event was attended by over 1,100 people who went to find out about the history of the borough and its past residents. Carved in Stone is available for everyone to see and tells the Changing faces stories behind the names of those Residents in St Helier, Morden and Figges Marsh, Mitcham, voted in Labour’s who fought and died in World Jerome Neil and Mike Brunt to represent them. By-elections in the two areas took War I, as well as the stories of place following in the death of popular St Helier Councillor Maxi Martin and the life on the Home Front. resignation of Peter Walker in Figges Marsh. London also has a new Mayor, find out more Sadiq Khan while the new Merton and Wandsworth London assembly member merton.gov.uk/carvedinstone is Labour’s Leonie Cooper (pictured).

NOMINATE NOW AT WWW.WIMBLEDONGUARDIAN.CO.UK/MCA have been very proud to champion the amazing work that members of the Merton Icommunity do for the borough. Almost every day at the Wimbledon Guardian, we hear about people working tirelessly, and often without recognition, to improve the lives of others, raise money for charity or go out of their way to help people less fortunate than themselves. This unsung army of local heroes deserve recognition for what they do, which is why the Merton Community Awards are so important. IN ASSOCIATION WITH This is our fourth annual awards since launching in 2013 in partnership with the council. So if you know someone who T is making a contribution to your community and deserves .,,.�- recognition, please nominate them for an award now. Gruardian mer.ton = Nick Hitchens --- .,,.,- Deputy Managing Group Editor, Newsquest South London.

Our proud sponsors for 2016 ) ffl�Brm

feature Developing effective and efficient care 9 Council and NHS work in partnership to care for the vulnerable With a growing and ageing population, the council knows it is necessary to look at how to continue to deliver adult social care services that are both good quality for service users, and good value for council taxpayers’ money. My Merton takes a closer look at what the council is doing to make this happen.

e all know that councils are having to provide more care to a growing and ageing Wpopulation, with less money as central government continues to make cuts to local authority funding. Merton is looking at new affordable ways of doing this by working with Croydon, Kingston, Richmond and Sutton Councils and with the local NHS to develop a much more people-focused service where the NHS and councils work more closely together, ensuring funding is directed at the best ways of helping people who need care. We often hear in the news of people who are ready to recuperate in their own homes but are stuck in expensive hospital beds because care can’t be organised for them. This doesn’t help their recovery and it wastes millions in NHS funds – money that could be spent looking after people in the comfort of their own homes. The key is to identify where the need is and to | iStockphoto.com © Highwaystarz-Photography allocate the money to providing the right is available to them. Patients who aren’t Tobin Byers, told My Merton: “We’re a care in the right place for the patient. ready to move home should be able to stay business-like council but despite the in hospital with the appropriate care in financial pressures our first priority “We’re a business-like place for them. At the moment, this doesn’t remains ensuring we look after the people always happen, so sometimes, people are in who need our help the most. We are council but despite the hospital occupying beds, when they would having to make savings across all services, financial pressures our first be better off at home, while people who but we stand by our commitment to priority remains ensuring we really need hospital care can’t get a bed. ensure the most vulnerable residents in As part of the SLP, chaired by Merton’s Merton take on less of a share of these look after the people who Leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, cuts. Working closely with the NHS, as we need our help the most.” we’re working on transforming the current are doing, is an effective way of increasing disjointed system into a seamlessly our local hospitals’ efficiency, allowing The five south London councils, who integrated and effective one, that has the them to treat more people, more quickly have come together to form South London individual at its heart, with diminishing and ensuring people can be supported at Partnership (SLP), want to work together to funds allocated more appropriately on the home as they recuperate.” ensure patients who are fit enough to basis of need. Take a look at page 15 to find out what return to the comfort of their own home Merton’s new cabinet member for a day in the life of one of the council’s can do so, assured that the necessary care adult social care and health, Councillor support workers looks like.

10 the lowdown onwhat’s happeningthissummeratapark near you. Wimbledon Parkwhichisopenalready! start ofthesummerholidaysexcept pools aroundtheborough.Openfrom and WimbledonPark,orinourpaddling at Tamworthrecreationground,Mitcham Cool offinourinteractivewaterplayareas forGo adip increasingly diverse range of sports, activities andevents. more to summeronyour doorstep. Ourparks are theplaces to befor an while it’s funto grab apicnicandexplore thegreat outdoors, there’s alot with more than100beautiful parks just waiting to bediscovered. But We’ve talked alot abouthow Merton isone of London’s greenest boroughs, Get that summer feeling Summer funinMerton feature

Make a splash You don’t need to live by the beach to learn how to sail – Wimbledon Park’s stunning lake is the perfect and safe environment for all ages to have a go at activities on water and dry land.

kayaking and windsurfing and multi-watersports. The centre also specialises in archery, climbing, orienteering and much more.

staff in a friendly environment and week-long courses cost as little as £10 per hour. As well as sailing there’s

All courses are taught by fully-trained 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

fitness sessions. sessions. fitness

football, BMX, netball, tennis and and tennis netball, BMX, football,

borough. You can take part in in part take can You borough.

olds who live in the east of the the of east the in live who olds

free sports courses for 14 to 25-year- to 14 for courses sports free

Sports Blast is a scheme that runs runs that scheme a is Blast Sports

Have a blast a Have Right: The council’s council’s The Right:

Sports Blast:Sports merton.gov.uk/sportsblast pitches:Sports merton.gov.uk/pitches Merton Active Plus:merton.gov.uk/activeplus Watersports: booking.merton.gov.uk/active-plus/watersports/

Sports Blast Blast Sports funds girls’ girls’ funds

find outmore

football

ages 5+(dependingonactivity). song-writing. to developanewskillfromsewing gentler optionstoo,givingyouthechance tennis andbadminton.Butthereare brush uponyourracquetskillswith riding atWimbledon’sRidgwayStablesor golf tosquash.Youcouldlearnhorse- sports-based courses,fromfootballand take yourfancy.Thereareplentyof your interests,therereallyissomethingto young peoplekeepsgrowing,sowhatever Merton’s rangeofleisureactivitiesfor Get active Courses costfrom£20aday.Opento

My Merton My

gets

Bowls: merton.gov.uk/bowls; 020 8545 3667 Tennis: merton.gov.uk/tenniscourts andmerton.gov.uk/sportsblast Live atWimbledon Park: merton.gov.uk/live © Photo_Concepts | iStockphoto.com Be bowled over

find outmore A great sport for all ages, bowls is easy to learn and a good way to meet new people, while enjoying the fresh air. There are six greens in parks around the borough with clubs based at each. MERTON COUNCIL MERTON merton.gov.uk/ with Sinfonia ofLondon City Friday Monday Sinfonia ofLondon City Friday

