The Balham Festive Evening and Christmas Light Switch-On will be held this Thursday 26^th November from 5.30pm in the Balham Community Space, Bedford Hill (next to Sainsbury’s Car Park).  

There will be a saxophone quartet, carol singing by school children from Alderbrook and Trinity St Mary’s primary schools and the opportunity to join in with some group carol singing. 

Local children’s entertainers Bertie and Boo will be stilt walking and balloon modelling.  A variety of refreshments will be provided by local businesses.

The lights will be switched on by the Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Jane Copper.

This morning I went to the Oyster Pay- as-you-go overground launch at Balham Train Station.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson came to Balham and announced that Oyster pay-as-you-go will be accepted on London’s entire overland rail network from early next year.

Commuters can already use Oyster pay-as-you-go from Balham Station to London Victoria.

This is great news for Balham and the whole of London!

Last week I helped organise and attended the official opening of Chadwicks Butchers.

Chadwicks have been trading in Balham Town Centre for several years and recently moved to a new larger site at 109 Balham High Road. 

Their new premises was officially opened by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Professor Brian Prichard.

The family run butchers was awarded £15,000 towards the cost of refurbishing their new premises from the Council’s Town Centre Improvement Scheme.

The Council’s Town Centre Improvement Scheme (TCIS) provides business grants and loans for traders to improve their premises and the local environment. 

To find out if your business is eligible call John Ruske on (020) 8871 7031 or email jruske@wandsworth.gov.uk

I went to the Exhibit's launch of their new 393 menu last night- yes thats a starter for £3, main course for £9 and desert for just £3.  I tried the fish cakes to start and steak ciabatta for the main- both were delicious.  Unfortunately I didn't have room for desert.   I have to confess I hadn't actually eaten in the Exhibit before.  The restaurant had a really nice ambience and the service was good.  A really good value night out.  To book a table call 0208 772 6556 or email exhibit@exhibitbars.com

I attended the Balham Rotary Club evening on Tuesday at the White Eagle (Polish Club) and presented on the ongoing and furture plans for Balham Town Centre, which effect local businesses. 

I mostly spoke about the current things I am working on with the Balham Partnership from the business plan, including:

•  the networking lunch on 22ndOctober with Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce
• the public art project we are working on with Waitrose and Chestnut Grove School
• the revamp of this website (we are hoping to launch in early December)
• the "Keep it Local" poster campaign we are planning at Balham Tube Station over Christmas
• the Balham Festive Evening (to mark the switching on of the Xmas Lights) on 26th November
• the forthcoming French and Italian Markets

All of the plans are outlined in the 2009-12 Balham Town Centre business plan, which is available to download from www.wandsworth.gov.uk/balham.

The Balham Rotary Club showed a short film on the work of the Rotary Club.  It is a very worthy organisation which helps improve the lives of others locally and internationally. For further information visit http://www.ribi.org/ or contact Janis Benson janisbenson@btinternet.com or Rajan Amin rajanam@coversure.co.uk

 Overal it was an enjoyable evening and the White Eagle Club put on a delicious buffet. 

Hundreds of people packed in Hildreth Street on Sunday for the first ever Balham Street Festival.

Local residents were treated to a great afternoon of live music from a variety of local acts including:

All girl dancing and singing group The Ellements, who have supported Blue, Faith Evans and Misteeq

Call Me Laura, a local band, who have toured with the Sugababes and Boyzone

African musicians Kasai Masai

Singersongwriters Jamie Abbott, Ellen Miller, Sue Black, Carrie Haber, Ellie Rose, Marcus Bonfanti, David Sanne and Modeste Hughes.

The Star Guest was Elvis Tribute Act, Lou Jordan, who wowed the crowds with several Elvis hits.

The event was hosted by Fayon Cottrell and Tony Moore, keyboard player for 80’s band the Cutting Crew, who also performed his 80’s hit - I Died in Your Arms Tonight.

The event was organised by Rocco Buonvino, a local music promoter with support from Wandsworth Council, the Balham Partnership and local businesses.

It was a wonderful afternoon. Local residents young and old came together and enjoyed a great range of local acts. We hope to repeat the event next summer.

A big thank you to all the artists that performed at the festival.

Also, a big thank you to all the local businesses that sponsored and supported this event including: Waitrose, McDonalds, Hot Bikram Yoga, Treat Balham, Harrisons, Essential Local, The Fat Delicatessen and The Bedford.

Congratulations to Treat Balham, who raised £150 for the neo natal unit at St George’s hospital.

Congratulations to Independent mindbodysoul urban spa in Balham who have reached the finals of the British Beauty & Spa Awards 2009 in three separate categories. The annual awards run by Health and Beauty Salon magazine are the most prestigious in the professional beauty and spa industry and recognize innovation and excellence throughout the profession.

