Phil Packer supports Chelsea Auto Legends as Patron
Phil Packer MBE is giving his support to Chelsea AutoLegends as Patron to the capital city's exciting new race and supercar showcase to be staged at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Sunday 5 September.
Phil who has become an inspiration to millions following his numerous physical challenges to support charities and to enthuse Young People, will provide a tremendous link between the country’s Inspirational Drivers and the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Now retired from the Armed Forces, Phil is dedicating his life to supporting Young People facing Adversity and continues to embark on a quest to provide opportunities for others. His role as Patron marks his official involvement with British Motor Sport and it is anticipated that he will become involved with galvanising organisations and associations to support Young People across the country.
Phil said: “Having received support from The Royal Hospital Chelsea during my London Marathons, it is a pleasure to be able to give my support to our remarkable In-Pensioners and this bastion of care and tradition. I have received terrific support from many areas of British Motor Sport during my endeavours and I am looking forward to working closely with all areas of Motor Sport and the Motor Industry in the future. It is a privilege to be the Patron of Chelsea Auto Legends and support such a prestigious event.”
Sir Stirling Moss, who will open the inaugural Chelsea AutoLegends, said: “Phil’s involvement will provide an integral link to Young People facing Adversity who are keen to become involved in Motor Sport and to have the opportunity to drive. Phil is becoming an iconic figure for so many and has the determination and passion to fuse together the goodwill of many and direct it towards those that need support and inspiration. He is a friend of many within the world of Motor Sport and I wholeheartedly stand by him.”
“Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association said: “I am delighted that Phil is supporting this event. Having met Phil at Goodwood where he completed a remarkable challenge on the hillclimb, I then welcomed him to Motor Sports House where we discussed how we might be able to work together. Phil believes that motor sport has a lot to offer young people in adversity and I am sure that with his inspirational support, we will be able to achieve something very exciting.”
Chelsea AutoLegends
The inaugural Chelsea AutoLegends will be staged at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Sunday 5 September. The event will feature many of the world’s finest classic, sports, supercars and race cars as well as military and other displays. This year’s maiden Chelsea AutoLegends, which will be raising funds for the Chelsea Pensioners, will feature a special display of cars from the Le Mans 24 Hours, the world’s most famous sportscar race. Adding to the celebrations there will be a special focus on the Le Mans movie starring Steve McQueen, the ‘King of Cool’, which was filmed 40 years ago in 1970.
Tickets: Adults £12; under 16s FREE – available in advance from www.ChelseaAutoLegends.com www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk
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Wandsworth Town Station upgrade approved
Wandsworth Council’s planning applications committee has approved plans by Network Rail to enhance Wandsworth Town Station.
The proposals include a new entrance and ticket office to replace the site’s temporary facilities on Old York Road.
With the new building in place, the automatic ticket barriers would be relocated from the narrow subway tunnel where they create heavy queues at peak times.
The move would also improve station security and mean admission to all four of the platforms would be controlled. The current layout allows passengers to access platform one without passing through a ticket barrier.
The scheme would be funded by Network Rail, South West Trains and the council has secured contributions from local developers as a condition of their planning consents.
The new building would be single storey and glass fronted.
Planning applications committee chairman Cllr Nick Cuff said:
"It’s been a long time coming but this plan would be a big improvement on the scruffy and impractical facilities at Wandsworth Town.
"It would finally mean the ticket barriers are taken out of the subway tunnel where bottlenecks are a source of daily frustration and inconvenience for thousands of commuters.
"Wandsworth Town - and in particular Old York Road - has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. New investment in the aging station is another important step forward for the areas regeneration."
South West Four Weekender Clapham Common 28-29 August 2010
London's premier dance event billed as 'the biggest DJ's in the world, the best weekend of your life' takes place on one of London's largest open spaces over the August bank holiday weekend.
Headlining acts on Clapham Common include: Armin van Buuren on Saturday and Fatboy Slim on Sunday who has given a few teasers for his set at SW4 including plans to incorporate a vuvuzela into his set and details on the mindblowing visuals created by Pinewood Studios which are set to be showcased at the festival. In addition to this, special guest Matthew Dear has been added to Sunday’s SWMore after-party line-up, whilst hot new vocalist Katy B joins Skream & Benga for their performance in the Together arena. Finally Benny Benassi has been added to Saturday’s already mouthwatering line-up as he DJs alongside Mark Knight in his Toolroom Knights arena.
A 20,000 capacity crowd can expect to see acts including: Salt 'N' Pepa (UK festival exclusive), Carl Cox, Erick Morillo, Sasha, John Digweed, Vitalic, Dubfire, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Boys Noize, Erol Alkan, Skream & Benga, Laidback Luke, Sander van Doorn & Marco V B2B, Adam Beyer, Zane Lowe, Joris Voorn [Live], Mark Knight, Layo & Bushwacka!, M.A.N.D.Y., Josh Wink, Mutant Clan (Timo Maas & Santos), Switch, Gareth Emery, A Trak, Herve, Kissy Sell Out, Judge Jules, Ms Dynamite, Andy C, Uffie and more...
How to get to the South West Four Weekender The nearest London Underground tube station is Clapham Common on the Northern Line (Zone 2). The nearest British Rail station is Clapham High Street. Trains run to and from London Victoria or London Bridge. Bus: 35, 37, 88, 137, 155, 255, 345, 355, 417 Night bus: N35, N37, N155, N137, N345
SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 12pm - 9pm SOLD OUT SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 12pm - 9pm Tickets: 0844 847 2467 www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Clapham Common is situated between Clapham, Battersea and Balham. Around 108 acres of Clapham Common is within the London Borough of Wandsworth, but the common is managed and maintained by Lambeth Councilwww.lambeth.gov.uk
---------------------------------- First stop The Nightingale on the Young's bus tour
A red London bus offered a free Hop On- Hop Off service touring between four Young's pubs around the Wandle on Saturday 21 August 2010.
