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						<title>YourLocal London | From The Editor RSS Feed | Tooting</title> 
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						<description>YourLocal London, From The Editor RSS Feed, Tooting</description> 
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	                <title>exclusive glimpse of a new children's book set in part in Tooting...</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/215/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[

Shirley Webster has very kindly agreed to let us be the first to publish extracts from her new book "The Broadway Kids and the Ever Darkening Skies", parts of which are set in Tooting. 

Chapter 1 - THE CANING
       Lionel was in trouble; and he knew it. 
So did his younger brothers and sisters, as they sat anxiously outside the door of the headmaster and rsquo;s room. It was the end of the school day, and the six little Goodwoods had been summoned from their classes, to wait with Lionel in the long cold corridor of Tooting and rsquo;s Wellingcourt Elementary School. 
 and ldquo;Now what has he been up to this time? and rdquo; 
            Meanwhile, Lionel, eleven years old, did not appear to be worried, even though he knew it meant the cane; there he was hunched up over his knees, head in hands, his dark eyes staring defiantly at the floor, pondering his fate. After all it was his own fault he knew that; not because he had bullied that snobby Shirley Bellerby or he had bunked off school. Oh! No! But because he had been caught; would he never learn? 
Well, that is what he thought in his usual cheeky way; he would show them and he would take his punishment like a man this time, but,  and ldquo;Next time I and rsquo;ll  and lsquo;ide in the lavs until Old Cobweb goes, and rdquo; he spoke aloud punctuating the silence with his thoughts.  and ldquo;An and rsquo; I and rsquo;ll make sure nobody sees me, when I get that little snob Shirley Bellerby, cos it and rsquo;s all  and lsquo;er fault yer know. and rdquo;        
        and ldquo;Did yer say sommat? and rdquo; Alec, whispered, as he and the others sat stiffly beside Lionel; the way they were sitting you would think they were waiting to be caned. Instead, they were there for Lionel partly as a deterrent, and mostly because Lionel, the eldest, was in charge of them.   
        But it had crossed their minds,  and lsquo;Would they be in trouble as well? and rsquo; Especially after today and rsquo;s fiasco with Shirley Bellerby.  
           Shirley Bellerby, the bane of Lionel and rsquo;s life, was one class below his and was a right little snob; well that was according to Lionel, for why else would he want to bully her? He absolutely loathed Shirley and all she stood for; and it has to be said, the feeling was quite mutual. Shirley loathed Lionel. Actually, she was scared of him. 
  You see, Shirley an only child, lovingly spoilt by two parents, was all the things Lionel was not; well dressed, well spoken, clever and precocious, plus the fact that her mother stayed at home to look after her. 
             Whereas, Lionel, although a handsome boy with black hair, wore his father and rsquo;s shabby  and lsquo;hand me downs and rsquo;, could hardly read or write, and definitely was not well spoken. For a start, he left all of his aitches off, and sounded f for th words; not only that but he was the eldest child of a poverty stricken family; their father having died four years ago.        
        Thus  and lsquo;to make ends meet and rsquo; Lionel and rsquo;s mother had to go out to work. Not qualified in anyway, and because in 1939 there was not enough work for men, never mind the women; Mrs Goodwood was forced to take on three poorly paid house cleaning jobs; or charring, as it was known in those days, and she worked long hours, leaving young Lionel to look after his brothers and sisters; so definitely there was no question of Lionel being spoilt. In fact, being the eldest and good hearted, he willingly took the place of his father to help his mother, for he loved his family dearly. 
    Therefore every day, Lionel had to make sure his siblings had their breakfast of bread, dripping or margarine before taking them to school. After school, he would either take them to the market, or return home to play in the street, until their mother returned. But now and again the responsibility would get him down and he would bunk of school to spend some happy time in The Broadway Market.
       And so today, after depositing his twin sisters in the girl and rsquo;s playground, and his brothers in the boy and rsquo;s, Lionel had  and lsquo;bunked off school and rsquo; and was on his way to The Broadway; only this time he had been caught; and not only that, but on his return had tripped Shirley Bellerby up in the classroom, accidentally on purpose of course; all because she had been sent to his class to show Lionel her good work with a gold star on it.
         and ldquo;Yeah! I did say sommat, and rdquo; he said in answer to Alec and rsquo;s question.  and ldquo;I said, next time I and rsquo;ll  and lsquo;ide in the lavs until Old Cobweb  and lsquo;as gone.  and lsquo;e won and rsquo;t find me there.Yer see I copped it this morning  and lsquo;cos Old cobweb was waiting for me. and rdquo;
      Old Cobweb, as Mr Webster the school board man was known, had been waiting on the corner of Wellingcourt Street, to catch Lionel before he could  and lsquo;bunk and rsquo; off and rsquo;. He had dragged the protesting Lionel, by the ears, back to school and the waiting headmaster, Mr J D Heppenstall. And what with the incident with Shirley, Mr Heppenstall was in his room waiting to cane him; he too pondered Lionel and rsquo;s fate.
    It seemed to Mr H, that no matter how many times he punished Lionel, Lionel never learned his lesson. But the gentle headmaster, who really hated administering the cane, knew that in this case it had to be applied; for it was a case of,  and lsquo;spare the rod and spoil the child. and rsquo;
But Mr Heppenstal had to admit, he secretly admired this child for his courage, and especially for his sense of humour. For this irrepressible boy after being punished never held it against the headmaster; instead, the following day, Lionel would be in school perky and cheeky as ever, with his,
         and ldquo;Wotcher Mr H! Grand day terday ain and rsquo;t it? and rdquo;
       Then as Mr Heppenstall confided to his wife,  and ldquo;Blow me! If in a couple of days he will be truanting again. If only he could settle down to work, he could be very clever, because I know he really is an intelligent boy. and rdquo;  
              But now, as the afternoon clock in the headmaster and rsquo;s room struck four; all those mentioned above, closed their eyes in anticipation; as with each stroke of the clock, the cane swooped down to bite the tender flesh of Lionel Goodwood and rsquo;s hands.
 and ldquo;Swish thwack!  and ldquo;Swish thwack! Swish thwack!  and ldquo;Swish thwack! The cane chimed with the clock as Lionel received two of the best on each hand. 
         Then when all was quiet, Frank and Jimmy, the two youngest of the five brothers, whispered to Alec,
          and ldquo;Do yer fink we and rsquo;ll be  and lsquo;ere long? and rdquo; 
       and ldquo;Spec so, and rdquo; Alec whispered back; and knowing what to expect, the four brothers, opened their eyes, and shrank down in their seats to wait for the ranting and raving that now would begin; and when it started, the little sisters, five years old twins, Ivy and Una, kept their eyes closed and even blocked their ears with their fingers, for they had no wish to hear the headmaster shouting at their beloved brother. 
          But the four brothers, each a year younger than the one before, and each a thinner carbon copy of Lionel, sat bolt upright, to purposely cock their ears towards the door; to get a better earful, just in case it involved them. Knowing their brother as they did, they were not at all surprised to hear the headmaster reel off a whole catalogue of crime.
           Finally, when the headmaster finished with just enough breath to roar,  and ldquo;NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT! and rdquo; a communal sigh of relief was released all round. After which, there was a rush of footsteps, a rattle of the door handle, and the door burst open to reveal a red faced Lionel. He shot out like a bullet from a gun his mouth and face exploding with defiance.        
       and ldquo;I and rsquo;ate  and rsquo;er, I and rsquo;ate  and rsquo;er, I and rsquo;ate  and rsquo;er, and rdquo; he whispered under his breath; and of course, they all knew to whom he was referring.
       Suddenly aware of his brothers and sisters watching him, Lionel growled,  and ldquo;What are you lot gawping for? and rdquo; 
        and ldquo;Nuffing Lionel! We woz just waiting for yer that and rsquo;s all. Are yer alright? and rdquo; the little twins asked, gently stroking his arm. 
             Sorry now that he had spoken so angrily to them, he whispered,  and ldquo;Yeah! Course I am, and rdquo; and spat on his stripe reddened hands to ease the pain. He was not sure which stung the most, his hands or the hot tears that welled up in his dark brown eyes? Still, he would not blubber in front of them, no sir, he was no cissie. Instead, he donned a false smile, a cheery air then whistled for them to follow. But just as they turned to go, the headmaster and rsquo;s door re-opened, and a red face emerged, 
        and ldquo;Thank God that this will be the last time I have to deal with you Goodwood. We and rsquo;ll be rid of you tomorrow; you and rsquo;d better behave yourself m and rsquo;lad where you and rsquo;re going; and I hope, its a hundred miles away from here. and rdquo; And with that last shot, the door slammed tight.
       It was then that Lionel realised that he had tried  and lsquo;Old  and lsquo;eppie and rsquo;s and rsquo; patience once too often; now it seemed, Mr Heppenstall was going to get rid of him, but how? 
Of course, Lionel was not to know, that from tomorrow his life would be changed forever.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 


