Wandsworth Living - March 2014

1

Please mention Wandsworth Living when responding to adverts

March 2014

The independent magazine for businesses and residents of Wandsworth Borough

articles ■ information ■ features ■ local news & events ■ businesses

March 2014 Issue No. 2

Wandsworthliving

March is the month to keep a secret!....on a postcard.

A place in Wandsworth always in bloom

2

To advertise, please call: 02088773686 or email: [email protected]

Wandsworth Living

FROM BIKRAM’SHAPPY NEW YOU!

HOT YOGA

BYCJ.CO.UK

CLAPHAM JUNCTION

Can burn

more calories

than 2 hrs

in a gym

91 St John’s HillSW11 1SY

3 min from Clapham Junction

Intro

Offer

£35 for

20 days

a1-jan-poster.indd 1 05/12/2013 22:09

3


March 2014WandsworthlivingThe independent magazine

for businesses and residents of Wandsworth Borough.March 2014

articles ■ information ■ features ■ local news & events ■ businesses

Issues No. 2

This month’s FeaturesWandsworth Calendar ............................................. 4-5Kids Corner...................................................................8Stewarts Law RCA Secret .................................... 10-11Pump House Gallery .................................................13Riverwalk .............................................................. 14-15Foodie Mood ..............................................................16Sunshine for the Soul ........................................... 18-19Flowers that the Bees Love ........................................21A Place always in Full Bloom ............................. 22-23

Welcome...This is the second issue of Wandsworth Living. The first thing we’d like to say is “thank you”! We have received such an overwhelming response from members of the public, and our advertisers that have chosen to come on board and advertise with us.

So let’s March on... We wish to capture the arrival of Spring this month along with Mother’s day and draw your attention to lots of cultural events in and around Wandsworth. We bring you a unique insight to the flower market and tell you how you can welcome the friendly bees to your garden. You can indulge with a strawberry and cream cupcakes and get some warm sunshine for the soul.

Just as Spring as gathering momentum, there is a secret about to be revealed inside our March issue! It is a collaborative secret too and amazing that even though there are about a 5000 people involved, it won’t get out before the 22nd of March. It could be that you have heard of it before and you know it’s coming but you still have to wait to know it all till the 22nd (p10-11).

Enjoy the new season finally here and have a great read of our magazine in the park, on your ipad or your phone…

Contact ust - 02088773686e - [email protected] us on twitter @WandsworthLivinFind us on Facebook

A note to businesses...Are you a business in Wandsworth, or would you like to expand your services into the Borough?Get in touch with us. We will help you get your message out in a stylish, informative monthly digital magazine for residents and businesses of Wandsworth. The deadline for inclusion in the March 2014 edition is 25 February 2014

Grand designs?...Find out about more creative ways you can use us for marketing, and to build long lasting relationship with your clients.We are also professional designers. If you would like us to design an advertisement for you, please ask us about our fees.

4


Wandsworth Living

Dog Days What do you do when your world turns upside down? Cate and John’s marriage has hit the rocks. Now they’re trapped in a nightmarish limbo while they struggle to sell the family home. When a rather unusual young couple fall in love with the house, it looks like the answer to their prayers– but be careful what you wish for…A wickedly dark comedy about love, loss and real estate.Now until 22 March Tues- Sat 7.45, Sun 5pmTheatre 503SW11 3BW020 7978 7040

IOTAPopular for their universal appeal to world music-making, the IOTA group are a mesmerising mix of ancient Arabic, Egyptian and Greek scales, fused with modern percussive grooves and soundscapes.Friday 8th8pm (door and bar opens at 7pm)Putney Art TheatreSW15 6AW020 8788 6943

Swingle Singers with Sing Swell Community Choir + GuestsSwingle Singers are an

international a cappella phenomenon. These seven extraordinary voices deliver folk ballads, funk jams and fugues with equal precision and passion keeping the classic Swingle sound alive while fearlessly exploring new styles and approaches.Friday 8 March7.30pmSt Michael’s ChurchSouthfields

