ESSENTIAL local
Battersea, Clapham & Balham • Issue 32
Chris Beardshaw it’s a gardener’s question time
home & garden
al spe ci
Extending your life - basement & loft conversions explained Veggie nirvana - delicious recipes for a meat-free moment Local sport - cycling clever & the lid comes off the lido The best new... businesses, advice and local events
the
A to Z directory
essential of local businesses
CONTENTS
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es, me again. Sarah and James may be back in the saddle for the autumn issue but you have me for now. We’ve met a lot of new faces this issue, but whether it’s the creativity of Pow Architects, the magic of the new Battersea Flower Station garden centre or the craftsmenship of Spaced In, each of these – and indeed almost all our partners – have three things in common: they are local, they are independent and they are passionate. In addition to the magazine, Essential Local supports local businesses with design, print and web design. Three of our recent sites belong to some of the nicest people we know, so please check them out: Francescaalexander.co.uk, Southwestlondonbandb.co.uk and 121personaltraining.com. We’ve going to be giving future issues of Essential Local a little more of a specific focus. Thus in this issue we’ve given extra space to home and garden and in the next we’ll be focusing on ‘going out’ – so more fashion, beauty, eating out, activities and nightlife. Please get in touch if you have any local suggestions for us. Have a wonderful summer.
Richard Chumbley richard@essentiallocal.com
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the
A to Z directory
essential of local businesses
Contents 4
What’s New?
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Question Time
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Gardening Focus
Face to face fitness; sash window specialists; 30-minute workouts and a PC shop relocation We dig deep with Chelsea Gold-winning garden designer and TV presenter Chris Beardshaw Henrietta Gentilli takes us back to design basics and selects her favourite urban-friendly evergreens
12 Home Security
Be less of a tempting target this summer
14 Departing from the Norm
A local architect best known for major projects explains how creativity works on a smaller scale
16 Extending your Life
Can’t build up? What about building down?
17 Wall-spiration!
Karen Stones says not only is wallpaper back but it’s better and more interesting than ever
18 Open Water
Swimmers and families rejoice – the Lido is open!
20 On Yer Bike!
You’ve think it’s time to ‘re-cycle’, but where to start?
21 Investing in Advice
Now they are truly independent, time for an IFA?
23 Suits Me
A suit to fit you, rather than you trying to ‘fit’ a suit
24 Essential Wines
Thorold Wines select the perfect wines for summer
26 Veggie-friendly recipes
Harrison’s’ Pithivier and Ruby’s Cookie Pie!
28 At the Oasis
We meet Gill Perkins, CEO of Wandsworth Oasis
29 Essential Local Events What’s on locally this summer?
Editor and Publisher R Chumbley • richard@essentiallocal.com With thanks to: Monika Orman, Sarah E Ramsdale, James McLarin and Trevor Cribb Advertising/Editorial Enquiries: 020 8432 3441 info@essentiallocal.com • www.essentiallocal.com
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 Directory 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 2013.
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WHAT’S NEW
What’s New? in your local area Fitness and nutrition in your home
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etting started on a health and fitness regime can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you have a busy schedule full of work and family commitments. Local fitness, nutrition and lifestyle company 121 Personal Training is here to help. “Our clients stay with us because we get them fit and healthy – and more importantly we keep them that way,” says founder Sam Tilbury. “We visit you at a time which suits you, and provide the encouragement and expert training you need to get you feeling great again”. Alongside their fitness training packages, 121 also offer a comprehensive range of nutrition packages. “We believe that food is your medicine,” explains Sam. “So we offer a wide range of nutritional services, unlike other training companies who tend to ignore the issue”. Services include nutritional counselling which looks in-depth at your relationship with food, personalised 21-day detox plans which cleanse
and revitalise your body, and healthy cookery classes teaching gluten-free baking, super juicing, smoothie making, and preparing living food and raw desserts. “If you’ve been overdoing the partying or are feeling run-down then I’d recommend our detox plans,” says Sam. “Or to take our cookery classes to help you, or perhaps someone close to you, learn about healthy eating. You can share lessons with a friend, partner or child at no extra charge.” 121 Personal Training are offering 25% off all nutrition packages for readers of Essential Local, so give them a call – you’ll be amazed at how different you feel. 121 Personal Training – Battersea, Clapham and Balham, Home Service 07881 884 738 121personaltraining.com
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ash windows are elegant, timeless and also add value to a property. If you’re lucky enough to have them it’s well worth keeping them. Unfortunately if they aren’t fitted or maintained properly they can look scruffy and also cost a fortune in lost heat. Wandsworth Sash Windows are a recent addition to Lavender Hill; but their craftsmen are far from new, having spent decades perfecting the specialist skills required to repair, install or restore sash windows. “We take great pride in making these windows look as good as when they were first installed,” says director Matthew Smith. “We don’t produce standard stock, everything is custom-made. However we can say with
confidence we are the most competitively priced company for the quality we produce.” Services include window restoration, the installation of new double glazed sashes and even minor repairs. They also make and install quality timber doors, carry out window frosting and fit plantation shutters. “Recently, we have had numerous requests for double-glazed acoustic glass for traditional sashes,” says Matthew. “Many people in the local area, already disturbed by traffic noise, are noticing an increase in airport noise. Our standard units reduces the sound by around 12 decibels. The added benefit is that the glass is almost impossible to break through.” Receive a discount on double-glazed acoustic glass this summer and 10% off other services on mention of Essential Local, so book your free quotation now. Wandsworth Sash Windows 125 Lavender Hill, Battersea SW11 5QJ 020 7924 7303 Wandsworthsashwindows.com
ADVERTORIAL
Reglaze, restore ...adore!
WHAT’S NEW
Changing your body shape, not your schedule
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e all know the feeling of wanting to keep fit and change our body shape but discovering ourselves unable to find the time. A new arrival in Balham provides the answer by offering personalised workouts which last just 30 minutes and fit any schedule. Five years ago the first Movers & Shapers opened its doors in London with an innovative approach. The concept was to help clients tone, lose weight and increase fitness levels via 30-minute expert instructor-led sessions in small groups, through sensible nutrition advice and through personal health monitoring. Balham is Mover’s & Shapers’ eighth location, which shows how successful the concept has been. “There’s no stress, no crash dieting, no tough trips to the gym,” explains Director of Operations John Howitt. “It’s a boutique approach: personalised, results-driven and with lots of motivation to keep you focused.” The Balham branch has three fitness zones which feature the very latest techniques for improving cardio fitness, core strength, weight loss and wellbeing.
“This is fitness on your terms,” says John. “We’re open seven days a week with classes on the hour and every half-hour throughout the day to fit in with your schedule. “Whatever your age, lifestyle or fitness level, tell us the body shape you want to achieve and with just two 30-minute fitness classes a week plus nutritional advice, we’ll get you there.” Currently, local residents can enjoy a free taster session; so why not give it a try? Movers & Shapers 63 Balham High Road, SW12 9AP 020 8673 0808 Moversandshapers.co.uk/balham
Computer’s ill? Head to East Hill!
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ecently our editor was mortified to find himself knocking red wine over his laptop, causing hours of work and potentially an entire hard drive of data to vanish into oblivion. Frantically turning the laptop over he mopped up the excess liquid with one hand. With the other he called Computers Inc. Wandsworth-based laptop and PC drop-in centre Computers Inc have been providing home and business IT support locally for 10 years, establishing a reputation for quick response, value for money and good service. Having previously been based on Old York Road and Alma Road they have now relocated to East Hill, the main road into Wandsworth town centre from Battersea and situated just off Trinity Road. “We wanted to make it easier for people to find and visit us,” explains Axel, the co-owner.
“Now you can’t miss us: we’re on the left as you come into Wandsworth. And there’s plenty of parking nearby, as well as the 77 bus stop and Wandsworth Town station.” Computers Inc provide repair and data recovery for both PC and Macs, along with upgrades, speed improvements, security software, virus removal, laptop hire and accessories. They also stock a comprehensive range of ink cartridges at internet prices – from just £5 each. “We pride ourselves on being able to help anyone with any computer related issue,” says Axel. “And we do it well: just ask our customers.” Considering that the magazine you’re reading was created on the laptop that Computers Inc rescued, we can only agree. To mark their move, Computers Inc are offering a Relocation Discount of 20% on all services until the end of June. Computers Inc 59 East Hill, Wandsworth 020 7099 4577 Computersinc.co.uk
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INTERVIEW
Question Time Just prior to his recent RHS Chelsea Flower Show success, Chris Beardshaw shared with us his favourite gardening tips and memories
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f you’re an enthusiastic gardener you’ll probably recognise Chris Beardshaw’s face from TV programmes such as the BBC’s The Flying Gardener and Hidden Gardens. If not, you’d almost certainly know his voice, as he’s one of the regular panelists on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. He’s also written a number of books and regularly contributes to The English Garden Magazine, BBC Gardeners’ World and Amateur Gardening. Some careers as a media-friendly ‘expert’ develop from seed to bloom with very little tending and they don’t always reflect an underlying level of skill and experience. In Chris’s case, however, his popularity amongst readers, viewers and listeners is mirrored by his reputation within the gardening community. Admired for his approach, vast knowledge and training in both Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Chris has over 25 awards to his credit, including the Institute of Horticulture President’s Award and four Golds at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This year’s Gold was for his design of the Arthritis Research UK Garden. What may surprise you is that 43-year-old Chris, who often works exhausting 12-hour days, has himself suffered from the condition for the past 30 years and suffers daily pain as a result.
