"Jaipur", the Indian Restaurant on Durnsford Road, has had an attractive makeover. Some Committee members have already dined there and say that it's a welcome addition to Wimbledon Park cuisine.

Also on Durnsford Road, "The Purple Room" is becoming well established as a place to buy hardly worn designer clothing. There are bargains galore in a good range of sizes and some lovely accessories, all reasonably priced.

Another newcomer at 450 Durnsford Road is Bryan James, a florist. His window displays are creative and eye-catching, using seasonal flowers to illustrate seasonal events. Particularly striking was his Halloween display which managed to be topical but not garish ( or ghoulish), no mean feat. He offers a range of fresh flowers from a single bloom to a bouquet & specialises in arrangements to meet your individual needs. His opening days include Sundays to allow those with a full weekend to browse and buy at their leisure.

The old Library on Arthur Road has been refurbished to house a Financial Services business, Edward Jones Ltd. run by Mark Longden. Please see his advertisement on page 3. More details in the next newsletter

The former Woolwich Property Services building again on Arthur Road has now been taken over by "The Home Office" Estate Agency ( See their full page advertisement on page 9) Mark Solan and Matthew Graham, the senior partners and their energetic team offer a complete sales and letting service and can put you in touch with financial and legal advisers. They are quickly establishing their reputation locally.

Not exactly business - but business related. Congratulations to Douglas & Ute Dallimer and The Cresidents for so quickly securing finance for the new Christmas Decorations for Arthur Road. The switching on of the lights and the carol singing around the Christmas tree are a much valued local tradition and we thank all involved for the work that they put into this ceremony.

Another Christmas tradition is the Christmas queue at W.A. Gardners as residents wait to collect their yuletide goodies. While Michael Rooke and his efficient staff serve with their usual good-humoured banter, their customers make a line that stretches back into Melrose Avenue. I've unsuccessfully tried to photograph this but don't have a wide enough camera angle camera lens. A record of it would be most welcome for next year's edition.

            Elizabeth Baker