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	                <title>Memories of war-time Tooting by a former resident and writer</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/208/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[When and where did you live in Tooting?

I lived in Tooting from the age of 1  and ndash; 10, between 1935-1945. We moved around but the address were 99 Bickley St,  33 Sellingcourt St, and then 301 Southcroft Rd Streatham. Now of course, the lower end of Sellingcourt is under modern blocks of flats. Our one up one down flats having been demolished by the bombs. My family were lucky when Nutwell and Sellingcourt received a direct hit. We had moved out the morning before that terrible raid. We moved to live with my grandma in Streatham because she was alone and scared.

What was Tooting and the local area like in the 30s and 40s? 
Streatham was the more up market place to live in especially around Streatham Hill and had its fair share of bombing. Tooting was a nice area to live in, although the Broadway was very busy, noisy and full of life. The Broadway traffic was a mixture of trams, trolley buses, vans, horses and carts. But  the residential streets were very quiet and clear, no parked cars then. Ordinary families could not afford a car. And even those who could afford one would have their cars taken from them for the war effort and petrol was rationed.  Although the war years restricted our movements to other parts, we children still managed to enjoy ourselves in the street, or with our parents and neighbours, at the local park or the common between raids.  

We all knew each other in our street as well as the other people in the surrounding streets and everyone was friendly and neighbourly; also everyone had great respect for those in authority and children had great respect for their elders. If someone saw us doing something wrong in the street or elsewhere, they would tell us off or give us a well-earned clip round the ear; we would not dare to tell our parents for they would give us another clip round the ear for being cheeky. The same applied at school.

We had respite from the raids on foggy nights because the Germans could not tell where their intended targets were. The fogs were real  and lsquo;pea soupers and rsquo; you could hardly see your hand in front of your face. All traffic would stop except the train and trams; the tram moved very slowly along the tracks while a man walked in front between the tracks swinging a lamp. The foggy nights were the only nights you could have a bright light on, because it could not be seen from up above. Otherwise there were no street lamps, it was always pitch black at night, and car lights and torches had to be covered in brown paper with a small hole in for the light to shine through. Everyone owned a small torch in those days because at night you could not see where to go, but when the raids were on, the whole sky was lit up, by searchlights, bombs, incendiaries, flares, explosions and fires.             

What stories can you tell me about Tooting during the war?

All the children were evacuated from Tooting and the rest of London for three months during September 1939, but were brought back when nothing seemed to be happening on the home front. This period of time was known as the phoney war. But after the Blitz some were evacuated again, although a lot seemed to stay in London because families wanted to stay together; most of the children I knew went all through the Blitz and missed a lot of schooling. A lot of schools were practically closed down. It was a very scary time especially when the raids were on, you never knew whether you would survive or be the next to die; sometimes the raids came during the day when we were going about our normal business; but we were very patriotic and everyone pulled together, drawing us close as one big happy family, especially when we all practically lived together in the various shelters, the underground, street shelters, church crypts, even sharing our own domestic shelters of the Anderson in the garden or the table top Morrison in the house. We laid in those like a tin of sardines until one night when we heard of one family had not been killed by the bomb but by the steel wires which criss-crossed the sides. They had burst open and impaled the occupants.

