June 2021

Mortlake school protest level-crossing engine idling

The children of year 6 at Thomson House School in Mortlake held a peaceful 'idling action' protest on Wednesday 23 June at the Sheen Lane level crossing. The children took matters into their own hands after an online workshop hosted by the Idling Action London organisation.

Published: 24 Jun 21

Have your say on the location of a new football pitch on Hampton Common

Following feedback on last year’s Hampton Common football pitch consultation, Richmond Council is re-consulting on options for the location of the new football pitch. 

Published: 24 Jun 21

Richmond Works Match 'Digital Employability' course begins next week

The 'Digital Employability' course will teach jobseekers a number of key employability skills and tips to help you find your next job whether you are currently unemployed or seeking.

Published: 24 Jun 21

Surplus food stall crowdfunding for a van to tackle food poverty

Food for Thought Heathfield are crowdfunding for a refrigerated van to support their surplus food stall. Their pop-up stall operates twice a week on Heathfield Recreation ground in Whitton, Richmond Upon Thames.

Published: 24 Jun 21

Travel the world without leaving your home

Art Historical London organises cultural events as they hope to be back in the Old Town Hall in Richmond this Autumn, they also offer live events online.

Published: 24 Jun 21

Council issues warning over Oak Processionary Moth

Residents out and about enjoying borough parks and open spaces this summer are reminded to keep on the lookout for the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) – a pest that can pose serious health risks for those who come in contact.

Published: 23 Jun 21

South London Partnership launches a new project to boost careers in construction

Constructing South London will support people and businesses from Richmond upon Thames and other boroughs by connecting residents to construction skills training and construction jobs in the area.

Published: 23 Jun 21

Delays expected - Hampton Court Road emergency works

Thames Water are currently attending Hampton Court Road, Esso Garage, to carry out emergency works on the carriageway.

Published: 23 Jun 21

Get active with free training sessions at Carlisle Park’s new outdoor gym

Residents of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to take part in Richmond Council’s free personal training sessions at the newly completed outdoor gym in Carlisle Park, Hampton.  

Published: 22 Jun 21

Scam alert: vaccine passport

Scam emails are being circulated impersonating the NHS and pretending that people can start applying for a 'Coronavirus Digital Passport'.

Published: 22 Jun 21

Don’t ignore voter registration emails from the Council

Residents in Richmond upon Thames are urged to look out for their annual voter registration email from the Council and do not delete the message as spam.

Published: 22 Jun 21

Local Heritage Railway Reopens

Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway will reopen to the public on 26/27 June after being closed since March 2020.

Published: 22 Jun 21

Flexi Season tickets now available for South Western Railway customers

South Western Railway customers who split their time between home and the office are set to save money and enjoy more flexible travel thanks to a new ticketing product which is available to buy from June 22.

Published: 22 Jun 21

Local policing update

The month of May has been challenging for police and understandably concerning for the community. This follows a handful of serious offences that have taken place across the borough in May, including the tragic, fatal stabbing of Tim Hipperson on 17 May and a separate, unrelated violent incident in Teddington.

Published: 22 Jun 21

Townmead Road closed until further notice

Due to a major fire last night, the Townmead Road Re-use and Recycling Centre will be closed until further notice. Anyone with a booking will be contacted about rescheduling.

Published: 21 Jun 21

Residents urged to remember to get vital second jab

As adults aged 18 and over are invited to have their COVID-19 vaccination, all those who have already had the jab are reminded to make sure they have their second vital and lifesaving second dose.

Published: 21 Jun 21

Live Theatre at the Mary Wallace Theatre

After an 18-month closure, the Mary Wallace Theatre on Twickenham riverside is delighted to be re-opening with Summerland by Arlitia Jones.

Published: 21 Jun 21

Richmond Council marks Clean Air Day 2021

Clean Air Day (June 17) is the UK's largest air pollution awareness campaign and Richmond Council is calling for residents, businesses and schools to play their part.

Published: 17 Jun 21

Council releases more cash for hard pressed businesses

Richmond Council is today releasing a further £4.4m in Additional Restrictions Grant to local businesses to help meet the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. 

Published: 17 Jun 21

Festival of Hope announces Wishing Trees event to inspire families to rediscover London

Festival of Hope is a varied programme of events across London with events ranging from art and photography contests, competitions for all the family such as an amateur ‘bake-off’, community activations and a series of outdoor live music concerts.

Published: 17 Jun 21

Curious Tots workshops at Orleans House

Make music, move and wiggle at Orleans House Gallery's lively new workshop classes for pre-walking and toddling children.

