Battersea, Clapham & Balham • Issue 35
John Moloney Balham Comedy Festival Bringing Catwalk Style to Your Wardrobe - Anna Bance on current trends Kids Stuff - summer travel tips, childcare and yoga teaching for children Home & Garden - bringing the outside in, plus top garden tips for summer Plus‌ James Mullinger, the best of local events, community and theatre
contents Welcome We were too late to preview the wonderful Abbeville and Northcote Road Fêtes, but our front cover (oilandwater.co.uk) shows a familiar summer scene at the location of an event yet to come, the Bellevue Village Fair. Visit EssentialBattersea co.uk over the summer to view regularly updated details for this and other local events. This issue we’ve introduced a new theatre preview section to promote some of the great venues our local area has to offer. Three of those key theatres have recently joined the new Essential Local Community, the idea behind which is to promote independent small businesses, venues and organisations and help them support one another (no chains allowed, I’m afraid!). This is all part of our new We Choose Local campaign. If you’re keen to support independent shops and businesses please ‘Like’ us at Facebook.com/ wechooselocal and/or follow us on Twitter @essentiallocal so that we can keep you in the loop. Thanks for reading. Richard Chumbley richard@essentiallocal.com
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Contents 4 6 9 11 13 14 16 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 28 29 31 38
What’s New in Your Local Area? Ben’s Canteen, Caremark, Revolution and Zarkava Bal-ham – Gateway to Comedy Comic John Moloney at the Balham Comedy Festival Starting Out in Stand-Up James Mullinger gives us his top tips for success From Catwalk Fashion to Everyday Style Girlmeetsdress.com’s Anna Bance on the latest trends How Does Your Garden Grow? Henrietta Gentilli’s garden advice for summer Bringing the Outside In Amanda Russell and Juliet Bawden on interiors Responsible Decluttering What we should do with our stuff? Asks Gill Perkins Flexible Childcare Q&As with Georgie Jones of Like Minders Flying Kids! Karen Simmonds helps your holiday actually be one Where We Live A quiz, local news and great opportunities How to Teach Yoga... to a Child Francesca of Yogabugs provides some answers Places for People Have you noticed a change at your leisure centre? Time to Switch? Nitesh Patel dispels our accountant-changing fears Invited to the Party Tackling loneliness amonst the old in your community Theatre Preview A new section devoted to what’s on local theatres Essential Local Events What’s going on locally in July and August Out & About in Your Local Area Reviews of London House, Battersea & ‘ombre’ hair Viewpoint Shopping locally and sunny day locations
Editor: Richard Chumbley • richard@essentiallocal.com Designer: Monika Orman Cover: Bellevue Road by Louise Braithwaite (oilandwater.co.uk) Contributors: James Mullinger, Anna Bance, Henrietta Gentilli, Nitesh Patel, Julia Popova, Gill Perkins, Karen Simmonds, Francesca Kleanthous, Juliet Bawden and Amanda Russell. Advertising/Editorial Enquiries: 020 8432 3441 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Advertisements are published in good faith and neither the publisher nor its editorial staff endorses any advice, advertisers or advertising material included within this publication and cannot accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.Any suggestions made by contributors to this publication should not be undertaken without seeking appropriate professional advice. Essential Local, the Essential Local Community and Essential Local Events are trademarks owned and controlled by Richard Chumbley. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form–electronic, mechanical, recording, photocopying, or otherwise–without prior written permission of the publisher. All in-house artwork and editorial in this publication remains the copyright of Essential Local. ©Essential Local. All rights reserved 2014.
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what’s new
What’s New? in your local area Ben’s Canteen opens second local venue
The mark of good home care
Attendees at the launch included Cllr. Angela Graham, The Mayor of Wandsworth; Cllr. Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Borough Council; and Jane Ellison MP.
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The effective provision of social care in the UK is an extremely important issue. One solution is to provide safe, personalised care in an individual’s own home, which arguably provides greater dignity and independence in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Caremark (Wandsworth) is the new local arm of one of the UK’s most highly regarded care providers, with operations in 90 boroughs across the country. Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Caremark’s clients include the elderly, as well as younger adults and children with physical and learning disabilities.
Ben’s Canteen – In Your Neighbourhood 140 St John’s Hill, Battersea, SW11 1SL 422 Garratt Lane, Earls½eld, SW18 4HW 020 7228 3260 www.benscanteen.com “We are committed to providing the very highest standards of care so people can live independently and safely in their own homes,” says MD James McCallum. “This means that we listen carefully to what the client wants, and tailor care to those needs, which can range from companionship and practical help around the home to intensive personal care, and from an hour or two a week to full time support. To ensure continuity of care, we aim to give clients the same care workers, who are security (enhanced DBS) checked, vetted and fully trained and who provide a caring, compassionate, punctual and personalised service. There are frequent unannounced spot checks on carers, and regular care reviews and assurance checks with clients, to ensure the highest quality standards.” Social care costs can be borne privately, or if certain criteria are met, funded by the local authority. “What people don’t realise is that once funding is established, you can request a ‘direct payment’ from your Council, which allows you to choose the care and provider that you believe is most appropriate for your loved one’s needs.”
Caremark (Wandsworth) - Home Care Services Culvert House, Culvert Road SW11 5DH 020 3542 1255 www.caremark.co.uk
ADVERTORIAL
It’s no surprise that the incredibly popular St John’s Hill all-day neighbourhood hangout Ben’s Canteen has launched a second local venue, this time in Earls½eld. “Like St John’s Hill, we thought Garratt Lane was ready for what we do – an alternative to going to the pub, with small plates, big juicy burgers, cracking cocktails, craft beers and exciting wines in the evenings and an awesome brunch during the day,” explains owner Ben Walton. The second venue sticks with the successful formula and the food and drink menus are identical. The sites are similar in feel, although the division between bar and dining room is more pronounced in Earls½eld.
Ben feels he’s learnt a lot from the ½rst venue: “We spent a lot of time working on our concept; now we can focus on delivering it. Our core audience remains time-poor, working professionals looking for a relaxed alternative to pubs with Sky Sports on loop!” This summer? “We’re the place for an affordable, indulgent treat with a group of mates as the warm evening air comes through the open windows and doors,” says Ben. “We make our own awesome version of Pimms and are now developing Sangria – both are perfect for a balmy night or late afternoon.” Ben’s Canteens also host plenty of offers: for example, if you get there early evening you’ll be able to get two courses and a free drink for £15; or turn up on a Tuesday and it’s 2-4-1 cocktails all night long! Says Ben: “This summer we’re really looking forward to establishing ourselves in Earls½eld whilst continuing to get even better on St John’s Hill.”
what’s new
Revolution brings change to Clapham Junction
Revolution Clapham Junction is the latest Revolution venue to have received a six ½gure investment to fund a complete renovation. The transformation, which was unveiled on 24th May, aims to heighten Revolution‘s presence in the area as a leading premium drinking and dining venue. The focus of the refurbishment has been on improving the overall quality of the interior, whilst retaining the inherent charm, ample outdoor dining and drinking space for which the venue is known. With an increased demand for affordable, quality food, Revolution offers a brand new menu served from 11am until 10pm, seven days a week. Focusing on relaxed dining, customers can choose from internationally inspired main dishes, stone-baked pizzas, snacks and smaller plates – ideal for sharing. Sunday roasts are a welcome addition to the menu,
with a selection of meats served throughout the day. Rob Alexander, General Manager, said the success was already being re¾ected in customer feedback: “We’re really excited about this next chapter for Revolution and the feedback to date has been outstanding. We’re not just tweaking the brand – we’re really transforming it with our outstanding newly launched food menu and a cocktail menu that cannot be rivalled. We are one of the only bar companies in the country who is investing to this extent and we’re keen to ensure we are providing the best possible experience for our customers.”
Revolution – Clapham Junction 276-288 Lavender Hill, SW11 1LJ 020 7738 9104 www.revolution-bars.co.uk
ADVERTORIAL
Supporting entrepreneurs For a business, it is dif½cult to overstate the value of receiving proactive advice from an experienced accountant. Father and son team Phil and Rhys Williams of Zarkava Ltd, a chartered accountancy practice with over 30 years of experience now partially based in Balham, offer precisely that. “We add value to entrepreneurs and individuals in relation to tax issues but our key focus is to deliver proactive advice and support to businesses,” explains Phil, who has worked with organisations of all sizes, from single-person start-ups to local professional practices and high pro½le businesses across a whole range of industries, including leisure and retail. “Businesses simply don’t get the support they need,” says Phil. “For example, ½nance is a key challenge at the moment – how do you cope with a bank’s requirement for ½nancial forecasts? Or who tells you whether your ½nancial systems are providing the right information to support business decisions.” The starting point of Zarkava’s service is a free consultation. “We sit down with a business and ask what are your objectives? How will you get there?” explains Phil. “We ask questions such as how will you fund it; what staff or services will you need?”
Following the meeting they email the potential client a summary of their conclusions and outline their culture of personal client service. “The key to business is personal interaction,” says Rhys, who has six years’ experience successfully working closely with clients during his time with a leading investment bank. “I always ask where a client wants to be in a few years’ time,” explains Phil. “If they are happy with their situation, we can provide expert handling of tax returns, book-keeping, payroll, etc; but if someone replies that they want to grow their business by expanding locations, investing in new people/projects and possibly selling up in a few years’ time then that’s where we can make a unique difference.”
Zarkava – Tax and Business Advisory Services Balham 020 8675 0399 info@zarkava.co.uk www.zarkava.co.uk
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entertainment
Bal-ham – Gateway to Comedy The brilliant Balham Comedy Festival is back for its third year. Richard Chumbley meets its co-producer, stand up comedian John Moloney Who would have thought little old Balham would become famous for a comedy festival? Well, anyone who has followed The Banana Cabaret at The Bedford and noticed the genius that’s passed through it over the last 30 years might have had an inkling: Jack Dee, Al Murray, Frank Skinner, Omid Djalili and Catherine Tate, to name but a few. The big names are back for the Balham Comedy Festival’s third year, with Marcus Brigstocke, Susan Calman, Tim Vine, Milton Jones, Richard Herring and Shappi Khorsandi amongst those performing from Friday 11th to Saturday 19th July. The inaugural Festival in 2012 was the brainchild of Banana Cabaret maestro Dave Vickers and veteran comic – and Balham resident of 24 years – John Moloney. “I said to Dave why don’t we do a festival?” says John. “All the stars had played here on their way up so there’s a real loyalty for the club. So over 48 hours I called Harry Hill, Marcus, Al Murray, etc and they all said ‘yes’. It was relatively easy, and it was the same in years two and three. Marcus is back for his third year!” One of the attractions for the big names is that it allows them to try their Edinburgh Festival previews and work in material for Autumn tours. “The round room, which seats around 220, is the perfect tester for big comics to try stadium or theatre material,” says John. “And we don’t have the Festival reviewed or videoed so no-one feels they’re under scrutiny. “Dave and I put together a wish list each year and it isn’t necessarily a commercial list,” explains John. “As well as the big names, it’s just as important for us to have the Best of Banana Cabaret: comedians who are not on people’s televisual radar but are fantastic. We want a festival with integrity and I think we’ve achieved that again this year. I love the feeling that the comics we invite know that they are the best of the best.”