Independent mindbodysoul have reached finalist status in the following three categories:

• Salon Director of the Year
• Customer Care Award
• Salon of the Year - London & South East

No stranger to winning Awards, Independent mindbodysoul (IMBS) has already managed to notch up an impressive 5 Awards from Wandsworth Council, South London Business and the industry accolade of winner of an Olive Award. They have also been awarded a Top 50 Salon in Time Out London – an excellent achievement for what is still a relatively young business.

The much-anticipated announcement of the winners of the British Beauty & Spa Awards 2009 takes place on Sunday 6th September 2009 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. Hosted by a leading TV personality, the event is the biggest and brightest in the beauty industry’s calendar.

Independent mindbodysoul are current recruiting full or part time Beauty therapists, who must be at least NVQ3 qualified (or equiv) with 2 years commercial experience, proficient in all aspects of beauty therapy including facials, massage, waxing (including Brazilians) and be prepared to work 2 late nights until 9pm plus Saturdays. To apply please send a covering letter and full CV to: Vicky Stothard, Director, Independent mindbodysoul, 87 Balham High Road, London,  SW12 9AP vicky@independentmbs.co.uk

Balham’s bars, cafés and restaurants are running special offers throughout August to tempt more food lovers to the town centre.

Participating venues include:
· The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill
· Harrisons, 15-19 Bedford Hill
· Le Petit Bistrot, 20 Bedford Hill
· James Brasserie, 47 Balham Hill
· PJ's wine bar, 205 Balham High Road,
· Alter Ega, 118 Balham High Road
· Locale, 225 Balham High Road
· Gazzette, 1 Ramsden Road

The August 'Wine and Dine in Balham' initiative has been organised by the Balham Partnership in partnership with Time & Leisure Magazine.

For full details please see page 43 of the August edition of Time and Leisure out now http://www.timeandleisure.co.uk/editions/A1csbb/CBFAUG09/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeandleisure.co.uk%2FOnlineMags%2Ftabid%2F244%2FDefault.aspx 

On Sunday, 9th Aug, something amazing and magical will take place in Balham – The Balham Street Festival 2009. The event will be held in Hildreth Street Balham from 1pm to 5pm.

Local residents will be able to enjoy a street festival with a difference – an afternoon programme of great entertainment with a musical line-up made up of 12 participating local acts each performing 3 songs on a quick on-off stage turnaround, ending with a grand finale with our special star guest.

This 4 hour non-stop live music extravaganza promises to be an afternoon to shine in the history of Balham, a free-for-all event that not only promotes communities and local shops.

Balham Street Festival is all about bringing people together, a joyful experience for all, where communities interact with one another regardless of age, color or creed. The event starts at 1.00pm.

Balham Street Festival is brought to you courtesy of local promoters Rocco Buonvino and Fayon Cottrell, hosted jointly with Tony Moore.

The event is being funded by The Balham Partnership and Wandsworth Council. A number of local businesses are sponsoring the event including Hot Bikram Yoga, The Bedford, McDonalds, Waitrose, Essential Local and The Fat Delicatessen.

The showwill bebroadcast LIVE on the Internet and alter aired on Sky TV Life Channel 186

Programme
•1.00pm; Tony & Fayon presents
•1.05pm; Tony Moore opening song
•1.15pm; The Ellements
•1.30pm; Ellen Miller
•1.45pm; Modeste Hugues
•2.00pm; Jamie Abbot
•2.15pm; Carrie Haber
•2.30pm; Kasaï Masaï
•2.45pm; Marcus Bonfanti
•3.00pm; Call Me Laura
•3.15pm; Ellie Rose
•3.30pm; Davide Senna
•3.45pm; Susan Black
•4.00pm; Special Guest: Lou Jordon as ‘Elvis’
•4.45pm: Guest Speaker
•5.00pm; Photo shoot + Show ends
•6.00pm: After Show Party at Harrison’s

THE ARTISTS

Tony Moore is no doubt one of UK’s most influential man in the music business today, and a man who has launched the careers of many artists today, and indeed a top songwriter, singer and presenter, whom, without him, there would be no Bedford! A successful artist himself, his career expands over 20 years, and was proud to be behind the massive hit song ‘I Died In Your Arms Tonight’ with band Cutting Crew, and was host to hit TV show ‘Lets Talk Music’. http://www.myspace.com/tonymoore4music

The Ellements are a sexy and sassy all singing all dancing group entertainment group. Mia Chari, TJ Arlette and Sarah Yong are members of the Ellements girl band. The girls debut single ‘Walk Right Now’ shot to the No.1 in the dance charts back in 2005. The girls have also been on tour and supported bands such as Blue, Faith Evans and Misteeq to name but a few. All girls have modeled for various magazines and appeared in a variety of commercials and TV programmes. http://www.myspace.com/ellements

