Performing Organisations for Music and Drama, Organisations/Societies concerned with Music Appreciation, Visual Arts, Sciences, Literature and Poetry, Local and Natural History, Historic Houses, Museums, Theatres, Other Relevant Organisations: art supplies, independent booksellers, sources of information, advertising media and other features specific to Wimbledon

PERFORMING ORGANISATIONS - Music

The Academy Choir  (Academy of St Mary's Wimbledon) http://www.academychoirwimbledon.co.uk/
This choir, founded in 1980 by its Music Director, Andrew Edwards, and a group of local enthusiasts, has won a considerable reputation for its thrilling and authentic performances of choral masterpieces. The Academy employs a professional  orchestra which includes some of London's most gifted free-lance players and engages distinguished soloists, some well-established, others prize-winning graduates  from the music colleges.  It performs mainly at St John's  Church but also elsewhere in the UK and on the Continent.  A separate specialised  baroque  orchestra is engaged for performances of the Baroque repertoire.   

The English String Quartet  
Since its formation in 1982, the English String Quartet has been highly acclaimed both nationally and internationally.  It has given many concerts in Great Britain and toured extensively in Europe and in the USA and its numerous CDs have been enthousiastically praised by critics all over the world. The Quartet has been 'resident ensemble' at the London Festival of Chamber Music since  the Festival's beginning in 1995, performing a wide repertoire, This Autumn it  will be giving 16 concerts overall, in North Dulwich, Palmers Green, West Hampstead and Wimbledon. The Quartet also performs the Festival's educational programme giving  concerts and workshops for children in London primary schools.

The Florestan Trio: 
Anthony Marwood, Violin; Richard Lester, Cello; Susan Tomes, Piano   www.florestantrio.com  These internationally renowned professional musicians are currently holding their third series of Wimbledon concerts, usually in the Great Hall at Kings College School and, for some performances, have invited guest artists to join them. A Floristan Festival has been taking place every summer since 1998 in Peasmarsh, in recent years performing in St Mary's Church, Rye. 

Hill Singers Chamber Choir 
Established over 50 years, it aims to be one of the London Borough of Merton's most accomplished and friendly choirs.  Consisting of around 20 voices and working with young professional soloists,  it performs 3 public concerts each year covering a broad range of music from Monteverdi through Purcell, Handel, and Mozart to Vaughan Williams, Britten and Gorecki. http://www.hillsingers.co.uk/

Kingston Chamber Orchestra is an amateur orchestra of a high standard based in Kingston and normally performing at Kingston Parish Church. Its members are a mix of professionals, semi-professionals, professional teachers and local amateurs. It has a tradition of innovative programming covering classical overtures, concertos and symphonies - works for smaller orchestras from 19th and 20th centuries - as well as neglected works by well-known composers and new works specially commissioned by the Orchestra.

Kingston Madrigal Society meet on the 1st Saturday of each month in the Winter, starting in October, at New Malden Methodist Church, High St. (side entrance). Members sing purely for pleasure - no auditions, no rehearsals and no concerts.  They hold an annual dinner in April.  New members welcome.

Kingston Philharmonia  http://www.kingstonphil.co.uk/ 
Founded in 1973 by Walter Wurzburger who conducted it for 21 years, the Orchestra is currently conducted by Levon Parikian  and led by Clare Howick.  Four concerts a year are performed usually in Kingston Parish Church.  Rehearsals take place on Fridays 7.45-10pm and are mostly held in Thames |Ditton.  New members are welcomed.  Email: kpoadmin@gmail.com  

Marryat Players www.marryatplayers.com 
Founded in 2000.  Each year this organisation holds 3 five-day courses for 35 especially talented young musicians aged 10 -17 yrs.   Supported by  young music professionals and students, they give a free public concert at the end of each course in the Great Hall at King's College School.  These concerts are always highly acclaimed by audiences and music critics alike.

Music by the Commons.
A concert society started in 1986 which presents chamber and instrumental music played by both established and young professional musicians. The music played is predominantly of the baroque period.  Up to eight concerts are given in the winter season, currently all in St John's Church, St John's Rd, Wimbledon, SW19. 

Putney Choral Society http://www.putneychoralsoc.org.uk/
An enthousiastic group of about 60 active  singers performing some 3 concerts a year, generally with the City Philharmonic Choral Society or with our twin society in Dunkerque.  Performances are usually in St Paul's Church, Augustus Road, Southfields. Practices on Mondays in term-time.  For Membership contact the  Secretary on email: secretary@putneychoralsoc.org.uk or for more details see website . 