The allure of laughter John Moloney certainly knows his comedy. Originally from Ilford, he has been in the business over 25 years. He is regarded as one of the UK’s most accomplished stand-ups and has been described by The Times as ‘gifted and unpretentious... having perfected the art of delivering punchy routines with barely an ounce of fat.’ John knew the allure of laughter from an early age: “My dad would always be watching Porridge, Tommy Cooper or Les Dawson. He wasn’t rushing home to watch Monty Python or that self-indulgent stuff.” And then at 16 the comedy die was cast when John saw Dave Allen perform: “One man talking for 50 minutes, an interval, then 50 more. It was mesmeric. Something in my head went ‘bang’ – that’s what I want to do.” Subsequently John had his Àrst stand-up gig when he was just 20, but he continued to study for a teaching degree. “I really enjoyed teaching but it was primarily so I had something to feed a family with if my dreams of becoming a full-time comic didn’t work out.”
“It was mesmeric. Something in my head went ‘bang’ – that’s what I want to do.” Fortunately it did. A long-term regular at London’s Comedy Store and The Banana Cabaret, John has performed across the world, including at Just for Laughs in Canada and The Melbourne Comedy Festival. He has been nominated as ‘Best Live StandUp’ at the British Comedy Awards and twice won best live performer at the London Comedy Festival. He’s appeared on television shows such as ‘Grumpy Old Men’ in the past, but he is particularly delighted to have recently landed his own Radio 4 series later this year: ‘The Gospel According to John’, which will feature comedy pals Bill Bailey and Jack Whitehall. “The BBC asked me rather than me asking them, which was nice,” says John. “I’ve never banged on doors. Maybe I should have done, but I think things come to you when it’s the right time and this feels like it. When I was younger, I was naive; I didn’t realise how big the ‘business’ part of ‘showbusiness’ was, I just enjoyed being on stage every night.” Has he ever found it frustrating that some of his peers and younger comedians have received more television exposure and a greater level of fame?
entertainment
Comedian and Balham resident John Moloney
“Not at all,” says John. “If you see a mate who gets a result, you are genuinely delighted for them because you know they’ve put in the time. “My career has been multifaceted. I’m writing the radio show; I’ve written for Harry Hill and Joe Pasquale; I’ve travelled the world and recently helped to write a musical. I’ve been doing the thing I love for a quarter of a century, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop. If anything it’s getting better as I’ve become known as a kind of wordsmith: there’s no fat on my gags. I’m not sure there’s a greater compliment than the fact that young performers come to watch me,” says John. “I remember taking my daughter and a friend to see Jack Whitehall – who’s a good mate of mine – perform. When I introduced her to him he said: ‘By the way, your Dad is a legend’.” He laughs. “So of course at school the next day it was ‘Jack Whitehall says Kate’s dad is a legend!’ That’s cute, you know.” Is fame mostly a question of the lucky break? “There’s always an element of luck in becoming famous: the right place at the right time. And forceful management can help: they might say, if you want our famous client then you’ve also got to take this up and coming one as well. That can make it harder for people outside a few agencies to break through. “People forget that club comedy is the lifeblood of the industry. All the big names have come through the clubs, and the standards are really high. I’ve put together gigs where established names have said ‘I’m not following them!’ Club comics have to turn an audience around: you walk in and they don’t know who you are, you’re one-nil down already, but you win Àveone. Fame doesn’t equal ability – Steps were famous.” John hopes people come to the Festival to see the lesser known comedians as well as the stars. In addition to looking forward to seeing Paul Daniels, of whom he’s a big fan, John is keen to see Kevin Day, who you might know better from ‘Match of the Day’. “People will come out saying, ‘I didn’t know who he was, but God he was good!’ The same for Fred Macauley.” His passion for promoting under-recognised talent extends to inaugurating a comedians’ comedian award last year. “I asked 250 comics to nominate Àve acts. The winner was a guy called Mick Ferry, with Jeff Innocent and Roger Monkhouse as runners-up.”
Funny kids
Richard Herring will be at The Bedford on 15th July
John is married to Anna and they have two children, a girl of 16 and a boy of 12. Would he recommend a career in comedy to them? “I’m like any dad – I want them to be a doctor or a lawyer. But if one of my kids really wanted to do it, I wouldn’t be against it – it’s a great job. If I went into an employment ofÀce and said these are my work conditions: I want to work 20 minutes a night,
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entertainment drink if I want to, swear at the people employing me, and if I don’t want to go to the gig to be able to send a mate instead. They’d Ànd it hard to oblige.” Fortunately for aspiring stand-ups, John is running comedy workshops at the Festival, including a class for children with fellow comedian Adam Bloom. “Last year we sat the kids in a circle and said, tell us something funny that happened at school. Right, why was that funny? Would it still be funny in this situation? Suddenly you’re opening up their minds. Kids are a blank canvas – they don’t have the social conforms we have. At one point one of the girls, about 8 years old, put her hand up and said, ‘Monkey Prison’. Adam and I just looked at each other. Then for 30 minutes the other kids set up this scenario: what is a monkey prison, why would monkeys be going to prison? You could see the parents at the back just so excited to see their kids, some quite introverted, coming up with all these ideas. We couldn’t shut them up!”
The Balham Comedy Festival, in association with Savannah Dry and supported by Harrison’s and Samuel Estates, runs at The Bedford from Friday July 11th to Saturday July 19th. www.balhamcomedyfestival.com
FROM THE PRODUCERS THAT BROUGHT YOU THE HIT COMEDY SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN Derby Theatre & Paul Tyrer and Jamie Clark for April In Paris Ltd present
Shobna Gulati and Joe McGann in
TUE 9 SAT 13 SEPT Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm
Written and Directed by
John Godber
The Green Richmond Surrey TW9 1QJ
0844 871 7651 atgtickets.com/ richmond
(Fees apply)
(Fees apply)
entertainment
Starting Out In Stand-Up Balham based comedian James Mullinger reached the ½nals of Jimmy Carr’s Comedy Idol shortly after starting out. Here he offers aspiring comics his top tips for successful stand-up Nerves It’s all a conÀdence trick. Even the most successful comedians in the world are essentially pretending that being up on that stage is all perfectly normal to them. It’s not, it’s the most unnatural thing in the world but you have to make it look like you don’t care, that you are calm and you are just chatting to your mates in the pub. All the while you are analysing everything, reading the room and delivering your honed and rehearsed routines. Open strong As well as appearing conÀdent when you hit the stage, you must open with a killer gag. Probably your best. The audience need to have total faith in you, so ensure you have a great opening gag. It is very clichéd to open with a line about your appearance but it has become clichéd because it works. This traditionally takes the form of: “I know what you are thinking, it’s Harry Potter and Ann Widdecombe’s love child.” But ideally just write a killer gag.
Do not fear heckles They are not as commonplace as you might think. Tell people you are a comedian and the Àrst they ask is: ‘How do you deal with hecklers?’ It’s like asking a waiter how he deals with people doing a poo on the table. It rarely happens. But when it does, do not be thrown. If you can’t think of anything to say immediately, stare at the heckler and the crowd will think you are in control. Then just ask them a question. Or make a statement about their voice or what they have said. Always reference the heckle – do not ignore it unless no one else has heard. And never use a ‘heckle put down’. These are lazy and easy and audiences know a prepared put down when they hear one. Take it slow I still talk too fast but when I started I talked so fast that no one could understand me. One day the brilliant comedian Mary Bourke pulled me aside and made it clear. Take. It. Slow. Let the audience hear the pearls of comedy genius coming from your gob. They can’t laugh if they don’t understand a word you are saying. Respect Be respectful to other acts, promoters and venues. Like any job, if you are not a joy to be around, no one will want to be around you, which means no bookings – ever.
James Mullinger’s new show ‘How a Middle Class Feminist Fell in Love with Danny Dyer’ can be seen locally in October and November this year. www.jamesmullinger.com
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fashion
Translating the catwalk look into everyday style Anna Bance, co-founder of designer dress hire company Girl Meets Dress, takes a look at the forthcoming season and suggests ways in which you can bring a touch of the catwalk to your wardrobe London Fashion Week is a daunting experience. Not only are you made to battle the elements outside Somerset House but you’re also required to take notes and photographs at breakneck spread as models saluter down the catwalk. The purpose? To see what the next big thing is for this season. This enables me to make decisions on what lines to purchase next season for the Girl Meets Dress website and predict what customers will be looking for when renting. Sometimes the next big thing is as simple as a fringed hem and other times it goes to the extreme of Àsh bowl handbags (see Graduate Fashion Week star Cassandra Verity Green) – but how do you relate these trends into everyday wear? Whilst you may not look out of place wearing some of this season’s wacky catwalk trends in Shoreditch, you may want to downplay the nose rings and head pieces for your every day looks. It’s all about taking an element of a creation and making it your own in a way in which you feel comfortable. Tribal print and big elaborate feathers have been seen up and down the spring/summer catwalk for 2014. It all started at Alexander McQueen’s show when Head Designer Sarah Burton sent an array of black, red and blue printed pieces down the runway, creating an elaborate scene of colour and a few optical illusions. Take inspiration from the McQueen runway show by
exploring the different variety of prints available this season. One dress that particularly caught my eye was Amanda Wakeley’s Twisted Safari Gown (left) which encompasses the tribal theme whilst keeping to a more neutral palette of black, white and orange. Pair this dress with some stable items – a leather jacket and wedged sandals – and keep jewellery simple to balance out the print. Wide sleeves and boxy shapes are the main silhouette for this season. Short tops with exaggerated shoulders create an oriental style cut that the high street stores have gone wild over. Take inspiration from Prabal Gurung’s SS14 runway show which presented crisp white shirts with ¾ length boxy sleeves, teamed with high waisted pencil skirts to balance out the shape. Avoid your shirt being mistaken for a pair of wings by downplaying the wide sleeves to your personal taste, and look out for some great styles like the Le Marais Layered Tops from The Fold – perfect for ofÀce and day wear (above). These boxy shirts will keep you cool during the summer and look great with everything from a pair of jeans to a midi skirt. It seems there is more colour than ever to choose from. Summer means it’s time to put those heavy knits to the back of your wardrobe and bring out the colourful jackets and dresses. Some brands are Áying the Áag for vibrant colours this year, with everything from bright pink jeans to cobalt blue coats, whilst others are sticking to the pastel shades of lilac and mint green. One colour that is sure to make its mark this season is silver – metallics have been dominating catwalks from Diane Von Furstenberg to Givenchy and Carven.