Priscilla, Queen of the DesertDirect from the West End and starring Jason Donovan, the feel-good international hit sensation Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is coming to

Stewarts Law RCA SecretDyson Gallery RCA13-21 March 11-6pmSale day 22 March 8am-6pm

Wandsworth Calendar

5


March 2014

Wimbledon for one week only!10-15 MarchNew Wimbledon TheatreSW19 1QG

I Wish I Was LonelyA participatory show about contactability. A show in which the audience commit to leaving their phones on. A show investigating what it means to participate in communication – or not. There will be poems, there will be stories and there will be conversation.Friday 14 - 15 March 8pm.Battersea Art CentreSW11 5TN020 7223 2223

Le Docteur MiraclePop Up Opera, an innovative touring opera company presents a comic operetta in one act by French composer George Bizet. The young man Silvio comes to the major’s house in various disguises in order to win the hand of the Major’s daughter Laurette.20 March7.30pmTea House TheatreSE11 5HL020 7207 4585

Always Will – DJ SetsAlways Will takes listeners on a journey of musical vibration, from the depths of Battersea Arts Centre’s archives to the rhythms of the future. Come share the air with friends, vibe to the sound and take in the atmosphere of the old town hall.Every Friday night in March 7pm – till lateFREEBattersea Art CentreSW11 5TN020 7223 2223

Tails and Twirls

Londoners in the 1830s? How much rubbish does Wandsworth generate every second? Discover the answers to these grimy questions about how our ancestors kept themselves and their homes clean! Wandsworth Museum’s exhibition highlights the fascinating history of sanitation and hygiene in Wandsworth and the wider London area.An exhibition for all ages!On now until 26 AprilTuesdays - Fridays 11am-4pmSaturdays 11am-5pm Wandsworth Museum38 West Hill, Wandsworth,London SW18 1RX020 8870 6060

RCA Stewarts Law SecretWant to keep a secret? On 22 March you can purchase your very own piece of art, and when you buy, you’ll then discover who the artist is! It could be a budding artist of the Royal College of Art (RCA) or a famous international artist! Read more on page 8.Exhibition 13-21 March 11-6pm. Sale day 22 March 8am-6pmRCA BatterseaDyson Building1 Hester RoadSW11 4AN

A monthly evening of vintage ballroom dance. Free dance lessons for ticket holders.From 7.15pm - 8.15pm and from 8.30pm until midnight the dance carries on!Tea House TheatreSE11 5HL020 7207 4585

Always Be ComedyA night of comedy with Nick Helm, Romesh Ranganathan, Bridget Christie and Quint Fontana. Hosted by superstar MC James Gill.Sunday 30th 7.45pm (door and bar opens at 7pm)Putney Art TheatreSW15 6AW

020 8788 6943

Keep it Clean!A Grubby History of Wandsworth and London.Just how dirty were the Tudors?Which disease washed down the Thames and killed thousands of

6


Wandsworth Living

Worldwide Experience. Local Expertise.

[email protected]

020 8877 0835www.putneytravel.co.uk

Use our expert knowledge to take the hard work out of organising yourholiday – whether it’s a family break in the Mediterranean or a long haultrip of a lifetime. We offer a free personalised service – contact us

7


March 2014

kids corner

MomoPolka TheatreWimbledon12-22 MarchCall for performance times!

Dinosaur ZooObserve and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this fun, entertaining and highly imaginative live show. But watch out - not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem!6-8 MarchNew Wimbledon Theatre SW19 1QG

MomoIn a town not so very far away, a friendly orphaned girl called Momo has a mysterious enemy to fight. With the help of the mys-terious Professor Hora and his clairvoyant tortoise, Momo must save her friends before the world she knows is lost forever.12-22 MarchPolka TheatreSW19 1SB020 8543 4888

The Pop Up TearoomA fun, interactive experience served by our talented tea ladies and versatile waiters who love to get everyone up and dancing!28 March 1.30pmPolka TheatreSW19 1SB020 8543 4888

