Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
Tooting roadworks, an emergency Foodbank appeal, kitten news, community gardening, Ladies Gaelic Football recruitment, new openings, and much more!
Our weekly newsletter is sponsored by Tooting’s family-run Lahore Karahi – a local institution since 1995! – who are offering 20% OFF all collection orders until the end of February, when you order direct via their website at lahorekarahi.co.uk. Discount applied automatically at checkout.
🏉 Catch the 6 Nations at The Castle, Tooting! 🏉 They’re screening EVERY single match and you can book a private heated garden hut – with a big screen – for the ultimate matchday experience.
Huts seat up to 15 people, and have table service, so you never miss a moment of the action. Food and drinks are available throughout, so all you need to bring is your voice!
For more info and to book, visit their website.
And check out our Instagram for details of how to win a private heated garden hut for the final 6 Nations Saturday (you pick the fixture!) — with burger sliders, and two buckets of ice-cold beer included!
📍The Castle, 38 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RG
Seed & Plant Swap in Tooting, next Saturday 21st February, 1.30pm-3.30pm!
Local sustainability group Transition Town Tooting will hold the swap at Tooting Community Garden. Bring any spare plants or seeds you would like to swap or donate to others. This is also an opportunity to meet other local gardeners, and make newspaper seed pots.
📍Tooting Community Garden, North Drive, SW16 1RN.
Charm Bracelet Making Workshop at The Leather Bottle in Earlsfield, Friday 27th February, 7pm!
You’ll be able to design and assemble your own wearable treasure (shiny charms included, and unique designs celebrated) with playful colours, happy chatter, and plenty of sparkle!
The workshop will be led by local creative, Chloe (Instagram: @shinebop.shop), who’ll provide crafty fun, and the gentle clink of charms, to bring the magic to life.
Chloe tells us, “I’ve recently moved back from Dubai to London, where I’ve hosted many different events for brands such as Maybelline, Sol de Janeiro and Skechers.
“I’ve hosted Making Workshops including floral headbands, shoe & lipstick charms, and jewel encrusted beauty products. I’m so looking forward to my workshop at The Leather Bottle, to show everyone how to make your own charm jewellery, with stainless steel bracelets, and various kitsch charms to bring out your inner child, enabling you to take home a token of your personality – see you there!”
🥂 And if you’re settling in for the evening, a chilled bottle of wine on the table pairs very nicely with a little creativity (and sets up some great chats)!
Take home a beautiful keepsake to treasure forever (if you can resist wearing it immediately). Your piece will be tarnish proof and, of course, one of a kind!
Tag a friend who’s always sending crafty things to the group chat!
📅 Friday 27th February, 7pm
📍Leather Bottle, 538 Garratt Ln, SW17 0NY
Over-18s only. Book via Design My Night.
FREE Community Wellness Gathering in Tooting next Saturday 28th February!
This event, held at St Boniface Hall on Mitcham Road, is run by Swati Gupta alongside a small team of volunteer wellness facilitators. Swati says:
“I’d love to invite everyone to this community-led event, created to help local people rest, connect and recharge.”
“Join us for a relaxed, drop-in wellness day with:
• Guided meditation
• Gentle yoga
• Sound bath
• Reiki
• Creative corner
“Join us in Tooting next Saturday to take a few hours to slow down, breathe and reset.
“No experience needed — just come as you are.”
🗓 Saturday 28th February
🕚 11:30am–2:30pm
📍 St. Boniface Hall, Tooting
🎟 Free – reserve your place via Eventbrite. Ages 18+ only.
Thames Water is continuing work on Tooting High Street (A24), near the junctions of Trevelyan Road and Carlwell Street, with work expected to finish on 13th March 2026.
The A24 is still accessible to traffic, but there is currently no access to/from Trevelyan Road and Carlwell Street at their junctions with Tooting High Street, and diversions are in place.
The work is part of an upgrade of the clean water main along the A24. For more info, visit the Thames Water website.
Elections will be held in Wandsworth on 7 May 2026 to choose your local councillors. In order to vote, you need to make sure you are registered.
Once you have registered to vote you will be able to cast your vote in person, by post or by proxy at election time.
In order to register to vote you will need to provide your:
• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number (this can be found on your national insurance card, or on official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits)
More info, including a link to register, via Wandsworth Council.
Wandsworth Council engineers are carrying out highway maintenance works at the junction of Longmead Road with Mitcham Road in Tooting (by the bus turning circle), with work expected to be completed this Saturday 21st February.
London Ambulance Service responded to an incident on Tooting High Street on Sunday 15th February.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We were called at 4.17pm on Sunday 15 February to reports of a person fallen from height on Tooting High Street, SW17.
“We sent resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars and a clinical team manager.
“Our first paramedics arrived in two minutes.
“We treated a patient at the scene and took them to a local hospital as a priority.”
