Outstanding Ofsted Report for Rutlish School

ISSUE 71 AUTUMN 2017

Win a family ticket for Spamalot at New Wimbledon Theatre Outstanding Ofsted report for Rutlish School Construction starts on Morden leisure centre Historic Mitcham building to be restored with grant We We “ We 2 Headteacher Alex Williamson. Photography: Paul Tanner. Cover photograph: Pupilsfrom Rutlish School with l l l l l opportunities atthebeginningoftheirlives.Tohelpachievethis: continues toincreaseandwewantmakesuretheyhavethebest borough. ThenumbersofchildrenbeingeducatedinMerton Merton, andhowmuchtheyhelpattractnewpeopletoliveinthe We knowhowimportantgoodlocalschoolsaretofamiliesin very poor.Thisishigherthananytimebefore2012. those schoolsgoodorverygood,with11%sayingtheywerepoor two thirds(62%)ofparentspupilsinsecondaryschoolsrated 2014 andisthehighesteverratinginourresidents’survey.Around poor. Thiscomparesto77%whenthesamequestionwasaskedin schools weregoodorverygood;whilstonly3%thoughtthey Eight ofevery10parentschildreninprimaryschoolsaidthose what theythoughtaboutourschools. of this,weaskedresidents,bothparentsandpeoplewithoutchildren, to telluswhattheythinkaboutthecouncilandourservices.Aspart In spring2017,weaskedarepresentativesampleof1,000residents

in Merton. funding formulaforschoolsdoesnotdisadvantagechildren We havecampaignedtomakesuretheGovernment’snew in Merton since 2007. in Mertonsince2007. We havecreatedmorethan4,000newprimaryschoolplaces in Merton,atKeyStage2SATs,GCSEsandAlevel. We haveseenresultsimproveacrossthemaintainedschools increase in demand for school places. increase indemandforschoolplaces. secondary schoolinSouthWimbledon tomeetthecontinuing We aresupportingtheHarrisFederation toopenanew one oftheirparents’preferredchoices. a primaryschoolplace,withmorethan94%ofchildrengoingto We madesurethatthisyeareverychildwhoappliedwasoffered You said ” asked did:

children andgivethemthebest startinlife. vibrant boroughwherefamilieswanttobringuptheir we runservices,IknowMertonwillcontinuetobea facilities, andtopmarksfromlocalresidentsforhow locally. Tobackourcampaignseepage23. families andwewillfighttoretaintheseservices and accidentemergencyservicesaretolocal We knowhowimportantconsultant-ledmaternity the hospital,ormovingittoBelmontinSurrey. NHS isputtingforwardplanstodowngradeorclose hospital atStHelieropen.Yetagain,thelocal paddling poolsopen. cuts fromcentralgovernment,we’vekeptallour offer freepitchestoourLittleLeaguesand,despite new stadiumforWimbledon.We’vecontinuedto for Morden,anewlibraryColliersWoodand improving localfacilitiessuchasanewleisurecentre place tobringuptheirkids,we’vealsoprioritised efficient andwellrun. the council.Recordnumbersofresidentsratedusas which showedthebesteverlevelsofsatisfactionwith I washumbledbytheresultsofourresidents’survey Outstanding status. Rutlish isthelatestofourschoolstohaveachieved facilities andimprovingstandards.I’mdelighted building newclassrooms,assemblyhallsandsports to topmarksinthesummer. schools meansomanyofouryoungpeoplewokeup morning. Soit’swonderfulthatMerton’sexcellent remember thatstomachchurningfeelingonresults was CSEsandOlevelsbackinmyday!ButIstill I’m abitlonginthetoothtohavedoneGCSE’s–it With great schools, parks, libraries and leisure With greatschools,parks,librariesandleisure We’re alsocontinuingthefighttokeepourlocal With somanyfamilieschoosingMertonasagreat The councilalsogottopmarksoverthesummer. We’ve workedhardtosupportourschoolsby for Alambritis, writes Councillor Stephen Merton Council, The Leaderof My Merton My

mymerton Issue 71 • Autumn 2017 3 merton.gov.uk

contact us contents merton.gov.uk/report-it Community Registering to vote: 020 8274 4901 News 4 Council tax: 020 8274 4904 The latest news from Waste collection services: around the borough 020 8274 4902 Benefits advice: Features 020 8545 4178 Cleaner, greener Parking: 020 8545 4661 10 Recycling – it’s worth it Libraries: 020 8545 3783 Anti-social behaviour Electric cars 15 hotline: 020 8274 4907 Environmentally-friendly Switchboard: 020 8274 4901 motoring My Merton is published by the Merton London Borough of Merton and is distributed free to 80,000 Arts Space 21 households in the borough four The borough’s times a year. newest arts venue Editorial [email protected] 5 minutes with 32 merton.gov.uk/mymerton Bilal Patel, Imam What’s on listings: at Morden Islamic Fill in the online events form at: Community Centre (MICC) merton.gov.uk/eventscalendar Adverts For all advertising enquiries Regulars contact [email protected] 7 Working life 17 The London Borough of Merton Outstanding Ofsted does not accept responsibility report for Rutlish school Our team of Neighbourhood for or endorse any products or Client Officers services offered by advertisers. What’s on My Merton costs only 25 12p a copy to produce Your guide to all that’s going on in Merton this autumn

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it. My Merton is printed on fully recyclable paper, Don’t forget to which is accredited by the PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest visit our website! Certification schemes). This edition of My Merton is distributed from 7 September 2017. merton.gov.uk/mymerton You can also follow us on: My Merton is: Distributed by London Letterbox 020 8940 0666 9 13 www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil www.londonletterbox.co.uk Designed by Celebrating Making Domino4 01932 988677 Mitcham’s a splash [email protected] @Merton_Council www.domino4.co.uk heritage in Morden Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Print Partnership Whenever you see this logo www.flickr.com/mertoncouncil 0845 601 9478 that means there’s a volunteering [email protected] opportunity to get involved in www.cliffe-enterprise.com www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil news 4 Keeping Merton informed

Merton parks win Green Flag Award

Park users were out and about John Innes Park, Dundonald the International Green enjoying Merton’s parks this Recreation Ground, Sir Joseph Flag Award Scheme for Merton tops summer. The council caught Hood Memorial Playing Field meeting high environmental up with some of them and they and Colliers Wood Recreation standards, being well LGBT index told us why they loved their Ground have been awarded maintained and having Merton is the top London local park: they provide a wild the prestigious accolade from excellent visitor facilities. local authority and 13th space for nature; they’re really overall out of the 39 local fun; they’re great for bowls authorities in the Stonewall and walking the dog and are Education Equality Index. places where people like to just This is the sixth year that hang out. Merton has completed Merton is lucky to be home the index to demonstrate to so many beautiful green its commitment to tackling spaces. Once again, the homophobia, biphobia borough is enjoying Green Flag and transphobia in schools. success. South Park Gardens, Activities have included the LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing conference; presentations and London primary school workshops delivered by students from Youth Ricards Lodge School in Wimbledon; plus a new Games LGBT+ youth group in Pupils representing Merton Morden, funded by the made a splash in the pool at the Merton LGBT+ forum. London Youth Games, winning The mental health of two medals in the swimming LGBT+ young people will competition. continue to be a priority during the next year.

Paying in cash for parking?

£1m support for Maia Dunleavy (pictured above) won a silver medal in looked after children the senior Girls 50 Metres Looked after children in Merton will benefit from a £1 million Freestyle and was part of the fund from the Department for Education. Senior Girls Freestyle Relay The council is one of six London boroughs in the South Team, which won a bronze London Commissioning Programme to receive a share of the medal. Also in the team were innovation funding to improve the supply of affordable, Kelly Bone, Sophie Whelan and high-quality accommodation for looked after children, From 11 September, parking Leah Thomas-Daye. including those in fostering placements. meters across the borough will The London Youth Games is The programme has pioneered work to meet the needs of only accept the new £1 coins. Europe’s largest sports festival children and young people in the care of local authorities, After that date, the old-style with pupils from across the involving them in developing services designed to support them. coins will need to be taken to a capital competing in 30 sports. bank to be exchanged.