Ready, Steady, Play!Led playtime and songs for tots (6 months – 3 years) and their parents/carers

Please book in advance.Wandsworth MuseumSW18 1RX0208 870 [email protected]

Songs and Stories for Terrific TotsSongs, stories and playtime for tots (6 months – 3 years) and their parents or carers.Please book in advance.Wandsworth MuseumSW18 1RX0208 870 [email protected]

Red Riding HoodLittle red Riding Hood is off to look after her poor old Gran who’s sick. Lucky for her she has good friends in the wood because Wolf-it-down, the hungriest wolf in the world wants to eat her up. A great musical show with lots of action and excitement in this 1 hour extravaganza.All March, on Saturdays and Sundays.2pm and 4pmThe Colour House TheatreSW19 2RD020 8542 5511

Dantastic & TitchJoin Dantastic for a fun packed interactive, magical, musical adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Our entertainment will include plenty of comedy magic, dancing, balloon modelling, bubbles, puppets and surprises! 22 March10.30am - 12.30pmColliers Wood Community CentreSW19 2BY020 8543 6470

March 2014

Red Riding Hood

WandsworthlivingAre you a business in South West

London?

Make an impact on your business!

Promote your products and services in Wandsworth Living.

Call us for more details and promotions for placing an ad in the magazine.

t. 02088773686e. [email protected]

Ask about

promotion for

new advertisers!

10


Can you keep a seCret?...customers’ who have trained eyes to spot works by regular contributors with their postcard-sized art piece. For those with or without those eyes, they are on a genuine treasure hunt during the week of the exhibition. Of course, because these pieces are only £50 and you could be buying a piece from a high profile artist, there is a limit of 4 purchases per person.

To raise the thrill even more (if at all possible), during the exhibition week, there is a raffle for people to win a place to be the first 50 customers in the queue to buy. The winner is not announced until the morning of sale-day. Wilhelmina added, “I’ve called people up to say, ‘you’ve won a place in the queue’ and one winning art-enthusiast replied, ‘Give me a few hours, I’ll get to the airport straight away - I’m in Amsterdam!’

Previous contributors to the treasure chest that is Secret are: Yinka Shonibare, Paula Rego, John Baldessari, David Bailey, Christo, Paula Rego, Frank Bowling and Julian Opie, who have all made special works for Secrets, as well as architect Zaha Hadid, fashion designers Christopher Bailey, Manolo Blahnik and Paul Smith, and Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park.

This year, they are expecting about a 1000 artists to take part and the postcards can also be viewed online as well as in the gallery. Even if you’re not thinking of buying, this is a must-see exhibition. On the other hand, what a chance to own a valuable piece of art for only £50!For more details, visit the website at: http://home.secret.rca.ac.uk/index.htmlSee the exhibition from…

13 – 21 March at 11am - 6pmLate opening 20 March till 9pmSale Day 22 March 8am-6pmFREE ADMISSIONRCA BatterseaDyson Building1 Hester RoadSW11 4AN

...On the 22nd of March you really can!Every year for the last 20 years, the Royal College of Art (RCA) has been host to Secret - a unique exhibition which presents one-off works of art from famous international and national artists, professors and up-and-coming post-graduate art students studying at the college. From the 13th of March, each piece – about 2700 postcard-sized new works, and some 3D pieces - will be displayed in the bright and beautiful space of the Dyson building, a new exhibition centre of the Battersea site of the RCA. At the end of the exhibition, on 22nd March, you have the chance to buy one of these. So what’s the secret?...

The secret is…..You don’t know who the artist is until you buy! The artists’ names are on the back of the postcard and after you make your purchase, you can then turn it over and look at the signature. Each piece is sold for £50 to raise money for the RCA’s fine-art student award fund. Every year, this exhibition is able to donate around £80-90K to enable students on a budget with talent to get the support they need to launch their creativity into the world of art.

