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Local action for a low carbon future
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E-News: December 2016
All the latest from Sustainable Merton!
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and a very BIG thank you for your continued support throughout this year
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What's new?
◾ VACANCY | We are looking for a Community Champions Project Manager! Deadline: 5th December
◾ Our team visit the beautiful Baitul Futuh Mosque for the annual AMA Careers Fair
◾ We attend the Merton Partnership and Merton Voluntary Service Council's Volunteer Conference '16
◾ It's been another great year at Phipps Bridge Community Garden! Gillian looks back at our best bits
◾ Michelle reminds us of just some of this year's many 'Healthy Schools' Gardening Club highlights
◾ Juliet shares her handy tips for reducing food waste this Christmas
What's On? DECEMBER
Discuss Green Ideas (8th) | Winter Wonderland (9th)
Daffodil Planting (10th) | Seasonal Activities for Families (11th) | Carols at the Windmill (17th)
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It may be cold outside but you can't beat views like this on a frosty morning's walk to work.
Happy December all! |
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News & Info
Find out what we've been up to and keep up to date with sustainability issues in Merton...
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APPLY NOW: Community Champions Project Manager
There are just few days left to submit your application to join our team and manage a ground-breaking community engagement project!
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Part time - 15 hrs/week | Fixed term - 6 months | £25,000 pa pro rata
Recruit and manage a team of Community Champions across Merton. Run events, evaluate progress against agreed targets, publicise the successes of this project, and seek further funding to ensure its longer term security.
This is a key project for Sustainable Merton, bringing together ideas relating to all aspects of sustainability, and we are looking someone to move it to the next level!
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We were delighted to attend the 6th annual AMA Careers Fair at the impressive Baitul Futuh Mosque
We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a very successful day, speaking to over 30 visitors about the many benefits of volunteering for both personal development and their local communities.
Our Community Champions project was a key focus for us, as there are many opportunities for young people to develop key skills and improve their employability prospects, whilst doing their bit for the environment (and having some fun!)
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Sustainable Merton's Amy (Volunteer Coordinator) & Juliet (Trustee)
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** Reminder: Green Coffee **
Tuesday 6th December, 9.30 - 11, Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon SW19 1QT
Enjoy a festive drink and chat about local sustainability issues. This month, the group will be reviewing the list of ideas for Wimbledon Town Centre and discussing how best to take these forward. Catch up on last month's news
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Organiser - Joyce (second from right) with the Green Coffee group at November's meet up
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Merton Partnership Volunteer Conference
This year's conference, held on 14th November, primarily focused on the development of Merton’s new Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Strategy.
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The event emphasized the importance of collaboration within the sector, and with local businesses, to share skills and provide support with governance, fundraising, training and so on.
Tom Leftwich (Head of Sector Sustainability Projects, Office for Civil Society) also highlighted that in an increasingly digital world, we need to access and recruit people with the necessary skills for more efficient and effective working.
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L-R: Simon Williams (Director of Community & Housing and Chair of the Strategy Steering Group); Bev Taylor (Head of Strategic Engagement, NAVCA); Khadiru Mahdi (Chief Executive, MVSC), Tom Leftwich
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Can you help? If you or your business/organisation are able to offer skills such as HR, fundraising, digital and/or trustee experience, just to name a few, please do get in touch to let us know how you can support the work we do. Thank you!✉ amy.sustainablemerton@gmail.com
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Blog: Phipps Bridge Community Garden Update | Gillian, Trustee
Our flagship community garden continues to flourish, with up to 12 regular volunteers collectively contributing around 50 hrs/week, throughout the season.
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We have had students from the Aurora Centre (South Thames College) and Orchard Hill College regularly joining our Wednesdays workdays, as well as volunteers from NCS The Challenge, Circle Housing and Verco Global coming along for one-off action days. Their efforts helped produced a wide variety of crops, with our best being leeks and broad beans. Our fruit trees have also matured very nicely, producing an abundance of apples and plums!
