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Charity Reg No. 1156379 Barnes Community Association Newsletter May 2017

Town Centre Manager p2Barnes Fair book stall p2How BCA spends funds raised p3Barnes in bloom p4

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There have been cold rainy ones, there have been hot sunny ones, but the tenth annual BCA Duck Race on Easter

Saturday took place on a cloudy though fine day when children of all ages turned up to cheer on their ducks – this year splendid white ones with orange beaks.

The Beverley Brook course is a challenging one with hidden dangers under the water and obstacles by the banks, but thanks to the Explorers section of the St Mary Barnes Scout Group and the Friends of Barnes Common some 300 ducks made it safely to the finish. Both groups will receive donations in recognition of their assistance, and other monies raised will benefit FiSH, the local charity supported by the BCA.

All participants were offered small chocolate Easter eggs, with prizes for the owners of the first three ducks.

We are very grateful to Julia who organised the event, to Natsons who sold ducks, to the White Rabbit, to Russell the Common Keeper, to Torchlight Tuition and to BCA volunteers on Barnes Green. Thank you all.

BCA Duck Race

The countdown to this year’s magical Barnes Fair on 8th July has started! And to get us in the mood, we are

delighted to launch this year’s artwork. We are very grateful to local children’s writer and illustrator Marcia Williams for creating this image especially for Barnes Fair – look out for it on the Fair programme cover and on posters around Barnes. For more information on Marcia’s work and her other characters, see marciawilliams.co.uk.

Each year Barnes Fair relies heavily on its sponsors to ensure the event is a success and we are delighted to have the support of so many local businesses. Barnes Property Partnership is the principal sponsor of this year’s event but thanks also go to Apparent Properties for taking over the sponsorship of the Events Stage and to Carter Jonas for sponsoring the much-loved BCA Pimm’s stand. Thanks also to Chiswick Honda, Barclays Bank and West Motor Co. We are also grateful to everyone advertising in this year’s Barnes Fair Programme – thank you!

In keeping with our magic theme, we are pleased to announce magic shows on the Events Stage this year, together with juggling, stilt walking and new Punch & Judy shows. We are particularly excited about the spells being cast on the floats in the Parade and look forward to seeing witches, wizards and much more on the new Parade route up and down Barnes High Street.

Charlotte Sharpe-Neal

Barnes Fair – two months to go!

And they’re off!

White Rabbit presents 1st prize to Amy

Prospect May 2017 2 Barnes Community Association

Changes in our shopping areasThe new tenant of the former Strada site still hasn’t been confirmed, but I am reassured that the site has not been lost to residential development and that we will enjoy, at some point, a new restaurant or bar in the village. Nothing seems to be happening in any hurry which is a shame but I am keeping a watching brief.

Shelter has opened its doors at the former Phase Eight site in Church Road. The ‘Boutique by Shelter’ branch sets itself apart from other Shelter shops with an eye-catching interior designed by Wayne Hemingway.

We still have a number of vacant sites up for grabs. I have been supporting businesses interested in the former Barnard Marcus site, the former Castelnau Tiles site and other businesses looking for the right space locally. White Hart Lane has several great-value retail spaces on offer. It is a brilliant place to launch a new business with strong, local footfall and low rents which in most cases fall below the business rate threshold. There are three empty sites which are well worth visiting if you know anyone looking for premises.

Progress with the Town Team projects The Town Team continues its work to boost Barnes and to support the local economy. Here is some news from the past month:

22 bus team delivers a successful event for BarnesOver 500 residents turned out to support the 22 bus team at a public meeting with TfL on 18th March. At the request of the team, and in response to such significant support from 3,300 people, Leon Daniels,

Town Centre Manager news

Do you love books?

Do you have spare time in June?

We are looking for one or two key voluntary team members to manage the sorting of the thousands of donated books in preparation for Barnes Fair. Sorting takes place at the Vine Road Pavilion in Barnes, and the books are moved to the marquee the day before the Fair; however, there does not have to be any heavy lifting involved.

You would need to be able to commit to an hour or two every week day, or the equivalent over two or three days for the four week lead-up to Barnes Fair. You might be working part time, able to come along after the school drop off, or recently retired. We hope you will wish to continue this role in years to come.

We also welcome other volunteers who may be able to help out for a few hours each week, sorting, collecting boxes and collecting books locally.

Interested? Please email Bettina Vine, bettinavine@mac.com, or Alison Muirhead, alisonmuirhead@hotmail.com.