Fireworks Finale 26 26 29 29

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St Mark’s Academy and Barons Barons and Academy Mark’s St

to lacrosse. lacrosse. to at available is tennis free Blast,

other sports too, from beach volley ball ball volley beach from too, sports other of our parks. Also, as part of Sports Sports of part as Also, parks. our of

pitches and courts cater for loads of of loads for cater courts and pitches Andy Murray! Book a court in many many in court a Book Murray! Andy

book a pitch in one of our parks? Our Our parks? our of one in pitch a book a go yourself. Discover your inner inner your Discover yourself. go a

you, why not get a team together and and together team a get not why you, have and racquet a up take to

Or, if Euro 2016 football has inspired inspired has football 2016 Euro if Or, place better What championships.

air – and they won’t cost you a penny. a you cost won’t they and – air famous Wimbledon tennis tennis Wimbledon famous

build stamina and strength in the open open the in strength and stamina build Merton is the home of the world world the of home the is Merton

and match and with all the equipment you need to to need you equipment the all with

around the borough are fully equipped equipped fully are borough the around

Game, set set Game,

Merton’s outdoor gyms at parks parks at gyms outdoor Merton’s have a kick about kick a have

Fit for free or free for Fit

live The Definitive Saturday plus Rat Pack The Definitive Saturday Rat Pack

The HoochieToots Best of Barmy Britain ofBarmy Best 27 27

Check out p27forprices MERTON COUNCIL MERTON everyone dancing. of musicalstylespromises toget the Wooden Menwhoseinfectiousmix of funkandsoul.Supportcomesfrom 28 August,playingtheiruniqueblend institution theBrandNewHeavieson the 40sand50s. performers oftoe-tappingtunesfrom The supportbandistheHoochieToots, Monroe tributeartistSuzieKennedy. special guestappearancebytheMarilyn Martin andSammyDavisJnr, with Sinatra, Dean sounds ofFrank Enjoy thebigband on 27August. Definitive RatPack check outthe burst ofnostalgia followed byafireworks finale. wow audienceswithpopularclassics, the CityofLondonSinfoniareturns to the heartofSW19atWimbledonPark. August BankHolidayweekendrightin outdoor musicandentertainmentthis promises tobeaneclecticmixof A hugehighlightofsummer2016 demonstrations andfamilyentertainment. with gastronomic delights,cooking Food Festivalfrom the27to29August two fabulouslygoryfamilyshows. darker sideofBritishhistorytolifein This unmissabletheatre event bringsthe Best ofBarmyBritaintakestothestage. 29 AugustwhenHorribleHistories’the merton.gov.uk/ with Sinfonia ofLondon City Friday Monday Sinfonia ofLondon City Friday

Summer funinMerton Finally there’s agruesometreat on It’s ofLondonacidjazz theturn If youfancya It allkicksoffon26Augustwhen Plus look out for Wimbledon Park Plus lookoutforWimbledonPark Fireworks Finale 016 2 Holiday Bank August picnic concerts outdoor Intimate The BrandNew Sunday plus Heavies The BrandNew Sunday 28 Heavies 26 26 29 29

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Background © Petr Stransky | Dreamstime.com 11 1012 Regular round-up my environment you recycle more andmake ourservices more efficient. are bigpriorities for you. So we are always lookingfor ways to help We know thatkeeping theborough clean anddealing withrubbish cleaner,A greener summer Yu c n Yucn recycle more. how wecanhelpyou recycling andfindingout talking toresidentsabout borough’s towncentres, we’ll beoutandaboutinthe Waste andRecyclingBoard, funding fromtheLondon Week, withthehelpof can allberecycled.DuringRecycle end upinthegeneralwaste,butthey tubes anddeodorantcansthatoften tubes, shampoobottles,toothpaste bathroom. Therearealwayslooroll can berecycledtoo,especiallythe there areitemsinotherroomsthat twice aboutkitchenrecycling,but Suspects. Manyofusdon’tthink This year’sthemeisUnusual Recycle Weekis12–18September. RecycleWeek Get recycling Get

bring inwheeliebinsthatalso makes council hasbeenlookingforaway to thumbs up. bins toowith95%givingthem the to windandfoxes.Residentslikedthe rubbish containedsoitwasn’tsubject by over60%becausethebinskept went upandstreetcleanlinessimproved both generalwasteandrecycling. ward, Mitcham,withwheeliebinsfor 1,000 householdsinLavenderFields government-funded pilot,providing Last year,weranasix-monthpart Wheelie bin pilot Based onthesuccessofpilot, the The pilotwasasuccess.Recycling cabinet memberforstreetcleanlinessCllrRossGarrod(right) Leader ofMertonCouncil,CllrStephenAlambritis(left)with Merton willbemadeinDecember. whether thissolutionisrightfor plastics thenext.Afinaldecision on card oneweekandbottles,tins and recycling collections,withpaperand continued weeklyfoodwasteand bins replacingblacksacksand neighbours whichwouldmeanwheelie whether ornottojoinforceswithour of theSouthLondonWastePartnership. of Sutton,KingstonandCroydonaspart with ourthreeneighbouringcouncils financial sense.We’vebeenworking Later thisyearwe’llbedecidingon

my environment

Regular round-up 13

Your Recycling from flats FOOD WASTE is easy is recycled into Most of our residents living in flats ENERGY are recycling. In the spring issue of to power our My Merton we talked to the Phipps homes Bridge estate caretaker, Michal Rusinkiewicz, about how residents have been helped to recycle more. The Waste Service Development Team along with caretakers and cleaners worked with the residents to considerably improve recycling rates at the Phipps Bridge estate. We’re now running similar Recycle all your food waste to power our local community projects on 24 estates across WHITEOUT COUNCIL LOGO TO GO HERE WHITEOUT RECYCLE FOR [AREA] LOGOFree TO GO HERE. THIS BOX IS food THE X-HEIGHT OF THE LOGO Merton and will be looking at www.councilwebsite.com/recyclingpage recycling facilities and making sure waste liners they are well maintained. We’ll also be holding recycling events from libraries and putting up signs explaining what you can recycle. Recycling your food waste is a great If you live in a flat, you can just put all your mixed recycling in the communal way to help us cut down on landfill. recycling bins. Don’t put plastic bags in the recycling – tip out the contents. We’ll Our weekly collections and handy be handing out recycling bags to make life a bit easier. kitchen caddies mean it’s easy to do. find out more merton.gov.uk/recycling Each household can now collect two free rolls of liners from libraries every six months. All you have to do is take along your council tax bill. If you have an e-bill, print it off or have Help clean up Merton it ready on your mobile. We know how important clean streets are to you. Every year we spend over £5 million The council has been awarded cleaning up after the minority of people who drop their litter in Merton. We’ve had funding to work on increasing some great support from residents and businesses who have worked with us to residents’ participation in the food organise clean-ups. Come and join us at 10.30am–12.30pm on the following days. waste collection service. We’ll be St Helier roundabout (at junction focusing on Colliers Wood as well as with Morden Road), Morden parts of South Wimbledon and Saturday 9 July Mitcham, to look at what makes Rialto Road close to rail bridge, some people enthusiastic about Figges Marsh, Mitcham recycling their food waste and what Saturday 6 August makes others reluctant to do this so West Barnes Lane (junction with we can develop a service that most Bodnant Gardens) people will want to use. Wednesday 10 August Goat Pub, Cricket Green, Mitcham Wednesday 24 August Junction at Stanford Way with Rowan Road, Mitcham Saturday 3 September find out more merton.gov.uk/streetchampions; [email protected]

