Battersea, Clapham & Balham • Issue 34

Broomwood in Africa - founders Malcolm and Katharine Colquhoun

It’s Playtime! - the importance of play in child development and therapy

Home & Garden - design inspiration and making money from your home

Plus… restaurant reviews, alcohol-free wines, events and local people

Bevin BoyOrtis Deley

contents

WelcomeWhether it’s seen in the success of a lm about the beautiful area in which we live (pg 21), the fond memories of a celebrity former resident (pg 6), or positive answers on the subject of what it is that people like about living here (pg 38),

our fortune at doing so is undeniable. It is a slice of geographical luck that has made us the ones able to help others less fortunate, such as the Ethiopian children that Broomwood Hall and its friends are supporting so passionately (pg 26), rather than the other way around.

That said, we all have challenges of our own, whether it be working out a way of using our greatest asset to help pay some bills (pg 13); cutting back a little on those pleasures that aren’t quite as harmless as we’d like to think (pg 18); or the best way to ensure that our children live their lives more fully (pg 23).

Whatever else, there’s certainly a lot to talk and read about. We hope you enjoy doing so.

Richard Chumbleyrichard@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 ofEssential Local. ©Essential Local. All rights reserved 2014.

5 What’s New? The perfect places for work and for meditation

6 Bevin Boy It’s a Gadget Show (and tell) with Ortis Deley

10 Trends and Textures Juliet Bawden and Amanda Russel on interior design

13 Making Money from your Home Photo shoots, holiday lets and the empty spare room

16 Small can be Beautiful How to make the most of your town garden

18 Friend or Faux Alchohol-free ‘alcohol’ – are any worth a taste?

20 Where we Live Quizzing, painting, building and writing poetry

23 More than a Game Is play an essential component of learning and therapy

26 Broomwood in Ethiopia Can a successful UK school be replicated in Africa?

28 Little Leisure Time Leisure centres are so much more than a pretty space

29 Essential Local Events What’s on locally in April and May

31 Reviews: Out & About in your local area – Burrito, Clapham Junction – Sabor!, Tooting Bec

38 Viewpoint Local people give us their opinions

Editor: Richard Chumbley • richard@essentiallocal.comDesigner: Monika Orman Cover photo: Adrian Pegg, EBCContributors: Henrietta Gentilli, Nitesh Patel, Julia Popova,Juliet Bawden and Amanda Russell.

Advertising/Editorial Enquiries: 020 8432 3441info@essentiallocal.com • Essentiallocal.com

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Contents

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Samuel Estate Agents 38 Balham Hill, London SW12 9EL

Tel: 020 8673 4666www.samuelestates.com

‘A REAL HEARTWARMER’

DAILY TELEGRAPH

0844 871 7651 (Fees apply)

atgtickets.com/richmond (Fees apply)

The Green Richmond Surrey TW9 1QJ

MON 28 APR - SAT 3 MAYTHE TIMES

‘THE ULTIMATE FEEL GOOD SHOW’MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

What’s New? in your local area

what’s new

Guided Group Meditations

Guided Meditations with Pippa Neve07932 697938

pippaneve@mac.comwww.pippaneve.com

Cost-effective it may be, but working from home and meeting clients in cafés can usually cost you in productivity. More importantly it makes your home feel less of a home, both for yourself and your family.

Le Bureau, just off Queenstown Road, has provided a local solution for the last six years. A beautifully designed co-working space for individuals and small companies, a recent expansion means it will soon be the largest in London.

“It’s for those who are tired of working from home or in dark, unimaginative of ces,” says Member Services Manager Louise Reardon. “Now they can enjoy a dedicated desk in a ‘big of ce’ atmosphere, complete with free meeting rooms, espresso and tea, WiFi, showers and secure storage.” The expansion has also added ‘siesta’ pods and a furnished lounge to the mix.

“We get people from all elds taking a single desk to a multi-person pod for their business,” adds Louise. “From headhunters to designers, all the way to movie location scouts. What is nice is that younger startups and established professionals work alongside one another. We have a great community, and businesses

often organically meet and end up working together. “If you want a beautiful of ce without the hassle

and high costs, where you can focus on your work and meet fellow professionals, we offer the perfect mix”,” says Louise. With desks starting at £79 per week plus VAT, including all facilities, no deposit and only a month’s commitment, Le Bureau could be just what you need for a great day at the of ce.

Homeworkers - get out of the house!

Le BureauStudio F7, Battersea Studios

80 Silverthorne Road SW8 3HE020 7100 5666 www.lebu.co.uk

Independent of any religion but welcoming to people from any or none, meditation is practiced by billions and is a proven way to relax and de-stress. Its bene ts can include better sleep, self-con dence, improved relationships and reduced anxiety.

“It’s an opportunity to give yourself permission to let go,” explains Pippa Neve, who runs guided meditations on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm in Tooting Bec. “To switch off from the to-do list, the shopping list, and to rediscover yourself and nd some inner peace.”

Pippa, a quali ed teacher and accredited healer, has provided one-to-one therapy locally for many years. She decided to start group meditation sessions after developing her skills further with a teacher training diploma in the eld. “For some the attraction of a group is the cost, while others just prefer them,” says Pippa. “In our group, no-one needs to worry about doing meditation ‘right’; it’s not about uniformity, it’s about a friendly atmosphere and feeling comfortable enough to explore.”

“I effectively help to paint a picture in the clients’ minds,” explains Pippa. “There are many variations

but we might take a journey in nature, for example; other sessions go within the body to help release pain and tensions. I am always reassuring the listener that they are safe. But it’s key to the evening that my voice is a guide, not a rule – each individual follows their own way.”

One client, TK from Earls eld, describes the result: “After a meditation led by Pippa I invariably feel buoyant and positive yet wholly at peace. The bene ts of my weekly sessions with her have been tremendous.”

If you’d like to nd out more, get in touch.

AD

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Bevin BoyBorn in Balham and educated at Ernest Bevin in Tooting Bec, TV presenter Ortis Deley tells Richard Chumbley he’s found it tough being typecast

entertainment

I’m a little surprised when Ortis Deley, the exuberant presenter of Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, picks me up outside Reigate station in an unassuming car. I was expecting a gadget-rich, futuristic style car with buttons aplenty, digital displays and quite possibly an ejector seat. But as we sit chatting in a busy cafe, where the two girls behind the counter are sneaking glances our way and whispering, it soon becomes clear that 40-year-old Ortis, outgoing and con dent though he is, is neither ashy nor prone to taking risks.

That said, his favourite experience on The Gadget Show has been learning to y: “I was only allowed to learn on simulators before having to y for real. Someone else was in there with me, but I had to take off, y a circuit and then land all by myself. It gave me a sense of achievement like you wouldn’t believe.”

But another task was less enjoyable. He was asked to break the world speed record on an electric ducted fan powered bike. “It was very scary,” says Ortis. “The bike would get the wobbles at just 30mph and prior to the nal record-breaking run [when he reached 72mph] I

really didn’t want to do it. I used to turn up to a shoot and they’d say, ‘This is what we’re going to do.’ Now I nd out beforehand and if I were worried about my safety I would pull the plug.”

Local memoriesHis family lived off Garratt Lane and Ortis was born in Balham’s long-since demolished Weir Hospital. After attending Smallwood Primary School in Tooting, in 1984 he started at Ernest Bevin Comprehensive on Beechcroft Road.

“My parents had wanted me to go to Emanuel and they were prepared to put in the overtime to pay for

it, but I managed to convince them to let me go to Bevin with the rest of my friends.”

He has many fond memories of the school and recently had the opportunity to revive them when he was asked to open the school’s science labs after a £250,000 makeover (below). “It was an honour. I’d been waiting for that call for ages,” says Ortis, smiling. “I got to see Jeremy Day, my careers teacher, and Mr Chivers, who is now one of the principals but previously taught Computer Science. I didn’t like Computer Science at school – now look at what I’m doing!”

“I didn’t like Computer Science atschool – now look at what I’m doing!”

How has the school, now Ernest Bevin College, changed? “It’s so very different. The Bec school end has gone and the north block has been completely revamped. When we walked to the block which used to be the Craft, Design and Technology building, I got that smell of sawdust. I felt a little sad that it’s all changed, but I love what they’ve done. When I was there, they probably sent 12 children to university: last year they sent almost 100, which is brilliant.”

Ortis spent his teenage years hanging out in places such as Amen Corner in Tooting, Summerstown or the Arndale (now Southside) Centre. He likes seeing places like Balham on the up, but he thinks towns have also lost something.

“My wife Rachel loves the cool restaurants of Brixton Village but my mates hate it. Brixton used to have a real ethnic community vibe: you’d go there to get your soul food, your reggae, your hip-hop. The essence of Brixton has gone.”

Surprise, surpriseOrtis stayed at Bevin for his A levels and he began to consider studying pharmacy at degree level – “I wanted to be on the team that developed a cure for who knows what,” says Ortis – and on his second attempt, he passed his A levels and went to Sunderland University. But how did a pharmacy student get into television?

At university he and his friends thought it would be a laugh to go along to open auditions for the TV show Blind Date. “I showed up, messed about and cracked jokes,” recalls Ortis, who was eventually selected and subsequently appeared on the show. The girl then 6

chose him and they went on a date to Seattle. “I had an absolute blast and the video they took was edited beautifully in my favour,” says Ortis. “By the time I got to the studio for the second show it was like hanging out with family. I can remember throwing jokes out to the audience, being playful with my date and joking with ‘Auntie’ Cilla. It just felt really natural.”