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 5

Have your Good Ofsted say on dog rating for control children’s services powers Residents are being asked Merton Council has received an overall “good” Ofsted rating for its Children’s Services, putting whether the current rules the local authority among the top performers in the country. Merton Safeguarding Children that dog walkers must obey Board is one of just five in the country to be rated “outstanding” by Ofsted. to keep the borough clean Ofsted has given Merton Council’s children’s services an outstanding for leadership, and safe are adequate management and governance; adoption performance and Merton Safeguarding Children Board or should be extended. as well as a good rating for experiences and progress of care leavers; children who need help and A consultation is seeking protection and children looked after and achieving permanence. views on issues including if The report, published last month, said: “Children in Merton benefit from services which are we should continue to dynamic, ambitious and successful. Exceptional leadership and governance and strong frontline impose penalties on dog management ensure that children’s services are consistently good. All children receive a good service walkers who do not clear up and some receive an outstanding service. Staff are very good at improving outcomes for children.” fouling and whether the find out more https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/local-authorities/merton council and police should have the authority to instruct owners to put their dog on a lead. With increasing numbers of Exam success in A levels and professional dog walkers using the borough’s parks, Pupils at Ursuline High School celebrating their results with the consultation is also GCSEs Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah and Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis asking if the number of Students and teachers in Merton dogs one person can walk maintained schools celebrated a at any one time should be set of A level results which are limited to four. above the national average. In a Residents’ views will year which has seen some inform a set of powers being significant changes nationally, drawn up as part of the new the proportion of A*–E grades borough-wide Public Space achieved by Merton students Protection Order, which was 99%, above the national will replace existing laws on percentage of 98%. dog control. Merton schools have also find out more demonstrated strong GCSE both English and maths. In year, this is an increase of 2%, Have your say, visit: performance again with 72% of comparison with the proportion and well above the national merton.gov.uk/dogcontrolorders pupils achieving grades 4–9 in achieving grades A*–C last average for 2016. Morden Park hosts music festival A music festival was successfully held in Morden Park in August. The Eastern Electrics Festival attracted crowds of up to 17,000 who enjoyed a strong line-up of artists, headlined by Carl Cox, who performed on several stages in a cordoned-off event space in the park. The organisers paid for the use of the park, which will help pay for council services, and made a donation to Merton and Morden Guild, a charity supporting older people. Morden Park is already a popular entertainment venue, which includes hosting a bonfire and fireworks event each November.

news 6 Keeping Merton informed

RideLondon Local Democracy Week Thousands of amateur and professional cyclists taking part in RideLondon rode School children through Raynes Park and Wimbledon Mayor’s Rider from across the on 30 July. The council worked closely Sue Keay with the borough will be with event organisers and the police to Mayor of Merton, learning about how Councillor Marsie minimise inconvenience to residents as Skeete as she passed the council works spectators lined the streets to cheer on through Raynes Park during Local the riders. on the ride Democracy Week. Throughout the week, from 9–15 October, we will be running tours of the Civic Merton adult education Centre for local primary schools, which will include Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby on a Merton Adult Education a viewing of the Council Chamber and a visit to the course starting this term. Choose from a range of general interest courses Mayor’s Parlour for a talk and refreshments. including arts, crafts, baking, languages and yoga. Other courses are available The borough’s two MPs are getting involved too. to help equip residents with the skills they need to find a job and enable others Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh, for to gain qualifications to develop their careers. These include bookkeeping the tenth year running, will be hosting a visit to the graphic design, counselling, and computing as well as workshops on CV Houses of Parliament for a group of 1oo writing, interviews and job skills. There are also courses for adults with learning schoolchildren. Meanwhile, Wimbledon MP difficulties and disabilities as well as family learning for children and their Stephen Hammond will be visiting schools in the carers together. area to talk about politics and democracy, as he has find out more merton.gov.uk/learning/adulteducation done in previous years.

Two new Merton GP hubs For evening and weekend appointments

NOW OPEN

Urgent same day evening and weekend appointments are available at our new local hubs. To get an appointment at a hub you will need to book in advance through your GP practice or call 111.

Please note the hub is only available for patients registered with a Merton GP practice and is not a walk-in service.

news Keeping Merton informed 7 Rutlish School rated outstanding by Ofsted

Rutlish School has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, making it one of the top performing schools in Merton. Head teacher Alex Williamson said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and a great reflection of everyone at the school. We have consistently maintained these high standards over a number of years and that is acknowledged by this report.” Councillor Inspectors, who sat in on lessons, spoke to students and met teaching staff, governors and awarded the local authority, noted that GCSE results for every year since the previous inspection in 2013 OBE exceeded the national average. A volunteer and Merton Pupils were praised for ‘excellent attitudes to councillor was awarded learning’ and ‘impeccable manners’ under the an OBE in the Queen’s ‘uncompromising leadership of the head teacher Birthday Honours. and his senior leaders.’ Cllr Agatha Akyigyina, has been volunteering for more than 30 years and has represented Figge’s Merton’s response Marsh ward for a decade. Her first volunteer role was supporting young to Grenfell Tower fire parents with babies as Following the tragic fire at carrying out a detailed review part of Home Start and Grenfell Tower in North of other fire risks. The several of the mothers Kensington, council officers council also wrote to the went on to become met representatives from other 20 housing associations volunteers themselves. Clarion Housing Group, who who provide social housing The former Mayor of own and manage most of the in Merton, seeking the Merton has also been a social housing in Merton. same reassurances. school governor, a They provided reassurance At the Council meeting in Grenfell Tower Assistance committee member of North that residents living in their July, the Mayor of Merton Centre to support survivors of East Mitcham Community housing stock are safe. presented an award to the fire and also at rest Centre, a support worker They confirmed their tall firefighters from Red Watch centres in Camden where with St Mark’s Family buildings in Merton are free at Wimbledon Fire Station for residents living in tower Centre and a street pastor. from cladding containing their rapid response to the blocks were evacuated as a aluminium composite Grenfell Tower fire. Council precaution while cladding on material and that they were staff volunteered at the the buildings was replaced. New councillor elected New Arts Space in Mitcham Library Kelly Braund of the Labour Party A new arts space for teenagers is now open will include performances, screenings and was elected St in Mitcham Library. exhibitions of work and a reading competition Helier’s new ward councillor An exciting range of creative workshops, for younger participants. with 74% of the vote. A led by professional artists, will take place over My Library aims to introduce art and culture by-election was held in July the coming months as part of a literacy, arts to a new generation of audiences with input from following the resignation of and cultural programme called My Library. younger people. Councillor Imran Uddin, who Funded by a £142,000 grant from the find out more represented the Labour Party. Arts Council, the initiative, for 11 to 18-year-olds, merton.gov.uk/artsspace

news 8 Keeping Merton informed

Animal Agents challenge children to read Get Set, more books Children across the borough Get Active have been challenged by Animal The Wimbledon Foundation’s Agents to read six books or more Get Set, Get Active Fund has Merton during the school summer awarded grants totalling holidays. Merton libraries are £33,000 to projects helping salutes the supporting the Summer improve fitness levels of Reading Challenge, an initiative Merton residents. These armed forces run by national charity the include dance classes, health Reading Agency for children walks and yoga for older people Merton Council joined the UK-wide events in June to aged between four and 11. This at risk of isolation and golf for thank the country’s armed forces for their bravery and year’s theme is Animal Agents people with disabilities. dedicated service. – about a band of furry, slippery Foundation Manager Helen An Armed Forces Day parade was held in Morden, and feathered friends who are Parker said: “Our aim is not only beginning with a ceremony and the raising of the Armed specially trained to use their to increase fitness levels but also Forces flag outside the Civic Centre in the presence of the skills and natural instincts to improve people’s mental Mayor of Merton, Councillor Marsie Skeete. The parade unravel mysteries, with a huge wellbeing by learning a new then marched to the bandstand in Morden Park, cheered helping of fun along the way. skill, meeting new people and by residents who turned out to line the route. Children have until 9 September making communities stronger.” to complete the challenge.

The Wimbledon Foundation, the charity of WIN AFTERNOON The All England Lawn Tennis Club, is offering TEA FOR FOUR AT one lucky winner the chance to enjoy afternoon tea with up to three guests in the Wingfield Café.

WIMBLEDON The Wimbledon Foundation makes a valuable contribution to meeting social needs and reducing inequalities in Merton and Wandsworth by awarding grants totalling over £350,000 a year to charities and community organisations. The Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) visits two local primary schools every week and has so far introduced over 190,000 children to tennis.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Who won the 2017 Ladies’ Singles Final? a) Venus Williams b) Garbine Muguruza c) Johanna Konta In your answer, you must include the following: name, email address, phone number and postal address. You can email your answer to [email protected] or send it to: My Merton, 7th floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX.

The closing date for entries is 31 October 2017.

