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Diana Award for RUTC student

Richmond upon Thames College is delighted to announce that local student Bethannie York has been chosen to receive a 2019 Diana Award for her outstanding social achievements in and outside of college.

Bethannie supports the Hounslow Young Carers Project, which earned her The Diana Award nomination.

Due to her involvement in the Honeypot Children’s Charity, based in West London, she recently had the opportunity to meet with Theresa May at Downing Street.

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Explore the local art world this weekend

Art House Open Studios will take place over two weekends from Friday 21 June to Sunday 23 June and Friday 28 June to Sunday 30 June, when over 200 visual artists will open their doors and welcome visitors to their home studios.

You can now download neighbourhood trail guides to map out their journey through the art world, including four local maps, a child-friendly trail, a dog-friendly trail, and a trail for those with limited mobility.

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Exhibition: Celebrating 800 Years of St. Mary Magdalene at the Heart of Richmond

The historic parish church of St. Mary Magdalene has been at the centre of Richmond for over 800 years.

This exhibition (20 July 2019 to 25 January 2020) celebrates the church’s history and is being held at the Museum of Richmond and St. Mary Magdalene. Visit both venues to discover the church’s fascinating stories.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and by the Richmond Church Charity Estates.

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Learning Disability Week Sports Event

Richmond Mencap and Richmond Councils Sports Development Team are working with local organisations to run a free Sports Event on Sunday 23 June, from 1.30 to 4.30pm, at Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre.

The event is part of the Learning Disability Week 2019, and will include a Boccia Tournament and the opportunity to try some football, dance and tennis. The themes of the week for this year are sport and inclusion.

We welcome everyone to come along and take part or support and cheer on a team.

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Twickenham Festival's French Market

Come along to the French Market on Church Street this weekend and enjoy delicious and authentic French cuisine.

The free event is taking place in line with the Twickenham Town Festival on Sunday 23 June from 10am to 4pm.

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Age UK lunch

Join our friendly welcoming group of over 50s for lunch on the third Wednesday of every month. Enjoy a delicious main meal and a hot drink for just £12.

Come along and meet new people or bring your friends and have a browse around the beautiful garden centre.

Booking is essential and food orders must be confirmed the week before the lunch takes place, by emailing communityservices@ageukrichmond.org.uk or calling 020 8744 1965.

Hampton Wick Big Picnic

Come along to King's Field from 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday 23 June to meet local charities and associations, and most importantly YOUR neighbours in Hampton Wick!

Bring your picnic or enjoy the BBQ, ice creams and live music from various local bands and singers. There will be a free bouncy obstacle course, traditional games and sports, tug of war and a tombola, plus archery, cricket, a balloon modeller, face painting and much much more.

The event is free and everyone is welcome.

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Share your views on Richmond's Voluntary Sector

The charity Richmond CVS is running a survey for the local voluntary and community sector, to capture information about the changes affecting the sector and the impact on the borough's wider community.

If you work or volunteer with a local group please share your views. 

Have your say

Best Learner Award for Richmond upon Thames College student Ian Canlas

On Thursday 23 May, Richmond upon Thames College student Ian Canlas was awarded with the Best Learner Award at the House of Lords.

Every year, Richmond upon Thames College nominates an outstanding student for the Best Learner Award. Ian stood out among other students due to his impressive development. Although not being an English native speaker, he gained distinction grades in Level 2 UAL Diploma in Art and Design course. Through hard work, Ian then progressed onto Level 3, gaining distinction grades again.

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RuTC celebrates new building with Topping Out Ceremony

On Friday 24 May, staff and students from Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) celebrated the Topping Out Ceremony of its new building, Richmond Building, with their construction partner ISG.

The ceremony was opened by Robin Ghurbhurun, RuTC’s Chief Executive and Principal, and student Bethannie York, who recently won The Diana Award, carried out the tightening of the last bolt.

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Be on alert for Council Tax refund scammers

Residents are being asked to be on alert following reports of a Council Tax refund scam.

Scammers are posing as council staff claiming to be able to secure you a Council Tax refund or threatening fines – but instead stealing people’s personal information and bank details.

Another scam aims to convince people their property is in the wrong Council Tax band and offers to secure a refund, again in return for a payment – even though a Council Tax band reassessment is available for free via GOV.UK

If you believe you may have been a victim of a council tax scam please report it to Action Fraud.