The following Monday Ortis got a phone call from the LWT press of ce saying there had been some enquiries: stageplay auditions, screentests, a comedy agent. But Ortis remained cautious:

“I was still in my nal year and my degree came rst – I wasn’t prepared to take a gamble. One thing I did do, however, was attend a presenting workshop for The Children’s Channel, which I very much enjoyed. Then, upon graduation TCC offered me a regular slot and I thought, okay, so my pharmacy degree is good for ve years – let’s see where this goes.”

His rst live show was in late 1994 and over four

years at TCC and Trouble he presented numerous shows and interviewed pretty much anyone who was about to become anyone: from Usher to Kylie Minogue. “My memories of this time are my fondest,” says Ortis. “I worked with some fantastic people and we were allowed to run riot creatively.

From 1998 he started working at the stricter regimen of CBBC, where he remained for 10 years, hosting countless shows such as Live & Kicking, X-perimental and Short Change.

A grown-up careerBy now in his mid-thirties, Ortis was ready to move on from children’s television. “I was concerned that the kids would start to think I was fake.” Unfortunately, however, like many children’s TV presenters before him, Ortis was typecast.

“From making the decision to actually getting my

entertainment

“I can remember throwing jokes out to the audience and joking with ‘Auntie’ Cilla. It just felt

really natural.”

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rst non-children’s gig took ve years. It was tough. I think my exuberance is youthful, and thus it’s easy

to put me into that children’s presenter box. No one would give me a chance.”

Then, in 2009 along came The Gadget Show. “It’s a family show and they wanted me to bring that same exuberance. Finally I wasn’t in children’s television anymore! It felt great.”

“I’m a nice guy so someday I want toplay a really twisted psycho...

someone really dark.”

The technology subject matter suited Ortis, who grew up on Star Trek and Star Wars (and has a collection of about 6000 comic books). “Once I knew I had a career as a presenter, I really wanted to do Tomorrow’s World. I wish they’d bring it back; but perhaps I can push The Gadget Show in that direction.” He tells me that the buzzword in technology this year is wearable tech: “In years to come even my jumper will have some sort of connectivity.”

In late 2010, Ortis also began a Sunday morning radio slot on London’s Choice FM. “Radio is a lot more intimate: you are effectively going straight into the ear of the listener. I found it quite dif cult to talk positively about musicians who I wasn’t really that keen on. Moreover, when I talk I use my face, my hands... but you can’t use that on radio. I have a lot of respect for radio broadcasters.”

In addition to his work in TV and radio, Ortis has dipped his toe into acting – appearing in the lms Kidulthood and Derailed; in stage productions and on television in Silent Witness and The Bill.

“I’m a nice guy, so one day I want to play a really twisted psycho.” Like a Moriaty? I ask. He laughs: “Maybe not that intellectual, I’m not sure I could put that across, but someone really dark.”

Training for the futureWhen The Gadget Show changed its set-up in 2012, Ortis spent two years as a house-husband exploring his options. A martial arts enthusiast and avid sportsman, he seriously considered becoming a personal trainer. “I didn’t know if I was ever going to get back onto television screens,” he explains. But with the return of The Gadget Show and a reluctance to get up at 5.30am in the morning to lead intensive tness training, he’s decided instead to create a website offering tness and nutritional advice. “I can’t be sure more presenting jobs will come about, so I always want something solid beside it,” says Ortis.I wonder what the Ernest Bevin pupil of his early life would think of his work. “I would have been a fan

of The Gadget Show and Live & Kicking,” he says, “but I wouldn’t have watched the rest – I’d have been too busy running, riding my bike and climbing over roofs. I was always on an adventure.”

Does he get much hassle from his celebrity?“Not at all, and I prefer it that way,” he says. “I’ve

always operated beneath the radar.”As we leave the café, the girls behind the counter

run after us and ask if they can get a photo. Where’s a jumper with integrated stealth-mode technology when you need one?

entertainment

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home & garden

Trends and TexturesOn the subject of the latest interior design trends, Juliet Bawden and Amanda Russell say there’s no time to hesitate, we must all patinate!

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The current trend for design is inspired by both fties and Scandinavian ideas: the message is simple and the look is elegant and con dent. A quiet and considered style, it is by no means dull: it combines classic mid-century modern furniture with organic home wares including honest textures in ceramics, wood and glass.

Until recently we’ve been more than a little shy of painterly pattern and homespun texture, instead sticking to tried and tested neutrals. Interiors have now picked up on fties design in uences, and elegant new designs with a sophisticated vintage feel are emerging. There is new depth of character and individuality being created through mixing contemporary with patinated (aged) vintage.

With bold textured prints, the brave new trend of art textiles has been embraced by Designers Guild. Bang on trend for this season is their new design of a large leafy woodblock print Odhni from the Amlapura collection.

To further whet your appetite for vintage design you should visit the Fashion and Textile Museum near London Bridge. Here you’ll discover a richly illustrated

exhibition that’s open until 7th May. Artist Textiles: Picasso to Warhol traces the history of 20th century art in textiles, with works by Delaunay, Calder, Hepworth and many more, as well as featuring key examples from European and American art movements. It’s a fascinating window onto the period, showing us how

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Bang on trend, Designers Guild’s large, leafy woodblock print Odhni, from the Amlapura collection.

Con dent classic mid-century modern furniture combined with vintage nds

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ordinary people engaged with modern art through clothing and furnishings.

If you are inspired by the fties vintage look there’s never been a better time to make the look your own by sourcing furniture and homewares from antiques emporiums, car boot fairs and online auctions.

Designersguild.comFtmlondon.org/whats-on/exhibitions

Exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum, Artist Textiles: Picasso to Warhol.

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If you are inspired to create your own artist textiles, local interior designers R&B Consultants – Amanda Russell, designer, formerly Linda Barker’s right-hand

woman, and Juliet Bawden, author of over 70 books – together run workshops on the topic and are available

for more general interiors advice.

Visit: randbconsultants.co.ukEmail: russellandbawden@gmail.com

home & garden

Making money from your homeTimes are tight and yet we still don’t employ our greatest asset. From letting a room to letting someone lm your house, we take a look at some of the best ways to turn your bricks and mortar into gold

Your home is likely to be your most valuable asset but until you sell, it just sits there eating at your nances. Fortunately you live in one of the most desirable parts of London; so whether you choose to boost your income by renting out a room or the whole house for holiday lets or location shoots, there are plenty of people who would pay to be in your house.

A room with a view...to earning cashRenting out an underused spare room is a uniquely tax ef cient way of increasing your income. Under the government’s ‘Rent a Room’ scheme you can earn up to £4,250 a year tax-free without telling anyone at all. However, many people who are considering this option want the reassurance and simplicity of working with a professional agency such as London Hospitality.

Owner Sally Chilton started letting rooms in the early 90s when her marriage ended and she was left with two small children. “I needed work I could do from home,” recalls Sally. “I had a lot of space in my house so I thought, why not?” After hosting students for ve years, she began offering bed and breakfast before eventually developing an agency which could deal with both those short-term and the long-term bookings. London Hospitality is now the number one agency for guests coming to London from German speaking countries.

Sally acknowledges you don’t really know how you’ll get on with a guest before they move in, which is why they guarantee to nd alternative accommodation for a guest within 24 hours if necessary. “Most of the guests are considerate people from a variety of backgrounds and professions. They come to London for work experience or contract work, so they are out most of the day.”

When a local home-owner gets in touch with Sally, the rst step is a visit to see the available room before asking the host if they have any preferences – male of female guests only, professionals or students, etc. They then take the photographs for an online listing and the enquiries follow.

“We employ expertise developed over 20 years,” says Sally. “Hosts receive an info pack; we deal with the money and pay the host on time; and we are always on call.” They also produce a newsletter featuring events, area pro les and special features.

So how much can someone earn from renting out a room? “B&B stays generate more money – up to £70-80 a day,” says Sally. “But there’s effort involved, such as providing a daily breakfast, cleaning and spending some face-time with the guest. Longer-term bookings, which probably average about three months, are less pro table but you might earn about £120-180 per week and there is far less work involved. The beauty of either option is the exibility: over the year you can rent out the room for as many or as few days as you like. Even just a few weeks a year can top upthe coffers.” 13

home & garden

Location, Location, Location...Another way of earning money from your home is to offer it as a location shoot for television, lm or photography. And all properties could be of interest – you don’t have to own Downton Abbey!

“You get to meet the cast and it can be great fun,” says Juliet Bawden who runs Dixcot Locations and has arranged shoots for Jonathan Creek, Brides magazine and Tesco. “If you don’t like your possessions moved about or strangers in the house, then this is not for you; but for others it can earn them thousandsof pounds.”

020 8769 7144 dixcotlocations.com

‘Lets’ earn someextra incomeAnother way to derive income from your home is to rent it out in its entirety. The strapline of lettings specialist Coach House Rentals’ is ‘Live Like a Local’ and that is the philosophy behind the business, both at its London of ce and in New York, Rome and Paris. Guests in private houses appreciate the freedom of being able to shop at the local market and cook for themselves, or perhaps hold a barbecue. Larger groups especially bene t from the lower cost of sharing a home when compared with hotel rooms.