Read Gillian's full blog for more of this year's action and plans for the new growing season
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Bumper broad bean harvest! |
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Volunteers Needed - Please do get in touch if you are interested in finding out more about regular or one-off student/employee volunteering days at our lovely Phipps Bridge Commmunity Garden ✉ amy.sustainablemerton@gmail.com
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Blog: Healthy Schools 2016 | Michelle, Project Leader
This year, we worked with many pupils and parents across five primary schools in the east of the borough to teach them how to grow fresh, healthy food.
Our 'Gardening Clubs' inspired children, and parents, including those who had never gardened before, to germinate their own seeds at home and bring them in to transplant in the school garden. The children became very self-motivated and self-guided, with one William Morris pupil creatively constructing his own watering hose using a cup with holes in it. Interest in the clubs grew organically and a relaxed, 'pop-in culture' developed through word of mouth. The children were proud of their achievements and made signs asking others to “Please respect our garden” and inviting them to join in too
Read Michelle's full blog for more highlights and photos of the wonderful work done!
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Painting fruit & veg signs for the beds with volunteer Lizzie (Sustainable Merton) at Links Primary School
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One of our regular Lonesome Primary Gardening Club helpers shows Michelle how the experts plant herb cuttings
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The Great Weight Debate: There's still time to join the conversation
With around 4,500 primary school children in Merton estimated to be overweight or obese, tackling childhood obesity is a priority in the borough.
Sustainable Merton see teaching children about growing and eating their own healthy foods as a vital issue and welcome your input into this very important London wide survey. TAKE PART NOW to have your say on the changes you think will help children and families lead healthier lives. Thank you!
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Reducing Food Waste at Christmas | Juliet, Abundance Wimbledon
Food waste increases at Christmas because people buy more than they eat.
This year, why not try to buy less and also avoid excess packaging.
 Turkey can be an economical purchase if waste is avoided. One turkey can provide meals for many people and the leftovers can be the basis of several more meals in the post-Christmas period. Cold turkey on Boxing Day is delicious with any sort of hot vegetables or cold salads, such as coleslaw. Continue reading for more of Juliet's handy tips...
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Out of Office | 23rd December 2016 - 2nd January 2017 (incl.)
PLEASE NOTE that our office will be closed between the above dates.
We will respond to calls/emails as soon as possible when we return after the festive period. We hope you have a lovely Christmas & New Year with loved ones!
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Help Needed: Daffodil Planting in Morden Park
Saturday 3rd & 10th December | 12pm – 3pm
Liz Sherwood (Secretary, Morden Park & Playing Fields Association) has received hundreds of daffodil and narcissi bulbs from Merton Council and is in need of volunteers to help plant them! Tools and refreshments provided. Bring gloves if you have some. Contact Liz to take part ✉ liz.sherwood@talktalk.net 📞 07891 889389
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 GAP Taster Session Supervisor
Green Academies Project are looking for friendly and reliable volunteers with a passion for wildlife to supervise young people taking part in their monthly taster sessions. You will empower them to achieve their goals, meet new people and develop your own practical skills for habitat management and horticulture. Find out more
Enquiries ✉ Hattie.Clayton@nationaltrust.org.uk 📞 020 8545 6850
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Advertising a volunteer role, apprenticeship or job vacancy within the Green Sector? Please email amy.sustainablemerton@gmail.com to let us know and we will share these great opportunities!
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Dates For Your Diary
Get involved at local events organised by ourselves & other organisations
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 Thursday 8th December
Discuss Green Issues
The Sultan Pub, 78 Norman Road SW19 1BT
Meet Jonathan Bartlett - one of the co-leaders of the Green Party! A chance to discuss environmental issues and what to do about them. Limited places.
Enquiries: John Boyd | pjrboyd@doctors.org.uk
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Friday 9th December, 3pm - 9pm
Winter Wonderland @ South Mitcham Community Centre
Haslemere Avenue, Mitcham CR4 3PR
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FREE Christmas extravaganza full of fun activities! Enjoy a Roller Disco, meet Santa and receive a free gift in the purpose built Grotto in the garden (ticket required), plus lots more... Sustainable Merton will also be running a potato printing card making activity.
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 Winter at Kew Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB
Enjoy the winter delights of Kew for a special online price
of just £8 per adult until 31st January 2017 (more...)