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fashion Rather than going full on (you probably want to avoid the space-suit look) try and encompass the trend subtly into your everyday wardrobe. This could be as simple as wearing silver nail polish or rocking some metallic footwear. Miista have some fantastic silver brogues
(above) that are ideal if you’re looking for breathable, long-lasting summer shoes. Wear silver with soft pastel shades and a pair of jeans to complete the look. Another favourite shape of mine from the spring/ summer catwalk is the drop waist silhouette. This is a trend that can very easily be incorporated into your every day outÀt and is a fresh new take on the peplum style that crept into our wardrobes a few years ago. The Àshtails are bigger and better than ever and can be worn on full length, midi or short skirts and dresses. Balmain were Àrst to pioneer this trend with heavily structured shoulder pads and drop waist skirts, which then lead to brands creating Àgure-hugging dresses with a peplum Ànish. Slowly the trend has taken over as the key shape for skirts and dresses this summer. Ariella Couture have incorporated the trend into a simple and sophisticated design with their glamourous Celine dress (below). This beautifully structured dress creates a slender silhouette with netting underneath the Àshtail to keep that unique shape. The dress is perfect if you’re attending a black tie or summer ball event during the summer and are on your feet all day – the Àshtail design will cover your feet so you’re free to wear your favourite comfortable shoes. Whilst some catwalk trends seem too extreme to tackle, don’t be afraid to see what you can do with them. Keep an eye on the key colours and shapes coming off the runway and give them a subtle nod by incorporating them into your everyday outÀts. All in all, keep it true to your personal style and you’ll be ahead of the pack this season.
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www.girlmeetsdress.com
home & garden
Local garden designer Henrietta Gentilli provides tips on how to get the most out of our gardens for the rest of the year Improve any obvious gaps: Try repeat ¾owering plants such as cosmos, verbena, salvias, dahlias and penstemons. Take a note or photo so you can plan long-term replacements in autumn for 2015. Buy some pots to plant up to add accent and height. If your decking, timber boundaries or furniture are looking tired, re-oil or stain them a different colour. Sadolin stain is excellent in quality and colour range. Stone can be re-invigorated by jet washing and/or re-pointing. Continue to dead-head as much as possible to encourage new growth. Once you have weeded and watered, try mulching the soil with compost – e.g. spent mushroom – to help suppress weeds and retain moisture. Decorative pebbles on top of the soil in pots will reduce evaporation and look stylish. Going on holiday? Remove all the ¾owers from repeat-¾owering plants before you go. Concentrate on container plants as well as those in prominent positions, such as those near to the patio. Move pots to shady areas if they are not irrigated. Do one last bout of spraying and feeding of ‘hungry’ plants such as roses Visit Hampton Court Flower Show in July, Neals Nurseries Wandsworth, Petersham Nurserie and The Flower Station in Battersea – all will provide many fresh ideas.
Henrietta can help develop your ideas. Call her on 07711 652992 or designs@henriettagentilli.co.uk
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home & garden
Bringing the outside in Amanda Russell and Juliet Bawden from R&B Consultants look at summer trends and offer inspiration for unifying your interiors and exteriors For several years décor, both inside and out, has been pared back, bleached and symmetrical, a look that’s become too dull and bland for our tastes. Our lifestyles are more relaxed and less self-conscious, we are feeling conÀdent and ready to embrace a change of pace. This summer has seen us going eclectic with several elements going into the mix. Choose from reclaimed materials, wood and metal, strong nomad patterns, Áashes of mad Mexican colour and free geometric designs – all combine well with the use of lush plants to bring the outside in. Current exhibitions in London galleries are showcasing vibrant colours. The Matisse cut-outs at the Tate are full of strong primaries and there are bright fuschia and oranges at the Mexican show at the Fashion and Textile Museum. In the Summer Show at The Royal Academy there’s bright colour, vivid patterns and Áora and fauna to be found in works by Sir Anthony Green RA and Albert Irvin RA.
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John Lewis Cannes Lounger
Many of the craftsmen and women who have been showing their work this summer such as Thornback and Peel, and Lorna Syson, Roddy and Ginger are inspired by natural forms. Birds, bees, Àsh and Áoral imagery are still major trends. To bridge the spaces that link your house and garden bring in mossy green terrariums and architectural specimen plants. Juxtapose the vibrant greens with steam punk furniture of mysterious origin in reclaimed metal and dark wood. Accessorize with splashes of colour and pattern. Be inspired by books such as Inspire – the art of living with Nature by Willow Crossley (Cico Books, £16.99) and bring the outside in with 50 beautiful projects. You can learn how to decorate your home the eco-chic way with hedgerow Ànds, beachcombing bounty and homegrown harvests. Keep old olive oil tins and create a continental look by planting with herbs, geraniums or alliums. Learn to make exquisite Áoral ice cubes to add to your Àzz or for an evening event adorn the table with tea light artichokes (see images below). Outside gardens are becoming less formal and feature crazy paving with greenery such as camomile growing between slabs. Nature is being welcomed into our lives, bird-feeders and houses are a must-have for harmonious cohabiting. Topiary is big, the rules have been relaxed in favour of more sculptural lush green shapes, adding plants that spill out around their base. Ferns and tall grasses are popular. In the heady summer months take the inside out, throwing kilim rugs onto the lawn to sit on for informal lounging and Baroque picnics.
Interior Designers R&B Consultants are Amanda Russell, formerly Linda Barker’s right-hand woman, and Juliet Bawden, author of 70+ books. randbconsultants.co.uk russellandbawden@gmail.com
home & garden
Responsible Decluttering Gill Perkins from Wandsworth Oasis, a local charity raising money for people living with HIV, looks at your options for getting rid of your stuff responsibly
Step 3 What if it can’t be sold or donated? If items can be reused or repaired, such as cookers or fridges, Wandsworth Council, for example, have a Reuse Network, which will collect for a fee of£21 per item or you can drop off for free. Wandsworth Council will also collect bulky items from residents that can’t be repaired or reused for a minimum fee of £16 (up to 4 items). Additional charges apply depending on where the item is located in your premises. Alternatively, you can use a Man & Van removal service such as Handy Removals (handy-removals.co.uk) who charge £35 per hour and can take a van load to the local tip. They have contacts with recyclers and try their best to keep as much out of landÀll as possible.
Step 1 What is the condition of your item? If it is in a good condition, you can sell it online via one of the marketplaces (eBay , Preloved and Etsy) or local online forums (Annabelle’s Arcade or Streetlife). Or if your stuff just needs a bit of ‘jazzing up’, think about ‘upcycling’ before on selling. Whilst re-upholstery requires some skill, it’s amazing what you can do with a pot of vintage paint…
Step 2 Can’t be bothered to sell or upcycle?
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If the item is in good condition but you don’t want the hassle of selling it, and if you’d like to take the opportunity to help a local charity, why not donate it? As with our own six branches, any charity shop will be grateful for good quality items ranging from furniture through clothing, accessories, books, DVDs, vinyl, household items, books and small electricals. Many charity shops collect free of charge and can also responsibly recycle unsalable clothing and books But please don’t give charity shops your rubbish or items in very bad condition, or indeed take it badly if your donation is refused. It costs the charity money to dispose of them if they can’t be sold. Plus there are many items that charity shops are legally not allowed to sell. Sometimes they just don’t have the resources to check they are in working order or space to display them, so it’s best to ask before you leave the items.
www.wandsworthoasis.org.uk
children
Georgie Jones and son Maximilian (3)
We meet Georgie Jones who in 2009 co-founded Battersea-based babysitting and ¾exible childcare agency Like Minders What led you and your friend Bryony Sullivan to start the business? With Bryony’s background in childcare and mine in business we saw a gap in the market – no one was offering ¾exible, safe childcare in the local area. What was the hardest thing about getting the business going? We were both juggling full time jobs. We used to meet after our day jobs and work into the night. It was pretty exhausting, plus I was pregnant at the time! Would you encourage other mums to be entrepreneurs? Absolutely. Becoming a mother makes you reassess your work/life balance, so if you can think of a business which allows more ¾exibility, you should de½nitely go for it. Obviously you need excellent childcare to make it happen! Why should people use a nanny rather than a nursery? A nursery is great once children are of a certain age, but before that a nanny can offer one-to-one care and attention at home, the place where the child feels most comfortable, and tailored to your child’s needs.
ADVERTORIAL
Is there resistance to the idea? Some parents ½nd it hard to trust nannies and babysitters. We make the process as easy as possible and try to book the same childcarers for the same families to help build a trusting relationship.
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What makes Like Minders different? We really care about our clients and their children, and we personally interview each childcarer. It’s very rewarding when you help a ½rst-time mum ½nd the care she needs so that she can reclaim some of her pre-baby life back.
Like Minders offer babysitting, part time nannies, temporary nannies and emergency childcare from professional DBS checked carers 0844 879 7189, www.likeminders.co.uk
children
Flying kids! Karen Simmonds of local family travel experts Travelmatters tackles the thorny issue of kids and ¾ying Flying with children is an activity parents dread: should a child ‘kick off’, there’s no way out! Moreover, even the most placid children can get upset when ¾ying due to air pressure hurting their ears, being over excited, over tired, or simply picking up on your own raised stress levels. Families with young children are boarded early which means you’ll have up around 45 minutes longer on the plane, so you’ll need to keep the children entertained. In addition to the regulation iPad loaded with a favourite ½lm or and travel games, here are some of our favourite ideas. Toy search – Take advantage of the in-¾ight magazine: they are full of toys, clothes and gadgets. Ask your child to ½nd objects within the magazine. I-Spy... People – Choose a person within view of your seat, use descriptive words so your child can guess who it is, and then let your child have a turn.