During a booking owners can leave all their belongings at home, they just need to ensure there’s enough wardrobe, draw, fridge and bathroom space for the visitors. “We explain to our guests, you’re coming into someone’s home,” says founder Harley Nott. “It’s not a soulless hotel room or a bare serviced apartment: the owner’s pictures will be on the wall, their CDs on the shelf. Likewise we say to our owners, imagine how you would like to nd the house upon arrival.

“We have three main types of owner,” explains Harley. “Families who share time between London and a house in the country who want to let their house during school holidays; older owners spending more and more time in the country but who have kept their place in London; and owners who live in another country but return to London for holidays.”

Coach House Rentals always see their guests’ passports and proof of address, as well as taking a

sizable security deposit. In over 4,500 lets they have had only had two minor theft incidents but Harley points out that it’s clearly wise to take anything small and super-valuable or sentimental with you. “And if you’re the sort of person who would worry themselves sick over a potential spot on your carpet, this may not be for you.”

To get on their books, a simple phone conversation will allow Harley to assess whether it will work and give you an idea of the potential income before visiting the property himself. “The owners tell us when the property’s available and when it’s not, so we don’t hassle them unnecessarily, we just get on with it and keep them informed,” says Harley. He suggests that owners need to be able to offer at least 12 weeks over the course of a year and that two bedrooms would be the minimum. As for the revenue, a well-booked property can bring in over £20,000 per year.

Harley is con dent that lettings here will market well: “Many years ago, we told our Kensington friends we were moving to Balham. One said ‘I don’t know where that is’ and his wife stepped in: ‘Oh yes you do, Dear - it’s on the way to Glyndebourne!’ Things have changed: the local area has good transport links, great restaurants and the commons are wonderful – the whole area is becoming known as a very desirable place to live.”

LONDON Hospitality020 8835 0177

info@london-hospitality.co.ukLondon-hospitality.co.uk

Coach House Rentals020 8355 3192

owners@chslondon.comChslondon.com

For longer lettings: Truepennys.com, Samuelestates.co.uk, Tateresidential.co.uk, Premmoves.co.uk, Currell.com

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home & garden

Small can be beautifulLocal garden designer Henrietta Gentilli shows us why certain designs work and provides us with inspiration forour own town gardens

Right: Pots or planters make excellent focal points. The three elegant tapered pots in dynamic red work wellwith ery foliage in autumn, with the red stems of the central pot in winter, and with the warm colours of summer owers. They are placed against a smooth painted panel contrasting with textural brick all around. The all-weather wicker seating is light in colour which is uplifting and contemporary.

Inset: A warm, pale blue panel sits within a wall of contemporary stained screening. In front, a slimline and unusual charcoal pot is planted with silver evergreen foliage. The serene, clean lines are enhanced by the open stretch of lawn. Low cost LED lights are carefully positioned to light the pot from below 365 days a year.

Right: This design of this small terraced garden runs harmoniously from a newly designed kitchen. The same colours of walls/screening and pots were used inside and out; the green and silver foliage echoed the colour of the kitchen units; and the outside stone matched that indoors, thus creating a blurring between the inside and the out when the full French doors are open. The garden was made to look larger by careful design, particularly the creation of a raised rear bed and planting (providing healthy growth due to better light levels). This also allowed for a water feature to fall from the retaining wall to a small pool at ground level, creating movement and a gentle sound which helps to give a small hardscaped space extra life. The lighting, including pretty starlighters in the trees, makes the space seem even larger at night.

Left: A symmetrical garden leading from an elegant house. The large lawn allows for moveable furniture

to be positioned and relocated so as to chase after the sun. The focal ornamental trees along the rear wall provide blossom in spring, berries in summer and vivid red foliage in autumn. Easy to maintain hardwood screening adds a contemporary contrast to the lovely old London stock brick walls. The planting is symmetrical on each side of the garden and con ned to fresh colours of green, silver, white and limited blue, with plenty of scented climbers. Planters on each side provide a statement in the middle of the long beds.

Inset: The elegant, clean steps are softened either side by the use of lush planting in the lower and upper beds. Designer lights add the nal touch.

All the above gardens were designed by Henrietta Gentilli, who 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.uk16

Friend or Faux?There are hundreds of reasons to reduce the amount we drink, but few decent replacements when we try. So we’ve researched and selected the faux alcoholic drinks that are the least likely to offend

food & drink

No one who likes a drink (and we do) can hand on heart say that ‘wine’ or beer with little or no alcohol tastes anywhere close to as good as the real thing, but that’s not the point: a low alcohol wine, beer or cider can help people who associate those drinks with relaxation and enjoyment cut down or give up.

For some it’s a diet choice (lower alcohol generally means fewer calories), for others a legitimate concern about fertility or good parenting; and for still others it’s an essential health issue, perhaps even a matter of life and death.

This being the case it’s shocking that so many off-licences, shops, bars and restaurants do so little to help.So we’ve done the research and tested our tastebuds on your behalf. Here’s our pick of the faux alcohol drinks available in the UK and where they can be found.

Honourable mentions to:

Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG – An enjoyable semi-sparkling sweet 5% Italian red. Sourced from The Wine Tasting Shop in Balham.Bonne Nouvelle Blanc – A great value dry white with hints of apple. www.alcoholfree.co.uk

Waitrose Low Alcohol Cider 1% vol£1.15 500ml, Waitrose or Ocado.com

We think this fresh-tasting cider is the closest match to the taste of a fully alcoholic drink you’ll nd. With a golden colour, hint of zz and dash of dryness it’s surprisingly tasty. This is also our new best friend for late night deadlines.

Bernard Free Alcohol-Free Beer 0.5% vol£34.49 per case of 24x 500ml,Alcoholfree.co.uk

A big hoppy smell and beautiful amber colour tempt you in before the rich taste of this ale-style beer absorbs you and then leaves you with an exceptional, long-lasting nish. It’s actually quite a revelation.

Krombacher Alcohol-Free Beer 0.5% vol£21.99 per case of 24x 330ml,Alcoholfree.co.uk

It’s a little zzy but there was a pleasant, hoppy aftertaste to this lager, a step up from the best of the supermarket options, Becks Blue. To go out for a drink, though, drop in at Harrison’s in Balham where they serve Bitburger Drive.

Weinkonig Riesling 0.3% vol£6.89 750ml, min order 6 bottles,Alcoholfree.co.uk

We sipped this quite happily with a tomato and caper courgette pasta. It’s not watery like many of the other de-alcoholised wines we tried. It can’t get close to the depth of an alcoholic wine, but this dry white had a real lemony zing and re ected its Riesling badge well.

Eminasin Doce Meses 0.5% vol£9.99 750ml, min order 6 bottles,Alcoholfree.co.uk

Faux reds tend to have a slightly unpleasant acidic aftertaste that makes them less suitable for quaf ng. But this oak-aged 100% Tempranillo still offers a good nose, colour, fruit and complexity. With plenty of tannins, it’s one of the few that could hold its own with a roast.

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local interest

WHERE WE LIVELet’s see how much you know about the local area? The clue is often in the question...

1) What was the name of the pet belonging to the celebrity chef part-owner of Harrison’s in Balham? It was more Dover than Rover!

2) Which actor grew up on Clapham Common Southside and went on to star in a lm about Clapham Junction? We don’t mind a few guesses.

3) Which local school links a wartime politician with a current Wandsworth MP?

4) He didn’t know my father but he did know Wandsworth Common. Which former prime minister once lived close by?

5) How many platforms are there at Clapham Junction station?

6) Which Balham company has a giant dog who almost certainly likes proper tea?

7) The Bedford in Balham was rst opened in the 1830s as what type of building?a) A courthouse, b) A theatre or c) A hotel

8) Battersea’s Clapham Junction station was mis-named back in 1863 to appeal to a ‘better crowd’ and has since caused years of confusion. Which mutually bene cial Northcote Road store recently corrected its address to ‘Battersea’ following the efforts of Lovebattersea.org.uk?

9) In which Balham road would you nd a mixed up radius bone?

10) Which sturdy novelist brie y lived on Trinity Road and also published a book with which a cafe in Clapham Old Town shares its name?

Answers on page 38

Balham was recently once again named by The Sunday Times as one of the top ve places to live in London. With further improvements set to be completed by June this year, as a result of the Balham Partnership and Wandsworth Council’s success in securing of £1.9million to improve Balham Town Centre, life there is set to get even better!

The improvements consist of 1) the decluttering of Hildreth Street; 2) the creation of a public space at Bedford Hil Place; 3) Lighting improvement and recladding under the High Road bridge; and 4) the installation of an artwork on the so-called ‘ugly wall’. For more info see Balham.com/about/olf2

CongratulationsWe congratulate Falcon Road’s Providence House Youth Club on its 50th Anniversary. Providence House provides a safe environment where local young people can socialize, build relationships andimprove their skills.

If you miss their open day from 2.30pm on May 10th, visit Providence-house.org or read our full article at EssentialBattersea.co.uk

Carnival time!Make a note, the date has been announced for the Ritherdon Road Street party (below) as Sunday 8th June; for the Abbeville Fête as Saturday 28th June; and for The Northcote Road Summer Fête as Sunday 6th July.

Ritherdonroadstreetparty.comAbbevillefete.comIlovenorthcoteroad.com

QUIZlocal

1) Hildreth Street 2) Bedford Hill Place

3) High Road Railway Bridge 4) Flank Wall (Waitrose)

Balham to be transformed by June

20

local interest

In 2013, Common People, an independent British comedy lm directed by two local residents and set and lmed on Tooting Common, won The Independent Spirit Award at The Sedona Film Festival and was later nominated for a St Louis Film Critics’ Award. After sold-out showings at The Clapham Picture House, on Tuesday June 10th the lm will be shown across 17 cinemas nationwide. One of our local parks is going to be famous across Britain! For more information visit Commonpeoplethemovie.com

Local artists It’s not just lm-makers that get inspiration from the delights of Clapham, Balham, Tooting and Battersea.