The competition is to win afternoon tea for a maximum of four people at the Wingfield Café, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon wimbledon.com/foundation SW19 5AE. The Wingfield Café is open daily except between 18 June 2018 and 21 July 2018. The prize cannot be exchanged or used in conjunction with any @WimbledonFDN other offer. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel included in this prize.

feature Lottery win for historic house 9 Celebrating our heritage One of the borough’s most historic buildings will be restored and transformed into a community hub with a £4million National Lottery grant.

The Canons circa 1823. Photo: Merton Memories

The Canons circa 1958. Photo: Merton Memories.

he Canons in Mitcham and its Externally, the 15th century Dovecote, in partnership with local organisations grounds will be opened up to a which is the oldest building in Merton, including the Mitcham Schools Cluster. new, wider range of visitors from will be restored, along with the obelisk. Building work will start in the autumn Tthe local area and further afield. The pond will be cleaned to create a after two years’ work on drawing up One of the borough’s hidden gems, the wildlife haven and there are also plans the proposals. The Canons Partnership, Grade II* listed Canons House was built in for a walled, sensory garden and a led by Merton Council and including 1680, but its grounds are much older, most playground. There will be a range of Friends of the Canons, Mitcham Cricket likely dating from the 12th century, when landscape improvements as well as areas Green Community & Heritage, the they were part of church estates. Canons for community food production, drawing Mitcham Schools Cluster and the Mitcham House remained in the same family, the on the site’s horticultural past. Society, submitted comprehensive Cranmers, until it was bought by the local The regeneration will provide plans celebrating the site’s heritage authority in 1939. excellent opportunities for schoolchildren and mapping out its future use as a The grant, from the Heritage Lottery to learn about the site’s history through busy hub for community activities Fund and the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for an education programme, developed and events. People programme, will fund restoration of Canons House, including its beautiful staircase and other interior features. Once the improvements are complete, two floors of the house will become office space, while the basement will become a community hub, including a café for events and meetings by local groups. An area will be dedicated to celebrating the site’s fascinating history, which was home to renowned botanist Rev William Herbert and a training ground for the runner Dorothy Tyler, silver-medallist in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The pond will be cleaned to create a wildlife haven and there are also plans for a walled, sensory garden and a playground. Canons in Mitcham today

10 Regular round-up my environment merton.gov.uk/foodart merton.gov.uk/grandpanel and snacks, reducing food waste. snacks, reducingfoodwaste. prepare deliciousmealsand ingredients increativewaysto for leftoversandtipsonhowtouse Panel, whocansharetastyrecipes or neighbourtojoinourGrand around theborough. have themenlargedanddisplayed fruit orvegetablesforthechanceto Food Art.Sendusyourpicturesof competition calledMertonRaw all residentstogetinvolved. programme withaninvitationto exciting newprogramme. boroughs areparticipatinginthis Merton andeightotherLondon project, ledbyResourceLondon. Habits forLife(TRiFOCAL) by theTransformingCityFood awarded agrantof50,000euros unavoidable foodwaste. and sustainableeatingrecycle which iswasted,promotehealthy to reducetheamountoffood this monthtoencourageresidents A newcampaignisbeinglaunched waste not food Makeart,

Nominate a grandparent, relative Nominate agrandparent,relative Enter ourphotography Merton Councilislaunchingthe Merton Councilhasbeen 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 find outmore

it’s worth it Recycling– increases down. in otherservicesorkeepcouncil tax pays inlandfilltaxes–savingswe caninvest The moreyourecycle,theless council recycling reallycanmakeyoubetter offtoo. just aboutfeelinggood–reusing and www.recycleforlondon.com happens toyourrecyclingonthewebsite running tracks.Findoutmoreaboutwhat and oldtrainersarebeingusedtomake containers arebeingturnedintopicnictables from recycledmaterials–plasticmilk an increasingrangeofproductsbeingmade used tomakenewbottlesandjars?Thereis 80% oftheglasscollectedforrecyclingis 100% recycledpaper?Orthatmorethan all theUK’snewsprintisnowmadefrom know thatinsteadofusingnaturalresources, purely fromrecycledmaterials.Didyou recycled paper? is now madefrom 100% all theUK’s newsprint of usingnatural resources, Did you know thatinstead make forallofus. showcase thedifferencethatrecyclingcan 25 Septemberuntil1October. this year’sRecycleWeek,whichrunsfrom Recycling –it’sworthitisthemessageof But being greener in your approach isn’t But beinggreenerinyourapproachisn’t Lots ofeverydayitemsarenowmade Videos fromRecycleforLondonwill

merton.gov.uk/recycleweek will be displayed in the Civic Centre, Morden. will bedisplayedintheCivicCentre, Morden. estates inMitcham.Information on recycling with residentstomakerecycling easier on what youneedfornothing. www.freecycle.org whereyoumightfind charity furnitureshopsforbargainsortry don’t needtogofornew–checkout council websitefordetails. Wednesday 29November–checkthe sewing eventcomingupinMertonon start yourownnewtrends.We’vegotagreat Learn tosewandhaveagoatupcycling while andgivethemanewleaseoflife. wardrobe forthingsyouhaven’twornina fashion, whynothuntthroughyour organise yourownviawww.jumbletrail.com. – lookoutformoreeventslikethisor unwanted itemsfromtheirfrontgardens jumble trailwhereneighbourssoldtheir good causes.Mertonhasjusthosteda or donatethemtocharityshopsbenefit no longerneedoneBayoratcarbootsales, used to make runningtracks. and oldtrainers are being being turned into picnictables Plastic milk containers are During Recycle Week, we will be working During RecycleWeek,wewillbe working If you’rebuyinghouseholditems,you Rather thanspendingmoneyonthelatest Money canbemadebysellingthingsyou find outmore

my environment Regular round-up 11

Wheelie bins coming Waste less food to Merton Residents are being encouraged to sign in October up for and use our food waste recycling 2018 scheme to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill. The scheme is an easy way to divert your teabags, vegetable peelings and egg shells away from landfill, where they produce harmful methane gas. Instead, your food waste is taken to a processing plant known as an anaerobic digester, where it’s broken down to create a fertiliser for crops and a bio gas used to generate electricity, which is fed back into the National Grid. Currently half of Merton households use the service and we are encouraging even more homes to join the scheme. the rush and sign up today? Visit l bread and pastries merton.gov.uk/foodwaste or call l egg shells Currently half of Merton households use 020 8274 4902 for a free food waste l fish and meat, including bones the service and we are encouraging even bin and kitchen caddy. l plate scrapings more homes to join the scheme before the To line your caddy, you can buy l dairy items new wheelie bin collections start from compostable liners, which are available October 2018. From then, recycling and for around £2.50 per pack at most While using the food waste service food waste will continue to be collected supermarkets, or use old newspaper for free. is great for unavoidable waste such every week and general household waste as coffee grounds and fish bones, will be collected on alternate weeks. Use it to recycle: it is a good opportunity to waste less food. We anticipate lots more people joining l fruit and vegetable peelings find out more the scheme at this point, so why not beat l tea bags and coffee grounds www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Keeping litter bins New school clean eco-sessions Merton’s town This term, we are running an education centre litter bins are programme for the borough’s primary scheduled to be deep schools about recycling. This will cleaned four times include assemblies about the difference a year. However, recycling makes and classroom if you notice a activities. The aim of the eco-sessions is dirty or damaged to raise awareness of the importance of bin, please report recycling among pupils and get them to it to us at encourage their families to do more merton.gov.uk/ recycling at home. report-it Bin cleaning in Morden

Anytime Fitness Raynes Park 14-16 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park, London, SW20 8ND 0203 7456665 [email protected] 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

feature

New leisure centre 13 Opening autumn 2018

An artist’s impression of Morden Leisure Centre Construction work starts on Morden’s new leisure centre

onstruction work has begun on a brand new leisure centre which will serve families, schools and swimming clubs for generations to come. The new building will have a 25-metre, six-lane main pool, plus a second pool with a Cmoveable-floor, fitness suite, a studio and a café. The contract to build the Morden Leisure Centre was signed in June and the contractor, Pellikaan Construction, started work in July. The new building is scheduled to open its doors in Half a century ago autumn 2018. Morden Park Pool was The aim of the project has opened by Everest always been to gain maximum mountaineer Lord Hunt benefits on a relatively small site, within a limited budget 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of and residents have been Morden Park Swimming Pool. The consulted on the plans every brainchild of local councillor, Alderman step of the way. The new leisure Cyril Marsh, the building was constructed centre will cost less to maintain on former land from the Morden Park in the long term than Morden House estate. The fine glass and metal Park Pool, giving council tax structure was designed by Messrs payers better value. Signing of the leisure centre contract with George Lowe and Partners and was The council has planned the Council Leader Stephen Alambritis (far left) and officially opened on 2 May 1967 by Lord construction timetable so that Councillor Nick Draper, Cabinet Member for Hunt, leader of the successful 1953 Morden Park Pool will stay open Community and Culture (far right) expedition to conquer Mount Everest. until the new leisure centre is complete. This means residents will have access to local When the pool first opened, adults sports facilities throughout the building work. Once the new leisure centre is ready, paid 2 shillings (10p in modern money) Morden Park Pool will be demolished and the site will be returned to green space. for a 45 minute swim, whilst children Local ecology has been central to the plans and an improved habitat has been created enjoyed half price admission. Today the for the great crested newts, which live in Morden Park. The colony of newts, which are a facility is managed by Greenwich Leisure protected species, has been breeding this year in the park’s main pond. Ltd in partnership with Merton Council. find out more merton.gov.uk/leisureformorden

feature 14 10 Foster for Merton Foster a teen and fill your empty nest!