Visitors enjoyed the hospitality of The Nightingale for Sambrook's award winning ales, The Grove for the Tri Nations rugby, The County Arms for a Beach Party and The Devonshire for live music and their outdoor kitchen.
The Nightingale Balham, London SW12 8NX The Grove 39 Oldridge Road, Balham, London SW12 8PN The County Arms 345 Trinity Road, Wandsworth Common London SW18 3SH The DevonshireThe Devonshire 39 Balham High Road Balham London SW12 9AN
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Richmond Walk Ten Saturday 21 August 2010
Richmond Walk Ten is a 10km late summer evening walk through the beautiful scenery of Richmond Park. As dusk settles walkers will be lighting up the night, ending in a summer night’s celebration with entertainment while eating a picnic.
At the end of the walk there will be drinks and snacks available to buy and walkers can unpack their picnic blankets to enjoy carnival style entertainment organised by the Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraisers. From candy floss to hotdogs and stilt-walkers to acrobats there will be something for everyone. This electric festival atmosphere promises to light up the night.
At ten o’clock everyone will gather together to mark the beginning of the next Marie Curie nursing shift as families across the UK will be opening their front door to welcome nurses into their homes to help them care for their loved ones. Marie Curie nurses work during the day and through the night to provide care and support to terminal ill people in Battersea, Balham and Clapham.
For more information: www.mariecurie.org.uk/walkten or call 08700 340 040
Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity Reg No. 207994 and registered in Scotland with Charity Reg No. SC03873.
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Elvis draws a crowd at Balham Street Festival 2010
Lou Jordan as Elvis by Robbies Photographics
A great variety of acts performed including Lou Jordan as Elvis, Susan Black's Tribute to Edith Piaf, Lenny Zakatek the true voice of The Alan Parsons Project and the very popular Imagine the Beatles.
There was a good range of stalls by Fara, Balham Bou, Taste of Sicily, The Cake Embassy, Harrison's, Balham Safer Neighborhood Team and the Council's Green Pledge Team. McDonalds put on free facepainting, which was particularly popular! There was also a fashion show by Evolve magazine.
The festival was sponsored by Balham Partnership, Wandsworth Council, Hot Bikram Yoga, Evolve, Harrison's, Waitrose, Essential Local, Newridge and The Bedford and Robbies Photographics.
More photos: www.robbiesphotographics.com
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Mayor of London and HCA's rescue package for Battersea housing scheme
Developments that will deliver more than 500 affordable homes for London have received a boost by the Mayor Boris Johnson and the London Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Investment for 16 housing and regeneration schemes has been approved by the HCA London Board, chaired by the Mayor, and will deliver a total of 518 affordable homes to help meet London's housing needs. In Battersea the Rollo Estate New Build, Wandsworth has 38 homes planned as part of the next phase of the Hidden Homes programme.
The scheme, originally included as part of the previous Government's Housing Pledge, had been at risk because of funding uncertainties, but is now secure thanks to the commitment of more than £50 million from the HCA and the Mayor.
The 16 projects consist of seven former 'Kickstart' and nine local authority new build schemes. In total more than £51.7 million of investment is being provided to support these projects from the London region budget.
Seven boroughs will benefit from funding to replace the former Kickstart programme, which will deliver 372 affordable units across the projects. Each scheme has been stalled since the credit crunch.
In addition, nine local authority new build projects being supported will provide 146 new rented homes for 665 people. Each scheme is expected to contribute to the Mayor's target of 50,000 new affordable housing completions by March 2012. The majority of these developments will deliver a high percentage of large family sized homes which are in particularly high demand. One example is the Rollo Estate New Build in LB Wandsworth where three quarters of the 38 homes will be larger units for families. The schemes will also now be delivered at lower cost than originally forecast.
The announcement concludes a lengthy process of assessing and negotiating improved value for money on many of the schemes. For the local authority new build schemes, more than £3.6m has been saved from the HCA's London budget as a result of improved value for money negotiations.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "It is absolutely vital that we continue to deliver more, better quality housing to meet London's housing needs. This funding will provide a major boost to regeneration in the capital and deliver more affordable accommodation to help some of the most vulnerable households.
"Housing must remain a priority, which is why we have rescued these schemes from the spectre of the credit crunch and delivered the cash needed to get construction up and running but at less cost to the public purse."
David Lunts, HCA Director for London, said: "It's great news that these stalled schemes will now go ahead. Despite the belt-tightening times, we have worked hard with our partners to find ways to make these projects better value for money and each will provide badly-needed new homes for Londoners".
The Homes and Communities Agency is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England.
For more information visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
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Balham Street Festival Sunday 8 August 2010
Balham will come alive again for this year’s Balham Street Festival. Crowds of people – both old and young - came together beneath a perfect summer sky last year to enjoy an eclectic afternoon of high quality live music at the first ever Balham Street Festival. It was a great afternoon of pure family entertainment.
Presented once again by Tony Moore and Fayon Cottrell, the festival returns with another massive line-up of 12 local music acts over 4 hours, each performing 3 songs on a quick on-off stage turnaround…and what a special line up this year!
