Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A fund-raising swim in the Lido, borrow art for free, lots of events, how to recycle your Christmas tree, community goings-on, new openings, a free running seminar, and much more!
Join the Tooting Bec Lido Crisis Icebreaker on Saturday 31st January! Whether you’re facing the freeze for the first time, or regularly swim in winter, everyone is welcome to make a splash, to help end homelessness.
Join Crisis and South London Swimming Club for a morning of freezing fun whether you’re a first-time dipper or regularly take the plunge.
The session will start with a breathwork session, safety briefing and will be followed by hot drinks and prizes to win.
Join one of three activities:
• The Icy Dip – first time facing the freeze? Try an icy dip, whether you dip in and out or choose to swim one or two 30m widths, you’ll be doing it with a community of Icebreakers braving the cold together.
• Team Relay (4x30m) – enter as a team of 4 or less and complete 4 x 30m widths of the pool. This is a great option if you’re already part of a swimming club and are acclimatised to cold water swimming.
• Inflatable Swim – Bring Your Own Inflatable! Whether it’s a floating unicorn, inflatable avocado or a classic rubber ring, complete a 30m width of the pool without your feet touching the bottom. This entry is best suited to those used to cold water swimming.
To find out more and to register, visit the Crisis website.
Sprout Community Arts’ Winter Art Loan event in Furzedown takes place this weekend, allowing people to borrow works of art for six months, for free!
The opening event on Thursday 8th January is for members of Sprout Arts. The gallery will then be open on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th, 11am-5pm, for everyone to come and view the wonderful artworks on show, and you’ll be welcome to become a member of Sprout – which only costs £15 a year – and take away your chosen artwork to enjoy until July. The art is also for sale.
Find out more and preview a few of the pieces via their website.
📍Sprout Arts, 74 Moyser Road, SW16 6SQ
There’s lots happening for all ages in libraries across Wandsworth (including Tooting) in January, including language clubs, reading groups, meet the author events, storytelling, kids’ activities, arts & crafts, digital inclusion programmes – and even a celebration of Dolly Parton’s birthday at Tooting Library!
Full list of activities and libraries via Better UK.
FREE Live Seminar for Runners at Tooting’s Instant Physio: Training & Recovery Principles for Lifelong Running
📅 Wednesday 21 January | 6pm-8pm
Want to run stronger, longer, and injury-free? Join Instant Physio’s experts for an evening packed with practical, evidence-based insights you can use right away.
What you’ll discover:
• Strength training for runners — what matters (and what doesn’t)
What runners need, from strength training to staying injury-free, and mistakes to avoid.
• Nutrition that supports training, recovery, and ageing
Dietary pitfalls to avoid and method of fuelling as a runner.
• Why runners get injured (and why it keeps happening)
The real reasons runners break down, why rest alone doesn’t fix injuries, and how to recover in the fastest time.
• Recovery that actually supports training
What recovery is for, when it matters, and how massage fits into keeping tissues healthy.
Plus a live Q&A!
This seminar is perfect for:
• Runners who want to adapt their training as they get older
• Runners who want evidence-based guidance from experts
• Runners who want to understand how to boost performance and longevity
📍 Instant Physio Tooting, 261 Balham High Road, SW17 7BD (2 mins from Tooting Bec station)
📅 Wednesday 21 January | 6pm-8pm
👉 Sign up now via Instant Physio.
NEW Queers of Earlsfield MONTHLY LGBTQIA+ MEETUP launches this Wednesday 14th January at The Leather Bottle on Garratt Lane!
QoE founder, Ravi, tells us, “Queers of Earlsfield is a grassroots community initiative dedicated to creating meaningful connections within the LGBTQIA+ community in South West London.
“Born from a desire to foster belonging and visibility, we’re building a space where queer voices are celebrated, stories are shared, and friendships flourish.
“Queers of Earlsfield is run entirely by volunteers from within the local community who believe in the power of local connection and the importance of creating spaces where we can all thrive.
“What QoE stands for:
• Inclusivity: All identities, expressions, and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum are welcomed and honoured
• Community: Building genuine connections through shared experiences, conversations, and mutual support
• Allies: We welcome supportive allies who respect their space and contribute to their inclusive atmosphere
“The event is FREE – just turn up! Whether you’re new to the area, looking to expand your social circle, or simply seeking a comfortable space to be yourself, the monthly meet-ups offer a judgment-free environment where authenticity is cherished and diversity is strength.
