Wimbledon champ Marion Bartoli to play exhibition event in Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) - Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli will play for the first time since her retirement at an exhibition tournament in June.

The 29-year-old Frenchwoman retired suddenly just weeks after winning the Wimbledon title last year. She is set to play in the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament from June 18-22, which will also feature retired players Greg Rusedski and Virginia Wade, organizers said Wednesday in a statement.

Bartoli struggled with all manner of injuries during her 14-year career, but it was her shoulder that really prevented her from continuing because she could not serve properly.

She won Wimbledon in her 47th start at a Grand Slam tournament - the most ever played by a woman before winning a major championship, and won it without losing a set.

Copyright 2014 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Marion Bartoli to play exhibition

Associated Press

LIVERPOOL, England -- Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli will play for the first time since her retirement at an exhibition tournament in June.

The 29-year-old Frenchwoman retired suddenly just weeks after winning the Wimbledon title last year. She is set to play in the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament from June 18-22, which will also feature retired players Greg Rusedski and Virginia Wade, organizers said Wednesday in a statement.

Bartoli struggled with all manner of injuries during her 14-year career, but it was her shoulder that really prevented her from continuing because she could not serve properly.

She won Wimbledon in her 47th start at a Grand Slam tournament -- the most ever played by a woman before winning a major championship, and won it without losing a set.

Copyright 2014 by britaandroid.blogspot.com

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Murray to be spared nightmare Wimbledon draw despite low ranking

Credit: Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi

Britain's Andy Murray returns a shot against Italy's Andreas Seppi during their Davis Cup quarter-final tennis match in Naples April 5, 2014.

Murray, who became the first British man to win the men's singles at the grasscourt grand slam for 77 years last July when he beat Novak Djokovic in the final, has sunk to eighth in the ATP rankings which at most tournaments determine seedings.

However, Wimbledon's seeding system, which takes into account past performances on the grass surface, means it is unlikely Murray would find himself outside the top four seeds even if his world ranking does not improve.

Seedings at Wimbledon are generally based on ATP rankings but the fact that Murray was unbeaten on grass last year and reached the Wimbledon final in 2012 as well will count in his favor, according to All England Club chairman Philip Brook.

'For Andy Murray, as the winner of Queen's last year and the winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him,' he told a news conference.

Murray's ranking has slipped from a career-high two down to eight, largely because of back surgery at the end of last year.

Although he has fully recovered, his form has been inconsistent and he was well beaten by Roger Federer at the Australian Open.

The 26-year-old Scot is due to play in next week's Madrid Masters as he gears up for the French Open which he missed last year due to injury.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

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Wimbledon prize money to increase by more than 10 percent

LONDON (AP) - Total prize money for this year's Wimbledon tournament will reach 25 million pounds ($42 million), an increase of 10.8 percent that will mostly favor the early-round losers.

The All England Club said Tuesday that the men's and women's singles champions will each receive 1.76 million pounds ($2.9 million), a 10 percent increase on last year's top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli.

By comparison, this year's French Open champions will receive 1.65 million euros ($2.3 million) while Stanislas Wawrinka and Li Na earned $2.65 million for their wins at the Australian Open in January. U.S. Open organizers have yet to announce the prize money for this year's tournament.

The main increases at Wimbledon are for the early losers, with players who fail to get past the third round receiving prize money worth 12.5 percent more than in 2013.

''We've placed emphasis on the large group of players who need our help the most, those players who lose in qualifying and in the early rounds of the championships,'' Wimbledon chairman Philip Brook said. ''We also had an eye to being competitive internationally, and we do keep our watch on what is going on in other tennis events and in particular the other Grand Slams.''

The grass-court Grand Slam will be played from June 23-July 6.

In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four majors have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years, with Wimbledon offering the biggest amount following a record 40 percent increase last year.

The French Open now offers more than 25 million euros ($34.5 million) while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the Australian Open went up to AU$33 million ($31 million).

The Wimbledon prize money for the majority of singles players who lose in the first three rounds of the grass-court tournament has been increased by more than 100 percent over a three-year period. The main increase this year is for first-round losers, with each receiving 27,000 pounds ($45,450), 14.9 percent more than last year.

''This year we've got a very generous increase once again,'' Brook said. ''We wanted to build on the focus from 2012 and 2013.''

There will also be an increase of 8.7 percent in prize money for doubles and a 6.1 percent increase for mixed doubles.

In all, an extra 2.4 million pounds ($4 million) is up for grabs compared to last year.

Brook said plans to build a retractable roof on Court No. 1 are still on track pending planning approval, with an application to be submitted later this year. The roof, similar to the one on Centre Court, should be completed in 2019, and court capacity will be increased by 900 seats to 12,400.

Brook also confirmed the tournament will start a week later in 2015 to create a three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon, with the men's final on July 12.

''Hopefully with the extra week more players will be encouraged to compete on grass,'' Brook said.

Seedings for this year's tournament will be announced on June 18.

Brook said defending champion Murray, who has slipped to eighth in the rankings, will stay among the top seeds thanks to his strong record on grass over the past two years.

Wimbledon's seeding order is determined using the ATP rankings and points are added for achievements in grass-court tournaments in the past 12 months.

''And we add to that 75 percent of the best-performing tournament in the previous year,'' Brook said. ''For Andy Murray, as the winner of Queen's last year and the winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him.''

Brooks said the seedings will also have ''significant impact'' on seven-time champion Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Brook said.

Brook did not comment on speculation of a possible return to competition by Bartoli ahead of Wimbledon. The 29-year-old Frenchwoman retired suddenly after a loss at Cincinnati last August, explaining that her body could no longer take the strain after 14 years as a pro.

When asked if her entourage had been in touch recently and if Bartoli would be granted a wild card if she asked for one, Brook said: ''The rumors in France have not reached London yet, so we'll wait and see.''