BCA Book Stall at Barnes Fair

Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL came to Barnes to address campaign supporters.

He was quizzed by local resident and Chair Gyles Brandreth on the reasons why TfL was resisting the request of so many residents to extend the 22 bus route into Barnes and on the plans for changes to bus routes during the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

During the meeting Leon Daniels:• committed to conduct a thorough review

of public transport in Barnes with results by the end of the year;

• did not rule out the 22 bus extension but thought it unlikely due to cost;

• acknowledged the need for a link to Putney and across the river to Fulham, especially necessary when Hammersmith Bridge is closed for repairs;

• agreed to look at reducing the cost of

policing the buses on the bridge as soon as possible and invest this cost into better buses in Barnes;

• agreed to a public consultation on temporary changes to bus routes during the closure of Hammersmith Bridge to enable residents to get around – improved links with Putney Bridge links will be part of this review; and

• agreed to return to Barnes to explain the outcome of the consultation.

The extraordinary turnout was commented upon by many. Tony Arbour, Greater London Assembly Member for South West London, said “This was the largest community (as opposed to political) meeting I have ever attended in the Borough”.

During the meeting the following facts emerged:• the timing of the structural improvement

works to Hammersmith Bridge has not been finalised but the bridge will most likely be closed from summer 2018, for a maximum of one year;

• there will be pedestrian access over Hammersmith Bridge while it is being repaired; and

• the plan is to increase the limit to 18.5 tonnes to allow double decker buses over Hammersmith Bridge but there are no intentions to increase this limit further.

A full report on the meeting is available on bringthe22bustobarnes.com.

High Street feasibility study delayThe team that has been working with the Council on a comprehensive review of the High Street, Church Road and Station Road is still waiting for the results of this review. The Council has been experiencing a very busy period recently with the new shared service arrangement with Wandsworth Council and the project has been delayed. We have been pushing hard and have been assured that it is in hand and that we will get the results shortly.

Big Barnes Picture Show updateThe team that has delivered the Big Barnes Picture Show over the last two years is sad to announce that it won’t be holding its next screening in June this year. Funding challenges mean that the team has had to reconsider and it is unlikely that the big screen will appear on Barnes Green this year. We hope to be back with a bang next year.

Emma Robinson Barnes Town Centre Manager

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Who says it’s not rocket science? Money that YOU helped the BCA raise for local organisations can indeed contribute

to experiments in space!

A gift to the Friends of Barnes Common was used by its after-school club to buy equipment such as compost and watering cans. The children then took part in the RHS and UK Space Agency Rocket Science national project where they sowed, grew and recorded the progress of seeds that had been taken into space by the British astronaut, Tim Peake. The species of seed? Why, rocket, of course! The FoBC also bought magnifying glasses, soil testing equipment, coloured pencils, chalks and pastels.

Sharon Morgan, the Friends’ Education Officer, said, “Although the equipment was purchased specifically with our Art and Science club in mind, it’s been lovely to see how such a wide cross-section of ages have benefited from your kind donation. This term we are focusing on pollinators such as bees and butterflies and taking part in the Great British Bee Count.”

Donations like the BCA’s help the Friends to upgrade facilities and offer small-scale events free of charge.

The FoBC manage Barnes Common in partnership with Richmond Council for the benefit of the public, to preserve its character for present and future generations. Mike Hildesley, the chairman, said “It’s most helpful to have donations such as the BCA’s, not only to provide extra equipment, but also to motivate our staff and volunteers because this demonstrates how much their work is appreciated within the community.”

For more information see barnescommon.org.uk.

It’s not rocket science!

The countdown to the mighty Barnes Children’s Literature Festival continues as the weekend of Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May fast approaches. Several events are already sold out, including the special children’s lecture by Professor Robert Winston and the new musical version of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. You’ll need a golden ticket to get in there now!

The long list of celebrities heading to Barnes for the Festival continues with the actor Sophie Thompson joining comedians David Baddiel, Christian O’Connell and Adrian Edmondson and television presenters Clare Balding, Lucy Worsley and Matt Brown. There’ll also be special appearances by Baroness Floella Benjamin and Ben Faulks, CBeebie’s Mr Bloom.

Harry Potter fans will know Sophie Thompson as Mafalda Hopkirk from the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows but she’s also well known for her roles in Eastenders and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Here in Barnes she’ll discuss her fresh and funny new series for children, Zoo Boy, about a boy who finds he can talk to animals – there’ll also be live drawing by the illustrator Rebecca Ashdown.