Published: 17 Jun 21

Football team for bereaved fathers

Sands United FC London is a newly regional formulated charity team for bereaved fathers who have endured the pain of stillbirth, miscarriage and neonatal death whether before, during or shortly after birth.

Published: 17 Jun 21

The Arts Richmond July and August Newsletter is available now

Find out what's happening across the borough for July and August with the summer Arts Richmond newsletter available now.

Published: 16 Jun 21

Leader of the Council offers reassurance to Whitton residents on Boundary Commission proposals

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, has sought to reassure residents of Whitton ward that Whitton will remain in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames whatever the outcome of the latest consultation on parliamentary constituency sizes currently being conducted by the Boundary Commission for England. 

Published: 16 Jun 21

Join an online webinar on swifts - The birds you can help

In just 25 years the population of Swifts have declined by 50%. Edward Mayer, the founder of Swift Conservation will join Friends of Barnes Common for an online webinar to explain how you can help.

Published: 16 Jun 21

Skylarks to host webinar on EHC needs assessments

Skylarks' SEND Advisor will provide you with all the information you need to understand how to request an EHC Needs Assessment.

Published: 16 Jun 21

Kew Road Cycle Lane sees cycle journeys triple!

Richmond upon Thames' first protected cycle lane (Kew Road) continues to see more and more users. In the last six months the route has seen an increase in usage of 82% based on the weekly average of cycle users.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Walk-in clinic for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines

If you have not yet had your first dose of the vaccine, you can attend a walk-in clinic this week at Essex House Surgery.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Don't let your guard down - says Council Leader

Richmond residents are being urged not let their guards down after the Government delayed the easing of lockdown restrictions until 19 July.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Youth Council survey on sexual harassment

The Kingston and Richmond Youth Council is conducting a survey on sexual harassment against young women in secondary schools and colleges in Richmond upon Thames and Kingston.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Residents encouraged to look out for fallen Swifts in the borough's parks and open spaces

Residents are being encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for fallen swift chicks in parks and open spaces across the borough. During the recent cool and wet May, there was an increase in reports of casualties. Swift chicks can often be saved if the right treatment is applied quickly.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Turner and Maritime Britain

In this special webinar, lecture attendees will learn more about Turner from Christine Riding, curator of 'Turner's English Coasts'.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Heat safety tips

During very hot weather, Richmond Council is urging people to take extra care of themselves and look out for anyone who may be more at risk from the effects of the heat.

Published: 15 Jun 21

Ten years of the Tenants’ Champion

This year marks ten years since Richmond Council first started its Tenants' Champion service. How did the role come about and why do we have a Tenants' Champion?

Published: 15 Jun 21

York House goes green for Grenfell

York House in Twickenham will again go ‘Green For Grenfell’ on June 14 as a mark of remembrance, compassion and solidarity.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Two new affordable housing sites announced for Hampton Wick and Heathfield wards

Two new housing developments in the Hampton Wick and Heathfield wards will deliver new affordable homes for local residents. The sites will be completed by the Council’s housing provider Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP).  

Published: 14 Jun 21

Take control of your health this Diabetes Week

This Diabetes Week (14 to 20 June), Richmond Council is calling for improved awareness of the health condition and a borough wide effort to better control it.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Walk-in clinics open this week for Astrazeneca vaccine

Across South West London, we are working to tackle the spread of COVID-19 by creating additional opportunities for people to vaccinate, including walk-in clinics.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Kew the Movies at Kew Gardens

Book your place now in front of the big screen at Kew Garden's outdoor cinema running through the summer.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Sign up to Age UK Richmond's 'Time 2 Move' Course

Do you want to improve your health and wellbeing after lockdown? Age UK Richmond's 'Time 2 Move' course can help you to stay active this summer.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Sleep Organic selected for best organic fashion and textiles brand

Sleep Organic, an ethical bedding business in Richmond established in 2018, has been selected for Soil Association's Best Of Organic Market (BOOM) Awards Final for Best of Organic Fashion & Textiles Brands.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Public Consultation opens for Virginia Woolf statue

Virginia Woolf lived in Richmond from 1914 to 1924 and was a renowned pioneer of Modernist Literature and a feminist icon.

Published: 14 Jun 21

Richmond Voluntary Fund smashes £100k for local youth mental health charities

The Richmond upon Thames Voluntary Fund, which raises money for four local youth mental health charities, has so far raised over £100k and it is not too late to donate!  