We spoke to Wilhelmina Bunn, curator of RCA Secret. Wilhelmina has been the main-stay of Secret for the past 6 years which started 20 years ago by the painting school department and grew into a

tradition and rather a phenomenon in the world of art lovers and collectors. In 2014, it returns with a headline sponsor and name change to Stewarts Law RCA Secret. It’s a popular event with 5000 visitors coming through the doors in ten days.

“It really is an exciting week and the sale-day has a real party

atmosphere. On the day of the sale, we expect to have an influx of extremely excited enthusiasts looking for something very special.”

Over the years, they also have attracted ‘regular

MIKE LEIGH

NICK PARK

11


March 2014

These images are postcards by famous names from the previous RCA Secret sale in 2013. They are not in the 2014 event. For high-resolution press images please email [email protected].

Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA) Dame Paula Rego

David Bailey Julian Opie

Sir Paul Smith

Dame Zaha Hadid

Sir James Dyson

Manolo Blahnik

Orla Kiely

Christopher Bailey MBE

Stewarts Law RCA Secret 2014

12


Wandsworth Living

Group exercise classes are an excellent way of keeping healthy and staying in shape. Our instructor led classes give you a structured workout that will tone muscles and work your heart and lungs.With such a wide variety of classes, you can always find something you will enjoy.

Kinetika are proud to have a team of instructors and teachers with unique personalities and diverse teaching styles to offer you something different on each visit.

No two classes are the same.

Kinetika Group Exercise Classes

Balham Leisure Centre 020 8772 9577

Latchmere Leisure Centre 020 7207 8004

Putney Leisure Centre 020 8785 0388

Roehampton Sport and Fitness Centre 020 8785 0535

Tooting Leisure Centre 020 8333 7555

Wandle Recreation Centre 020 8871 1149

Call your nearest centre for further information

Managed by DC Leisure on behalf of Wandsworth Council

GJ’s in Wandsworth89 Garratt Lane,

SW18 4DWTel: 020 8874 2271

Email: [email protected]

13


March 2014

human relations and how we define ourselves.

For a new commission from the Pump House Gallery, the artist will work with his mother and a local Wandsworth mother as the main subjects. Documenting their day to day domestic activities, Patel intends to obscure the inherent specifics of their culture and class through the animation process, offering new readings of these bodies and their movements.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a series of free family workshops on every Sunday (11am - 3pm). These workshops are open to all and of varied themes.

For more information about the exhibition, workshops and other events at the Pump House Gallery, which is owned and operated by Wandsworth Council, visit www.pumphousegallery.org.uk or 020 8871 7572.

I was at the The Pump House Gallery to see: At Home, which is the current exhibition on tour by artist Hetain Patel. This is his first major solo exhibition of new work since 2007. The Pump House Gallery itself is an enchanting building and a great choice for this exhibition as you truly feel ‘at home’.

At Home will include existing and newly commissioned work by Patel. This exhibition marks a shift in his work, the result of a new approach by the artist in his representation of the body. At Home

started with Patel taking self-portraits followed by the inclusion of other protagonists in his images and videos. However, for this exhibition, using a technique called Rotoscoping, Patel will introduce animation into his practice for the first time.

At Home, reflects Patel’s relationship with the domestic, both in his family context and in the place where he exhibits, opening wider questions around