If you’ve missed out on tickets for Revolting Rhymes, one of Britain’s best loved authors and illustrators and former Children’s Laureate, Anthony Browne, is returning by popular demand with his famous chimpanzee Willy the Wimp to a new bigger venue at St Mary’s Church for a special storytelling performance featuring live music from the Adriamus Ensemble.

Among other highlights at St Mary’s this year are another Festival first featuring Barnes’s best known author Judith Kerr joining her friend Axel Scheffler for a conversation based on their famous characters called When Mog Meets Zog, and an exclusive interview with Tony Ross, half, with David Walliams, of the number one bestselling book team .

The Festival continues to expand and there are sixty events for book fans big and small this year, including several new venues around Barnes where you can take part in the programme. For the first time, the Castelnau Community Centre will host a Festival event on Sunday afternoon when the Really Big Pants theatre company will perform their hilarious production of Suddenly! Giggles are guaranteed at this fast fun twist on traditional fairy tales starring Red, Grandma, Mr Wolfe, a dodgy genie and a wicked stepmother who is a shopaholic with a magic mirror.

The Festival’s free programme is also returning with the Story Corner beside Barnes Pond featuring storytelling and craft sessions from local authors including Karen Inglis, Piers Clifton and well known photographer Andrew Wilson with his first book for children, Arnold & Friends.

There’ll also be performances by The Poetry Takeaway Cafe on Saturday and free classes from Amanda Frolich from Amanda’s Action Club on Sunday.

Alma Cafe are joining the book party too with free cupcake decorating on Saturday inspired by comedy legend Adrian Edmondson’s first novel for children, Tilly and the Time Machine.

The Barnes Children’s Literature Festival is presented in partnership with the BCA, Roehampton University and the Barnes Bookshop. The Festival also appreciates the support of the Barnes Property Partnership Trust, a family-owned company committed to donating 5% of their profits to charities and good causes in Barnes.

The full programme can be found at barneskidslitfest.org. Tickets are on sale online or from the Barnes Bookshop and the OSO Arts Centre.

Tickets selling fast!

Adrian Edmondson

David Baddiel

Baroness Floella Benjamin

Library in a phone boxWe are sure you must have noticed the redundant BT phone box outside Olympic Studios. It is now owned by the BCA and during the Children’s Literature Festival, 13th and 14th May, will become a pop-up library. How cool is that! Do go along with your children and their pre-loved books so they can swap them for others they might fancy taking home.

Prospect May 2017 4 Barnes Community Association

Cleaning up the Common

Barnes Common’s spring litter picks have been organised for over 12 years. In the early years we measured over eight cubic metres per year; however, in recent years and especially since the increase in litterbins across the Common, this has been reducing year on year. We counted around 55 bags this time (approximately two cubic metres) plus two jumbo bags of recyclables. Thanks to a few newcomers to Friends of Barnes Common, some regular members and a group from St Mary Scouts Group, the team of about 50 people managed to scour every corner of our ‘little backyard’.

We separated out the recyclable cans, glass and plastic bottles and estimate the cans alone – over 1,000 – when recycled, will save the energy needed for 2,250 hours of telly viewing!

A big thank you to everyone who helped this year – we will be back again in March 2018. Thank you also to those who help with litter picking all year round. It may be ‘thankless’ but the results really are showing.

Martin Conway, Friends of Barnes Common

What a load of rubbish!

LBRuT, having held a consultation in 2010 on possible ways of developing the Mortlake Brewery site, failed to include any maximum figure for the number of homes in the subsequent Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) of 2011, with the entirely predictable consequence that the developers are now attempting to squeeze in 960 or even 980 dwellings. The Council also recently compounded this error by asking for a secondary school which would need roughly twice the area of the primary specified in the SPD.

In consequence, the promised ‘new village heart for Mortlake’ is on present showing very unlikely to be achieved, and neither will the Council’s suggestion of extending Mortlake Green down to the river. On the contrary, Mortlake is likely

to lose more than half of its existing open green space, including most or all of the historic Brewery playing field on which the English team practised for the 1966 World Cup. The effect on Barnes could be equally disastrous. Doubling the number of houses could double the number of cars emanating from them leading to potential traffic problems over a wide area.

The good news is that the developers seem to have taken the decision to base their architectural style loosely on what can be found in Mortlake today, even if it has had to be considerably adapted to fit seven-storey blocks of flats, and that they really have thought about green spaces between the blocks, but there are just too many units planned.