“I started getting symptoms around the age of 15,” says Chris. “After a series of tests I was told I had a form of rheumatoid arthritis and there wasn’t anything they could do.” His only option was to have his toe joints replaced with plastic ones but this would require a year off his horticultural study and potential repeat operations, so he decided not to proceed.
“I was given a pink elephant watering can and a packet of seeds for my fourth birthday.” Although the condition severely affected his life – he had previously represented his county in long-distance running, cricket and rugby – and his college and local nursery work, he learned to live with it. “A day out in the garden doing heavy work, such as moving loaded wheelbarrows, really has an impact. I can’t take my work boots off for several hours due to the swelling; my feet are very stiff and painful for several days; and of course wet, cold weather doesn’t help. I recall evenings spent nursing my feet, having a warm bath and taking painkillers. But eventually I weaned myself off the painkillers and tried to manage my condition through diet and low impact exercise.”
The BBC’s Beedchrove Garden
From small seeds Brought up in rural Worcestershire, Chris’s first introduction to gardening was on his fourth birthday. "I was given a pink elephant watering can and a packet of cress seeds. The total success of my crop overnight led me to believe I had the gift for growing plants! Little did I know that you can’t fail with cress!" says Chris. “That amazement of seeing a seed burst into life and become a wonderful plant never went away, and so began a life long love of wanting to grow everything and anything I could.” "My whole childhood is wrapped up with memories of gardening with my grandparents and my parents. The first trees I grew from
“That amazement of seeing a seed burst into life and become a wonderful plant never went away, and so began a life long love of wanting to grow everything and anything I could.” seed still stand in my parents’ garden today, and to this day I can’t smell tomatoes without remembering pinching out the tomato crops with my grandad.” When Chris was old enough he began working part-time at a local nursery and at 16 he became Pershore College's youngest ever student of horticulture. "There simply wasn't ever another career that I considered," says Chris, who followed up his National Diploma in Horticulture with work in commercial horticulture before returning to study an MA in Landscape Architecture. Chris is one of the few designers in the UK to combine both areas of expertise. “You really do need both disciplines to offer a complete and holistic design solution,” he explains. “There is very limited time spent on what we call soft technologies within a landscape architecture course... and no design training within a horticultural course. But by studying both aspects, which for me equated to seven years educational training, you will also have a very broad palette of plants in your repertoire and a detailed understanding of how to design with them.” A desire to communicate his passion and knowledge for plants and design led Chris to become a full-time lecturer at a leading horticultural college, which in turn led to the beginnings of his television career. “I’d agreed to do a show garden with the students. I happened to be at the show early one day when a TV crew approached me: they were looking for someone to talk about the exhibit. I said they needed to wait for my Principal to arrive but they didn’t have time. They said ‘you’ll do’ and the rest is history!”
Golden days It was while working as a lecturer that Chris won his first Chelsea Flower Show Gold, but it was five years after setting up his own landscape design and consultancy business that he won his first Gold as a designer in his own right. “It was a garden that I cared for
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RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
INTERVIEW
very much because it was about raising awareness for a special needs school for which I was, and still am, patron.” Chris is a firm believer in the good that gardening can do. "It’s being proven more and more. For instance crime rates have been proven to drop in areas where green space has been improved and the same with anti-social behaviour. Likewise, hospitals have reported a staggering reduction in self-medication for those in hospital long-term who have access to views of green space compared to those that don’t. I would love to see landscape, green space and gardens being more valued for the role they play in our health and wellbeing and the benefits it can have for our communities.”
Advice from the panel Chris lives in the Cotswolds with his wife Frances and three daughters, who he says love to get involved in the garden, whether it’s sowing seeds, planting up pots or anything else.
The Perfect Match
Age UK Wandsworth's Garden Partners project matches vetted volunteers with garden owners over the age of 60 living in the London Borough of Wandsworth who need help to maintain their gardens. The 'garden partners' plan the garden and then share any fruit and vegetables grown.
Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/wandsworth or contact Sue Sweeney on 020 8877 8946 or sue.sweeney@ageukwandsworth.org.uk
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How does he recommend parents get their own children involved? “I think if you are active yourself in the garden then they will undoubtedly get involved out of curiosity and they’ll want to be doing whatever you are doing. However, if they seem unengaged you could get planting something that they can take ownership of: get them their own pot and their own seeds and do it with them. Food crops are great as they can then eat the tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, beans and so forth straight from the garden.” Does he have any suggestions as to how to make the best of an urban garden? “You need to make the best use of every available growing zone, so use the walls, fences and vertical boundaries to full advantage by growing climbers. You can also enhance boundaries and provide greater privacy by planting pleached trees,” says Chris, referring to trees which are intentionally shaped. “These are trained horizontally and clipped to keep their shape but take up virtually no space in the garden. They look really attractive too and help break up and soften a boundary. Choose plants carefully that work for your site and aspect; so if you have a really shady garden don’t fight it, work with it and look at planting up a fernery.”
The Garden of Eden? A gardener through and through, Chris is at his most content having a long, uninterrupted day in the garden. But he also loves the rest of his job, whether it’s meeting the interesting and dedicated people who are masters of what they do – “a real privilege” – or helping clients create a garden that works for them. He says teaching in particular has its rewards: “That moment when I’ve explained something to a person, class or gardening group that they haven’t fully understood before and then seeing that click as they do so – that’s very rewarding.” So what are the essential characteristics of a successful gardener? “Don’t take things too seriously,” says Chris. “There can be a lot of huffing and puffing and making it all seem like hard work but it should be enjoyable. Do what is pleasurable for you and your garden will reflect this. Be patient and be willing to change, because weather, animals, pests, diseases and pretty much anything else can have an influence on your outdoor space. Just go with it and keep adapting.”
GARDEN DESIGN
Garden Designer Henrietta Gentilli takes us back to some garden design basics
• Take an honest look at the elements which work and those that don’t – for most small gardens each element should ‘earn its keep’ so be bold in your decisions as to what should stay. • The use of each space – storage, child’s play,
eating and bbq areas, quiet areas, planted spaces – must be practical by way of sightlines, noise, ease of movement, sun and shade cast.
• For a modest outlay, big changes can be made by changing the colour of boundaries, including new pots, simple ornaments or focal points and introducing a new planting style. • Try and keep to a simple palette of materials, colours and planting to give space a cohesive look and possibly link this to the interior of the house. Consider the views from the most important windows.
• The use of planted pots is an excellent way of raising the planting height where light is limited. If lit at night they create a good focal point . • The town garden is usually visible from the house all year so consider the appearance of all the components in all seasons. Some deciduous plants which change over the year have excellent winter form. • For ideas visit Wisley Small Gardens and the beautiful gardens open locally under the National Gardens Scheme.
• It works to be bold in your decisions – keep to one big stylish idea! For more advice on how to develop your ideas, contact Henrietta Gentilli on 07711 652992, designs@henriettagentilli.co.uk, www.henriettagentilli.co.uk
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evergreen envy
PLANT SELECTION
Henrietta Gentilli chooses her favourite evergreens for London gardens
Euphorbia
Numerous different varieties of shape, size and condition requirements. Neat upright form with long, flowering yellow-green flowers in spring. Reliable, low upkeep and easily available.
Choisya
A favourite is ‘Aztec Pearl’. Neat rounded shrub which can also be trimmed to hedge shape. Delicate fine orange scented leaves with pretty white flowers which appear in spring and autumn.
Astelia
Structural plant with silver green leaves and a shimmery appearance. Very strong, easy plant to grow. It will adapt to sunny or shady places.
