Oh Christmas Tree!
November has seen some really positive changes in Merton, as we welcome The Garratt and Gauge to the old Edwards venue and South Wimbledon celebrate their first Christmas tree and street lights.
As we reach December with the sparkle and razzmatazz around us, it can be hectic, a little stressful but also a lot of fun.
With Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon town centre both with their Christmas tree standing proud, they will be celebrating Christmas on December 3. It will certainly a day to take a brisk walk around our beloved town and embrace the festivities. My vlogger partner Being Mr Brown and I will be hitting Wimbledon Broadway during Winter Wonderland this Sunday with a giant star, asking the public who their Christmas star is this year. If you see us, come and say hello and tell us who shines most for you this Christmas for a chance to win some fantastic prizes from Centre Court shops.
One of my favourite spectacles in December is seeing Santa on horse back riding through the village as he waves to the children lining the streets, why don’t you send your photos to the Wimbledon Guardian news desk?
However, December is such a pivotal time for us to think about those most vulnerable. It was an honour being invited to the House of Lords to celebrate 20 years of the Jigsaw4U charity, supporting children in Merton with social and emotional issues. Also joining the Mayor of Merton’s Christmas dinner last week with Darling Magazine and Nadia from Cannizaro House, raising over £2,000 for Merton Mencap and The Commonside Community Development Trust
The week ahead brings many micro Christmas fairs across schools and churches, where the children enjoy seeing their friends and meeting Santa whilst bringing an invaluable income to the school and local community. Netmums has always been a great source of information for fairs in Merton and beyond. However, it always fun looking out for the estate agent boards which initially give me a fright that my neighbourhood is on the move until I read the small print about the local school Christmas fair.
This week, I won't be missing South Wimbledon’s first Christmas street lights being switched on 1st December at 6.45pm and Age UK Merton’s Christmas Gift and Craft Fair on December 2 from noon to 3pm at the Elmwood Centre in Mitcham. Last year the charity supported over 2,500 older people. As with all local charities they remain reliant on the support of the local community and businesses to help them carry on their essential work during this chilly time of year.
Lady Wimbledon
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here