Writing in early April I may of course be wrong about all of this, and indeed by the time you read this the developers may have taken heed of the more than 600 responses that have resulted from the exhibitions held in March, and I urge you all to visit their next open days in May. Equally, our Council may have realised the damage that they are about to inflict on Mortlake and its neighbours and have agreed to stick to their guns and declare that anything more than the 560 dwellings that they proposed in 2010 would be unsustainable in traffic terms and a lost opportunity to produce something worthy of our borough and the most ancient village in it, but I am not holding my breath.

Ben Mackworth-Praed, Chairman, BA Environment Group

Mortlake Brewery

Towpath under Barnes Bridge Last month we held over a letter from Len Griffiths while we tried, unsuccessfully, to find out what was going on.

‘For many years I have lived in White Hart Lane and used to enjoy the walk along the river bank between the White Hart pub and Barnes Bridge, on my way to the centre of Barnes. Do you have any information on when the path will be reopened to the public? It seems to have been closed to pedestrians for several months now and there is no sign of work taking place – or of workers.’

Well …

In the four weeks prior to the Boat Race, FM Conway were themselves racing to complete the suspended footbridge beneath Barnes Railway Bridge before the start of the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race. At times, it looked as if one of the boat race crews would get to the finish line first! However, the footbridge was completed on the Saturday afternoon prior to Sunday afternoon’s race. Our thanks must go to Cllr. Gemma Curran, who ensured that the works were executed and the public could use the new footbridge.

We now have a smart and safe new walkway under Barnes Bridge for Len and all of us to enjoy.

Samiul Islam, designer, and Kevin Brown, contracts manager,

FM Conway

Barnes in BloomThe BCA would like to remind you that between 4th June and 2nd July Barnes in Bloom volunteers could be posting a Good Garden Award through your door if you have a lovely frontage adding a

positive impact on the street scene and giving pleasure to all who pass by.

Barnes has looked spectacular this spring with our colourful open spaces and lovely residential plantings. Let’s see if we can find the garden to win the London in Bloom People’s Choice Award 2017!

Prospect May 2017 5 Barnes Community Association

Dementia-friendly initiativesThe BCA has recently recruited local resident Sanchi Murison to the role of Project Co-ordinator for dementia-friendly businesses in Barnes.

Emma Robinson talks to Sanchi about her role.

Emma: We’ve heard a lot recently about becoming a dementia-friendly village. What does it actually mean?

Sanchi: A dementia-friendly village is one that supports people to live well in the community. It’s a place where people with dementia feel understood and valued. What this means is that people are aware of the needs of people living with dementia, so it’s about trying to increase understanding and reduce stigma.

Emma: And what’s your role in all this?

Sanchi: The Barnes Community Association has taken me on for a short time specifically to help local businesses, shops and organisations to become more dementia-friendly. We know it’s needed because research shows that shopping and getting out is important to people with dementia, many of whom live alone and feel lonely and isolated. Barnes seemed a great place to start this kind of project because we have an increasing elderly population, and it’s already got a good community feel.

Emma: How are you going about it?

Sanchi: First I talked to some people with dementia and family members to see how they shop and use Barnes. This was interesting and, of course, many of the things they need may also apply to other elderly or less mobile people. Now I’m starting to talk to local businesses, shops and community organisations. The most important thing is to raise awareness so that people know what small changes in their approach and behaviours might make a big difference.

I’ve just started to approach local retailers. Vipin Patel from Natsons has been supportive. He’s already got a reputation for great customer service and said “I think it’s very important for us all to do whatever we can to help. Even if one or two people feel better supported locally it will be worthwhile”. Marks & Spencer is very keen to become more dementia-friendly and we hope more businesses will follow suit.

Emma Robinson, Town Centre Manager

L-R: Dr Mike Smith, Trustee and Former Chairman of the Patients Association; Steven Mindel, Chairman BCA; Dr Darren Tymens, Chairman of the Richmond GP Alliance; Kathy Sheldon, Chairman of the Friends of Barnes Hospital; Cllr Kate Howard, Deputy Mayor of Richmond upon Thames; Sarah Olney, MP Richmond Park; David Bradley, CEO SWL & St. Georges Mental Health Trust

Friends of Barnes Hospital AGMAt the 2017 AGM of the Friends of Barnes Hospital, David Bradley gave an update on NHS plans for the sale of the site, reporting that 25% will be retained for NHS services and bids for the other 75% are currently being evaluated. The selected developer will have to consult with the local community and submit its plans to the Council for approval. Provision of a new school is still a Council priority but the rest of the site is likely to be for housing, possibly including supported/extra care housing. Development should start in 2018.