PLANT SELECTION
Cistus
‘Purpureus’ or ‘silver pink’ – the first is a medium-sized bushy shrub with deep purple-pink, redblotched flowers and dark green leaves; the second is a small shrub with clear mid-pink flowers and grey-green leaves.The flowers of both plants are saucer-shaped. Both plants like sun and shelter.
Star Jasmine
A ‘star jasmine’ climber (Trachelospermum jasminoides) with neat glossy leaves which can be edged red in winter.The star-shaped waxy flowers appear in June and persist till autumn and release a heavenly scent of jasmine. Easily pruned and maintained.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus africanus will retain its long strap-like leaves in a mild winter.The flowers emerge early summer and slowly open to white or various blues in mid summer.The trumpet-like flowers form a globe which then turns into a pretty seed head for the autumn.
Henrietta Gentilli holds a diploma from the Inchbald School of Design and has specialised in London gardens and planting since 1998. For advice contact 07711 652992 or designs@henriettagentilli.co.uk. For inspiration visit www.ngs.org.uk, www.thrive.org.uk or visit our gorgeous local independent garden centre The Flower Station.
HOME SECURITY
Richard Trinick of local experts SDS London gives his top ten preholiday security tips
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Use timers to turn on and off lights, televisions and sound systems.
Never leave an answer machine message indicating that you are not at home.
Make arrangements with your neighbour or a friend to come by while you are away to ensure that your mail, newspaper or flyers don’t accumulate.
A home without rubbish shows burglars no-one is at home. Ask a neighbour to put rubbish in your bin whilst you are away.
Leave your curtains slightly parted so your house doesn’t have an empty look. Make sure that you cancel any deliveries that might be left outside and indicate that the home is empty, such us milk or newspapers. Be sure to leave a car in your driveway while you are away.
Have someone mow your lawn or rake leaves if you are going to be away for a while.
Avoid discussing your holidays plans with strangers; you never know who they might pass the information onto. If you have one, don’t forget to set your burglar alarm!
SDS are offering a FREE home security check and/or 10% off any lockfitting if you mention ESSENTIAL LOCAL. 183189 Northcote Rd, Battersea, SW11 6QF Tel: 020 7228 1185 Sdslondon.co.uk
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Departing from the norm We talk to Clapham-based POW Architects’ Gareth Pywell and Mark Owen about great residential architecture on a budget and the lessons we can learn from larger construction projects
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lumni of Norman Foster and Terry Farrell respectively, Pywell and Owen have been associated with some of London’s biggest architectural success stories. It is not often that commercial architects and designers of such pedigree take a leap from their fast and furious world, but that is exactly what Gareth and Mark did in late 2009 when they left their bright lights, big city firms behind for a more hands-on residential approach.
“I just wanted to shout, there can be so much more to this than just bricks and mortar.”
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Now independent practitioners within their own fast-growing practice, they are able to combine their experience of projects both large and small, enabling them to pursue big practice-thinking with a boutique approach. So how does this architectural method translate in to something as simple a residential extension?
“Some think that our designs must cost the earth to build but they really don’t.” So how does this differ from the residential approach to architecture? Mark picks up the explanation. “In the beginning we found it really difficult making the adjustment from our commercial world into the realm of residential architecture. From our perspective we could not understand why the design boundaries were not being pushed. I just wanted to shout there can be so much more to this than just bricks and mortar! We have of course mellowed over the past four years and learned to love traditional building materials, but we still very much believe that this is not the only way to approach residential design.” One only has to look at their designs and the innovative way that POW Architects employs modern materials to see that they have not lost their pedigree, but what is more striking is their approach to space and light and the way in which they positively transform relatively small spaces. “Some think that our designs must cost the earth to build”, explains Gareth, “but they really don’t. Light and space are free. Use them well and you have a cost-effective formula for great design on a budget.” Call 020 7819 4258 for a free consultation.
ADVERTORIAL
Gareth Pywell and Mark Owen
“In the world of commercial architecture there are no real design limitations,” explains Gareth. “We design what we believe to be beautiful and what we believe to be right. We know that ultimately our concepts and ideas will need to be tamed, but our experience with local authority planning departments, combined with our in-depth knowledge of the latest construction techniques, allows us to develop design ideas that are imaginative, realistic and buildable.”
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE POW Architect’s contemporary slant on a loft conversion to a Victorian semi-detached house on Byrne Road in Balham, SW12
Above: New loft space area created for boys toys and relaxing Below:A light and airy bedroom in Byrne Rd
Above: Rear view of Byrne Road, using a contemporary zinc cladding system Below: Double height space created from the leftover areas of the roof eaves.This clever use of space allows light to flood into both floors of the refurbishment Below: The Old Surgery, showing interior of a recent conversion
16 Old Town Clapham SW4 0JY 020 7819 4258 enquiries@pow-architects.com www.pow-architects.com pow architects
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BASEMENT CONVERSIONS
Colin & Jean of Battersea Basement Company answer your conversion questions Is a basement conversion financially viable? Given the cost of buying a bigger property, moving, stamp duty and legal fees, it is often a better investment.The basement is the largest extendable area in most properties and thus a conversion creates significant added value. Is the build disruptive? The actual excavation work of the basement should not impact on your daily lives. Most work is contained within the basement area and disposing of the spoil is a relatively clean process. There is some noise but it can be kept to a minimum and during working hours. How long does the process take? Depending on the size and depth, the normal excavation takes around 4 – 5 months. The installation fit-out is dependent on requirements, normally 3 – 4 months. What could we use the space for? Extra bedroom/bathroom space for guests, or perhaps a teenage den area, games or media room – there are endless possibilities. Will it be free of damp? Modern building techniques used in drainage and waterproof membrane systems are well proven, so the basement will remain dry. What other benefits can I expect? Clients remark how much warmer the building is when the basement is completed, due to the increased insulation in the build process.This can equate to 10% increased energy efficiency. Basements are also typically cooler in hot weather without the need for air conditioning.
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For a free consultation call 020 7223 6333 or email info@batterseabasements.co.uk
jtÄÄáÑ|Ütà|ÉÇ Wallpaper is back, says Karen Stones of London Property Makeover as she offers us tips for our paper passions
Below Grand Designs winning geometric paper from Ella Doran.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Wallpaper has had a resurgence over the past 10 years. Why?
• It’s a reaction to what came before (a more minimalist look) • There are so many new technologies now and artists use wallpaper as a platform to experiment. Wallandeco.com is an inspirational website and I also love some of the papers on the brilliant website at Rocketstgeorge.co.uk. With wallpaper, you really need a plan before you start
Above: A striking, large patterned paper from Wall&decò.They can customise coverings to your walls
• It’s a bigger commitment than paint and you should consider which pieces of furniture you already have and what you need to buy to fit in with your scheme. • Wallpaper can be domineering so you need a definite plan. • Each roll usually has about 10 metres and four drops so it can be cheaper than buying a piece of art! Consider the wallpaper that you absolutely love Below: I love this fabulous paper from Sian Zeng. It's magnetic so it gives children hours of fun.
• Look at pattern, scale and colour • Can you live with it? Does it make you happy? • Is it formal or informal? Does it offer you the style you are looking for? • Will the size of the pattern work in the room you’re thinking of? • Should you just wallpaper a small section instead? Lastly, create a mood board to see how your wallpaper will look with your chosen accessories, or use an online tool such as that on Homebase.co.uk to paper a section of a wall visually before you commit to doing it in real life! For interior design classes and services visit Londonpropertymakeover.com .
Above & Below: Two more designs from Wall&decò. A large pattern can replace the need for a piece of art.
TOOTING BEC LIDO
Open Water!
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For further information and directions visit www.tootingbeclido.co.uk
• • • • • •
DID YOU KNOW... The Lido is over 106 years old It is the UK’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool
From October to May the Lido is closed to all but the South London Swimming Club (slsc.org.uk)
Every January the Lido hosts the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships Brad Pitt’s boxing pool scene in ‘Snatch’ was filmed here.
Even a gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in half an hour!
ADVERTORIAL
ocal swimming enthusiasts and parents seeking a great local family day out, rejoice – Tooting Bec Lido is now open for summer! Come on in, the water’s lovely... and the pool is enormous! And it really is: with a length of 91.5 metres Tooting Bec Lido is the UK’s largest open air pool – that’s about the same length as a football pitch! The main pool is open from 6am to 8pm and the Lido also offers a children’s paddling pool for under 5’s (10am-6pm), outdoor sunbathing, a picnic area and an on-site cafe serving hot and cold snacks. Located next to Tooting Bec Common, it’s like having a holiday destination on our doorstep. Entry is inexpensive and the facility, which is run by DC Leisure in partnership with Wandsworth Council, also offers great summer membership options for adults and families. It’s worth visiting for its sheer scale and the multicoloured changing rooms alone!