“The meet-ups are casual, conversation-driven gatherings where you can drop in, relax, and connect with others who understand your journey. There’s no agenda beyond being together, sharing laughs, and building the kind of community we all deserve.
“Come join us. Everyone is welcome, everyone is safe.”
WHEN: Wednesday 14th January 2026, 7pm-10pm. Then every second Wednesday of the month.
WHERE: The Leather Bottle, 538 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17 0NY (dog-friendly pub)
More info via @queersofearlsfield (Instagram).
Join Transition Town Tooting (TTT) for a FREE film screening on Wednesday 14th January!
Teaming up with CREW Energy, Thinking Works, and People Owned Power, TTT will be screening two short films: ‘Power Station’ and ‘Threadwalkers’!
Following the screenings, there’ll be an opportunity to chat with the groups and other attendees about energy and sustainability.
📅 Wednesday 14 January, 6:30pm-9:30pm
📍Tooting United Reformed Church, SW17 9NQ
More info & booking via Eventbrite.
Christmas tree recycling collections start from Monday 5 January 2026 and will run throughout the month across Tooting, Balham and Wandsworth. Tree drop-off points are also open from now until the end of January (see below).
Your tree will be collected on the same day as your rubbish and recycling, but by a different vehicle so this may not be at the same time as other collections.
Trees should be left out after 6.30pm on the day before the collection is due, and by 6.30am on the collection day.
Trees are sent for composting, so the council will not collect your tree if it is:
• Plastic or not real
• Still decorated
• In soil, a pot or stand
• Over 6ft - please cut it into smaller pieces
You will also be able to take your tree to a drop-off point between Friday 26 December 2025 and Saturday 31 January 2026.
More info, including where to leave your tree, how to report a missed collection or abandoned tree, and a list of drop-off points, via Wandsworth Council.
Work is well underway on creating a permanently pedestrianised community space on Totterdown Street in Tooting, between St Cyprian’s Street and Blakenham Road, just outside the Tooting Market entrance.
The work follows a trial that included food stalls and seating, and after analysing community responses and other data, Wandsworth Council approved the scheme earlier this year.
Work is expected to be completed on the 23rd February, 2026. We’ll keep you updated on its progress.
Tesco Express at 130 Upper Tooting Road has temporarily closed for a refurbishment, and will re-open on Wednesday 4 February at 10am.
A Tesco Spokesperson said: “Our Upper Tooting Road Express is undergoing a refit to improve the shopping experience for customers. Works include the installation of new energy efficient fridges and freezers, improvements to the overall design of the store, alongside the resurfacing of the car park. We apologise for the inconvenience caused while the works take place, and we look forward to welcoming customers to the refreshed store next month.”
Tooting-based property advisor, Homes with Chuk, has an exciting new feature for 2026!
“Welcome to my new feature ‘Meet The Neighbours,’ which shines a light on the brilliant local businesses that make Tooting, Balham, & Streatham feel like home!
“I genuinely believe that home isn’t just the four walls you live in – it’s also the local businesses and familiar faces that make your neighbourhood feel like a place where you belong.”
“First up in the series is the fabulous Goldfinch, which is a personal favourite of mine. Here I find out about how Goldfinch started and how it’s part of the Tooting community. Watch the full video on my Instagram.”
Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, DM Homes With Chuk or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
Start 2026 with a smile! Local dentist Ten Dental has a cracking New Year offer – get £500 OFF Invisalign treatment, plus a free consultation, free whitening, free smile simulation, and a free hygiene appointment. That’s a total value of £1,250!
Ten Dental is an award-winning practice (Referral Practice of the Year 2025), helping locals achieve straighter, whiter teeth with expert care and cutting-edge technology.
There are limited numbers available for this offer, so don’t miss out!
To find out more and book your free consultation, WhatsApp 07907 366 397, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop in at 156 Balham High Road. Ten Dental also has a clinic in Clapham.
Visit their website at tendental.com.
Tooting resident Sandra, founder of Pilates Republic, continues to grow her local Pilates offering with weekly small-group classes at Tooting Works!
Sandra says, “As the new year begins, these classes are ideal for anyone ready to finally tackle those ongoing aches and feel more at ease in their body.
“Pilates is about helping your body feel better and move more freely. Our classes are designed to help you move with more ease, strength and confidence, whatever stage you’re at.