COMPETITION

Win a family ticket* to see atLittle New Wimbledon Shop Theatre of Horrors

August brings the charming, kooky and hilarious 1950s musical sci-fi spoof, Little Shop of Horrors to New Wimbledon Theatre starring Rhydian What’s the name of the exotic plant Roberts. Seymour Krelborn, the assistant at Mushnik’s Flower Shop in in the Little Shop of Horrors? downtrodden Skid Row, becomes an overnight sensation when he a) Alison II b) Amelia II c) Audrey II discovers a strange and exotic plant. He names it Audrey II in order to impress glamorous Audrey, the colleague he’s secretly in love with. In your answer, you must include the following: Audrey II quickly starts to wilt, putting Seymour’s job and dream future name, email address, phone number and postal with Audrey at risk. Accidently pricking his finger, Seymour discovers address. You can email your answer to Audrey II needs a little more than plant food to thrive. How far will [email protected] or write to us Seymour go for the woman of his dreams? at My Merton, 7th floor, Civic Centre, London With music by the legendary Alan Menken, best known for his numerous Road, Morden SM4 5DX. The closing date for Walt Disney film scores, Little Shop of Horrors is a cult film and one of the entries is 1 August 2016. longest running off-Broadway shows of all time. Little Shop of Horrors comes to New Wimbledon Theatre from Monday Terms and conditions: *The competition is for four tickets to see Little Shop of Horrors at New Wimbledon 22–Saturday 27 August. Visit www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon to book Theatre on Monday 22 August, 7.30pm. Cannot be tickets (fees apply). For your chance to win a family ticket of four, simply exchanged or used in conjunction with any other offer, subject to availability. There are no cash alternatives, answer the following question: accommodation or travel included in this prize.

Whatever the time, find the right treatment for you

Download our Free NHS app or visit the website

www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net

Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough• •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough • •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough • •Merton Merton – proud– proud to tobe be a Fairtradea Fairtrade borough borough

working life

Helping people from hospital to home 15 Working life: adult social care support worker As a support worker in Merton Council’s reablement team, Sharon Fry helps people get back on their feet after a spell in hospital. She is part of the council’s reablement team and works with people of all ages but most are elderly people who are recovering from illness or injury. My Merton joins Sharon on one of her visits to find out more about the work of the council’s support workers.

ut on a visit to long-time Merton resident Mrs Newman, who is recovering well from a fall, OSharon said: “We give people the encouragement and confidence they need to look after themselves at home once they are able to leave hospital. It’s the everyday things like preparing food, personal care and help with getting dressed in the morning. Sometimes we help with simple things like getting a hairdresser in or taking them to the pictures or a day centre.” “Often their families are busy, not local or abroad, so we step in to put them on the road to recovery.”

Sharon visits five or six people a day, alone or with another support worker and works with a team of health professionals you. Then you can work together as a team find out more including occupational therapists, district to reach the level of independence they merton.gov.uk/recovery-support-contributions nurses, physiotherapists, doctors and want to achieve.” pharmacists. She works with people for up If they have reached their goal after six to a six week period, following a care plan weeks, the time comes to say goodbye. which sets out the goals they want to “It can be difficult to let go at the end of the achieve to regain their independence. time I spend with clients, but I know that Sharon continues: “I’ve been a support I’ve left them in a better place. Sometimes worker for a while but it never seems like they will be getting help from other “I get a lot of personal a job to me. I get a lot of personal agencies. They’re happy and satisfied that satisfaction from just visiting people in they can be more independent. satisfaction from just their own homes, and seeing them get “Quite often you might meet that person visiting people in their own back to doing the things they used to on the bus or in the shops and it’s rewarding before they were poorly.” when you see them out and about. homes, and seeing them get Gaining a client’s trust can be challenging: They’re always grateful for the work of the back to doing the things “When you go into someone’s home you reablement team. Often their families are they usedwere to poorly.” before they can’t just take over; you have to build a busy, not local or abroad, so we step in to

16 money forusall. convenient andsavingtime services online,makingitmore access anincreasingnumberof matter toyou.Thesitewillallowyou informed withthelatestissuesthat it hasbeendesigned. people doonmerton.gov.uk,puttingtheseattheforefrontofhow easy touse.Thisisbecausewehavelookedatthetasksmost Although thenewsitewilllookandfeeldifferent,itshouldbe Designing awebsite withyou inmind us injustafewclicks. book, pay,reportandshareyourviewswith website, makingitmucheasierforyouto adding moreservicestoournew As themonthsprogress,we’llbe Benefits to you I of what’s to come. to visitthenew ‘beta’ site, whichisatest site andwillgive you ataste open for thelinkonhomepage of ourcurrent website inviting you This summerwe’ll berolling outournew-look website. Keep aneye Merton’s digital future Sneak peek at Being amore efficient council feature recycling, andhowwekeepyou starting withrubbishcollectionand will changehowwedeliverservicesonline, t’s morethanjustanewlookthough.Thewebsite

Tell uswhatyou think Both theoldandnewwebsiteswillbe available forafewmonthstogiveustime updated onthelatestdevelopments. transfer thecontentovertonewsite. efficient. MyMertonwillkeepyou This willalsogiveyoutimetotellusyour Merton moredigitallysmartand views onthenewsite. test, or‘beta’,sitesoyoucaneasily send usyourviewsaboutthenew web pages. There’s moretocomeaswemake There willbeafeedbackboxonthe More to come