Ellen Miller is probably one of the UK music scene’s best kept secrets. For 3 years, Ellen has been ‘doing it the old way’ - learning her craft on stages small and large throughout the country, and working with great producers - including Phil Harding, Michael Henry and Matt Waddell. With good song-writing and a great delivery, it is no surprise that Ellen has already supported quality artists like Lucie Silvas, Andrew Roachford, Midge Ure and Benny Gallagher. http://www.myspace.com/ellenmilleruk

Modeste Hugues is a pleasingly smoky-toned singer and a fine guitarist, able to play rhythm and lead all at once. He's so effective in this musical sleight of hand that audience members scan the stage in search of a (non-existent) second guitar player. http://www.modeste.co.uk/

Jamie Abbott is a pop artist with songs that resonate. With influences ranging from Dizzee through to Lamontagne he has a unique sound which is complimented by a distinctive vocal. A fan of many musical genres, Jamie's catchy hooks and conversational lyrics play out in his own contemporary style. Listening to him perform is akin to reading a book you’d never wish to end. http://www.myspace.com/jamieabbottmusic

Carrie Harber is "Every critic is equating her with names like Kate Bush and Tori Amos" says The Times. With little effort, Carrie has already succeeded in attracting the attention of several promoters and has found herself singing to huge crowds at the YMCA Bob Geldof concert as well as at Sting's after party. Carrie is gifted with an amazing vocal range and mature song-writing and piano playing skills and is destined for success beyond our shores.

Kasai Masai band named after a river, Kasai is a region in Congo which lies in the heart of the rain forest where many tribes such as the Baka still maintain their traditional lifestyles. The band plays ancestral music which has been passed on from generation to generation and is rooted in the healing power of percussion and chanting combined with the majestic sound of the Congolese folk guitar. The set becomes complete when joined, live, by a saxophone which brings a smooth jazzy delicacy. Truly amazing.

‘Call Me Laura’ is fronted by the talent filled Laura Critchley whose vocals are reminiscent of some of the great female vocals of years gone by. Bonnie Tyler and Janice Joplin spring to mind, as well as a female Rod Stewart! Laura has been filling the Radio 2 air waves over the last 2 years, and is currently recording her 2nd album, which has developed into a much rockier style. She has toured extensively, with acts like the Sugababes and Boyzone, as well as recording for Robbie Williams. She scored a top 5 hit in India last December, having toured the major cities there in a frenetic week of intense travelling http://www.myspace.com/callmelauramusic

Ellie Rose will be celebrating her 14th birthday on the day of the Balham Street Festival - but she is already on her way to being a seasoned performer and accomplished guitarist / singer / songwriter, having played several dates in the past year including The Bedford in Balham, Oliver's Jazz Bar in Greenwich and the Main Stage at the Marylebone Summer Fayre. She attends Kingsdale Foundation School in Dulwich, which is rapidly becoming a serious competitor to The Brit School for nurturing new talent.

Davide Sanna is an exemplary guitarist and performer from Sardinia (Italy). Davide combines styles that echo traditional folk roots mixed with his innovative approach to playing the guitar and composing. Such unusual upbringings lead to a music that cannot easily be labelled. Acoustic Folk Roots maybe serves the purpose, although the variety of styles in Davide's music drifts from Folk to Mediterranean to Jazzy flavours, across countries and genres. Davide is not simply known for the quality of his song writing, but enjoys the respect and admiration of all those who have ever witnessed one of his performances.

Susan Black is multi-talented performer and songwriter who has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry. The Stage describes Susan Black as “An international diva star with a voice that can fill the Albert hall with a microphone, and indeed a radical break from the norm”. She is an artist who defies categorization as she performs effortlessly in a diverse range of styles, a true showstopper with a truly extraordinary voice, which amazes audiences everywhere with its incredible richness and quality. Susan Black is true one-off, a sparkling jewel and a genuinely original talent who has a magical power of delighting her audiences beyond all expectation.

Lou Jordon as ‘Elvis’ swept Angelina Jolie off her feet. He impressed Miami Vice star Don Johnson so much, that he booked an entire night club to hear him sing. Lou Jordan the king of all Elvis tributes, is very much alive and well, and here at the Balham Festival...He packs bars and clubs night after night, all over London his following grows. No-one is better at working an audience than Lou and within seconds of the first few beats of Viva Las Vegas, "Elvis virgins" are already hooked deep into the Lou Jordan phenomenon. The chat stops, and the crowd go wild. http://www.myspace.com/loujordanaselvis

27th June 10am - 4pm

Balham Leisure Centre, Elmfield Road, Balham, SW17 8AN

Free Gym sessions along with MOT health checks

Free swim including Kids fun session

Face painting

Bouncy castle

Free taster classes including belly dancing, Hoopla, Street dance for kids and adults, pole dancing

Raffle with prizes from Bertie and Boo, Starbucks, Tagine and others

Visit from the local police safety team and fire station

We will be collecting money for St Georges Hospital on the day

Please call reception for more details and timings.

Tel: 020 8772 9577