Left: Tooting Bec Lido by Jonny Midnight. Gallerymidnight.com

Below: Al Gusto Summer (Northcote Road) by Marcel Gatteaux. Webbs neartgallery.co.uk

Groovy Art poetry winnerTo celebrate the launch of their new website, Essential Local Community member Groovy Art Workshops held a poetry competition for children over Christmas. Congratulations to the winner Lucy (16). You can read her poem ‘A reminder that Christmas can be bittersweet’ at Groovyartworkshops.co.uk

A CREATIVE COMMONS

Common People goes national

21

More than just a gameAngie Clarke takes a look at the role of play and in a young child’s development. Is learning and therapy most effective when the child is having fun?

YogaBugs – having fun and stretching the imagination

YogaBugs– The one bug your child should catch!

In our increasingly fast paced lives, children are given less time to re ect and use their imagination. Add the constant use of technology and children are using imaginative play less and less. “This is having a negative effect on their attention span and ability to learn,” argues Francesca, the YogaBugs Director in South East and South West London. “Modern technology can be great but people forget that children learn through play.

At YogaBugs we take children on wild adventures telling stories through yoga inspired postures. Our sessions are speci cally designed to not only give children a good physical workout but also to improve their concentration and listening skills, which in turn improves their social interactions.”

YogaBugs classes are fun, interactive and open to children from the moment they can walk to 12 years. For more information and to try a free taster, contact Francesca on 0845 899 7173 / francesca@yogabugs.com or visit www.yogabugs.com to nd your local class.

community & education

“Babies explore their world through play,” says Kiki’s Children’s Clinic founder Kiki von Eisenhart Goodwin. “They learn about their own bodies, social interaction and relationships, cause and effect and ‘how their world works’ through movement and play.” Play is also an essential tool in Kiki’s own work as a child therapist, but more of that later.

According to the UK charity Family Lives, play helps young children of all ages to “build self worth by giving a child a sense of his or her own abilities and to feel good about themselves. Because it’s fun, children often become very absorbed in what they are doing. In turn, this helps them develop the ability to concentrate.”

Francesca of Yogabugs, the popular fusion of storytelling and yoga-inspired postures for children, agrees: “Children learn better through play; when they are enjoying an activity they are more likely to put in maximum effort and pay full attention.” While Montania Saah of Balham-based Groovy Art Workshops, believes that learning is a creative process best achieved by making learning an ‘inquisitive adventure’.

It’s important, however, to draw a line between fun and chaos: “There has to be structure and boundaries. Organised chaos takes a lot of planning!,” says Montania. 23

community & education

According to Kiki von Eisenhart Goodwin, play has an extremely important role in child therapy.

“Babies will not do head circles and a push-up if you tell them to – they just won’t understand it. Babies will, however, reach for a bubble when they are lying on a ball. Lying on its back, a baby has little motivation to use their right arm to catch something on their left side – unless it is a game. The skilled therapist employs focussed and targeted play to get the child to do the stretch or exercise while having fun. Loud bright coloured toys are the essential support tools for paediatric therapy.

“It can’t all be fun, of course,” says Kiki. “Some stretching and facilitation can be dif cult; but in general the children have a good time and they can even be a little grumpy when it’s nished. In some occupational therapy (OT) sessions, for example, I’m not sure who’s having more fun: the child, the therapist or the parents enjoying their child!”

We’ll leave the nal words to Caroline Henson and Virge Bisset, Joint Headmistresses at The Willow Nursery which has recently relocated to new premises in Grafton Square, SW4: “Learning should be a joyful and rewarding experience,” they say. “Praise in work and play are the absolute foundations for building con dence. Learning should, in short, be fun!”

Kiki’s Children’s ClinicKiki’s Children’s Clinic (KCC) in Clapham South offers high quality Paediatric Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Osteopathy for babies and children.

“Our fundamental purpose is to help children live their lives more fully,” explains founder Kiki von Eisenhart Goodwin, whose clinic treats an enormous variety of conditions including developmental delay, orthopaedic problems, cerebal palsy, poor coordination, autism spectrum disorders, learning dif culties, speech problems and behavioural issues. Kiki and her husband Rupert consciously created a homely environment at the clinic so that children do not feel as though they are in a sterile, cold hospital environment.

Parents will typically get the news that their child may need therapy from a doctor and most will begin by sourcing therapy from the NHS. Often, however, they may discover waiting lists – or are told to “wait and see”. “At which point many parents come to us,” says Kiki. “They believe, as we do, that early intervention is hugely bene cial.”

Kiki is clear that it’s not only children that need their support, parents do too: “The moment that you’re told your child has special needs can be devastating. It is normal to be upset, even overwhelmed, but action is required, and taking action helps you regain control. Get information, get advice, get an assessment and get therapy, if needed – the sooner you start, the better.”

Kiki’s Clinic encorages parents to be involved in treatment sessions. Whatever the diagnosis, parents learn that their child can typically do a lot more than they thought or feared. As the parent sees, feels and experiences the positive results of therapy, they gain in con dence and can enjoy the child they have. It is beautiful to see,” says Kiki.

Kikisclinic.com 124 Thurleigh Road SW12 8TU info@kikisclinic.com 020 7450 1708

Groovy Art WorkshopsA progressive education service provider of academic tutoring services, creative workshops and art events for children and young people, particularly between the ages of 5 -11.

Groovyartworkshops.co.ukhello@groovyartworkshops.co.uk 0844 357 9472

See sidebars for contact details and visitfamilylives.org.uk, thewillownursery.co.uk and

playengland.org.uk for further information. On page 28 you’ll nd more ideas for children’s activities.

OT and new ways of using Dad’s shaving foam!

Clear communication: “Messy play please!”

24

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

Small businesses employing staff will be pleased to hear that from April 2014 all businesses and charities will be entitled to an employment allowance of £2,000 per year towards their employer National Insurance bill.

Businesses looking to invest and grow will welcome the news that the annual investment allowance is being increased from £250,000 to £500,000.

Low and middle-income earners will be delighted to hear that the personal allowance, which will increase to £10,000 this April, will further increase in April 2015 to £10,500.

The new announcement that the Government’s help to buy scheme will be extended to 2020 is great news for local traders involved in the construction industry, including builders, electricians, plumbers and estate agents.

From autumn 2015 a new tax-free childcare scheme will be introduced to support working families with the costs of childcare This will be worth 20% of childcare costs up to £10,000 per child each year.

Finally, it was announced that fuel duty rates will remain frozen for the remainder of this Parliament, which will be a relief for many.

local business

Nitesh Patel of Tax Assist Accountants takes us through the highlights of the recent budget statement

25

Broomwood in EthiopiaFollowing the opening of their school for orphans in Ethiopia, Richard Chumbley meets the charity’s founders and Broomwood Hall principals Malcolm and Katharine Colquhoun

On Monday 3rd March this year, St George’s opened in Azezo, near Gondar, North West Ethiopia, an achievement made all the more extraordinary by the fact that it was accomplished by one of our own local schools as a result of just two years of fundraising by its pupils, parents and friends.

Behind ‘Broomwood in Ethiopia’ lies the Northwood African Education Foundation, whose patron is Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York. The charity will also be responsible for the ongoing running of the school, which will, it is hoped, eventually provide free education to around a thousand disadvantaged ve to 18-year-olds who might otherwise not have received an education at all. Not only will these children receive a high quality education, but also two nutritious meals a day, clothing, shoes and comprehensive medical care, all funded by the continuing efforts of Broomwood Hall and its supporters. Over £260,000 has already been raised.

Shortly after the opening of the new school I went to meet the charity’s founders, Malcolm and Katharine Colquhoun, principals and owners of local pre-preparatory and preparatory schools Broomwood Hall and Northcote Lodge.

How do you feel now that the school has opened?Katharine (K): It’s very exciting, a dream nally realised.Malcolm (M): We ew out there last week to see for ourselves and it was incredibly emotional.K: When we arrived the children were having scrambled eggs and lovely soft rolls with tea. We’re trying to boost their diet, but carefully. Later we did some painting with them – they had never seen paints before.

How did the idea for Broomwood in Ethiopia develop?M: About three years ago I got an email from a chap called Chris Grant who runs the Link Ethiopia charity. I asked him whether he thought it would be possible for us to start and run our own school there. He said ‘Yes, sure – why not? So we took the idea to the Broomwood Hall Parents’ Association, who were terribly enthusiastic. Years earlier we had decided the school should choose a speci c charity to fund each year, so it made sense to start our own.M: Normally, after fundraising you would simply hand money over to an existing charity. We did that ourselves for a school in India, but later discovered that the hall to which we had donated was never built.K: We wanted to able to see that the money we raised was making a real difference. M: What’s special about this project is that we’re not just building the school, we’re running it, and doing so very much in our own image. So when the children here have Skype conversations with their compatriots in Africa, they are actually seeing themselves. The idea is to have Broomwood Hall in Africa.

Why Africa, why Ethiopia?M: Ethiopia is an English-speaking, stable and fundamentally Christian country, which ties in with our ethos here. Our children are exceptionally privileged and a huge part of this project is to give them exposure to other parts of the world where the children are not nearly as lucky.