Main image © Squared Pixels, inset © laflor, both iStockphoto.com

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 merton.gov.uk/leisureformorden by manypeopleinthefuture. current buildingandwhichcan beenjoyed which willcostlesstomaintain than the the startofafabulousnewleisure centre, We arenowalmostatthestage of seeing possible, fromtoddlerstopensioners. by asmanydifferentgroupsofpeople creating aflexiblebuildingthatcanbeused maximum valuefromtheprojectby which willdoubleupasacommunityspace. There’ll alsobeagymandfitnessstudio increase thecapacityforswimminglessons. a moveablefloor,toallowfordivingand 25m six-lanemainpoolandasmallwith users, thenewcentrewillincludeacafé, residents andcurrentMordenParkPool gave thebuildinggo-ahead. the mainconstructioncompanyand closer inJunewhenthecouncilappointed affordable leisurecentrecameastep A brandnewfamily-friendlyand leisureMorden centre Wimbledon Park. be theopportunity for residents to get involved inthe25-year planfor long-anticipated Morden Leisure Centre willget underway. Andthere will There’s lots to lookforward to over thecoming months inMerton. The for Wimbledon Park centre and exciting plans Brand new Morden leisure The aim has always been to get The aimhasalwaysbeentoget Following thefeedbackwehadfrom find outmore

My Merton My

My Mertonwillkeepyouposted ondevelopmentsasboth projectsprogress. enjoy thiswonderfuljewelinMerton’s crownforgenerationstocome. might wantfromthepark,sowe cancreateabalancedspacewhereeveryone community. Thinkaboutwhatyour children,grandchildren,andpeopleinyourstreet people tothinkbeyondtheirown personalintereststowhatwillbenefitthewider This isanopportunityforeveryonetocontributetheirviews.We’re encouraging 3 July,11am–3pm,Tuesday264.30–7.30pm,Sunday14August, 11am–3pm. pavilion inWimbledonPark,RevelstokeRoadSW197HXatthefollowing times:Sunday The consultationrunsfrom3Julyuntil14August.Specialevents willbeatthebowls and whatmightneedtochange.Nowwewanthearviewsfrom acrosstheborough. and afocusgroupofsomekeyparkuserstounderstandwhatworks aboutthepark make sureitprovidesalltheservicesrequiredbymodern-daypark users. Capability Brown.Wearelookingtoretainthepark’sheritageand, atthesametime, is basedonthe18thcenturylayoutcreatedby page (p18)andyou’llknowthattoday’spark look inthefuture.Readarticleonourhistory possible optionsforhowWimbledonParkcould users intheboroughfortheirviewsonthree This summerwe’llbeaskingresidentsandpark Park Wimbledon A bright future for findsoutthelatest onthese two projects. The emphasis is on making sure we cater for different users in a well-planned way. The emphasisisonmakingsurewecaterfordifferentusersin a well-plannedway. Over thepastmonthswe’vebeenworkingwithlandscapeandstructural architects, find outmore

merton.gov.uk/wimbledon-park/masterplan Investing inresidents’ leisure

feature

17 history

18 Discovering Capability Brown’s genius in Merton

Wimbledon Park, a jewel in Merton’s crown Much of the layout of Wimbledon Park was created by one of England’s foremost landscape designers, Lancelot Capability Brown, who was born 300 years ago this year. As residents are consulted on a masterplan that will shape

ith its rural feel but close land. It was grazed by deer and traversed proximity to London, the by grand avenues. Brown and his team historic Wimbledon Park were charged with opening up the Wwas home to a succession landscape, creating sweeping drives and of wealthy landowners from the 16th stunning views. century onwards. Grand houses were built near St Mary’s Wimbledon and no The lake expense was spared when creating the Between 1765 and 1766 Brown flooded landscaped parklands surrounding them. 25 acres, to form a striking lake, In the early days, Northumberland- complete with fish, swans, a boathouse born Lancelot Capability Brown was and framed by Classical statues. He Southfields and Wimbledon Park, apprenticed to a gardener at Kirkharle developed fine vistas between existing and the fine houses along Parkside. In Hall, in his home county until he was 23. woodland such as Horse Close Wood, 1914 part of what was left, including the By 1760, his professional reputation was Highwood and Ashen Grove, planting lake, was bought by the Wimbledon established. Highly sought after, he would additional clumps of trees and coverts for Corporation, the predecessor to Merton change the face of English landscapes at game. The whole park was surrounded by Council. They turned it into a park for venues such as Warwick Castle, a perimeter woodland. public use. Further portions of Brown’s Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House, A large kitchen garden was created near landscape also survive within the designing on an epic scale to move hills, the bottom of Wimbledon Hill. Wimbledon Park Golf Club and the create vast lakes, rivers and woodland. The Spencer family sold the park to a Wimbledon Club. property developer in 1846 and the The park original 925 acres shrunk to 15% of its find out more In 1764, Brown was appointed as Master previous size with the increase in www.parksandgardens.org/projects/ Gardener to King George III at Hampton housing, including the new suburbs of capability-brown and www.capabilitybrown.org Court. The same year, he was commissioned by John, 1st Earl Spencer, Special events with Friends of Wimbledon Park to transform his Wimbledon estate, which he had recently enlarged to some 13 August: Heritage walk and the unveiling of special plaques at key points 925 acres. It reached from Tibbet’s around Brown’s original park; an exhibition at the museum of Wimbledon, Corner down to the base of Wimbledon photography and essay writing competitions, work with local schools and the Hill, westwards to Parkside and eastwards release of a commemorative booklet. as far as Durnsford Road. The original find out more www.friendsofwimbledonpark.org.uk park had woodland, pasture and arable

feature

Investing in Mitcham 19 Rediscovering Mitcham town centre

We’re proud of our town centres and it’s great to see the first phases of work in Mitcham complete. My Merton takes a closer look at how Mitcham is shaping up.

