Merton Matters has scoured the borough to find out what’s on this Halloween
By Abbi Parris & Jamila Robertson
AS Halloween approaches, Merton council is encouraging residents to enjoy it safely.
It can also be enjoyed cheaply despite the credit-crunch with recession-busting prices in supermarkets.
Safer Merton will distribute posters to residents who do not want to be visited by trick or treaters to put on their doors and windows to avoid being disturbed.
Merton shopkeepers have been asked not to sell flour and eggs to teenagers to avoid anti-social-behaviour and this time of year is the busiest for the emergency services.
Councillor Tariq Ahmad, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, said: “Last year the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour were down by over a quarter on the year before.
“But this is still too many. It is unacceptable that at this time of year a small number of people can ruin the celebrations for the majority of us.
“We are determined to put the needs of our residents first and take a tough stance against those who commit anti-social behaviour so that everyone can enjoy a safe Halloween.”
Reassurance patrols will be carried out by police with arrest teams also avaliable to respond and deal quickly with anti-social-behaviour.
However it is not all doom and gloom, and Halloween can still be celebrated in style.
South Mitcham community centre is hosting a Halloween fancy dress family party on Saturday between 6pm-9pm.
Tickets cost £2.00 in advance or £2.50 on the door. The party involves face painting, music, live dancers, activities and games with prizes for the best costume.
Manager Brenda Josiah says it is the fifth year the party has run becoming more popular every year because the event is good fun.
”A party is a good way for people to enjoy Halloween. Having the party at the community centre brings children into a safe environment to enjoy themselves without resorting to roaming the estate knocking on doors to do trick or treat” she added.
“When children celebrate Halloween they make it a positive experience – this makes them less likely to harbour fears about the unknown. Openness and happiness are two things that combat fear and help children to know that they can choose to have a positive experience.”
For those of you young and old who do not have a costume yet, fear not.
Sainsburys have recipes and party treats for your own house party and offer children’s costumes from £9 including cats, witches and skeletons.
Meanwhile Morrisons have a Dracula’s outfit for £10, a baby witch outfit for £7.50 and a baby skeleton outfit for £6.
Tesco offer a range of outfits for adults, teenagers, children and babies including Dracula and ghoul costumes for adults at £12.00
For more information about the Halloween party at South Mitcham Community Centre please call 020 8648 3740.
Merton Matters has also scoured the borough to find out what else is on this Halloween.
For the Kids:
There’s plenty to entertain restless children on Friday with everything from a ghostly walk around Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, (Church Rd, 020 8946 6131. 11.30am-1pm, £7.95), to an activity filled day out at Deen City Farm.
The farm which is renowned for encouraging children to learn about rural and agricultural activities, despite their urban surroundings, will offer pumpkin carving, scary-story telling, a drawing competition and a spooky tour.
The fun starts at 10.30 am. Visit www.deencityfarm.co.uk or call 02085435300 for more information.
For the Horror Film fanatic:
The makers of Halloween are returning this October for another dose of horror. Halloween II has been described as “brutal”, and has divided critics, but will no doubt tick the right boxes for those looking for a fright.
Saw VI, and Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, are also in-keeping with the mood of the weekend.
For those who fancy a laugh:
The Watershed will be hosting their weekly comedy night on Saturday featuring: If Comedy Award nominee, Nick Doody, and star of Michael McIntyre’s roadshow, Jo Caulfield.
As usual the Saints and Sinners night will follow the comedy, with 80s, 90s and Britpop classics. Visit: http://www.the-watershed.com/weekly-nights.asp for details.
For the hedonists:
O’Neills, The Black swan, and Walkabout will all be celebrating Halloween in style with live music. But if you fancy a wild night out, the party won’t stop at Po Na Na,, celebrating Halloween all weekend with competitions, cocktails and club hits. http://old.eclecticbars.co.uk/wimbledonponana/latest.php