f September sees your child heading off to university or moving out, you might find life becomes a bit quiet. So why not use your years of parenting experience and your spare room to help a local teenager by becoming a foster carer? Foster I There is a shortage of foster carers for teenagers and sibling groups in the borough, which could be down to misunderstanding. While a common misconception is that young information people come into foster care because of their behaviour, the reality is that more often it is because of difficult circumstances at home. meetings By offering a teenager a foster home, you will be helping them to fulfil their potential at a critical stage in their life. Find out what fostering involves, the Anyone can apply to foster, whatever their background, marital status or sexual assessment process, the impact on family orientation. You don’t need to have had children of your own, just a spare bedroom, life, support, training, payments and much however some childcare experience is desirable. more at an information meeting at Morden Fostering will not prevent you from working, as long as you can be flexible, and you have a Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden. supportive network of friends or family. If you are on benefits, fostering will not affect these. l 21 September at 6.30pm Elaine Atkinson is a foster carer who specialises in looking after young people aged l 4 October at 10.30am between 12 and 18. “I enjoy seeing them blossom,” she said. “Some of the children have l 25 October at 6.30pm gone through so many unpleasant things, but as a foster parent you can take them on to l 8 November at 10.30am the next stage and help prepare them for the world.” find out more Merton Council provides comprehensive support for foster carers. This includes a merton.gov.uk/fostering three-and-a-half-day training course, which forms part of the application process. Once Call 020 8545 4070 or 0800 073 0874 approved as a Merton foster carer, you will receive up to £507 per week for each child you or email: [email protected] foster and be assigned your own social worker for ongoing support.

feature

Environmentally-friendly motoring 15 Bluecity cars help turn Merton green For the past few months Merton residents have been among a select group of Londoners with exclusive access to a new electric car club. Remember the code EARLYBIRD10 for a year’s free membership worth £160

Cleaner air for Merton

We introduced a diesel levy this year in response to a national health emergency and the Mayor of London’s pledge to cut air pollution in the capital. We are phasing it in over three years so diesel car owners have longer to change to less polluting alternatives. l 2017/18: £90 l 2018/19: £115 l 2019/20: £150 A parking permit for electric cars is much cheaper than for other cars. Money from the levy will be spent on reducing air pollution and sustainable transport initiatives.

ou might have noticed some electric cars available to use in the borough. as for shopping, and this is expensive. of the nippy red Bluecity cars Operating in a similar way to the Santander One way of helping people give up these around the borough. If you sign cycle scheme, Bluecity allows you to pick vehicles is by providing a realistic Yup to the scheme by the end of up and drop off cars from 21 charging alternative for those journeys which December you can enjoy a year’s free points around the borough. This number is cannot be made by public transport – membership plus 10 hours of free driving, set to grow to 50 by the start of 2018. You a car club offers you flexible access to a together worth £160. can drive the cars anywhere within the car, when you need it. M25, but need to drop them back at any Anyone living or working in Merton, Merton set to have 50 compatible Source London charge point with a UK driving licence, can subscribe to charging points by 2018. across the city. the scheme via the Bluecity website – use The scheme is part of Merton Council’s the code EARLYBIRD10 to redeem a year’s Using vehicles powered entirely by efforts to improve air quality around free membership (usually £5 per month) renewable energy, Bluecity is London’s first the borough. Often people in London and 10 hours of free driving (usually 17p 100% electric point-to-point car sharing have a second car, or even their main car, per minute – minimum charge of £3.40). service, and is being launched in Merton, sitting on a driveway because they only find out more Hounslow and Hammersmith with five need them for occasional journeys, such www.blue-city.co.uk or download the app

community safety 16 10 Keeping Merton safe Stand up to hate crime

As Hate Crime Awareness Tyrone Ashby, chair of the Week approaches, residents are Merton LGBT+ Forum, said: urged to report attacks and “I know people who have been intimidation driven by prejudice victims of crimes, but who – whether because of your race, contacted me rather than the religion, sexual orientation, police, which is why I’ve been gender identity or disability. working with the police to The police will take all reports encourage victims to speak out. Remember, seriously and will offer you The help is out there, you just support, while pursuing need to come forward. Talking remember the perpetrators. to Victim Support can really In Merton, reported incidents help too.” Stay safe during the Halloween and Guy Fawkes night of hate crime is proportionally Hate Crime Awareness Week celebrations. higher than in similar boroughs runs from 14 to 21 October. l Go to an organised bonfire and fireworks display. – an encouraging sign that find out more Merton Council will host four – two in Wimbledon Park residents feel able to come merton.gov.uk/safermerton. on Saturday 4 November and two in Morden Park on forward. While reporting of If you’ve been a victim of hate Sunday 5 November. homophobic and transgender crime, contact the police on 101 l Never throw fireworks, never put fireworks in your hate crimes have historically or for an immediate response pocket and never return to a firework which has been lit. been low, more people are ring 999. For Merton Victim It is illegal for anyone under 18, to buy fireworks. coming to the police with these Support ring 020 7801 1777. l Please contact the council or your social housing landlord complaints than ever before. if you see waste being piled up to make bonfires. Neighbourhood watch

Merton’s Neighbourhood Watch Schemes aim to reduce crime and fear of crime while building a sense of community. The schemes currently cover more than a third of

the borough, however the council iStockphoto.com © mediaphotos, and the police would like as many l Don’t let your children go trick or treating without an adult. streets as possible to join. If you l Please don’t knock on doors if there is a No Trick or are interested in finding out more Treat sign. or setting up a Neighbourhood l Keep candles well away from items which could catch Watch scheme of your own, fire, including fancy dress costumes. please email Lee Roberts: find out more [email protected] www.london-fire.gov.uk For fireworks displays and to book, visit: merton.gov.uk/fireworks

Domestic violence one-stop shop The One Stop Shop is a confidential service for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Merton. Drop in on Mondays between 9.30am and midday at Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden. find out more Call 020 7801 1777. Call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If it is an emergency, always call the police on 999. merton.gov.uk/domesticviolence

working life Looking after our neighbourhoods 17 Keeping Merton clean and green My Merton caught up with Claire, part of the council’s new Neighbourhoodmerton.gov.uk/loveyourstreet Client Team.

ix months ago, two specialist companies began working “For us, one of the best things about the job is working with on behalf of Merton Council to provide waste collection, residents to investigate problems and find solutions. We want to be street cleaning, parks and grounds maintenance services. able to resolve things properly and sometimes the answer is really SInstead of the council running these services directly, simple. For example, we had a complaint about an area of a local Veolia now collects rubbish and recycling, while landscape firm park, that was not being cleared of litter to the standard we were happy idverde maintains parks and cemeteries. This saves the council an with, so we worked with the contractor and this is now much better. estimated £2 million a year, when government cuts mean we have to find new ways of delivering services at a lower cost. £5m spent on clearing up litter every year Claire, part of the council’s new three-strong Neighbourhood Client Team, keeps a check on how the contractors are performing, “We know most people love their street and their local park. along with her colleagues Jeremy and Claire. They want to keep them clean and tidy. Sadly, there are some Claire said: “We are committed to ensuring Veolia and idverde people who drop litter, which we then have to clear up. We spend provide a high standard of service that residents rightly expect and that over £5 million every year picking up the rubbish people drop. At we expect too, so that everyone can enjoy our beautiful green borough. the council, we want everyone to love their street and their park “We meet contractors regularly and monitor progress closely. and take pride in Merton.” We are also in touch with the council’s customer contact centre We can all do our bit to keep Merton clean by: and are out and about in the community talking to people. This l not dropping litter and using a litter bin for litter and dog waste means that we are made aware of any issues as they arise, l taking any bulky household waste which cannot be collected from addressing them in partnership with the contractor and other outside your home to our Recycling Centre in Garth Road, Morden relevant teams.” l ensuring your waste is presented correctly by 6am on your day Claire said that teamwork and problem solving are key parts of of collection the role: “As with any big service change, there have been some l reporting any fly-tipping, and, if possible, fly-tippers, noting initial teething problems, but we’ve been working closely with our times, dates and vehicle registration numbers, plus any street contractors to ensure the transition has been as smooth as cleaning issues in your neighbourhood. possible, so that council tax payers get best value for money. This can be done online: merton.gov.uk/report-it.