£6m project to restore Mitcham town centre to its So far we have created a new market square with better former glory enters its final stages this summer. lighting, high quality landscaping and tree planting, as well as the Improvements to the public space will be completed renovation of the historic clock tower. Majestic Way has been Aand buses will return to London Road, taking visitors repaved to create a dedicated cycle route, which was completed right to the commercial heart of the town. ahead of schedule. Work to clean up Three Kings Pond and its The completion of the project follows confirmation in April surroundings will also be finished this summer, improving water that Mitcham would receive funding from TfL to complete the quality and making it a more attractive home to diverse wildlife. final phases of the traffic scheme. The final phases include alterations to road junctions to Mitcham is a key part of the borough’s heritage. Once a improve traffic flow and add better pedestrian crossings and thriving village – it lays claim to the world’s oldest cricket green segregated cycle lanes. And there’s the re-opening of part of and one of England’s oldest fairs – it also boasts a fascinating London Road as a ‘bus street’. By allowing access to buses and industrial past, from lavender distilleries to calico print works. bikes, the town will benefit from improved public transport and More recently Mitcham has seen fewer shoppers in the town we’re hoping the shops will be given a boost from increased centre, similar to other towns throughout the country, as people passing trade and visibility. The entire project will be complete by increasingly buy online. We’ve been working hard in Mitcham to the end of 2017. turn around its fortunes and boost visitor numbers by making the town a more pleasant place to visit and spend time, and find out more somewhere residents can feel proud of. merton.gov.uk/rediscovermitcham

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Terms and conditions apply, please visit www.better.org.uk/terms. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398

334140_GLL_PCR_Cannons_Press Ad_A5_FV2.indd 1 24/05/2016 14:53

MERTON COUNCIL Time for a change?

Children need safe and loving families if they can’t stay with their own.

If you have a spare bedroom and can offer space in your life to care for vulnerable young people please get in touch today:

Call us for a friendly chat on 020 8545 4070 / 0800 073 0874 or visit: merton.gov.uk/fostering

Foster 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

MyMerton-FosterAdvert.indd 1 25/05/2016 10:11 Community safety

Staying safe this summer 21 © Warrengoldswain, Dreamstime.com © Warrengoldswain,

MERTON COUNCIL Fun in the sun Summer’s here with prospects of long, warm days and time spent outdoors. My Merton takes a look at staying safe and having fun when the sun’s out.

Time for a change? Stay drink aware There’s nothing like enjoying the Safe as houses outdoors, lighting the first BBQ of the Children need safe season and sipping a cool beer with Summer can be prime time for friends. This summer is also going to be burglars so take extra care with and loving families if they wall-to-wall sport with the Euro 2016 security when enjoying the warm football championships and the Olympics weather or when you’re out and about. can’t stay with their own. being beamed in from Rio. Lock your windows and doors when © esp_imaging | iStockphoto.com © esp_imaging While you’re out having a good time in you leave the house or are spending If you have a spare bedroom and can offer space the sun, don’t forget that sun and alcohol time in the back garden and don’t in your life to care for vulnerable young people don’t always mix that well, so make sure leave ground floor windows open Top tips please get in touch today: you stay cool and drink lots of water too. when you go to bed. l Leave lights on at night when you’re out Timer switches come in handy when l Stop the opportunist burglar and Call us for a friendly chat on l Stick to the NHS One You you’re away on holiday. You should lock your doors and windows 020 8545 4070 / 0800 073 0874 campaign advice of no more than also think about cancelling regular l Don’t leave electronic equipment or visit: merton.gov.uk/fostering 14 units of alcohol a week; that’s six pints of average strength beer deliveries and ask a friend to keep an so it’s visible through the window eye on things, including moving any l Look out for your neighbours, l Don’t drink and drive post out of sight. Make sure your shed especially if they are vulnerable l Apply sun cream if you’re is properly secure with strong padlocks l If you live in a block of flats, keep the planning on a day in the sun and lock up bikes or move them inside communal doors locked find out more the home. l Keep your keys away from your door Foster merton.gov.uk/safermerton 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

MyMerton-FosterAdvert.indd 1 25/05/2016 10:11 feature

22 Healthy Merton You’re as young as you feel We’re all living longer, which is great news, but it’s becoming more important to age well so we can enjoy rewarding and active longer lives. My Merton takes a closer look at how to stay fit and healthy. © Christopher Futcher | iStockphoto.com Futcher © Christopher

any diseases occurring in later health, and a health professional will be on free to eligible adults. The first step to using life can be prevented by hand to advise you of things you can do to this service is your NHS health check. lifestyle changes in middle age. minimise the risk of heart disease, stroke, MThe government has launched diabetes and dementia. A healthy start its One You campaign which is aimed at Childhood obesity is a big issue nationally people aged 40 to 74 and Merton Council Maintaining a healthy weight and one we’re working on in Merton, where a is supporting and funding One You with a Maintaining a healthy weight is important significant number of children are overweight range of initiatives throughout the year. when it comes to staying fit as we get older. by the time they are 10. Our LiveWell service But Public Health England’s figures show is visiting schools to talk to parents, teachers NHS health checks that around 96,000 adults in Merton are and children about issues such as sugar, There will be NHS health checks available overweight, that’s over half the borough’s portion sizes and getting active. And we’ll be to everyone in this age group, every five population. We’re addressing this with our out and about at events this summer asking years. The check looks at your general new weight management service, available for your views about how we can all work together to make it easier to be healthy. Hot on the heels of the government’s If you have children, you might have sugar tax announcement, the spring issue noticed a few changes to the community of My Merton featured sugar and how to healthcare services you receive. find out the sugar content of foods and Since April, when Central London drinks using the free Sugar Smart app from Community Healthcare NHS Trust took Change4Life. Check out the Change4Life over the management of community website for ideas and advice on simple health services in Merton, changes you may have seen include health sugar swaps and become a healthier you. visitors have been using mobile devices to access patient records on home find out more visits and at clinics. They are running For health checks contact your GP or a pilot, providing an online version of www.nhs.co.uk/healthcheck the personal child health record for For One You visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou – the under-fives, called eRedbook. take the quick survey and get tips around You can register for the eRedbook diet, activity alcohol and stress. at www.clch.nhs.uk/eredbook For sugar swaps www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/ © baona | iStockphoto.com © baona campaigns/sugar-smart/home

feature

Keeping Merton moving 23 Making room for everyone on our roads We’re a busy borough and demand for parking is high. As your council, we have a responsibility to keep the roads safe and keep the traffic moving. We also know from what residents have told us that congestion is a top concern. My Merton finds out more about what’s being done to keep Merton moving.

s a result of residents’ concerns about congestion and inconsiderate parking Ain Merton, we are now implementing measures designed to keep the traffic moving and free up pavements for pedestrians. In the spring, new cameras were installed across the borough enabling us to use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to enforce the rules

