I asked Ceri Sheeran, our Assistant Editor, to include an account of how he sets about producing the Newsletter. From this, you'll see that he's involved in a cross between a labour of love and a labour of Hercules. While he points out the challenges involved in each edition, he tactfully omits the biggest one: deciphering my "handwriting", a task beyond the possibilities of any computer. I myself have the most enjoyable job, as I liaise with our advertisers. Mostly this involves a short & friendly phone-call just to check that our clients - without whom we could not finance the Newsletter - are happy with their adverts. Ceri has introduced an index of our advertisers, so you can refer quickly to any you need to contact. Equally you can see the degree of commitment shown by many local businesses to our community.

You will also notice changes to out Committee, not least that we have a new Chairman, Pat Gomez, who was elected unanimously. Fortunately her predecessor, Paresh Modasia, will remain a committee member, so we are not losing his experience or ideas.

Sadly we have to say farewell to P.C. Carl Wonfor, our superb local policeman. Although he has been in Wimbledon Park for only a short time, he has made a huge impression, not least because we have all felt that he was always accessible, always ready to hear our worries - and always able to solve problems. I am, now, speaking personally, for only one week into his tenure here; he had to deal with a problem for me. This he solved with his amazing efficiency, making me feel - rightly - that he was concerned & able to put local matters right. Those who knew him recall with affection his affable, benign good humour and his genuine willingness to support local residents. We shall miss his personal professional qualities. He is sure to be equally effective in his new placement to which he goes with our good wishes, but with our regrets at his leaving. Thank you, Carl, for what you have achieved. In his place we welcome P.C. Mark Roberts and wish him well in his important role.

Do please feel welcome to contact any Committee member about local matters. Let Ceri or me know if there is any topic you would like to have added to or, indeed, omitted from this Newsletter. Without your contributions, we can never be sure that we accurately reflect current attitudes.

          E. M Baker