Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A new music festival in Tooting, the return of Hazelfest, food and drinks deals, free dog pawtraits, The Furzedown Flippers undertake a fantastic challenge, new openings and more in Tooting!
Hazelfest returns to Tooting on Sunday 22nd June, 2pm-5pm!
Tooting-based arts and crafts recycling charity Work and Play Scrapstore stages its seventh FREE annual mini green festival! Part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe, Hazelfest is an afternoon of fun for all ages – no ticket required and all are welcome.
Hazelfest 2025 brings together, as always, local community groups, community artists and Scrapstore’s own volunteers to help showcase upcycling.
The event takes place on the green outside Hazelhurst Estate on 13 Blackshaw Road, SW17 0DA, where Scrapstore is located.
For more information on the Scrapstore, visit www.workandplayscrapstore.org.uk
Country On The Common comes to Tooting Common in July, a two-day celebration of country, roots and blues music & culture, with live music, kids' activities, line-dancing, axe-throwing, BBQ food, craft beer & whiskey, and more!
The event takes place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July – organisers Wandsworth Council and Enable Events Wandsworth will be announcing the line-up, more details and a presale date VERY soon. For more info, updates, and the chance to book tickets, visit countryonthecommon.com
Tooting Run Club is launching a FREE monthly walking group in Tooting on Sunday 25th May!
The 5K walk will take place on Tooting Common on the last Sunday of every month, starting at Tooting Athletics Track – all welcome!
Programme Director Tahir tells us, “May is National Walking Month, so it’s the perfect time to launch this. Whether you’re new to movement, recovering from injury, or simply fancy a good chat over a stroll—this is for you.”
"Why Join?
• Community Engagement – Movement is for everyone; this is a great way to bring more local people together.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility – A gentle option for beginners, older adults, or anyone not quite ready—or able—to run.
• Mental Wellbeing & Social Connection – No pace, no pressure—just fresh air, good company, and conversation.
• Progression Pathway – A relaxed starting point for those considering running in the future.
• Stay Connected Through Injury – Stay involved with the club, even if you’re taking a break from running.
Event Details:
📅 Sunday 25 May 2025
📍 Tooting Athletics Track
⏰ Check-in from 10:45am (Eventbrite ticket required)
🚶♂️ Walk starts at 11am | Distance: 5K
☕ Optional coffee catch-up at a local café afterwards
Search "Tooting Run Club" on Eventbrite to book your place.
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 17th May, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Tooting.
Mega Skip Days are an opportunity for people to dispose of bulky items for free. Large skips are placed in neighbourhoods around the borough for all local residents to use.
The skips are open to residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth only. Proof of address may be required on the day.
The skips will be in the following places:
• Welham Road, SW17 9BU
• Cambridge Road, SW11 4RS
• Tonsley Hill, SW18 1BE
• Dornton Road, SW12 9ND
• Felsham Road, SW15 1AY
• Hyacinth Road, SW15 4LW
• Clarence Lane, SW15 5PZ
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Magan Gallery in Tooting presents Spring Tide, their very first open call group exhibition, 22nd May to 7th June!
Magan say, "this vibrant exhibition celebrates the spirit of spring and the power of art to spark joy, enhance well-being, and build connection. Expect a beautiful mix of painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and jewellery by talented local and emerging artists."
The exhibition, hosted by Gosia Oldakowski-Pacak and curated by Agnieszka Lokaj, is part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture 2025.
Magan Gallery is located at 16 Trinity Road, SW17 7RE, just a few seconds walks from Tooting Bec tube.
Open Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 11am-6pm, Thursday and Saturday 10am-3pm. Closed Wednesday and Sunday (or open by appointment).
More info at magangallery.com
Local property advisor Chuk (of Homes with Chuk) has been out and about in Tooting, and has plenty to share over the coming weeks, including tips and advice from independent mortgage advisor Katy Eatenton, 'Homes of The Week’, and a Countdown to Tooting's 20 Top Roads – what’s YOUR favourite road in Tooting (there's so many amazing roads to choose from!)…?