Dr Darren Tymens spoke of the successful IT system, developed by the RGP which allows patients’ records to be shared between practices and professionals, clinics and hospitals in our area, if the patient agrees. He also said that the Alliance hopes that Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group will find the funds to develop physical health services alongside mental health services at Barnes Hospital.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kate Howard presented Sheila Young, Friends Trustee for over 30 years, and Liz Venn, former Alzheimer’s Society staff member, who supports the ‘Forget Me Not’ patients group, with certificates recognising their contributions to patient care.

Kathy Sheldon said that the Friends want to ensure changes to services at Barnes Hospital achieve the best possible outcome for patients by funding patient support through staff and research projects and enhancing the work of other local charities by offering grants and other support; Cllr. Kate Howard endorsed Kathy’s approach and added that what happens to patients on return to the community must have equal priority to the NHS in terms of planning and funding.

Kathy also raised the issue of the possible increase in the local population from the proposed Mortlake Brewery site development and asked if the health needs of what could be several thousand extra patients had been assessed. Current local GP services are unlikely to cope with such increases and this adds to the necessity of developing NHS care for the longer term on the Barnes Hospital site. Steven Mindel contributed to the ensuing discussion saying that it could take 18 years to fully develop the Brewery site and suggested some funding that could be available to develop the NHS sector for Barnes Hospital. Kathy said this was good news and will follow up with him.

William Mortimer

FRIENDS OF BARNES HOSPITAL Registered Charity Number 290489

Would you consider becoming a TRUSTEE or the MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY?

Now that we know that existing health services will remain (and possibly new ones added) on part of the Barnes Hospital site, the Friends of Barnes Hospital want to recruit new trustees and to develop membership procedures. Can you help? The trustees share the values and vision of enhancing patient care at the hospital and in the local community. The membership secretary role requires someone with IT skills and a basic understanding of databases. Would you like to join a friendly team? For more information please contact Kathy Sheldon: info@fobh.org.uk.

Prospect May 2017 6 Barnes Community Association

Don’t miss the exciting and ambitious season of arts events this summer at the OSO Arts Centre. From cutting-edge comedy to five-star theatre, and from tantalising music nights to the launch of a fascinating new book, there is something to suit all tastes this May.

The month kicks off with OSO Funny! (Wed 3rd), a fresh comedy gig showcasing award-winning comedians as they deliver an exciting combination of their newest material plus tried and tested jokes. The stellar line-up includes Mark Dolan (Balls of Steel), Pippa Evans (Newsjack, The Now Show), and Inel Tomlinson (The Johnny and Inel Show).

Fever (Fri 5th) is the must-see music night of the month when Jo Harrop, who has been described a ‘singing sensation’, pays tribute to the sultriest songstress of all, Peggy Lee, one of the great figures of jazz and American popular song.

If you are into literature, the OSO is delighted to present the launch of a new book, Four Roads to Heaven, by renowned journalist, art historian – and Barnes resident – Edwin Mullins, who explores the roads which join to make up the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Join him on Thursday 18th.

Finally, the Edinburgh sensation, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons will be coming to the OSO (23rd-26th). The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. Lemons imagines a world with a limit; a world where we are forced to say less. In a year of questionable politics and censored thoughts, Fight or Flight Productions presents Sam Steiner’s celebrated exploration of relationships, free speech and democracy.

For more information and tickets, visit osoarts.org.uk.

May at the OSO Arts Centre Velehrad comes to BarnesThere is a new centre for arts and culture in what used to be known as Woodborough House and was the headquarters of the British Ballet Organisation prior to its relocation in 2015. At 39 Lonsdale Road, after extensive refurbishment, the house and its studios now belong to the Velehrad Charitable Trust. Named after a town in Moravia and founded by a remarkable Jesuit priest, Father Jan Lang, Velehrad has an impressive history in providing a first home and welcome to Czech and Slovak exiles fleeing from war-torn Europe.

It has moved to Barnes from its previous base in Notting Hill and will continue to be a centre for the cultural and spiritual wellbeing of Czech and Slovak people living in the UK.

The dance studio where, in its former life, Dame Ninette de Valois trained, has been beautifully restored and will be available to hire for cultural activities with seating available for 100 people. There are also meeting rooms for meditation and social gatherings and a large garden.

Velehrad is keen to become involved in the Barnes community particularly with artistic societies, community activity and churches.