A couple who met and married in Tooting and have been together for 75 years believe there’s no special secret to long-lasting love, and have “never had an actual row”.
Tony and Joy Bull first met as children when they grew up down the street from each other in Tooting, before later tying the knot in 1951.
Full story via BBC News.
Transport for London (TfL) has introduced new regulations for pedicabs that will be enforced in stages over the coming year. The regulations will mean that drivers and operators will need to apply for licences for both themselves and their vehicles, while further regulations being made later this month will set maximum fares for pedicab journeys that come into force from October.
More info via our website.
Wandsworth Council is urging drivers to stop car idling—leaving engines running while stationary—as part of efforts to cut unnecessary air pollution, especially near schools, hospitals, and bus stops.
The Council explains that idling produces up to 150 balloons of exhaust emissions per minute which contain harmful chemicals like cyanide, nitrogen oxides and tiny particles called PM2.5. The air pollution created by engine emissions is known to contribute to many health issues, including asthma, lung disease, heart attacks, and cancer.
The Royal College of Physicians say 40,000 premature deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution, with car idling being a contributing factor. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, as are people with existing conditions such as asthma and other lung complaints.
Idling is an offence in law under Regulation 98 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended, which makes it a requirement for drivers to switch off engines in stationary vehicles.
Drivers who are seen idling by the Council’s civil enforcement officers will be asked to turn off their engines and warned that failing to do so will lead to a fine. If the driver refuses to switch off their engine after the request, they will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £20. The notice must be paid within 28 days, or it will increase to £40.
The Council supports the London-wide Idling Action campaign, which encourages the habit of turning off your engine every time you stop to reduce fumes.
More info via Wandsworth Council and Idling Action London.
❤️Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk continues his ‘Meet The Neighbours’ series, this time with Sam Ubhi Jewellery & Lifestyle at 7 Bedford Hill in Balham! ❤️
“Valentine’s weekend felt like the perfect time to share a little love — and there’s no better place than Sam Ubhi’s Jewellery & Lifestyle shop!
“Step inside and I promise you’ll fall for at least two pieces (actually make that 4 or 5!). Whether it’s stunning handcrafted jewellery or what Sam beautifully calls ‘jewellery for the home,’ – it feels more like a gallery than a shop.
“Sam started her journey in Tooting before opening on Bedford Hill 13 years ago. She’s an award-winning designer, and her shop wouldn’t look out of place in Notting Hill or Kensington — yet we’re lucky enough to have her right here.
“You’ll be spoilt for choice, as there’s not only jewellery but also bespoke cufflinks, ornaments, bags, accessories – there’s really something for everyone (I’ve already seen something that has my name on it! 🙈)... I’ll let the photos do the talking!
“There’s such a warm, welcoming feel inside – pop in for a browse, a chat, maybe even a cup of tea. Just be warned… you’ll leave smitten.
“And check out my Instagram for my chat with Sam!”
Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
📷 @square_haus_media (Instagram)
Wandsworth Foodbank is urging local people to share the love and donate to its emergency – please visit their Just Giving page if you can help.
The appeal comes after Wandsworth Foodbank’s busiest winter in its 13 year history, with many emergency food items almost or completely out of stock.
Dan Frith, Wandsworth Foodbank Manager, says:
“We’re worried. Our stocks of emergency food are incredibly low, after our busiest winter on record. Right now we’re struggling to restock our six food bank welcome centres across Wandsworth Borough, where local people come to receive emergency food, advice and support.
“Will you help by donating money to our emergency appeal, so we can restock and buy essential food items at low cost now?
“Your gift will help bulk-buy key essential food items, to ensure everyone who’s referred to our food bank gets the help they need now. Your donation will make a real difference, giving someone practical help and hope in some of their hardest times. Thank you.”
On average, households referred to food banks are left with just £104 a week after housing costs to cover food, energy bills, travel, toiletries, and other essentials. (Source: Trussell)
People referred to Wandsworth Foodbank by schools, health services, and charities like Citizens Advice Wandsworth, often have to choose between paying their rent to keep their home, topping up their prepayment meter to keep warm, or being able to afford sufficient food for themselves and their children.
Wandsworth Foodbank says the stress on people and families in these situations is immense, and being able to take home three days’ emergency food supplies is a key crisis provision – lifting some of the stress from people’s shoulders, and often being the first step towards accessing further support to resolve the difficult issues that are causing a family’s financial hardship.
If you can help, please donate via Just Giving.
Good luck to Ben and Tim, who are soon to climb Island Peak in the Himalayas to raise funds for Tooting’s First Touch!
Ben’s twin daughters were born 4 months early back in 2019, weighing just 700 grams each, and in their first days and weeks contended with bleeds on the brain and lungs, sepsis, cardiac arrest and multiple other medical challenges as the result of their extreme prematurity.