Whom does the charity help?K: We work with the local ‘kebele’ [council] to choose families to help on a needs basis. In Ethiopia, if you have lost one parent you’re an orphan, as it’s so dif cult to support a family; if you’ve lost two you’re a double-orphan. To go to school in Ethiopia you have to be able to afford a pencil, an exercise book and basic materials, and many children simply can’t.

Do you believe that people have a responsibility to help others less fortunate?M: It’s absolutely crucial to what we’re trying to do at Broomwood Hall: to teach children it is their duty to do precisely that.K: Yes, and we have nancially supported this project to a signi cant degree ourselves and will continue to do so – it’s something we believe in.

community & education

26

How have you found dealing with Ethiopian culture and government?M: It’s been a huge challenge. One thing they are particularly determined to be is incorrupt, which means virtually everything we do has to go out to tender.K: We’ve had support at all different levels, which has been very encouraging. The local municipality gave us seven and half hectares of land.

It’s been extraordinary getting to know the teachers working on the curriculum with Diana Mardon, our director of education and the former head of our Lower School [all the other staff are African]. They are very much open to ideas, but they’re also able to say, ‘what about this and what about that?’ on a very equal footing. The basic curriculum in Ethiopia is similar to our own but it’s more diadactic: talk, repetition and learning by rote. At St George’s, the children will do all the integrated learning that one does in England but we’ll also ensure their memories are being developed like that of their contemporaries.

How does the project involve thepupils at Broomwood?K: The pupils at St George’s are now part of our own pupils’ lives and they will interact and learn from one another. Broomwood pupils will continue to be involved in the fundraising: they’ve already held cake stalls, sung in carol concerts and carried out sponsored readings. The parents have been particularly supportive, raising £10,000 from just one carol concert. More directly, there’s a party of 14 Broomwood 10 to 13-year-olds going to Africa to deliver equipment, take lm footage and teach the children little rhymes. More

trips are planned.M: We’re going to establish a proper broadband connection so that the schools can Skype one another and potentially share assemblies. That’s very exciting.

What’s next for St George’s and the charity?M: We will be having a formal appeal designed to raise funds. It should be easier to fundraise for something that exists than it was for an idea. In the short-term we

need to construct more classrooms. Our vision is for a school that will go through from ages ve to 18, but it’s rather exciting to be on a voyage where you don’t know where we’ll end up. The other thing is to build a guesthouse, an essential part of our concept is that gap students can visit and help out.K: Yes, and older people on gardening leave or taking time out of the city. Visitors can help just by speaking English. The children speak Amharic, the local language, but after 11-years-old all the instruction in Ethiopia is in English, so it is key to give them a head start.M: I’m very tempted by the idea of going there for a month myself and just sort of getting stuck in. Diana loves it out there and has asked to stay on another year. If she can do it, so can I.

Is there anything you’d like to add?K: This is a wonderful opportunity to thank everyone for their help. When you’re used to doing things fairly quickly and something takes a long time, you really need that support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• DONATE online at Broomwoodinethiopia.com/index.php/fundraising/donate or you can send a cheque made out to ‘Northwood African Education Foundation’ to Broomwood in Ethiopia, 29b Sudbrooke Road SW12 8TQ. Registered Charity No.1153346

• SPONSOR A CHILD for £21 per month, including the opportunity to follow their progress and interact. Email h.meyer@broomwoodinethiopia.com

Find out more at www.broomwoodinethiopia.com

27

sport & fitness

Little leisure time

Sessions vary across centres so visitwww.dcleisure.co.uk

or contact your local centre for further details.

Leisure centres are great for adult tness but also for our kids’ health too. Fortunately, unlike our reluctant selves, children almost always want to go

Wandsworth’s leisure centres offer a wide range of activities for under ves which provide fun and exercise in a safe environment. “They help to develop social and physical skills, as well as encourage kids to keep t and healthy,” says Krystina Grif th of DC Leisure who overseas the marketing at Latchmere, Balham, Putney, Wandle, Roehampton and Tooting centres, plus the Tooting Bec Lido.

Music and movement, for example, offers children from six months to ve years 45 minutes of bouncy castle and soft play fun followed by 15 minutes of sing-a-long. Or there’s pre-school trampolining, which is great fun and builds both balance and coordination. Meanwhile, purpose-built play zones contain slides, ball ponds, climbing areas and more. There’s even a ‘Toddler’s Gym’, an instructor-led session involving soft play equipment, interactive games and the development of social skills.

In addition to offering a great opportunity for a family swim (have you experienced Latchmere’s wave machine yet?), each centre boasts a Swimming

Academy which offers group and individual lessons for ages six months and upwards. Lessons follow the ASA’s national teaching plan and parents can view their child’s

progress through an ‘on course’ online tool.

During holidays there are ve-day crash ‘learning to swim’ classes for children aged three and upwards at speci c sites with a teaching pool. Meanwhile bigger kids will love the In atable and Diving Board sessionsat Tooting.

The local centres also offer birthday parties. “There’s a whole range,” says Krystina. “From the Big Splash swimming party, the Trampoline party and the Football Party, to the Bouncy Castle Adventure Land party. There’s no mess, no fuss and we do all the work, whilst you, your child and their friends have all the fun!”

Swimming Academies at each of the local leisure centres offer lessons for children of all ages and abilities

Fun, safe environments in which your children can play

AD

VER

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Latchmere Leisure Centre

2828

EVENTS April - June

Battersea,Clapham& Balham

what’s on

Occupied - Theatre 503Until 26th AprilDriven by a desire for belonging, two Romanian immigrants kidnap an Englishman to learn how to be English. Set in a derelict Victorian public toilet. A darkly comic play. Mon - Sat 7.45pm, Sunday 5pmTheatre 503, 503 Battersea Park Road020 7978 7040 • Theatre503.com

Orpheus – Battersea Arts CentreUntil 17th May 1930s Paris: musician Django Reinhardt is the lead in a re-imagining of the Greek myth with a live score of hot club jazz, opera and French chanson. £15-£25Battersea Arts CentreLavender Hill SW11020 7223 2223 • Bac.org.uk

Makers’ Market - Brixton2nd Saturday of each monthYou’ll nd the street full of handmade crafty bits, contemporary art and new fashion from independent designers and makers. 10am – 5pm.Brixton Station Road, SW9

Clapham NCT Easter PartySaturday 12th AprilPhotography Station, Easter Craft Table, Face-painter, Monkey Music class, Raf e, Easter Eggs and Goodie Bag. 2.30-4.30pm. £5 in adv, £7 on door.Broomwood Methodist Church,155d Broomwood Road, SW11 6BDRSVP to events@claphamnct.com

Pygmalion - Richmond TheatreMonday 14th April - Saturday 19th AprilA major revival of one of the best loved plays of the 20th century. Alistair McGowan attempts to transform the manners of ower girl Eliza Doolittle.Richmond TheatreThe Green, Richmond • TW9 1QJ0844 871 7651 • Atgtickets.com/richmond

Natural Wine Tasting- The Wine Tasting ShopTuesday April 15thEverything Organic and bio-dynamic There will be 7 different wines accompanied with ne cheese,charcuterie and speciality breads. £20pp in advance.The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth St, SW12 9RQ020 8616 8658 • Thewinetastingshop.co.uk

Women Mean BusinessWednesday 23rd April, 6pm to 9pmA business ‘speed-dating’ evening plus networking advice organised by the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. Booking essential. Women only.The New Bar, The Bedford, Balham SW12 9HDContact Jane at events@wandsworthchamber.org or visit Eventbrite.co.uk and search for women mean business.

Best of Friends - The Landor TheatreWednesday 23rd April - Sunday 27th AprilMusic lovers Mike Chariot and Jim Ryan are brothers in every way but blood. In their twenties they use their passion to start a band. Music brings people together, it can also tear them apart.The Landor Theatre, 70 Landor Road, Clapham SW9 9PH020 7737 7276 • Landortheatre.co.uk

Arnaud Ducret: the French comedy invasionThursday 24th AprilFrench comedian and actor Arnaud Ducret brings his new stand up show to The Grand in Battersea, SW11 1TT. 7pm Doors.Tickets £25 on Ticketweb 0844 77 1000 or atLecarnavaldelacomedie.co.uk

Bolingbroke Academy Spring Fair Saturday 26th April, 12 noon to 3pmHelp raise money for a school minibus. Performances by pupils, games, cake stalls, chocolate tombola and international food. £1 for adults and free for children.Wakehurst Road, SW11 6BF • 020 7924 8200Arkbolingbrokeacademy.org 29

what’s on

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers- Richmond TheatreMonday 28th April - Saturday 3rd MayRichmond presents ‘Ultimate Feel Good Show’, ac-cording to the Manchester Evening News, and ‘A Real Heartwarmer’, says the Daily Telegraph.Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond • TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651• Atgtickets.com/richmond

P Monahan, The MatchmakerWednesday 30th AprilAn hilarious look at dating, plus the chance to win a date! 18+ 7.30-10.30pm. Adult £8 (conc £5). Also at The Bread & Roses Pub in Clapham on 28th May. Fullfatproductions.co.uk/matchmakerThe Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD020 8682 8940 • TheBedford.co.uk

Fine Champagne Tasting- The Wine Tasting ShopThursday 1st MayIn depth look at Champagne, with 7 top champagnes to try as we cover the history and development of Champagne. A very special tasting with cheese and speciality breads. £35pp in advance.The Wine Tasting Shop, 18 Hildreth St, SW12 9RQ020 8616 8658 • Thewinetastingshop.co.uk