Puppets – Create a puppet using a pack of coloured pencils and... your sick bag! The Alphabet Game – Starting with the letter ‘A’ ½nd items around you and work your way through the alphabet A – Airplane, B – Backpack, C - Chocolate etc The Foldover Game –With pencils and a scrap of paper you always have a game. Take a piece of paper and fold it into a concertina of three. The ½rst person draws a head and carefully folds it and passes it to the next person who draws a body; they then do the same and hand it to the last person who draws the legs and feet. Unfold and enjoy the result! As parents ourselves we have found the best thing is to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
www.travelmatters.co.uk
local interest
QUIZlocal
WHERE WE LIVE
Let’s see how much you know about the local area? The clue is often in the question... 1) Which super wealthy author once lived in Clapham Junction. Don’t snitch if you know? 2) Which local fete raised £19,444 for local charities in 2013? The Romans might call it Abbatis Villa. 3) With Battersea or Clapham pubs as their foundations, you can tread the boards in which two locations. 4) Kids! I-spy an advert in the magazine - it’s more than luck, which Tooting restaurant displays a duck! 5) According to their Digital Archive –bacarchive. org.uk – Battersea Arts Centre was used for what during The Great War (while it was still Battersea Town Hall)? 6) Obama would have been impressed. John Archer Way in SW18 is named after a local resident who in 1913 became Britain’s ½rst what? 7) Which cartoon comedy series with a title named after its lead characters (one of which was voiced by Andy Hamilton) was set in Balham? 8) Eagle and Mount are the names of what early features on Clapham Common? 9) One half is slick, the other falls, but they don’t usually mix. Which Old York Rd business am I? (p29) 10) Which local resident mixes up ‘robust gimcracks’ to make you laugh? Answers on page 38
Essential Local Community Member offers (Ts & Cs apply)
The Essential Local Community is a network of around 40 local independent local organisations receiving priority services from Essential Local and supporting one another and the 'We Choose Local' campaign. www.facebook.com/Wechooselocal Experience Travel Group Experiencetravelgroup.com Essential Local readers receive £100 off any con½rmed holiday booked before the 30th July 2014 Time for You Timeforyou.co.uk/swlondon Receive £50 off if you take on a regular cleaner for three months. Available until 30th Sept 2014 The Bedford Thebedford.co.uk Mondays: 25% off evening food; Tuesdays: Free pint with every burger; Wednesdays: £5 off a bottle of wine. Fridays: 2-4-1 on cocktails Zarkava Tax & Business Advisory Zarkava.co.uk Free initial consultation and report Octopus Octopustelecom.co.uk Broadband for just £1 per month until 31st August! Enquire for full details Francesca Alexander Francescaalexander.co.uk 30% off a package that includes a cut and blow dry, choice of colour service and gel manicure. Available Tues-Fri until 31st Aug GSF Motorworks Gsfmotorworks.com MOTs are currently available for £29.99 and if you are driving this holiday, is it time for a service? Tax Assist Accountants Taxassist.co.uk/niteshpatel Free Initial Consultation Ben’s Canteen Benscanteen.com From 5-7pm, get two courses and a free drink for £15; plus 2-4-1 on cocktails all night on Tuesdays
The Farm Under Clapham’s Feet
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The tunnels near Clapham South and North were originally used to shelter up to 12,297 people from air raids in World War II. Now, Growing Underground, a crowd-funded business of which local resident Michel Roux Jr is a director, is currently creating a carbonneutral farm beneath our feet! Growing-underground.com
Harrison’s Harrisonsbalham.co.uk Cocktails £5 from 5pm Sun-Wed; and on Mondays BYO wine for your meal at no extra charge If you are a local independent business who might be interested in joining the Essential Local Community and telling our readers about your offers, please email us at info@essentiallocal.com
local interest
The Lucky 13th!
Bellevue Village Fair (left) and BATCA Funday (above) It looks as if the Bellevue Village Fair and the Balham And Tooting Community Association (BATCA) Funday are going to be on the same day this year, Saturday September 13th. Now, far be it for us to plan your day for you, but those two fantastic community events are only a 30-minute walk away from one another, the former at Wandsworth Common and the latter just past Tooting Bec. What a day it will be! Bellevue Road’s businesses will be running family fun events, from demos and tasting to facepainting and games from 10am to 6pm. There’ll also be a ½re engine, hot roast, Bertie and Boo, food and gift stalls and, of course, the Mayhew Dog & Cat Charity Dog Show, with registration from 10am. The BATCA Funday will run from 12 noon to 5pm in Broadwater Road, SW17. There’ll be fairground rides; sports; craft workshops; clowns and other performers; multicultural food; music; displays by local organisations; ‘petable’ animals from Kingston City Farm; and stalls for local traders and craftspeople. Visit EssentialBalham.co.uk over summer for updates regarding these and other local events.
Join the adventure?
Wandsworth District Scouts needs volunteers to provide fun, friendship and adventure to young people. Scouts are the UK’s largest mixed youth organisation, with over 800 young people involved in Wandsworth alone! They have a number of roles so there’s bound to be one for you. Contact Jack Gibson (Development Of½cer for Scouting, Wandsworth) at jack.gibson@ southlondonscouts.org.uk or on 07449 318940
Balham rocks for charity
Four days of outstanding live music from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 3rd August at The Bedford. Resonance will raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support through ‘music without boundaries’. From Prog to Electronica, Metal to Medieval minstrelry, Resonance gives them a platform and donate the pro½ts to the charity. Resonance-festival.com
Local restaurant in Parliament’s Tif½n Cup Amirah’s Kitchen in Old York Road, SW18 has been nominated by Jane Ellison MP to take part in the prestigious Parliament Tif½n Cup competition to ½nd the best South Asian restaurant in the country. Says Jane: “I am delighted Amirah’s Kitchen [are] in this year’s Tif½n Cup. I have visited the restaurant on many occasions and they truly deserve to take part.” Amirahskitchen.com
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children
Francesca Kleanthous of Yogabugs explores the difference between teaching yoga to adults and children Unlike many adult yoga classes,YogaBugs classes are far from quiet – it certainly appears to be more yoga ‘play’ than practice. When kids pretend to be the big bad wolf and blow down the little pigs’ house, they aren’t thinking about the bene½ts of taking deep breaths through the nose and blowing though the mouth, but that’s what’s happening. When the children bring their feet together in ‘butter¾y’ position and ¾ap their wings, they aren’t focusing on stretching their groin, but the bene½t remains. In children’s yoga: You need to have certain class management techniques in place but you also need to be able to make silly faces and sounds: you need to have fun. In yoga, most adults seek some kind of relaxation or centering in addition to the physical side. In a kids’ class it is more important to make the class real to them and keep them engaged, i.e. include songs they listen to and stories they read. In an adult class an instructor walks around making adjustments and guiding attendees through asanas (positions). In a kids’ class you are instead jumping like a frog and meowing like a cat on the ¾oor! Children have a short attention span so whereas adults hold postures for a length of time, a kids’ class needs to be varied and move between high energy and rest, i.e roaring like a lion and dropping to mouse.
YogaBugs classes are fun, interactive and open to children from walking age to 12 years. To try a free taster contact Francesca on 0845 899 7173 / francesca@yogabugs.com or visit yogabugs.com
ADVERTORIAL
It requires a lot of passion and energy to teach children. But hearing “It’s Yoga!” screamed from the children as soon as you enter the room or watching them pretending to be asleep in savasana (relaxation) makes it well worth it.
sport & fitness
The name behind many of our local leisure centres may have changed but the facilities, range of activites and high level of service remains. What’s in a name? Shakespeare once asked, and those of us who enjoy the facilities at Tooting Lido or other local leisure centres such as Balham or Latchmere may not even be aware that the company running them so smoothly on behalf of Wandsworth Borough Council, and who won Leisure Operator of the Year in 2013, was called DC Leisure. But no longer: the leisure centre rose that smells just as sweet has been renamed ‘Places for People’ after the new owner of the group, one of the largest housing and property development companies in the UK. Business remains the same at the leisure centres, where customers will still have access to the same exercise programme schedule, opening hours and gym facilities. All that we customers will notice is that some of the brands will change on site.
“It’s an exciting time for the leisure centres and our customers,” says Dave Joliffe, Regional Contract Manager for the group. “Our staff are wearing new uniforms and customers will notice new logos on the leaÁets and posters around the centre, but ultimately we will still deliver the same level of excellent service and varied programme of exercise classes,” explains Dave. “We will continue to be a community-minded facility bursting with passion and enthusiasm to get local people more physically active.”
Places for People Leisure currently partners 30 local authorities and manages over 100 leisure centres across England, employing over 6000 staff. Its sites attract 25 million visits each year, including those taking part in over 52,000 swimming lessons!
Summer Highlights • Make a splash with the family at Tooting Bec Lido open air swimming pool
• Why not get involved with the many crash course running throughout the centres? • Keep ½t during the six-week holidays with a Junior Gym Membership, available for 11-15 year-olds
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• Family Swimming sessions available in every one of the pools
Balham Leisure centre 020 8772 9577 Latchmere Leisure Centre 020 7207 8004 Putney Leisure Centre 020 8785 0388 Roehampton Sport & Fitness Centre 020 8785 0535 Tooting Leisure Centre 020 8333 7555 Tooting Bec Lido 020 88717198 www.placesforpeopleleisure.org
ADVERTORIALS
• Aqua Run for the kids at Tooting Leisure centre
local business
Whatever your reason for considering changing your accountant, Nitesh Patel of TaxAssist Accountants says that the process can be extremely simple How easy is it to switch from one accountant to another? The accountant you’re moving to should make this process as simple as possible. At TaxAssist the ½rst step is for us to offer you a free, no-obligation, consultation so that we can understand your circumstances and then offer you a ½xed fee quote. How do you break the news to your previous accountant? Easy! Your new accountant can do it for you. In our case we would write to them asking for your accounting and tax records with supplying them with proof that you have decided to switch. All accountants are expected to provide the records within a reasonable amount of time. How much will the accountant charge to hand this information over? Providing you have paid for any work your previous accountant has completed then there should not be a charge for the process; although some accountants may charge for 30 minutes of their time.