Amongst the line-up we see the return of Lou Jordon as Elvis – who last year shuck Balham! He will open the show, and the very ultimate ‘Imagine the Beatles’ band will end the day with all your favorite Beatles hits.
Also on stage is a very special Tribute to Edith Piaf by the incredible Susan Black, and more still a special appearance by Lenny Zakatek, the true voice of The Alan Parsons Project.
Others include the very ultimate in new talent with Maria Infantino, the daughter of the legendary opera star Luigi Infantino. Also we have Ed Sheerhan, Robinson, Alisha Bennett, Rachel Huggins, Ellie Rose, Ben Champion and a very special performance by Diva Madam Tortellini. There will also be a fashion show on stage by Evolve. There also plenty of stalls and tasty treats too!
Balham Street Festival is all about bringing people together. Balham Street Festival 1-5pm Hildreth Street, Balham SW12 Balham Tube Station, Balham Rail Parking is free on Sun www.balham.com
Special thanks to Evolve Magazine, The Balham Partnership, Wandsworth Council, The Bedford, Hot Bikram Yoga, Essential Local, Harrison’s Bar, Robbie’s Photographic’s and Sharon Prasad
Essential Local: Official Media Partner for the Balham Festival 2010. www.essentiallocal.com
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Congratulations to The Papered Parlour winners of the Barclays Small Business Award
Clapham based entreprenuers Claire Heafford and Louise Hall of The Papered Parlour have been named winners of the Barclays Take One Small Step competition in the South London region announced in July 2010.
Decided by public vote, the competition was designed to reward ten inspirational business ideas from across the UK with a prize of £50,000 each to put towards developing their business ventures. As well as channelling money into an independent arts venue, winning this competition attests to the massive community support The Papoured Parlour has received since opening in 2009.
The Papoured Parlour will continue to offer a wide range of contemporary craft and design workshops in the independent arts venue which is also home to 15 young and enterprising artists.
For further information: The Papered Parlour, 7 Prescott Place, London SW4 6BS Tel: 020 7627 8703 Bus: Clapham High Street Tube: Clapham Common Train: Clapham High Street
A little bit of Thailand in the heart of London Sunday 25 July 2010
This weekend sees the return of The Thai Festival in Battersea Park. Now into its tenth year this one day festival will showcase the many different aspects of Thai life bringing a little ‘Thailand’ into the heart of London. Thai restaurants will provide traditional dishes prepared on the day by Thai chefs; on-site supermarket stalls will be available to buy the ingredients needed to prepare a Thai feast at home; and there will be authentic Thai beer and Thai wines to enjoy. There will be Thai arts and crafts and fruit carving demonstrations, performances of Thai national dance, classical music and martial arts throughout the afternoon, promising a wonderful day out for all the family.
The British Genius Site, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ 11am-8pm. Admission £4. Children under 1.2m free
Organised by The Thai-UK Trust Registered charity no. 1114746.
Further info: www.thaifestival.org.uk www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/463/event /354/battersea_park_event_venue/2 www.batterseapark.org www.batterseaevolution.co.uk www.anglothaisociety.org
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Join The Big Lunch Sunday 18 July 2010
People all over Britain will be getting together for Sunday lunch with their neighbours this weekend. It may be anything from a simple lunch to a full-blown street party with DJs and a home-cooked feast.
Join the Pick Me Big Lunch and help launch London Mums South East
The Pick Me Big Lunch will be offer a free lunch of delicious Pick Me chunky chilli or nutty tagliatelle, while children’s entertainment will be laid on. Pick Me was created by Elizabeth, a working mum from Herne Hill who wanted to make delicious, additive free, vegetarian chilled meals that the whole family could enjoy together. London Mums is the only peer support group for mums based in London founded in 2006. They organise a number of activities for mums (and dads) and babies - trips to view exhibitions at the National Gallery, movies at the local cinema, nature walks and great parties, meeting other mums and babies and sharing experiences and drawing support and advice from each other. Today will be the launch of the South East London branch of the organisation at The Big Lunch – a perfect community launch for this valuable support network.
Last year, The Big Lunch saw the best part of a million people come together, hosting events ranging from simple back garden barbecues to full-on street parties with entertainment, games, food, music and bunting that quite literally stopped traffic. This year, The Big Lunch is encouraging millions more to join forces and knock on the door of their neighbour, say hello and invite them for lunch. The Big Lunch is led by the Eden Project with the support of a family of partners, who all want to break down barriers and build bridges within neighbourhoods through The Big Lunch 2010.
The Pick Me Big Lunch will be held in Ferndene Road, Herne Hill, SE24 12.30-3pm.
Other local lunches include: St Peter's Church, Battersea SW11 2DE 12.30pm The Toastrack,SW18 3RG 2pm Spencer Park, SW18 2SY 12pmFull-screFull-screen Twilley Street, SW18 4NU 12pm The Grafton Square SW4 0DB 12pm The 1st, SW115PA 1.30pm Sudbourne Road, SW2 5AQ 11am Wiseton Road, SW17 7EE 12pm
All times subject to change, please contact your local organiser here.
Building Schools for the Future plans for local secondary schools
Strong case for schools programme in Wandsworth
The council is hoping to persuade Department for Education officials that advanced plans to redevelop four Wandsworth secondary schools should be allowed to go ahead.
On Monday 5 July 2010, the education secretary announced major cuts to the national Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
The DfE has already said schemes at Burntwood School and Southfields Community College can be considered on a ‘case by case basis’ as part of the national review.
Detailed designs have already been prepared for the two schools – both of which face increasing demand for places and offer outdated teaching environments.