The Balham Craft Fair – The BedfordSaturday 3rd May, 12-5pmBrowse the stalls of local London designers and makers. After you’ve browsed the stalls, stop off for a cup of tea and some homemade cake at the pop-up tea room. On sale will be bags, clothes, homewares, jewellry and so much more…The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD020 8682 8940 • Balhamcraftfair.com

Business Club – Honing your messageWomen’s Unlimited WorldwideWednesday 14th MayWandsworth female entrepreneurs learn proven strategies to build their businesses and brainstorm ideas. Two hours; 9.30am start. Advance booking.The Northcote 2 Northcote Road, Battersea SW11 1NTWomenunlimitedworldwide.com/ukclubs/wandsworth

Trinity’s Magnolia WalkSunday 18th MaySupport your local hospice by taking part in a two,

ve or ten-mile walks around Clapham and Battersea. Walk in memory of a loved one or simply support a great local cause before heading back to Trinity for a well-deserved BBQ.Contact csykes@trinityhospice.org.uk.020 7787 1012 • Trinityhospice.org.uk

The Ash Girl - Southside PlayersWednesday 28th - Thursday 31st MayA twist on the Cinderella story: ‘A mix of C S Lewis and Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’. £10, conv £7.50 Wed and Sat. 7.45 pm Wed-Fri, Sat at 5pm. Chestnut Grove School, Boundaries Rd, Balham SW12 8JZ07914 657524 • Southsideplayers.org.uk

The London Folkfest - The BedfordThursday 5th - Sunday 8th JuneThe London FolkFest returns to Balham for its 4th fabulous year. This year’s line up includes headline sets from The Dunwells and Beth Rowley (5th) Jon Gomm, Crowns and Polly Paulusma (6th) EmilyBarker and Luke Concannon from Nizlopi (7th) Sup-porting St George’s Hospital FIRST TOUCH charity.The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD020 8682 8940 • TheBedford.co.uk

Ritherdon Road Street PartySunday 8th JuneAll of your favourite stalls and entertainers together with lots of new ones to make this party bigger and brighter than ever before. 11am -5pmRitherdon Road, Balham, SW1207808 174758 RitherdonRoadStreetParty@gmail.com

World Cup Wine Tasting/Quiz - Harrison’sMonday 9th JuneWorld Cup inspired wine and cocktail tasting with a ‘Group D’ quiz. Taste wines from Uruguay, Italy and of course, England, plus a Costa Rican cocktail. £25pp.Harrison’s, 15-19 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EX020 8675 6900 • Harrisonsbalham.co.uk

Friends Barbecue – Battersea Park ZooTuesday 24th June, 6-9pmChildren’s activites, tombola, live music, raf e, bar, silent auction. Tickets include exclusive access to the zoo, barbecue and puddings. Adults: £16 in advance. Children 6-16: £7 Under 6s: FreeBattersea Park Zoo, Chelsea Embankment SW11 4NJ020 7622 5199 • Batterseapark.org/bbq

30

Tortilla – Clapham Junctionby Richard Chumbley

Sabor! – Tooting Becby Monika Orman

There’s always a Chinese, Italian or Indian restaurant around the corner, but Tooting Bec now claims a far less familiar eating experience – Columbian.

Sabor! might look more like modern café but it’s also a great venue for a meal, whether at lunchtime or in the evening. The daytime menu offers both English and Latin dishes, from a full English to Columbian chorizo, kidney bean and corn bread. A customer told us they also do “heavenly” Latin smoothies.

The evening menu is purely Latin and we began

with deep-fried cassava chips with guacamole, plus a ‘Platano Sabor’. The latter was my favourite dish of the night: ripe plantain with guacamole and grilled cheese – it was a new dish to me and utterly delicious. For main I had an ‘Arepas Rellenas’: a traditional stuffed cornbread dish with country cheese, plantain, avocado and coleslaw. It was like deconstructed burger and very tasty. My friend had the Colombian meat platter – beef steak, pork belly, minced beef, rice, egg, beans and more. She particularly enjoyed the shredded beef. The restaurant is unlicensed but they are enlightened enough to offer a range non-alcoholic wines, beers and ciders.

The portions had been large but to nish we managed a traditional Columbian dessert of gs and caramelised milk. It was far too sweet for our taste but perhaps this was a good thing, else I may have become completely addicted to Colombian cuisine.

I love Mexican food – I love the smell of it, the eriness of it, the freedom of it and the mess of it. I also happen to think I cook it pretty damn well.

So I didn’t have high hopes for my visit to Tortilla, the new burrito restaurant in Battersea (it’s not in Clapham, Mr Tortilla!) and I was pleasantly surprised to leave with smile on my face and a spicy tingle on my lips.

Latin music, Corona bottles, cages of beer, enthusiastic staff and the look of an American diner – it ticked all the boxes. At the counter I was asked to choose between a Burrito (tortilla with rice and goodies), a Naked Burrito (carb-free goodies) or Dos Tacos (smaller tortillas with goodies but no rice). I chose a Vegetarian Burrito with guacamole, rice, beans, peppers and onions, salsa and cheese; plus side shots of tortilla chips and salsa. Meat-eaters can choose between halal chicken, Scottish beef and outdoor reared pork.

The provenance, freshness and daily preparation of their ingredients is a strong point in their favour

and I could really taste that freshness. It’s true that the avours inside the burrito were good rather than amazing, but the supplied hot sauces gave me the extra hit I needed.

As a fast food option near Clapham Junction, Tortilla is a good one and pretty decent value. I’d de nitely make a beeline for it after a night out.... even though my own salsa is obviously the best!

TortillaClapham Junction, Battersea SW11 1RU

020 7738 9755 Tortilla.co.uk

reviews

Out & About in your local area

31

Sabor!2 Tooting Bec Road, London SW17 8BD

020 8767 3222 Saborlondon.com

Accountants/BookkeepersTax Assist AccountantsGet in touch for a free no`obligation quote.020 7118 0402niteshpatel@taxassist.co.ukwww.taxassist.co.uk

Acupuncture – see Comp. Med

AmbulanceFor emergency assist, call 999

Art Galleries & ArtistsAndi BunburyOriginal Watercolours for Children07816 959179andibunbury@gmail.comwww.andibunbury.co.uk Webbs Road Fine Art020 7223 17331 Burland Rd (Webbs Rd)Battersea SW11 6SAwww.thewebbsgallery.co.uk

Babysitters - see ChildcareBars - see Restaurants

Beauty Salons/ TreatmentsFrancesca AlexanderHair & Beauty020 7585 333053 Webbs RdBattersea SW11 6RXwww.francescaalexander.co.uk Lotus SpaMassage and Beauty Spa020 8875 1199535 Old York Road, SW18 1TGwww.lotus-wellbeing-spa.com

Bathrooms & KitchensBalmain London Ltd020 7223 633359 Broomwood Rd, SW11 6HUwww.balmainlondon.co.ukForce Homecare020 8675 986622 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RGwww.diystoresbalham.co.uk

B&B - see Hotels;

Bicycle Sales & RepairPsubliminalExpert advice, sales & repair020 8772 070717 Balham High Road, SW12 9AJwww.psubliminal.com

BroadbandDoc4PCFast home internet up to 2Mbps. £15 per months. First month free!08000 283 1668 Lombard Road, SW19 3TZwww.doc4pc.co.uk

Builders (Design & Build)Battersea Basement Co.59 Broomwood Rd(End of Northcote Rd) SW11 6HU020 7223 6333www.batterseabasements.co.ukwww.balmainlondon.co.uk

Simply ConstructionFriendly building and roo ngcontractors based in Clapham020 7498 6696172 Clapham Park Road, SW4 7DUwww.simplyconstructionltd.co.uk

Poe ProjectsProject managementspecialists: design and build,electrical work and interiors.020 7223 3286www.poeprojects.co.uk

CafesSabor - The Latin WayModern Latin American Bistro2 Tooting Bec Road SW17 8BD020 8767 3222www.saborlondon.co.ukUnder the Greenwood TreeBooks, Toys & Child-friendly Cafe020 7627 455711 The Polygon, Clapham SW4 0JGUnderthegreenwoodtree.co.uk

Cars - see GaragesCarpenters - see Builders

Charities & VolunteeringWandsworth 020 8870 4319www.wvsda.org.ukWandsworth OasisCharity shops and fundraisingto help support local peopleaffected by HIV.020 8769 3845www.wandsworthoasis.org.uk

Chemists - see Pharmacies

ChildcareThe Willow Nursery020 7498 0319Established for over 30 years and now moved to brand new premisesGrafton Square, Clapham SW4www.thewillownursery.co.uk

a-z directory

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

The Essential Local Directoryis designed to promote

the use of local businesses,primarily independents

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please email info@essentiallocal.com

32

a-z directoryNappy Valley Nannies020 8946 532075 Swaby Road, Earls eld SW18 3PJwww.nappyvalleynannies.co.uk

Childrens Activities/CoursesTutoring by GAWAdvance through achievementFrom age 6 for Key Stage tests, GCSE and up to A level.0844 357 9472www.groovyartworkshops.co.uk Monkey MusicMusic classes: babies of 3mths-4yrs020 8764 5185Balham, Tooting, Streatham,Wandsworth and South eldswww.monkeymusic.com

