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Sticker initiative to give cold callers the cold shoulder

Vulnerable residents in Richmond upon Thames can send a clear message to cold callers with the help of an initiative being rolled out across the borough.

Residents are being offered a free sticker which they can display at their front door warning doorstep traders to stay away.

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Poppy Factory veteran completes RideLondon challenge

This month saw Wayne Harrod (aka Harry), a Poppy Factory veteran and amputee, take part and complete the Prudential RideLondon challenge.

He cycled 100 miles in a bid to raise funds and awareness of the work of The Poppy Factory - helping veterans with a disability back into meaningful employment.

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National art competition coming to Richmond upon Thames

A national art competition looking for the most contemporary British painting will be coming to three local art galleries this summer.

The ‘Contemporary British Painting Prize’ will be holding an exhibition in the Stables Gallery between 24 August and 22 October featuring 3 paintings from each of the 12 finalists.

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Deadline looms to apply for a free ‘better boiler’

There are just over three weeks left for local home owners who are on benefits to apply for a London-wide scheme that could see their home energy bills reduced by installing a new, free boiler.

Residents who have inefficient or broken boilers have until 31 August to apply for the Mayor of London’s £1m Better Boilers scheme.

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Fire safety information this summer

Over the next few weeks, local firefighters will be bringing a fire engine and visiting libraries in Teddington, Richmond and Whitton, to host fire safety information stands.

Residents can speak to the crew about the work of firefighters, the importance of having a smoke alarm at home, and pick up tips about making sure that your property is protected from fire.

• Teddington Library – 15 August from 2 to 5pm
• Richmond Library – 19 August from 2 to 4pm
• Whitton Library – 21 August from 2 to 5pm

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GoodGym take on Richmond Hill

GoodGym headed over to the Vineyard Centre this week to help get ready for some summer refurbishment.

The group of local runners started off with a run up Richmond Hill, then arrived at the centre for an evening of stock taking, merchandising and recycling.

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You’re hired! Jobs available for young people aged 16 and over

Aged 16 and over and looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship in Richmond upon Thames or Kingston? Way2Work has a number of local opportunities.

Way2Work is an apprenticeship training provider run by Achieving for Children on behalf of Richmond and Kingston Councils. 

Current opportunities include traineeships at the Museum of Richmond and apprenticeships at a number of local schools or nurseries.

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See The Good Old Boys live on stage

Come and spend the evening with the The Good Old Boys at Eel Pie Club.

The band have played with, or alongside, Deep Purple, BB King, Paul McCartney, Simple Minds, and The Strawbs, among many others!

Don't miss out on seeing them live on Thursday 10 August from 8.30pm. 

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Watch your drink and your friends this summer

Richmond Council and Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are joining a London Ambulance campaign to encourage people to watch what they drink this summer.

Residents are also encouraged to look after their friends when out drinking, so they don't end their night in the back of an ambulance.

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Donate for Christmas lights in Barnes

Richmond Council will be giving £2,750 to fund Barnes Christmas Lights this year and this will be joined by £1,000 from the Barnes Community Association (BCA). However it costs £7,500 to install, take down and store the lights. The BCA is working with local retailers to try to raise money to cover the shortfall.

If you would like to chip in you can donate online or you can text XLTS17 £10 to 70070 to give ten pounds.

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Rent a bike for your kids

Having experienced first-hand the challenges faced by any cycling family, Nicola and Doug thought it was time to do something about it.

They have set up a new company that will lease bikes specifically for children. The bikes will be exactly the right size, and they will exchange it for the next size up when you need to – in most cases after a year.

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West London Waste’s library tour reaches Richmond!

West London Waste’s ‘Reduce, Re-use, Recycle’ campaign comes to Richmond this month, giving you the chance to find out how to reduce and manage your waste.

The organisation will be holding events on 15 August at Twickenham Library and 21 August at East Sheen Library.

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Police body cameras to be rolled out in Richmond

The Body Worn Video (BWV) will be issued to around 250 frontline police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in the borough, with additional cameras being made available for specialist departments.

The cameras have already been credited with delivering speedier justice for victims particularly in cases of domestic abuse.

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Are you planning an event or looking to hire a room?

Twickenham Training Centre has seven rooms with versatile environments that can offer spaces for 2 to 100 delegates.

If you are planning a team celebration, an away day, a board meeting, or need an assessment centre, this could be the venue for you.

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The Britain in Bloom judges are back in town!

Richmond upon Thames is again representing London in the annual Royal Horticultural Society ‘Britain in Bloom’ awards as a finalist in the ‘City’ category competing against Islington and Tower Hamlets.

Judges visited the borough looking at highlights including York House Gardens, Richmond Riverside, Strawberry Hill House, Terrace Gardens and the recently upgraded Barnes Green.

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Try beach tennis at free taster sessions

Teddington Sports Centre are offering a free taster session of beach tennis on Wednesday 23 August.

The minimum age for participants is 9 years old, but all abilities are welcome.

The session takes place at Sand Courts from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

To register your place, telephone the centre on 020 3772 2999.

Take a walk with the Richmond Ramblers

The Richmond Ramblers have organised a walk via Wimbledon Common and Cannizaro Park on Sunday 13 August.

Walkers will stop for a cafe/picnic lunch at Windmill Tearooms and then the walk will continue via Richmond Park to Thames riverside. There is also a possible tea stop at Pembroke Lodge.

The walk starts from Wimbledon Station at 10.35am and is free for all to participate, so don't miss out!

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Marble Hill House wins £4 million grant

A £4.8 million grant has been awarded to English Heritage to restore and open Marble Hill House to the public for free. The 18th century gardens will also be renovated for future generations to enjoy.

Facilities in the grounds of the house will also be developed, including the installation of a new play area for children, and a women's changing room at the adjoining sports centre which offers cricket, rugby and football grounds.

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How Barnes is saving British high streets

When the campaign team for Save the High Street were searching for somewhere to pilot an innovative new scheme to reboot local high streets, Barnes came top of the list. Now 20 retailers across Barnes are helping them develop a strategy that will be rolled out nationwide.

The campaign, which is funded by big names in the retail world, aims to address the lack of evolution and innovation in the British High Street.

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Get pedalling to help a street child

Local fundraisers who are not able to participate in the borough's charity cycle ride from Fontainebleau to Twickenham Riverside this autumn, can still help raise money by taking part in ‘Ride40Minutes'.

StreetInvest are asking local residents to get on a gym bike and cycle for just 40 minutes. There is a prize for those who cover the furthest distance.

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