The council also wants the ‘case by case’ review to include plans for the remodelling of Elliott School in Putney and the construction of Saint John Bosco – a new Catholic secondary school in Battersea. Both are also at an advanced stage.
Last week the council made a decision to appoint Bovis Lend Lease Ltd as preferred bidder for the borough’s BSF programme. The appointment came ahead of schedule and marked the conclusion of an 11-month selection process which began in July 2009.
Council leader Edward Lister said:
“We understand the national priorities and the need to reduce the budget deficit. This clearly means all areas of public spending have to come under review.
“We will be making the case for our four most advanced projects to proceed. These are the ones that address the most pressing needs. They are the result of many months of detailed work and are now ready to move forward.”
www.wandsworth.gov.uk
Devastating Government education cuts in Lambeth?
www.lambeth.gov.uk
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Big Dance South London Hub 3-11 July 2010
T-Mobile Big Dance 2010 is in full swing. Among the highlights of the hundreds of events will be The Big World Dance, taking place through the streets of London featuring a cast of thousands of Londoners (850 events across the capital over 9 days) and directed by Luca Silvestrini, Artistic Director of Protein Dance with a specially created soundtrack by DJ Walde.
Big World Dance in south London 10 July
There is a full programme of workshops across London for you to learn the choreography. Big Dance has 5 hubs in London; North, East, South, South East and West. Wandsworth and Lambeth residents can find local activities coordinated in the South Hub.
Siobhan Davies Dance is leading on and coordinating Big Dance activity in the following London Boroughs: Croydon, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Lambeth, Merton, Southwark, Sutton and Wandsworth and is running a programme of activity for The T-Mobile Big Dance 2010, led by professional artists who will work with schools, community groups and organisations across the South London hub.
Big Dance Wandsworth world record attempt 9 July
Some Wandsworth schools have signed up to take part in a Guinness World Record attempt on July 9 to have the most people performing the same dance routine simultaneously. This event will also kick-off the borough's Get Active Wandsworth festival. All schools involved have also taken the School’s Pledge to provide 20 minutes extra dance a day during Big Dance.
Local highlights include:
• An exhibition celebrating 90 years of the Royal Academy of Dance at Putney Library • A nostalgic dance performance at Tooting Bec Lido • An afternoon tea dance in Battersea • Dance activities for people with disabilities • The Pop and Stage School Academy Summer Showcase in Wandsworth
Lambeth and Southwark A-Z Dance 3-11 July
The Big Dance week 3-11 July, is a London wide event celebrating dance across the capital and Lambeth and Southwark council’s Arts teams have joined forces to create the Lambeth and Southwark A-Z of Dance.
Throughout the week there will be site specific unexpected dance events, workshops and performances in parks, bandstands, streets and at the wonderful Streatham Festival on Saturday 3-11 July.
All the performances are free, and many workshops are also free to join in on the day. For more information or to download an A-Z brochure click here.
Lambeth Country Show 17-18 July
A whole weekend of free performances and workshops for all ages within Cultivate: the Arts and Culture area of the Lambeth Country Show.
Cultivate returns bigger than ever, with over 50 local artists and arts organisations present, performances throughout both days in three different performance spaces, opportunities to get involved in 15 different workshops for all ages including craft activities all day, and a carnival procession on Sunday.
Big Dance is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to create a cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The programme also receives funding and support from Mayor of London, Arts Council England and Dance Champions. This year’s headline sponsor is T-Mobile.
Plans to reveal a wartime landmark in Balham and a new hotel for Clapham Junction
Wandsworth Council’s planning application committee has approved plans to bring Balham’s Grade II Listed ‘Drum’ back into public view.
The scheme would also create new homes for sale and social rent on the surrounding site which is fenced off and disused.
The Drum is a circular ‘pillbox’ building on Balham Hill which provides access to a deep level air raid shelter below.
The underground shelter, which lies deeper than the Northern Line, stretches north to Clapham Common where a second access Drum is located.
The structure is one of 11 deep level shelters built during World War II in response to German bombing raids.
Currently, the Balham Hill Drum is hidden from view behind a high block wall and is in a poor state of decorative repair. The surrounding site is largely derelict except for two small storage buildings.
The new proposal includes removing the site’s boundary wall to expose the Drum to the street and restoring the Grade II Listed building’s appearance.
One eight-storey and one four-storey building would be constructed on the land to the rear of the Drum to provide a total of 62 new flats. More than a third would be made available for social rent.
A cycle store with space for 62 bikes would also be created as well as communal garden.
The underground shelter would continue its current use as a private archive.
Planning applications committee chairman Cllr Nick Cuff said:
“This scheme would bring a fascinating piece of wartime history back into public view and make good use of the surrounding site which has been largely derelict for decades.
“Twenty-one of the new flats would be reserved for social rent to help meet the borough’s growing need for affordable housing.”
Clapham Junction hotel plan approved
Wandsworth Council's planning applications committee has approved plans for an eight-storey hotel on Falcon Road, Clapham Junction.
The site is currently occupied by Woburn House – an outdated five-storey office block.
The developer had previously applied to build a 16-storey tower on the site which was rejected on the grounds that it would result in an "overbearing and dominant development”.
The revised scheme is almost half the height of the original design and the footprint of the building has also been significantly reduced.
Planning applications chairman Cllr Nick Cuff said:
“This proposal is much more in keeping with its surrounding and will make a valuable addition to the town centre. The location is well suited for use as a hotel and the design would be a vast improvement on the unsightly office block which currently occupies the site.