Copyright 2014 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Tennis: Wimbledon prize money up more than 10 percent

London * Total prize money for this year's Wimbledon tournament will reach 25 million pounds ($42 million), an increase of 10.8 percent that will mostly favor the early-round losers.

The All England Club said Tuesday that the men's and women's singles champions will each receive 1.76 million pounds ($2.9 million), a 10 percent increase on last year's top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli.

By comparison, this year's French Open champions will receive 1.65 million euros ($2.3 million) while Stanislas Wawrinka and Li Na earned $2.65 million for their wins at the Australian Open in January. U.S. Open organizers have yet to announce the prize money for this year's tournament.

The main increases at Wimbledon are for the early losers, with players who fail to get past the third round receiving prize money worth 12.5 percent more than in 2013.

'We've placed emphasis on the large group of players who need our help the most, those players who lose in qualifying and in the early rounds of the championships,' Wimbledon chairman Philip Brook said. 'We also had an eye to being competitive internationally, and we do keep our watch on what is going on in other tennis events and in particular the other Grand Slams.'

The grass-court Grand Slam will be played from June 23-July 6.

In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four majors have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years, with Wimbledon offering the biggest amount following a record 40 percent increase last year.

The French Open now offers more than 25 million euros ($34.5 million) while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the Australian Open went up to AU$33 million ($31 million).

The Wimbledon prize money for the majority of singles players who lose in the first three rounds of the grass-court tournament has been increased by more than 100 percent over a three-year period. The main increase this year is for first-round losers, with each receiving 27,000 pounds ($45,450), 14.9 percent more than last year.

'This year we've got a very generous increase once again,' Brook said. 'We wanted to build on the focus from 2012 and 2013.'

There will also be an increase of 8.7 percent in prize money for doubles and a 6.1 percent increase for mixed doubles.

In all, an extra 2.4 million pounds ($4 million) is up for grabs compared to last year.

Brook said plans to build a retractable roof on Court No. 1 are still on track pending planning approval, with an application to be submitted later this year. The roof, similar to the one on Centre Court, should be completed in 2019, and court capacity will be increased by 900 seats to 12,400.

Brook also confirmed the tournament will start a week later in 2015 to create a three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon, with the men's final on July 12.

'Hopefully with the extra week more players will be encouraged to compete on grass,' Brook said.

Seedings for this year's tournament will be announced on June 18.

Brook said defending champion Murray, who has slipped to eighth in the rankings, will stay among the top seeds thanks to his strong record on grass over the past two years.

Wimbledon's seeding order is determined using the ATP rankings and points are added for achievements in grass-court tournaments in the past 12 months.

'And we add to that 75 percent of the best-performing tournament in the previous year,' Brook said. 'For Andy Murray, as the winner of Queen's last year and the winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him.'

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Wimbledon champions to receive 1.76m pounds ($2.9m)

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN, AP Sports Writer

LONDON (AP) - Total prize money for this year's Wimbledon tournament will reach 25 million pounds ($42 million), an increase of 10.8 percent that will mostly favor the early-round losers.

The All England Club said Tuesday that the men's and women's singles champions will each receive 1.76 million pounds ($2.9 million), a 10 percent increase on last year's top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli.

By comparison, this year's French Open champions will receive 1.65 million euros ($2.3 million) while Stanislas Wawrinka and Li Na earned $2.65 million for their wins at the Australian Open in January. U.S. Open organizers have yet to announce the prize money for this year's tournament.

The main increases at Wimbledon are for the early losers, with players who fail to get past the third round receiving prize money worth 12.5 percent more than in 2013.

'We've placed emphasis on the large group of players who need our help the most, those players who lose in qualifying and in the early rounds of the championships,' Wimbledon chairman Philip Brook said. 'We also had an eye to being competitive internationally, and we do keep our watch on what is going on in other tennis events and in particular the other Grand Slams.'

The grass-court Grand Slam will be played from June 23-July 6.

In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four majors have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years, with Wimbledon offering the biggest amount following a record 40 percent increase last year.

The French Open now offers more than 25 million euros ($34.5 million) while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the Australian Open went up to AU$33 million ($31 million).

The Wimbledon prize money for the majority of singles players who lose in the first three rounds of the grass-court tournament has been increased by more than 100 percent over a three-year period. The main increase this year is for first-round losers, with each receiving 27,000 pounds ($45,450), 14.9 percent more than last year.

'This year we've got a very generous increase once again,' Brook said. 'We wanted to build on the focus from 2012 and 2013.'

There will also be an increase of 8.7 percent in prize money for doubles and a 6.1 percent increase for mixed doubles.

In all, an extra 2.4 million pounds ($4 million) is up for grabs compared to last year.

Brook said plans to build a retractable roof on Court No. 1 are still on track pending planning approval, with an application to be submitted later this year. The roof, similar to the one on Centre Court, should be completed in 2019, and court capacity will be increased by 900 seats to 12,400.

Brook also confirmed the tournament will start a week later in 2015 to create a three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon, with the men's final on July 12.

'Hopefully with the extra week more players will be encouraged to compete on grass,' Brook said.

Seedings for this year's tournament will be announced on June 18.

Brook said defending champion Murray, who has slipped to eighth in the rankings, will stay among the top seeds thanks to his strong record on grass over the past two years.

Wimbledon's seeding order is determined using the ATP rankings and points are added for achievements in grass-court tournaments in the past 12 months.

'And we add to that 75 percent of the best-performing tournament in the previous year,' Brook said. 'For Andy Murray, as the winner of Queen's last year and the winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him.'

Brooks said the seedings will also have 'significant impact' on seven-time champion Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Brook said.

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Wimbledon prize money breaks through £25m mark

The total prize money for this year's Wimbledon has been increased to £25 million - an increase of more than 10% that will mostly favour the early-round losers.

The All England Club revealed on Tuesday that the gentlemen's and women's singles champions will each receive £1.76m, £160,000 more than last year's top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli.

But the main increases are for the early losers, with players who fail to get past the third round receiving prize money worth 12.5% more than in 2013.