CYCLING
OnYer Bike! For those who haven’t cycled for a while but fancy getting back in the saddle, here are some ideas to get your started
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hen you’ve previously done something on a regular basis and now plan to go back to doing it again, people say ‘you’ll be fine, it’s just like riding a bike’, and they’re probably right. Luckily this is also true of... riding a bike. But if you haven’t ridden for a while or are considering cycling in London for the first time, it can be intimidating. Fortunately there are a host of projects, organisations and cycle enthusiasts anxious to help. Cycling, you see, is a GOOD thing. It’s good for the environment, good for your health and good for your pocket. It’s also great fun. “People forget how liberating it is,” says Al, the owner of Psubliminal, an independent bike sales and repair shop in Balham. “One of the last true freedoms.”
Step 1 The Equipment
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The useful Barclays Cycle Hire scheme is gradually expanding southwest, but it’s not the same as having a bike of your own. But what bike is best? Mountain bikes are great off-road but their size may slow you down elsewhere. Road bikes have skinny tyres for speed but can be vulnerable to potholes. So perhaps either a slightly thicker tyred touring bike or a ‘hybrid’ bike, a cross between a mountain or road bike, could be the answer. Alternatively if you want a snug little package to carry on the tube, a folding bike may be the one for you.
Size IS important. “Some shops sell you the bike they want you to buy rather than one that fits,” says Al. “We often get asked to adjust bikes that were unsuited to the user in the first place.” As for other equipment, confusingly there’s no legal requirement in the UK to wear a helmet and yet the Highway Code says you should do so. To wear or not to wear continues to be a contentious issue. More clear-cut is that if you plan to ride at night you must have lights and ideally reflective clothing. And don’t forget to buy a decent lock – thieves can cut through the cheaper ones like butter.
Step 2 – Training and Advice Shops such as Al’s are a great source of advice but you’ll also find plenty of useful information online at the sites listed below. Your first stop might be the TFL site where you can order London Cycling Maps showing the best routes for free. As for training, both Lambeth and Wandsworth councils provide road cycling tuition for free. Also free are the Dr Bike ‘health’ checks they hold locally. Now...
Step 3 – Get on Yer Bike! For further information: • wandsworth.gov.uk • wandsworthcyclists.org.uk • ctc.org.uk • tfl.gov.uk • lambethcyclists.org.uk • psubliminal.com • lambeth.gov.uk • lcc.org.uk
ADVERTORIAL
FINANCE
Recent child benefit changes can show the value of financial advice, says David Thompson of Thompson Allen Financial inancial advisors are more knowledgeable and professional than ever before. Moreover a recent change in regulation means they now work on a fee basis with regard to pensions and investments.There is no longer the potential for commission bias. An advisor can thus bring a degree of objectivity to discussions of finance and place them within an overall perspective of your situation, helping you to devise plans for the short, medium and long-term. In other words they can see the big picture and use their knowledge to help make it work for you. Take the recent changes in child benefit. If an individual parent earns more than £60k per annum they will now suffer a tax charge that negates the child benefit; while those earning over £50k will see a reduction in the benefit proportionate to their earnings. If you earn between £50k and £60k pa, for example, you will lose 1% of Child Benefit for every £100 you earn over £50,000. One way to avoid the charge is to elect not to receive the benefit. Alternatively you can reduce your taxable income by buying childcare vouchers or paying into a personal pension.With an advisor on board such options will be presented to you and you can make a properly informed decision.
F
If you would like to discuss any financial issues you can get in touch with David on 020 8682 3083 or 07889 191093 or email him at david@thompsonallenfinancial.co.uk
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FASHION ADVERTORIAL
Suits me To bespoke or not to bespoke, that is the question. Richard Chumbley found his answer with local tailor Bespoke Attire remember in my late 20s thinking it was time I had a suit designed to fit me rather than continuing the laborious task of searching for a mass-market garment that I happen to fit. Why would it? To keep costs down a retailer has to produce items to fit the lowest common denominators and then have their salespeople push those sizes onto everyone. Despite knowing both this and the hours I spend hunting for a suit or jacket, my mid-30s arrived and I still hadn’t given bespoke a try. “You’re crazy – it’s a false economy,” my savvier (or ‘Saville Row’-er?) friends would say. So when a forthcoming wedding appeared on my horizon I was reminded of Bespoke Attire, a local company with a reputation for creating beautiful bespoke suits for as little as £450. This was my sartorial moment.
I
For my appointment there was no intimidating central London venue to visit; instead the tailor came to my home, beginning the process by taking numerous measurements – all in an impeccably professional manner. After this he took me through the options. We started with colour and fabric. There are 5000 to choose from but he listened to my comments and narrowed it down in such a way that I never felt overwhelmed. Year-round occasion suit? Let’s look at navy blues and greys. Business suit? Perhaps a dark grey. We settled on an dark blue textured Italian cashmere/wool. Next the lining – I decide upon lilac. The customisation had just begun. Did I want a zip or buttons; what length jacket; how many pockets – slanted or straight (the former apparently makes you look thinner); how many buttons; should the cuff buttons ‘kiss’ (overlap)? Throughout the process he managed to guide me while letting me lead the way – it was a very impressive display of listening skills and expertise. Three weeks after this one hour-long appointment the tailor delivered my custom-made suit. It looked and felt fantastic. Further alterations were available for free, but I didn’t need them – it was simply perfect. I finally understood what had been said to me so many times before: once you’ve worn a bespoke suit, dressing well will never be the same again.
Visit Bespokeattire.com, email info@bespokeattire.com or call 07590 675 244.
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XááxÇà|tÄ j|Çxá WINES
Nick Beedle of Ritherdon Road’s independent wine shop Thorold Wines, selects two of the best
Calusari, Pinot Noir 2012 Banat, Romania £ 7.50
* Mention EL, receive 10% off a case of 6 Description A summer style red ideal for picnics and those hot summer evenings. Nick’s view It is essential to have a light red for the summer and this Pinot Noir has got it covered.With light cherry fruit, delicate floral notes and with little to no tannins it is perfect to drink without food.
Safari, Pecorino 2012 Abruzzi, Italy £13.99
* Mention EL, receive 10% off a case of 6 Description Sumptious, nutty wine-lovers' white wine. Nick’s view This is a medium-bodied wine with a slight almond-like nuttiness to it. It's not over-dry and crisp but also it is not as heavy or buttery as Chardonnay can be. A perfect summer wine – to be served by itself or with a light meal.
thorold wines Independent wine shop providing a friendly, informal but specialist service, finding good value in every bottle. 22 Ritherdon Rd, Balham SW17 8QD 020 8616 0503 Thoroldwines.co.uk thoroldwines@gmail.com
VEGGIE FRIENDLY RECIPES Wild Mushroom & Ricotta Pithivier with Curly Kale and Mustard Cream Sauce (serves 2) For the sauce: 1 banana shallot, finely chopped 5g butter 10ml white wine vinegar 100ml double cream 1tbsp wholegrain mustard
Method
Melt butter in a pan and sweat off garlic, shallots and chilli. Add thyme and wild mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are soft, then season. Remove from pan, place onto paper towel and allow to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta and mushrooms with a fork and then add the parmesan (this will help to firm up the mixture), then place in the fridge. Place your puff pastry onto a flat surface and using a smooth, round side plate, cut out four 1215cm round discs. Remove ricotta and mushroom mixture from fridge and place half the filling in the middle of one of the pastry discs, making sure to
Ruby’s Cookie Pie (serves 12)
For the pie base: 110g margarine 250g plain flour 80g sugar 1 egg
Method
For the cookie filling: 2 eggs 65g plain flour 115g sugar 100g brown sugar 170g margarine, softened 150g chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 160C. For the base: crumb together the margarine and flour then add the sugar and mix in the egg. Roll out the mixture and put into pie dish. For the filling: beat the eggs in large mixing bowl, until foamy. Beat in the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar and, finally, margarine. Stir in chocolate chips and spoon the mixture into the pie base. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Cool slightly on wire rack. Serve warm.
