News

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

Empowering entrepreneurs in the borough

Enterprise is at the heart of Richmond upon Thames. We recognised an ever-increasing number of our residents have looked to build and develop their own business ideas.

Council blog | 24 Sept 24

Let’s work towards an inclusive borough for all abilities

This International Week of Deaf People provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support the deaf community through collaborations with local organisations, charities and support groups.

Council blog | 24 Sept 24

Mayor's Blog: A closer look at the Mayor's role

So what's it like being a Mayor? I get asked this question a lot by friends, schoolchildren, constituents and fellow Councillors. The truth is, it's hard to summarise the job in just a few words.

Council blog | 07 Aug 24

Bringing efforts together to strengthen disability support

As I step into the role of Disability Champion, I am determined to support disabled people through collaborations with local organisations, charities and groups.

Council blog | 01 Aug 24

Bridging faith and education in our community

Here’s a quiz question for you – there is only one area of our school curriculum for which all local authorities have a statutory responsibility to oversee.

Council blog | 16 Jul 24

Mayor's Blog: Looking backward, looking forward

This is my last Mayoral blog as my term of Mayor finishes on May 14 at our AGM. It has been a privilege and joy to meet so many people around the borough.

Council blog | 02 May 24

Deputy Mayor’s Blog: Togetherness

Togetherness is a hugely important aspect of life. It unites us, gives us security, much needed support and a sense of belonging. It is something precious which I have felt strongly across the borough since becoming Deputy Mayor.

Council blog | 19 Apr 24

Mayor’s Blog: The Mayor’s Parlour

One of the enjoyable things about the Mayor's Parlour is not just the fact that you can enjoy inviting people there but the paintings. These are from the Borough's Art Collection and the Mayor chooses the ones for display in the Parlour for their year. Sometimes of course they are not available for viewing, for example, being committed to other exhibitions for that time.

Council blog | 04 Apr 24

Deputy Mayor’s Blog: The arts – a window into our soul

Culture and the arts have always been vibrant in our Borough. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending several events showcasing some fabulous talent.

Council blog | 21 Mar 24

Mayor's Blog: Our young people

Recently, I have found myself attending events that are celebrating our young people. Parents and carers, teachers, and other professionals, saying how wonderful these youngsters are in many ways. Best of all though is seeing and hearing from the children and young people themselves.

Council blog | 07 Mar 24

Deputy Mayor’s Blog: Hope lights the way

According to the Chinese zodiac, every Lunar New Year, beginning with the second new moon after the winter solstice, a new animal takes over the reins of fate. Its character is said to guide the course of the year and individuals born under its sign, to adopt its behaviour and traits.

Council blog | 21 Feb 24

Mayor’s Blog: The start of spring

The daylight hours are getting longer, crocuses have appeared and there was a beautiful display of snowdrops to surprise me on Nursery Green, Hampton, when I went for a walk this week.

Council blog | 08 Feb 24

Holocaust Memorial Day: The fragility of freedom

27 January is Holocaust Memorial Day, an opportunity for us to remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, and reflect on these truly horrific events.

Council blog | 25 Jan 24

The start of 2024 - A time to mourn and a time to dance

“To everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3) and so it has proved at the start of 2024. While tradition dictates that new year is a time for celebration this January has also been a time for heartfelt sorrow over the loss of dear friends and inspirational pillars of our community.  

Council blog | 23 Jan 24

Mayor’s Blog: Unexpected fun

Unexpected fun is often the best kind as it takes you by surprise. This has happened quite a few times since I have become Mayor and what follows shares with you a few examples!

Council blog | 07 Dec 23

Deputy Mayor’s Blog: A time to remember and a time to celebrate light over darkness

Traditionally November is the month for remembering, starting with all Souls Day on 1 November when Christians remember the souls of the departed. 

Council blog | 23 Nov 23

Mayor's Blog: Places of worship

It has occurred to me that during the time I have been Mayor I have been invited to and visited several places of worship. Of course, the most personal one has been St Mary's Twickenham where the Civic Service was held on 8 October. However, there have been others around the Borough and around our great city of London. 

Council blog | 08 Nov 23