Sacred Heart Church Choir, Edge Hill, SW19 http://www.sacredheartmusic.co.uk/

St Mary's Church Choir, Wimbledon, SW19 http://www.stmaryswimbledon.fsnet.co.uk/

'Sunday Evening Music Among Friends'  
a monthly series of concerts, now in its tenth year, in which both professionals and gifted young players perform in the intimate setting of the medieval Colour House Theatre at Merton Abbey Mills, SW19.   Seating is limited so it is adviseable to book in advance  on 020 8543 9608.

Thames Philharmonic Choir
founded in 1964, appears at its full strength of up to 100 voices in choral and orchestral concerts during the main season, and in smaller numbers in the summer months and in other events.  Based in Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston, it performs locally, in central London and in summer residencies in the great cathedrals. It performs with orchestras and soloists of the best quality and its repertoire  ranges from the Renaissance through the great choral and orchestral classics to recent contemporary and new works. 
New members are always welcome - visit  http://www.thamesphilchoir.org.uk/

West Barnes Singers www.westbarnessingers.co.uk 
formed in 1972 for the first Merton  Arts Festival.  Current members of the  sixty voice choir include two who sang in the first concert.  Conducted by Andrew Charity, Music Director since 1974,  the Singers perform four concerts a year in the local area.   Their repetoire has included choral music by Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Brahms, Faure, Elgar, Rachmaninov, Durufle and Britten and also pieces from light opera, favourite opera choruses and Christmas music.  Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 8-10pm in Holy Cross Hall, Adela Avenue, Motspur Park. 

Wimbledon Chamber Choir http://www.wimbledonchamberchoir.org.uk/
Founded  in 1975 to present a repetoire which differed from other choral societies - 'off the beaten track'.  Currently has 20 members.

Wimbledon Choral Society www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk A choir of 170-180 voices with a well-established reputation far  beyond Wimbledon  which performs with professional orchestras and soloists.  On account of the difficulty in finding a venue adequate for its size it is not often able to perform in Wimbledon. 

Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra     http://www.wimso.org/ (please note new web address)

Founded in 1961, the Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra of 50 to 65 players under Music Director, Robert Browning.  They give some four concerts a year, usually at     St Matthew's Church, Durham Road, SW20.  To become a member of the orchestra email membership@wimso.org  To become a Friend of the Orchestra or to get on the mailing list  email: friends@wimso.org or telephone 020 8946 8313

Wimbledon Light Opera Society   http://www.wlos.org.uk/   e-mail general@wlos.org.uk

Founded in 1929, currently has about 40 active members and 90 Associate Members. It performs two major productions a year, mainly musicals,Gilbert & Sullivan  and revues.  New singers and dancers are always welcome.  Rehearsals Tuesdays 7.45pm Lingfield Hall, Wimbledon Village.

PERFORMING ORGANISATIONS  - Drama

Lantern Arts Centre www.lanternarts.org housed in Raynes Park Methodist Church, Toverne Rd, SW20, it was established in 1994 as a performance venue with a Christian Ethos at its heart.  The Centre provides drama and musicals, children's theatre clubs and drama and dance classes for adults and children.  In addition its Cafe |Studio offers live entertainment every Friday night.  Box Office 020 8944 5794

Putney Arts Theatre  http://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/ email mail@putneyartstheatre.org.uk

A community theatre which is home to resident theatre groups and used by other local theatre organisations throughout the year, it is a registered charity and a unique self-supporting venue in the London Borough of Wandsworth with a main auditorium and a studio space and also a Gallery  where local artists hold exhibitions.  There are auditions and social events for the related theatre groups and  the Theatre also runs courses and workshops.  For more information telephone 020 8788 6943. 

ART GALLERIES AND EXHIBITING ART GROUPS

A Gallery, 154 Merton Hall Road, SW19 3PZ. http://www.agallery.co.uk/  info@agallery.co.uk

has run for almost 10 years, showing new work by rising stars in contemporary art and specialising in paintings, sculpture and limited edition prints.  Its aim is to provide well-presented and inspiring displays of works in its 1200 ft. space and to help its clients to find very special original art work for home, work or investment. Open Mondays to Sundays 11am - 8pm.  For current shows see Diary pages or go to website above.

