Facilitating New Partnerships: RSPCA & Centre Court

Love Wimbledon often facilitates collaboration between Wimbledon businesses and local organisations, and recently helped RSPCA Wimbledon find much-needed storage space in the town centre, so that they can continue their animal welfare work.

When Putney Animal Hospital closed last year, RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton District Branch lost their Cat/Kitten Rehoming Centre, situated on the site. The branch manager, Laura Kennedy, approached the Love Wimbledon team to see if we could help the branch to find suitable premises to store their equipment and supplies for their animal welfare work in the area. The RSPA branch also supports Wimbledon Foodbank with a Pet Foodbank, and accepts and processes donations for their two charity shops in Earlsfield and Wandsworth. It was crucial to find available space to organise these vital activities.

Kevin Gallagher, Operations Manager at Love Wimbledon, approached the Centre Director of Centre Court Shopping Centre, Simon Plumb, to see if he could help. Simon kindly agreed to supply a unit (free of charge) for an initial 6-month period to Laura, and the whole branch, who were delighted and relieved at the news. Kevin commented: “It is great that Centre Court could step in and support this local branch of a national charity. Another good example of Love Local, at this difficult time.”

“We deeply appreciate this help from the business community of Wimbledon Town Centre, which in turn will allow us to continue our work supporting animals and vulnerable pet owners in our area. We would like to think it is the start of a great partnership”

– Carmel Suthons-Saker, Branch Chair, RSPCA Wimbledon

Laura, Branch Manager at RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton also added – “many thanks to both Kevin from Love Wimbledon and Simon from Centre Court for helping us through this difficult situation, it has been a real lifesaver!”.

Love Wimbledon are a conduit of partnerships such as this, which support a great cause, build new connections for our businesses and bring further exposure to our town centre.

 

Plan Wimbledon Consultation

Aerial photograph of Wimbledon Town Centre

A consultation is due to start on April 12th for residents and businesses to decide on the designation of a Neighbourhood Forum for Wimbledon. This would lead the way to consultation and subsequent development of a Neighbourhood Plan that would then be put to a referendum.

Neighbourhood planning is a right for communities introduced through the Localism Act 2011. Communities can shape development and impact on planning applications in their areas through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans (often referred to simply as Neighbourhood Plans), Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders. Only one organisation or body can be designated as a neighbourhood forum for each neighbourhood area.

The group called PlanWimbledon are proposing a large area for the Neighbourhood Plan of which Wimbledon Town Centre, as the main central business district, would be a small but very significant part. What has been highlighted through this, is the opportunity this presents to Wimbledon Town Centre to consider developing a business-led Neighbourhood Forum and so as a result we will be proposing this within our objectives for our third term and are therefore unable to support Plan Wimbledon Forum.

Apply for the EU Settlement Scheme

Businesses that employ EU, EEA or Swiss Citizens should encourage their employees to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) before 30th June 2021 to continue working and living in the UK.

This toolkit contains key information to provide employees about the EU Settlement Scheme, including eligibility and support.

Employees who would like advice about their EUSS application can contact:

  • Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth provide specialist advice to people who work in Merton. To access the support email eusettlement@caml.org.uk or telephone 07796 931 724
  • Polish Family Association offer digital assistance and general advice. To book an appointment call them on 07917401064, or email info@polishfamily.org.uk.

Find additional information about the EU Settlement Scheme through Gov.uk or Merton Council and Brexit advice for businesses here.

Darwin & Wallace Wins Publican Award

Inside 601 Queen's Rd bar

Darwin & Wallace, a collection of unique neighbourhood bars, including 601 Queen’s Rd in Wimbledon Town Centre, has won a Publican Award for best drinks offer.

In a recent virtual ceremony, the Publican Awards honoured pub companies across the UK that have continued to excel despite a difficult year and in the face of utter chaos. The hospitality sector has been among the hardest hit by the Coronavirus outbreak which has been devastating for many businesses.

In their 30th year, the Publican Awards are the stand-out event for pub companies throughout the country. With the awards seen as ‘the ones to win’, and attracting hundreds of entries each year, these are the industry awards for the leading pub companies.

For more information about Darwin & Wallace and 601 Queen’s Rd click here.