'We've placed emphasis on the large group of players who need our help the most, those players who lose in qualifying and in the early rounds of the Championships,' said Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

'We also had an eye to being competitive internationally, and we do keep our watch on what is going on in other tennis events and in particular the other grand slams.'

The 2014 Championships begin on June 23, with the final scheduled for July 6.

In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of grand slam revenues, all four majors have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years, with Wimbledon offering the biggest amount following a record 40% increase last year.

The French Open now offers more than €25m (£20.6m) while the US Open increased its purse to $34.3m (£20.4m) and the Australian Open went up to AU$33m (£18.2m).

The Wimbledon prize money for the majority of singles players who lose in the first three rounds of the grass-court tournament has been increased by more than 100% over a three-year period.

The main increase this year is for first-round losers, with each receiving £27,000, 15% more than last year.

'This year we've got a very generous increase once again,' Brook added. 'We wanted to build on the focus from 2012 and 2013.'

There will also be an increase of 9% in prize money for doubles and a 6% for mixed doubles.

In all, an extra £2.4m is up for grabs compared to last year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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Defending champion Andy Murray gets a boost in Wimbledon seedings

Andy Murray created history by becoming the first Britisher to win the Wimbledon title after 77 years when he won the men's singles event in 2013.

London: Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will be among the top seeds at this year's tournament despite having slipped down the ATP world ranking to eighth, organisers announced on Tuesday.'We have a surfaced-based seeding system here at Wimbledon,' All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chairman Philip Brook told a press conference at the tournament venue in south London.'So we take the ranking points of each player, and add to that the ranking points they hypothetically received last year on grass, and we add to that 75 percent of the best-performing tournament in the previous year.'So to put it into context for Andy Murray, as winner of Queen's last year and winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him.'There will also be quite a significant impact on (Roger) Federer and (Novak) Djokovic. There will be some adjustment.'Organisers also defended a move to increase the prize money for first-round losers by nearly 15 percent to £27,000 ($45,400, 32,900 euros).Total prize money has gone up 10.8 per cent to £25 million, with the winners of the men's and women's singles finals each in line to take home £1.76 million, compared to £1.6 million in 2013.'I slightly take issue with the notion that players will turn up and lose,' said AELTC chief executive Richard Lewis.'I have to make the point that the players have worked hard to get there. Either they have have got into the championships through their ranking, so that's 12 months of play before, or there are some wild cards.'So to portray it as £27,000 for turning up and doing nothing, I don't think that's valid.'Lewis also said that there were no plans to make alterations to any of the courts, despite a number of leading players having complained that they were too slippery during last year's tournament.'I think in hindsight that was more of an anecdotal problem over a couple of days, and only one or two players took issue with it,' he said.'Wimbledon is played on a natural surface and of course the conditions change over the duration of the tournament. So we don't feel there are any issues to address on that.'Wimbledon this year runs from June 23 to July 6.

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Wimbledon prize money up by more than 10 per cent

The All England Club said on Tuesday that the men's and women's singles champions will each receive 1.76 million pounds ($2.9 million), a 10 per cent increase on last year's top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli.

London: Total prize money for this year's Wimbledon tournament will reach 25 million pounds ($42 million), an increase of 10.8 per cent that will mostly favour the early-round losers.The All England Club said on Tuesday that the men's and women's singles champions will each receive 1.76 million pounds ($2.9 million), a 10 per cent increase on last year's top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli.But the main increases are for the early losers, with players who fail to get past the third round receiving prize money worth 12.5 per cent more than in 2013.'We've placed emphasis on the large group of players who need our help the most, those players who lose in qualifying and in the early rounds of the championships,' Wimbledon chairman Philip Brook said. 'We also had an eye to being competitive internationally, and we do keep our watch on what is going on in other tennis events and in particular the other Grand Slams.'The grass-court Grand Slam will be played from June 23-July 6.In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four majors have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years, with Wimbledon offering the biggest amount following a record 40 percent increase last year.The French Open now offers more than 25 million euros ($34.5 million) while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the Australian Open went up to AU$33 million ($31 million).The Wimbledon prize money for the majority of singles players who lose in the first three rounds of the grass-court tournament has been increased by more than 100 percent over a three-year period. The main increase this year is for first-round losers, with each receiving 27,000 pounds ($45,450), 14.9 per cent more than last year.'This year we've got a very generous increase once again,' Brook said. 'We wanted to build on the focus from 2012 and 2013.'There will also be an increase of 8.7 per cent in prize money for doubles and a 6.1 per cent increase for mixed doubles.In all, an extra 2.4 million pounds ($4 million) is up for grabs compared to last year.

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Andy Murray's Wimbledon seeding will not be harmed by world ranking drop

Andy Murray's slip to eighth in the world rankings will not dent his seeding at Wimbledon, tournament officials have confirmed.

Philip Brook, the chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said the reigning champion's strong two-year grass court record will keep him among the top seeds. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic can also expect to benefit from Wimbledon's seeding system.

'We have a surfaced-based seeding system here at Wimbledon,' said Brook. 'So we take the ranking points of each player, and add to that the ranking points they hypothetically received last year on grass, and we add to that 75 per cent of the best-performing tournament in the previous year.

'To put it into context for Andy Murray, as winner of Queen's last year and winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him. There will also be quite a significant impact on Federer and Djokovic; there will be some adjustment.'

Total prize money for Wimbledon has also risen by 10.8 per cent from last year to £25m, with the winners of the men's singles and women's singles each taking £1.76m, up from last year's £1.6m.

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Police appeal for witnesses after man killed by lorry in Wimbledon

Police appeal for witnesses after man killed by lorry in Wimbledon Bridge

7:25am Tuesday 29th April 2014 in News By Omar Oakes, Digital Editor

Wimbledon Bridge was closed off after 8pm last night

Police are appealing for witnesses after last night's fatal incident outside Wimbledon Station.