Enquiries: info@kew.org | 020 8332 5655
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Sunday 11th December, 2pm - 4pm
Seasonal Activities for Families
South London Botanical Institute, SE24 9AQ
Make your own botanical table decorations ready for the festive season using fruits, seeds, leaves and other plant materials. Younger visitors can also make a name place card decorated in the same fashion. Materials provided. Booking essential (more...)
Enquiries: info@slbi.org.uk | 020 8674 5787
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Saturday 17th December, 3pm - 4.30pm
Carols at The Windmill
Windmill Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5NR
Celebrate the restoration of the Windmill and enjoy festive carols with the Wandle Concert Band (more...) Enquiries: Send a message >>>
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Click HERE for events calendars & newsletters from local groups
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If you have any news or events you would like us to share with our supporters, please contact sustainablemerton@gmail.com
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Regular Events
Local events taking place each week/month...
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Green Coffee
1st Tuesday of the month (usually), 9.30 - 11am, Wibbas Down Inn,
6 Gladstone Road, Wimbledon SW19 1QT
Get together to discuss local environmental and community news. Everyone is welcome. Please check the date and venue of the next meeting and download the latest Green Coffee newsletter HERE. Enquiries: joycepountain@virginmedia.com
Phipps Bridge Community Garden
Every Wednesday morning (weather dependent), 10am - 2pm (well deserved tea & cake break at 12.30pm)
Are you keen to get involved in community food growing in Merton? Join the Dig Merton team to enjoy the benefits of working on local land. Enquiries: Gillian - 07956170141.
Nelson Gardens
Every first Saturday of the month, 10am - 12pm, High Path SW19 2JY
Join the High Path Community Association team to help maintain the garden and historic land. Enquiries: Cypren - highpath@live.co.uk / 07772 999870
Mitcham Community Orchard & Gardens
Every last Saturday of the month, Fieldgate Lane, Mitcham CR4 3AL
Help local residents and volunteers maintain and develop this beautiful and educational community resource for all to enjoy. Enquiries: mitchamorchard@gmail.com
Lavender Avenue Community Gardens
Sundays, 11am - 1pm, Lavender Avenue/Mortimer Road, Mitcham CR4 3HH
Join your local community gardening group to help grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. Enquiries: Michelle - kolattek@hotmail.com / 07733 266073
Christchurch Community Garden
Fridays, 10am - 12pm, 58 Christchurch Road, Colliers Wood SW19 2NY
Join local volunteers at the weekly workday to help with general maintenance and upkeep of the garden. Please contact Lesley via lesleygelbart@aol.com
/ 020 8544 9511 beforehand to let her know you will be coming along.
Merton Green Parents
Every Wednesday, 10.30am, Coffee in the Wood, 99 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2JF
Merton Green Parents is the perfect group for people who want to make their parenting journey a more sustainable one. For more information about meet up times and to join the group, follow Merton Green Parents on Facebook or Twitter (@MGreenParents).
Merton Green Drinks
** Please Note ** Merton Green Drinks is on hold until further notice as a new location is being found for this event.
Wimbledon Beekeepers' Association
1st Monday of the month, 7.30pm, The Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD
Sign up for a beginners’ course and enjoy educational and social events for members. For more information about beekeeping or joining the Association please contact: The Chairman - chairman@wimbledonbeekeepers.co.uk / 020 3286 2896 or
The Secretary - secretary@wimbledonbeekeepers.co.uk / 0774 785 0940.
Website: wimbledonbeekeepers.co.uk
Wimbledon Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 9am-1pm, Wimbledon Park Primary School, Havana Road, SW19 8EJ
A chance to get your groceries direct from local farmers.
Visit the Facebook page or telephone 020 7833 0338 for more details.
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Visit sustainablemerton.org for more information about each event
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Share our newsletter with friends...
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Comments & Suggestions
We always love to know what our supporters think of the work that we are doing and we would really appreciate your feedback on our monthly newsletters... What did you like about it? What else would you have liked it to contain? Please email your thoughts/suggestions to sustainablemerton@googlemail.com. Thank you! |
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All the best from the Sustainable Merton team!
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