Published: 11 Jun 21

Listen to the new podcast episode of 'Youth Voice' on how domestic violence affects teenagers

The Kingston and Richmond Youth Voice Podcast is a podcast channel set up by the Kingston and Richmond Youth Council, where young people discuss topics and issues that matter to young people, such as the environment.

Published: 11 Jun 21

Residents invited to join Council's webinar on the Circular Economy

Residents are invited to join Richmond Council’s online webinar 'Beyond Recycling: The Circular Economy' to learn more about the Circular Economy in Richmond upon Thames.

Published: 10 Jun 21

Have your say: Hospital Bridge Road/Turing House School road safety

Residents and businesses local to Hospital Bridge Road in the Whitton/Heathfield area are invited to join local Councillors and Richmond Council officers and have their say about traffic and road safety in the area.

Published: 10 Jun 21

Stay safe if watching Euro 2020 matches in pubs

Football fans in Richmond are reminded to stay safe and stick to the COVID-19 guidelines if they are going out and watching the Euros.

Published: 10 Jun 21

Join FiSH's East Sheen Open Garden event

The ever popular Open Gardens event will be returning to East Sheen on Sunday 4 July 2021, from 1 to 6pm.

Published: 09 Jun 21

Orleans House Gallery seeking new facilitators

We are inviting applications from experienced and engaging artists for three new activity strands as part of our Children and Families and Schools programmes.

Published: 09 Jun 21

COVID home test kits to be available at Whitton Library

From Thursday 10 June, Whitton Library is being added to the growing list of locations you can pick up home COVID-19 testing kits – helping to reduce the spread of the virus.

Published: 09 Jun 21

Do the right thing – have the vaccine

All Richmond upon Thames residents aged 25 or over can now get their COVID vaccination – inviting them to join the other 118k local people who have had their first jab.

Published: 09 Jun 21

Making caring visible and valued in Richmond

The theme of this year’s Carers Week 2021 is ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued’. The national charity Carers UK has joined forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness to help raise awareness of caring around the country. 

Published: 09 Jun 21

Royal Albert Hall Band celebrate the return of in-person events with care home concert

Cecil Court care home in Richmond has marked the resumption of in-person activities with a special singalong concert performed by musicians from the Royal Albert Hall.

Published: 09 Jun 21

Arts Richmond Diana Armfield Prize for Drawing opens soon

Distinguished artist Diana Armfield has agreed to sponsor a drawing competition with Arts Richmond, to encourage artists aged 16 years and upwards to draw from observation.

Published: 09 Jun 21

Ham and Petersham SOS seeking office volunteers

Ham and Petersham SOS is a neighbourhood care group for elderly and disabled residents of Ham and Petersham.

Published: 09 Jun 21

London's largest children's literature festival returns to Barnes

The Barnes Children's Literature Festival returns this month with a fantastic programme of events for 2021.

Published: 09 Jun 21

Join the celebration of Silver Sunday this year

Silver Sunday is the national day for older people on the first Sunday of October to help overcome loneliness, that is supported by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation.

Published: 08 Jun 21

Learn to row a Thames skiff

The Skiff Club was founded 126 years ago prompted by the popularity of waterborne activity for leisure at the time and the development of Skiff Racing at local regattas.

Published: 08 Jun 21

Hear from Richmond Council’s Director of Public Health on variants and vaccines

The ten-minute Talk Richmond podcast episode sees Richmond Council’s Director of Public Health, Shannon Katiyo share an update on the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Published: 08 Jun 21

VisitRichmond Guide 2021 now available at Richmond Station

Cllr Geoff Acton, The Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, and Cllr Richard Baker, Lead Member for Business visited Richmond Station Information Kiosk where the guide is available.

Published: 08 Jun 21

Richmond Lending Library’s temporary closure due to old bomb damage

Richmond Lending Library – London's oldest public library still in use - will temporarily close from Friday 11 June 2021 at 6pm until mid-September 2021 to complete major repair works to protect the Grade II listed building, which was originally damaged by an incendiary bomb during World War II. 

Published: 08 Jun 21

Sign up for Rugby Fit ‘Inner Warrior’ fitness classes

Our Parks and the RFU are launching free Rugby Fit ‘Inner Warrior’ sessions for residents starting on Sunday 6 June 2021. The sessions are a full body fitness workout for beginners incorporating rugby-inspired drills.

Published: 07 Jun 21

Active Breathing Course

ABC (Active Breathing Course) is a free, six-week course devised specifically to help people recover from the impact of COVID and other respiratory illnesses in a fun, creative way.

Published: 07 Jun 21

Do you look after a loved one? Reach out for support this Carers Week

It’s Carers Week and Richmond Council is celebrating its incredible residents who look after their loved ones, who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, could not cope without their support. 