R a t e d O n e o f t h e To p Te n Best Indian Restaurants
If I have paid my accountant in full, should I just wait until they have completed the work before switching accountants? You have every right to change accountants at any point in time and if you have paid in full then you can ask for a statement of account to be provided. They should provide you with a refund of the difference between the work they have completed and the work they have yet to complete. Changing accountants is far easier than you think and if you decided to choose TaxAssist Accountants, for example, we would go out of our way to help you every step of the way.
Tel: 020 8874 8008 www.amirahskitchen.com info@amirahskitchen.com
For a free no obligation quote on your accountancy and tax requirements please contact Nitesh Patel at 148 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9NH, call 020 7118 0402 or email niteshpatel@taxassist.co.uk
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community & education
Invited to the party Richard Chumbley is shocked by statistics regarding loneliness amongst older people and discovers a simple way we can make a difference locally The Àrst person I speak to when I walk into host Carol’s elegant kitchen and dining room in Balham is Norma. Like other guests to this Sunday tea party organised by Contact the Elderly, a charity focussed on alleviating isolation amongst older people, Norma has dressed up and her hair looks impeccable. A wonderful spread lays before us: victoria sponge, homemade scones, cupcakes, Áapjack and sandwiches, all vying for space. It really does feel like an occasion. “If you’re living on your own you and you don’t get many visitors,” says Norma. “It’s good to get out. When I’ve been to these parties I’ve always had nice company, a good tea and a very nice driver – I really look forward to them.” The Daily Telegraph recently reported that Britain is ranked 26th out of 28 European countries by the proportion of the population who say they have someone on whom they could rely if they have a serious problem. Meanwhile Age UK says that 10% of over-65s describe themselves as often or always lonely: over 1 million older people regularly go a month without speaking to anyone. Can anyone argue that this state of affairs is less than shameful for one of the richest countries in the world? And on a personal level, although we can take pride in getting to know our nearest neighbours and supporting local events, doesn’t it take more than attending a local street party to make a community?
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Contact the Elderly provides the perfect opportunity for people who want to help vulnerable people in the community directly, but whose work and personal commitments leave them with little time to spare. The charity organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups of men and women aged 75+ who live alone. Each older person is collected from their home by a driver and taken to a host’s home for the afternoon. There’s a different host each month but the drivers remain the same, which means that over the months, acquaintances turn into friends and loneliness is replaced by companionship. Hosts, who are fully insured by the charity, are asked to hold just one or two Sunday tea parties a year and the only essentials are a big teapot, a downstairs toilet and easy access to your house or Áat. Meanwhile volunteer drivers commit just three or four hours one Sunday per month and need only a driving licence, insurance and a car. The volunteer drivers and hosts join the guests at the table, which creates a warm intergenerational atmosphere. During my visit the youngest volunteer was Aleks. “My grandma’s back in Poland, so I can’t do this for her but I can do it for people here,” she explains. “It’s heartwarming, and they are so grateful. They really appreciate the chance to get out and dress up.” Another driver, Susan, volunteered partly because the level of commitment was just about right: “It allowed me to help in a relaxed way just once a month.”
Thirty minutes into the party, I notice – amid the passing of cake, tea top-ups and frequent laughter – that the guests who had looked a little confused or reticent at the beginning now had their faces transformed and/or conversation Áowing. They spoke of grandchildren, Àsh and chips, haberdashers gone past, places they’d lived and even the best local pubs. Contact the Elderly’s Executive OfÀcer Cliff Rich admits that the difÀcult part is getting people to come the Àrst time. “Because they are socially isolated their conÀdence can sometimes be low,” he explains. “So we have to make them feel comfortable; for example we send the driver to meet with them beforehand so they know someone in advance.” Guest Audrey tells the story of a friend who had been reluctant the Àrst time, but now thoroughly enjoys the parties and has also gained in conÀdence and is trying other things. “It’s like a pebble in the water creating ripples,” she says. “I felt a bit embarrassed about coming,” says Ellen, another older guest. “I used to be the one helping others, and then you Ànd yourself on the other side needing some company – it came as a bit of a shock. That’s the attitude of my generation: to say, ‘oh, that’s not for me.’ But once you’ve come along, you open up. It’s a wonderful organisation.”
The author, Cliff, guests and volunteers enjoy the party “One of our biggest challenges is reaching older people in the Àrst place,” says Cliff. “We really need people to refer them to us: a family member, a concerned neighbour, a doctor or carer. That Àrst point of contact is all important. And secondly the more volunteers we have, the more people we can help. “I really hope when I reach that age, there’ll be someone doing this for me,” says Cliff. And after seeing the dramatic difference such a simple idea was making to local people’s lives, I could only agree.
If you know an older person who might bene½t from support or if you would like to ½nd out more about volunteering, contact 020 7240 0630 or cliff.rich@contact-the-elderly.org.uk. www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk
entertainment
Theatre preview Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN 020 7223 2223 www.bac.org.uk Housed in a Grade II listed former town hall, Battersea Arts Centre offers shows, discussions, home-made food and drink, weddings, dances, family fun and creative learning. Explore political and cultural history through the Digital Archive.With ‘SCRATCH’, you can experience un½nished shows and offer ideas.The inished shows are often then staged further a½eld. Battersea Arts Centre is open daily for everyone to explore and enjoy. The Landor Theatre 70 Landor Road, SW9 9PH 020 7737 7276 www.landortheatre.co.uk Located on the ½rst ¾oor of The Landor Pub in Clapham, The Landor Theatre is one of the earliest fringe theatres and brings an audience of up to 60 people closer to the action of some fantastic musical theatre.With a reputation for high production values and adventurous shows,The Landor receives no arts funding and relies on the productions it houses and the generosity of its patrons and sponsors. Theatre 503 at The Latchmere 503 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 3BW 020 7978 7040 www.theatre503.com Situated above the newly renovated Latchmere Pub, Theatre 503’s theatre – with artistic director Paul Robinson – is game-changing, relevant, surprising, mischievous, visually thrilling and theatrical. A ¾agship fringe venue for over thirty years, they are proud to be one of London’s few destinations for high quality new writing and they read every single solicited script sent to them. Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets.com
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Richmond Theatre was built in 1899, seats 850 and offers something for everyone, from Comedy to Drama, to Musicals and Classical Ballet. Part of the Ambassador Theatre Group, the ATG Theatre Card offers priority booking and discounts.You can read a review of their ‘Ambassador Experiences’ at EssentialBattersea.co.uk. Richmond also offers Creative Learning, including Youth Theatre groups, an acting company, playwriting, technical workshops and even a community choir.
Shows this summer include: Wot? No Fish!! from 1st - 19th July. The true story of a Jewish family living in 20th century London: be taken on a funny and moving journey against the backdrop of a changing city. In Dumbstruck from 2nd to 19th July, actor-musicians conjure the rush of waves, 1960s pirate radio and marine mammal bioacoustics! Also, don’t miss! • ‘Richard Herring - Lord of the Dance Settee’: “The King of Edinburgh” bounces joyously on the sofa. From 23rd-25th July. • ‘If Destroyed Still True’: part autobiography, part ½ction account of a 15-year-old’s battle to save her house. From 24th-25th July.
The Lambco Fringe Festival runs until 20th July. This festival makes space available to performers who would not normally be able to afford a London Professional Theatre Space. It’s an opportunity for them to try new work, or could be used as a try-out in advance of taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A chance to iron out the logistics before the hectic Edinburgh schedule. Also, don’t miss! • ‘Connected’:Written to highlight the issues and effects surrounding cyber bullying. An engaging production with a universal theme, fast-paced narrative and rock soundtrack. From 23rd-26th July..
Shows this summer include two whole weeks of Edinburgh Fringe Previews from 14th-25th July. The best of the fest is available right here in Battersea! From the theatre’s very own Freak and Margaret Theatcher, Queen of Soho returning after a previous extraordinary run, to other new dramas and brand new productions ready to hit the festival scene. Also, don’t miss! • ‘A “TED”Talk w/ Clay JW Crowne’: Solo comedy-theatre combining funny, moving stories with a pastiche of TED Talks. 14th-15th July. • ‘We Have Fallen’:The places we run to when our worlds fall apart and the impression we leave behind. 23rd-26th July.