MERTON COUNCIL

Merton secondary schools 2017 open evenings

Harris Academy Merton Harris Academy Morden Wide Way, Mitcham CR4 1BP Lilleshall Road, Morden SM4 6DU 020 8623 1000 020 8687 1157 www.harrismerton.org.uk www.harrismorden.org.uk Open evening: 20 September, 5pm–7.30pm Open evening: 27 September, 5.30pm–8pm Open morning: none Open mornings: 21 September, 4 October, 11 October, 27 October – all 9am

Harris Academy Wimbledon Raynes Park High School (to be held in Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon Bushey Road, London SW20 0JL Library, Compton Road, SW19 7NB) 020 8946 4112 Open evening: 3 October, 7.30pm–9.30pm www.raynespark.merton.sch.uk Open morning: none Open evening: 21 September, 4.30pm–7.30pm Open mornings: 2 to 6 October from 9.15am

Ricards Lodge High School Rutlish School Lake Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HB Watery Lane, Merton SW20 9AD 020 8946 2208 020 8542 1212 www.ricardslodge.merton.sch.uk www.rutlish.merton.sch.uk Open evening: 19 September, 5.30pm–8pm Open evening: 19 September, 6pm–8.30pm Open mornings: 26 and 27 September, Open mornings: 21 and 22 September, starting at 9.30am by appointment only

St Mark’s Academy Ursuline High School Wimbledon Acacia Road, Mitcham CR4 1SF Crescent Road, Wimbledon SW20 8HA 020 8648 6627 020 8255 2688 www.stmarksacademy.com www.ursulinehigh.merton.sch.uk Open evening: 14 September, 5pm–8pm Open evening: 20 September, 6.15pm–8.30pm Open mornings: 20 to 27 September, Open mornings: 25 to 29 September, 4, 11 and 18 October, all 9am–10.30am 9am and 11am, by appointment only

Wimbledon College Edge Hill, London SW19 4NS Parents are advised to apply online 020 8879 9355 Parents are advised to apply online www.wimbledoncollege.org.uk at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. Open evening: 28 September, 5.30pm–8.30pm Closing date for applications is 31 October 2015 Open mornings: 2 and 3 October, Closing date for applications is 31 October 2015 ParentsParents are are advisedby advised appointment to toapply only apply online online Parents are advised to apply online at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. Parentsat areatwww.merton.gov.uk/admissions. www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. advised to apply online www.merton.gov.uk at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. Closingwww.merton.gov.uk date for applications is 31 October 2015 Parents are advised to apply online ClosingClosing date date for for applications applications is 31is 31October October 2015 2015 ParentsParents are are advisedadvised toto apply online ClosingParents date for are applications advised to is apply31 October online 2015 at at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions.at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. merton.gov.uk/admissions MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.indd 1 09/07/2015 17:16 Closing date for applications is 31 October 2015 MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.inddwww.merton.gov.uk 1 09/07/2015 17:16 ClosingClosing date date forfor applicationsapplications is 31 OctoberOctober 20152015www.merton.gov.ukwww.merton.gov.uk www.merton.gov.ukClosing date for applications is 31 October 2017 www.merton.gov.uk www.merton.gov.uk MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.indd 1 09/07/2015 17:16 www.merton.gov.uk MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.inddMERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.inddmerton.gov.uk 1 1 09/07/201509/07/2015 17:16 17:16 Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough • Merton – proud to be a Fairtrade borough MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.indd 1 09/07/2015 17:16 MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.indd 1 09/07/2015 17:16

MERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.inddMERTON_OPENDAY_A4POSTER_AW.indd 1 1 09/07/201509/07/2015 17:16 17:16 history

An outstanding legacy 19

Rutlish Science School, c.1910 (Picture: London Borough of Merton )

Sewing the seeds of learning… This year marks 330 years since the death of William Rutlish. He rose from humble beginnings, to become a servant of the Crown and his generosity ultimately helped generations of Merton youngsters to receive a first rate education. My Merton finds out more.

hen William was 11-years- William Rutlish’s grave in old, his father died. A few St. Mary’s churchyard, Merton Park years later, his mother also Wpassed away. Little is known about his schooldays but it is possible that he received some basic teaching from a local craftsman and may also have had simple lessons at the local parish church of St. Mary’s, Merton. While still a young boy, William became an apprentice embroiderer. In Stuart England, the leading members of society liked ostentatious fashion. Heavily embroidered clothes were an important means of demonstrating their wealth and social status. After a seven-year apprenticeship, William is thought to have joined a professional embroiderer’s bequeathed £400 (more than £80,000 in Lessons ranged from religious workshop in the City of London. today’s currency) for the apprenticeship of instruction, English grammar and In 1661, William Rutlish was appointed poor boys and girls in the parish of literature, to mathematics, languages, Embroiderer to King Charles II. This was Merton, specifying that his money should chemistry, physics, vocal music, Classics, a huge honour and came with an annual “go to the worthiest and most suitable bookkeeping, rifle shooting and drill. salary of £340 per year, plus a further objects of charity.” The school cadet force also nurtured £160 for embroidering the heavily A board of trustees administered the generations of recruits to the Officer decorated coats of 250 Royal Yeomen. Rutlish bequest and the fund continued Training Corps – men who showed great Today this would equate to a payment of to increase in value over the centuries. By heroism during both the World Wars. nearly £86,000. Not surprisingly, William the late Victorian period, a lack of local The original building was destroyed by soon amassed a sizeable fortune, which he apprentices led charity commissioners to enemy bombing during World War II used to purchase land in the Merton area. view education as a more appropriate and a new Rutlish School was eventually In 1666 he married Mary Robinson. The means to support poor Merton children. opened at Watery Lane in 1957. As this couple lived somewhere near Merton In 1885, property developer John Innes year marks its 60th anniversary, students Rush, an area now occupied by the Nelson became Chair of the Rutlish Charity and still honour the memory of the man Health Centre in Kingston Road. put considerable effort into the whose generosity made their education William died in March 1687, aged 82 foundation of the new Rutlish Science possible. Each year, representatives of and was buried in the churchyard of School. This opened on 26 September Years 7 and 8 attend a Commemoration St. Mary’s, Merton. William’s gravestone 1895 near the junction of Kingston and Day service at St. Mary’s Church and the described him as “eminent both for his Station Road (now Rutlish Road) in Head Boy lays a wreath on the tomb of piety and charity.” In his will, he Merton Park. William Rutlish.

COMPETITION

Win four tickets to see Spamalot at the New Wimbledon Theatre in November Funnier than the black death! In your answer, you must include the following: Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film, Monty Python name, email address, phone number and postal and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, address. You can email your answer to killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as [email protected] or post your he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission entry to: My Merton, 7th Floor, Civic Centre, to locate the elusive Holy Grail – with uproarious consequences. London Road, Morden SM4 5DX. Closing date for entries is 31 October 2017.

Spamalot is ‘Lovingly ripped off’ from which classic film? Terms and conditions: Tickets are non-transferable. No cash b) Citizen Kane alternatives, accommodation included in the prize. The competition is for one group ticket (four tickets) to see c) Monty Python and the Holy Grail Spamalot at New Wimbledon Theatre on the opening night, a) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Tuesday 21 November 2017.

10 MAGICAL DAYS ON WIMBLEDON COMMON EVENTS FOR ALL TASTES: MUSIC • COMEDY • FICTION • POETRY • POLITICS • HISTORY • SPORT • CHILDREN 2017 Line-up includes: Salman Rushdie, Ali Smith, Chris Riddell, Elif Shafak, Alexandra Shulman, Chris Boardman, Liz Earle, Jim Al-Khalili, Anthony Horowitz, Chris Patten, Fergal Keane, Louis de Bernieres, Jon Sopel, Rev Richard Coles, Tracy Chevalier, Judy Murray, Tickets on sale from July 2017 Alan Johnson, Roy Hattersley, Priority early booking Brian Moore & Friends, 2017 discounts for Friends Comedy Night with Joe Lycett.