To find out more visit velehrad.org.uk, or email Ludmila Stane, Secretary, ludmilastane@gmail.com.

Making music with the Royal CollegeThe Royal College of Music (RCM) is one of the world’s greatest conservatoires. Not only is it the top UK specialist institution for music, it is ranked 2nd in Europe and 3rd in the world. It was in this hub of exceptional talent, creativity and inspiration that four from a team of six Year 9 and 10 Richmond Park Academy students had their own musical compositions chosen and performed in a public concert in the College’s Parry Rooms by a group of these world class musicians.

Recently, students from five different schools took part in a composition course organised by the RCM in conjunction with St Paul’s School. For three weeks 40 students worked at St Paul’s with nationally renowned composer Rachel Leach and a team of 14 RCM musicians made up of undergraduates and postgraduates. At the end of the course, 40 compositions from the five schools were submitted to the experts for evaluation and 16 were chosen for performance. We are proud to share the news that four of the six RPA students on the course had their work highlighted in concert.

But that’s not the end of this amazing story. Jasmine Ilhan, who had written a song, How Much I Love You, sang that herself and was accompanied by the RCM musicians. Tom Adamson, guitarist, performed his composition Patience is a Virtue on stage, backed by the RCM players. Amira Chaoui’s piece Luminescence and Ellie Crump’s The Chase were also honoured by the RCM treatment.

Of the Richmond Park Academy compositions, Rachel Leach said: “These students demonstrated their ability to work independently, creatively and in collaboration with others, producing some work that went beyond all our expectations”.

Music to our ears? Definitely a harmonious outcome.

Mona AdamsJasmine Ilhan, 3rd from left; and Tom Adamson,

Amira Chaoui, Ellie Crump, 2nd, 3rd, 4th from right with RCM musicians

is looking for

Host FamiliesWould you like a cultural experience?

Would you like extra income?

Why not host a Swedish 6th form student next academic year?

For more information please contact

Malin Edsbagge: 8332 8361, medsbagge@swedishschool.org.uk

The Swedish School in London

Prospect May 2017 7 Barnes Community Association

John SimenonGeorges Simenon:

Curating the Literary Legacy of a Famous Father

Old Sorting Office, Barnes Green Wednesday 17th May, 8pm

For the last meeting of what has been an outstanding 2016/17 season, Barnes Literary Society welcomes John Simenon, son of the legendary crime writer Georges Simenon. Those of us of a certain age have vivid memories of the Maigret television series and a character vividly brought to life by Rupert Davies and portrayed more recently by Michael Gambon and Rowan Atkinson. Author of around 400 books, Georges Simenon is revered around Europe as a writer whose work extended the boundaries of the crime genre and, in the words of P. D. James, “more than any other crime novelist combined high literary reputation with popular appeal”.

Not a writer himself, John nevertheless has a fascinating story to tell about the responsibilities and challenges in protecting and promoting the legacy of an enormously successful writer whose work still sells in huge numbers across the world.

Tickets for the BLS summer event at the Barnes Green Centre on 12th June, 6.30-8.30pm, are now available for £20. Buy them at the BLS May event, email your interest via barnesliterarysociety.org.uk or contact Louise Carr, 8878 5632. This event, called Gin & Topic, features gin tasting, canapés and an entertaining talk from Ian Buxton, author of 101 Gins to Try before You Die. Don’t miss out: get the date in your diary and buy your ticket now as places are limited.

B A R N E S LITERARY SOCIETY

Tuesday TalksBarnes Green Centre

Coffee from 10.30am; Talk at 11am (40 mins)Everyone welcome!

2nd May Dilly Dokubo: Abbeyfield 9th May Ron Baven: Winston’s Isle 16th May Isobel Williams: William Speirs Bruce – Polar Explorer23rd May Denys Graham & Friends: Short Plays 30th May Tim Catchpole: Mortlake Brewery Saga

Wednesday WalkersThe Wednesday Walkers group is run by Andy Hughes. Walks usually start at Sheen Gate in Richmond Park and end at the Home Guard Club in East Sheen for tea, or link up with the Friends of Barnes Common for an educational walk in Barnes. If you would like to stretch your legs in the good company of a group why not join the next walk? Men, women and dogs all welcome! Check fishhelp.org.uk for details or call 8876 3336.

3rd May Barnes Common: 1.30pm, Vine Road Recreation Ground17th May Richmond Park: 1.30pm, Sheen Gate

Magical SculpturesOn 3rd and 4th June there will be an opportunity to view the wonderful work of Lella Russo at an exhibition in Rose House.