As for me, an only child, it seemed like having lots of brothers and sisters. During the latter part of the war in Streatham, my family practically lived in the Crypt under the nearest church; each evening around 5pm in Tooting and Streatham, you would see whole families walking along the streets carrying mattresses, blankets, cocoa, dried milk and other requirements in order to bag their sleeping place in their designated shelter for the night. The vicar of the church where we practically lived, was a lovely man. He made sure that everyone regardless of their religion was made welcome, and would provide hot water from an urn to make our cocoa. Anyone who had forgotten their cocoa powder would find plenty of willing people to share theirs, even in rationing. A space was kept for children to play organised games like oranges and lemons, after which there would be community singing for all, often accompanied by someone on a piano, concertina, accordion or mouth organ. There always seemed to be someone there who could either entertain or play an instrument. This was to try and block out the sound of bombing which was extremely noisy. The worst being when the v1 and v2, arrived. This scenario of togetherness was repeated all over, Tooting, Balham, Clapham and all of the London districts. Then the next morning we would come up and out to discover what devastation there was. Some people completely losing their homes and possessions. Really my family were lucky we only lost our windows and ceilings which we carried out on our carpet to dispose of in the gutter for the authorities to collect and take away.                                                                                                                                          

Sometimes if you were caught out in the raids you could actually see the dog fights over London; a bit like firework night only a hundred times louder and scarier; after the raids the children would go looking for shrapnel for their shrapnel collection. I remember after one particular raid the shops from the Granada to Bickley Street being on fire and the shops following on from Jack Beards being practically demolished. A rather macabre story went round the area about one shop, that the family of six who had taken cover in the cellar and were playing cards round the table, had been found dead still sitting at the table but without their heads. But I think it was one of those stories you would call an urban myth today.  
Himley Rd, Nutwell Street and Sellingcourt suffered severe bombing twice. Some friends were bombed out of Nutwell and stayed with us until they received their new accommodation. Police were posted there because of looting by a few unpatriotic criminals. Our friends lost all of their furniture not just with the bomb but also with the looting. But generally most people were good and helped their neighbours sharing what ever we could, especially in the shelters.  
All along Bickley Street were brick shelters which everyone could use. They were cold and damp, and now, looking back I would hardly think they were of much use with a direct hit because they were single brick built and would only withstand the blast. But obviously it was good psychology to keep us feeling safe. Most people felt safer down in the underground. In the first months of the raids  my parents used to shelter with me in the Broadway underground, that was until two horrific incidents occurred. One the Balham disaster where the people were drowned in the underground, and the other, when we heard of  a young mother and her baby being crushed and  trampled on,  when a huge crowd rushed in, and onto the escalator to escape the bombs.   

We had an Anderson shelter in our garden but it kept filling with water although we tried to make it cosy; it was terrible if you had gone to bed and was woken up by the siren. Mum would dress me in my siren suit, a one piece affair, and carry me down the iron wrought staircase into the garden and the shelter. It was always cold and eerie because we could see the searchlights combing the skies.     

Of course food and clothes were rationed and a lot of people grew their own vegetables. Some even kept rabbits, ducks, hens, and pigs in their gardens if they had room. Parts of Tooting Common was given over to allotments for those people who wanted to grow more. Over a certain amount of food, eggs or bacon a percentage was taken by the government. I remember seeing a poor old pig shot on Tooting Common as a small girl. I was so traumatised I refused to eat pork or bacon after that.           
How does Tooting seem different these days? 
Although the Broadway was busy in those days it was a slower kind of busy. The traffic was slower and varied, and it produced a different noise; the trolley buses seemed to hum, the horse and cart clipped clopped and the trams had a very loud noise of their own, with their roaring, screeching, clashing as they clattered over the tram rails. But you never heard loud BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! music that you hear today. Music was melodic and tuneful. Occasionally You did have music in the Broadway or even your street from a hurdy gurdy, barrel organ or street entertainers. These entertainers were often soldiers from the First World War who were unable to find work. Also ordinary people and errand boys used to go round the streets singing or whistling in those days.      
Today and rsquo;s traffic is heavier, noisier and smellier with so many cars, juggernauts, lorries and buses emitting their petrol and diesel fumes. Tooting seems busier and noisier from the sheer volume of traffic, shops, and people. Today you take your life in your hands when crossing from or to the underground, mainly because The Island has disappeared and the traffic never ceases and there ar no more traffic policemen directing the traffic..  
Certain notable landmarks have disappeared such as the Central Hall which was next to Woolworths on the site of the former Marks and Spencers. Also the greengrocers shop just in the Undergrounds and rsquo;, forecourt. In my day Marks and Spencers used to be just past the two markets in the high Street leading up to the Mayfair Cinema and Tooting Bec. Also just round the corner from the Broadway in that High Street there used to be a Jo Lyons baker shop and restaurant  and the ABC baker shop and café;  both quite large establishments with a very long downstairs room stretching from the front door to the back. Also missing now is the small market the other side of the Granada and also the Astoria cinema which is now Somerfields. 
The Convent School I attended has disappeared, it is now flats. So sad to me because it had a beautiful chapel under the convent building and was mainly staffed by French nuns who had escaped from Germany with some Jewish children. I have since read that Bridget Bardot attended there, in my time and as she is the same age as me and could have been in my class, although I cannot remember a Bridget even though I can remember lots of other names. Obviously a lot of the shops have changed and have been modernised and streamlined. The shops in those days were a bit higgledy piggledy.
Smiths still sells the same things such as curtains etc but with a different layout. Today it seems bigger and wider. The money transaction in Smiths, and in other shops, fascinated children in those days. The assistant made out the bill, wrapped the customer and rsquo;s money in it, pulled down a ball overhead on a pulley, put the bill and money into it, pulled a cord which sent the ball whizzing back up and on its way to the office which seemed to be in the sky. After a few seconds the ball would come whizzing back, was opened up by the assistant and the change wrapped up in the bill would be given to the customer. It was much more exciting than the cash till. As a child I thought there were little people somewhere up in the sky where they just sat waiting for these little balls to arrive. They must have had piles of change ready.    
What You set some of your recent book book in Tooting; what's the book about? 
My book is for children between the ages of 7 -11 It is a fictitious story about the jealousy, bullying and enmity between three children, who are thrown together due to evacuation in the last war. Not only are Shirley Bellerby and Lionel Goodwood horrified to find that they are to be evacuated together, but are also horrified to find they have to live together at the same house. Not only do they have to deal with each others resentment but also with a very different environment and lifestyle to their own; on top of all that they have stand up for their selves against the resentful village children and their leader Jack Williams, which results in a big fight. But some strange events  begin to affect their lives and to find out what happens the answer is THE BROADWAY KIDS AND THE EVER DARKENING SKIES  
How can people find out more about the book or buy a copy? 
It has not been published yet and I have had my first standard rejection. But I will carry on trying. If anyone out there is interested they could contact me. I do not want to self-publish as the marketing is quite hard. Having done that very successfully with another book, I would like someone else do the marketing for me. I have completed one or two illustrations of my own but I am quite happy to cooperate with another illustrator.
 