TH TH 5 - 15 OCTOBER wimbledonbookfest.org Arts & Entertainment Winner

WBF17 My Merton JUN17.indd 1 03/06/2017 22:01

feature

Performers take to the stage in arts space 21 New arts venue brings creative surprises From punk pioneers to festivals, Charles Dickens to hip-hop gardening – Wimbledon’s latest arts venue has packed a lot into its first year – and there’s much more to come.

erton Arts Space launched last autumn in splendid style The stage for Great Expectations Full events with SoDaDa, an artist-led listings at Mweek of multimedia events for people with learning disabilities. Since then merton.gov.uk/ the council-run arts venue, funded by a artsspace’ £62 million grant from the Arts Council, has played host to a range of gigs, theatre and exhibitions. Last autumn, Bookfest presented a talk by best-selling author of The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton, and Attic Theatre Company performed an intimate production of Great Expectations before Christmas. The summer saw May Project Gardens present Come We Grow – an eclectic mix of hip-hop and… gardening. And all of this has been going on at the heart of the borough’s busiest library! Lydon’s band Public Image Ltd, brought – this time featuring a talk by celebrated One of the exhibition rooms together music, drama and magic. A novelist Ali Smith. Wimbledon College of Arts student created Attic Theatre Company will be back in the set, while Attic Theatre brought Jah October, with The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy and Baseless Fabric will present two David Mamet plays, Dark Pony and Reunion. For a younger audience, Colour House Children’s Theatre will be putting on Hansel and Gretel every Sunday until 12 November. Listen out for SoundSpace, an evening One high point of the year was a of creative new music curated by classically- performance by Jah Wobble and the trained musician and composer Phil Invaders of the Heart. This sell-out show Durant on 23 September. There will by the legendary bass guitarist, singer Jah Wobble be an exhibition of work by local artists and poet who rose to fame in John as part of Merton Arts Festival from 15 to Wobble’s original script to life, in a true 23 September. Club SoDaDa spirit of local cooperation. Jah Wobble, who is a London library Wimbledon College of Arts ambassador, said: “This was a special show that gave me and the band an opportunity to try something different for a warm and receptive audience. We really enjoyed the event and the support from the library service has been brilliant.” Highlights going forward include the launch of this year’s Bookfest on 5 October

feature 10 22 Staying healthy Let’s help London. Thrive.

Mental ill health is in the news a lot these days, with celebrities, politicians and even princes speaking out about the stigma still associated with what is a very widespread issue. With an estimated two million Londoners experiencing mental illness each year, this summer saw the launch of Thrive LDN – a city-wide movement which aims to improve residents’ wellbeing. Led by the London Health Board and backed by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Thrive LDN aims to start a big conversation about mental health. The movement hopes to increase understanding of mental health issues and tackle stigma and discrimination against people living with Pre-school. mental health problems. There will be events booster. to explore solutions, with a view to As children get ready to start school or nursery, parents are improving services, being urged to ensure their child’s routine jabs are up-to-date. reducing suicides and Some children in Merton are missing out on important encouraging us all to vaccinations for the under-fives, including the MMR look after our own and (measles, mumps, rubella) and pre-school booster against others’ mental health. diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. find out more find out more thriveldn.co.uk Contact your GP or health visitor or visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations

Take the Drink Checker test.

Do you know how many units of alcohol tipple and shows how many units and you drink each week? calories are in your favourite drinks. A new initiative called Drink Checker has Alcohol is high in empty calories which been launched by One You Merton, the contributes to weight gain without any borough’s health campaign, to help you health benefits. keep track of how much alcohol you are Answer a few quick questions and drinking and what this means for your Drink Checker will provide a tailored health, your pocket and your waistline. profile of your alcohol consumption and Men and women are advised not to drink information about the benefits of drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week and to less, including better-quality sleep and spread this out rather than having one or reduced risk of accidents. two big drinking sessions. Cutting back on Drink Checker also offers tips and drinking and having some alcohol-free days support for anyone who is trying to cut every week can help to reduce your risk of down on the amount of alcohol they developing cancers of the mouth, throat, are consuming. bowel and breast, as well as heart disease find out more and cirrhosis of the liver. oneyoumerton.drinkchecker.org.uk Drink Checker helps you keep tabs of or call Engage Merton on 020 8687 4666 how much you are spending on your usual

feature

Staying healthy 23 .Fighting for the future. .of St Helier Hospital.

For the fifth time in 18 years, there is yet another engagement on the future of St Helier hospital taking place and our hospital is once again at risk of downgrading or closure. The Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is asking for views on its report Providing high quality healthcare services 2020 to 2030. Although this is not a formal consultation, the Trust proposes to take forward three options for further analysis of where specialist acute healthcare would be based. Despite being situated in a well- populated area with greater health needs, just one of these three options would keep St Helier fully open with a full range of services. Past consultations have indicated the preferred outcome is for emergency medical care and consultant-led maternity wasted trying to get us to agree to close St with a full “blue light” accident and services to move to Belmont. This could Helier Hospital. When will they learn that no emergency department and consultant-led mark the beginning of the end for St Helier amount of consultation will force residents to maternity unit. as a fully functioning general hospital. settle for a “hospital” that doesn’t have a blue Merton Council is calling on residents to light A&E and doesn’t have a consultant-led You can respond to the proposals here: respond to the consultation making clear maternity unit. That’s not my idea of a [email protected]. The official that we support retaining all consultant-led hospital and I think residents agree.” consultation deadline is 30 September. A&E and maternity service at the current site The council is urging residents to respond If you are reading this after that date, at St Helier Hospital. Cllr Stephen to the proposals before 30 September please do still ensure your views are heard Alambritis, Leader of Merton Council, said: and support our campaign to keep by replying urgently. “£40m of taxpayers money has already been St Helier Hospital open on its current site

Fight the flu. this autumn.

Merton primary school children in Reception up to Year 4, and pre-school children aged two and three are now eligible for free flu vaccinations, offered as a nasal spray. Parents and carers of pre-school children aged two and three should contact their GP practice, while pupils in Reception to Year 4 will be offered the vaccine at school. People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers and people with a long-term health condition also receive the vaccine free from their GP or pharmacy, and are urged to book an appointment soon. find out more www.nhs.uk/staywell Images Business © www.dreamstime.com/Monkey

MERTON COUNCIL The Siegeris School Musical of Dance Fireworks Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park, South Wimbledon, Displays Raynes Park, Mitcham, Tooting

Email to register your FREE TRIAL

Wimbledon Park Morden Park Sat 4 November Sun 5 November

GATES OPEN 5:15PM | FIRST SHOW 6:30PM* Dance classes for ages between / Boys, Girls and Adults Monday - Saturday SECOND SHOW 8:15PM | FUNFAIR, STALLS & REFRESHMENTS OPEN TILL 10:00PM * Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Big savings when you buy in advance online at: * ISTD Modern & Tap merton.gov.uk/fireworks * Street Dance & Musical Theatre

#mertonfireworks siegerisdance.com The Siegeris [email protected] School of Dance *MORE SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN Please note: The public are not permitted to bring 07730536499 any fireworks, alcohol or dogs to these events.

Dance School to Zara.indd 1 01/06/2017 13:06

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments Available to buy through Shared Ownership* minutes from Colliers Wood Station

To find out more or register your interest 0203 535 2555 [email protected] mho.co.uk @flythenest

*Eligibility criteria apply

LAUNCHING SOON

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 see, buy or commission all kinds of art. There will also 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG be talks and workshops. Book online www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon find out more Telephone booking 0844 871 7646 www.mertonartsfestival.org Group bookings 0844 871 7696 Access bookings 0844 871 7677 (no booking fees apply) l Merton Singfest Saturday 14–Tuesday l Cabaret 17 October Thursday 21–Saturday l Merton Arts This event will bring 30 September Festival together choirs from Show-stopping choreography, Saturday 16–Sunday across the borough for dazzling costumes and some of 17 and Saturday 23– four performances, the most iconic songs in musical Sunday 24 September including a celebration of theatre. Held over two weekends at choirs, cabaret, a gospel venues across the borough, workshop and a school l Flashdance including Merton Arts choir event run by Merton Monday 2–Saturday 7 October Space in Wimbledon Music Foundation. The story of 18-year-old Alex, Library. Around 70 artists find out more who is a welder by day and will be taking part and www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk/ flashdancer by night. She dreams there will be a chance to MertonSingFest of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer.