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Visit The Poppy Factory this summer

The Poppy Factory’s historic building in Richmond is having a makeover in 2020 to make it more accessible and inclusive for the veterans working here.

This is your last chance, for a while, to come and visit so gather your friends, school class or community group and book a tour this summer to find out about the history of the iconic poppy with one of our expert tour guides. And the best bit, it's a free day out.

Tours run morning and afternoon Monday to Thursday, as well as Friday mornings.

Find out more about the tours on The Poppy Factory website and book your place by calling 020 8940 3305 or emailing admin@poppyfactory.org.

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Could you be a choral scholar?

St Michael’s Church (Barnes) is offering four choral scholarships, starting this Autumn, to young singers who may be studying at local schools and colleges.

Scholars (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) will join our excellent volunteer parish choir for a specified number of Sunday services (10am); occasional feast days and Evensongs; and rehearsals (Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings).

The scholarships will last from September 2019 to July 2020. Each scholar will receive up to £1,000 in instalments. Essential qualities required are experience in choral singing, ability to read music at sight and keenness to develop musical skills.

To register interest and receive further particulars and an application form, email Rachel Skilbeck in the Parish Office, admin@stmichaelbarnes.org.

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to attend an informal audition.

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Hockey at The Stoop

Whilst the rugby season has drawn to a close, The Stoop will welcome a host of new sporting heroes as some of the world’s best hockey players go head-to-head at the Home of Harlequins on Saturday 23 June.

With tickets from just £34 for adults and £11.50 for juniors, and 25% off for Richmond Card users, it is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out for all the family to enjoy.

Head to The Stoop for something a bit different this summer!

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Mortlake Summer Fair

The Mortlake Summer Fair will take place this year on Saturday 22 June 2019, from 12 to 4pm, at the Stag Brewery field. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon that all the family can enjoy!

Visit our exciting stalls at the Mortlake Market, and have a go at winning the wonderful prizes on offer at our tombolas, Wheel of Fortune and Grand Raffle. Meanwhile, there will be a range of attractions for children, from fun games and activities to a giant inflatable slide, teacup ride and Punch and Judy.

You will also be able to enjoy delicious food and drink, plus live entertainment and displays throughout the afternoon.

Entry is £3 for adults, £1 for senior citizens and children go free.

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Mark Clean Air Day in Richmond

Richmond town centre will be awash with Tesla electric vehicles, street entertainment, and a smoothie bike to mark Clean Air Day on Thursday 20 June.

Visitors to our stand outside Richmond Station will also be able to get more information about air quality, and can sign up to make Richmond upon Thames an idle-free borough. Vehicle engine idling is a major contributor to poor air quality in London.

The event runs from 11am to 4pm.

Sign the idling pledge

RHACC Open Day

Whether you want to learn a new skill, meet new people, boost your career or improve your wellbeing - there are so many options to choose from at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.

Many people will be eligible for discounts and concessions and some courses will be completely free.

Find out more at the open day and get all your questions answered.

The open day runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 6 July.

Register now

SporTedd on look out for good causes

The sports community group SporTedd is on the look-out for deserving causes in the local area following a period of successful fund-raising.

Recent events such as a Question and Answer dinner with Lord Sebastian Coe and former Manchester United and Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon have significantly boosted the group’s funds.

So far, SporTedd has made donations to the Richmond Paddle Boarding Club, Chase Bridge School, Teddington swimming pool and most recently to the Down’s Syndrome Active group in Teddington.

If you are an organisation, club or even individual who needs help to start a sport-related project or develop an idea, we would be happy to consider your application.

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Get on Board 2019 - Say no to plastic pollution!

This year's stand up paddle board event takes place on Friday 21 June and runs from Kew Bridge to Richmond.

The aim of Get on Board is to highlight the problem of plastic pollution in our waterways. It is also about creating a great community event involving residents, businesses, workers and charities both on the water and on the towpath.

This event is run by Richmond BID. If you would like to take part, registration is recommended.

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LGBT Film makers

In honour of Pride Month, Barnes Film Festival will celebrate the impact of LGBT filmmaking within the industry with the intimate event  In Conversation: LGBT Filmmakers and The Industry on Wednesday 19 June at 8.30pm.

The event will be hosted by BBC's Evan Davies and will feature some of the UK film industries' most exciting new talent. The panel will share their work through showreels and highlights reels, as well as engage with the audience for a Q&A session.

Tickets can be purchased via the Olympic Studios website.

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