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						<title>YourLocal London | From The Editor RSS Feed | Balham</title> 
						<link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/</link> 
						<description>YourLocal London, From The Editor RSS Feed, Balham</description> 
						<copyright>Copyright YourLocal London Ltd 2009</copyright> 
						<lastBuildDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:59:51 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	                <title>Wandsworth Volunteer Awards</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/227/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[Wandsworth Volunteer Award winners 
More than 300 people turned up to a special events organised by the council and Wandsworth Volunteer Centre to pay tribute to the borough and rsquo;s volunteers. The first ever Wandsworth Volunteer Awards aimed to promote volunteering in the borough and recognise people who have made an outstanding contribution to their community or organisation. There were more than 150 nominations for the awards, and the winners were presented with their prizes at a glittering ceremony in the civic suite on November 27.Each volunteer did a significant amount for their organisation and the standard of entrants was exceptionally high. An independent panel of judges including deputy leader of the council Maurice Heaster, Kerry McQueeney from the Wandsworth Guardian, James Bank from Greater London Volunteering and Dr Mike Nussbaum from Volunteering England were faced with the tough task of choosing the winner for each category. Entertainment was provided by Elliott School Jazz, Valda Wilson and Alison Luz from the National Opera Studio and Ricochet Street Dance.Waitrose Wandsworth sponsored the event and provided the food and drink, served by a team of scouts and guides.Among those presenting trophies were The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor John Farebrother, Deputy Lieutenant, Major Peter Istead and Greater London Assembly Member for Wandsworth and Merton, Richard Tracey. The winners all received a crystal trophy plus £60 of John Lewis vouchers. Waitrose provided an iPod for the Young Volunteer of the Year and Young and rsquo;s Brewery donated a weekend for two in one of their hotels for the winners of the Judges and rsquo; Special Award.The awards winners were: and bull;	Care Volunteer of the Year  and ndash; Diana Plant, Thomas Pocklington Resource Centre and bull;	Community Volunteer of the Year  and ndash; Wayne Jennings, Volunteer Centre Wandsworth and bull;	Environment Volunteer of the Year  and ndash; Vicki Carroll, Wandsworth Environment Forum and bull;	Sports Volunteer of the Year  and ndash; Anita Russell, Dover House Lions FC and bull;	New Volunteer of the Year  and ndash; Vivienne Minto, Volunteer Reading Help and bull;	Young Volunteer of the Year  and ndash; Amanda Slater, Wandsworth Young Carer and rsquo;s Project, Katherine Low Settlement and bull;	Team of the Year  and ndash; South London Swimming Club and bull;	Organisation of the Year  and ndash; Family Action and bull;	Lifetime Volunteer - Gunvantrai Shah, Brendoncare and bull;	Judges Special Awards  and ndash; Pete  and  Joan, Battersea Arts Centre and bull;	Volunteer of the Year - Kitty Gilbert.Photographs of the evening can be viewed and ordered online at imagetogo.net/go/?19309A short film,  and lsquo;Making a Difference and rsquo; was especially produced for the awards and highlights the variety of volunteering opportunities in the Borough. This will be soon available to view online at the council and the Volunteer Centre websites, and will be available for organisations to use as a professional recruitment tool.To find out more about volunteering and to access the online database of local volunteering opportunities, visit www.wvsda.org.ukThe picture shows Amanda Slater receiving her award from Waitrose manager Ken Storr.
]]></description> 
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	                <title>Hot Bikram Yoga</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/151/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[ 
I have just started attending classes at the new Hot Bikram Yoga studio in Balham after finding out that I have put on 8lbs and had slipped into a glass of wine or two a night routine, I realised I needed to get healthy as with the winter drawing in, comfort eating and red wine drinking would mean I would wake up in June next year with an extra 8lbs on top of that.
I can honestly say it is one of the hardest workouts I have ever done however one of the most rejuvenating and rewarding.  I have never felt on such a high as when I come out of one of these classes and emotionally and mentally I can feel the benefits too.
I am on lesson 8 of my 10 day course but plan to continue well after this is up.  (They are currently running a special offer for £10 for 10 days.)  This is an absolute bargain as usually classes are £13 a lesson although they do do offers if you buy in block or sign up annually.  It gives you a chance to sample the classes, get used to the environment and decide if it is for you.   After lesson 3 though I am sure most people are feeling the benefits and wondering how they struggled before this studio was in our lives!
The classes are very popular too, full to the brim which at first is off putting but you do get used to it.  It is a mixture of beginners to people that have obviously been bending all their lives.  I was the former but quickly felt comfortable and not the least bit self conscious.  I was quietly smug with my flexibility as I used to do ballet, however they do point out over and over that it's not about how deep you can get in to the position (although this is the final aim).  It's about doing it correctly, concentrating on your breathing and staying focused.
The teacher will point out in each posture what the benefits are to your body and it helps you to understand the logic behind these strange positions.  This helps you focus  and  visualise on that particular area of your body.
There are lots of men in the class however that has yet to convince my partner to join me for a session - (after years of golf he has to be the least bendy person ever!!)  It is perfect for someone like him as he has a bad back and can't even look at his toes let alone touch them.  I will keep working on him as I know he would find it a strenuous workout and think all men who are thinking of giving it ago shouldn't be afraid.
The classes last exactly 90 mins and you can expect to burn approx 600 calories in this time.  Your heart rate is raised and it's a good cardiovascular workout - you should expect to sweat bucket loads.  It is a very detoxifying workout and I suggest everyone in Balham give it ago for their health, peace and happiness.
Please let me know if you do give it ago as would love to hear some of your experiences.
 Hot Bikram Yoga Balham Hildreth Street Mews London  SW12 9RZ  020 8673 8980 info@hotbikramyoga.co.uk]]></description> 
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	                <title>Upcoming Local Events</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/150/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[ 
Designer Wedding Show Friday 10th - Sunday 12th October
The best wedding companies and suppliers, plus a stunning fashion show and incredile atmosphere. 10am-5pm Tickets £16 in advance or £18 on the door.
British Genius Site, Battersea Park, SW11
www.designerweddingshow.co.uk, 020 8563 7036
 