Thanks Shirley. Extraxcts of the book will be published next week...

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	                <title>Tooting during the war</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/195/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[Shirley Webster lived in Tooting before and during World War Two though she was also billeted outside London as many children were. She is currently writing a children's book based on her wartime experiences. She very kindly gave me a glimpse of what Tooting was like during the bombing and has promised to tell us more. It's appropriate that we should publish this first extract now, given that this is Remembrance Week.
"The lower half of Selling Court Road and the whole of Nutwell was flattened. That is why there are blocks of flats there now. In 1939 The lower half of Sellingcourt and Nutley consisted of flats, just like Bickley Street. Also the Broadway was hit by incendiaries. I remember the shops from the Granada  up to Mellison Street being in flames. I can and rsquo;t remember the rest of Tooting except there would be blast damage from the bombs. I know a v2 dropped somewhere behind the junction, because my mother and I had just got off the tram at Amen Corner, during a lull of the bombing the night before, and my mother threw me down on the ground and covered me with her body. We both survived, but I remember people on the other side of the road caught up in the blast, and I saw a lady sitting on a wall with bleeding legs, the skin completely gone".
If you have any stories about Tooting during the war, please send them to me.
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	                <title>fireworks in SW London - Clapham, Wimbledon or Streatham?</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/186/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[Clapham Common will be alive with traditional fireworks fun at the start of the bonfire weekend, lighting up the skies with a huge fireworks display on Clapham Common.
South London fireworks
The Clapham fireworks display is set to be one of the biggest and brightest around, packed with an array of dazzling fireworks for the crowds to enjoy. Expect busy crowds on the night as Londoners of all ages hit the Common for a South London firework extravaganza.
Guy Fawkes fun
All are invited to turn up and join in on the day at what is bound to be a highlight Bonfire Night event. See in the firework season with a bang in the heart of Clapham and make it a big one for 2008.
Make a night of it
Notorious for its high volume of pubs and bars Clapham Common is the perfect place to enjoy an impressive fireworks display before settling down for a drink or two somewhere warm. Visitors can enjoy the show before exploring the local watering holes.
A festive celebration
With this year marking the 403rd anniversary of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, visitors to the Clapham fireworks display can expect something special during an evening of traditional festivities. Prepare for pyrotechnics aplenty at a seriously vibrant South London event.
Family fun
Kids and adults of all ages can get involved at the Clapham Common fireworks display, a thrilling family event in South London. The skies will be bursting with light and colour during a spectacular fireworks event, exploding onto Clapham Common for 2008.The Clapham Fireworks Display takes place on Wednesday 5th November 2008 with proceedings starting at 7.30pm.
The Streatham fireworks display is one of three massive Bonfire Night events being staged by Lambeth Council this year. Visit Streatham Common for huge firework fun this November 2008.
Firework fun on Streatham Common
Streatham Common will be centre stage to one of the best displays in South London, promises something special for old and young alike. Previous years and rsquo; events have seen crowds of Londoners turn up to enjoy the fun and the 2008 event promises to be no exception.
Fireworks galore
Expect a seriously impressive display of fireworks in November with plenty in store for firework enthusiasts. The skies of Streatham Common will be filled with the sights and sounds of a dazzling display, guaranteed to be something special for 2008.
Family fun in London
Kids and adults will be out to enjoy the Streatham fireworks display, coming together under the glow of pyrotechnics in traditional community spirit. The event is completely free to attend, leaving every reason to make a day of it in the heart of Streatham.
Historic celebrations
The Gunpowder Plot celebrates its 403rd anniversary this year and London fireworks displays are set to be bigger than ever. Celebrate an historic London occasion in traditional style and make it a Guy Fawkes night to remember.Streatham fireworks display takes place on Streatham Common on Wednesday 5th November 2008, with the display starting at 7.30pm.
 