pumphousegallery

14


Wandsworth Living

Hopefully, after the disagreeable wind and floods, the elements will now allow us to venture outside a bit more, as they signal the onset of spring. What could be better than waking up on a fresh Spring morning to explore our very own neighbourhood? I invite you on the River Walk in Wandsworth which starts by the Wandle (named after the village of Wandsworth), and continues down the Thames. The Wandle used to be a fast-flowing river powering mills, and the Thames was an important transport route to London.Mapleton Road Open Space (1) area is part of a recent regeneration project to open up the riverside in Wandsworth and won the 2006 Public Space Local Design Award.King George’s Park (2) was opened in 1923 by King George V.In 1800 Wandsworth had more mills than almost any other parish in England . One of the biggest, Upper Mill, stood where the Southside Shopping Centre (3) now stands. The park now has great areas for various activities such as big pitches, a more secluded flower garden, huge picnic area, tennis courts, Bowling Green, adventure playgrounds and a picturesque wild-fowl lake.Young’s Brewery site (4) used to use water from the Wandle for cooling.The houses opposite the church, in Wandsworth Plain (5), were built in 1718 for prosperous merchants. Look out for the sundial on the recently restored British Olympics Association headquarters.The Crane Pub (6) is one of the oldest pubs in Wandsworth and is said to be haunted. It used to look over the former 18th century Middle Mill, which had a windmill.Wentworth House (7) in Dormay Street was the home of the Wentworth family who made beam engines here in the 19th Century. You can see two of their big engines on Young’s Brewery Tour.The bell (8) is inscribed “I am rung by the tide”. “Salmon, swan, otter, heron, eel,” These names are a reminder of the variety of wildlife found in the Wandle, which was famous for trout fishing.

Part of the Delta area over the river to your right was used for dyeing, bleaching and calico printing. The clean Wandle water was vital for these industries which made Wandsworth famous and prosperous.Wandle Creek Bridge (9) was also part of a regeneration project to open up the riverside in Wandsworth, making it more attractive and connecting it to the town centre.

The Wandle Basin (10) was once a network of marshy creeks. The Spit ecological area was created in 2003 to re-establish some of this lost habitat. Notice the sculpture of a sail.

Prospect Cottages (11) a century ago this attractive street provided housing for the labourers who worked in the nearby wharves. Today the area is home to the better off, and neighbours luxurious riverside apartments.The Cat’s Back Pub (12) used to be a Lighterman’s pub. Dutch immigrants settled in Point Pleasant and set up forges successfully manufacturing pots, kettles and frying pans. Now, as then, Point Pleasant is home to new businesses, including several top quality restaurants.Look out for the recently restored Regency villa Prospect House (13).Pause to enjoy the views of the River Thames from Wandsworth Park (14)The Arts and Crafts Movement provided the mass production of the industrial age. The De Morgan Centre for the study of 19th Century Art and Society(15) is a permanent home for works by William De Morgan, the Victorian ceramic artist and his wife Evelyn, who was a painter.All Saints Church (16): People have worshipped here since 1157. The oldest part of the present church is the tower dating from 1630.In the 1680s the Huguenots converted an earlier building into a French Chapel. It was where the Memorial Hallstands (17) now, which houses the National Opera Studio.

ExplorE thE rivEr Walk

15


March 2014

1

34

5

67 8

910

11

1213

14

1516

17

•

••

•••

•

•

•

•••

•••

•

→

Start here

2•

Wandsworth Town Heritage Trail

Foodie MoodAt the end of this month is Mother’s Day. So how about a recipe to surprise mum that you can do either yourself, or with the help of your kids? Cupcakes always look amazing and they are so easy and quick to do. The only investment you might need to make is a piping bag to be able to create elegant, swirly frostings on the top. Presents that you make yourself are always a success even if they are not perfect because of the intention behind it. Especially food, as it can feed the soul and your taste buds simultaneously. The one I want to share with you here is a Strawberry and Cream Cupcake recipe – oh how indulgent it sounds…! Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

For the cupcakes:• 175g unsalted butter,

softened• 175g caster sugar• 3 large free-range eggs, beaten• 175g self-raising flour, sifted• 1tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:• 400g full-fat Philadelphia

cheese• 300g icing sugar, sifted• 250g strawberries, blended to

a purée

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180 C, 160 C fan, 350 F, gas 4 and line a 12-tin muffin tray with cupcake cases. 2. Mix the butter and sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, then gradually beat in the

eggs, adding a little of the flour if the mixture looks like it’s about to split.3. When the eggs have been incorporated, add the vanilla and fold in the flour with a spatula. 4. Divide the mixture between the cupcake cases and cook on the middle shelf of the oven for about

15-20 minutes, until they are risen and golden. 5. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool. Meanwhile, make the icing.6. Beat the cream cheese, icing sugar and strawberry purée together to form a shiny icing. 7. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe in swirls on to the cooled cakes, then top each with a strawberry

segment.8. Keep cool until you are ready to serve.