From the moment they were born, Sadie and Mair received intensive round the clock care from the amazing staff at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St George’s Hospital in Tooting.
Mair spent three months and Sadie spent the first six months of her life at the hospital, including four months on a ventilator. Sadie was one of the first children to use a pioneering NAVA ventilator – one of just two on the ward at the time. This piece of equipment undoubtedly saved her life.
The twins are now happy and healthy 6 year olds, cheering dad Ben, and uncle Tim on for their epic challenge to raise money for First Touch, the dedicated charity of St George’s neonatal unit, which works hard to provide state-of-the art medical equipment and staff training, as well as a range of initiatives to support families during their stay on the unit, to ensure each baby has the best possible outcome against the odds. The equipment and specialist staff training they fund falls outside of the capabilities of NHS budgets.
If you’d like to read about Ben and Tim’s challenge and help them reach their target, visit their Just Giving page.
Good luck, Ben and Tim!
Spud, Pudding, and Sprout update from RSPCA South London! 👇
“Do you remember Kiki and her surprise little family? After arriving into our care heavily pregnant, she safely gave birth to three beautiful kittens who many of you helped to name.
“Now at 10 weeks old, Sprout, Spud and Pudding have moved into a wonderful foster home where they are growing in confidence and starting to explore all the sights and smells around them 🐾
“The trio are doing exactly what kittens do best right now, causing a little bit of chaos while looking completely adorable! Spud is the most adventurous and is always first to pop his head out, climb all over you and demand attention. Pudding is the shyest and sweetest of the three. He enjoys a quiet cuddle when he needs a break from the rough and tumble of kitten play. Tiny but mighty Sprout has the loudest purr and tries his very best to look fierce 🥹
“They still have a little way to go before we find them new homes, so for now they are enjoying lots of love and care with their fosterer.
“Caring for this little family has been a big commitment for our small self funded branch and if you would like to support their ongoing care you can donate via our Just Giving page.
“Thank you 🙏”
Last week, The Furzedown Project’s Carers’ Group created Valentine’s cards for their loved ones, whilst meeting and chatting with other carers at the same time.
Everyone enjoyed the session and judging by their cards, their loved ones will also feel greatly appreciated!
The Project Carers’ group is open every Tuesday morning, for all carers in Wandsworth – with activities and wellness sessions, occasional speakers and friendly peer support; and every 4 weeks there’s an activity for carers to attend with their cared for person.
The carers, without payment, provide help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. If you know of anyone like this who would enjoy their sessions, please tell them to pop in!
The Furzedown Project is located at 91-93 Moyser Road, SW16 6SJ. More info via their website.
Round Towers London Ladies Gaelic Football Team are recruiting for 2026 in Tooting and the surrounding areas!
Round Towers is now recruiting new players of all abilities! Never played before, seasoned pro, or somewhere in between? They’d love to hear from you!
Gaelic football is fast, fun, and fantastic for fitness — and the club is all about community, encouragement and plenty of craic along the way.
📍 Regular Training: Tooting
📍 Pre-Season Training: Battersea SW11 4NJ
Find out more:
WhatsApp Sinead: 07780 567871
📧 roundtowers.london@lgfa.ie
The sun shone in Tooting on Valentine’s Day for the Fishponds Fields community gardening planning session!
A group gathered at the Fields on Saturday 14th February for a hands-on planning session to design beds for the upcoming community garden, and to decide on a choice of plants.
A garden design was marked out composed of triangular and rectangular beds, with a raised tier to make it easier for those who can’t work at ground level. More needs to be done to finalise the design, but it’s nearly there.
The group also came up with ideas for what to plant, ranging from small bee-friendly annuals to drought-resistant Mediterranean herbs. There’ll be an opportunity to grow a range of plants – herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetables – and to try out unusual plant varieties. The next step is to produce a rough plan.
And, as it was Valentine’s Day, the group celebrated it with heart shaped cookies!
Forever Fishponds is a group of people local to Fishponds Fields in Hebdon Road, Tooting, SW17 7NW.
They are the official ‘Friends of the Fields’ and work in partnership with Enable, managers of the Fields appointed by Wandsworth Council.
Their mission is to make the Fields a flourishing space for everyone by:
• connecting and talking to local people
• working to develop the Fields’ facilities
• promoting biodiversity and sport for all
• developing the vision for the Fields as a place to champion the wellbeing of all, now and in the future
New hands are always welcome! If you’d like to get involved with Forever Fishponds, or would like to know more, visit their website.
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Guacamoles, serving Mexican 🇲🇽 cuisine, is to open a branch in Tooting Market!
They plan to open in the next couple of weeks. We’ll keep you posted...
COMING SOON TO EARLSFIELD: Chango Empanadas are to open a branch at 366 Garratt Lane, where Manny Dartin was previously located.
They plan to open in the next couple of weeks. We’ll keep you posted...
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