Merton Art Society 
Established over 40 years, the Society is open to anyone over 18 years who   is appreciative  of art and/or is an artist .  It meets on alternate Tuesdays at 7.15pm in the Health Centre, Morden Rd, Morden(parking available).  Meetings encompass lectures, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and constructive criticism evenings when members can bring work along for help and guidance by qualified teachers.  This June there is an outdoor sketching workshop.  Members exhibit locally twice a year.  Annual membership £30.  Prospective members may attend  a 'sample evening' at £2.  For dates of exhibitions see Diary pages. For more information email marcellepburton@dsl.pipex.com

 Gallery at Putney Arts Theatre  (see Putney Arts Theatre above) 

Wimbledon Fine Art  41 Church Road, Wimbledon Village.  http://www.wimbledonfineart-ltd.com/

For details of special exhibitions see website above or go to Diary pages

 Worple Group http://www.worplegroup.co.uk/   A group of artists formed in 1983 which exhibits  twice a year in Wimbledon. Membership is restricted in number and by invitation as vacancies occur. See website for further information.

FILM

Wimbledon Film Club  http://www.wimbledonfilmclub.com/  An independent, not-for-profit organisation run by a committee of volunteers. Meets fortnightly at the Polka Theatre.  Doors open for refreshments at 7.15pm; film shown at 8pm.  Annual membership  fee  £22(conc. £15)  plus £2.50 per performance; members allowed up to 4 guest tickets per performance at £5 each;  day membership available at £7.50

Telephone enquiries 07799 455589   e-mail enquiries@wimbledonfilmclub.com  

                                                                             membership@wimbledonfilmclub.com  

PROFESSIONAL THEATRES

New Wimbledon Theatre http://www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk/

Box Office 0870 060 6646

Wimbledon Studio Theatre (website as above)

Box Office 0870 660 6640

Polka Theatre  The Broadway, SW19.  http://www.polkatheatre.com/

A theatre and workshop for children from 0 to 16 years. 

Box Office  020 8543 4888

Odeon Cinema   The Broadway, SW19. 0871 2244 007 http://www.odeon.co.uk/

You can register on line to obtain film times sent free by email every week.

 OTHER CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS / SOCIETIES

Access to Art  - A2A (formerly named Arts Interest Group) is a London charity, registered since 1998, which helps disabled people to visit and enjoy art exhibitions. It provides transport from their respective homes to and from the gallery chosen  for that month and trained volunteers to handle wheelchairs, where required, and to generally support them round the gallery. Started in Wandsworth, Access to Art now, in addition, covers Lambeth, Southwark, Camden, Islington, Barnes, Mortlake and Sheen in Richmond, and Wimbledon and Raynes Park in Merton. Volunteers, who are exempt from any entrance charge, meet the visiters at the gallery, around 12 noon and are free to leave by 3.15pm;  they do not necessarily have to reside within the above boroughs but the members do.  A  list of exhibitions for the following three months is sent out in advance to both members and volunteers who select their preferred dates. To enquire about becoming a member or volunteer email info@access2art.org.uk . Website http://www.access2art.org.uk/  

Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation     Eagle House, High Street, SW19 5EF.                 http://www.al-furquan.com/          Founded in 1989 by the Yamani Cultural and Charitable Foundation to document and preserve Islamic scientific and historical manuscripts.  It also runs a programme of lectures, exhibitions and occasional each year .                                                                             

Friends of Cannizaro Park   http://www.friendsofcannizaropark.org.uk/.   Established in 1996 to protect one of London's finest listed Grade 2* gardens.  It campaigns to ensure that the 34 acre park is properly maintained by the London Borough of Merton and it raises funds for specific regeneration projects within the park. It also organises lectures and guided walks   for members at regular intervals.  New members welcome.  £5 pa.(£3 concessons).    

Merton Adult Education  Whatley Avenue, SW20 9NS www.merton-adult-education.ac.uk       Offers vocational and non-vocational courses and workshops for adults (also at other centres throughout the Borough) Telephone 020 8543 9292

Merton Historical Society  Website under construction (http://www.mertonhistoricalsociety.org.uk/)  
Founded in 1951, the Society organises monthly lectures from September to April and visits   and  local walks in the Summer.  New  members welcome - £7 pa; Students £1.   

Merton Scientific Society meets at Whatley Avenue (above) from September to March on alternate Monday evenings in term time, for lectures and visits designed to appeal, not only to professional scientists, but also to those with a general interest in science.  Annual membership £12; Family £18; Student £4. 

Merton U3A (University of the Third Age)

The Merton branch  of U3A has about fifty friendly activity and study groups run by its own members and covering a wide range of interests such as Art, Music, Literature, Drama, Languages, Bridge, Crafts, Walking and many others.    These groups are likely to appeal to those who are no longer in full-time  employment and want to stretch their minds, develop new interests, and meet new people.  They are informal, requiring no qualifications, and usually consist of 6-12 people meeting monthly or fortnightly  in members' homes.  Some larger groups meet at Drake House near  Wimbledon Station. There are also monthly talks at Drake House - open to non-members - and visits and study days, usually in London or Surrey.