Services of Remembrance Armistice Day Friday 10 November l Mitcham War Memorial, Lower Green West, to commence at 10.50am. l Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, to commence l Cilla, The Musical Tuesday at 10.50am. Tuesday 7–Saturday 11 November The story of the teenage girl from Remembrance Sunday Liverpool whose dreams of stardom Sunday 12 November lead to her becoming one of Britain’s l Nelson Health Centre, Kingston Road, Wimbledon, best-loved entertainers of all time. at 9am. l Wimbledon War Memorial, Wimbledon Village, at l Bring it On Monday 10.40am. Monday 9–Saturday 14 October l Mitcham War Memorial, Lower Green West, Dive into a high-octane thrill Mitcham, at 10.40am. ride where the cut-throat world Please note, the parade assembles outside the of competitive cheerleading meets British Legion Hall, in St Mark’s Road, Mitcham. high school politics and teenage find out more merton.gov.uk/remembrance romance.

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

what’soninyourarea

26 merton.gov.uk/events

Here’s a selection of what’s stayingin? new in Merton’s libraries: Polka Theatre 240, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB MY MERTON’S BOOK CHOICE Box office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Fiction: Origin by Dan Brown that it is always winter, never spring. In The fifth book by Dan Brown featuring a quest to find breakfast for his friend, Robert Langdon, who attends the Robin, Acorn embarks on an unveiling of a discovery that “will adventure. Ages three to six. Tickets change the face of science forever”. £12.50; concessions £9. The evening’s host is his friend and former student, Edmond Kirsch, a tech magnate whose dazzling l Friends for All inventions and audacious predictions have made Friday 20–Sunday 22 October, him a controversial figure around the world. This main stage, performance times vary evening is to be no exception: he claims he will Eight-year-old Lexi doesn’t make reveal an astonishing scientific breakthrough to friends as easily as some. If only her challenge the fundamentals of human existence. school would allow a non-school uniform day then she could be herself, Other fiction titles: and find others like her. Inspired by • Last Breath – Karin Slaughter Grandad’s hippy stories from the • The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club – swinging 60s, she decides to fight the Chris Manby l Child of the Divide powers that be and the class bully, • A Question of Trust – Penny Vincenzi Friday 29 September– Suzy. Ages five to 11. Tickets £13.50; • The Waterway Girls – Milly Adams Sunday 15 October, main stage, concessions £10. performance times vary Non-fiction: This is Going to Summer 1947 and 16 million people l Little Red Riding Hood Hurt: Secret Diaries of a are on the move between India and the Wednesday 25–Sunday 29 October, Junior Doctor by Adam Kay newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the main stage, performance times Adam Kay was a junior doctor from upheaval, young Pali’s fingers slip vary 2004 until 2010, before a devastating from his father’s hand, and his destiny A he-wolf and a girl, or a she-wolf and experience on a ward caused him to changes forever. Taken in by a Muslim a boy? Both are possible! Join two reconsider his future. He kept a diary family, he is given a new name, a new performers as they retrace Red Riding throughout his training, and This Is Going to Hurt faith and a new life. But when his real Hood’s path in the shadowy woods, intersperses tales from the front line of the NHS father returns to claim him, Pali must constantly swapping characters – as if with reflections on the current crisis. The result is a decide who he is. Ages seven to 14. playing a game. But of course, they are first-hand account of life as a junior doctor in all its Tickets £13.50; previews and really vying to be The Wolf! Ages three joy, pain, sacrifice and maddening bureaucracy, and concessions £10. to eight. Tickets £13.50; concessions a love letter to those who might at any moment be and previews £10. holding our lives in their hands. l In a Nutshell Friday 6–Sunday 8 October, l Why the Whales Came Other non-fiction titles: Adventure Theatre, performance by Michael Morpurgo • Claws: Confessions of a Cat Groomer – times vary Thursday 2–Sunday 5 November, Anita Kelsey Little Acorn wakes up too early to find main stage, performance times vary • The Bible for Grown-Ups: A new look at Gracie and Daniel have been forbidden the Good Book – Simon Loveday to go near the mysterious Birdman, • The Diary of a Wartime Affair – Doreen Bates but clues intrigue them. After being lost at sea and stranded on his tiny eMagazines island, they begin to unravel the Birdman’s secrets to learn why the Merton libraries have over 300 eMagazine titles that whales came to the island. Ages seven can be downloaded to be read via your computer, tablet to 12. Tickets £13.50; concessions and or mobile device. previews £10.

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

what’soninyourarea

merton.gov.uk/events 27

Arts and entertainment continued

l Lunchtime at 7.30pm, there will be l Morden Park recitals and a Remembrance Sunday Choral Society Remembrance performance of Faure’s autumn concert Sunday concert Requiem. Saturday 14 October, Friday 15 September, find out more 7.30pm 1pm; 29 September, www.stjohnswimbledon.co.uk Meddlers from the 1pm; 13 October, 1pm musicals at St John the and 27 October, 1pm l Hill Singers Tolverne Road). The Hill music chosen for their Divine, High Path, Enjoy music performed Chamber Choir Singers Chamber Choir December concert. Merton, Adults £6, by local professional Tuesday 19 begin their new season Their regular rehearsal concessions £4. Includes musicians at St John’s September, 7.30pm with an invitation to time is on Tuesdays wine or soft drink. Church, Spencer Hill, Lantern Methodist potential new members at 7.30pm. find out more Wimbledon. On Church, Raynes Park. to join them to sing find out more 020 8648 6445 or Sunday 12 November (The entrance is in through some of the www.hillsingers.co.uk www.choralsocietymerton.org.uk

Family

l Rapunzel Morden Hall Park, Morden The Colour House Theatre Hall Road, Morden. at Merton Abbey Mills in Celebrate the humble Colliers Wood is staging the apple and join us in tasting popular fairytale Rapunzel local Merton varieties of every Saturday and Sunday apples. We will also be from 2 September until pressing apples and have 5 November at 2pm and apple themed crafts and 4pm. Tickets: Adults £12; l Apple Day Weekend activities for the kids. Free. children £10. Saturday 30 find out more find out more September–Sunday 1 www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.colourhouse.theatre.co.uk October, 11am–4pm morden-hall-park/whats-on Wimbledon Library, Compton Road, Wimbledon Find out more: merton.gov.uk/artsspace

l The Colour House Children’s Theatre will stage Hansel and Gretel every Sunday for 10 weeks, between Sunday 10 September and Sunday 12 November, between noon and 1pm. l Sound Space by Phil Durrant presents an evening of creative new music on Saturday 23 September at 8pm. l Wimbledon Bookfest launch on Thursday 5 October. www.wimbledonbookfest.org l Attic Theatre presents The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy, adapted by Stephen Sharkey l Autumn Arts and directed by Jonathan Humphreys, between Saturday 23–Sunday 24 Friday 6 October and Sunday 29 October. September and Saturday 30 l Baseless Fabric presents David Mamet plays September–Sunday 1 October on Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October A packed programme of art and at 7.30pm. crafts activities for all the family over l Spread the Word: City of Stories two weekends on Wimbledon Piazza. Celebration event, Thursday 9 November, 7.30pm– find out more 9.30pm in Mitcham Library. www.lovewimbledon.org

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

what’soninyourarea

28 merton.gov.uk/events

Family continued Health and fitness

l Headway South West London Monthly meetings held on the second Tuesday of the month 7.30pm–9pm Drake House, 44 St George’s Road, Wimbledon. Our Wimbledon support group offers adults with a brain injury and those who care for them information, activities l Morden Little l Pumpkin carving l Fireworks display for parents of children and and the opportunity to League Anniversary Monday 23–Friday Friday 3 November, young people with special share experiences with Saturday 7 October 27 October, 11am–4pm 5.30pm needs, is running a free, others who are facing King George’s Playing Morden Hall Park, The Parent Teacher practical session on similar challenges. Fields, Tudor Drive, Morden Hall Road, Association at Aragon sensory integration and find out more Morden. The Morden Morden. It’s all about Primary School will be occupational therapy www.headwayswlondon.org Little League is preparing pumpkins this October holding its first fireworks techniques you can use at to mark its 50th half-term. Join a pumpkin display at the school in home with your child. Find anniversary. It is trail in the park and then Aragon Road, Morden. out what the occupational estimated that three make pumpkin and find out more therapy service provides, quarters of all Merton harvest themed crafts to www.pta-events.co.uk/aragon plus information on residents have had a take home. If you bring referrals, waiting lists, l Pilates classes family member involved along your own pumpkin, l Merton Mencap assessments and until 11 December in little league football we’ll lend you all the kit Monday 4 December, occupational therapy in Mondays between 11am since 1968. The league you need to carve it. 10am–2pm schools. Booking essential. and noon at Raynes Park is trying to track down £4 per child, pumpkin Room B, Chaucer Centre, find out more Library, 21 Approach its original 84 players to carving free with your Canterbury Road, Morden. www.mertonmencap.org.uk/ Road, Raynes Park. join the half-century own pumpkin. Kids First, Merton’s forum kidsfirst £5 per class in advance. celebration. find out more find out more www.ldapilates.com www.mordenlittleleague.com

l Harvest pumpkin party Saturday 7 October, 6.30pm St Saviour’s Church Hall in Grand Drive. Family event celebrating harvest © www.123rf.com/profile_sam74100 with home-cooked supper, l Learn to run on fancy dress and pumpkin Wimbledon Common carving in harvest theme Courses for beginners competitions, pumpkin and improvers, plus social drive and more. runs on Wimbledon find out more Common. stsaviour.net find out more www.commonrunners.co.uk