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Recipe created by Ruby Clemans from Torquay for the Vegetarian Society’s ‘Surprisingly simple’ member recipe competition (nationalvegetarianweek.org)
leave a 2cm gap between filling and the edge of the pastry. Egg wash edges of the pastry and place another disc over the top to form a giant ravioli shaped pie.With a fork, crimp together the edges of the Pithivier and egg wash all over. Repeat the process with other half of the mixture and remaining two pastry discs, then place the Pithiviers onto grease proof paper on a tray and put to one side. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 15-20 mins.While the Pithivier is in the over, cook the kale in salted boiling water until tender. Drain, add butter and season. For the sauce, sweat the shallots in a saucepan with butter.When soft add white wine vinegar and reduce by half, then add double cream and again reduce by half. Add mustard, mix and season. With thanks to Harrisons, 15-19 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EX 020 8675 6900 Harrisonsbalham.co.uk
Image © The Vegetarian Society 2013
200g wild mushrooms sliced into 1cm sized chunks 250g ricotta 50g grated parmesan 1 banana shallot, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 3 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked 1/2 red chilli, finely chopped 1 packet of shop-bought puff pastry 20g butter 1 egg yolk, beaten Salt and pepper 200g curly kale, washed
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
At the Oasis We talk to Gill Perkins, Chief Executive of local charity Wandsworth Oasis How did the charity begin? We were set up 25 years ago when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was at its peak. Our founders saw their friends dying without support and amidst stigma and prejudice. They set up a drop-in centre – an ‘Oasis’ – in the Wandsworth Salvation Army Hall for people with AIDS and their loved ones. Over time, with more charities working directly with people with HIV/AIDS, Wandsworth Oasis decided to focus on fundraising through selling donated items via shops and become a giver of grants to other charities. Where does the money go? Each year we distribute the surplus from our shops to charities working with people living with HIV from Wandsworth. Last year our grants totalled £55,500 and we contributed to HIV related charities including Mildmay Hospice; Children with AIDS and CARA trust. Where are your shops? At Tooting Bec we have a large shop selling everything from furniture to household items and a fabulous little bookshop where you can get novels for £1 or five for £3.50 as well as classics and non-fiction. We have two shops on Battersea Park Road: one a real Aladdin’s Cave of bric a brac etc, and the other a mix of quality clothing and furniture. In Mitcham Lane we have a discount store – many items for 50p – and a baby/kids shop.
What's your key message to our readers? Please think of us if you are having a clearout (no matter how large or small). Using a company called Anything Goes we will collect for free at a time to suit you. Also, we can’t do what we do without the support of the local community so a big thank you to our donors, customers and volunteers. Finally, if you’ve yet to visit our shops, come on down! Any strange donations in the past? Well, urban legend says that we once got an electric chair! The reality is that it was a stage prop, but it caused quite a stir. We also once had an item on show that we believed to be an exercise machine, until a customer advised us it was something quite different! What does it take to be a good volunteer? Honesty, reliability and a good sense of humour. It’s great fun and there are lots of ways to get involved – sorting, pricing, displays, shifting furniture, customer interaction etc – but it can be hard work too. There’s no minimum time commitment. What’s new for Wandworth Oasis this year? We’re looking for a new retail shop in the local area so we will need lots of new volunteers. Also this year we are keen to develop partnerships with local businesses, particularly retailers for end-of-line or exdisplay items and shop fittings and fixtures. So please do get in touch if you’d like to help. Visit wandsworthoasis.org.uk
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Bric a brac galore
Business Networking
If you read this in time, don’t miss the Wandsworth Oasis and St George’s Hospital Charity business networking event on June 6th. Contact gill@wandsworthoasis.org.uk or call 07970 349740 to register your interest in this or future networking events.
WHAT’S ON
EVENTS
Battersea, Clapham June - Sept & Balham
Monkey Music Classes Ongoing - various dates Fun music classes for little ones from 3 mths – 4 years. Now booking for next term. For a complimentary class: 020 8764 5185 or wandsworth.tooting@monkeymusic.co.uk Balham,Wandsworth and Tooting Bec 020 8764 5185
Wines of Italy - The Wine Tasting Shop Thursday 6th June A fun, informative tasting covering the major wine regions of Italy and their wines. 7-8 wines. Book in advance. The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ Winetastingshop.co.uk 020 8616 8658
Allo Allo - Southside Players Wednesday 29th May to 1st June Intrigue, deception and laughs based on the popular TV series. 7.45pm (5pm Sat). £10.00; Conc(Wed/Sat) £7.50. Chestnut Grove Theatre, Chestnut Grove School, Boundaries Road, Balham SW12 8JZ 07914 657524
Foodies Festival - Clapham Common June 7th, 8th and 9th For lovers of good food. Some fantastic restaurants confirmed for the events including Barbecoa by Jamie Oliver, Masala Zone and Jamie’s Italian Kingston. Clapham Common Foodiesfestival.com 0844 995 1111
Banana Cabaret - The Bedford Saturday 1st June to Saturday 29th June Comedy in Balham every Saturday, including acts such as Simon Evans and Andrew Maxwell. Doors 7:30pm. Show 9-11pm. £13-16. Concs available. Includes entry to club. The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD Bananacabaret.co.uk 020 8682 8940
Thrive Open Garden Weekend Saturday 8th June Thrive specialises in social and therapeutic horticulture and is opening its gardens to the public. Refreshments and children's activities on offer. 10am - 3pm. Free. Battersea Park Herb Garden Thrive.org.uk 020 7720 2212
Motown Funk - The Bedford Saturday 1st June & first Saturday of every month A new soul and funk night blending Stevie Wonder et al with exclusive re-edits, disco, funk and classic party tunes. 11pm-2am. £6 (free with Banana Cabaret). Details as above.
Vimala & The Baker Boys - Le Quecumbar Sunday 9th/Monday 10th June Join award-winning singer Vimala and The Baker Boys for an evening of swinging standards. £10-£13. Le Quecumbar, 42-44 Battersea High St SW11 3HX Wegottickets.com/lequecumbar 020 7787 2227
Ben Holder Swing Quartet - Le Quecumbar Sunday 2nd/Monday 3rd June Dynamic talented virtuosos play Hot Django Gypsy Swing. Doors 6pm, Food till 10. £10-14 Le Quecumbar, 42-44 Battersea High Street SW11 3HX Wegottickets.com/lequecumbar 020 7787 2227
Ritherdon Road Street Party Sunday 9th June This year’s street party promises to be bigger and better than ever, with stalls lining the street and live music, performances and kid’s events. 11am - 5pm. Ritherdon Road, Balham SW17 Facebook.com/Ritherdon Road
Free Vegetable Knit-a-Long - Battersea Flower Stn Sunday 2nd and 9th June New garden centre hosting free drop-in knitting workshops. Knit leeks, bees, peas and leaves. 11am-3pm. 16 Winders Road Battersea SW11 3HE Batterseaflowerstation.co.uk 07811 334 908
Friends of Battersea Park Children's Zoo BBQ Tuesday 11th June Children's activities, tombola, live music, raffle, bar, silent auction.Tickets inc. access to the Zoo, BBQ, salads and puddings. £15 (£20 from 6th June) Child £7 Under 6s: Free. Battersea Park SW11 4NJ Batterseapark.org
Wine Tasting - Thorold Wines Thursday 6th June Sample a selection of wines from all over the world. Just £5 pp. RSVP to Nick at thoroldwines@gmail.com. 22 Ritherdon Road, Balham SW17 8QD Thoroldwines.co.uk 07790 152 847
Intro to Wine Tasting - The Wine Tasting Shop Thursday 13th June Explore the basic principles of wine analysis: tannins, acidity, ageing,Tasting includes 7 top wines. Call to book. The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ Winetastingshop.co.uk 020 8616 8658