Visit Wimbledon and have a blast of a Bonfire Night at the 2008 Wimbledon fireworks display, taking place on Wednesday 5th November.Wimbledon fireworks
The skies of Wimbledon Park will be alive with light and colour during a night of thrilling fireworks, exploding onto the scene at a perennially popular London event. Children and adults will be out in crowds to enjoy fireworks in Wimbledon, in celebration of Bonfire Night 2008.Fun for all ages
A smaller children and rsquo;s display will be taking place ahead of the main fireworks display event, and both displays will be accompanied by the lighting of a bonfire for an appropriately traditional touch.Classic fun
Kids and adults of all ages can expect traditional Guy Fawkes fun in Wimbledon, with plenty of firework action in store. The displays also feature music, guaranteeing something extra special on the night and a lively soundtrack to proceedings.Bonfire Night 2008
In addition to the fireworks displays and two bonfires a selection of stalls will be open throughout the evening, along with a complete fairground. Visitors to the Wimbledon fireworks display can enjoy the pyrotechnics and go for a spin beneath the stars.A trip to Wimbledon
Visitors to the Wimbledon fireworks display can make a day of it in one of London's most famously pleasant areas. Expect a bubbling community atmosphere at a highlight Guy Fawkes event for 2008.The Wimbledon fireworks display takes place on Wednesday 5th November 2008. Gates open at 5.15pm. The first bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm, followed by a fireworks display at 6.45pm. The second bonfire will be lit at 8.15pm, followed by a second fireworks display at 8.30pm. Nearest tube: Wimbledon Park.Tickets are £7.00 for adults, £4.00 for under 18s. Kids under 4 go free and family tickets (two adults and two children) are available for £20. Sidestalls and the fairground remain open until 10pm.
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	                <title>George Osborne spoilt our day on the beach in Corfu...</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/174/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[It was mid afternoon on August 14 and we were on Kalamaki beach - one of those glorious Greek beaches on the North-Eastern coast of Corfu where the intensely blue sea was so still it seemed to be oil, rather than water - barely a wave lapped. The beach itself was shallow far out from the coast so that families with even very young children could play several hundred metres from the shore, as a large number were doing. There were families throwing balls, people chatting waist-high in warm water, a few young people kissing and some children lazily dragging small fishing nets and wearing snorkels. It was mid-afternoon and we'd all enjoyed a long lunch and were keen to play. The scene was truly idyllic. The focus for most of those playing in the water was a long, rickety, wooden pier which stretched out into the glinting sun from the beach. Children were jumping from it, sitting along it with their feet dangling in the water and running up and down playing tag. My three year-old was in the process of learning to dive off the end, and her cousin was showing her how, when a large green (we think) motorboat, probably 15 feet in length, arrived with a smartly-dressed man standing at the wheel, driving the boat, and several people sitting behind.
At first I was a little alarmed by the speed at which the motorboat drove very determinedly towards the pier. Parents stopped and watched and I began to collect our little ones around me as I could sense possible danger. Small kids, warm sea, balls, fishing nets, families and loud, shiny motorboats combined can make parents feel uneasy. The boat kept coming and I began to worry. Surely, no-one would drive a motorboat through crowded water, and anyway, where was it going? Couldn and rsquo;t those on board see that there was nowhere to moor the boat as the pier was alive with children playing?
None of us felt it prudent to get in the boat and rsquo;s way and the games came to an abrupt end though several parents, in several languages, complained loudly that this was not the appropriate place to bring a motorboat. Unabashed, the boat carried on without any hint of apology from those on board and the water cleared out to make way for it, children were hurriedly helped down from the pier and sent back to the beach to play. The diving games were truncated and the pier made way instead for a very smart family which proceeded to disembark, picnic baskets in hand and march at some speed towards the shore. At its head and leading the way quickly was a man dressed in blue shorts and white polo shirt, wearing deck shoes, which he clearly didn't intend to get wet, followed in a line by two young children (some debate here, I think there were 4 children, my husband says 2, my brother says 3, though he has 2 kids), also dressed smartly and not for the beach, a woman, who we assumed was their mother and was carrying a wicker picnic basket and bringing up the rear a Flipina nanny, who was carrying the bulk of the bags. I could tell immediately that these people were English, by the way they were dressed, the way they walked single-file down the pier (no Mediterranean chaos here), the wicker (italics) picnic basket, the nanny and their superior manner. I confess I felt embarrassed that a typically chaotic, relaxed and inclusive Greek afternoon was being so rudely interrupted by one small, well-turn-out, organised, English family.
I recognised George Osborne as he led the way. Shouts continued from the parents which made the Osborne family hurry, but none of them looked back, or exuded that air one would expect, of bashful apology of "sorry everyone, for breaking up the party, but we and rsquo; ve got to be somewhere". George, hearing the shouts of protest, simply said, to no-one in particular but addressing everyone, "it and rsquo;s a pier, it and rsquo;s what it and rsquo;s for". He said it loudly, angrily, without looking at any of those whose afternoon he and rsquo;d spoilt.
Of course he was right. It was a pier, and that is what they are for, but that day the pier was full of families having fun and the boat brought this fun to an end. That wasn and rsquo;t even what galled the families there the most (lots of us discussed it afterwards), it was the way (italics) it had happened. Not a backwards glance, not an apology, no hint of embarrassment at forcing people from their fun. It wasn and rsquo;t very Greek at all, indeed it was extremely English in that old Empire way. The Osbornes had to be somewhere, quickly, so everyone had to make way. Perhaps Deripaska was waiting to talk about money. He and rsquo;s a billionaire, after all, and that and rsquo;s what they and rsquo;re for.
by Candida Jones]]></description> 
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	                <title>Good on Sadiq Khan - let's make our roads safer...</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/170/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[I can see why Sadiq Khan was recently promoted in the latest Government reshuffle.
Previously an assistant whip, Mr Khan has now become parliamentary under-secretary of state in the department for communities and local government and it is widely assumed he will take over responsibility for community cohesion, equality and local government.
I contacted Mr Khan recently about a dangerous crossing (or lack of crossing) near the Tooting Bec Athletics Track. It's something a number of you have commented on in the chat room. The problem lies at roundabout at the junction of Thrale Road, Furzedown Road, West Drive and Ullathorne Road (and the pedestrian path though the park). According to one chatroom user and local Mum, "it's also a blindspot when you are trying to cross from the park as the bushes mean you can't see further than 50 metres down the road". Another added, "a number of years ago there was talk of traffic calming measures. Sadly nothing happened, maybe we could petition the local councillors."
I figured that perhaps Mr Khan could help, so I contacted him (using this website - see the front page) and I got a reply just two days later. Pretty impressive for someone who's just taken on a new job! 
The junction in question is seriously dangerous - people cross with buggies, in wheelchairs, with small children, on their bikes, and there's nowhere safe for them to do so. Something dreaful will happen unless we all take action. It seems Mr Khan is already doing his bit.
Mr Khan said that this is an issue that he is "also very concerned about" and that he has been "campaigninhg to make sure Wandsworth Council, who are responsible for road safety on Thrale Road, take action".
He has handed in a petition to lobby Wandsworth council about road safety on Thrale Road and in May he followed this up with a letter further outlining his concerns. Like those who posted their comments in the chat room, he is "particularly worried about the problems pedestrians face trying to cross the end of Thrale Road to get to Tooting Bec Common".
Mr Khan tells me that as a result of the pressure he and other local residents have put on the Council there has finally been some progress. The council has agreed to run a formal consultation with a view to agreeing proposals to improve pedestrian safety across Furzedown Road at the juntion with Thrale Road.
This is an excellent result for local residents. But Mr Khan urges us all to contact Wandsworth Council directly about the issue to ensure that change actually happens. The address to write to is Isaac Kwayke, Highways and Traffic Section, Engineering and Design Services, Technical Services Department, Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, London SW18 2PU, or email highways@wandsworth.gov.uk or call 0208 871 6690. 
It's a small thing but we can all make our voices heard and make where we live better for it. Please back this campaign. Thanks!]]></description> 
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	                <title>Half-Term fun</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/161/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[Battersea Park Children and rsquo;s ZooThis friendly zoo is pitched just right for small children. Battersea Park Children and rsquo;s Zoo, Queenstown Rd, SW11 (020 7924 5826/www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk). Battersea Park rail.
Battersea Dogs and Cats HomeThe world-famous welfare centre is open to casual visitors. There and rsquo;s a souvenir and accessory shop, a café and a collection of tributes to dogs and their owners. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Rd, SW8 (020 7622 3626/www.dogshome.org). Battersea Park rail. 