The Creative Learning Festival is from 3rd - 26th July, with shows produced by the participants. The theatre carries out refurbishment work during August. Looking forward, Jerry Hall stars in the winter show Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Also, don’t miss! • ‘Another Country’: Julian Mitchell’s award-winning public schoolboy drama. From 14th-19th July •‘April in Paris’: Shobna Gulati and Joe McGann in John Godber’s romantic comedy. From 9th-13th September. Other local theatres: Losttheatre.co.uk, Omnibus-clapham.org, Southsideplayers.org.uk, Tara-arts.com, and Magplayers.org.uk
what’s on
EVENTS
July - September
Lambco Fringe Festival - The Landor Mon 30th June - Sun 20 July Making space available to performers who can’t afford a London Professional Theatre Space. With six daily time slots. The Landor Theatre, 70 Landor Rd Clapham SW9 9PH 020 7737 3419 www.landortheatre.co.uk Wot? No Fish!! - Battersea Arts Centre 1st - 19th July Premiering to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival 2013. The true story of a Jewish family living in 20th century London. 7.30pm. Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 020 7223 2223 www.bac.org.uk Dumbstruck - Battersea Arts Centre 2nd - 19th July The rush of waves, the buzz of a 1960s pirate radio station and the far-from-dry world of marine mammal bioacoustics. 8pm, £9-12. Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 020 7223 2223 www.bac.org.uk Summertime - Oil & Water Gallery Thu 3rd July - Sat 2nd August Wandsworth Town’s newest independent contemporary art gallery presents ‘Sun, Sand, Sea & Sail’. Free. 10.30am - 5pm daily; -4pm Sat, -8pm Thu. 340 Old York Road,Wandsworth Town SW18 1SS 020 8704 4327 www.oilandwater.co.uk Balham Comedy Festival - The Bedford Fri 11th - Sat 19th July The line-up include Tim Vine, Stephen K Amos and Marcus Brigstocke. Look out for nearby Harrison’s special menus during the Festival. The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD 020 8682 8940 www.balhamcomedyfestival.com Henry Cavendish Football Frenzy Fair Sat 12th July Steel Orchestra, Talent show, Capoeira, ACT Drama, Rhythm Drums, Little Kickers, Teachsport, Fairground Rides and more. 2-5.30pm. Adults £1, children free. Henry Cavendish, Hydethorpe Rd, Balham SW12 0JA 020 8673 3376 www.henrycavendish.co.uk
Battersea, Clapham & Balham
Another Country - Richmond Theatre Mon 14th - Sat 19th July Public schoolboy drama in the 1930s in which Bennett and Judd are outsiders; one coming to terms with his sexuality, the other a committed Marxist. Richmond Theatre,The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets.com Edinburgh Fringe Previews - Theatre 503 14th - 25th July Eleven shows over one to three nights each make up the Edinburgh Preview Season at Theatre 503, including A TED* Talk with Clay JW Crowne and Normal/Madness. Theatre 503, 503 Battersea Park Road SW11 020 7978 7040 www.theatre503.com West Coast Tasting - Wine Tasting Shop Tue 22nd July Get to know the exciting wines of the West Coast of the USA. Cheese & charcuterie to accompany the tasting. £35pp in advance. The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ 020 8616 8658 www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk Richard Herring: Lord O’ The Dance Settee - Battersea Arts Centre 23rd - 25th July Bouncing joyously on the sofa and telling the audience how his career is a failed attempt to top visual slapstick comedy he came up with at 16. 7:30pm. £12, £9 concs. Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill SW11 020 7223 2223 www.bac.org.uk Connected - The Landor 23rd - 26th July Connected was written to highlight the issues and effects surrounding cyber bullying. Offering a fastpaced narrative and an up to the minute rock soundtrack. Landor Theatre, 70 Landor Road, London SW9 9PH 020 7737 7276 www.landortheatre.co.uk
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what’s on If Destroyed Still True Battersea Arts Centre 24th - 25th July Part autobiography, part ½ctional story about 15-year-old Jane’s battle to stop her house falling into the ocean, 9pm. £12, £9 concs. Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill SW11 020 7223 2223 www.bac.org.uk
Sparkling Wine Tasting - Wine Tasting Shop Wed 13th August Think you know your Cava from your Cremant? A fun evening of comparing sparkling wines from the world over. Canapes and cheese to accompany the tasting. £22 pp in advance. The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth St. Balham SW12 9RQ 020 8616 8658 www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk
From Clapham To Baghdad - Ascension Sat 26th July An Evening with Canon Andrew White The vicar of St George’s Church, Baghdad – the only Anglican Church in Iraq _ at the Ascension Church. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Free. Ascension Balham Hill ,Malwood Rd, Balham SW12 8EN 020 8675 8626 www.ascensionbalhamhill.org
Feast - Battersea Park Fri 15th - Sunday 17th August The UK’s largest celebration of food & drink. New: Feasting Tent,Vintage Tea Ten,Vintage Kitchen Market, Real Ale and Cider Farm and a Chilli Food Market. 11am - 8pm. From £12. Battersea Park 0844 995 1111
Change 4 Life Discovery Day Sun 27th July Free taster & activities for all the family. Change4Life is a movement to help adults and families eat well, move more and live longer. Leisure centres across Wandsworth Resonance Festival - The Bedford Thu 31st July - Sun 3rd August Resonance is a four-day music festival in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support at The Bedford in Balham. Progressive, hard rock, eclectic and acoustic artists. Tickets from £15 The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD 020 8682 8940 www.resonance-festival.com Spanish Wine Tasting - Wine Tasting Shop Wed 6th August New and interesting Spanish Wines from lesser known regions. With tapas to match. 7.30pm to 9pm. £22 per person. Book ahead. The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth Street, Balham SW12 9RQ 020 8616 8658 www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk
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Emerging Talent - Oil & Water Gallery Thu 7th August - Sat 30th August Wandsworth Town’s newest contemporary art gallery presents a group exhibition by some of the best young artists. Free. 10.30am to 5pm daily; to 4pm Saturday; to 8pm Thursday. Oil & Water Gallery, 340 Old York Road, Wandsworth Town SW18 1SS 020 8704 4327 www.oilandwater.co.uk
Day Of The Dead Applique - Workshop Thu 21st August Workshop led by Amanda Russell and Juliet Bawden. Inspired by the current exhibition ‘Made in Mexico’, participants will create and take away their own applique bag! Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey St. SE1 3XF 020 7407 8664 www.ftmlondon.org Clapham Common’s South West Four Sat 23rd - Sun 24th August Clapham Common’s Weekender is back! An electronic music festival with a line-up including Above & Beyond, Arty, Eric Prydz and Audion. Day tickets £55. Weekend tickets £105. Clapham Common SW4 www.southwestfour.com Private View - Oil & Water Gallery Tue 9th September ‘Private View’ 7 – 9 pm. Tickets £10 to include bubbly and canapes, sponsored by Brady’s. In aid of Paul’s Cancer Support Centre. Oil & Water Gallery, 340 Old York Road SW18 1SS 020 8704 4327 www.oilandwater.co.uk BATCA Family Fun Day Sat 13th September The Balham and Tooting Community Association Family Funday is back! Visit EssentialBalham.co.uk for full details of this community event as they emerge. Tooting/Tooting Bec www.essentialbalham.co.uk Bellevue Road Summer Fair Sat 13th September Local residents offer another great day of family fun, including special events, games, stalls and much more. Visit EssentialBattersea.co.uk for the latest details. Bellevue Road,Wandworth Common SW17 7EB www.essentialbattersea.co.uk
reviews
Out & About in your local area London House - Battersea by Richard Chumbley
Love your neighbour, we are told. Gordon Ramsay is our neighbour; therefore we must love him and all his restaurants. Well not I! Not this ½ercly independent journalist with a harder nose than Iron Man and a pen as sharp as a baby’s ½ngernails... Except of course that I do, or at least I love his restaurants: he simply knows how to do it, and in particular he knows how to spot a rising star. In the case of London House, which occupies the idiosyncratic building in Battersea Square once housing Bennett’s Oyster Bar, that star is Anna HaughKelly – and what a talent she is. From a sumptous crab tortellini, black radish and shell½sh broth, to a satin-smooth nettle soup and the chocolately heaven of a lavender ice cream and honeycomb caramel accompanied tart, her skill and precision in texture, taste and balance was evident. Arctic Char (a relative of salmon) with Jersey Royals, girolles and mousserons emulsion was a simpler dish but very good; while the ½rst bite of my Agnolotti of peas, pecorino and courgette pesto gave me a pinpoint head rush of pleasure that was quite remarkable. Only the
Ombre - Francesca Alexander by Monika Orman
Energised by the ½rst rays of sunshine we head to shops and boutiques in search of exciting bits and pieces to update our wardrobes and rediscover or rede½ne our beauty. It’s also time for a new hairstyle! This season apparently there is nothing more summery than ‘Ombre’. The term ‘Ombre’ comes from the French, meaning ‘to shade’ and it is a hair colouring technique that makes the hair darker at the roots and gradually lightens towards the ends. It is extremely popular with celebrities, ½nding favour with Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, the Kardashians and even Jared Letho, to name a few. And now I have it too, courtesy of Francesca Alexander hair and beauty. Francesca’s salon is located on Webbs Road, parallel to Northcote Road, and the tranquil location contributes to the salon’s relaxed atmosphere. It’s a compact space but nice and airy, opening up to a quiet back garden. Sat in an obscenely comfortable chair and sipping a surprisingly good coffee, we discussed what I wanted and what the process involved. Judy, the
nougatine parfait failed to excite, but as I was still on a come-down from the main, my judgement is suspect. Throughout, the staff were charismatic and ef½cient, which is perhaps the ideal balance for a really good quality neighbourhood venue; while small touches such as the (utterly delicious) bread being served in pebble-warmed hessian sacks were appealing. You can choose between intimate private tables and an open area in view of the dramatic coppertopped bar. A comfortable looking lounge is going to be ideal for a fairy-lit Battersea Square Christmas. I must end by complimenting the sommelier. The wine pairing was magni½cent: each sip added yet another touch of magic to some already lovely dishes.
London House, 7 Battersea Square SW11 3RA 020 7592 8545 gordonramsay.com/london-house/ Senior Stylist was very helpful as we looked through the colour sample catalogue. I was concerned not to have too big a change and I was a little concerned that the colour she recommended for me might have been too dark, but trusting her choice proved to be a very good decision. I absolutely love the ½nal look of my hair! The good news is that it’s also a low-maintenance hairstyle, so more time looking great and less time worrying about it.