Wine Tasting  and  Dating - Grape Vine Social Friday 10th Octoer
You don't need to be a wine expert to join the Grape Vine Social, just enjoy tasting and meeting new people.  Event includes tasting a range of wines and tapas style food, and mingling with a crowd of sociable singles.
The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, Balham, SW12
www.grapevinesocial.com, 07984 152 574
 
Networking Event - Monday 13th October
Real Business Women's Network offers networking in a supportive, non-competitive environment.  £15 (£20 on the door) includes drinks and canapes. 7-9pm
The County Arms, 345 Trinity Road, Wandsworth, SW18 3SH
wwwrbwn.co.uk Contact Sally 07801 891365
 
The Affordable Art Fair - Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th October
Browse through thousands of paintings, sculpture, photography and origional prints - all priced between £50 - £3000.  Printmaking and other classes for children. 11am - 6pm.
British Genius Site, Battersea Park SW11
www.affordableartfair.com 020 8246 4848
 
Act/React 2 - Monday 27th October
On the date Wallis Simpson filed for divorce, the first Saturn space rpcket was launched and Reagan began his career, Lydia Ziemke directs a newly devised piece inspired by events on a single day.  Tickets £5. 8pm
Theatre503, The Latchmere Pub, 503 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BW
www.theatre503.com, 020 7978 7040
 
Networking Event - Monday 27th October
Real Business Women's Network offers networking in a supportive, non-competitive environment.  £15 (£20 on the door) includes drinks and canapes. 7-9pm
The County Arms, 345 Trinity Road, Wandsworth, SW18 3SH
wwwrbwn.co.uk Contact Sally 07801 891365
 