Emergency Services were called at 7.50pm on Monday, April 28, to Wimbledon Bridge, outside Wimbledon Station, after a man was hit by a lorry.

London Ambulance Service attended and the pedestrian, a man aged in his mid-30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination is expected to be held at St George's Hospital this week.

The Metropolitan Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Hampton is investigating.

The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene and he has not been arrested.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Witness Appeal line on 020 8941 9011.

Contact the Merton newsdesk - 020 8722 6333 / newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.

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Premier League should clarify 'double standards' as AFC Wimbledon are docked ...

Premier League side Sunderland avoided any points deduction for fielding an ineligible player earlier this season

Daniel Hambury/PA Wire

Ji Dong-Won played in four games for Sunderland in which he was ineligible

Earlier this month, relegation threatened Sunderland avoided a points deduction despite fielding an ineligible player for four Premier League games this season.

The Black Cats were in hot water with the authorities after South Korean striker Ji Dong-won turned out against Fulham, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United, despite lacking the international clearance to do so.

With the matter then raised to Premier League bosses, the Stadium of Light outfit accepted they had made a clerical error, but were dealt just a six-figure fine.

At the time, Sunderland's dodging of a points deduction seemed a surprising result. And with the news today that AFC Wimbledon have been docked three points for playing an ineligible player in their 4-3 win over Cheltenham last month, it raises one pertinent question.

Is it one rule for the Premier League and a different rule for everyone else?

At this point it's vital to point out this is not sour grapes. The Black Cats were worthy winners over Cardiff City on Sunday and having taken points from Manchester City and Chelsea recently, their current form may well keep them in the top flight.

But the point has to be raised. Why have Wimbledon lost three points for playing midfielder Jake Nicholson while Sunderland escaped a sanction?

Action Images

AFC Wimbledon have been docked three points for fielding Jake Nicholson

'It's double standards. The Premier League should come out and make a statement to say why this is the case,' said Cardiff City legend Nathan Blake.

'If they can't do that, I think it should maybe go to FIFA or UEFA to get to the bottom of it.

'You can't have double standards in the game as it creates a certain precedent. Once you make one decision, you have to stay with it.'

With Cardiff City battling with Sunderland to avoid relegation at the time of the Dong-won decision, any points deduction could have spelt trouble for Gus Poyet's men. As it is, their defeat of the Bluebirds means they are now out of the drop zone going into the two final rounds of Premier League fixtures.

'If this happened at the other end of the table and the title was won or lost on a points deduction then it would be mayhem,' Blake added.

'I'm not calling for this because Cardiff City are in trouble. They might not have got out of the relegation zone even if Sunderland had lost points.

'But you want things to be clear and transparent moving forwards - that's the key thing.'

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Wimbledon art sale raises hundreds of pounds for show

Wimbledon art sale raises hundreds of pounds for show

4:00am Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Becky Middleton, Chief Reporter

Professional artists Sandra Roche and Richard Knight at the event

Artists raised hundreds of pounds to help fund a major show in Wimbledon next month.

The Wimbledon Village Fundraising Exhibition and Art Sale collected £600 in sales of artwork at an event where artists donated work to be sold on April 11.

The boost will help stage the Open Studios Art Show being held between May 15 and May 18 at the Wimbledon Art Studios in Riverside Road.

The free exhibition will feature more than 140 artists from all over the world including sculptors, painters and ceramicists who will show off their work.

For more information visit the website.

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Hundreds gather for teenager Claudia Landa's funeral

Hundreds gather for teenager Claudia Landa's funeral

2:30pm Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Becky Middleton, Chief Reporter

The hearse arriving at St Mary's Church for the funeral of Claudia Landa

It was standing room only as hundreds of people who knew Claudia Landa packed into a church for her funeral today.

Hundreds of people from all over the country turned out to pay tribute to the 17-year-old known as Cloud to her closest friends.

Extra chairs had to be brought into St Mary's Church in Church Road, Beddington, to allow attendees to sit comfortably while the service took place on Monday, April 28.

Claudia's mother Naomi Martin, aunts, friends and stepdad Simon were among those to pay tribute to the outgoing and bubbly teenager who tragically died after being knocked down by a lorry in Mitcham.

Memories shared were rewarded by applause in support of the speakers who bravely stood in front of a packed congregation to honour their friend.

Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis and Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh were among the mourners who attended.

Afterwards people filed passed her open coffin and lit candles in memoriam.

The Richmond-upon-Thames College student died in hospital two days after an accident in Carshalton Road, at the junction with Goat Road, Mitcham, on Wednesday, April 2.

Claudia, a former Carshalton High School for Girls pupil from Hackbridge, Sutton, was on her way home from Richmond-upon-Thames College when she was knocked down.

The Wimbledon Guardian was overwhelmed by tributes to the popular youngster whose outgoing personality will clearly be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Claudia's family organised a celebration of her life after a short service of committal at the South London Crematorium.

The so-called After Party was due to be held at the New Horizon Leisure Centre in South Lodge Avenue, Mitcham.

On Saturday night a fund-raising concert at The Vineyard Community Centre in Richmond was held to raise money to buy a bench in Claudia's memory.

LISTEN: Musical friends Joe and Fionn have penned a song for Claudia:

Claudia's family have asked for floral tributes to be sent to Co-operative Funeralcare, 153 Streatham High Road, Streatham.

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Man dies after being hit by lorry in The Broadway, Wimbledon

Man dies after being hit by lorry in The Broadway, Wimbledon

10:05pm Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Chief Reporter

A man in his 30s has died after being hit by a lorry outside Wimbledon Station this evening.

Wimbledon Bridge is cordoned off directly outside the station's main entrance and police have been directing pedestrians back through the station to an alternative exit.

Police have also blocked off access to Wimbledon town centre surrounding the main junction. A police tent has been put up near the traffic lights.

They are currently unable to say how long they think the road will be closed.