“Pilates can help to:
✔️ build strength while staying mobile
✔️ improve posture, balance and spinal health
✔️ reduce everyday aches
✔️ support long-term, sustainable fitness
“Classes are intentionally kept small, so everyone has space, attention and the option to adapt movements to their body and health history. The biggest changes happen when people come consistently – members have their own weekly slot, while still having the flexibility to attend another class when life gets busy.
“The atmosphere is friendly and social, with a strong focus on precision and doing what’s right for your body, wherever you’re starting from.”
Classes are 45 minutes (£13) or 55 minutes (£15.50) long, charged monthly, and prior booking is necessary. Classes take place at Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, at the following times:
🗓 Tuesday 12.45pm
🗓 Wednesday 7pm
🗓 Thursday 7am and 8am
🗓 Friday 12pm and 12.50pm
Sandra also offers private sessions from her fully equipped Pilates studio in Tooting for those seeking more personalised support.
For more information or to book, visit her website or follow Sandra at Pilates Republic.
Happy New Year from Indian Room Balham! They’re kickstarting 2026 with a fantastic takeaway / delivery offer, available until 31st January! Get 10% OFF + an EXTRA £9 OFF + FREE poppadoms & chutney (with every main course ordered) + FREE delivery within 3 miles, when ordering direct via indianroom.co.uk
To claim, enter code 2026 at the checkout. Minimum spend £30.
The award-winning, family-run restaurant offers a menu packed full of tasty starters, main dishes & sides from across the regions of India. Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request and they also cater for those with special dietary requirements.
You’ll find Indian Room located at 59 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9EZ, open 7 days a week!
To order a takeaway / delivery, or book a table, visit their website.
RSPCA South London would like to thank everyone who has supported them in 2025! Your donations, time, and love have made an enormous difference for animals in their care.
As a small branch funded through direct donations and the income from their three charity shops, every penny counts. Thanks to your support they have:
🐾 Rehomed 63 cats
🐾 Microchipped 60 animals
🐾 Neutered 62 cats, dogs and rabbits
🐾 Helped 42 members of the public with their Help With Vet Bills scheme
Every action, every donation, and every share of their posts has helped them care for more animals, give them a second chance, and support the local community. They couldn’t do it without you!
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and paw-some 2026! 🐾💛
Find out more via their website.
Kickstart the New Year by doing something incredible for Tooting’s St George’s Hospital Charity! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a group of thrill-seeking friends or a family remembering your loved ones, the charity has some action-packed events in 2026.
Challenge yourself, make new memories and sign up to an exciting fundraising event, and help St George’s fund support for patients and staff, life-changing research and more!
Check out their events via their website.
There’s been lots happening at Tooting’s Fishponds Fields in 2025, with more to come next year – the Forever Fishponds team have lots to report! 👇
🌿 “We are all set to launch community gardening next year. An enthusiastic group has gathered with the skills and commitment to make this a success. The next step is getting the funding to build the beds. We have applied to Wandsworth Council for a grant and will hear around the end of January. Watch this space!
🌿 “If you’re interested in finding out more or taking part, let us know and we’ll add you to the WhatsApp group for the garden (info below).
🌿 “At our Bioblitz on 31st May, a big crowd of all ages gathered to map the species on the fields – plants, birds, insect life and more. Book the date for Bioblitz 2026 on 26th April.
🌿 “We celebrated the installation of storyboards telling of the past, present and hoped for future for the fields on 8th March. It was a joyful occasion with the Mayor of Wandsworth present.
🌿 “Forever Fishponds volunteers and Enable’s biodiversity volunteer team built our logpile, a new home for bugs on 27th May. The first stag beetle in the fields has been spotted!
🌿 “Another bench at the bottom of the fields has been added. They make such a difference!
🌿 “Working with Enable, we’re pushing forward the vision for transforming the dilapidated changing rooms into a modern multipurpose community facility.
🌿 “We received a Green Flag award under the national scheme for recognising green spaces and parks of excellence.
🌿 “The fields continue to host exercise classes every day. Women’s work walking football goes from strength to strength with nearly 20 players. New joiners are always welcome!
🌿 “None of the above could have happened without the support and encouragement we get from Enable LC, who manage the Fields on behalf of Wandsworth Council. We have a great partnership which goes from strength to strength. Thank you Enable!
“Have a good festive break and we’ll keep you in touch with events and activities in the New Year. Come and join us – you’ll get a great welcome!”
To find out more and to get involved with the Forever Fishponds team, please email Foreverfishponds@gmail.com
📍91a Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) from Tooting, Balham, Earlsfield, and Clapham joined 3,000 others taking part in a nationwide New Year’s Day street clean-up across more than 75 towns and cities in the UK.