These cakes should not be kept waiting longer than an hour. The cupcakes can be frozen un-iced for up to a month.

17


March 2014

Lady Berry Cupcakes

Everyone loves a cupcake

Cupcakes • Cakes • Decorating ClassesHen Parties • Children’s Parties

[email protected]

07985 245 674

18


Wandsworth Living

I’m out for a walk in Wandsworth Park and life is beautiful outside. The wind and all the rain has gone now and the park is swimming in sunshine. The bloom and gloom is nowhere near today.A dog is taking an absolute pleasure dipping into a huge puddle, gazing back at its owner who is trying to encourage his dog to get up and give up this obviously glorious moment with very little success. In fact, this has become a glorious moment for all of us in the park. People are stopping in their lazy Sunday afternoon stroll to watch this merry

scene unfolding. You can even hear a breeze of laughter spreading along. Finally, the dog gets up and moves on with hesitation, as do we all.

I sit on my bench and this little episode is making me think about what has just happened. A magical moment, caused by the change in the weather.

We don’t see a lot of sunshine in this country but when we do, we really appreciate it and enjoy the effect it has on us. We give in to the atmosphere, and flow with the warm and happy feelings that the sunshine evokes within

Sunshine for the soul

19


March 2014

us. In a flash, we become more open and social and make an unconscious connection with others around us. Nobody was worried that they get caught being nosy or rude because they stopped and stirred at the scene. It was actually the right thing to do. How often does that happen to you on the street? How often would you make other people’s business yours on the street? If it wasn’t for the sunshine and being in the park, would you join in to share an experience with strangers?

These questions were going through my mind as I was sitting in the park in the sunshine. It is

a fact that vitamin D is produced in our body by exposure to the sun. The more sunshine we are exposed to the more we are filled with delicious vitamin D. And it seems to me that there is something else we get from sunshine, new feelings and emotions come alive. The new season brings vitality and a fresh start not just for nature but to for as well. Happy springtime, everyone!

By Diana AdamkoNLP and Hypnosis trainer

20


Wandsworth Living

Book a treatment at the ARK Skincare flagship Salon in Putney on a

Tuesday or Wednesday and receive 25% off the treatment price.

Call 0208 788 8888 quoting ‘SWTreasures’ to book an appointment.

www.arkskincare.com

25% off

Valid until end of March. One treatment per client. Discount does not apply to product purchases.

21


March 201421


Wandsworth Living - Home & Gardening

There is an important reason why our countryside of rolling emerald hills and wild flowers is loved by so many - and we can put it all down to the humble bee, nature’s most dedicated gardener. Busy working throughout the day, bees collect nectar and pollen from bee-friendly plants. There are several ways you can attract bees into your garden this spring and summer that are simple, affordable and overwhelm-ingly good for the environment.

Plants that attract beesIn the UK, gardens cover an estimated one million acres, providing a huge opportunity for us to help bees survive. We can use this space efficiently to plant a nutritional variety of bee-friendly plants that are rich in pollen or nectar, and ideally both. Nectar provides bees with sugars and acts as an important energy source, while pollen provides vital proteins and oils. Both of these are all that is needed to help bees survive by making sure their queen has enough nutrients to birth larvae for the next generation of bees. Some great plants for bees are:

Ajuga Digitalis Mentha (Mint) Stachys

Allium Lupinus Papaver Thymus

Aquilegia Eryngium Rubus idaeus Wisteria

Campanula Lavender Rhododendron Cotoneaster

Centaurea Lonicera SalviaCynara carduculus

Lupinus Scabiosa

As a general rule, it is the native, traditional ‘cottage’ plants which are most bee-friendly; and British wild flowers are also a fantastic way to attract bees to your garden. It is advised that we use bee-friendly plants of year round interest, to supply a constant source of food for late foraging bees. Clump plants together so that bees have less distance to travel while foraging for food.