MERTON COUNCIL Ignore the sign face a fine To keep the borough moving Merton Council will be using 41 Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to enforce bus lanes, box junctions, no-entry points and banned turns. This will help us manage congestion and keep the borough’s traffic flowing freely. If you are caught on camera you will be issued with a £130 penalty charge notice. Pavement parking, with a few exceptions, For further information visit: merton.gov.uk/tacklingcongestion has been banned in London for the past 40 years and we’re cracking down on £130 fine vehicles parked where they shouldn’t be. The installation follows a successful trial of the technology in 2014. Look out for the and keep out of bus lanes during their within 14 days. We will be issuing fines to yellow camera signs we’ve put up around hours of operation. drivers parking on grass verges too, the borough. ANPR works by recording Meanwhile the council is cracking down although, in the case of narrow roads, offences automatically and processing on inconsiderate pavement parking in parking with two wheels on the kerbstone, penalty charges more efficiently than with response to concerns raised by wheelchair but not the grass, is permitted. the previous, manual system. This frees up users and parents with pushchairs that Also in response to your concerns, our officers, who would have spent time cars are taking up too much room on we have been consulting about monitoring CCTV footage, to focus on your some footpaths. introducing double yellow lines at a complaints about badly parked vehicles Pavement parking, with a few exceptions, number of busy junctions across the and other traffic issues. has been banned in London for the past 40 borough to restrict waiting. The You can find the location of enforcement years and we’re cracking down on vehicles consultation period closed in March and cameras on the council website. But as no parked where they shouldn’t be. The roads details of the outcome will be available one likes getting a penalty notice (£130, affected are listed on our website and signs on the website later this year. reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days), the have been put up on nearby lamp posts. key message from us to drivers is to avoid People parking on these pavements could find out more entering box junctions without a clear exit receive a £110 fine, reduced to £55 if paid merton.gov.uk/parking

MERTON COUNCIL

Fancy learning something new? Now enrolling on Merton adult education courses

With a broader range of courses to choose from, there’s something on offer for everyone. Sign up today. Find out more at merton.gov.uk/adulteducation

what’son 25 Your comprehensive guide to what’s happening in Merton. merton.gov.uk/events

COLLIERS WOOD MITCHAM MORDEN RAYNES PARK WIMBLEDON/MERTON

Arts and entertainment New Wimbledon Theatre 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG Book online www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon Telephone booking 0844 871 7646 Group bookings 0844 871 7696 Access bookings 0844 871 7677

l LazyTown Live Friday 15–Saturday 16 July A 60 minute nonstop highly interactive and energetic show, jam-packed with singing, Going for a Song dancing, spectacular acrobatics and music, featuring original tracks from the hit TV show. l West Barnes l Going for a Song l Leap! LazyTown Live on stage features Sportacus, Singers favourite Wednesdays, 1–2pm Monday 25–Friday Stephanie, Ziggy, Robbie Rotten and You, the opera choruses Mitcham: Vestry Hall, 29 July audience. Cost £16.65 plus transaction fee. Saturday 2 July, 7.30pm London Road CR4 3UD. Bond Primary School, St Saviour’s Church, Cost: £3. Bond Road, Mitcham l Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Grand Drive, Raynes Park, Wednesdays 3–4pm CR4 3HG. Free, but Wednesday 20– SW20 9DG. Tickets, £10, Wimbledon: St Marks participants must register Saturday 30 July children free. Church Hall, St Marks in advance with katherine@ One of the world’s find out more Place SW19 7ND. Cost: £5. attictheatrecompany.com favourite musicals, www.westbarnessingers.co.uk These singing workshops or call 020 8640 6800. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, for the over 55s are an In partnership with will have audiences of excellent way to exercise SHINE Merton. Full all ages flying high with the vocal chords and body, week of creative activities its mixture of madness, while learning new songs for Mitcham based intrigue and exuberance. Cost and remembering old children aged 10–11, from £20.40 plus transaction fee. favourites, having fun and with games and exercises making friends. to prepare them for l Little Shop of Horrors find out more secondary school. Monday 22–Saturday 27 August [email protected] Seymour Krelborn, the assistant at Mushnik’s West Barnes Singers or call 020 8640 6800 Flower Shop in downtrodden Skid Row, becomes an overnight l Morden Park Leap! sensation when he Choral Society discovers a strange presents songs of and exotic plant. the British Isles He names it Audrey Saturday 9 July, 7.30pm Two in order to St John’s the Divine, High impress, glamorous Path, Merton. Tickets: £6, Audrey, the colleague £4 concessions, includes he’s secretly in love glass of wine. with. Cost from find out more £17.90 plus 020 8648 6445 transaction fee. www.choralsocietymerton.org.uk

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

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26 merton.gov.uk/events

Here’s a selection of what’s l T-Rextasy l Wimbledon Park l Scottish stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: Unplugged Live Food Festival country dancing Saturday 6 August Saturday 27–Monday New season starts MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE The Colour House 29 August Tuesday 13 September, Theatre. This award- Wimbledon Park. Enjoy a then Tuesdays 8–10.30pm Love You Dead winning T-Rex tribute wide range of gastronomic until June 2017 by Peter James act returns for a third delights, cooking Scottish country dancing Love You Dead is the gripping twelfth consecutive year for a demonstrations and with the St Andrew book in the Detective Superintendent special acoustic gig! £12. family entertainment. Society at Holy Trinity Roy Grace series. An ugly duckling as find out more Tickets: adult £8; child £2. Church Hall, 234 The a child, Jodie Bentley had two dreams www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk find out more Broadway, Wimbledon in life – to be beautiful and rich. She’s 020 8542 5511 fantasticbritishfoodfestivals.com SW19 1SB (next to Polka achieved the first, with a little help from a plastic Theatre). Cost £4.50 Wimbledon Park surgeon, and now she’s working hard on the second. Food Festival including interval Her philosophy on money is simple: you can either refreshments. Beginners earn it or marry it. Marrying is easy, it’s getting rid welcome. Some of the husband afterwards that’s harder, that takes instruction is available. real skill. But hey, practice makes perfect... find out more www.standrewsoclondon.net Other books: 020 8540 1755 Andy Newbold Photography • Dear Amy – Helen Callaghan • Little Sister – David Hewson • The Hawkehead Hostage Polka Theatre – Rebecca Tope 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB • War Orphans – Lizzie Lane Box office: 020 8543 4888 • Forces of Nature – Professor www.polkatheatre.com Brian Cox l Summer Senses l James and the Giant Peach NEW DVDS: MY MERTON RECOMMENDS Wednesday 27 July, 10–11am Monday 27 June– Celebrate summer as we explore the Sunday 14 August The Revenant many sounds and colours of the season To celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary Inspired by true events, The in this gentle multi-sensory drama year in 2016, we bring you Polka’s Revenant is an epic story of survival workshop. Please remember to wear acclaimed production of one of and transformation on the appropriate clothing and to fill in an his most popular stories. Join American frontier. While on an emergency contact form (available on James and his new-found insect expedition into the uncharted our website). Children will not be friends as they embark on an wilderness, legendary explorer accepted onto a class without the form extraordinary adventure which takes Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) being completed in advance. Ages 3–5. them halfway around the world is brutally mauled by a bear, then abandoned by Tickets £18. with excitement, songs and laughter. members of his own hunting team. Driven by sheer Ages 5–11. Tickets: £15 for adults will and his love for his Native American wife and l Chester Tuffnut and children, concessions £10 plus son, he undertakes a 200-mile odyssey through the Monday 27 June– transaction charge. vast and untamed West on the trail of the man who Sunday 14 August betrayed him: John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). This is a story about discovering new places, making friends and inspiring Other DVDs: everyone to have at least one adventure • Dirty Grandpa every day. Join Chester and a brave • Pride and Prejudice and Vampires bunch of creatures for an action- • Hail Caeser! packed story of highs, lows, thrills, spills, near misses and great escapes. Ages 2–6. Tickets £12 for adults For more information on books, and children, concessions £9 plus borrowing eBooks and DVDs, transaction charge. visit merton.gov.uk/libraries