In the meantime, Chuk's always happy to answer property queries from local residents, so keep those questions coming!
Chuk Agudosi is an independent local property advisor, in partnership with The Agency UK. For more info, email chuk.agudosi@theagencyuk.com, call 020 8092 0200, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
Lots happening at local insurance broker Howden Insurance Tooting this week!
To celebrate the Squad Announcement of The British & Irish Lions, they’re running a prize draw to win a locally sourced hamper with added rugby merch! Pop into their branch to enter, or enter here. Be quick, the competition closes on 17th May!
The branch has also become a focal point for the local community to donate, exchange or pick up a pair of second-hand rugby boots, helping even more children play on the pitch, keep active and develop new skills.
Matt Hillier, Centre Manager at Howden Tooting, says, "As a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions, Howden Tooting is committed to being a force for good in rugby communities across the UK and Ireland, supporting the sport’s growth and sustainability from grassroots to the professional level.
"That's why we’ve launched our Boot Exchange, so we can help out local families with a fun and sustainable scheme that makes sure everyone who wants to play rugby can get out on the pitch!” More info on the Boot Exchange here, or pop into Howden Tooting, 149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG to collect, exchange, or donate boots.
AND they’re hosting a free Pet Pawtraits event for local dogs this Saturday 17th May, 10.30am-1.30pm! Bring your furry friends to their branch for a free photography session – to reserve your spot, fill out this form and choose your preferred time slot.
Visit Howden Tooting at 149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG, or ring 0208 672 3375 to speak with a member of the team. Howden Insurance Tooting is open 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-12pm Saturday. More info on their website.
New Saturday Clubs at Number1 Daycare nursery in Tooting – find out more at their Open Morning this Saturday 17th May (see below)!
Nursery Owner, Gina, tells us more: "We’re an Anglo-Spanish nursery with over 15 years of experience, proudly rated 'Good' by Ofsted – and we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Saturday Clubs for children aged 2 to 6 years old!
"Your little ones will enjoy fun, creative, and educational sessions, including:
🎨 Art activities
💃 Dance
🗣️ Spanish language learning
"We’re a warm, welcoming nursery conveniently located at 32 Bellew Street, SW17 0AD, between Tooting Broadway and Earlsfield — perfect for local families!
"What makes us special? At Number1 Daycare, we offer a bilingual, creative environment where children grow in confidence through play, art, movement, and language."
Join Number1 Daycare for their Open Morning on Saturday 17th May, 10am-12pm – there'll be engaging activities, a chance to meet their fantastic team, and refreshments for everyone!
For more info, email management@number1daycare.com or visit their website.
They can’t wait to welcome you!
Congratulations & good luck to local dentist Ten Dental + Facial on Balham High Road, who've been announced as finalists for the 'Dentistry Awards 2025' in not just one – but five categories!
• Best Patient Care
• Best Dental Team
• Best Young Dentist
• Best Dental Nurse
• Best Receptionist
The UK-wide 'Dentistry Awards' are one of the most prestigious and respected dental awards ceremonies in the UK, which celebrate excellence in dental practice, recognising dental professionals for their achievements and advancements. Nominees are chosen for their exceptional skills, patient care, and community contributions.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday 6th June!
To find out more about the range of treatments available at Ten Dental Balham, and to book an appointment, WhatsApp 07907 366 397, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop in and see them at 156 Balham High Road.
You can also visit their website at tendental.com
Wandsworth Council is seeking local views on the best locations for new street litter bins to tackle litter hotspots, and will use this information to plan their roll out of new bins in the borough.
For more info and to give your feedback, visit their website.
Monday 12th May was International Nurses’ Day! Tooting's St George's Hospital, along with Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, has colleagues – including nursing staff – from over 75 countries, and hospital charities St George's Hospital Charity and Epsom and St Helier Hospital Charity generously treated their amazing nurses as a thank you for the incredible care and support they give to patients, colleagues and visitors.