Business Networking - Wandsworth Oasis Thursday 6th June Wandsworth Oasis and St George's Hospital Charity local business networking event. 6pm till 8pm St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road,Tooting SW17 0QT Gill@wandsworthoasis.org.uk 020 8767 7555
Under the Greenwood Tree - Father's Day Saturday 15th / Sunday 16th June The bookshop, toyshop & café holds a day of fun Father’s Day activities. See website for details. 11 The Polygon, Old Town, Clapham SW4 0JG Underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk 020 7627 4557
>> 29
WHAT’S ON Trinity's Business Sizzle Wednesday 19th June Trinity’s annual networking barbecue in their beautiful garden. £15 pp. £10 if you bring another business. 6.30-8.30pm. Trinity Hospice 30 Clapham Common North Side SW4 0RN Trinityhospice.org.uk 020 7787 1080
Northcote Road Summer Fete Sunday 7th July The family friendly event returns with entertainment, market stalls, live music, a parade, table tennis, a screen for the men’s final at Wimbledon and more! 11am to 5pm. Road closed for day. Northcote Road, London, SW11
Battersea Park Dog Show Sunday 23rd June Dog show fun from 10.30-16.30. Entries from 10.30am and judging at 12.30pm. Enter a dog for £1.50. Rosettes for 1st to 6th place in each class. Refreshments, funfair and trade stands. Battersea Park SW11 Wandsworth.gov.uk 020 8871 7124
National Garden Scheme - 28 Old Devonshire Road Sunday 20th July Mediterranean-style front garden; tranquil oasis at back. 14 July, 2-5.30pm: £3. Children free. 17 July, 6-8.30pm: £4, inc wine 28 Old Devonshire Rd, Balham SW12 9RB Balhambedandbreakfast.co.uk 020 8673 7179
Abbeville Fete Saturday 29th June 2013 The 17th year of the Abbeville Fete! A celebration and coming together of the local communityThe theme of the fete is ‘Birthdays’. Go in fancy dress – the kids love it! Midday to 4pm. Abbeville Road Clapham SW4 www.abbevillefete.com
The London FolkFest - The Bedford Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st July The London FolkFest is back. Over 30 acts spread over the three nights inc. Ryan Keen, Matthew and The Atlas and star of 'Lewis' – Laurence Fox. Full weekend £30; Day £12-£15. Sun free. The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD Thebedford.co.uk 020 8682 8940
Balham Comedy Festival - The Bedford 5th - 13th July Following an impressive four night debut, the Comedy Festival is back with eight nights of the best comedy talent, inc. Milton Jones, Al Murray, Stephen K Amos and Marcus Brigstocke. The Bedford 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD Balhamcomedyfestival.com 020 8682 8940
Stagecoach Theatre Summer Workshop 29th July - 2nd August! A five-day workshop for 4–6 and 7 - 14 year-olds. Dance, drama and singing before performing for families and friends. Honeywell School, Honeywell Road, Battersea SW11 6EF Stagecoatch.co.uk/Battersea 020 8946 2986
Trinity St Mary's School & St Mary’sChurch Summer Fayre Saturday 6th July BBQ,Cakes, Food Hall, Face Painting,Toys, Bouncy Castles, Books, Football/Bottle/Teddy Tombolas, Jewellery, Pimms & Beer, Lucky dip and more. From 2pm to 5pm. 50p. Under 3’s free. Dual sites: Balham Park Road & Balham High Road SW12
Mums-to-be Social Wednesday 11th September Alicia of ClaphamMums.com & Eilish of The Baby Care Company co-host this free event. 10-minute pregnancy massage & free manicure by Francesca Alexander. Info@thebabycarecompany.co.uk The Baby Drop, 32b Webb’s Road, Battersea SW11 6SF
REGULAR EVENTS IN BATTERSEA, CLAPHAM AND BALHAM MONDAY
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Locale Balham Locale Balham Locale Balham Locale Balham Locale Balham The Bedford The Bedford Express Lunch £6.95 Express Lunch £6.95 Express Lunch £6.95 Express Lunch £6.95 Express Lunch £6.95 Zumba Fitness Argentine Tango 12midday - 5pm* 12midday - 5pm* 12midday - 5pm 12midday - 5pm* 12midday - 5pm* 9.45am - 10.45pm 6.30pm-11.30pm Zumba Toning (only every other Sunday) Friday Aperitivo The Bedford The Bedford The Bedford The Bedford 11am - 12midday Sunday Social 5.00-8.00pm* Argentine Tango Zumba Fitness Swing Dance Zumba Fitness Reduced price 7 - 11pm 6.30 - 7.30pm 7.30 - 11pm 6.30 - 7.30pm Banana Cabaret -Reggae/Jazz/Funkdrinks/free nibbles -Comedy-7.30-11pm From 4pm - FREE Live Music Pub Quiz 8pm Live Music Comedy Night Le Quecumbar Club Night Live Music 8-11pm 8 - 11pm - FREE Le Quecumbar 8 - 11pm - FREE 8 - 11pm 11pm - 2am - £6 Prestige Performance Django style Three Monkeys Le Quecumbar Live Music Le Quecumbar From 6pm Gyspy Swing Le Quecumbar Swinging Cats Prestige Performance 8 - 11pm - FREE The Monkey Box Harrisons 2 wed’s per mth From 7pm - FREE From 7pm - FREE Check website From 6pm Le Quecumbar Le Quecumbar before 8, £5 after The Bedford From 6pm - FREE Happy Hour 50% off* Harrisons Gypsy Swing Jam Piano Lounge before 8, £5 after 5pm-7pm (bar only) Happy Hour 50% off* From 7pm - FREE The Wine Club Night From 7pm - FREE Tasting Shop Under The 5pm-7pm (bar only) 11pm - 2am - FREE Harrisons Harrisons Greenwood Tree Harrisons Happy Hour 50% off* Happy Hour 50% off* Wine Events, mostly Storytime 11.00am Thursdays 7.30pm Monday Night BYO 5pm-7pm (bar only) 5pm-7pm (bar only) Bring your own 1/2 Price Tuesdays* Harrisons Visit InsideBattersea.co.uk wine when dining Cocktails, drinks & 1/2 Price Wed* Happy Hour 50% off* Cocktails, drinks & 5pm-7pm (bar only) a la carte* for regularly updated events food (downstairs bar) food (downstairs bar)
Events/Days may change and there are additional non-weekly events; so please check the relevant website for confirmation. *Offers as current on June1st.Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please ask venue for details.
Thebedford.co.uk (Balham) • Quecumbar.co.uk (Battersea) • Localerestaurants.com (Balham) • Thewinetastingshop.co.uk (Balham) Harrisonsbalham.co.uk (Balham) • Thethreemonkeysbar.co.uk (Balham) • Underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk (Clapham)
the
A to Z
essential directory of local businesses
Accountants/Bookkeepers Cholij Accounting Ltd Accountancy and Tax Solutions, with offices in Raynes Park and Battersea 020 3393 5791 /4979 www.cholijaccounting.co.uk Acupuncture – see Comp. Med
Aerial and TV (Repair) Thames Electronics 020 7924 5536/7 244 Battersea Bridge Road Battersea SW11 3AA www.thameselectronics.co.uk
Ambulance For emergency assist, call 999
Architects Pow Architects Chartered Architectural Practice 020 7819 4258 16 Old Town, Clapham SW4 0JY www.pow-architects.com
Art Galleries & Exhibitions Webbs Road Fine Art 020 7223 1733 1 Burland Rd (Webbs Rd) Battersea SW11 6SA www.thewebbsgallery.co.uk Babysitters - see Childcare Bars – see Restaurants
Beauty Salons/ Treatments Lotus Spa Massage and Beauty Spa 020 8875 1199 535 Old York Road, Wandsworth SW18 1TG www.lotus-wellbeing-spa.com
Contact us on 020 8432 3441 to have your business listed in the Essential Local Directory. The magazine is delivered to 15,000 local households approx. every three months
Francesca Alexander Hair & Beauty 020 7585 3330 53 Webbs Rd, Battersea SW11 6RX www.francescaalexander.co.uk Independent MindBodySoul 020 8772 0208 87 Balham High Rd SW12 9AP 20 Ritherdon Road SW17 8QD www.independentmbs.co.uk Cupcake Putney: 020 8875 1065 10 Point Pleasant, SW18 1GG Wandsworth: 020 3370 4999 18 Earlsfield Road, SW18 3DW www.cupcakemum.com
Bathrooms & Kitchens Balmain London Ltd 020 7223 6333 59 Broomwood Rd, SW11 6HU www.balmainlondon.co.uk Kitchen Koncepts 020 8772 0149 50 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AQ www.kitchenkoncepts.co.uk
Force Homecare 020 8675 9866 22 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG www.diystoresbalham.co.uk B&B - see Hotels;
Bicycle Sales & Repair Psubliminal Expert advice, sales & repair 020 8772 0707 17 Balham High Road, SW12 9AJ www.psubliminal.com
Builders (Design & Build) Battersea Basement Co. Balmain London Ltd, 59 Broomwood Rd (End of Northcote Rd) SW11 6HU 020 7223 6333 www.batterseabasements.co.uk Pow Architects Chartered Architectural Practice 020 7819 4258 16 Old Town, Clapham SW4 0JY www.pow-architects.com