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

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MERTON COUNCIL Love Wimbledon Intimate outdoor The Piazza, Wimbledon picnic concerts l Big Screen Tennis August Monday 27 June–Sunday 10 July Free. The ever popular Big Screen is back again Bank showing the Wimbledon Championships live throughout tennis fortnight. Relax in a deckchair Holiday and enjoy all the tennis action as it unfolds. 2 016

find out more www.lovewimbledon.org GetFridayFriday your 2626 tickets SaturdaynowSaturday at 2727merton.gov.uk/liveSundaySunday 2828 ThisCityCity August ofof LondonLondon bank holiday weekendTheThe DefinitiveDefinitivecome to SW19 and hearTheThe swing BrandBrand classics NewNew from the Definitive Rat Pack. City of London Sinfonia with firework finale, Health and fitness BrandSinfoniaSinfonia New Heavies and manyRatRat more great PackPack acts will be performingHeaviesHeavies at Livewith Fireworksat Wimbledon Finale Park. Horribleplus The Histories Hoochie will Toots be there onplus theThe Monday. Wooden men l Wimbledon Park bowls club Wimbledon Park Bowls Club is holding taster/ Monday Best of Barmy Britain coaching sessions from 11am–1pm each Saturday, 29 July to September. find out more merton.gov.uk/live Call Barry on 020 8265 5475; [email protected]

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday 26 August 27 August 28 August 29 August City of London The Definitive Brand New Fun-filled family Sinfonia – Rat Pack with Heavies plus day featuring an evening special guest, support. Horrible Histories. of classical Suzie Kennedy Tickets from £25, Tickets from £15 performance as Marilyn children £20. (A booking fee with a dazzling Monroe; support: will be added on fireworks display. Hoochie toots. to the price of the Tickets from £25, Tickets from £20, tickets at the time children £15. children £15. of purchase).

Save the date • 10% off for groups of ten or more MERTON COUNCIL

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • YOUTH • SENIOR CITIZENS • FAMILY • HEALTH & FITNESS • WALKSIntimate & TALKS • FAIRS outdoor & EXHIBITIONS picnic concerts 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 August Bank Holiday 2 016

FridayFriday 2626 SaturdaySaturday 2727 SundaySunday 2828 CityCity ofof LondonLondon TheThe DefinitiveDefinitive TheThe BrandBrand NewNew SinfoniaSinfonia RatRat PackPack HeaviesHeavies with Fireworks Finale plus The Hoochie Toots plus The Wooden men

Best of Barmy Britain Monday 29

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Health and Walks and talks fitnesscont. l Business basics l Facebook Community Forums Thursday 7 July, for businesses Anyone with an interest in the local area is invited to l Tennis Blast 9.15am–1pm Thursday 7 July, attend these free community meetings to discuss Saturday 2 July, The Generator Business 9.30am–12.30pm issues which are then followed up by the responsible 10am–3pm Centre, 95 Miles Road, Tuition House, organisation. Wimbledon Park Mitcham, Surrey. This Wimbledon. Training tennis courts. Drop-in workshop will provide session designed to help l Wimbledon coaching sessions, you with expert and small to medium-sized Wednesday 21 September, 7.15pm middle Saturday of practical advice on starting businesses understand the The Mansel Road Centre, Trinity United Reformed Wimbledon tennis a business. Led by Kevin commercial opportunities Church, Mansel Road, London, SW19 4AA. fortnight. Some of the Dunne, an experienced of Facebook for business Wimbledon tennis trainer, who has a wealth and the first steps needed l Raynes Park players will drop in of experience you can to get to grips with it. Thursday 29 September, 7.15pm during the day to offer draw upon. Cost: £25 Cost: £75 +VAT. Raynes Park Library Hall, Approach Road, Raynes advice and tips. +VAT. find out more Park SW20 8BA. Try your hand at beach find out more 020 8944 5501 tennis too. Turn up on 020 8619 0700 the day or reserve a space online. During l Wandle Fortnight Family events Library tennis fortnight, 17 September, 11am parking only available Meet at Colliers Wood l Olympic Fun Day l KidsFest 2016 workshops in car park 10 where a Station. Five mile walk Thursday 11 August, Monday 29 August l Revolting Rhymes fee applies. through four boroughs: 11am–3pm Merton Abbey Mills. Tuesday 26 July, walk the Wandle Trail to South Park Gardens. Join Free. For the tenth year 11–12pm find out more include the Watermeads the Olympic celebrations. Merton Abbey Mills Wimbledon Library. merton.gov.uk/tennisblast and Bennett’s Hole. Activities for all the family hosts a day of free For ages 5–7 years. © 1stgallery | Dreamstime.com © 1stgallery Finish at Mitcham including Olympic inspired entertainment for Junction. arts and crafts, a treasure children and families! l Charlie and the l Multi-sports find out more hunt and live music. Free. find out more Chocolate Factory camps 07944 833605 find out more www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk Thursday 28 July, 25 July–26 August, [email protected] [email protected] 020 8543 9608 11.30am–12.30pm 9am–3pm Pollards Hill Library, Raynes Park sports KidsFest 2016 For ages 8–9 years. ground, Taunton Avenue SW20 0BH. Arget sports l The Twits coaching Ltd are running Thursday 28 July, multisport holiday 10–11am courses. Professional Morden Library. coaching sessions for girls For ages 7–8 years. and boys of all abilities from 5–12 years. l BFG Certificates and medals Thursday 28 July, are awarded to the most 11.30am–12.30pm improved and best Raynes Park Library, performers on the final For ages 7_9 years. day of the course. Sports prizes presented l Fantastic Mr Fox throughout the week. Thursday 25 August £80 for the week. 10–11am find out more West Barnes Library. 020 8545 3663 For ages 6–7 years. merton.gov.uk/activeplus