“The scheme would help address a shortage of hotel accommodation in Clapham Junction which is home to the UK’s busiest railway station. The increased number of guests would also be a major boost for local trade and add momentum to the town centre’s regeneration.”
The new hotel would provide a total of 70 guestrooms with a separate restaurant and retail unit on the ground floor level.
A separate application to build a three-storey block of flats to the rear of Woburn House was also approved. This site is currently used as a private car park.
The schemes were approved by the council’s planning applications committee on Thursday 24 June.
View the application for Balham’s Grade II Listed ‘Drum’ at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning reference number 2010/0004.
View the application for a hotel on Falcon Road, Clapham Junction at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/ planning - reference numbers 2010/1455 and 2010/1620.
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Fantastic midsummer fairs 26-27 June 2010
Abbeville Fete 'Fairy Tales and Fables' is the theme at the 14th Abbeville Fete - all ages are invited to dress up for a fancy dress parade at 2pm. Last year over £16,000 was raised for local charities is truly a family day out. Dog show, choir, BBQ, bar and local stall holders. The Silent Auction has some incredible lots.
Saturday 26 June 2010 12-4pm FREE Abbeville Road/Narbonne Avenue, Clapham, London SW4 Clapham South tube, buses 35, 37, 137, 155, 255, 355 and 417 www.abbevillefete.com
Belleville School Summer Fair 'The story behind the music' is the idea behind the Belleville Summer Fair which will have a barbecue, face painting, tombola, toys, plants, games, cakes and lots of fun. Win a PSP games console plus other great prizes. Wheelchair access to the lower playground. Organised by Belleville PTA, a registered charity.
Saturday 26 June 2010 12-3pm Children FREE, adults 50p Belleville Primary School, Wakehurst Road, Battersea, London SW11 6PR Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail, buses 319, G1 www.belleville-school.org.uk/pta/-/summer_fair_2010
The Lavender Festival Offering family-friendly attractions, entertainment and games all along Lavender Hill. The mile-long street will have live music, competitions, loads of fresh food & drink stalls, tombola, market stalls, BBQs, cupcakes, face painting, a Punch & Judy show. A collection of farmyard animals including a pony, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens and rabbits!
Sunday 27 June 2010, 11-5pm FREE Lavender Hill/St Johns Road, SW11 Clapham Common tube, Clapham Junction rail, bus 77, 87,45, 35 www.lavenderhill.co.uk
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Wandsworth favourite to open first "free school"?
The former Bolingbroke Hospital site is proposed for the Wandsworth "free school"
From today, Friday 18 June 2010 parents can begin applying to set up an independent, government-funded "free school". The education secretary Michael Govehas announced the government's plans which will be closely watched by the Battersea based Neighbourhood School Campaign (NSC).
The NSC is a small group of motivated parents who live in the local area campaigning to secure a new state-funded, non-selective, secular secondary school in a part of Wandsworth where no such school exists.
Jon De Maria, Neighbourhood Schools Campaign said: “This new policy is what we have been waiting for in Wandsworth. We strongly believe in the principle of good local schools and children of all backgrounds being educated together. This policy change will allow us to provide the best gift we as parents can give to our small children – a local, inclusive education where our kids can walk to their new secondary school with their existing mates from primary school.”
The first "free schools" are expected to open in September 2011.
Clapham Common will see around 27,000 cyclists gathering on Sunday 20 June for the legendary British Heart Foundation's London to Brighton sponsored cycle ride. Every year riders from across the country tackle the 54 miles which finishes on Brighton's seafront. Entry for 2010 is now closed but if you would like to take part in other cycling events or pick up some training tips please go to the British Heart Foundation's website below.
"Getting fit is part of the challenge, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your bike ride".
Also in Wandsworth preparation is under way to open one of the first Cycle Superhighways. The route will begin in Merton, cross Tooting, Balham and Clapham Common to the City and will be safe, fast and direct. The first two routes open on 19 July 2010 with ten more opening by 2015. In Lambeth car owners are currently being encouraged to exchange their resident's parking permits for a £200 cycle voucher.
Dr Bike is back for summer Surgeries will be at three locations around Wandsworth this summer:
Mary's Church Square on Putney High St (near Putney Bridge), Wednesday 9, 16, 23 and 30 of June 6 - 8pm
Battersea Park next to the entrance to the Zoo, Sunday 13, 20 and 27 June 11am -1pm; Balham Sainsbury's car park
Bedford Hill, every Wednesday evening in July and August, 6 - 8pm
Free safety checks will take place in Lambeth every Tuesday throughout May, June and July. Bring your bike to get a free bike check – brakes, gears and tyres. The sustainable transport team will also be on hand to provide advice on cycling in and around the borough.
The first Tuesday – Waterloo (King's College, SE1 8WA)
The second Tuesday - Clapham Common (Cedars Road, SW4 0PN)
The third Tuesday - Brockwell Park (Lido, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA)
The fourth Tuesday - Streatham Common south side (SW16 3BT)
Any fifth Tuesday - Norwood (Norwood Road, SE27 9DQ) This only occurs in June
Dr Bike will be able to check that your tyres, wheels, frame, brakes, gears, and chain are all in good working order and that your seat and handlebars are at the correct height. If Dr Bike believes your bike requires more than basic repairs, you will need to visit a local specialist bike shop.
Following the success of last year’s event, we are pleased to announce the next Northcote Carnival, a good old fashioned street party that will be even bigger and better than last year as the whole of Northcote Road will be closed to traffic.
Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the Carnival to enjoy the many festivities on offer including:
• A vibrant selection of music from local bands including Skinny Machines, The Young Squires, The Lavender Hillbillies and a nine-piece Gospel band.
• A grand fair open all day with rides suitable for children of all ages.
• A procession of hundreds of children from local schools and community groups.
• The regular Northcote Road market with flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables and specialty foods.
• An Italian market with a wide variety of foods including olive oil, pasta, cheese, bread and beautiful Murano glass for more information visit www.italianmarkets.co.uk
• Experience our fantastic local gastropubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms.
• A great opportunity to sample what the local shops have to offer from beauty products to homewares to high end fashion.
Organised in conjunction with Northcote Business Network, Wandsworth Council, The Clapham Junction Town Centre Partnership and welovenorthcoteroad.com
The council is backing plans to ease overcrowding on the Northern Line through dividing the service in two.
The scheme was unveiled earlier this month as part of the Mayor of London’s new Transport Strategy. The aim is to reduce journey times and increase the service frequency on both branches.
The line's signalling systems are currently being overhauled and works to split the service would follow on from this upgrade.
Once both projects are complete, peak time service frequencies on the Charing Cross branch would increase from 20 trains per hour to 32 northbound, and from 20 to 28 southbound.
The number of rush hour trains on the Charing Cross branch would rise from 20 to 28 in both directions.
Under the proposed system all Charing Cross branch services would terminate at Kennington. Passengers travelling further south into Wandsworth would switch to City branch services to continue their journey.
Likewise, passengers travelling from south London to Charging Cross branch stations would need to change trains at Kennington.
The Northern Line is the busiest service on the underground network, carrying 660,000 passengers every weekday. TfL forecast demand will continue to rise.
Council leader Edward Lister said:
“This scheme is the best prospect for easing the overcrowded conditions commuters endure on a daily basis. The sooner works can get underway the better.
“Splitting the line will simplify the service pattern, meaning both branches will run faster and at a higher frequency. It’s not ideal for those commuters who will have to change at Kennington but their overall journey will be more reliable.
“The east of our borough is heavily dependent on this service and we’ll keep up the pressure of TfL to make sure these improvements are treated as a priority.”
Cllr Piers Conolly McCausland has been sworn in as the new Mayor of Wandsworth.
The annual mayor-making ceremony took place last night (Wednesday, May 19) at the Civic Suite, Wandsworth High Street.
Cllr Jennifer Nickels has taken over as the new Deputy Mayor.
Cllr McCausland is a consultant building surveyor and has worked in the construction/developer industry for his entire working life.
Born in Northern Ireland, he attended Ampleforth College, York before completing his education at Trinity College, Dublin.
He and his wife Elizabeth have three grown up sons and four grandchildren.
Cllr McCausland first moved to Wandsworth in 1980 and joined the Conservative Party in 1996. Two years later he was elected to the council representing the former St John Ward. After the ward boundaries were redrawn he stood successfully in Fairfield Ward in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
During his career at the council he has served on a number of committees including Housing, Social Services and Licensing. His main focus has been planning and he has previously held the post of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Applications Committee.
Away from the town hall Cllr McCausland spend many years as a Trustee of the St Joseph Society, a sheltered housing scheme. He is also a Governor of Allfathing Primary School and a Trustee of the Ethiopia Permaculture Foundation – a charity promoting the sustainable stewardship of Ethiopia’s ecological resources.
In his spare time Cllr McCausland enjoys walking, frequent visits to his hometown of Ulster, as well as holidaying with his family in the south west of Ireland. He is a keen environmentalist with a particular interest in conservation.
His mayoral charity for the year will be the Battersea Summer Scheme, which provides trips, outings and opportunities for under-privileged young people from Battersea and Balham.
The new Deputy Mayor Jenny Nickels is a Conservative councillor representing the newly formed Roehampton and Putney Heath Ward.
Cllr Nickels has lived in Wandsworth since 1985 with her partner of 20 years, Graham Lovelock. She has previously owned her own local business and is currently employed as a Business Centre Manager promoting SME’s in the local community.
She was first elected to the council in 1990, representing the Southfields Ward. Her past committee appointments include the Environment and Leisure OSC, Health OSC as well as the Audit, and Standards Committees.
Away from the town hall Cllr Nickels is involved in fundraising for local voluntary groups and is a school governor at two local primary schools - St Michaels and Sheringdale.
She is also a qualified chef and in her spare time enjoys travelling, entertaining and tennis.
Residents of Bupa’s Meadbank Nursing Centre in Battersea got their hands dirty on Friday as part of a new Community Crops campaign.
Community Crops is a Bupa initiative which aims to promote the health benefits associated with gardening and growing your own fruit and veg.
Pupils from Westbridge Primary School stepped forward to lend a hand after care home residents appealed to the community for help with planting their seedlings.
The residents hosted a special ‘Sow and Grow’ day on Friday 14 May where the children helped sow the fledgling crops into the garden and decorated the large pots for planting.
Michaela Thompson, home manager, said, “Already our residents are feeling a huge sense of achievement and have taken great pleasure in watching their seedlings grow.
“We’ve been carefully tending and watering the plants, so would like to thank all the children from Westbridge who came along to help us with the next step of planting the seedlings outside. Community Crops has really brought everyone together and it’s a perfect way to spend time in the garden and enjoy the fresh air.”
Elisha Gardner, Bupa’s community affairs assistant, said, “Community Crops has also highlighted how such projects really help our dementia residents.
