Good morning, Wimblers.
What does it take to climb the tallest mountain in Africa? That’s just one of the questions we put to local resident and Community First Responder Adam Reed. Adam has taken on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the end of this month to raise money for the London Ambulance Charity and the MS Society UK, two causes close to his heart.
The Wimble sat down with Adam last week to discuss his training, his excitement and fears, and what life is like as a Community First Responder.
We also have some great events to keep you busy in the coming weeks, news about the beloved Trafalgar pub and changes to Merton Council’s top team.
Happy reading!
News snippets 🗞
🏡 One of SW19’s most beloved pubs could become community-owned by Christmas. The Trafalgar is a favourite among locals and has even been dubbed “the community’s living room” by some, but the pub has faced closure due to a lengthy redevelopment battle. Now, locals have a chance to buy shares in The Trafalgar, with the hope of securing full community ownership by Christmas. Save the Traf launched its community share offer this week, giving members of the public the chance to invest in the pub and help raise £250,000 towards the purchase of the freehold. From September 9 until November 17, members of the public will be able to purchase shares ranging from £250 to £50,000. Members will receive discounts at the bar and a birthday pint. Read more here.
🏗 The Leader of Merton Council has announced changes to his top team, with Deputy Leader Cllr Eleanor Stringer taking on the role of Cabinet Member for New Homes and Regeneration. Cllr Stringer will now lead on Merton’s work to build new homes and make Morden town centre “work better for everyone”, according to their press release. The council’s leader has also announced the creation of a new Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness Prevention, tying in with the government’s focus on helping people off the streets, which will be held by Cllr Dan Johnston. Read about the other changes here.
👟 Alex Milne led the Hercules Wimbledon Athletics Club home on Sunday, finishing ninth as he gears up for the World 100km Championships later this month. Milne, who is already the reigning World 50km Champion, will head to Galicia for the challenge. Click here to check out the other Wimbledon AC runners who took part on Sunday.
The Wimble’s sponsor of the week 🧑🏽🌾
These sell out ridiculously fast, so make sure to click the button below and book your tour. These events really are a blast — I’ve been to several — so if you fancy a nice morning activity this month, visit Wimbledon Quarter’s Rooftop Farm to learn about the art of urban farming.
Property of the week 🏡
This six-bedroom home is another example of Wimbledon’s lovely but outrageous property market. Tucked away on a leafy road near Wimbledon Common, this property’s location is also worth highlighting. But how much does a property of this size cost in SW19? £3.65 million. Check out more photos here.
The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯
🧣 The Fashion Edit: We mentioned this last week, but just in case you missed it, one more time with feeling. This three-day event kicks off with the Sustainable September Gala — this is your chance to join fellow style lovers and eco-enthusiasts for a night full of inspiring talks, chic runway moments, and amazing networking opportunities. The gala is followed by two days of curated eco-friendly fashion catwalks, masterclasses and talks. The events are free, but you’ll need to book your spot here.
Where: Wimbledon Quarter
When: Friday 11 September – Sunday 13 September
🖼 Wimbledon Art Trail: This really is one of Wimbledon’s most unique events, and it’s back for another year! Over the course of one weekend, this event will bring together over 80 local artists and makers to exhibit their work in shops, studios, homes, gardens and businesses. This year, the trail will be expanding into the heart of Wimbledon town and village, with a number of local businesses opening their doors to display art installations and exhibitions, including Elys, Day True, Farrow & Ball and Holloways of Ludlow. Click here for more information.
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September
💨 Watch Wimbledon Windmill in action: Every five weeks one of the WPCC Rangers heads to the roof and releases the brake on the sails to make sure everything is still working and that nothing has seized up. This is your chance to see the windmill in action!
Where: Wimbledon Windmill, Wimbledon Common
When: Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September, 2pm
🗣 Wimbledon School of English (French course): Aimeriez-vous apprendre le français? This course might be a good place to start, being both immersive and interactive. The teacher will use the target language throughout, which will help you to start speaking with confidence from the very first lesson. Classroom activities are designed to keep you engaged and motivated throughout the course. You will receive a good grounding in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, but the main focus of the classes is on communication, using pair work, group work and role play, which really brings the language to life. Book here.