A police spokesman said: 'Police were called to Wimbledon Bridge, at 7.50pm, to reports of a collision between a lorry and a pedestrian.

'The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

'The driver stopped and has not been arrested. Officers are in process of informing next of kin.'

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Man dies after being hit by lorry in Wimbledon town centre

Breaking news Man dies after being hit by lorry in The Broadway, Wimbledon

10:05pm Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Chief Reporter

A man in his 30s has died after being hit by a lorry outside Wimbledon Station this evening.

Wimbledon Bridge is cordoned off directly outside the station's main entrance and police have been directing pedestrians back through the station to an alternative exit.

Police have also blocked off access to Wimbledon town centre surrounding the main junction. A police tent has been put up near the traffic lights.

They are currently unable to say how long they think the road will be closed.

A police spokesman said: 'Police were called to Wimbledon Bridge, at 7.50pm, to reports of a collision between a lorry and a pedestrian.

'The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

'The driver stopped and has not been arrested. Officers are in process of informing next of kin.'

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No strawberries at Wimbledon? British fruit under threat from plague of French ...

Industry bosses warned today that strawberries, raspberries and other summer fruits face attack from a dreaded breed of fruit fly called the spotted wing drosophila (SWD).

The flies are already wreaking havoc in France and other mainland European countries.

And, thanks to last winter's mild but wet weather in the UK, they could be set to invade this country ahead of the vital summer growing season, it has been revealed.

The SWD lays its eggs in soft fruits as they ripen, which leads to rotting and 'spoilage' said British Summer Fruits, the trade body for the industry.

Cherries, strawberries and raspberries - mainstays of the British summer - are most vulnerable, it added.

So far the spread of SWD has been across France and other parts of mainland Europe but colonies have now been found in British hedgerows and other rural UK areas.

They have not yet been found in commercial crops here but growers were warned last night to be extra vigilant and take part in monitoring schemes to keep them at bay.

British Summer Fruits chairman Laurence Olins told trade journal The Grocer: 'We know there's SWD in bigger numbers out there and some have already been found in hedgerows and in the wild.

'Losses should be kept to a minimal level if the correct measures are implemented.

'There has been a lot of investment in research and we are in a good position to respond.'

Farmers and commercial growers have a scheme where they set out 'droso bait' in traps as a way of monitoring SWD numbers.

Measures to discourage the flies include better hygiene and waste management and, if necessary, increased pesticide and even changing crop growing cycles.

At Wimbledon, where tennis fans traditionally enjoy strawberries and cream, organisers boast of using Grade I Kent strawberries, which are picked fresh the day before being put on sale.

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Wimbledon art sale raises hundreds of pounds for show

Wimbledon art sale raises hundreds of pounds for show

4:00am Monday 28th April 2014 in Wimbledon By Becky Middleton, Chief Reporter

Professional artists Sandra Roche and Richard Knight at the event

Artists raised hundreds of pounds to help fund a major show in Wimbledon next month.

The Wimbledon Village Fundraising Exhibition and Art Sale collected £600 in sales of artwork at an event where artists donated work to be sold on April 11.

The boost will help stage the Open Studios Art Show being held between May 15 and May 18 at the Wimbledon Art Studios in Riverside Road.

The free exhibition will feature more than 140 artists from all over the world including sculptors, painters and ceramicists who will show off their work.

For more information visit the website.

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No strawberries at Wimbledon? British fruit under threat from plague of French ...

Industry bosses warned today that strawberries, raspberries and other summer fruits face attack from a dreaded breed of fruit fly called the spotted wing drosophila (SWD).

The flies are already wreaking havoc in France and other mainland European countries.

And, thanks to last winter's mild but wet weather in the UK, they could be set to invade this country ahead of the vital summer growing season, it has been revealed.

The SWD lays its eggs in soft fruits as they ripen, which leads to rotting and 'spoilage' said British Summer Fruits, the trade body for the industry.

Cherries, strawberries and raspberries - mainstays of the British summer - are most vulnerable, it added.

So far the spread of SWD has been across France and other parts of mainland Europe but colonies have now been found in British hedgerows and other rural UK areas.

They have not yet been found in commercial crops here but growers were warned last night to be extra vigilant and take part in monitoring schemes to keep them at bay.

British Summer Fruits chairman Laurence Olins told trade journal The Grocer: 'We know there's SWD in bigger numbers out there and some have already been found in hedgerows and in the wild.

'Losses should be kept to a minimal level if the correct measures are implemented.

'There has been a lot of investment in research and we are in a good position to respond.'

Farmers and commercial growers have a scheme where they set out 'droso bait' in traps as a way of monitoring SWD numbers.

Measures to discourage the flies include better hygiene and waste management and, if necessary, increased pesticide and even changing crop growing cycles.

At Wimbledon, where tennis fans traditionally enjoy strawberries and cream, organisers boast of using Grade I Kent strawberries, which are picked fresh the day before being put on sale.

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AFC Wimbledon deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player

AFC Wimbledon have been deducted three points by the Football League for fielding an ineligible player.

The Dons selected Jake Nicholson in the matchday squad for their Sky Bet League Two clash with Cheltenham on March 22 and he came on as substitute at half-time, scoring as they went on to win 4-3.

Following a Football Disciplinary Commission on Monday, they have been docked three points and fined £5,000, suspended until the end of next season.

The deduction sees Neal Ardley's side drop from 14th to 18th in the table, but they are not in danger of relegation with only one game to play.

A Football League statement read: 'A Football Disciplinary Commission has ruled that AFC Wimbledon are to be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, Jake Nicholson, in the Sky Bet League 2 fixture with Cheltenham Town on March 22.

'AFC Wimbledon won the match 4-3 with Nicholson coming on as a substitute at half-time, before scoring his side's second goal in the 70th minute.

The club were also fined the sum of £5,000, suspended until the end of the 2014/15 season and must pay the costs of the hearing.'

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No strawberries at Wimbledon? British fruit under threat from plague of French ...