Francesca Alexander hair & beauty 53 Webbs Road, Battersea SW11 6RX 020 7585 3330 francescaalexander.co.uk
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a-z directory Please visit and like WeChooseLocal for the project’s latest news If you’d like your business or organisation to be included here and on our online directory at EssentialBattersea.co.uk please email info@essentiallocal.com Accountants/Bookkeepers
Bathrooms & Kitchens
Tax Assist Accountants Get in touch for a free no` obligation quote. 020 7118 0402 niteshpatel@taxassist.co.uk
Poe Projects Project management specialists: design and build, electrical work and interiors. 020 7223 3286
www.taxassist.co.uk
Zarkava - Tax and Business Advisory Services Free consultation and summary of that meeting info@zarkava.co.uk 020 8675 0399
www.zarkava.co.uk
www.simplyconstructionltd.co.uk
Balmain London Ltd 59 Broomwood Rd, SW11 6HU 020 7223 6333
Poe Projects Project management specialists: design and build, electrical work and interiors. 020 7223 3286
www.balmainlondon.co.uk Force Homecare 22 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG 020 8675 9866
www.diystoresbalham.co.uk
Ambulance
B&B - see Hotels;
For emergency assist, call 999
Bicycle Sales & Repair
Art Galleries & Artists
Psubliminal Expert advice, sales & repair 17 Balham High Road, SW12 9AJ 020 8772 0707
www.oilandwater.co.uk
Andi Bunbury Original Watercolours for Children 07816 959179
www.andibunbury.co.uk
Babysitters - see Childcare Bars - see Restaurants
www.psubliminal.com
Business advice – see Accountants
Broadband Octopus Telecom Broadband £1 per month until 31st August 2014!* see ad 8 Lombard Road, SW19 3TZ 08000 283 166
www.octopustelecom.co.uk
Beauty Salons/ Treatments
Builders (Design & Build)
Francesca Alexander Hair & Beauty 53 Webbs Rd Battersea SW11 6RX 020 7585 3330
Battersea Basement Co. 59 Broomwood Rd, SW11 6HU 020 7223 6333
www.francescaalexander.co.uk
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www.poeprojects.co.uk
Acupuncture – see Comp. Med
Oil & Water Contemporary Art Gallery 340 Old York Road Wandsworth Town SW18 1SS 020 8704 4327
Simply Construction Friendly building and roo½ng contractors based in Clapham 172 Clapham Park Road, SW4 7DU 020 7498 6696
www.batterseabasements.co.uk www.balmainlondon.co.uk
www.poeprojects.co.uk
Cafes see also Restaurants & Bars Sabor - The Latin Way Modern Latin American Bistro 2 Tooting Bec Road SW17 8BD 020 8767 3222
www.saborlondon.co.uk
Care Services Caremark (Wandsworth) Part or Full-time home care service Culvert House, Culvert Rd Battersea SW11 5DH 020 3542 1255
www.caremark.co.uk
Cars - see Garages Carpenters - see Builders
Charities & Volunteering Wandsworth 020 8870 4319
www.wvsda.org.uk
Wandsworth Oasis Charity shops and fundraising to help support local people affected by HIV. 020 8769 3845
www.wandsworthoasis.org.uk
The Essential Local Directory is designed to allow small businesses to promote themselves cost-effectively and it costs just £120 to appear in both these listings and online at EssentialBattersea.co.uk for 12 months
a-z directory Childcare Likeminders Battersea based babysitting and ¾exible childcare agency 0844 879 7189
www.likeminders.co.uk
Childrens Activities/Courses Yoga Bugs The one bug your child should catch! Call Francesca on 0845 899 7173 or email francesca@yogabugs.com
www.yogabugs.com
Hartbeeps Exciting, interactive and fun baby and toddler classes. 1st class £5! anna-belle@hartbeeps.com Battersea, Clapham, Balham & others 07588 324 161
www.hartbeeps.com
Tutoring by GAW Advance through achievement From age 6 for Key Stage tests, GCSE and up to A level. 0844 357 9472
www.groovyartworkshops.co.uk Monkey Music Music classes: babies of 3mths-4yrs Balham, Tooting, Streatham, Wandsworth and South½elds 020 8764 5185
www.monkeymusic.com
Cinemas Cineworld Ltd Wandsworth High St, SW18 4TF 0871 200 2000
www.cineworld.co.uk
Clapham Picturehouse 76 Venn Street SW4 0AT 0871 902 5727
www.picturehouses.co.uk
Cleaners & Cleaning Services Time For You Vetted, police and referencechecked Domestic Cleaners. From £10.95ph. swlondon@timeforyou.co.uk 0800 542 0920
www.timeforyou.co.uk/swlondon
Clothing - see Fashion Comedy - see Restaurants/Pubs
Complementary Therapies Also see Healers The Cleansing Place Colonic Hydrotherapy, Detox Plans, Re¾exology, Deep Tissue Massage, Reiki. Ear Candling 07881 425412 Chelsea/Balham
www.thecleansingplace.com
Computer Sales or Repair Computers Inc Laptop and PC repair, support and printer ink store 020 7099 4577 59 East Hill, SW18 2QE
www.computersinc.co.uk
Counsellors – see Psychotherapists Decorators - see Painters
Dentists To ½nd a dentist: NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories Designers - see Printing Services Dishwasher Repair. – see Dom’
DIY, Paint & Hardware Force Homecare DIY/Paint Specialist: Keys cut. Little Greene, Sanderson and Paint and Paper Library 020 8675 9866 22 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9RG
www.forcehomecare.co.uk Doctors - see Medical
Domestic Appliance Repair
Tutoring by GAW Advance through achievement From age 6 for Key Stage tests, GCSE and up to A level. 0844 357 9472
www.groovyartworkshops.co
Electricians/Electrical MK Repair Centre 19 Cobham Close, SW11 6SP 020 7223 6529
www.mkrepaircentre.co.uk
Emergency Services Call 999 OR 112
Estate & Letting Agents Truepenny’s 020 8675 1762 29 Abbeville Road Clapham SW4 9LA
www.truepennys.com Samuel Estates (ARLA & NAEA Licensed)
38 Balham Hill Balham SW12 9EL 020 8673 4666
www.samuelestates.com Tate Residential (ARLA & NAEA Licensed) 16 Battersea Park Road Battersea SW8 4LS 020 7622 6914
www.tateresidential.co.uk
Fashion & Clothing Girl Meets Dress Exclusive online collection of dresses available to hire for every event
www.girlmeetsdress.com
MK Repair Centre Dishwashers, washing machines and electric ovens 19 Cobham Close, SW11 6SP 020 7223 6529
The Fashion Cupboard Your own fashion and wardrobe editor, Vanessa de Lisle 07765 612 047
Education and Tutoring
Finanical & Business advice – see Accountants
www.mkrepaircentre.co.uk
South Thames College Further and Higher Education. 020 8918 7777 Wandsworth High St, SW18 2PP
www.south-thames.ac.uk
www.thefashioncupboard.com
Fire Brigade
Call 999 or for non emergencies contact: 020 8555 1200
www.london-½re.gov.uk
visit wechooselocal.co.uk for rewards you can receive for to support local independent businesses If you would likechoosing to be included contact us at info@essentiallocal.com or on 020 8432 3441
33
a-z directory Wandsworth Council The Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street London, SW18 2PU www.wandsworth.gov.uk
020 8871 6000
Town Hall Brixton Hill London, W2 1RWU www.lambeth.gov.uk
020 79261000
Fitness
Garden Design & Gardeners
Hotels & Bed & Breakfast
121 Personal Training Training and nutrition coaching in your home. Train with a family member or friend at no extra cost. 07881 884 738
Henrietta Gentilli Garden Design. Specialising in the design of town gardens designs@henriettagentilli.co.uk 07711 652992/020 8675 8411
Balham B&B 28 Old Devonshire Road Balham SW12 9RB 020 8673 7179
Flooring
Gifts
Wooden Floor Specialists Suppliers, Installers & Renovators 302 Cavendish Rd Balham SW12 0PL 020 8675 2431
Andi Bunbury Original Watercolours for Children andibunbury@gmail.com 07816 959179
www.121personaltraining.com
www.wooden¾oors.co.uk
Florists The Flower Sanctuary Weddings, funerals, deliveries, gifts & cakes 8 Hildreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ 020 8675 3799
www.¾owersanctuary.co.uk
Framers Oil & Water 340 Old York Rd Wandsworth Town SW18 1SS 020 8704 4327
www.oilandwater.co.ukk
www.henriettagentilli.co.uk
www.andibunbury.co.uk
(UKCP Psychotherapist)
49 Klea Avenue Clapham Common SW4 9HG 020 8673 6311
Interiors & Design
See also Meditation Pippa Neve Healer & Indigo Essence Practitioner Eswyn Road, Tooting, SW17 8TN 020 8767 1292/ 07932 697938
www.pippaneve.com
Relax and Float Releve pain and reduce stress with three ¾oats for £95. Christian Fields, SW16 3JY
Hairdressers
www.gsfmotorworks.co.uk
Also see Comp. Therapies Keith Bibby
Healing
Criterion Auctions Buying, selling, valueing art, antiques and contemporary furnishings. 41 - 47 Chat½eld Road SW11 3SE 020 7228 5563
GSF Motorworks Car servicing workshop. Unit E & F London Stone Biz Estate, Broughton St, Battersea SW8 3QR 020 7819 9555
Hypnotherapy
www.hypno-psychotherapylondon.com
www.relaxand¾oat.co.uk
Garage/Motor Repairs
www.balhambandb.co.uk
Graphic Design - see Printers
Furniture & Antiques
www.criterionauctioneers.com
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Lambeth Council
Francesca Alexander hair & beauty 53 Webbs Road SW11 6RX 020 7924 3459
www.francescaalexander.co.uk Hair Masters 020 7228 1520 88 Battersea Rise SW11 1EJ
www.hairmasters.org.uk Homeopathy – see Comp. Therapies
R&B Consultants Amanda Russell and Juliet Bawden russellandbawden@gmail.com
wwwrandbconsultants.co.uk Internet - see Broadband Jewellery - see Fashion Job Training - see Training Key Cutting - see DIY Kitchens - see Bathrooms
Leisure Centres & Facilities Balham Leisure Centre 020 8772 9577 Elm½eld Rd, Balham SW17 8AN Battersea Sports Centre 020 8871 8529 Hope St, Battersea SW11 2DA Latchmere Leisure Centre 020 7207 8004 Burns Road, Battersea SW11 5AD Tooting Leisure Centre 020 8333 7555 Greaves Pl, Tooting SW17 0NE Battersea Park Mill’ Arena 020 8871 7537 Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ
Support local businesses and please let them know you found them in Essential Local
a-z directory Clapham Cmmn Facilities 020 7223 9837 Windmill Drive, Clapham SW4 9DE
Live Music The Bedford Live music, Club Nights, Comedy, Food, Drink and Events 77 Bedford Hill Balham SW12 9HD 0208 682 8940
www.thebedford.com
PA/Admin Services
Plumbers & Heating Engineers
New Dawn Ventures SW London 07940 525 915
Hamilton Heating Balham-based ‘Gas Safe’ registered plumbers and central heating experts 020 8675 5745/07890 662 713
www.newdawnventures.co.uk
Paint Specialists and DIY Force Homecare DIY & Paint Specialist. 22 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9RG 020 8675 9866
Meditation
www.forcehomecare.co.uk
Guided Group Mediations with Pippa Neve, Tooting Bec 07932 697 938
Painters & Decorators
www.pippaneve.co.uk
Medical Services For urgent but non life-threatening conditions call 111. For life-threatening conditions call 999. Tooting Walk-In Centre Treatment & emergency contraception. 7am-8.30pm. Clare House, St George’sHospital, Tooting SW17 0QT 020 8700 0505 Kiki’s Clinic Paediatric Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Osteopathy for babies and children. 124 Thurleigh Road SW12 8TU 020 7450 1708
www.kikisclinic.com
Motor Repairs - see Garages Nannies & Nursery - see Childcare Nurseries - see Childcare
Of½ce/Desk Rental Le Bureau Studio F7, Battersea Studios 80 Silverthone Rd SW8 3HE 020 7100 5666
www.lebu.co.uk
Of½ce Supplies & Furniture The New Hurleys 9 The Boulevard Balham High Rd SW17 7BW 020 8772 8223
www.hurleysofbalham.com
Simply Construction Friendly building and roo½ng contractors based in Clapham 172 Clapham Park Road, SW4 7DU 020 7498 6696
www.simplyconstructionltd.co.uk Poe Projects Interior design projects and painting/decorating jobs of all sizes 020 7223 3286
www.poeprojects.co.uk
Personal Training – See Fitness
Pets Pawsome Puppies Puppy Training and Socialisation info@pawesome.co.uk 07824 159 542
www.pawesome.co.uk
David Cuffe & Associates Veterinary surgery 52 Abbeville Road Clapham SW4 9NF 020 8772 9922
www.cuffevets.com
Pharmacies Healthchem Pharmacy 4-5 Station Prde, Balham SW12 9AZ 020 8673 8351 Cospharm Pharmacy 281-283 Mitcham Rd Tooting SW17 9JO 020 8767 6005 Photographers - see Printing
www.hamiltonheating.com
Police For emergency assistance, call 999 OR 112 or for general enquiries contact: Metropolitan Police 0300 123 1212
ww.met.police.uk
Battersea Police Station 112 -118 Battersea Bridge Rd Wandsworth Police Station 146 Wandsworth High Street Lavender Hill Police Station 176 Lavender Hill Clapham Police Station 51 Union Grove
Post Of½ces 08457 223344 Balham Hill Westbury Parade, Balham Hill SW12 9DZ; Cedars 41 Queenstown Road, Battersea SW8 3RE; Clapham Common 161 - 163 Clapham High Street SW4 7ST; Alfriston Road 99 Alfriston Road; Battersea SW11 6NP; Battersea 202 Lavender Hill, SW11 1AB; St Johns Hill 7 The Parade SW11 1TG.