Bugsy Malone - 29th October - 1st November
Award winning drama group Southside Players with an all-adult version of Alan Parker's classic spoof gangster musical.  1920's glitz, glamlour and humur plus the splurge gun - it promises to get real messy.  Tickets £10 (Concessions Wed/Sat £6)
Chestnut Grove Theatre, Chestnut Grove School, Boundaries Road, Balham SW12
www.southsideplayers.org.uk 07914 657524
 
The Exhibit Halloween Party - 31st October
Come and join in the fun if you dare.  Fancy dress welcome, the spookier the better!  Free entry.
The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, SW12
www.theexhibit.co.uk 020 8772 6556
 
Fireworks at Battersea Park - Saturday 1st November
The sun et Lumiere display promises to be the very best ever, with spectacular fireworks set to music and light display.  The theme for 2008 will be 'Paint the Whole World Rainbow'.  onfire starts at 7.30pm, fireworks start at 8pm.  Tickets are £5 for adults, £1 for children.
Battersea Park, SW11
 
Lambeth Fireworks 2008 - Wednesday 5th November
Clapham Common plays host to one of the biggest displ;ays in South London.  100,000 people are expected to attend.  The fireworks are provided by festival fireworks - the current Pyromusical Champions.  Free entry 7.30pm - 8pm.
Clapham Common SW4 9DE]]></description> 
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	                <title>Street Pastor Scheme</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/119/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[It follows the success of a trial scheme which has been running in Balham on Friday and Saturday evenings since April.Working in teams of four street pastors aim to tackle anti social behaviour by build a long term dialogue with young people and demonstrating a willingness to listen and learn about the issues they face.Following a period of training local ministers and leading church members visit places where individuals gather to hang out.The new Wandsworth scheme will operate initially in the afternoons. Many local retailers report problems with young people at the end of the school day. When sufficient participants have been trained it will be extended into the evenings.The two-year project will be funded by the council with support from the police..Council leader Edward Lister said:"There's been a lot of interest in this scheme from churches in different parts of the borough. We are currently looking at further schemes in Battersea and Tooting."We have some very committed people in Wandsworth who are determined to make this work. It's an initiative which comes from the community which we are keen to support."There are 21 street pastor schemes around the country of which 19 are in London.You can contact the street pastors at wandsworth@streetpastors.org.uk]]></description> 
					<guid>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/119/</guid>					
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	                <title>Twist Boutique</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/30/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[ 
Suky Gardiner 29 years old (nearly 30!)  and  Anna O and rsquo;Shaughnessy 28 years old Met at Manchester University, were on the same campus and then lived together for two years at university.
They have been friends for more than 10 years and own Balham's newest boutique - Twist.
How long have you been In Business? 
Just over 6 months. How long have you lived in the area? (if you do??)
SG  and ndash; I have lived in Balham for 8 years and have always been local  and ndash; my Mum and Dad live over Wandsworth Common, which is where I was born and brought up.
AOS  and ndash; I live in East Dulwich at the moment, but hope to move to Balham soon. What do you like about Balham? Why did you decide to open Twist here?
SG  and ndash; We love Balham! No really, Balham has grown into itself over the last few years  and ndash; has a great mix of people, a range of bars, shops, restaurants and is continuing to evolve. It already had a couple of clothes shops  and ndash; so by adding another we hoped it could become something of a shopping destination  and ndash; saving people the stress of going into town. From a practical point of view it also has 2 supermarkets and all of the banks  and ndash; I have to admit I now rarely leave Balham!
Is it a family business?
AOS - No, although we called in a lot of favours from family (my boyfriend and Suky and rsquo;s Dad fitted the shop out, a family friend has looked after all legal aspects of the business and another very kindly designed our logo - we are very lucky in this respect, to have had so much help)
What made you decide to set up your own business? How was Twist born?