Under the Greenwood TreeBooks, Toys & Child-friendly Cafe020 7627 455711 The Polygon, Clapham SW4 0JGUnderthegreenwoodtree.co.uk

South Thames CollegeFurther and Higher Education at Wandsworth, Tooting, Merton.020 8918 7777Wandsworth High St, SW18 2PPwww.south-thames.ac.uk

CinemasCineworld Ltd0871 200 2000Wandsworth High St, SW18 4TFwww.cineworld.co.uk

Clapham Picturehouse0871 902 572776 Venn Street SW4 0ATwww.picturehouses.co.uk

Cleaners & Cleaning ServicesTime For YouVetted, police and reference-checked Domestic Cleaners.From £10.95ph.0800 542 0920swlondon@timeforyou.co.ukwww.timeforyou.co.uk/swlondon

Clothing - see FashionComedy - see Restaurants/Pubs

Complementary TherapiesAlso see HealersThe Cleansing PlaceColonic Hydrotherapy, DetoxPlans, Re exology, Deep TissueMassage, Reiki. Ear Candling07881 425412 Chelsea/Balhamwww.thecleansingplace.com

Computer Sales or RepairComputers IncLaptop and PC repair, supportand printer ink store020 7099 457759 East Hill, SW18 2QEwww.computersinc.co.ukScooter Computer LtdFriendly computer help,to your door020 7384 5949enquiries@scootercomputer.co.ukwww.scootercomputer.co.uk

Counsellors – see PsychotherapistsDecorators - see Painters

DentistsTo nd a dentist:NHS Direct: 0845 46 47www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories

Dishwasher Repair. – see Dom’

DIY, Paint & HardwareForce HomecareDIY/Paint Specialist: Keys cut.Little Greene, Sanderson andPaint and Paper Library020 8675 986622 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9RGwww.forcehomecare.co.ukDoctors - see Medical

Domestic Appliance RepairMK Repair Centre020 7223 652919 Cobham Close, SW11 6SPwww.mkrepaircentre.co.uk

Education and TutoringSouth Thames CollegeFurther and Higher Education.020 8918 7777Wandsworth High St, SW18 2PPwww.south-thames.ac.uk

Tutoring by GAWAdvance through achievementFrom age 6 for Key Stage tests, GCSE and up to A level.0844 357 9472www.groovyartworkshops.co

Electricians/ElectricalMK Repair Centre020 7223 652919 Cobham Close, SW11 6SPwww.mkrepaircentre.co.uk

Emergency ServicesCall 999 OR 112

Estate & Letting AgentsTruepenny’s020 8675 176229 Abbeville RoadClapham SW4 9LAwww.truepennys.com

Samuel Estates (ARLA & NAEA Licensed)

020 8673 466638 Balham HillBalham SW12 9ELwww.samuelestates.com

Tate Residential (ARLA & NAEA Licensed)

020 7622 691416 Battersea Park RoadBattersea SW8 4LSwww.tateresidential.co.uk

Currell Residential020 3668 1000205 Lavender HillBattersea SW11 5TBwww.currell.com

Premier Moves020 7228 7240527 Battersea Park RoadBattersea SW11 3BNwww.premmoves.co.uk

Fashion & ClothingTutto TuscanyHand-crafted Italian jewellery in Palladium, Gold & Bronze.Sat, Northcote Road Marketwww.tuttotuscany.co.uk

33If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentiallocal.com or on 020 8432 3441

a-z directory

Bespoke AttireMade-to-measure Suits, Shirts,Trousers, Coats, Dresses, etc07590 675 244www.bespokeattire.com

Financial ServicesTax Assist AccountantsFor a free no obligation quote please get in touch.020 7118 0402niteshpatel@taxassist.co.ukwww.taxassist.co.uk

Fire BrigadeCall 999 or for non emergenciescontact: 020 8555 1200www.london- re.gov.uk

Fitness121 Personal TrainingTraining and nutrition coachingin your home. Train with a family member or friend at no extra cost.07881 884 738www.121personaltraining.com

FlooringWooden Floor SpecialistsSuppliers, Installers & Renovators020 8675 2431302 Cavendish RdBalham SW12 0PLwww.wooden oors.co.uk

FloristsThe Flower SanctuaryWeddings, funerals,deliveries, gifts & cakes020 8675 37998 Hildreth St, Balham SW12 9RQwww. owersanctuary.co.uk

FramersWebbs Road Fine Art020 7223 17331 Burland Rd, Battersea SW11 6SAwww.thewebbsgallery.co.uk

Furniture & AntiquesCriterion AuctionsBuying, selling, valueing art, antiquesand contemporary furnishings. 020 7228 556341 - 47 Chat eld Road SW11 3SEwww.criterionauctioneers.com

Garage/Motor RepairsGSF MotorworksCar servicing workshop.020 7819 9555Unit E & F London Stone Biz Estate,Broughton St, Battersea SW8 3QRwww.gsfmotorworks.co.uk

Garden CentresBattersea Flower Station07811 334 90816 Winders RdBattersea SW11 3HEBattersea owerstation.co.uk

Garden Design & GardenersHenrietta GentilliGarden Design. Specialising in the design of town gardens07711 652992/020 8675 8411designs@henriettagentilli.co.ukwww.henriettagentilli.co.uk

Gifts & CardsThe Inside ManLuxury gifts for men020 8682 383430 Bellevue Rd, Wandsworthwww.theinsideman.co.uk

Andi BunburyOriginal Watercolours for Children07816 959179andibunbury@gmail.comwww.andibunbury.co.ukPostmark020 8675 7272123 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AR59 Nth Cross Rd, Dulwich SE22 9ETwww.postmarkonline.co.uk

HealingSee also Meditation

Pippa NeveHealer & Indigo EssencePractitioner020 8767 1292/07932 697938Eswyn Road, Tooting, SW17 8TNwww.pippaneve.com

Relax and FloatReleve pain and reduce stress with three oats for £95.Christian Fields, SW16 3JYwww.relaxand oat.co.uk

HairdressersFrancesca Alexanderhair & beauty020 7924 345953 Webbs Road SW11 6RXwww.francescaalexander.co.uk

Zenobia020 7350 2017115 Falcon Road,Battersea SW11 2PE

Homeopathy –see Comp. Therapies

Hotels & Bed & BreakfastBalham B&B020 8673 717928 Old Devonshire RoadBalham SW12 9RBwww.balhambandb.co.uk

HypnotherapyAlso see Comp. Therapies

Keith Bibby(UKCP Psychotherapist)

020 8673 631149 Klea AvenueClapham Common SW4 9HGwww.hypno-psychotherapy-london.com

Support local businesses and please let them know you found them in Essential Local

Wandsworth CouncilThe Town Hall,Wandsworth High StreetLondon, SW18 2PUwww.wandsworth.gov.uk 020 8871 6000

Lambeth CouncilTown HallBrixton HillLondon, W2 1RWUwww.lambeth.gov.uk 020 79261000

34

a-z directoryInteriors & DesignForce HomecarePaint Specialist: Little Greene,Sanderson, Paint and Paper Library020 8675 986622 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9RGwww.forcehomecare.co.ukInternet - see BroadbandJewellery - see FashionJob Training - see TrainingKitchens - see Bathrooms

Language ClassesFriendly Spanish020 7193 9707/079 0560 5513Old Town, Clapham, SW4 0JYwww.friendlyspanish.co.uk

Leisure Centres & FacilitiesBalham Leisure Centre020 8772 9577Elm eld Rd, Balham SW17 8AN

Battersea Sports Centre020 8871 8529Hope St, Battersea SW11 2DA

Latchmere Leisure Centre020 7207 8004Burns Road, Battersea SW11 5AD

Tooting Leisure Centre020 8333 7555Greaves Pl, Tooting SW17 0NE

Battersea Park Mill’ Arena020 8871 7537Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ

Clapham Cmmn Facilities020 7223 9837Windmill Drive, Clapham SW4 9DE

Live MusicThe BedfordLive music, Club Nights,Comedy, Food, Drink and Events0208 682 894077 Bedford Hill Balham SW12 9HDwww.thebedford.com

LocksmithsCobbold Locksmiths24-hour Emergency Mobile Service07769 690439/020 8395 6586Southwest Londonwww.cobboldlocksmiths.com

MeditationGuided Group Mediationswith Pippa Neve, Tooting Bec07932 697 938www.pippaneve.co.ukMinicab – see Taxis

Medical ServicesFor Doctor/Dentist/Facility visit the website belowFor urgent but non life-threatening conditions call 111www.nhsdirect.nhs.ukTooting Walk-In Centre020 8700 0505Treatment & emergencycontraception.7am-8.30pm. Clare House,St George’sHospital,Blackshaw RdTooting SW17 0QT

Motor Repairs - see GaragesNannies - see ChildcareNurseries - see ChildcareNutritionist - see Fitness

Of ce/Desk RentalLe Bureau020 7100 5666Studio F7, Battersea Studios80 Silverthone Rd SW8 3HEwww.lebu.co.uk

Of ce Supplies & FurnitureThe New Hurleys020 8772 82239 The BoulevardBalham High Rd SW17 7BWwww.hurleysofbalham.com

PA/Admin ServicesNew Dawn Ventures07940 525 915SW Londonwww.newdawnventures.co.uk

Paint Specialists and DIYForce HomecareDIY & Paint Specialist:Little Greene, Sanderson & Paint& Paper Library 020 8675 986622 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9RGwww.forcehomecare.co.uk