Lella’s sculptures are born of a passionate and courageous conversation between her hands and the essential qualities of the natural materials which inspire her work. Like a lover she touches, entwines, binds and opens up the heart of the matter – wood, copper, coconut fibre – so that life is somehow caressed into form. She has an acute sensitivity to fragments of gesture hidden in found objects and from these fragments she ‘improvises’ a whole piece. Like a jazz musician, she finds a beautiful chord – a piece of old oak, a twisted branch – and follows it into a rich and layered fullness. It is because her process of making is passionate, tender and open that her sculptures resonate with these qualities. The exquisitely sensual figures in her work radiate with the sense of having been touched into life, as though the imprint of Lella’s hands is still warm on their skin.

Patrick Clahar

Think Picasso!Mortlake resident Auriol Lee collects 20th century art and offers it at reasonable prices through La Petite Galerie. Already a regular at the monthly Barnes Pond Market where she supplements the art theme with easels, art materials and striped tops (think Picasso!), Auriol is holding an Open House Sale at her home, 9 Waldeck Terrace, Mortlake on Sunday 21st May.

“My collection includes works in various media and I like to find items by artists with interesting backgrounds such as the watercolour by Charles Darwin’s great grandson, or that by Edie Lamont to whom Vita Sackville-West dedicated her final novel. I also seem to have developed an obsession with images of sailing boats, which is odd as I am a hopeless sailor.”

Auriol says visitors are welcome between 10am and 4pm and asks that, if coming by car, they park on the main road only, opposite the brewery.

Picasso style at La Petite Galerie

Prospect May 2017 8 Barnes Community Association

This May a range of special walks and events has been lined up to help you get up close and personal with London wildlife. Whether you want to enjoy the Centre in the early hours of the morning or you want to channel your inner photographer on a Wildlife Photography Course, there’s plenty to do!

You might like to go to one of the new Spotlight Talks to discover more about the history of the Centre and the animals that live on site. Over half a million cubic metres of soil were moved, 300,000 plants and more than 27,000 trees planted, and even a bomb uncovered while creating the Centre! Today you can see the world’s rarest geese or discover more about the biggest and fastest ducks in the world. Knowledgeable guides will be on hand to answer your questions. Each talk is approximately 15 minutes long and is suitable for both adults and children.

But if you’d rather go exploring on your own then remember to keep an eye out for common lizards soaking up the spring sun – you’ll often find them basking on bridges and logs. In mid-May watch the aerial acrobatics of sand martins before they head back to the nesting bank created for them. Installed CCTV cameras might even give you a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the life of the sand martins and their chicks. Or keep a look out for some of the less frequent visitors, including the grasshopper warbler or avocet.

With so many colours and sights on site it would almost be criminal not to snap a few seasonal photographs. The Spring Wildlife Photography Course on Friday 12th May will give you the opportunity to do just that with guidance and tuition from wildlife photographer and tutor Iain Green. On this practical course, you will discover and learn about seasonal specialities of the reserve and how to photograph them. The day will begin with an introductory session inside before heading out onto the reserve to put your new skills to the test.

Reeds are in the spotlight with Reedbed Walks one of the main highlights of the month. Whether they’ve been used for thatching, making paper or for cleaning waste water the common reed has been used by mankind for centuries. On Sunday 14th May come and enjoy the sight and sound of tall reeds swaying in the breeze. What’s more, this area is normally out of bounds to visitors so you’re getting an exclusive look at life within reedbeds.

For more information on all events, prices or to book please call 8409 4400 or email info.london@wwt.org.uk.

What’s new this spring?

Common lizard basking in the sun, photo by Duncan Eames

Greening Grey Britain Would you like to get involved in a volunteering project in Barnes working alongside the Royal Horticultural Society? Castelnau Community Centre has been awarded Greening Grey Britain funding from the RHS to redevelop accessible areas at the Centre. The RHS received over 160 applications nationally and the Centre was one of only four successful London-based projects.

The intention is to build and plant raised beds to extend Castelnau Community Centre’s award-winning community allotment scheme and also to redevelop the fully accessible outdoor seating area to create a welcoming sensory garden planted with herbs.

This community project will see volunteers from Castelnau Community Centre, Barnes in Bloom, Friends of Barnes Common and the wider SW13 community working alongside an expert from the RHS. The work began in April and is continuing through May. Anyone can get involved – no previous experience of gardening is needed! Help with building and filling the raised beds would be especially welcomed.