Plants to avoidFlowers which have long, tunnel-like petals can be too long or too narrow to allow bees to feed from them. Many highly cultivated plants which we know and love were bred by horticulturists for their aesthet-ic, frilly appearances, and sadly do not offer bees pollen or nectar to feed from. Examples of these are pansies, petunias, impatiens, double begonias and even hydrangea.

PesticidesIf you must use pesticides on your crops, there are measures you can take to help bees survive. Do not use sprays that are labelled ‘harmful’, ‘dangerous’ or ‘high risk’ to bees if crops are in full or part bloom. It is thought that common pesticides which contain neonicotinoids (also known as neonics), are extremely harmful to bees and should be avoided at all costs. Do not allow pesticides to drift into nearby

bee hives or into hedgerows and fields where bees may be looking for food or nesting. Do make sure to spray in the evening when bees have stopped collecting nectar, which allows several hours for the pesticide to dry before bees come out to work again the day time. Above all, do not spray unless you have to.

Read more about gardening at www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk and you can also join their gardening club for tips and discounts for gardeners.

Flowers that the bees love

22


Wandsworth Living

Well, I didn’t arrive at the New Covent Garden Flower Market at Vauxhall between 2 and 5 am, so I missed their busiest time! In my defence, I’m neither a florist, event organiser, designer, decorator, stylist or a big company wanting to buy huge amounts of flowers from this amazing wholesale market. These are regular customers six days a week, or I should say six ‘extremely early mornings’ a week. 75% of London’s flower supplies are sold from here, which does not include those sold to other parts of the UK. Sir Elton John, I am told, also buys his flowers from here…although, I have a feeling he doesn’t do it in person at 4am in the morning. I was shown around by Helen Evans, director of business development and it was a colourful and

fragrant experience. The market is waiting to move to its new home just across the rail lines joining the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in the coming years.My spirit was lifted as if by magic wandering around in this gigantic gallery of flowers - constantly kept 12 degrees Celsius to provide the best conditions. Helen was a knowledgeable guide too with so much passion for what she does and for the community of the market. There are many wholesalers here who have been trading through generations which make the market into a big, extended family. In 2013, the Flower Market Awards were launched to show appreciation and a platform to acknowledge wholesalers and businesses. Florist of the Year was Simon J Lycett Ltd,

A place that is always in full

bloom

23


March 2014

and the Plantpeople of the Year was awarded to Indoor Garden Design. Of course, the customers are also an important part of this family and they had their say in choosing the Wholesaler of the Year which went to Dennis Edwards Flowers.The market has a very different scene than 40 years ago. The flowers now arrive from all over the world – Holland, Columbia, Italy, Ecuador, Tasmania, and South Africa just to mention a few, and of course, there are a huge variety of British grown flowers and plants that follow the seasons. Florists have their own events in the annual calendar. This usually starts with Valentine’s day every year. Then the London Fashion Week and this year, soon to follow is Mother’s day at the end of March in the UK. These are only the commercial events and there are many more trade shows that flower wholesalers keep account of such as the Chelsea Flower Show or the Hampton Court Flower Show. By the way, have you ever heard of the National Flower Arranging Day (NAFAS) on the 2nd of May or the Flowers@Oxford on the 22-24th of August?

If you are interested in learning about flowers and related trades, they offer a range of courses from beginners to more advanced levels in a Flower School located right inside the Flower Market led by Judith Blacklock and Ercole Moroni.

Whilst Helen was talking I could not stop snapping pics of the ‘exotic meadow’ around me. I was lost in the experience. You never know, I might just get up one day in the middle of the night and swing by to have the full experience of this eclectic sensory parade.

Private fitness studio with a self supervised child-play area.We offer:1-2-1 & Group Personal TrainingMat Work PilatesSports MassageRehabilitation

Documents

Wandsworth Living - March 2014