“Not only does it give us an opportunity to encourage reminiscence about ‘dig for victory’, but many of our residents were keen gardeners before they moved into our homes so it has provided a chance to talk about their own experiences of growing fruit and veg.”
The Community Crops campaign has taken root in gardens an d greenhouses in over 300 care homes across the UK. The care homes are being joined by a whole host of community groups for their ‘Sow and Grow’ events, including gardening experts, church groups, allotment enthusiasts, schools and young people involved with The Prince’s Trust.
Adult Learners' Week 15-21 May 2010 A vast array of courses and subjects will be on offer to local people at schools, colleges and libraries across Wandsworth. 020 8871 7601
Hundreds of fans crossed the river from Wandsworth to watch Chelsea players take part in a victory parade for the Chelsea league and cup double on Sunday 16 May 2010.
The club secured its first ever league and FA Cup double by beating Portsmouth 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday.
The team began their open-top bus parade at Stamford Bridge stadium at 1pm cheered on by thousands of supporters as the players hoisted the two trophies aloft. www.chelseafc.com
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Summer in the Square
The Friends of Battersea Square are hosting the very first Summer in the Square family day out in Battersea Square. Live entertainment on the outdoor stage includes jugglers and stilt walkers; dancers from the Royal Academy of Dance; The Gentlemen of St John's, a world renowned close harmony group; music groups from local schools; a Balkan gypsy band; a steel band; the winner of the Transport for London Busking Competition and the Apollo String Trio.
There will also be a wide variety of stalls, lots to eat and drink including strawberries and cream, a farmers' market, craft activities, face painting and competitions for children. There will be a dog grooming salon, a pets corner, health professionals offering checks and advice and the police will be marking bikes and advising on crime prevention. Nigella Lawson will perform the opening ceremony from the stage at the north end of Battersea Square at 11.15.
Summer in the Square Saturday 15 May 11-4pm
Battersea Square, Battersea High Street, London SW11 3JB
Friends of Battersea Square are non-profit making. Funds will be raised for The Battersea Summer Scheme.
Conservatives hold Wandsworth council; Labour hold Lambeth
The Conservative Party has retained control of Wandsworth council.
The Conservatives claimed 47 seats to Labour's 13.
The result represents a net change of four seats on the 2006 local election.
Labour gained two seats in Tooting Ward and one each in Furzedown and Roehampton and Putney Heath Ward.
Council leader Edward Lister said: "This is an excellent result at a time of great national change. Wandsworth has a reputation for delivering value for money services. We will continue to protect local people as we face up to the huge challenges ahead."
The Wandsworth Arts Festival has something for everyone with events taking place across the borough until 23 May.
The Bay Area Film Festival is an al fresco evening of short films by award winning mental health charity Sound Minds, including 'Beat Box', 'Booth d76' and an entertaining selection of the best of local amateur filmmaking. Thursday 13 May 8:30pm-10pm . FREE. The Vehicle Bay Battersea Methodist Mission 20 -22 York Road, London SW11 3QA 020 7207 1786
Cascading pink and white blossom in St Mary's Cemetery, Bolingbroke Grove, SW11
The roads, parks and open spaces of Wandsworth are bursting with the scent and colour of flowering Cherry trees which are at their peak this May Day. The hard winter followed by the recent glorious sunshine has created ideal conditions for the blooms.
Ornamental Cherries are a popular low-maintenance tree which survive in most types of soil. If you have inherited a tree in your garden, or enjoy them in your neighbourhood you can identify the variety using the Natural History Museum's interactive identification key, this is part of an Urban Cherry Survey launched across Britain by the museum and Wandsworth residents can contribute to the study of British natural history.
The Junction Health Centre opened at the end of March to bring further high quality healthcare to people in the Battersea and north Wandsworth area. The GP surgery and Walk in Centre will be open from 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year and is open to all patients, both those who register, and those who ‘drop in’ to use the services. The Centre is housed in purpose built medical units while the permanent site is being prepared.
Situated at the north entrance to Clapham Junction station, one of London’s busiest transport hubs, the Junction Health Centre could not be more conveniently located for the local community. Over 100 people have already enquired about the service demonstrating the real need for a health centre in this area.
One of first patients to use the service said: “I didn’t have a doctor before so I’ve come to register today. It’s very convenient for me because I live nearby – I think the Centre’s going to be very popular because people don’t want to travel too far to see someone.
Trevor Fuller, Practice Manager at The Junction Health Centre said “We are delighted with the response from the public which clearly demonstrates the demand for a health centre in this area. Opening just before Easter means we can immediately cater for patients’ needs during the bank holiday period.”
Amanda Philpott, NHS Wandsworth’s Deputy Chief Executive said: “This is an exciting development for Wandsworth giving patients greater choice and flexibility of how they wish to access healthcare, which complements existing GP services in the borough. These innovative and flexible medical units mean that we can begin to treat patients as soon as possible until services are transferred to their permanent home later in the year.”
The Junction Health Centre opened on Tuesday 30 March 2010. It is a free NHS service run on behalf of NHS Wandsworth by Care UK, national providers of health and social care, and supported by ATM medics, a group of six locally trained GPs.
Junction Health Centre Sendall Court Car Park Grant Road Clapham Junction, London SW11 2HE
Following the success of last year’s event, the Northcote Business Network are pleased to announce Northcote Road Summer Carnival 2010 on Sunday June 13th from 2pm to 10pm.
The Carnival promises to be a good old fashioned street party and will be even bigger and better than last year as the whole of Northcote Road will be closed to traffic. Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the Carnival.
The Carnival will open at 2pm with a procession of over 2,000 children from local schools and community groups.