The Essential Local Directory is designed to allow small local businesses to promote themselves costeffectively and it costs just £99 to appear in these listings in 4 issues over approximately 12 months
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Poe Projects Project management specialists: design and build, electrical work and interiors. 020 7223 3286 www.poeprojects.co.uk Balmain London Ltd 59 Broomwood Rd (End of Northcote Rd) SW11 6HU 020 7223 6333 www.balmainlondon.co.uk
Cabinet Makers Spaced In Spray finished, Bespoke Furniture, Beautifully built in. 07734 203 911 ben@spacedin.co.uk www.spacedin.co.uk Qubic Contemporary Solutions Architectural wood veenered MDF fitted bespoke furniture. 020 8621 1177 qubic.cs@gmail.com www.qubic-cs.co.uk
Cafes Under the Greenwood Tree Books, Toys & Child-friendly Cafe 020 7627 4557 11 The Polygon, Clapham SW4 0JG Underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk
Cake Makers The Cake Embassy 020 7924 2475/07894 432503 info@thecakeembassy.co.uk www.thecakeembassy.co.uk Cards - see Gifts and Cards; Carpenters - see Cabinet Makers
Carpets & Flooring
Childcare
Cinemas
Charlie’s Nannies 0800 066 2066 Qualified flexible nannies, emergency nannies, babysitters. www.charliesnannies.co.uk LIkeminders 0844 879 7189 Babysitting, emergency childcare and nannies. www.likeminders.co.uk Nappy Valley Nannies 020 8946 5320 75 Swaby Road Earlsfield SW18 3PJ www.nappyvalleynannies.co.uk
Cineworld Ltd 0871 200 2000 Wandsworth High St, SW18 4TF www.cineworld.co.uk Clapham Picturehouse 0871 902 5727 76 Venn Street SW4 0AT www.picturehouses.co.uk
Childrens Activities/Courses Monkey Music Music classes: babies of 3mths-4yrs 020 8764 5185 Balham, Tooting, Streatham, Wandsworth and Southfields www.monkeymusic.com Under the Greenwood Tree Books, Toys & Child-friendly Cafe 020 7627 4557 11 The Polygon, Clapham SW4 0JG Underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk Stagecoach Battersea Performing arts classes for children 4-18. New term bookings. 020 8946 2986 Stagecoach.co.uk/battersea Fancy Footwork Dance School: 2+ to adult 0845 094 1774 (SW London) info@fancyfootwork.co.uk www.fancyfootwork.co.uk
Ideal Carpets & Flooring Carpets, solid wood, laminates, artificial grass, sisal, etc 020 8772 4786 328 Balham High Rd, SW17 7AA Idealcarpetsandflooring.co.uk
Chiropractors
Charities & Volunteering
Churches/Worship
Wandsworth 020 8870 4319 www.wvsda.org.uk Chemists - see Pharmacies
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Battersea & Wandsworth Chiropractors 020 7228 7822 207 St John's Hill, SW11 1TH www.wandsworthchiro.co.uk Ascension Balham Hill 020 8675 8626 Malwood Rd, Balham, SW12 8EN www.ascensionbalhamhill.org.uk
Cleaners & Cleaning Services Fresh House Cleaning & Maintenance 01227 720 397 info@freshhouse.co.uk www.freshhouse.co.uk
Clothes & Fashion Bespoke Attire Visiting Service Made-to-measure Suits, Shirts, Trousers, Coats, Dresses, etc 07590 675 244 www.bespokeattire.com Designer Alterations 020 7498 4360 220A Queenstown Road Battersea SW8 4LP www.designeralterations.com Comedy - see Restaurants/Pubs
Complementary Therapies Also see Healers The Cleansing Place Colonic Hydrotherapy, Detox Plans, Reflexology, 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 Scooter Computer Ltd Friendly computer help, to your door 020 7384 5949 enquiries@scootercomputer.co.uk
www.scootercomputer.co.uk
If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentialocal.com or on 020 8432 3441
Wandsworth Council The Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street London, SW18 2PU www.wandsworth.gov.uk
020 8871 6000
Counsellors – see Psychotherapists Decorators - see Painters
Dentists To find a dentist: NHS Direct: 0845 46 47 www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories Dishwasher Repair. – see Dom’
DIY, Paint & Hardware Force Homecare DIY and Paint Specialist: 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 MK Repair Centre 020 7223 6529 19 Cobham Close, SW11 6SP www.mkrepaircentre.co.uk
Electricians/Electrical MK Electrical Services 020 7223 6529 19 Cobham Close SW11 6SP www.mkrepaircentre.co.uk
Emergency Services Call 999 OR 112
Estate & Letting Agents Samuel Estates (ARLA & NAEA Licensed) 020 8673 4666 38 Balham Hill Balham SW12 9EL www.samuelestates.com Jacksons Estate Agents (The Guild/Ombudsman)
Balham, Battersea, Earlsfield, Wandsworth, Tooting & Streatham. Call 020 8675 6565 115 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AP www.jacksonsestateagents.com Extensions - see Builders
Lambeth Council Town Hall Brixton Hill, London, W2 1RWU www.lambeth.gov.uk
Fashion - see Clothing
Financial Services David Thompson of Thompson Allen Financial Independent Financial Advice 020 8682 3083 / 07889 191093 david@thompsonallen financial.co.uk
Fire Brigade Call 999 or for non emergencies contact: 020 8555 1200 www.london-fire.gov.uk
Fitness 121 Personal Training Trainers and Nutritional Advisors visit you in your home. 07881 884 738 *25% off Nutrition Packages!* www.121personaltraining.com Movers & Shapers Effective workouts in classes lasting just 30 mins (*free trial!) 020 8673 0808 63 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AP www.moversandshapers.co.uk
Florists Battersea Flower Station Florists and Garden Centre 07811 334 908 16 Winders Rd Battersea SW11 3HE Batterseaflowerstation.co.uk The Flower Sanctuary Weddings, funerals, deliveries, gifts & cakes 020 8675 3799 8 Hildreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ www.flowersanctuary.co.uk
Framers Webbs Road Fine Art 020 7223 1733 1 Burland Rd, Battersea SW11 6SA www.thewebbsgallery.co.uk
020 7926 1000
Furniture & Antiques Also see Cabinet Makers Quirky Dovetail Painted, vintage pine & antique furniture, plus gifts 020 8682 2522 24 Ritherdon Rd, Balham SW17 8QD 32 Old Town, Clapham SW4 0LB www.quirkydovetail.co.uk
Garden Centres Battersea Flower Station 07811 334 908 16 Winders Rd Battersea SW11 3HE Batterseaflowerstation.co.uk
Garden Design & Gardeners Henrietta Gentilli Garden Design LLP Specialising in design of town gardens 07711 652992/020 8675 8411 designs@henriettagentilli.co.uk www.henriettagentilli.co.uk
Gifts & Cards Postmark 020 8675 7272 123 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AR 59 North Cross Rd, Dulwich SE22 9ET www.postmarkonline.co.uk
Healing Pippa Neve Healer & Indigo Essence Practitioner 020 8767 1292/07932 697938 Eswyn Road, Tooting, SW17 8TN www.pippaneve.com
Hairdressers Francesca Alexander 020 7924 3459 15 Webbs Road SW11 1XJ 020 7585 3330 53 Webbs Road SW11 6RX www.francescaalexander.co.uk
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Independent MindBodySoul 020 8772 0208 87 Balham High Road SW12 9AP 20 Ritherdon Road SW17 8QD www.independentmbs.co.uk Zenobia 020 7350 2017 115 Falcon Road, Battersea SW11 2PE Homeopathy – see Comp. Therapies
Hotels & Bed & Breakfast Balham B&B 020 8673 7179 28 Old Devonshire Road Balham SW12 9RB www.balhambandb.co.uk
Hypnotherapy Also see Comp. Therapies Keith Bibby (UKCP Psychotherapist) 020 8673 6311 49 Klea Avenue Clapham Common SW4 9HG hypno-psychotherapy-london.com
Interiors & Design Quirky Dovetail Painted, vintage pine & antique furniture, plus interior design 020 8682 2522 24 Ritherdon Rd, Balham SW17 8QD 32 Old Town, Clapham SW4 0LB www.quirkydovetail.co.uk RAK Ceramics by Potter Perrin 020 7223 1007 142 St John’s Hill Battersea SW11 1SN www.potterperrin/stjohns.com Helen Turkington Fabrics 020 7228 9435 4-5 The Parade St John’s Hill, Battersea SW11 1TG www.helenturkington.co.uk Force Homecare Paint Specialist: Little Greene, Sanderson, Paint and Paper Library
020 8675 9866 22 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9RG www.forcehomecare.co.uk Job Training - see Training
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Keys - see Locksmiths Kitchens - Bathrooms & Kitchens
Language Classes Friendly Spanish 020 7193 9707/079 0560 5513 Old Town, Clapham, SW4 0JY www.friendlyspanish.co.uk Language in Action Teaching language through Drama 0870 770 2705 c/o The Action Station www.theactionstation.co.uk
Leisure Centres & Facilities Balham Leisure Centre 020 8772 9577 Elmfield 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 Millen’ Arena 020 8871 7537 Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ Clapham Cmmn Sports Facilities 020 7223 9837 Windmill Drive, Clapham SW4 9DE