Membership is £10 pa or £15 for a couple.  Members may attend as many groups as they wish, subject to availability.  To learn more log on to http://www.mertonu3a.org.uk/

Putney Music  founded in 1950 for music lovers.  Meets from September to April, fortnightly on Monday evenings in the Putney Leisure Centre, Dryburgh Rd, SW15. for lectures by distinguished musicians and authors, usually with illustrations played on Putney Music's own audio equipment.  Visitors and prospective members welcome. http://www.thefrms.co.uk/ /putney.htm  Membership £24; full-time students and senior citizens £22. Temp. membership £5(refundable if joining  within 14 days) under 18 yrs. free.  Limited parking at Leisure Centre and in residential roads nearby. Buses 337 & 430 stop outside for East Putney Underground and Putney British Rail.  

Raynes Park Library, Approach Road, London, SW20 8BA       www.merton.gov.uk/libraries    Telephone 020 8274  5718.   Offers a monthly adult reading group and a monthly drama discussion group.  Contact Library for further details. 

West Wimbledon Opera Club (affiliated to the federation of Recorded Music Societies Limited) presents a lively and varied programme of talks on opera and operetta supported by recorded music.  It meets at Avenue Hall, Avenue Road, SW20, usually on the fourth Friday of each month at 8pm.  New members who do not have to be West Wimbledon residents are welcome.  Annual membership £12; visitors £4 or £5 per session (including interval refreshments).

West Wimbledon Society owns Avenue Hall, Avenue Road SW20 where members meet on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm from October until April for talks, visits etc.  New members, who do not have to be residents of West Wimbledon, are welcome.  Annual Membership £15

WIDFAS - Wimbledon Decorative & Fine Arts Society  a  member society of NADFAS     www.nadfas.org.uk   Lectures are held on the second Wednesday of each month, except June and August.      In addition the Society organises study days, day visits and weekends away in the UK and abroad. For further information contact website above or email:  susan.harvey4@virgin.net  

Wimbledon Guild  Guild House, 30-32 Worple Road, SW19  http://www.wimbledonguild.co.uk/

Wimbledon National Trust Association  - helps  local  National Trust  members to make the most of their membership with a programme of interesting lectures, outings, lunches and holidays etc.  Membership is restricted to National Trust members http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/  but visitors are welcome at the lectures which are held monthly from October to April. 

Wimbledon Association Membership  is  £5 single or £9 couple, per annum .To join  email:  maureenwhite@btopenworld.com                                                                        

Wimbledon Common  administered by the Wimbledon & Putney Commons Conservators  http://www.wpcc.org.uk/      A programme of guided walks organised by the London Wildlife Trust, http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/ and other events are held on Wimbledon Common every year and the

Information Centre   is open every day (next to the Ranger's Office, Manor Cottage,behind the Windmill).   Wildlife Watch Club for young people aged 8 to 14 years meets at the Information Centre on the first Sunday of each month between 10am and 12noon.  £2 annual registration fee plus £1 per session.  

Wimbledon Common Stables (for Rangers' horses) Open Day July 17 2006  .  

 Wimbledon Society (formerly John Evelyn Society) www.wimbledonsociety.org.uk   (See also Wimbledon Museum of Local History & Bookshop under Museums below).

 HISTORIC HOUSES

Southside House, 3-4 Woodhyes Road, SW19 4RJ    www.southsidehouse.com                Telephone 0208 946 7643                                                                                                                         An 18th century residence in the William & Mary style with an attractive small garden.   Open from Saturday 7  April 2007 until Sunday 30September inclusive, on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday afternoons with guided tours at 2pm, 3pm, & 4pm. Arrive 10 minutes beforehand. Pre-booking is not required but occasionally private events may be booked on those days, in which case the house may be closed, so it is advisable to check beforehand.   NB. closed during Wimbledon Tennis fortnight from  25 June - 8 July inc.  Tea,coffee and home-made cakes are available on Bank Holiday Mondays and on the two National Garden Scheme  Charity Open Days - Sunday 6 & 13 May.   Occasional concerts and literary evenings are held at the house.