Other highlights include:
·A vibrant selection of song and dance performances from local children and artists.
·A grand fair open all day with rides suitable for children of all ages.
·The regular Northcote Road market with flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables and specialty cakes, breads and cheeses.
·A carnival food market offering a selection of Continental dishes.
·Experience our fantastic local gastropubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms.
·A great opportunity to sample what the local shops have to offer from beauty products tohomewares to high end fashion.
Sponsors of the Northcote Road Carnival include Northcote Business Network, Wandsworth Council, The Clapham Junction Town Centre Partnership and Welovenorthcoteroad.com.
At 10pm on Wednesday 7th April, Wandsworth based amateur cook Dhruv Baker was revealed as the winner of BBC 1's Masterchef.
Sales Director Dhruv (34), who lives in Wandsworth with wife Aileen and 21-month-old son Arun, beat peadiatrician Tim Kinnaird (37) and food writer Alex Rushmer (27) to the prestigious title after producing three incredible courses in the final round.
Always a front-runner, Dhruv's expert fusion cooking and impeccable palette continually impressed judges Greg Wallace and South-west London based John Torode before he finally clinched the title after a set of gruelling challenges.
Dhruv now hopes to pursue his dreams of a career in food and to continue learning and improving as a cook before opening his own restaurant.
To watch the final go to the BBC Iplayer website.
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Do you want a new secondary school in Wandsworth? If so, sign here!
The Battersea based Neighbourhood School Campaign (NSC) received national exposure recently when they were featured on the BBC 2 documentary 'Power to the People' presented by Michael Portillo. They are hoping that many local people will agree with their aims and are encouraging them to visit their website to find out how. Their website details and a link to the documentary can be found below.
The NSC, who comprise a small group of motivated parents who live in the local area, are campaigning to secure a new state-funded, non-selective, secular secondary school in a part of Wandsworth where no such school exists. Their campaign is child-focused, socially inclusive and non-political. They seek only to improve parental choice about how and where their kids are educated. They argue that the current lack of choice means that local children aren’t getting the start in life they deserve.
The following words are extracted directly from the NSC website: www.thensc.net
The problem There is no state secondary school in South Battersea; the seven square miles served by Alderbrook Primary, High View and the two largest primary schools in Wandsworth, Belleville and Honeywell.
No school. No choice.
If parents in South Battersea cannot, or choose not to pay to educate their children at secondary level, their options are limited; especially as distance is one of the first things schools use to exclude applicants. No surprise then that Wandsworth has the worst record in London for satisfying parental choice.
No school. No chance.
Last year, our closest secondary, Chestnut Grove, received 777 applications for 150 places. The next closest, Salesian College, is only an option for Catholics. So Year 6 pupils leaving Belleville and Honeywell are forced to scatter far and wide, and over the past four years, have ended up at 49 different schools.
No school. No community.
In a borough that’s growing fast (the birth rate in Wandsworth has risen by 51% over the past eight years) the problem is only going to get worse. Going forward, we’re likely to need 20% more school places; forcing more parents to settle for less, more children to travel further, and more families to leave South Battersea in search of a good state school.
The solution A new neighbourhood school for all - state-funded, secular, non-selective and easy to get to. In short a small, socially inclusive secondary school where:
We have an exceptional head teacher with outstanding track record
Great teaching and tough discipline go hand in hand
Parents have a real say in the way things are done
The brightest students are stretched and strugglers thrive
Every student is surrounded by friends who live locally
Good resources underpin a broad, balanced curriculum
Endless opportunities are offered and taken up
Self-respect and respect for authority are top of the agenda
Standards and performance levels are correspondingly high.
We believe in the principle of good local schools and children of all backgrounds being educated together
The benefits A school like this, full of happy, healthy students who enjoy their childhood and their education, will turn out confident, well-rounded individuals who go on to make a positive contribution to our community, and to society at large.
The location This problem is real and our solution realistic, if we can secure a site. The site we are interested in is the one that used to house the Bolingbroke Hospital. The present structure was built with public money, and we believe it should remain in public hands. As a neighbourhood secondary school, it would work hard for local families. And if a new NHS clinic or community areas were needed, space could certainly be made in the development plans.
In this way, the Bolingbroke Hospital site would continue to serve the whole community and benefit all the project stakeholders; locals, parents, politicians, the NHS Trust and of course, the children!
To find out more and/or to sign the NSC petition, visit their website at:
The US State Department recently named Philadelphia-based firm Kieran Timberlake as the winning architect for the design of a new American Embassy in Battersea. This news has been eagerly awaited since Wandsworth Council granted outline planning permission for a new embassy building at Nine Elms last September. It marks the next stage in the process of agreeing the detailed plans for the site and will be followed by extensive public consultation in the coming months.
Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister said: "This is extremely welcome news for the borough and for Nine Elms. "The new designs reveal just how confident the Americans are about the future of the borough and this part of London. "The plans aim to deliver a landmark building and will help put Nine Elms on the map, internationally as well as nationally. "With plans progressing on other sites in the area, this is an important and exciting time for Battersea and Nine Elms. We look forward to working with the State Department in the months ahead in the exciting regeneration of this part of London.
" The proposed site for the new embassy covers just over five acres on the south side of Nine Elms Lane. Once built it will employ 800 people and offer jobs for local people. The Nine Elms area comprises around 450 acres of land on the Thames riverside and is the biggest regeneration opportunity in central London. The council has identified the potential for thousands of new homes and jobs in the area which stretches from Vauxhall Bridge to Battersea Park.
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