News centre

It's easier than ever for Richmond motorists to go electric

Over 150 new electric vehicle charging points will be installed across Richmond to help fuel the growth of clean and green motoring, thanks to £285,000 from the Government.

The new funding will provide residential charge points to assist those without access to off-street parking to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles.

We are also working to install nearly 70 fixed charging units across 21 locations later this year.

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Come and watch the Great River Race

The Great River Race is London's River Marathon, a spectacular boat race up the River Thames, attracting over 330 crews from all over the globe.

The route is 21.6 miles from London Docklands to Ham House via Kew Bridge and Richmond Bridge.

Taking place on Saturday 9 September 2017, the race promises to be a great day out for both competitors and spectators.

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Try something new with Strawberry Hill Bowling Club

Strawberry Hill Bowling Club will be hosting an open afternoon for people of all ages and abilities.

With coaching, encouragement, tea and biscuits, you will be introduced to the world of Lawn Bowls.

The open afternoon will take place on 16 August from 2 to 6pm at Strawberry Hill Bowling Club in Radnor Gardens. 

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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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Ramble along the riverside this summer

Make the most of the summer and take part in a circular walk passing through parkland, woodland and riverside meadows between Ham House and Teddington Lock.

Organised by the local Ramblers group, the walk is suitable for all ages and abilities. There will also be a pub and picnic lunch at Ham Common.

This free walk takes place on Wednesday 23 August 2017 and starts at 10.40am at Teddington Station.

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Take part in the Thames Path Challenge

On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September a series of challenges will take place:

• Thames Challenge - 100km from Putney Bridge to Henley (50 and 25km also available)
• Thames Bridges Trek - 25km through the Capital
• Henley 10k

Whether you run, jog or walk you will be fully supported, with marquee rest stops, medics, free food and drink, and rewarded with an amazing sense of achievement!

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250 year old bowling alley discovered in Twickenham

English Heritage have revealed an archaeologist’s findings after a dig at Marble Hill House. They have begun their second phase of investigations after discovering the remains of a historic ninepin bowling alley next to the historical building - dating back more than 250 years.

English Heritage is hoping to reinstate a number of other historical elements of the landscape such as tree avenues and groves, a hedged arcade, flower garden, orchard, terraces, and serpentine paths.

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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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