Published: 07 Jun 21

Volunteering opportunities available with Age UK Richmond

Age UK Richmond has several opportunities currently available for volunteers interested in making a difference for older people across the borough.

Published: 07 Jun 21

TfL’s e-scooter rental trial begins!

Transport for London (TfL) is beginning its rental e-scooter 12-month trial today (Monday 7 June), with Richmond upon Thames as one of the trial boroughs.

Published: 07 Jun 21

While the Sun Shines comes to the Orange Tree Theatre

One of the most successful productions in Orange Tree history returns for a limited run.

Published: 07 Jun 21

York House and the Naked Ladies statues have been restored

York House and York House Gardens in Twickenham have been restored for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Published: 04 Jun 21

Ending stigma on the 40th Anniversary of HIV/AIDS

Richmond Council is calling for an end to HIV stigma on the 40th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS pandemic this Saturday 5 June.

Published: 04 Jun 21

New Richmond Carers Centre newsletter available now for Carers Week

Check out the brand new Richmond Carers Centre newsletter. The newsletter includes a full schedule of activities for Carers Week 7 to 13 June.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Walking rugby classes for over 55s

Are you over 55 and looking for a fun activity to keep you active? Why not try Richmond Rugby's free walking rugby?

Published: 03 Jun 21

Ham Parade Market takes place this Saturday

Support your local market and traders by visiting this Saturday 5 June, from 10am to 2pm.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Kew Village Market takes place this Sunday

Enjoy over 40 stalls selling the finest food and handmade crafts, and a live band playing at the market from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 6 June.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Sign up for the Richmond CVS online Volunteer Recruitment Event

Are you interested in volunteering? Would you like to support your community? This event will give you the chance to meet and hear from organisations who are looking for volunteers. Make a difference in your local area now.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Volunteer with Richmond Good Gym for upcoming community projects

Join the Richmond Good Gym for a community missions in and around Richmond. Meet new people, get fit and do good.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Strawberry Hill Bowls Club Open Day

Ever fancied a go at lawn bowls? Now's your chance. Come along this Sunday 6 June from 11am to 4pm to join in the fun.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Sign up for summer dance and performing arts workshops

Footlight Studios is a new dance and performing arts school that delivers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, acting and musical theatre.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Join local celebrities and #CheerForChildren

Local charity Home-Start has launched a campaign this month that acknowledges just how challenging the pandemic has been for so many families and children. The Cheer for Children campaign will run from 8 to 15 June. 

Published: 03 Jun 21

Help shape the future of your local high street at the next round of virtual community conversation events

Residents of Richmond upon Thames are invited to have their say on community issues, the future of their high streets and town centres, and share their ideas on local priorities following the pandemic, in a series of virtual community engagement events.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Local community groups receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 

Two local community groups, River Thames Boat Project and Barnes Children's Literature Festival, have been honoured this National Volunteers Week (1 to 7 June) with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.  

Published: 03 Jun 21

Rainbow flag marks Pride Month

Richmond Council has raised the rainbow flag outside the Civic Centre in Twickenham, to show unity with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.

Published: 03 Jun 21

Variants and vaccines

• Episode 20 transcript

Published: 03 Jun 21

Council's swift legal action sees travellers move on from Kew Green

A group of travellers who have been on Kew Green since Thursday have left the site, after swift legal action from Richmond Council resulted in a High Court decision to give the Council powers to evict them.

Published: 02 Jun 21

Guide your way through everything there is to do in Richmond upon Thames!

VisitRichmond has a new guide for locals and tourists alike showcasing all the borough has to offer.

Published: 02 Jun 21

Appeal: SPEAR still need your help to address homelessness

Many people are losing and will lose their homes due to the impact of the pandemic. Help charity SPEAR be there to offer both hope and help to fellow Richmond upon Thames community members.

Published: 02 Jun 21

Ruils are currently seeking a FriendBee Befriender

Ruils is a charity based in Teddington that supports children and adults with disabilities and the elderly to live independently. Ruils provide information, advice, befriending and activities to their clients and their families.

Published: 02 Jun 21

Get into the saddle this Bike Week

This week is national Bike Week. If you own a bike but either do not ride it or ride it infrequently, now is the time to get it out of the shed, check it and rediscover the benefits and joys of cycling.

Published: 01 Jun 21

Businesses invited to work with Council to develop shared eCargo bike scheme this Bike Week

Richmond Council is inviting local businesses to get in touch to help the Council to shape its shared eCargo bike scheme.  

Published: 01 Jun 21