MUSEUMS

The Wandle Industrial Museum The Vestry Hall Annexe, London Road, Mitcham CR4 3UD http://www.wandle.org/  email curator@wandle.org  Fax 020 8685 0249

Established in 1983 by local people with the aim of creating a riverside museum which would reflect the rich heritage of the Wandle Valley.  Supported by the London Borough of Merton. Open every Wednesday from 1.00-4.00pm and on the first Sunday of every month  2.00-5.00pmOpen to schools and groups by appointment.  Admission 50p adult; children and concessions 20p.Closed on public holidays

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, SW19 5AE Telephone 020 8946 6131 www.wimbledon.org/museum

Open daily 10.30am -5.pm. The shop and cafe open at 10am.  (closed July 2,10 ; December 24,25,26; January 1  and during The Championships open only to Tournament tickets holders).   This offers  a multi-dimensional exposition of the game's evolution from garden party pastime to multi-million, world-wide professional sport, using film, video,audio, interactives, an unsurpassed collection of trophies and memorabilia dating back to 1555 and a gallery of cartoons and caracatures.  Audio guides available in 8 languages and audio/video guides for those with sight /hearing impairment;  Tour of the grounds and areas normally closed to the public. Shop; Cafe. Library open to visitors by appointment. For children's museum workshops and special events  throughout the year contact  the Education Department   020 8879 5619.   

Wimbledon Museum of Local History & Bookshop 22, Ridgway SW19 4QN (corner of   Lingfield Rd) (see Wimbledon Society) www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk 

Admission Free,   Open Saturdays and Sundays 2.30pm - 5pm

 Wimbledon Windmill Museum Windmill Rd Wimbledon Common, SW19 5NR   www.wimbledonwindmillmuseum.org.uk 

Open April to October Saturdays and Sundays 2pm - 5pm; public holidays 11am - 5pm.  Adults £1; children/concessions 50p

ART SUPPLIES, BOOKS & MUSIC

abcmusic  20 Ridgway, SW19.  Musical instruments for sale and hire, also  sheet  music.  http://www.abcmusic.co.uk/

Fielders  54 Wimbledon Hill Rd. SW19 7PA Telephone 020 8946 5044                     shop@fielders.co.uk    Art & Graphics Materials, Stationery and Books.

Wimbledon Books & Music, 40 High Street, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5AU        Telephone/Fax   020 8879 3101.  This independent bookshop  has a surprising range of books and music for its size, including a delightful children's section, and enjoys a reputation for informed advice and willingness to help.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVERTISING MEDIA

Publications and websites offering local information and free events advertising

http://www.areyoulocal.co.uk/  A new interactive local website created by a resident of SW20 which aims to bring residents, groups and businesses closer together in your local community. Register for free in order to advertise your group, business or event, submit articles or newsletters, join discussion forums and discover more about  your community.

This Is My SW19    www.thisismypostcode.co.uk  email nicola@thisismypostcode.co.uk       This new  A5 glossy monthly directory of local businesses was launched in February 2007 to promote businesses in and around SW19, with a distribution of 6,000 copies. It also has a website. Each month a limited amount of space is allocated to promoting community events free of charge.  The Directory is published at the beginning of each month and copy should be sent in by the 18th of the preceding month to the email address above,                                                                                     or by telephoning Nicola Millard on  01767 260 876  

Wimbledon Time & Leisure Magazine www.timeandleisure.co.uk     Free events advertising - whatson@wimbledontimeandleisure.co.uk   A monthly free magazine, distributed throughout     South West London which provides useful and lively articles and information of local interest and  'What's On' pages.  

Wimbledon Guardian Newspaper www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk   Local free newspaper.      Free events advertising - rgillen@london.newsquest.co.uk

Wimbledon Society Newsletter (see Wimbledon Society in section above))

Wimbledon Town Centre Management have an Official Wimbledon Town Centre Management website for those who work in, live in or visit Wimbledon. It will publicise local non-commercial events free.  http://www.wimbledontowncentre.co.uk/

OTHER WIMBLEDON ASSOCIATIONS

Wimbledon Village Business Association http://www.wimbledon-village.com/

Wimbledon Civic Forum http://www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk/

Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium Ltd             The premier dog racing track in London.

Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare       www.hershamhounds.org.uk                                             This Charity cares for and campaigns on behalf of  retired racing greyhounds.  At least 9,000 of     these beautiful, gentle animals each year come to the end of their racing careers at four to six   years of age or younger.  They are all too frequently abandoned, put down or sold to race on abroad where standards are lower or non-existent and conditions may be appalling.  Greyhounds make wonderful pets and the Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare Kennels at Hersham in Surrey care for around 60 dogs at a time while they look for suitable homes for them.  Those unsuitable for re-homing are lovingly cared for at the Kennels for the rest of their lives.  The Kennels are open to visitors and volunteer dog walkers from 10am to 3pm daily.  There is much more information on the website  or  telephone: Greyhound Welfare at  Hersham Kennels 01932 224918.