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

what’soninyourarea

merton.gov.uk/events 29

Walks and talks

l Raynes Park l Wimbledon Officer Sarah Gould will ordinary men, performing Business Breakfast National Trust reveal more about the life acts of extraordinary Tuesday 3 October, 8am Association stories of Merton’s First courage under difficult Bar 191, 191 Worple Road, Saturday 21 October, World War combatants. circumstances. Raynes Park. The council, 2.15pm This free, illustrated talk find out more Merton Chamber of Christ Church Hall, will feature stories of merton.gov.uk/heritage Commerce and the Cottenham Park Road, Raynes Park Association West Wimbledon. have organised this event Dr Andrew Gray, a Fairs and exhibitions for local businesses. member of the Heraldry Tickets £20 plus VAT. Society, will be talking l Wandle Fortnight find out more about the Genealogist’s Saturday 9–Sunday mertonchamber.co.uk/ Picture Book, introducing 24 September mcc-event/raynes-park- the value of heraldry, Enjoy this annual business-breakfast-4-2-2 particularly in celebration of all things interpreting family connected to the river l Merton Chamber history. Members £3; which flows through of Commerce non-members £3.50. Merton. There is a whole Workshops running in the find out more programme of free events autumn include Thinking www.wimbledonnta.org.uk and activities for all ages, of Starting a Business: including walks, talks, arts, Business Basics on l The human open days, visits, craft, Wednesday 18 October and face of war nature, heritage, cycling, again on Wednesday 29 Tuesday 21 November, trees and picnics. Wandle November; Emergency first 10.30am Fortnight is run by Wandle Aid at work on Tuesday 17 West Barnes Library, Valley Forum with support October; and Fire Warden Station Road, Motspur from the Living Wandle Marshal Training on Park. As part of the Landscape Partnership. Thursday 9 November. council’s annual find out more find out more Remembrance www.wandlevalleyforum.org.uk mertonchamber.co.uk/mcc-events programme, Heritage

Community forums Anyone with an interest in the local area is invited to attend these free community meetings. Discussions about a range of local topics will be held, with issues being followed up by the relevant organisations. l Mitcham l Abundance l Raynes Park Thursday 14 September, 7.15pm Horticultural Wimbledon Raynes Park Library Hall, Approach Road, Raynes Park. Society Autumn Saturday 16 September, l Wimbledon Thursday 28 September, 7.15pm Show 11am–2pm Wimbledon Arts Space, Wimbledon Library, Compton Road, Wimbledon. Saturday 7 October, St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s 2pm Place, Wimbledon. Jams, l Colliers Wood Thursday 5 October, 7.15pm A colourful display of chutneys, cakes, pies and St Joseph’s Church Hall, Colliers Wood High Street. mixed flowers, fruit and honey will be on sale l Morden Thursday 12 October, 7.15pm vegetables, crafts, floral art and a fruit press will be Council Chamber, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden. and cookery at St Marks producing fresh apple Church Hall, St Marks juice. Children’s activities l Mitcham Wednesday 18 October, 7.15pm Road, Mitcham. plus International Ukulele Mitcham Library, London Road, Mitcham. find out more Orchestra. Free entry. find out more merton.gov.uk/communityforums www.mitchamhorticultural find out more society.co.uk www.abundancewimbledon.org

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

what’soninyourarea

30 merton.gov.uk/events

Fairs and exhibitions cont.

l Where Do You l Dogs Trust vouchers worth £35 will Think You Are? community event be available. Wednesday Thursday 21 September, find out more 20 September– 11am–3pm www.dogstrust.org/ Saturday 21 October Colliers Wood Recreation communityevents Merton Heritage Ground. Bring your dog Centre, second floor, along for free micro l Salvation Army Morden Library. An chipping, a basic health The Wimbledon branch exhibition of maps, check and health and of the Salvation Army photographs, drawings training advice. Neutering celebrates its 130th and records from the anniversary this year in the Civic Centre, commander will lead a archives of the John with a number of events. London Road, Morden, celebration at the Salvation Innes Society will These include a travelling from Monday 25 Army Hall in Kingston showcase the heritage exhibition which will be September until Saturday Road, Wimbledon, on of Merton Park, from in Wimbledon Library 21 October between 11am Saturday 24 September Gilbert the Norman from Monday 18 until and 4pm. This will from 10am and there will and Horatio Nelson, to Saturday 23 September coincide with a reception at be an autumn fair in the John Innes and the between 11am–4pm and the same venue on same location on Saturday present day. then at Merton Heritage Thursday 12 October from 4 November between Centre in Morden Library 5pm to 7pm. The territorial 10.30am and 2.30pm.

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

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

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

DON’T BE ON YOUR OWN

STAY SAFE WITH A MASCOT TELECARE RED BUTTON

MERTON COUNCIL Fostering why Steve thinks 24 hour assistance is you should go for it just a button push away Steve was in foster care at the age of 13 because If you live on your own, give Some of our sensors do not even require you of a breakdown in the relationship with his mother. yourself peace of mind. to press them as they are designed to go off With MASCOT Telecare, emergency automatically if you get into difficulty. What were you thinking when you first What advice would you give to people help will quickly be with you if you A handyman service is included for help with arrived at your foster family? who want to foster teenagers? have a fall or get into difficulty those small DIY jobs such as changing light I felt relieved. I was expecting to have someone like I would say, don’t judge a book by its cover, not all a teacher reading the rules but they made me feel at young people fit the stereotypes given to them by bulbs, putting up shelves, fixing door bells and home. My carer told me about the local area - where society. Try and find a young person’s strengths and MASCOT Telecare will provide you with either ensuring your house/flat is safe. to go and not to go and it made me feel like she was guide them down the right path. an alarm unit, which can be placed on a table, looking out for my safety. or a small discreet pendant which may be worn MASCOT Telecare services will give peace of Were you made to feel part of the family? If you are interested in fostering around your neck. In both cases, when the mind to you and your loved ones. For more Yes. On my birthday my carers took me out to for Merton, please contact us: button is pressed the alarm call is sent via your information please call: dinner like I was one of their own children. It’s telephone line to the MASCOT control centre important that foster children are not treated in Merton. 020 8274 5940 differently and doing things together as a family 0800 073 0874 really helps. Even the smallest thing like saying I was welcome to help myself to a snack made [email protected] me feel at home.

www.mascot-telecare.org.uk Foster [email protected] merton.gov.uk/fostering minutes 5 with...

Imam Bilal Patel

Bilal Patel has been the Imam at Morden Islamic Community Centre (MICC) for seven years, four of them in the centre’s dedicated building.

What happens at the MICC? The centre caters for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We have daily prayers, and provide social welfare advice and education. We have a gym which is open to everyone for a small fee.

The centre aims to reach out to the wider community. How are you doing that? The main way is through our food relief project, which we offer to anyone in difficult circumstances We worked with the Salvation Army to set it up. People can come and receive food parcels and we offer a delivery service. We also have a food kitchen once a month where people can come for a hot meal, use the internet and have a shower. We’re planning an open day where the community can come in and see what takes place inside the centre. Schools already come to the centre; they have a lot of questions to ask and are eager to see what a mosque looks like.

The MICC is part of Merton’s Faith and Belief Form, why should different faiths to come together? There are a lot people who don’t know about Islam and equally a lot in the Muslim community who don’t know about other faiths. This can create huge issues as people can feel enmity towards things they don’t know. It’s important that we all get together; to understand one another.

find out more www.miconline.co.uk mymertonnews and information from your council