Printing & Design Services Essential Local Flyers, brochures, letterheads, business cards, photography. Balham/Streatham HIll 020 8432 3441
www.essentiallocal.com
Psychotherapists Keith Bibby UKCP Psychotherapist 49 Klea Avenue SW4 9HG 020 8673 6311
hypno-psychotherapy-london.com
If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentiallocal.com or on 020 8432 3441
35
a-z directory Helplines & Information Wandsworth Careline: health/social services 020 8875 0500 www.careline.org.uk NHS Direct: 24hour con½dential info & advice 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Samaritans: con½dential 24-hour support 0845 790 9090 www.samaritans.org Patient Advice and Liaison Service: 020 8355 2980 www.pals.nhs.uk Sexual Health and Information Line: 24-hour 0800 567 123 Childline: 24hour con½dential advice for children 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk National Alcohol Helpline 0800 917 8282 Stop Smoking Service (Wandsworth): 0800 389792 www.smokefreewandsworth.nhs.uk Frank – Drugs Advice and Information 0800 77 66 00 Relateline: relationship info & support 0300 100 1234 www.relate.org.uk Parentline Plus: parenting help & advice 0808 800 2222 www.parentlineplus.org.uk Gamcare: for those affected by gambling 0845 600 0133 www.gamcare.org.uk
Renting Out your Home CHS Rentals Letting underused London accommodation for its owners. 020 8355 3129
www.chslondon.com
Renting Out a Room London Hospitality Earn £500pm from renting out your spare room to professionals. 020 8835 0177
www.bblondon.com
Restaurants, Pubs & Bars Ben’s Canteen All-day neighbourhood hangout 140 St John’s Hill, Battersea SW11 422 Garratt Lane, Earls½eld SW18 020 7228 3260
www.benscanteen.com
36
Shelter: help with housing problems 0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk National Debtline: free advice 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk SeniorLine: con½dential help for the elderly 0808 800 6565 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 200 0247 nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk Rape & Sexual Abuse Support: con½dential 01962 848 029 www.rasac.org.uk NSPCC Child Protection: Suspect abuse? 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk Childcare Link: info on local childcare 0800 2346 346 www.childcarelink.org.uk Community Legal Service Direct: free info 0845 345 4345 www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk Learndirect: info on learning and careers 0800 100 901 www.learndirect.co.uk Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) 0130 231 0123 www.dialuk.info Citizens Advice (Wandsworth Advice Service) 020 8682 3766 (enquiries) www.citizensadvice.org.uk Transport for London 0843 222 1234 www.t¾.gov.uk AA Roadwatch: traf½c/weather info (non-free) 0906 888 4322 www.theaa.com
Amirah’s Kitchen ‘View’ Top Ten Indian Restaurant. Takeaway/Delivery Available 356 Old York Road, Wandsworth Town, SW18 1SS 020 8874 8008
www.amirahskitchen.com
The Bedford Music, Club Nights, Comedy, Food 77 Bedford Hill Balham SW12 9HD 020 8682 8940
www.thebedford.com
Rick’s Restaurant Tooting’s Modern British & European Restaurant 122 Mitcham Rd,Tooting SW17 9NH 020 8767 5219
McDonald’s Balham A franchise owned locally, employing locals and supporting the community. 159 Balham High Street, SW12 9AU 020 8675 4520
Harrison’s Neighbourhood brasserie/cocktail bar 15-19 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EX 20 8675 6900
Sabor - The Latin Way Modern Latin American Bistro 2 Tooting Bec Road SW17 8BD 020 8767 3222
www.ricks-restaurant.co.uk
www.harrisonsbalham.co.uk
www.mcdonalds.com
www.saborlondon.co.uk
Support local businesses and please let them know you found them in Essential Local
a-z directory Revolution Premium drinking & dining venue 276-288 Lavender Hill Clapham Junction SW11 1LJ 020 8767 3222
www.saborlondon.co.uk
Roofers - see Builders Secretarial - see PA services
Landor Theatre 70 Landor Rd, Clapham SW9 9PH 020 7737 7276
www.landortheatre.co.uk
Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651
Windows – Sash Wandsworth Sash Windows Traditional timber, double-glazed, draught proo½ng, overhaul, sliding 125 Lavender Hill, Battersea 020 7924 7303
Wandsworthsashwindows.com
www.atgtickets.com/richmond
Wine
Solicitors & Legal Advice
Therapy
Battersea Legal Advice Centre Free legal advice. 125 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 1DA 020 7585 0716
Kiki’s Clinic Paediatric Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Osteopathy for babies and children. 020 7450 1708 124 Thurleigh Road SW12 8TU
The Wine Tasting Shop Independent Tastings and Sales 18 HIldreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ 020 8616 8658
www.lawworksclinics.org.uk Spas - See Beauty
Sports Shops & Activities
Also see Leisure Facilities Capstick Sports 84 Northcote Road SW11 6QN (soon moving across the road!) 020 7228 7814
www.capsticksports.co.uk
Stationery - See Of½ce Supplies Take-Aways - See Restaurants
Taxis & Private Hire Double O Car Hire Car and Courier Service from and to any required destination 267 Putney Bridge Road Putney SW15 2PT 020 8789 0031 (24 hrs)
www.doubleocars.com
Theatres
See our regular feature elsewhere in the magazine Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN 020 7223 2223
www.bac.org.uk
Theatre 503 Above Latchmere Pub 503 Battersea Park Rd SW11 3BW 020 7978 7040
www.theatre503.co.uk
www.kikisclinic.com
Relax and Float Releve pain and reduce stress with three ¾oats for £95. Christian Fields, SW16 3JY
www.relaxand¾oat.co.uk
Job Training/Quali½cations Pitman Training Clapham Junction 0333 577 3035 1st Floor, 50 Northcote Rd Battersea SW11 1PA
Pitman-training.com/clapham
Travel Agents Experience Travel Group Sri Lanka and South East Asia 020 3598 2077 209 St John’s Hill Battersea SW11 1TH
www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk
Yoga Hot Bikram Yoga Try 20 consecutive days for £35! Hildreth St Mews, Balham SW12 9RZ 020 7036 3855
www.hotbikramyoga.co.uk
Yoga Bugs The one bug your child should catch! Call Francesca on 0845 899 7173 or email francesca@yogabugs.com
www.yogabugs.com
The Essential Local Community is a network of around 40 local independent local organisations receiving priority services from Essential Local and supporting one another and the ‘We Choose Local’ campaign.
www.experiencetravelgroup.com Tutoring - see Education Vets - See Pets Washing Machine Repair – see Domestic Appliances
Website Design Essential Local Cost-effective website design and e-newsletter marketing. Balham/Streatham Hill 020 8432 3441
www.essentiallocal.com
Please visit and like WeChooseLocal for the project’s latest news
If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentiallocal.com or on 020 8432 3441
37
vox pops
Viewpoint
Follow our new Facebook page www.facebook.com/wechooselocal for news regarding how to support local independent shops
All photos by Julia Popova
Julia Popova asks local residents and employees what they think of the id idea off shopping locally… and also where they most like to be when the sun is shining!
Giuseppe Vannucci, Wandsworth
Camila Wilson, works in Clapham
M.I. Memon, Streatham
“Shopping locally is a great way to support local businesses and I do so myself. On a sunny day I’d like to be at Tim’s Kitchen on Battersea Rise sipping a glass of Prosecco.”
“I think it is nice to have shops around the area that you can use. I shop locally but not here as I am from Brixton. When it’s sunny I usually go to Wandsworth Common.”
“I left my high street shop because it became very expensive – any help for small companies is good. In warm weather I like to walk on Tooting Bec Common.” Marta, works in SW11 “I like the idea of shopping locally. The quality is better, the shops are normally specialized in one area and the traders are kind and helpful. In the summer I go to Battersea Park.”
Becky, Tooting
Samantha Simmonds, works in Clapham
Daniel Harrington, Wandsworth Town
“My boss buys locally on
“We should encourage people to shop locally – it helps local businesses and improves the neighbourhood in the long run. On a sunny day I’d usually be on Wandsworth Common.”
Northcote Road but I ½nd it a little expensive. In the sunshine Clapham Common is great – there’s an area for the children and a nice choice of cafes.”
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Quiz answers: 1. JK Rowling; 2. Abbeville; 3.The Landor & Theatre 503; 4. Rick’s Restaurant; 5. A recruiting centre; 6. Black Mayor; 7. Bob & Margaret; 8. Ponds; 9. Oil & Water Gallery; 10. Marcus Brigstocke.
“We always support local businesses – some have been here for years. In local shops you can ½nd more unique goods then in chains. For me, Wandsworth Common is lovely in the sunshine.”
Patrizia, Battersea
“If we don’t shop locally we are all going to look the same and buy the same things. People would miss the independent traders. I’ve got a daughter, so when it’s sunny we like to go to Kew.”