Where: Wimbledon School of English
When: Tuesday 15 September (ends Tuesday 17 November)
🍷 Marchesi Antinori wine tasting: This is your opportunity to try some of the finest wines of the Bolgheri DOC. Taste Il Bruciato, a modern interpretation of Bolgheri’s unique terroir made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as the estate’s San Giovanni della Sala Orvieto Classico Superiore. This event is free and doesn’t require a booking.
Where: Amathus
When: Saturday 19 September, 12–5pm
❤️ Wellness Weekend by Sustainable Discovery: Presented in partnership with Love Wimbledon for Sustainable September, Wellness Weekend is all about resetting, recharging and feeling your best. There will be a programme of talks, workshops and interactive experiences to inspire, inform and help you to discover something new. From blending your own perfumes to talks on elevating your gut health, this free weekend is not one to miss.
Where: Wimbledon Quarter
When: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September, 10am–5pm
Meet the Community First Responder climbing Kilimanjaro 🗻
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves,” is a quote often attributed to mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary. It’s a great quote, but I’m sure it’s a lot harder to say when you’re 5,895 metres above sea level and in desperate need of a lie-down. But later this month, that’s exactly where local resident and Community First Responder (CFR) Adam Reed will be. This week, The Wimble sat down with Adam to talk about his community work in Wimbledon, his training routine for climbing Kilimanjaro, and why he is putting himself through this Herculean task.
Let’s start with the obvious questions. Why this challenge and why Mount Kilimanjaro?
It’s really a bucket list challenge for me. It’s as simple as “it’s there, let’s get it done”. As a teenager, I climbed Toubkal in Morocco on a school trip. I’ve also hiked in the Alps before. I’ve completed triathlons, marathons and Ironmans. So, pushing myself to certain extremes is not a new thing for me. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is about a six-to-seven-day climb. I’m taking the Machame Route — also known as the “Whiskey Route” — which is probably the most scenic way up Mount Kilimanjaro, or “Kili”.
And why have you chosen to raise money for the London Ambulance Charity and the MS Society?
They’re both causes close to my heart. My father, who passed away roughly five years ago, lived with MS for the vast majority of his adult life. I also have friends who are currently dealing with MS, and I know from first-hand experience how debilitating a disease it can be. In many ways, I’ve chosen the MS Society to honour my late father.
In the last year or so, I’ve been volunteering as a Community First Responder (CFR) for the London Ambulance Service (LAS). The London Ambulance Charity helps support the mental health and wellbeing of ambulance crews as well as providing free CPR training to the public and defibrillators for communities across the city. I chose this charity because I know just how important their work is and how much of our support they need.
What does being a Community First Responder entail?
I’ve worked in the television world for many years. I’m also a medic on sets, meaning I already had the medical skills and training to work with the London Ambulance Service. Ideally, I arrive as First Responder On Scene (FROS). From there, I start working the DRCABC algorithm, perform CPR, attach an AED and administer oxygen when appropriate, handing over and assisting the ambulance crew when they arrive. If they arrive before me, I'm available to add an extra pair of hands. I mainly respond to calls within a 12-minute drive of my front door on Haydons Road, Wimbledon. So you really are serving the community and helping people you may already know.
How are you preparing for this huge task? What does your training look like?
Unfortunately, London and the UK in general don’t have much in the way of good training environments for Kili. We’re really missing the altitude in this part of Europe. I’ve been doing a lot of leg strength exercises: squats, lunges, that sort of thing. I’m also going on long hikes with weighted packs on — Surrey Hills, Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons. Oh, and I climbed a volcano in July in Bali for good measure!
How are you feeling about the climb? Are the nerves setting in?
You take it one step at a time. The real test is the altitude. It’s going to be cold, it’s going to be dark and it’s going to be tough for that final push to the top. But I know from experience — marathons, traitholons and Ironmans — that I can grit my teeth and push through. One foot in front of the other. As long as you’re doing that, you’re making progress. They have a saying on the mountain that translates to “slow, slow”. That’s going to be the mantra for this challenge.
Visit Adam’s GoFundMe here and donate if you can.
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I gave you a list of television shows and asked which one featured Wimbledon Common. The answer: Sick Note.
Q: In 967 AD, a charter signed by King Edward the Peaceful referred to the Wimbledon area as what?
You’re up to date 👋
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. Do keep sending your ideas to zak@thewimble.com. Enjoy your weekend and we’ll see you next time!