Meet the man who fly-tippers hate
Plus: Who will be making an appearance at King's Arts 2026?
Good morning, Wimblers.
I hope that we’re all having a good week so far. This week, I met with Wimbledon’s town centre ranger, Tom Ruffell. In a bid to see what a day in his life looked like, I joined him on one of his patrols around the centre. Scroll down to read all about the incredible work Tom does for our community.
We’ve also got your usual news snippets and some great recommendations to keep you busy as the weather (hopefully) gets better.
The Wimble’s sponsor of the week 💪
This week’s sponsor is Strong Pilates. Some of our readers might remember that we featured Strong Pilates last year when I took on one of their sessions (read it here). Now Strong are back again with a limited time offer. Book seven classes for just £49 using this link here.
News snippets 🗞
🗑 Every household in Merton is now able to book one free bulky waste collection per year, allowing for up to three household items. This includes items such as sofas, mattresses, fridges and other large household furniture. Read more about Merton council’s wider work to improve street cleanliness here.
🎨 King’s College School is once again hosting its annual celebration of culture and the arts this summer, with the dates just announced. The festival will run from Monday 22 – Saturday 27 June and will include a rich mix of events, performances, exhibitions, concerts and workshops. There’ll also be three “in conversation with” events, featuring Judy Murray OBE, Dame Mary Berry and David Olusoga OBE. Click here to see the full programme and book your tickets.
🎸 Van Morrison has announced a show at the New Wimbledon Theatre. That’s right, the creator of “Brown Eyed Girl” is coming to town this September with a one-night-only show in SW19. Fun fact: “Into the Mystic” is one of my go-to karaoke songs (if only I had the pipes to sing it). Check out more details here.
🧑🏽🔧 Wimbledon Repair Café, based at St Mark’s Church Hall on Compton Road, launched last Saturday. The café aims to cut waste and extend the life of everyday items. Volunteer repairers aim to fix a range of household goods, including electrical and mechanical items, clothing, toys and bicycles. Repairs are offered free of charge, but donations are encouraged. Read more about the monthly pop-up here.
The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯
🎨 Matisse: The Poetry of Colour: Ad Lib Gallery presents a special exhibition of Henri Matisse’s celebrated Verve publication. The gallery wrote, “These works reflect the playful energy and poetic simplicity that defined Matisse’s later career . . . This intimate presentation offers collectors, art enthusiasts and new audiences alike the chance to experience the spirit of Matisse up close — works that continue to inspire contemporary art, design and culture around the world.” Click here for more details.
Where: Ad Lib Gallery
When: Friday 5 – Sunday 21 June
🧑🏻🎨 Drawing with Miguel: The Quarter’s artist in residence is back again this week with another creative class. Tickets are £15 and equipment will be provided (as well as snacks — lucky you!). Book your spot here.
Where: Wimbledon Quarter
When: Saturday 6 June, 11am – 12pm
🎶 Songs of Light: The Academy Choir Wimbledon are joined this Saturday by the Britten Sinfonia for a night of English music, conducted by their Music Director George Inscoe (sub-organist at St Paul’s Cathedral). Tickets are £20 per person.
Where: St John’s Spencer Hill
When Saturday 6 June, 7pm
🧺 Love Wimbledon Local Market on The Piazza: Think artisan stalls, hot food, and baked goods, plus homeware, art, clothing and accessories. Each market is different and brings with it new traders and seasonal goods. Pop along and have a gander.
Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon
When: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June, 11am – 6pm
🛫 Swords Travel: Afternoon Tea with Kirker: Join the Swords Travel team (along with their partner Kirker) for a spot of afternoon tea. You’ll have the chance to enjoy cakes, sandwiches and tea (of course), all while imagining your next travel adventure. Kirker offers a bunch of travel options, from city breaks to cultural tours and classic rail journeys. The event is free, though you will need to register here.
Where: Swords Travel
When: Friday 12 June, 2.30–4.30pm
🍸 Marrakech Gin & Martini Sampling: CBA Gin Co’s Marrakech Gin was developed during lockdown to capture the flavours and atmosphere of Morocco at a time when travel was prohibited. Now you can try their delicious gin for yourself . . . for free! Join CBA Gin’s co-founder Peter Barney as he mixes up a Marrakech dry martini and classic G&Ts for you to try. No booking required: just walk in.
Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village
When: Saturday 13 June, 12–5pm
🧑🏽🌾 LCAW Rooftop Farm Tour: Led by the farm’s experienced team and in collaboration with LCAW (London Climate Action Week), this local tour is a fun and insightful exploration of sustainability, growing in an urban environment and the positive effects of urban farming. Tickets are £15 and include 50% off your coffee upon arrival at The Fire Station Café as well as a 50% discount voucher for the farm’s honey and mushrooms (sold at the café). Book your spot here.
Where: Rooftop Farm, Wimbledon Quarter
When: Saturday 27 June, 10am–11.30am
On patrol with Wimbledon’s lone ranger ⭐️
It’s a sweaty May afternoon when I meet Tom Ruffell outside of Wimbledon Quarter, and I’m immediately questioning my choice of jeans and leather boots. Tom has been Love Wimbledon’s town centre ranger since 2013. For those unfamiliar with Love Wimbledon, the organisation is Wimbledon’s Business Improvement District (BID), and it looks after more than 100 independent businesses in Wimbledon Town Centre to protect the area and promote all the great initiatives taking place in SW19.
The Wimble has worked with the team at Love Wimbledon many times over the past two years, but I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Tom before. He has very kindly agreed to let me shadow him for a couple of hours and see what a day in his life looks like. “I resolve about 150–250 issues each month, working with partners to resolve them” he tells me as we make our way along The Broadway. “And these issues really vary. They could be anything from graffiti on private or public land, fly-posting, fly-tipping, leaks, overflowing bins, commercial waste, cracked paving stones … that’s a big one.”
We’re on a patrol of Wimbledon Town Centre to identify any issues and engage with the business owners and managers. Our first stop is The Old Frizzle. I stand beside Tom as he chats with the staff. They smile, recognising him immediately. “I really think you guys should enter the Merton Best Business Awards this year,” he says to a member of staff. “Your retro football quiz is a great example of innovation.” It’s clear that Tom has a rapport with many of the businesses in the area, and their appreciation for his support is palpable.
As we continue our walk, I ask Tom why he thinks having the BID is important for the area. “The most important aspect of the BID for me is being able to give businesses a voice — to make sure their priorities are heard,” he explains. “We’re here to support them, to get in touch with the right people and to have the answers to any of their questions.”
But Tom’s job goes beyond businesses. As the sole town centre ranger, he is responsible for making sure that everything in the area is running smoothly. In May alone, he managed to resolve 185 issues. “Fly-tipping was one of the worst in May,” he says. “And fly-tipping can be so strange. I’ve found everything from mattresses to push chairs and, ironically, brooms. We tend to find a lot of brooms.” When issues of antisocial behaviour (ASB) arise, the ranger has a relationship with the local police and Merton’s neighbourhood wardens, who were introduced in June last year.
Tom was in his early twenties when he took on his current position. Thirteen years later, and he’s seen much of the town centre change. “One of the best changes I’ve seen in this part of Wimbledon is the money and time spent on refurbishing or developing this area. Just look at the events and businesses we have here.”
I ask him if he thinks Wimbledon has managed to escape the “death of the high street”. He says it has. “I think a part of that is the community here,” he explains. “It really hit home during Covid. It was a challenging time for everybody, not least for businesses. But so many shops and restaurants provided for those less fortunate during that period. The charity that came from the community was really remarkable. I think that’s just another thing that makes Wimbledon so great.”
Our patrol is coming to its end. “That, and also everything that’s on offer — from transport links and green spaces to markets and festivals,” he continues. “I mean, that’s why I’m still here. I love my job, and I love what the area has to offer. I’m very lucky that I can say that.”
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I gave you a list of books and asked which one has a scene involving Wimbledon. The answer: War of the Worlds.
Q: When was the final dog race held at Wimbledon Stadium?
You’re up to date 👋
Thank you for reading this week’s edition. I hope you enjoyed our piece with Tom Ruffell. If you do see him around, give him a wave or say hello; I’m sure he’ll be happy to have a chat with you. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.