Crystal Palace ParkA large landscaped green space that stretches down the hill from the site of the Crystal Palace, Crystal Palace Park also has a maze, a children's play area and a café as well as the famous concrete Victorian dinosaurs and enough open space to wear out the liveliest kids. Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Rd, SE20 (020 8778 9496/www.bromley.gov.uk). Penge West or Crystal Palace rail.Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial PlaygroundWith its pirate ship, play sculptures and well-heeled facilities, this has become an established favourite, and can consequently get very busy. You could also wander over to the Serpentine to check out the once-notorious Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain (Near West Carriage Drive, Hyde Park).Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, Nr Black Lion Gate, Broad Walk, Kensington Gardens, W8 (020 7298 2117/ 2141/www.royalparks.org.uk). Bayswater tube.Gorilla KingdomGorilla Kingdom is London Zoo and rsquo;s biggest project in 40 years, a £5.3 million home for three primates called Bobby, Zaire and Effie. The environment has been carefully planted and crafted to look as much like a forest clearing in Gabon as possible, with the addition of a moat,  and lsquo;enriching and rsquo; gym, and a crowd of Colobus monkeys zipping about. London Zoo, Regent and rsquo;s Park, NW1 4RY (020 7722 3333/www.zsl.org). Camden Town tube.Gunnersbury Triangle Nature ReserveThis secluded natural habitat, cut off from the harsh realities of Chiswick by railway lines, is home to several rare species, including bats. Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve, Bollo Lane, W4 (020 8747 3881/www.wildlondon.org.uk). Chiswick Park tube.Isabella Plantation in Richmond ParkA more intimate atmosphere than the rolling acreage of Richmond Park in which it's set makes the Isabella Plantation a magical place for a family walk. Established during the 1950s, the ornamental woodland garden consists of clearings, ponds and streams and is planted with ferns, exotic trees and shrubs.Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park (nearest gates Ham or Ladderstile), Surrey (020 8948 3209/www.royalparks.org.uk) Richmond tube/rail then 65, 371 bus.
London Wetland CentreA 105-acre city wildlife area of lakes, reedbeds and marshes created by the Wildfowl  and  Wetlands Trust. A three-storey tower gives excellent views of the wild areas while six other hides offer more cover for watching the wetland wildlife, especially ducks and wading birds. Facilities include a café, theatre and the Explore children's adventure centre. Free guided tours take place twice a day.London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth's Walk, London, SW13 (020 8409 4400/wwt.org.uk). Hammersmith tube then Duck bus (283).
Horniman MuseumSet in 16 acres of landscaped gardens, the Horniman has a marvellous natural history gallery where the exhibits are displayed in traditional cases. There's also a wonderful collection of around 1,600 musical instruments. There are plenty of activities for families, including a nature trail, weekend workshops and a hands-on base where children can touch museum objects. The museum's aquarium, the original incarnation of which was the first free public aquarium when it opened in 1903, reopened in 2006 following a large-scale redevelopment.Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, London, SE23 (020 8699 1872/www.horniman.ac.uk). Forest Hill rail.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum A trip here is always worthwhile. Recently reopened, it now boasts a 200° camera which lets you experience a Centre Court match from a player and rsquo;s point of view. You can also ogle the trophies close up and tour the players and rsquo; gym, the BBC television studios, and the iconic Centre Court.Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, All England Lawn Tennis  and  Croquet Club, Church Rd, SW19 (020 8946 6131/www.wimbledon.org). Southfields tube.
Art classes Dulwich Picture Gallery runs an award-winning education programme for budding artists of all ages and abilities. Classes for seven- to ten-year-olds are on Saturday mornings, 11- to 14-year-olds can head along on Thursday evenings, and 15- to 18-year-olds can take classes on Tuesday evenings. There are also free drop-in classes. Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Rd, SE21 (020 86935254/www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk). North Dulwich or West Dulwich rail.
Polka TheatreLess sporty types can get their kicks in the sticks at the Polka Theatre, a beautifully designed kids and rsquo; theatre which puts on daily shows (10.30am, 2pm) and runs school holiday workshops.Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, SW19 (020 8543 4888/www.polkatheatre.com). South Wimbledon tube.
Morden Hall Park A green oasis in the heart of suburbia, beside the river Wandle. Rose garden, riverside cafe, parks, wetlands, bridges. Morden Hall Road, Morden, London SM4 5JD, 020 8545 6850 (General enquiries)  mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk
For even more ideas, take a look at the Noticeboard under Events or Kid's Fun....]]></description> 
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	                <title>Moving Here Stories</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/153/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[I've found this brilliant website.
It's a website designed to "explore, record and illustrate why people came to England over the last 200 years and what their experiences were and continue to be. Basically, it gives visitors to the site the opportunity to publish their own experience of migration.
So, of course, I looked at Tooting and it reminded me of how many great stories there are that could be told by people in our area. And how lucky to we are to be surrounded by such an electric and exciting mix of people from every corner of the world. One of my favourite stories was from the owner of a jewellery shop in Tooting. Here's an extract:
Coming to Tooting:"I was born in a small town in Kenya. My parents were born in India and emigrated to Kenya in 1935 because life in India was hard and he was searching for a better place to live in. The administration and the infrastructure (in Kenya, a former British colony) were very similar to the UK; hence, when I emigrated to the UK, I had no difficulty in adjusting. The weather was the biggest change; the town in Kenya where I lived is on the equator, therefore we had even days and nights throughout the year. The only difference I noticed in the UK was, we had comparatively less time to sit and chat, as everyone was either studying or working or - in the evenings - watching television. In Kenya, comparatively, we had a lot of time to spend with the family and friends.."