If you are willing to pitch in, even if only to sit and sow seeds or make everyone a cuppa, please contact Sarah Chapman: sarah@castelnaucentreproject.co.uk.

Prospect May 2017 9 Barnes Community Association

Castelnau Community Centre seeks new Chair of Board of Trustees The Castelnau Community Centre (CCC) is seeking a new Chair for its Board of Trustees, offering an amazing opportunity to become part of a dynamic team whose aim is to make the Castelnau Centre in Stillingfleet Road an increasingly integral part of the Barnes landscape.

They would love to invite members of the Barnes community who can offer time, enthusiasm and energy to apply to join the Board of Trustees as Chair. Key to this crucial role is the Chair’s leadership regarding corporate governance and support to the Centre Director and the small committed team who run the project via the setting of strategic direction and the development and performance monitoring of CCC through active leadership of the Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees currently includes a wonderful spread of Barnes residents from all walks of life, united by their desire to help those in the community who need them most by bringing their range of skills and experience into meeting those needs.

They are currently expanding their activities, including a recent focus on partnership working with a range of providers in order to bring the best expertise and knowledge to the local area.

CCC has strong links with neighbouring Lowther School, Holy Trinity and St Mary’s Churches, the BCA, Barnes Workhouse Fund, Richmond Parish Lands Fund and other key community organisations and is looking to extend these links further to schools, local businesses and retailers, church communities, sports clubs and associations throughout Barnes.

Please see the website for further details of current activity: castelnaucentreproject.co.uk.

To find out more about this role, please email the current Chair, Peter Boyling: info@castelnaucentreproject.co.uk.

Reader’s letter:Dear ProspectI was dismayed to read the Town Centre Manager’s comments in the April issue of Prospect about the new Shelter shop in Church Road. There is no reason to be disappointed about another charity shop coming to Barnes – it must be better to have a thriving new business coming to the village rather than an empty shop. I work at the Octavia Foundation shop in Barnes High Street and we are very busy. People now know that there are a number of charity shops in Barnes and make this their destination for a browse around. In fact, we are doing so well we are looking for additional volunteers so please pop in and put your name down if you are interested in helping. I find volunteering rewarding, fun and interesting, especially in such a lovely community as Barnes.

Yours, Octavia

Heathrow runway and UK airspace policy consultationsThe deadline for both of these consultations is 25th May. Unfortunately all the exhibitions organised by the Department for Transport have taken place but information and response forms can still be found at gov.uk/dft/heathrow-airport-expansion and gov.uk/government/collections/uk-airspace-policy respectively.

In your comments you may like to consider, apart from the obvious problem of air pollution around the airport and under the flight path, what would be the effect of a forced landing short of the airport, and increased traffic on local roads and our railway where level crossings are shut for nearly 40 minutes in every hour.

Ben Mackworth-Praed Chairman BCA Environment Group

Place of Little DreamsPlace of Little Dreams is a lifestyle website, placeoflittledreams.com, for anyone with young children in their life. It showcases a treasure trove of brilliant and original creative activities for children and a directory of unique children’s boutiques, products and educational resources.

The website started in 2016 by trained Montessori teacher Lexi Heriot Maitland, who has always had a passion for working creatively with children. Her creativity was established in her managerial role at Paint Pots Montessori House in Chelsea and continues in her work today, more locally, in Barnes.

The Place of Little Dreams blog travels through themed art activities, techniques and freestyle creations, awakening children’s senses and supporting their individual approach and expression. Each activity highlights an extended adventure, creating a rich, holistic understanding of the world around them.

The Place of Little Dreams directory brings together children’s brands and boutiques all under one very beautiful roof, hosting pop up shops and events for families in London featuring selections of these fabulous brands.

Due to the success of their Pop-Up last year, they will be hosting a Pop-Up Summer Fair at the OSO Arts Centre on Monday 15th May 5-9pm, and Tuesday 16th May 9am-2pm.

Open GardensSaturday 20th and Sunday 21st May

2pm to 6pmThis year the popular Open Gardens event

returns to East SheenTickets are available from the FiSH Office or

online: fishopengardens2017.eventbrite.co.ukEarly Bird tickets: one day £8; two days £12

On the day: £10-£15Please contact Linda, 8876 3336, if you can help with selling tickets, serving teas, baking or garden-sitting on Saturday or Sunday

FiSH is also looking for Classic Cars Do you, or someone you know, have a classic car that you/they would be happy to put on display on Sunday

afternoon? If so, please call 8876 3335/6