If you'd like to donate to either charity, visit their websites here (St George’s) and here (Epsom and St Helier).
📷 St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Group
Wandsworth Council has joined Transport for London's (TfL) rental e-scooter trial, with Lime and Voi now operating in the borough. This is a trial only, and the council will be monitoring its impact closely.
The trial is being run by TfL, Lime, and Voi with the council's permission, and makes use of 170 dedicated e-scooter parking bays across Wandsworth. E-scooters will be available for rent in Wandsworth from these dedicated bays only - all trips must start and end in a dedicated bay, unlike e-bikes, which can be parked more flexibly.
Users must also hold a valid driving license in order to rent an e-scooter, and both Voi and Lime are offering free helmets to anyone who requests one.
Helmets are available to collect from Wandsworth Town Hall. Claim your free helmet by emailing Transportation@wandsworth.gov.uk
This scheme is the only legal way to ride an e-scooter on public roads in the borough. Private e-scooters remain illegal to use on roads, pavements, and cycle lanes.
More info via Wandsworth Council.
Legendary local Indian & Bangladeshi restaurant, Nazmins Indian Restaurant have launched a special set-priced weekday menu for dine-in customers, featuring many of their signature dishes at a budget-friendly price!
Available Monday - Thursday, diners can choose 1 starter, 1 main course, 1 side dish & 1 naan bread or rice for just £17.95pp.
Located on Garratt Lane, in between Tooting & Earlsfield, Nazmin's has been serving delicious food to the people of Wandsworth since 1966 – and their popularity amongst locals and quality of their food has remained consistently high ever since – winning various awards including Wandsworth business awards, ‘British Curry Awards’ and ‘Spice Times’ curry awards to name a few.
Owner, Mayon (who has been at the helm of the restaurant since 1992) tells us:
“With no sign of the cost of living easing up, we wanted to make eating out a little bit easier for people over the coming months. We've recently refurbished our restaurant too, and would love more local people to enjoy an evening out and enjoy our fantastic Indian cuisine. As well as our special menu, you can of course order from our normal menu too!"
To book a table, please visit their website (and see the special 'Saver Menu' section), or just walk-in if there's room.
To order a takeaway / delivery, visit their website.
You'll find Nazmin's located at 398 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4HP, open 5pm-11pm, every day of the week (except Tuesdays).
A new Early Bird offer, giving diners 50% OFF the food bill every Wednesday - Sunday, 5pm-6.30pm, has launched at award-winning Tooting French bistro & steak house, Bordelaise! The offer runs until 31st July.
To take advantage of this fantastic Early Bird offer, you must reserve a table in advance via their website.
The offer is valid for their a la carte menu only, cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, and food must be ordered before 6:30pm.
You’ll find Bordelaise located in Broadway Market Tooting, open Tuesday-Sunday from noon.
The Furzedown Flippers are fundraising for The Furzedown Project! The Flippers are an inspirational swimming team, who are swimming 50 miles collectively in 50 days, on the 50th anniversary of the Furzedown Project...to raise funds to help support The Project for the next 50 years!
There are 14 Flippers, made up of members and friends of the Furzedown Project, aged from 29 to 94! With a range of swimming ability, from "I can do a length ok" to "I have a splash to cool down when I’m on holiday", the Flippers began their challenge on Monday, 12th May.
If you'd like to sponsor the Furzedown Flippers and help them raise as much money as possible for the vital services the Project offers, please visit their GoFundMe page.
The Woodfield Pavilion Community Orchard is blossoming, and they're welcoming more volunteers!
The new saplings are thriving and the first blossoms have appeared on the Ribston Pippin. They’ve also added labelling so you can identify each tree.
There was lots of enthusiasm for the orchard at the volunteers day in April and at the recent Bio Blitz event – and as the days heat up, they’ll need more help with summer watering.