Two things occurred to me. First, I would love to hear stories from visitors to this site about why you came to Tooting. Perhaps you've lived here for generations (a Your Local London user recently emailed me and told me that she remembered when the Astoria cinema on Mitcham Road - now Somerfield - was hit with an incendiary bomb during a showing of Gone with the Wind), or you've recently arrived. Please email in and tell me your story and I'll publish tem online.
The second thing that occurred to me was made me extremely sad. The photos accompanying the stories I read were all shown in a local exhibition in 2003. In the exhibition Asian business owners talked about their experiences of living and working in Tooting. Where was the exhibition? Wandsworth Museum, now closed. For more, don't bother going to www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/LeisureandTourism/Museum but I do recommend you try http://www.movinghere.org.uk]]></description> 
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	                <title>Congestion charge - have your say</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/143/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[Congestion Charge Western Extension consultation
Wandsworth residents are being urged to take part in a new consultation on possible changes to the Congestion Charge Western Extension. The Mayor of London is offering three options: removing the scheme, amending the charging arrangements or keeping it the same.None of these alternatives affects the operation of the central London zone - it's just the Western extension, the parts nearest to Wandsworth.The enlarged zone came into effect in February 2007. Its southern borders include the Earls Court one way system, Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Embankment. Charges operate from 7am to 6pm Monday to FridayOne of the options being considered is a charge-free period in the middle of the day. You can find out more details and complete the online questionnaire on the TfL website or go to http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/MyWandsworth/Newsextra/congestion.htm for more details.The consultation closes on Sunday 5 October 2008]]></description> 
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	                <title>Has Tooting's credit crunched?</title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/134/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[We're in the midst of a credit crunch. I know this because I read the papers, but it's set me thinking about the last time the UK's credit crunched and how this time around compares.
I'm old enough to remember The Thatcher Years and then the more minor Major Years. Friends of mine certainly felt the crunch bite (sorry!). The Dad of a good friend who ran a jewelry shop went bust, things in shops actually got cheaper, and you could visibly see more people on the streets, by which I mean homeless people, not people out having fun. These were the days when the South Bank was known as cardboard city and you had to step round boxes on the way to the theatre. It made me feel guilty and rich, neither of which I was.
Well, it's happening again. But this time around it feels different. Tooting is certainly not the same, rather dreary, place it was 20 or so years ago. Indeed, to me at least, the place looks like it's flourishing. Crunch or no crunch.
Tescos is now open, or almost open, on Mitcham Lane and TK Maxx is soon to follow, I'm told. Food might be becoming more expensive (indeed it certainly is) but our local economy is riding the storm rather well. I've been checking house prices in the area and it's true they've dropped, but not by the 25% that some commentators would have us believe. What's happening in the housing market, from my observations, is that houses just aren't selling as quickly as they used to, and prices are down, but not catastrophically so and perhaps that's no bad thing. The market had gone mad. This time last year, when I bought a house, you had to get an offer in before the house had even gone up in the estate agent's window or you had no chance of buying it. The stress of it was dreadful. Sellers held all the cards and they could ask silly money. Which they did. Good for them, bad for the first-time buyer, the local teacher, policeman, nurse, the community as a whole...
So I'm not worried about Tooting's credit. It's got money in its many banks. Banks, however, do worry me, so I bothered to find out where, exactly savers stand. 
So, in case you've got money in the bank, here's some good advice. Up to 35K savings in any one bank is secured by the government. In other words, if the bank where you've got your money goes under, you'll get 35K back again, guaranteed. If you're lucky enough to have more than 35K in one bank then you could lose whatever you've got over 35K if that bank fails. It's unlikely any UK bank will fail given Gordon's determination to keep them afloat, but there is some, however tiny, risk. So, where should you put the money you've got if you want to avoid all risk alltogether? The answer surprised me, but makes perfect sense - Northern Rock - which is, of course, now government-owned, is safe as houses. It will not be going the same way as Lehman brothers. Not ever. The second saftest place to put your money is the Post Office, which runs the National Savings scheme. Third safest are the building societies with Nationwide (which owns Portman) topping the list. It is a mutual and lots of money has been pouring into it as investors flee the banks. 
And one other tip I received recently. There is at least one commodity bucking the economic downturn and that is carbon. It might sound like a lot of hot air, and indeed it is, but the carbon market continues to grow strongly, buoyed by regulation (the Kyoto Protocol). Oh, and gold!
So, if you live in Tooting, have your money in Northern Rock and own a carbon and gold portfolio, I think you'll be OK, though I'd love to hear your views. Has your credit crunched and where is it starting to bite? Please write in and tell me and I'll post the most interesting comments online. ]]></description> 
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	                <title>Sitting in the sunshine on Tooting Bec Common </title> 
	                <link>http://www.yourlocallondon.com/Tooting/from-the-editor/133/</link> 
	                <description><![CDATA[Sitting in the sunshine on Tooting Bec Common last weekend, listening to live music, eating a delicious goat curry (followed by, I confess, an authentic Mexican Taco and a slice of organic hemp cake) and watching my children play, I got to wonder whether the Notting Hill Carnival was ever this good. Perhaps way back when, in the days before it became just too big to bother with, when you could still walk around, soak up the atmosphere, relax, enjoy the music and not worry about your handbag or losing your children, maybe then, when it was more like our carnival, the Notting Hill Carnival was also worth a visit, but these days, with small kids, it's somewhere to avoid.
I told my friends in Notting Hill, of course, and they nearly choked on their toasted goji berry muffins. "Tooting? Don't be so ridiculous, what has Tooting got to offer?". So, just for you, I thought I'd perhaps mention a few things, without meaning to boast.