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l Love Wimbledon’s Love Wimbledon’s RideLondon street party Merton Mencap RideLondon Chaucer Centre, Room B, street party Canterbury Road, Morden SM4 6PX Sunday 31 July Free. Love Wimbledon Kids First summer term events for will be hosting a street parents of children and young people party to welcome with disabilities or special needs RideLondon through the l Sensory integration and OT techniques town with music, food and Tuesday 5 July, 10am–2pm entertainment for the Practical session on sensory integration and whole family. occupational therapy techniques you can use at home find out more with your child. Lunch included. Free. www.lovewimbledon.org

Adult First event for carers l Love Wimbledon’s of adults with learning disabilities Monthly Market l Challenging behaviour/complex needs Saturday 23 and Thursday 14 July 10.30am–12.30pm Sunday 24 July Run by Dr Vicky Laute, chartered clinical The Piazza, Wimbledon. psychologist. Vicky leads Merton’s Behaviour Love Wimbledon’s July Support Service to help people with challenging market presents a range of l Love Autumn Arts Market behaviour. Eligible for people who have a learning exciting stalls offering Wimbledon events Saturday 17 and disability, are 18+, is resident in Merton and is delicious food, original art, The Piazza, Wimbledon Sunday 18 September presenting with behaviour that is high risk. Free. gifts, accessories, books, A selection of local artists toys, home ware and lots Grand Prix live will be displaying and find out more more. Free. Sunday 3 July selling their work, featuring 020 8687 4644; www.mertonmencap.org.uk find out more Love Wimbledon’s Big lifestyle products and home www.lovewimbledon.org Screen will be showing accessories including The Austrian Grand Prix pictures, vases and a variety live. Bring your picnic of crafts. Lot of activities Summer fun and enjoy all the action in also on offer. Free. the heart of Wimbledon. find out more in Merton Free. lovewimbledon.org Fun activities for young people in Merton aged 9–12 (juniors) and 13–19 (seniors). Includes trips out, Love Wimbledon’s Autumn Arts Market sports, arts and crafts and more at the following council youth centres this summer holiday: find out more Phipps Bridge: Tuesdays to Thursdays. 07940 714136 Morden Pollards Hill: Mondays to Thursdays from 25 July to family 25 August (first two weeks juniors, second two weeks seniors). 07904 237292 fun day Acacia Adventure Playground: Morden Park Sports Monday to Friday, Field SM4 5LF 12.30–6.30pm. 07960 618470 Merton Council’s youth Sunday 17 July office: 020 8274 5801/5812 Fun activities for all the family: Pony rides, funfair, dog show. £2 entry. find out more [email protected] © Photodisc | 123RF.com Valua © Vitality

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

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l Mitcham Horticultural Society Merton Heritage Saturday 2 July, 2pm St Mark’s Church Hall, l The Somme l Mitcham at War l Merton and St Mark’s Road, Mitcham. Friday 1 July, 7–9pm 1914–18 Morden during the Free; tea and cakes available. Raynes Park Library, Approach Until Saturday 2 July First World War find out more Road, London SW20 8BA. Mitcham Library, 157 London Monday 18 July– info@mitchamhorticultural Special screening of The Battle Road, Mitcham, CR4 2YR. Sunday 6 August society.co.uk; 020 8640 3659 of the Somme. An early example Free. Part of the Carved in Stone Second floor, Morden Library, of film propaganda, an historical project, this exhibition will look Merton Civic Centre, London l Abundance record of the battle and a popular at the impact of World War One Road, Morden SM4 5DX. Free. Wimbledon source of WWI footage. on everything from local industry A walk through Merton and 17 September, 11am–2pm find out more and the role of women, to the Morden looking at local people, St Mark’s church garden To book: 020 8545 3239/4038 daily lives of Mitcham people. places and industries from (behind Wimbledon [email protected] find out more 1914 to 1918. Library). Do you have a merton.gov.uk/carvedinstone Merton Heritage Centre find out more fruit tree and can’t use all 020 8545 3239; 020 8545 3239 or email the fruit? Join us on [email protected] [email protected] Abundance Fruit Day. find out more [email protected] www.abundancewimbledon.com

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Free Summer Cycling Sessions Practical on-road cycle training. Choice of dates, times and venues. helping you You must be aged 10+ years stay ahead.

committed to you, your family and your business.

www.morrlaw.com @morrlaw 020 8971 1020 Book now to get your space Connect House, 133-137 Alexandra Road, Wimbledon SW19 7JY cycleconfident.com

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 My Merton Magazine Summer edition 2016.indd 1 14/04/2016 12:44 http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/she-s-first-to-the-ball-gm174859189-22967214?st=97b72e5 http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/she-s-first-to-the-ball-gm174859189-22967214?st=97b72e5

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Loads of holiday fun right on your doorstep merton.gov.uk/leisure

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Get the wrong person Residents, are you to take your waste away and you could receive an unlimited fine fly-tipping and/or imprisonment. unlimited

and you don’t finand/or imprisonmente even know it? Find a licensed waste remover at: 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 • Mertonenvironment.data.gov.uk/public-register – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough

minutes 5 with...

Andrew Whittington Merton Mencap CEO

Merton Mencap is an independent charity supporting people with a learning disability and their family carers. My Merton spoke to Merton Mencap CEO, Andrew Whittington, to find out more.

Andrew has a 20-year career in health and social care and became CEO of Merton Mencap in 2009.

What is Merton Mencap’s vision? We want a society where people with a learning disability are treated equally and have opportunities to achieve their ambitions, and where their family carers feel fully supported.

What help does the charity offer to people in Merton? Our services and activities help people with a learning disability to develop their life-skills so they are safer, healthier, and live as independently as possible. We support carers to feel less isolated and to have a say about local services affecting them.

How hands-on are you? It is important to be a visible CEO; I visit the charity’s activities and regularly speak to local people to understand what else the charity could be doing to help families. Society’s general perceptions are changing – many realise that people with a learning disability can achieve a great deal if they receive the right support.

What challenges does your sector face? A reduction in social care funding means that the work of charities has never been so important. We raise all our own funds so local donors, people who fundraise for us, and our volunteers are absolutely crucial.

What do you find most rewarding? Nothing beats hearing we have made a positive difference to people’s lives. news and information from your council find out more mymerton www.mertonmencap.org.uk or call 020 8646 0965