The initiative marked 30 years of AMYA organising annual New Year clean-ups and was the largest to date. After rising for the morning prayers, volunteers worked in coordinated teams to clean streets, parks, and public spaces in their local communities.
Rabeeb Mirza, Imam and Regional Youth Leader for the area of Balham, Earlsfield, Tooting and Clapham, said:
“Projects like these show the positive role Muslim youth continue to play in serving the communities and country we are proud to call home.
“What continues to inspire me is seeing children as young as seven waking up as early as 6am on New Year’s Day to pray at the mosque before joining these clean-ups nationwide. They begin the year by turning to God in prayer and then coming together to serve others — a reflection of our faith in action.
“At a time when some have incorrectly claimed that Islam is at odds with British values, initiatives like these clearly show the opposite. We continue to do this because this is what our religion teaches us!”
To find out more about AMYA, visit their website or contact Raghib Khan (Regional Youth Press Co-Ordinator) via amya.baitunnoor@khuddam.co.uk
Tooting Run Club (TRC) is a free, volunteer-led (and award–winning) charity which aims to make running accessible, social and genuinely welcoming to everyone!
TRC offers:
• Couch to 5K for complete newbies
• Track sessions to help build speed and confidence
• Social runs for movement & chats
• Yoga for recovery and headspace
• Strength & conditioning to stay strong and injury-free
• Monthly long runs, walks, parkrun tourism, social events and even dog runs
There’s no membership needed, and no forms to fill in. Just book any session (search ‘Tooting Run Club on Eventbrite) to join the fun! Weekly tickets go live at 10am on Fridays.
Follow @TootingRunClub (Instagram) to stay updated.
Lane Eight Coffee has opened at 26 Trinity Road (where Hopper was previously located), serving coffee, tea, pastries and more to eat in and take away. And they’ll be serving free coffee next Sunday, 11th January!
Open Monday to Friday 6.30am-3pm, Saturday 7am-4pm, Sunday 8am-4pm.
More info via @laneeight_coffee (Instagram).
Congratulations and good luck to Luca, Steph, and the team!
Congratulations to Tooting French bistro & steak house, Bordelaise who opened their third branch in Surbiton on Tuesday 6th January! Their gorgeous new restaurant also has an outside patio space (with electric roof cover) and a beautiful basement area, which can be booked out for private parties.
To celebrate, they’re inviting Tooting residents down to their new branch to take advantage of their soft launch offer - Buy One Steak, Get One FREE - from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th January - both lunch & dinner!
This exact same offer is also available for the exact same dates, both at their branch here in Broadway Market Tooting, as well as their branch in Ewell.
Tables must be booked in advance via their website.
You’ll find Bordelaise’s latest branch located at 97 Maple Road, Kingston, KT6 4AW.
Congratulations and good luck to Oliv & the team!
OPENING IN TOOTING BEC this Sunday 11 January: TC Fitness launches its new not-for-profit gym and wellness space – and everyone’s invited to the Open Day!
TC Fitness’s Chris tells us, “Built around inclusion, accessibility and community, this beautiful high-spec space is here to help you start the year strong – with expert-led training and a genuinely welcoming vibe!”
What to expect on the day:
• Free taster classes: strength, circuits, Pilates + kids’ weightlifting
• Drop-in squat, bench + deadlift workshops
• Guided tours of the space – whether or not you fancy a class on the day
📍 TC Fitness, 328 Balham High Road, SW17 7AA
📅 Sunday 11 January, 2pm–6pm
To book your free class, email hello@tcfitness.uk – spaces are limited!
More info via their website.
Ben’s Game Club is a board gaming events company with a simple goal: bringing the joy of tabletop gaming to as many people as possible!
Ben tells us, “my hobby has grown exponentially over the last few years, and social gaming is not only fun, but offers an incredible opportunity for real, human to human connection.
“Our events and pop-ups are designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and fun; so whether you are a seasoned board gamer or simply a curious newcomer, you’ll find a friendly, casual environment and a massive selection of games to suit every interest.
“My wife and I have lived in Tooting for nearly eight years and absolutely love the area - you may have seen us walking our three-legged dog every morning on the common. If you spot us, come say hi!
“So if you are a local venue looking to expand their roster of events, or a resident interested in trying something new, follow us on our Instagram @bensgameclub!”
Beautiful skies over Tooting Commons (captured on a New Year’s Day walk)!
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