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Barnes, Mortlake & East Sheen community news

Merry Christmas – From Lord True

As we come to the end of 2013, Richmond Council would like to wish all residents a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, we hope you enjoy the seasonal events around the borough, many of which the Council has contributed towards. Lord True has recorded a special message, highlighting the achievements over the past 12 months.

Watch the video.

New footbridge opened in North Sheen

A new footbridge providing pedestrians with a safe route across the railway near North Sheen station has been opened by Zac Goldsmith MP and Richmond upon Thames Council Leader, Lord True. The bridge was built by the Network Rail and South West Trains Alliance after discussions and consultations with the local community.

New all in one Richmond Card – coming soon!

Richmond Council will shortly be launching the new Richmond Card. This new resident card combines the local parking discount card, library and leisure cards. It will also enable you to benefit from exclusive offers and discounts around the borough – and get up to 30 minutes free parking. Over the next few weeks, all those with a Richmond Card will automatically receive their new card.

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Barnes late night shopping

Don’t miss late night shopping in Barnes High Street and Church Road on Friday 13 December. Finish your Christmas shopping into the evening in our fabulous selection of stores. Enjoy Christmas carols, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, mine pies and other Christmas fare. Little ones can visit Father Christmas in Rose House from 6.00pm.

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Fix a pothole or pavement in your local area

Nearly half a million pounds is available again this year to repair streets and footpaths nominated by you. £35,000 is up for grabs in each village and it’s easy to make an application. If you know a footpath or road that needs to be repaired, make your nomination before the 13 December.

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Master plan for Barnes Common and Vine Road Recreation Ground

Richmond Council is in agreement that the Barnes Common Management Company (BCMC),should produce a master plan for Barnes Common and Vine Road Recreation Ground in order to make a decision on its future management from 1 April 2014. BCMC is also authorised to undertake necessary conservation work which falls outside existing agreements with the Council’s contractors. Contact info@barnescommon.org.uk for more information.

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East Sheen Safer Neighbourhood Team leads the way in deterring bogus callers

East Sheen SNT is leading the way on a multi-agency initiative with officers at Richmond Council. No cold calling zones, designed to reduce instances of bogus callers and distraction burglary, will empower residents to deter unwanted or unexpected callers. Zones have been introduced, with signs in place, in Clare Lawn Avenue, Milton Road, Wallorton Gardens and Hood Avenue

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Local community receives uplifting makeover

A community centre promoting a vibrant self-sustaining community in Barnes has received a £300,000 makeover thanks to Richmond Council. The fresh look Castelnau Community Centre has had improvements made to the exterior and interior parts of the building thanks to the Council’s Uplift programme which aims to rejuvenate the village.

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Sixth form blocks under starters orders

Work on all of the five projects in the Council’s programme to build new state-of-the-art sixth form facilities at secondary schools have now begun across the borough. Construction staff had already arrived on site at Waldegrave School at the start of the autumn term to start work on the dedicated sixth form building. Building work has also now begun at Christ’s, Grey Court, Orleans Park and Teddington schools. They will all open in September 2014.

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Positive Steps Job Club

Through the Positive Steps Job Club you can receive help writing a CV, learn interview techniques, attend confidence-building workshops and access work experience and/or placements. Allan Adams, an experienced recruitment consultant, runs the club and offers a friendly and encouraging atmosphere to begin the journey back to work. The club is open 10.00am to 2.00pm at Castlenau Community Centre, Barnes.

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No day centre will be closing

The Council has confirmed that it has no intention of closing Elleray, Linden Hall or Barnes Green day centres. As part of the Council’s plans for a Community Independent Living scheme, there have been a number of rumours that the three would close. Earlier last month, Cllr Marlow put those rumours to bed and reassured residents that this isn’t the case.

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Free training course for parents

Are you a parent with free time after Christmas? Home-Start Richmond offers free training to become a volunteer in supporting families with difficulties. Training will run on Thursdays in school hours from 9 January to 27 March 2014. After training, you would visit a family for two to three hours a week. Contact Angie Ahmed 020 8487 8500 for more information. info@homestart-richmond.org.uk.

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Volunteers wanted for dementia friendly community service

Volunteers are needed to assist borough residents who have dementia or Alzheimer’s to continue with their hobbies and interests and to be actively involved in their community. The volunteer opportunities include hands-on support, admin support and event organisation. If you think you can volunteer, please get in touch.

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Don’t let Santa Catch a cold this Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa has one present and two more houses to visit…which to choose? “Easy”, says Santa, “the warm house that has benefited from a Coldbuster grant”. Santa knows the insulation and heating systems offered will keep him warm. Let Coldbusters keep you warm this Christmas and for years to come. Call 0800 358 6668 for more information.