Painters & DecoratorsSimply ConstructionFriendly building and roo ngcontractors based in Clapham020 7498 6696172 Clapham Park Road, SW4 7DUwww.simplyconstructionltd.co.uk

Poe ProjectsInterior design projects andpainting/decorating jobs of all sizes020 7223 3286www.poeprojects.co.ukPersonal Training – See Fitness

PetsPawsome PuppiesPuppy Training and Socialisation07824 159 542info@pawesome.co.ukwww.pawesome.co.ukDavid Cuffe & AssociatesVeterinary surgery020 8772 992252 Abbeville RoadClapham SW4 9NFwww.cuffevets.com

PharmaciesHealthchem Pharmacy4-5 Station Prde, Balham SW12 9AZ020 8673 8351

Cospharm Pharmacy281-283 Mitcham RdTooting SW17 9JO020 8767 6005

PhotographersRobbie’s PhotographicsPhotographic art & studio: locationshots, weddings, courses, portraits,portfolios & makeovers020 8767 42228 Ritherdon Rd, Balham SW17 8QDwww.robbiesphotographics.com

Plumbers & Heating EngineersHamilton HeatingBalham-based ‘Gas Safe’registered plumbers andcentral heating experts020 8675 5745/07890 662 713www.hamiltonheating.com

If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentiallocal.com or on 020 8432 344135

a-z directory

PoliceFor emergency assistance, call999 OR 112 or for generalenquiries contact:

Metropolitan Police0300 123 1212ww.met.police.uk

Battersea Police Station112 -118 Battersea Bridge RdWandsworth Police Station146 Wandsworth High StreetLavender Hill Police Station176 Lavender HillClapham Police Station51 Union Grove

Post Of ces08457 223344

Balham Hill Westbury Parade,Balham Hill SW12 9DZ; Cedars41 Queenstown Road,Battersea SW8 3RE; ClaphamCommon 161 - 163 ClaphamHigh Street SW4 7ST; AlfristonRoad 99 Alfriston Road;Battersea SW11 6NP;Battersea 202 Lavender Hill,SW11 1AB; St Johns Hill 7 TheParade SW11 1TG.

Printing ServicesEssential LocalFlyers, brochures, magazines,letterheads, business cards.020 8432 3441Wandsworth Commonwww.essentiallocal.com

Property - see Estate Agents

PsychotherapistsKeith BibbyUKCP Psychotherapist020 8673 631149 Klea Avenue SW4 9HGhypno-psychotherapy-london.com

Renting Out your HomeCHS RentalsLetting underused Londonaccommodation for its owners.020 8355 3129www.chslondon.com

Renting Out a RoomLondon HospitalityEarn £500pm from renting out your spare room to professionals.020 8835 0177www.bblondon.com

Support local businesses and please let them know you found them in Essential Local

Helplines & InformationWandsworth Careline: health/social services020 8875 0500 www.careline.org.uk

NHS Direct: 24hour con dential info & advice0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Samaritans: con dential 24-hour support0845 790 9090 www.samaritans.org

Patient Advice and Liaison Service:020 8355 2980 www.pals.nhs.uk

Sexual Health and Information Line: 24-hour0800 567 123

Childline: 24hour con dential advice for children0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk

National Alcohol Helpline0800 917 8282

Stop Smoking Service (Wandsworth):0800 389792 www.smokefreewandsworth.nhs.uk

Frank – Drugs Advice and Information0800 77 66 00

Relateline: relationship info & support0300 100 1234 www.relate.org.uk

Parentline Plus: parenting help & advice0808 800 2222 www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Gamcare: for those affected by gambling0845 600 0133 www.gamcare.org.uk

Shelter: help with housing problems0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk

National Debtline: free advice0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

SeniorLine: con dential help for the elderly0808 800 6565

National Domestic Violence Helpline0808 200 0247 nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

Rape & Sexual Abuse Support: con dential01962 848 029 www.rasac.org.uk

NSPCC Child Protection: Suspect abuse?0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk

Childcare Link: info on local childcare0800 2346 346 www.childcarelink.org.uk

Community Legal Service Direct: free info0845 345 4345 www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Learndirect: info on learning and careers0800 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 London0843 222 1234 www.t .gov.uk

AA Roadwatch: traf c/weather info (non-free)0906 888 4322 www.theaa.com

36

Restaurants, Pubs & BarsMezé KitchenGreek Restuarant, Bar and Grill020 8772 977237 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EYwww.mezekitchen.co.uk

Sabor - The Latin WayModern Latin American Bistro2 Tooting Bec Road SW17 8BD020 8767 3222www.saborlondon.co.uk The BedfordLive music, Club Nights,Comedy, Food, Drink and Events020 8682 894077 Bedford Hill Balham SW12 9HDwww.thebedford.com

Harrison’s Bar & Restaurant020 8675 690015-19 Bedford Hill, SW12 9EXwww.harrisonsbalham.co.ukIndian Moment020 7223 657547 Northcote Rd SW11 1NJwww.indianmoment.comIndian Room020 8675 861159 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EZwww.indianroom.co.ukGurkhasTraditional Nepalese cuisine020 8675 11881 The Blvard, Balham High Rd,Balham SW17 7BWwww.gurkhasdiner.co.uk

Roofers - see Builders

Solicitors & Legal AdviceBattersea Legal Advice CentreFree legal advice. 020 7585 0716125 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 1DAwww.lawworksclinics.org.ukSpas - See Beauty

Sports Shops & ActivitiesAlso see Leisure Facilities

Capstick Sports020 7228 781484 Northcote Road SW11 6QNwww.capsticksports.co.uk

Stationery - See Of ce SuppliesTailoring – see Clothing

Taxis & Private HireLeo Private Hire020 8682 446622 Trinity RoadSW17 7RE

TheatresRichmond Theatre0844 871 7651The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJwww.atgtickets.com/richmond

Battersea Arts Centre020 7223 2223Lavender Hill, SW11 5TNwww.bac.org.ukTheatre 503Above Latchmere Pub020 7978 7040503 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 3BWwww.theatre503.co.ukLandor Theatre020 7737 727670 Landor Rd, Clapham SW9 9PHwww.landortheatre.co.uk

Therapists - see Psychotherapis

TherapyRelax and FloatReleve pain and reduce stress with three oats for £95.Christian Fields, SW16 3JYwww.relaxand oat.co.uk

ToysUnder the Greenwood TreeBooks, Toys andChild-friendly Cafe020 7627 455711 The Polygon, Clapham SW4 0JGUnderthegreenwoodtree.co.uk

Job Training/Quali cationsPitman TrainingClapham Junction0333 577 30351st Floor, 50 Northcote RdBattersea SW11 1PAPitman-training.com/clapham

Travel AgentsExperience Travel GroupSri Lanka and South East Asia020 3598 2077209 St John’s HillBattersea SW11 1THwww.experiencetravelgroup.com

Tutoring - see EducationVets - See PetsWashing Machine Repair– see Domestic Appliances

Website DesignEssential LocalCost-effective website designfor small businesses020 8432 3441www.essentiallocal.com

Window CleanersRenee MG WindowCleaning Ltd020 8676 4261/07951 321 563South West Londonreneemgltd@gmail.com

Windows – SashWandsworth Sash WindowsTraditional timber, double-glazed,draught proo ng, overhaul, sliding020 7924 7303125 Lavender Hill, BatterseaWandsworthsashwindows.com

WineThe Wine Tasting ShopIndependent Tastings and Sales020 8616 865818 HIldreth St, Balham SW12 9RQwww.thewinetastingshop.co.uk

a-z directory

If you would like to be included contact us at info@essentiallocal.com or on 020 8432 344137

For further information regarding Essential Local,please email info@essentiallocal.com or call 020 8432 3441

vox pops

38

Viewpoint

Camel, (right) Tooting Bec

“I like that there are a lot of families living around here and the parks are beautiful. If I could change something I’d probably want Tooting Bec to have more shops and cafes.”

In the rst of a series of vox pops, Julia Popova asks local people what they like about the local area and what they’d like to change

Jonas,Battersea

“There are plenty of local shops and lots of transport links here. But it would be good to have a swimming pool closer to Queenstown Road where I live.”

Christian,Wandsworth Common

“I really like Common, the country feel and the open spaces. If I could change something I would like to divert the Red Route somewhere else.”

Patricia,Balham

“I have been living here for40 years and I just like the area: the people are really nice. The one thing I would change would be to have more shops nearby.”

Joan,Works in Clapham

“I like it because of the parks. Moreover it is cheap to live where I do (Stockwell). As for improvements, I wish there were areas locally where people could grow fruits and vegetables.”

All p

hoto

s by

Julia

Pop

ova

Paul, SW11“I enjoy the Common, the bars, restaurants and the shops. I’ve lived here for 20 years. The area has improved. It would be good to make the Northcote Road pedestrian only on a Saturday.”

Marta, BatterseaEverything is really close. Everybody knows each other. But I’d like my area to be more protected. As you go under the bridge it’s a completely different world which is not safe enough.

Louisa, Wandsworth It is very child-friendly and green – it just has everything we need. Now I have a baby I’ve come to realize there’s a need for more primary schools: not everyone can afford to go private.

Quiz answers: 1) Chalky; 2) Dennis Waterman; 3) Ernest Bevin College; 4) Lloyd George;5) 17; 6) Samuel Estates; 7) A hotel; 8) The Cooperative; 9) Boundaries; 10) Thomas Hardy