The food in Tooting is seriously good, surprisingly affordable, wonderfully varied and truly tasty. The diversity of cuisine tells you something about Tooting which I haven't been able to find anywhere else in London. Try, among many others, Fujisan (Japanese), the Kastoori (South Indian vegetarian), the Boon Thai Restaurant on Amen Corner, Rick's Cafe (great English and European food), the Rada Krishna (which does the best deep fried cashew nuts you've ever tasted), Mirch Masala, Baboosh (fantastic bacon sandwiches), the pie and mash shop on Selkirk Road (yup, they sell eels, and liquor and people queue outside), the Italian Deli and cafe on Franciscan Road, (La Mediterranee), run by Aldo and Giovanni who serve great pasta, fresh Sicilian olive oil and seem to know everyone and Kay's cafe on Moyser Road, with a child-friendly garden complete with toys and books and a menu of entirely home-made everything (including the best carrot cake I've ever eaten). These cafes, above all, create and nurture a proper sense of local community.
Pubs. There are loads of them. The Selkirk (Selkirk Road) plays live music and has a weekly quiz, The Ramble Inn is, I'm told, a proper, great pub, which does a mean Irish Coffee, The Tooting Tram and Social is, I think, owned by the same people who set up The Dogstar in Brixton and I've seen it listed in the London Paper as a great new venue for London, the refurbished Long Room (which has Black Sheep on tap), the Bec Bar, the Smoke Bar, the Sunday quiz in The Castle and Monday nights in the Moon where you can get a pint for £1.50. Did you hear that Notting Hill? £1.50?
The Market. Tooting has two of them! They sell basically everything you've ever needed but didn't know where to start looking. The food stalls, including the butcher and fishmonger, sell affordable fresh food and are happy to offer advice on what they are selling because they care about food. In the past, I've bought octopus from the fishmonger and pheasant from the butcher! Need some muslin to wrap your spices in for a chutney? Obscure, I know, which is why you can buy it in the Broadway Market, along with flea-killer, tamarinds, kittens, children's books and wigs.
Some of the shops may look a little shabby but many of them are little Aladdin's caves of treasure once inside. Deepak is my personal favourite. It sells every spice and herb you've ever heard of plus Indian, Thai, Greek, Italian and Chinese ingredients, but more than that, it sells disposable paper table cloths, fireworks, fresh mangoes by the box load and all the kitchen stuff you can't find elsewhere. I have a friend who drives from Battersea to buy tin-foil boxes from Deepak so she can freeze her home-made whatnots. The staff in Deepak , having watched my belly swell over 9 months and being generally lovely people, gave my daughter a present when she was born. Do they do that in Waitrose?
Other shops that must be mentioned include the off-license near Smith Bros, the charity shops (try Oasis on Tooting Bec Road, great selection of second-hand books and I nearly bought a piano there once), Smith Bros. (think 'AreYou Being Served'),  Coppin Bros butchers, which has been there for over 100 years and does great sausages, Mica hardware store which sells everything known to mankind, the Mixed Blessings bakery near Amen Corner, the Greek showmaker a few doors down, who still makes handmade shoes (and may use elves, else I don't know how he does it), the Patio Garden Centre on Tooting Bec Rd, K and K stationers (great kid's craft stuff), which for good reason just expanded its premises, 1 and A Fashion, where you can get new wheels put on your buggy, any school uniform you've ever needed and any number of smart things to wear..it's basically 3 shops in one. Primark. Visage Beauty (great for kids's haircuts) Sainsbury's. And more are opening soon, including TK Maxx (see the chat room).
We need to support these shops or they will go. The architect's salvage by St George's recently closed. How sad is that? St George's. This is one of the best training hospitals in the UK, (note it used to be in Charing Cross, but clearly saw the light). It's on your door step. As well as offering a drop-in centre and being a generally highly- considered hospital, it is great for those those having kids as it's just opened up a brand new maternity unit, complete with birth pools..
There's more. There are leisure facilities agogo in Tooting. As well as the Leisure Centre off Garratt Road, which has a great soft play area for kids and offers classes in gymnastics, trampolining, football, yoga, you name it, the Common, where you can take tennis lessons, Graveney Rec where you can learn to play bowls, the Lido, where you can swim, there is talk of a Fitness First opening above the old Marks and Spencer's.
Tooting has a library, a good one, which is set to become even better (and more wheelchair- and buggy-friendly) as it's about to undergo major improvements. It's on-line service is fabulous. Tooting has really good schools (the best-performing state school in Wandsworth is, I believe, Graveney) and great transport links. 
And Tooting is seasonal, have you noticed? I personally love the honey mangoes which you can buy for next to nothing from ad hoc stalls dotted along the road in July and August, along with mangosteens later in the year and The Fair comes round once a year, like it used to in kids' books, and it's now being joined by the Carnival which promises to be bigger and better each year (but, I hope, never too big).
Last year Tooting hosted the world's winter outdoor swimming championship (the first time it has ever been held in the UK), and the Common filled up with Fins, Norwegians, Russians and Ukranians (as well as participants from the South London swimming club, who did rather well) and a few year's ago a crater on Mars was named after this glorious place putting Tooting firmly on the astral map alongside Slovenia, New Guinea, Australia, Upper Volta and Wales.  Why Tooting? Because Peter Mouginis-Mark, the Nasa scientist who named Tooting on Mars, grew up in south London and though he now lives in Hawaii he wanted, he says, to give his mum and brother a kick by putting their town's name on the Red Planet. I guess it's called community. And that's the point.
I don't blame my West London friends for failing to understand the wonders of Tooting. Indeed, I'm grateful to them. Somebody needs to live in amongst the fly-overs and motorways, or we South Londoners wouldn't be able to leave the city so quickly when sunny weekends tempt us away. What they fail to understand is that Tooting has a real community.
And our name is sky-high, rather than our house prices.
Please get involved in this site and become part of Tooting's online community. There's so much about this place that people don't appreciate and, actually, why not boast when where you live is this good? 
 ]]></description> 
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