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Feel Good Fitness - Join now offer

Join now and pay nothing until 28 January. The offer is valid from 15 November to 30 December 2013 and the ’no contracts’ membership offers free fitness classes and swimming. And, if you’re not happy, we’ll refund your money with our 10 day money back guarantee. Joining a gym never felt this good!

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Get your local charity Christmas cards now

Stepping on Out is a local charity that gives adults with a learning disability the opportunity to design, produce and sell cards and related products. Based at 7 The Causeway, Teddington, the shop is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Please call 020 8977 8042 before visiting on other days.

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Join Nature's Gym!

Improve your health and wellbeing by taking part in conservation activities across the borough. Nature’s Gym is free and fun – and no experience is needed! It is open to all and families are encouraged to come along. For more information, please have a look at the website to see where and when our sessions are.

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Autism – not just for Christmas but for life

Resources for Autism supports children and adults with autism. In west London the main focus is to provide excellent care at home and in the community to those with autism. Demand for the service is high and throughout December they are targeting west London for volunteers and paid staff. They will train the right people, not just for Christmas but for life!

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Join Healthwatch Richmond!

Would you like to have your say in the way health and social care services are run in and around Richmond upon Thames? Do you have any experiences of these services to share? If so, please get in touch with us. Healthwatch Richmond is the new consumer champion for health and social care in the borough.

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Don't miss your chance to vote

If you have recently moved into the borough please ensure that you are registered to vote in the local and European elections on 22 May 2014 from your new address. For more information visit our website or phone 020 8891 7775 for a form.

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Trustees sought by local environmental charity

SWLEN, a local charity which supports environmental groups and projects is looking for new trustees to join its board, including:

  • A treasurer to oversee finances and report to the board (a paid bookkeeper manages all data entry and payments)
  • Local people who have knowledge of environmental issues and concerns and/or knowledge and experience of the voluntary sector

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Competitions for pianists

Competitions are running for pianists of all ages at Kew Community Centre, The Avenue, Richmond, TW9 2AJ on the first two weekends in March 2014. All performers will receive a verbal assessment and a written report from adjudicator Susan Clark. Medals, trophies and cash prizes can be won. Entries close 21 January 2014 and forms are available from the website.

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Specialist foster carers - helping young people who need it

Do you have experience of working with challenging young people? If so, a career in fostering could be the next step. You will need a spare bedroom, at least one year’s experience of caring for children aged 10 to 18 and not have children under 10 living with you. You will receive supervision, training and access to multi-agency support.

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Focus On Get Involved Diary

Over Christmas we generate around 30% more waste and most of this can be recycled. All your wrapping paper, Christmas cards, wine bottles, glass jars, plastic bottles, tubs, pots and trays, foil, tins and cans and drinks cartons can all be recycled.

Did you know:
  • A massive one billion Christmas cards are sent across the UK and could end up in bins
  • Around 25,000 hectares of Christmas trees are currently growing
  • A whopping 10 million turkeys will be sold in the UK, weighing a massive 55,000 tonnes

All the above can be recycled and the food turned into compost. Make sure that you know all about the changes to your recycling and rubbish collections this Christmas - including the dates when we will pick up your tree after the big day.

We want everyone to enjoy themselves over the festive period without their fun being spoilt by crime. The Council and Police are doing their bit but are you? Remember:

  • Keep your purchases out of sight – if they can be seen, they can be stolen
  • Take all your valuables with you when you leave your car – the glove compartment is one of the first places a thief will look. At home, make sure all your doors and windows are secure; leave a light on.
  • Security mark valuable Christmas gifts before you wrap them
  • Don’t leave Christmas gifts in garages or sheds
  • If your Christmas tree is in a window – don’t put any presents around it before Christmas morning.
Natures Gym – East Sheen Common
2 December, 11-2pm (need to register) at Kings Ride Gate
Nature’s Gym – Leg O Mutton reservoir
3 December 11 – 2pm (Need to register) Opposite Verdun Road
East Sheen Xmas lights on
6 December at War Memorial
Stepping Stones Xmas fair
15 December (12-3pm) at Alder Rd Sea Scouts Hall
Volunteering Richmond drop in
8 January (4-6pm) at Mortlake Community Association
Peter Conradi talk
15 January (8pm) at Old Sorting Office
Computers for beginners
Every Wednesday at 3pm at Old Bakery in Hanson Close
View latest plan Find out more More dates...

Councillors

Barnes

Councillor Paul Hodgins
Cllr Paul
Hodgins
Councillor Rita Palmer
Cllr Rita
Palmer
Councillor Christine Percival
Cllr Christine
Percival

Mortlake and Barnes Common

Councillor Paul Avon
Cllr Paul
Avon
Councillor Richard Martin
Cllr Richard
Martin
Councillor Gemma Stockley
Cllr Gemma
Stockley

East Sheen

Councillor Virginia Morris
Cllr Virginia
Morris
Lord True
Lord True
Councillor Nicola Urquhart
Cllr Nicola
Urquhart
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