Industry bosses warned today that strawberries, raspberries and other summer fruits face attack from a dreaded breed of fruit fly called the spotted wing drosophila (SWD).

The flies are already wreaking havoc in France and other mainland European countries.

And, thanks to last winter's mild but wet weather in the UK, they could be set to invade this country ahead of the vital summer growing season, it has been revealed.

The SWD lays its eggs in soft fruits as they ripen, which leads to rotting and 'spoilage' said British Summer Fruits, the trade body for the industry.

Cherries, strawberries and raspberries - mainstays of the British summer - are most vulnerable, it added.

So far the spread of SWD has been across France and other parts of mainland Europe but colonies have now been found in British hedgerows and other rural UK areas.

They have not yet been found in commercial crops here but growers were warned last night to be extra vigilant and take part in monitoring schemes to keep them at bay.

British Summer Fruits chairman Laurence Olins told trade journal The Grocer: 'We know there's SWD in bigger numbers out there and some have already been found in hedgerows and in the wild.

'Losses should be kept to a minimal level if the correct measures are implemented.

'There has been a lot of investment in research and we are in a good position to respond.'

Farmers and commercial growers have a scheme where they set out 'droso bait' in traps as a way of monitoring SWD numbers.

Measures to discourage the flies include better hygiene and waste management and, if necessary, increased pesticide and even changing crop growing cycles.

At Wimbledon, where tennis fans traditionally enjoy strawberries and cream, organisers boast of using Grade I Kent strawberries, which are picked fresh the day before being put on sale.

Read more »

AFC Wimbledon docked three points for ineligible Jake Nicholson

Last updated at 13:28

AFC Wimbledon have been deducted three points by the Football League after fielding an ineligible player in their 4-3 win over Cheltenham last month.

Midfielder Jake Nicholson, 21, joined them in February after leaving Morton.

He scored against Cheltenham on his debut and has made three further appearances for the Dons since then.

Following a Football Disciplinary Commission hearing, the League Two club was also given a £5,000 fine, which has been suspended for a year.

They must also pay the costs of the hearing.

The deduction means Neal Ardley's side drop from 14th to 18th in the table, but they are not in danger of being relegated.

Nicholson began his career at Tottenham, where he made one first-team appearance.

He had a short spell at Morton after being released by Spurs last year.

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Clifford: Guilty on eight counts

Hersham PR man Max Clifford, who used to live in Raynes Park, guilty of eight indecent assaults

2:14pm Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Laura Proto

Clifford: Guilty on eight counts

PR guru and Hersham resident Max Clifford has been found guilty of eight of 11 charges of indecent assault.

Clifford, 71, of Onslow Road, pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges at his trial, which has taken place at Southwark Crown Court for the past eight weeks.

The NSPCC posted on Twitter: 'Max Clifford has rightly been unmasked as a ruthless and manipulative sex offender who preyed for decades on children and young women.'

The jury, made up of 10 people, spent eight days in deliberation.

One juror was discharged from the trial after it became clear they knew one of the witnesses and a second juror was discharged while the jury was in deliberations.

Judge Anthony Leonard told the remaining 10 jurors, six men and four women, on Wednesday, April 23, that he would accept a verdict of 9-1 but said they should try to reach a unanimous verdict.

The charges related to seven different women, with the offences dating back to between 1966 and 1984.

Throughout the case, Clifford repeatedly denied the claims to media waiting outside the court and called his arrest and prosecution 'a nightmare'.

Clifford is a patron of a number of charities based in and near the borough, including Woking and Sam Beare Hospice and Shooting Star Chase. He has also contributed vast amounts of money to Oasis Children's Charity, Cobham.

Clifford was arrested by detectives from Operation Yewtree in December 2012 and was charged in April 2013.

He is the first person to be found guilty as part of the investigation, which was launched by Scotland Yard after claims were made against Jimmy Savile.

Clifford has been bailed and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, May 2.

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Two day tube strike to begin tonight

Two day tube strike to begin tonight

6:35am Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Omar Oakes, Digital Editor

Union workers are set to strike over London Underground ticket office closures.

Last minute talks are to be held later today in a bid to avert a planned tube strike from tonight.

The planned walkout by RMT union workers will begin at 9pm on Monday evening and last until Wednesday, April 30, at 8.59pm.

A second strike is planned for next Monday (May 5), but would last three days.

London Underground have issued travel advice which says the District Line will not run from Wimbledon to Edgware Road.

The District Line will run from Wimbledon to Barking every 12 minutes, calling at all stations.

The Northern Line will run from Morden via Bank with trains every five minutes, but will not stop at Clapham North, Clapham South, Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon, nor Tooting Bec.

Mick Cash, the RMT's acting general secretary, said the union was waiting for LU to provide it with a station-by-station review of the cuts and their impact on staff, passengers and safety.

Union workers say the proposed closure of tube station ticket offices will worsen safety and result in nearly a thousand job losses.

Phil Hufton, London Underground's Chief operating Officer, said: 'Our plans will radically improve the service we offer Tube customers in future.

'The whole Tube station will effectively become a personalised customer service centre, with more staff visible and available to help customers buy the right ticket, plan their journeys and get assistance.

'Over the past eight weeks, we have met with trades unions on more than 40 separate occasions.

'We have listened to their concerns and made changes as a result. We've provided guarantees that not a single member of staff will be forced to leave LU, that no supervisors must 'apply for their own job' and we are seeking ways to ensure that no member of staff sees their pay cut as a result of these changes.

'Given these commitments and guarantees, Londoners will rightly be asking why the RMT is threatening five days of strikes.

'All it will achieve is disruption to Londoners and a loss of pay for all those staff who take part. My message to the RMT leadership is its not too late to call off this unnecessary strike and continue to work with us to help shape the future of the Tube.'

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AFC Wimbledon deducted three points for fielding ineligible player

AFC Wimbledon have been deducted three points by the Football League for fielding an ineligible player.