Both of us had always wanted to open our own shop but for very different reasons. Suky because of her love of fashion and retail background and Anna because she had always wanted to run her own business and use her qualification on a practical basis. We first sat down to discuss our ideas in October last year. Originally, we had thought to open the shop as a predominantly lingerie boutique  and ndash; this is where the name Twist originated (get your knicker in a  and hellip; and hellip;..), but we felt this was too limiting and that there was still room for another clothing retailer in Balham and perhaps we could combine the two together.
Twist was born relatively quickly, mainly because we found the perfect unit and realised we could get the place opened in time to make the most of the Christmas trade. So in the end, there were only a few months between agreeing to pursue our dream and our opening night. There were a lot of late nights at Suky and rsquo;s house labelling and organising stock, 2 am finishes in the shop painting, wall papering and cleaning  and hellip;but on the 5th December, sleep deprived and a little jaded but beautifully dressed, 100 friends and family joined us in the shop for our opening party.
What did you do before?
SG  and ndash; Worked in the Buying offices of several well known high street retailers, including M and S  and ndash; my last 2 roles were as Menswear Buyer for White Stuff and then Mens/Ladies wear buyer for the re-launch of Hawkshead.
AOS  and ndash; Chartered accountant in the city. I still do some work as a teacher of accountancy in north London. Who are your favourite designers?
AOS  and ndash; (although I can and rsquo;t afford it) I love Philip Lim dresses, Alberta Ferrari and rsquo;s Philosophy range and Diane von Fustenberg.
SG  and ndash; One of our designers Jovonna is fantastic, otherwise I take inspiration from people like Paul and Joe Sister, Malene Birger, Chloe, Temperley and MiuMiu.
What are your future plans for Twist? Another shop? Selling online?
We hope to sell on line before the end of the year.
Another shop would be great  and ndash; we will have to see how we are doing at the end of the year.
We are in the process of developing our own fashion label which we hope to launch this year/early next as well as a bespoke dress service where clients can chose from a range of designs and fabrics. What makes your business special?
Our philosophy at Twist really centres around three key concepts:
We want to be able to offer our customers quality clothing with a difference at reasonable prices, sourced from a mix of labels, both up and coming London fashion designers as well as some well known long standing brands, because we feel there is increasingly little real choice on the high street. 
Secondly, our small size allows us to offer a fast turnover of stock  and ndash; meaning that each and every week there is something new for our regular customers.
Lastly, we wanted our customers to be able to shop locally in a relaxed environment and bring enjoyment back to the shopping experience, without having to travel and battle the crowds of central London.
Twist Boutique, 25 Harberson Road, SW12
]]></description> 
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	                <title>Balham  and  Tooting Carnival 2008 30th  and  31st August</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Balham/from-the-editor/4/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[
 
Balham  and  Tooting Carnival is a two day event bringing together the whole community. An expected 30,000 people will gather through music, dance, food, children and rsquo;s attractions and arts and crafts to celebrate one of London and rsquo;s most affluent and diverse communities.
This multi-cultural event is unrivalled locally and is a highlight of this summers and rsquo; free event calendar in South West London. The festival is non profit making and helps to gain exposure for charities. Music4children are heavily supporting this event which is one of many in a busy schedule including London, Brighton and the Amazon!
The event lends itself naturally as an excellent marketing platform with opportunities to increase brand awareness, sell product in volume and interact with potential clients through promotional activity. With a captive market the event is also a unique opportunity to conduct market research or product trials.
Highlights of the event include, stage acts from as far as Cuba, a Salsa dance tent where you can learn to dance to the music, London and rsquo;s best unsigned and newly signed acts, covering all music genres, organic food stalls, a licensed bar area, arts and crafts stalls and a family and children and rsquo;s area with music and art workshops and theatre productions. The event will also address sustainability, both in the way it and rsquo;s produced (Green energy, recycled waste products), and by raising awareness of the local community to these issues.
www.balhamtootingcarnival.com]]></description> 
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