News

Richmond’s Sustainability Forum blooms with nature, art, and community spirit

Richmond's Sustainability Forum met for the sixth time on Tuesday evening, at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham. The woodland setting was a fitting backdrop to the themes of the evening: nature and community.

Council blog | 16 Oct 25

Hate has no place in our borough

Richmond upon Thames is the safest borough in London, and I want to see it stay that way. Hate has no place in our borough.

To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we are working with community partners, police, and faith leaders, like Multi-Cultural Richmond, to make sure our residents and visitors are safe from crimes fuelled by hate.

Council blog | 15 Oct 25

Celebrating stories that bring us together

I’m delighted to announce the return of Richmond Reads, our annual season of events celebrating stories and the joy of reading. Now in its third year, the programme will run throughout October and November, bringing together a vibrant mix of events designed to inspire, entertain, and connect.

Council blog | 26 Sept 25

Building a more deaf-aware and inclusive borough

As Disability Champion, I’m proud to mark International Week of Deaf People and reflect on how we can make our communities more inclusive and accessible.

Council blog | 23 Sept 25

People, place, and purpose: Richmond’s Town Centre breathes new life

Richmond’s first-of-its-kind Centre Stage Festival last weekend showed what’s possible when we reimagine our High Street as a place for culture, connection, and community, writes Councillor Katie Mansfield, Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre.

Council blog | 18 Sept 25

The future of climate and nature in Richmond is a call for collective action

Recent patterns of extreme heat alternating with heavy rainfall give a tangible indication of how climate change will affect the borough and tackling the adverse impacts of climate change will require coordinated action across the borough.

Council blog | 22 Jul 25

Reflections on Refugee Week 2025

As Sanctuary Champion, I’m delighted that Refugee Week 2025 heralded a series of exciting and meaningful events and conversations across Richmond. Bringing together sanctuary seekers, voluntary sector partners, artists, musicians, poets, and residents, we celebrated the theme “Community as Superpower”.

Council blog | 26 Jun 25

Refugee Week highlights from local partners

Hear from our Refugee Week Grant recipients as they share how their community-led events celebrated the resilience, culture, and contributions of refugees across the borough.

Council blog | 26 Jun 25

Acting local, thinking global: Accelerating Richmond’s climate action

Running from 21 to 29 June, London Climate Action Week brings together climate organisations and communities across the capital to inspire conversations and accelerate global action.

Council blog | 23 Jun 25

Marking 65 years of international friendship and a shared future

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of welcoming friends and partners from our twinned towns - Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany - for a programme of events marking the 65th anniversary of our twinning relationships.

Council blog | 12 Jun 25

Tackling housing challenges together

I’m honoured to be taking on the role of Lead Member for Housing at Richmond Council. It’s a huge responsibility and a vital one.

Council blog | 06 Jun 25

Orleans Park School students deepen European twinning bonds in Konstanz

Last month, nine Richmond students visited Konstanz as part of our Twinning Reaffirmation. In this blog, they share their enriching experience in cultural exchange and European collaboration.

Council blog | 05 Jun 25

Standing together: Why twinning still matters

This year marks a very special moment for Konstanz: the reaffirmation of our twinning relationships with Richmond upon Thames and Fontainebleau. In times like these - marked by uncertainty, change, and global challenges - these longstanding bonds between cities carry more meaning than ever.

Council blog | 04 Jun 25

Strengthening bonds: Celebrating 65 years of friendship with Konstanz and Fontainebleau

I’ve just returned from a memorable visit to our twinned city of Konstanz in southern Germany. The trip was generously funded by the City of Konstanz, who hosted me as their guest – a trip that reaffirmed the deep friendship between our communities and highlighted the value of international cooperation.

Council blog | 20 May 25

Cultural Reforesting: how art and nature can shape our future

In the face of climate change, we need more than just practical solutions – we need a shift in mindset. ‘Cultural Reforesting’ invites us to rethink our relationship with nature, using art and creativity to inspire action.

Council blog | 02 Apr 25

Mayor's Blog: A tale of two Richmonds

My wife Helen and I have just returned from a three-day trip to our sister city – Richmond Virginia. The trip, the first one from a Richmond Mayor for 17 years, was an initiative I wanted to take to strengthen the links between our two cities. The trip was funded by Helen and myself.

Council blog | 13 Mar 25

Every swap to Fairtrade items can make a difference

Richmond upon Thames, a proud Fairtrade borough, is celebrating 30 years of the Fairtrade movement in the UK. The Council has approved a motion to promote Fairtrade goods in its procurement processes and encourages local residents to support Fairtrade.

Council blog | 02 Oct 24