The League Two club were charged last week for Jake Nicholson's appearance on March 22 in a league game against Cheltenham Town.

The former Tottenham Hotspur trainee, 21, made his one and only appearance for Wimbledon in that game, scoring their second goal in a 4-3 victory.

It was announced this afternoon that Wimbledon would be deducted three points, fined £5,000, suspended until the end of the 2014/15 season, and have to pay the costs of the hearing.

A three-point deduction sees the club drop from 14th to 18th, but they'll still be safe from relegation with just one game of the season left.

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Here is your chance to buy Wimbledon Centre Court tickets for every day of the ...

Tennis World - the place for Tennis News and Tennis TournamentHere is your chance to buy Wimbledon Centre Court tickets for every day of the ...Tennis World - the place for Tennis News and Tennis TournamentTennis - The All-England Club has announced that its debenture tickets, which provide holders to a Centre Court ticket for every day of the Wimbledon Championships for a five-year period, will now cost $84,000 each. The Club will sell 2,500 Centre ...

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Two day tube strike to begin tonight

Two day tube strike to begin tonight

6:35am Monday 28th April 2014 in News By Omar Oakes, Digital Editor

Union workers are set to strike over London Underground ticket office closures.

Last minute talks are to be held later today in a bid to avert a planned tube strike from tonight.

The planned walkout by RMT union workers will begin at 9pm on Monday evening and last until Wednesday, April 30, at 8.59pm.

A second strike is planned for next Monday (May 5), but would last three days.

London Underground have issued travel advice which says the District Line will not run from Wimbledon to Edgware Road.

The District Line will run from Wimbledon to Barking every 12 minutes, calling at all stations.

The Northern Line will run from Morden via Bank with trains every five minutes, but will not stop at Clapham North, Clapham South, Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon, nor Tooting Bec.

Mick Cash, the RMT's acting general secretary, said the union was waiting for LU to provide it with a station-by-station review of the cuts and their impact on staff, passengers and safety.

Union workers say the proposed closure of tube station ticket offices will worsen safety and result in nearly a thousand job losses.

Read more »

Funky Feet take to the dancefloor after DJ skills sessions in Wimbledon

Funky Feet take to the dancefloor after DJ skills sessions in Wimbledon

4:00am Saturday 26th April 2014 in News By Becky Middleton, Chief Reporter

People enjoying the Funky Feet disco

A DJ skills project for people with learning disabilities has proved a top hit in Wimbledon.

Eight people with learning disabilities took part in the DJ skills project at a centre in All Saints Road, Wimbledon where Nick Carling from fresh track DJ workshops taught them how to use professional equipment and put on a DJ set.

Merton Council 's All Saints Centre launched the new DJ skills project for people with learning disabilities to help them run their own nightclub called Funky Feet.

The team at All Saints has relaunched Funky Feet, which gives people with a learning disability a chance to have a dance and socialise with their friends.

Over 100 people attended the first Funky Feet nightclub event earlier this year at Tooting and Mitcham KNK Stadium with further nights being planned over the summer.

The council's director of community and housing Simon Williams said: 'I'm delighted to see the All Saints Centre is providing a wide range of workshops for people with learning disabilities in Merton.

'I'd like to congratulate everyone who took part in the DJ skills workshop and put on a great night at the Funky Feet nightclub.'

If you know someone who would like to attend one of the Funky Feet nights, get in touch with the All Saints Centre on 020 8274 5388 or email AllSaintsCentre@merton.gov.uk.

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Wimbledon Almost Doubles Centre Court Tickets to $84020 (1)

Bloomberg News

Wimbledon has almost doubled prices for a guaranteed seat on Centre Court to raise 100 million pounds to pay off a loan on the roof over its main stadium and refurbish the site in southwest London.

The All England Lawn Tennis Ground Plc, which owns the grounds of the world's only grass-court tennis major, will issue 2,500 Centre Court debenture tickets at a price of 50,000 pounds ($84,020) each for 2016-2020, it said today in an e-mailed statement.

That's 80 percent more than in the previous sale, when the debentures -- which gives the right to a reserved seat on Centre Court for every day of the tournament in the five-year period, as well as car parking and access to the debenture holders' restaurants and bars -- were priced at 27,750 pounds for 2011-2015, and the club raised 60 million pounds. They were sold for 12,250 pounds from 2007 to 2011. The club said earlier this year it aimed to raise 100 million pounds from the 2016-2020 debenture sale.

The price hike comes after Andy Murray last year became the first British man to win the singles title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

The money will be used to pay off a 35 million pound balance on a loan taken out to fund the construction of a retractable roof over Centre Court, the club said. It will also invest in improvements on its site at London's Church Road, where it has been located since 1922.

Second Roof

The club is planning to build a retractable roof over No. 1 Court by 2019. Centre Court has had a retractable roof since 2009 after years of struggles with rain delays. Wimbledon also plans to build three new courts north of No. 1, new player accommodations and landscaping that aims to give fans the experience of 'tennis in an English garden,' it said last year.

Centre Court debentures, which are sold every five years, were first marketed by the All England Club in 1920 to pay for the construction of what's become the world's most famous tennis court.

Around half a million tennis fans visit the Wimbledon championships each summer in southwest London. Unlike tickets from the heavily oversubscribed public ballot, debentures are freely transferable. One debenture valid for the 2011-2015 period was sold for 96,250 pounds in January, according to the Wimbledon website. Historically, preference has been given to existing debenture holders for the next round, it said.

The Wimbledon championships will be held June 23 through July 6. The club will announce its prize money pot for this year's tournament next week.

To contact the reporter on this story: Danielle Rossingh in London at drossingh@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net

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Wimbledon almost doubles centre court tickets to $92620

Wimbledon has almost doubled prices for a guaranteed seat on Centre Court to raise 100 million pounds to pay off a loan on the roof over its main stadium and refurbish the site in southwest London.