If you’d like to volunteer, please email woodfieldcommunityorchard@gmail.com or pop by the pavilion any Saturday in May at 10am.
For more info, visit their website.
Woodfield is accessible from Tooting Bec Common. Walk down Bleak Hall Lane (the path down the eastern side of Triangle Field from Emmanuel Road underneath the eastern railway bridge to Bedford Hill) and look for the sports Pavilion to the east of the field, through the trees. It is also accessible via a path on Abbotswood Road.
Mitcham Cricket Club is looking for girls in years 4-6 (aged 8-11) to get involved in its first ever girls’ league team! It’s a great way to get into the game, get active and make friends.
The club has been encouraging more girls to join over recent years, particularly through its popular All Stars and Dynamos programmes.
The next step is to enter the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship, with an Under-11s team, the Junior Sapphires, playing in the Smash IT league. The cricket will be fast, fun and inclusive with teams of 8-a-side competing using a softball, with no need for protective equipment.
Girls in school years 4-6 are eligible to play and the club needs more players in this age group to sign up. They are asking local parents to spread the word and help make this first season of girls’ cricket a success.
Girls in year 8 and above are eligible for the senior Sapphires team and there are also mixed teams for various age groups.
Find out more on their website or contact the club secretary Julia Gault at mitchamcricketclub@googlemail.com
Looking for a new challenge this May? If you (or someone you know) are between the ages of 12-17, the Balham and Tooting RAF Air Cadets are now recruiting, and are holding an Open Evening next Monday 19th May.
A spokesperson for the Cadets says, "You will become part of a supportive community where you can develop leadership skills, take on exciting outdoor adventures, and build lifelong friendships. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to gain external qualifications that can be highly valued by universities and employers.
"We have fantastic activities running such as adventure training, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, shooting, flying, STEM, first aid and much more!
"Whether you’re interested in personal development, teamwork, or just looking for a new experience, we have something for everyone."
The Balham and Tooting RAF Air Cadets Open Evening takes place on Monday 19th May, 7.30pm-9pm, at 213 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ.
To register your interest for May's recruitment drive, please click here.
Local grassroots women’s football team, South West Saints, have reached the London Women’s Saturday Football League Division 1 Cup Final in their first ever season!
The newly established women’s team, sponsored by Tolian’s Deli in Tooting, faces Peckham Town in their first ever final this Saturday 17th May, with kick-off at 12pm at Tooting & Mitcham Utd back pitch, Imperial Fields, Bishopford Road, SM4 6BF. £5 entry cash on the door.
After finishing 2nd in their league debut, the Saints have quickly become a force in South London grassroots football. Fans are invited to come down, make noise, and support the Saints as they fight for their first piece of silverware!
Yoru Umi Ramen Bar has opened in Broadway Market Tooting (where Red King Ramen was previously located), serving ramen, bao buns, rice bowls, dessert and more!
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and you can BYOB!
Open 11am-10pm Tuesday to Sunday for eat-in and takeaway (delivery to come). More info via @yoruumiramen (Instagram).
Congratulations to Reiven, Dorothy and Rodel!
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Poutinie will be bringing authentic Canadian poutine 🇨🇦 to Tooting Market, in the premises formerly occupied by Sausage Lab in the Yard Market area.
Poutine is a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a hot brown gravy, and owner Julian can’t wait to bring ‘cheese, chips & gravy galore’ to SW17!
Poutinie is expected to open towards the end of next week. We’ll keep you posted!
The Classic Cinema Tooting Bec (now the Royal Mahal Tooting Banqueting Suite) in 1990!
The Classic is just one of the many cinemas that used to be in Tooting...and you can discover more about them all on Saturday 24th May, on The Magnificent Seven Ride Again, a free tour of each of their locations!
Follow local historian Geoff Simmons, who'll be joined by Morris Hardcastle of the Cinema Theatre Association, and Fred Tubiermont who'll be providing an evocative soundtrack to enhance your cinematic experience.
To find out more and to book, visit Geoff’s Eventbrite page.
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