Life Coaching Ami Nielsen 1-2-1 Personal Life Coaching & Group Workshops (FREE Consult) 07718 341 531 www.aminielsen-lifecoach.com
Live Music The Bedford Live music, Club Nights, Comedy, Food, Drink and Events 0208 682 8940 77 Bedford Hill Balham SW12 9HD www.thebedford.com Le Quecumbar Live music every night - most free! 020 7787 2227 42-44 Battersea High St, SW11 3HX www.quecumbar.co.uk
Locksmiths SDS Locksmiths Locks, Safes, Grilles, Key Cutting 020 7228 1185 183-189 Northcote Rd, SW11 6QF Southwest London www.sdslondon.co.uk Cobbold Locksmiths 24-hour Emergency Mobile Service 07769 690439/020 8395 6586 Southwest London www.cobboldlocksmiths.com
Massage - Therapeautic Also see Comp. Therapies Lotus Spa 020 8875 1199 Massage and Beauty Spa 535 Old York Road, Wandsworth SW18 1TG www.lotus-wellbeing-spa.com Lavender Hill Siam Beauty 020 7585 1222 119 & 12 Lavender Hill, Battersea SW11 3RD www.lavenderhillbeauty.com Minicab – see Taxis
Medical Services To find a Doctor/Dentist/Facility call NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Tooting Walk-In Centre 020 8700 0505 Treatment & emergency contraception. 7am-8.30pm. Clare House, St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Rd Tooting SW17 0QT Nannies - see Childcare Nutritionist - see Fitness
Office Supplies & Furniture The New Hurleys 020 8772 8223 9 The Boulevard Balham High Rd SW17 7BW www.hurleysofbalham.com
Paint Specialists and DIY Force Homecare DIY & Paint Specialist: Little Greene, Sanderson & Paint & Paper Library 020 8675 9866 22 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9RG www.forcehomecare.co.uk
If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentialocal.com or on 020 8432 3441
Helplines & Information Wandsworth Careline: health/social services 020 8875 0500 www.careline.org.uk NHS Direct: 24hour confidential info & advice 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Samaritans: confidential 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 confidential 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
Park Paint 020 7228 0547 / 4581 493 Battersea Park Road Battersea SW11 4LW www.parkpaint.co.uk
Painters & Decorators R & S Painters & Decorators Painting, decorating, scaffolding, cleaning, maintenance & joinery. 020 8675 5270/07427 276649 www.randsdecorator.com Poe Projects Interior design projects and painting/decorating jobs of all sizes 020 7223 3286 www.poeprojects.co.uk Personal Training – See Fitness
Pharmacies Battersea Pharmacy Health & Beauty Retailer & Independent Pharmacy of the Year 020 7228 3184 62 Northcote Road SW11 1PA
Shelter: help with housing problems 0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk National Debtline: free advice 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk SeniorLine: confidential help for the elderly 0808 800 6565 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 200 0247 nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk Rape & Sexual Abuse Support: confidential 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.tfl.gov.uk AA Roadwatch: traffic/weather info (non-free) 0906 888 4322 www.theaa.com
Photographers Robbie's Photographics Photographic art & studio: location shots, weddings, courses, portraits, portfolios & makeovers 020 8767 4222 8 Ritherdon Rd, Balham SW17 8QD www.robbiesphotographics.com
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
Plumbers & Heating Engineers
Post Offices
Hamilton Heating Balham-based ‘Gas Safe’ registered plumbers and central heating experts 020 8675 5745/07890 662 713 www.hamiltonheating.com
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; York Road 583 Battersea Park Road, Battersea SW11 3BH.
Police For emergency assistance, call 999 OR 112 or for general enquiries contact: Metropolitan Police 0300 123 1212 ww.met.police.uk
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Printing Services Essential Local Flyers, brochures, magazines, letterheads, business cards. 020 8432 3441 Wandsworth Common www.essentiallocal.com Property - see Estate Agents
Psychotherapists Keith Bibby UKCP Psychotherapist 020 8673 6311 49 Klea Avenue Clapham Common SW4 9HG hypno-psychotherapy-london.com Reiki – see Healers & Comp. Therapy Reflexology – see Comp. Therapy
Removals Moving Home Company Ltd 020 7924 4700 1 Grant Road, SW11 2HD fiaz@movinghomecompany.co.uk www.movinghomecompany.co.uk
Renting Out a Room London Hospitality Placing professionals from W. Europe in spare rooms. Earn £500pm per room. 020 8835 0177 www.bblondon.com
Restaurants, Pubs & Bars The Bedford Live music, Club Nights, Comedy, Food, Drink and Events 020 8682 8940 77 Bedford Hill Balham SW12 9HD www.thebedford.com The Three Monkeys Cocktail and Karaoke Bar 020 8673 4447 5 Fernlea Rd, Balham SW12 9RT www.the3monkeysbar.co.uk Le Quecumbar Live music every night, most free! 020 7787 2227 42-44 Battersea High St, SW11 3HX quecumbar.co.uk
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The Lost Angel - Bar, Restaurant & Boozer! ‘Best New Bar’ Time Out 020 7622 2112 339 Battersea Park Road London SW11 4LS www.lostangel.co.uk Locale Balham 020 8682 3553 225 Balham High Rd SW17 7BQ www.localerestaurants.com Harrison’s Bar & Restaurant 020 8675 6900 15-19 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EX www.harrisonsbalham.co.uk Indian Moment 020 7223 6575 47 Northcote Rd SW11 1NJ www.indianmoment.com Indian Room 020 8675 8611 59 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EZ www.indianroom.co.uk Gurkhas Traditional Nepalese cuisine 020 8675 1188 1 The Blvard, Balham High Rd, Balham SW17 7BW www.gurkhasdiner.co.uk
Second-hand Sales UnusedItems.com Reach thousands of buyers in a few easy steps. Locally based. www.unuseditems.com
Solicitors & Legal Advice Battersea Legal Advice Centre Free legal advice. 020 7585 0716 125 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 1DA www.lawworksclinics.org.uk Spas - See Beauty
Sports Shops & Activities Also see Leisure Facilities Capstick Sports 020 7228 7814 84 Northcote Road SW11 6QN www.capsticksports.co.uk Stationery - See Office Supplies Tailoring – see Clothing
Taxis & Private Hire Leo Private Hire 020 8682 4466 22 Trinity Road SW17 7RE
Theatres Battersea Arts Centre 020 7223 2223 Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Theatre 503 (Latchmere Pub) 020 7978 7040 503 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 3BW www.theatre503.co.uk Landor Theatre 020 7737 7276 70 Landor Rd, Clapham SW9 9PH www.landortheatre.co.uk Therapists - see Psychotherapist
Toys Under the Greenwood Tree Books, Toys & Child-friendly Cafe 020 7627 4557 11 The Polygon, Clapham SW4 0JG Underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk
Job Training/ Qualifications Pitman Training Clapham Junction
0333 577 3035 1st Floor, 50 Northcote Rd Battersea SW11 1PA Pitman-training.com/clapham
Travel Agents Travelmatters 020 8675 7878 10 Blandfield Road (off Nightingale Lane), Balham SW12 8BG www.travelmatters.co.uk
Vets David Cuffe & Associates 020 8772 9922 52 Abbeville Road Clapham SW4 9NF www.cuffevets.com Washing Machine Repair – see Domestic Appliances
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Website Design Essential Local Cost-effective website design for small businesses 020 8432 3441 www.essentiallocal.com
EVENTS
Don’t Miss...
Window Cleaners Renee MG Window Cleaning Ltd 020 8676 4261/07951 321 563 South West London reneemgltd@gmail.com
Windows– Sash Wandsworth Sash Windows Traditional timber, double-glazed, draught proofing, overhaul, sliding 020 7924 7303 125 Lavender Hill, Battersea Wandsworthsashwindows.com
Wine The Wine Tasting Shop Independent Tastings and Sales 020 8616 8658 18 HIldreth St, Balham SW12 9RQ www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk Thorold Wines Independent wine shop 020 8616 0503 22 Ritherdon Road, SW17 8QD www.thoroldwines.co.uk
Yoga/Pilates Kundalini Yoga with Lydia Baksh 07764 587 827 Clapham/Tooting Studios and Privateor Corporate Classes www.lydiabakshyoga.co.uk Amanda Hermitage Group, 1-2-1 and Remedial Pilates 07702 174468 Amandyh@aol.com www.amandahermitage.com
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