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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
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Your Vision, Your Kew
Over the next few weeks, residents in Kew will have the opportunity to participate in a new Council programme that aims to get them more involved in shaping planning policy in their area. A number of events and workshops have been scheduled to enable residents to feed in what they think are the local character and heritage assets, improvement opportunities, style, mood, and character of the area.
Make sure you have your say
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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.
Find out more
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Christmas fun in Richmond
Celebrate Christmas in Richmond on Saturday 30th November. Great shopping offers, festive activities in the Town and on the Riverside. There will also be a Frost Fayre, music and horse and carriage rides around the Green. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm by Henry Winkler and Mayor Meena Bond.
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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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.
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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.
Find out more
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Darell welcomes teachers from America
Forty two American teachers are learning more about the curriculum for children aged 3 to 18 in this country. The teachers visited Darell School to experience primary and nursery provision there. They were particularly interested in the British concept of a national curriculum. Year 6 children were proud to show their visitors around the school.
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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Richmond Park Academy's Year 8 authors publish their first book
Dare You? A Gothic anthology by gifted young writers has been written, cover-designed and published (with its own ISBN number) by the academy's talented Year 8 students. At a special event at the East Sheen branch, Richmond Libraries welcomed the book onto their official register. You can borrow it from your local library or buy it for £4.99.
Buy it now
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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.
Find out more
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Santa’s coming to Kew Gardens
Treat the children with a festive day out at Kew Gardens. Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto, then ride our carousel and helter skelter! A children’s trail, family activities and face painting will keep them entertained, and you can enjoy a great Christmas shopping experience. Remember children get free entry to the gardens!
Find out more
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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.
Find out how to help
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Orchids at Kew
Kew Gardens is hosting its annual month-long Orchid Festival in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Visitors can explore a hidden world of exotic orchids and tropical plants as they enter the glasshouse, and experience horticultural displays of vivid colour, sound and smell, including a stunning cascade of orchids.
Find out more
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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!
Find out more
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We are pleased to announce Caring Café joins Carers’ Hub
The Caring Café for people affected by dementia is now part of the Carers’ Hub. Richmond and Kingston Crossroads, as sub-contractors to Richmond Carers’ Centre, will, together with Alzheimer’s Society, deliver this outstanding model. The Caring Café is open from 11.00am to 3.30pm on the first and third Saturday of every month at the Sheen Lane Day Centre.
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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Come and make Caribbean music at the Avenue Club
An enormously successful steel pan workshop has taken place at the Avenue Club in Kew and a repeat is planned for the near future. This is another example of the creative initiatives that the Avenue Club thrives on. Contact Lisa or Maryam on 020 8948 8948 for more information.
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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Rotary Club of Kew Gardens
Kew Rotarians will be selling mulled wine and chestnuts at the south end of the Princess of Wales Conservatory in Kew Gardens on the weekends of 14/15 and 21/22 December. Earlier in the month, they will be taking their Santa Sleigh around the houses. All profits go to charity.
For more information visit
www.kewrotary.org.uk
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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Richmond upon Thames College dance students receive aerial dance masterclass
Dance students at Richmond upon Thames College were treated to a master class on 22 October from elite aerial performance company, Upswing. The day long session saw students receive training from artistic director, Vicki Amedume, and allowed them to develop new performance techniques via a medium that uses circus skills as an expressive vehicle.
Find out more
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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!
Find out more
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Award winning author visits Christ’s School
Award-winning author, Caroline Clough, visited Christ’s School on 18 October. She spoke about becoming an author and gave students ideas for their own creative writing. Caroline’s book Red Fever, winner of The Kelpies Prize 2011, is based in a world devastated by a virus where the race for survival is on.
Find out more
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Don't miss the 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.
Find out more
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Time called on Revolution
Following complaints from local residents and the police about alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, the Vodka Revolution bar in Richmond had its licence temporarily suspended and then reviewed at a licensing committee on 30 September. The review resulted in the bar employing new management and door staff, having its opening hours reduced and introducing searches of patrons.
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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Kew girls Club
Come along to this fun and informal club where girls choose activities, including crafts, drawing, sewing and photography. Learn about the environment, bees, insects, edible plants and the animals that live in the field or just come along to make new friends. The club is open Saturdays from 11.00am -12.00 noon, Pensford Field, Kew.
To book a place call Pam 07500 178578.
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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
Find out more
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By George!
Eighty-six year old George Frisby, a resident at RHP's Calvert Court retirement scheme, picked up a Gold Richmond in Bloom award this year in recognition of the hard work he puts into the scheme's garden. Mr Frisby, who suffers from severe arthritis, volunteers his time in the gardens so he can keep in shape.
Find out more
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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.
Find out more
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Two churches become one church
The Vineyard Church and Richmond Borough Church have merged to form one new church – The Vineyard Life Church. This will help them to better fulfil their mission to the people of Richmond upon Thames. This brand new church meets every Sunday at 10.30am at The Vineyard, Richmond. Join them for Carols by Candlelight on 22 December at 4.00pm.
Find out more
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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 age 10 to 18 and not have children under 10 living with you.
You will receive supervision, training and access to multi-agency support.
Find out more
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WW1 battlefields trek
Join us as we commemorate the centenary of the start of WW1 on this three day trek of the Ypres Salient battle sites. This is a poignant experience and a meaningful way to raise funds. The Royal Star & Garter Homes is a charity that provides outstanding nursing and therapeutic care to the ex-service community.
For details contact events@starandgarter.org
Find out more
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KVM is award-winning!
Kew Village Market was highly commended as Best Food Retailer at the Time & Leisure 2013 Food & Drink Awards. KVM Committee Chair Jean-Francois Burford said ”This award is testimony to the fantastic quality of our stallholders’ produce and the enthusiasm of our customers. On behalf all the volunteers who organise the market, thank you very much indeed!“
Find out more
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Christmas party at The Little Gym
For Sanity's Sake, the local activity website for kids, is organising a Christmas party with The Little Gym and The Imagination Den on Wednesday 11 December for young children.
There are various sessions throughout the day. Cost is £9 per child and tickets can be booked at www.forsanityssake.com/events.
For more details contact Rachel McLean at rachel@forsaintyssake.com or 07796 922 321.
Find out more
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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.
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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.
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