The All England Lawn Tennis Ground Plc, which owns the grounds of the world's only grass-court tennis major, will issue 2,500 Centre Court debenture tickets at a price of 50,000 pounds ($92,620 Cdn) each for 2016-2020, it said today in an e-mailed statement.

That's 80 percent more than in the previous sale, when the debentures -- which gives the right to a reserved seat on Centre Court for every day of the tournament in the five-year period, as well as car parking and access to the debenture holders' restaurants and bars -- were priced at 27,750 pounds for 2011-2015, and the club raised 60 million pounds. They were sold for 12,250 pounds from 2007 to 2011. The club said earlier this year it aimed to raise 100 million pounds from the 2016-2020 debenture sale.

The price hike comes after Andy Murray last year became the first British man to win the singles title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

The money will be used to pay off a 35 million pound balance on a loan taken out to fund the construction of a retractable roof over Centre Court, the club said. It will also invest in improvements on its site at London's Church Road, where it has been located since 1922.

Second Roof

The club is planning to build a retractable roof over No. 1 Court by 2019. Centre Court has had a retractable roof since 2009 after years of struggles with rain delays. Wimbledon also plans to build three new courts north of No. 1, new player accommodations and landscaping that aims to give fans the experience of 'tennis in an English garden,' it said last year.

Centre Court debentures, which are sold every five years, were first marketed by the All England Club in 1920 to pay for the construction of what's become the world's most famous tennis court.

Around half a million tennis fans visit the Wimbledon championships each summer in southwest London. Unlike tickets from the heavily oversubscribed public ballot, debentures are freely transferable. One debenture valid for the 2011-2015 period was sold for 96,250 pounds in January, according to the Wimbledon website. Historically, preference has been given to existing debenture holders for the next round, it said.

The Wimbledon championships will be held June 23 through July 6. The club will announce its prize money pot for this year's tournament next week.

Read more »

Whatever happened to Wimbledon's second lake?

Heritage: Whatever happened to Wimbledon's second lake?

6:49am Friday 25th April 2014 in News By The Wimbledon Society

Whatever happened to Wimbledon's second lake?

Wimbledon has several ponds on the Common but only one really sizeable lake, the one in Wimbledon Park.

Yet old maps of the area up to the 1950s show not just that but another one closer to Parkside and the Village.

So where is it now?

For nearly 200 years from the 1770s onwards, a lake of several acres existed in what was originally the parkland of Wimbledon House, one of the big estates beside Wimbledon Village.

The entire estate covered 100 acres and the lake was fed by Rushmere on the Common and two springs. Its clear waters cascaded down to a smaller pond off what is now Calonne Road.

The lake was used for boating, bathing, fishing and occasionally skating in severe winters. A chapel existed on an island and a grotto with classical columns adorned a bank. It was one of Wimbledon's leading attractions.

After the Wimbledon House estate was divided up for development in 1899 (see Heritage story 16 November 2012), the lake was included in what became the grounds of a big new property, Margin House, covering eight acres in Marryat Road.

Margin Lake being used for boating

At the time it was confidently believed that 'the picturesque lake had been secured for the perpetual adornment of the estate.' Visitors to Margin House and neighbouring properties could continue to enjoy what was now called Margin Lake.

Moving ahead some 40 years, during the Second World War, Margin House was one of three large properties vacated by their owners and requisitioned for the war effort. The others were Windyridge, also in Marryat Road (see Heritage story 14 February 2014), and Deepdale in Calonne Road.

They were used variously by the army for offices, temporary housing and as a hospital, and the grand interiors of all three fell into disrepair.

The three houses were eventually released in the early 1950s and the owners faced with substantial repair bills. The three houses and their gardens were now too large and expensive to run. While Margin House was the biggest, Deepdale had six acres of its own and Windyridge nearly another two.

1953 Ordnance Survey map showing the lake up to 800 feet wide

A schoolgirls' picnic by the lake early in the 20th century

By 1953 all three were empty and local builder M. Howard of Mitcham bought the entire 16 acres for development. His plan was to provide new housing by dividing the mansions into smaller dwellings and building more than 40 low-rise houses. The lake would be drained.

He faced three obstacles. Covenants dating from 1899 restricted development, there was major local opposition in defence of the lake, and the drainage was a technical challenge.

When he applied to the Lands Tribunal for the covenants to be varied, there were no fewer than 87 objectors at the 1954 hearing. However, after several days, agreements were reached in all but three cases.

The judge gave weight to the fact that the three mansions were un-saleable and un-lettable in their deteriorating condition.

But, much more significantly, he also said the lake was in a dangerous state through erosion and seepage and likely to be permanently emptied for safety reasons.

The covenants were modified but stringent conditions were imposed on design, retention of trees and construction works.

The work began but the task of draining the lake nearly bankrupted the firm. Bricks being in short supply, modest houses with generous gardens were built on plots laid out on the extended Parkside Avenue and new roads named Margin Drive, Windy Ridge Close and Deepdale were created.

The lake was gone by 1956. More recently the post-war houses have largely been replaced by larger homes with smaller gardens. But although the lake has vanished, great cedars which once graced its shoreline remain.

Moreover, one small section of water has survived - in what are now the grounds of the Buddhapadipa Temple. Ponds off what became Calonne Road used to receive the cascade of water from the upper lake in the days of the old Wimbledon House.

For some 50 years from the 1920s, they lay within the grounds of a large house called Barrowgill. In the early 1970s that was bought by the London Buddhist Temple Foundation with support from the Thai Government and a Thai style building was erected in the grounds for monastic ceremonies.

The temple now overlooks the ponds - all that remains of Wimbledon's second lake.

The Wimbledon Society is working with the Wimbledon Guardian to ensure that you, the readers, can share the fascinating discoveries that continue to emerge about our local heritage.

For more information, visit wimbledonsociety.org.uk and http://ift.tt/1mACgeo.

Click here for more fascinating articles about Wimbledon's heritage

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