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Twickenham, St Margarets & Strawberry Hilln 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.

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Bringing education and enterprise to Twickenham

Prospective parents of an exciting new secondary school on the Richmond upon Thames College site in Twickenham can now pledge their support for proposals. Earlier this year, it was announced that Richmond upon Thames College, along with the Haymarket Media Group would explore the possibility of creating a groundbreaking new campus of education and enterprise. This development would include a new free secondary school for the area.

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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.

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Twickenham receives long-awaited Catholic school

A brand new Catholic secondary school has opened its gates in Twickenham, ending the wait for thousands of pupils who would need to travel to neighbouring boroughs to attend faith-based secondary schools in future years.

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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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Crown Road Christmas Fair

This year's fair will take place on Sunday 8 December with Crown Road closed from 11.00am to make way for the usual festive mix of mulled wine and seasonal treats plus a wide variety of exciting stalls and a mini-funfair. The Mayor and some other very special guests will also be there to meet children of all ages.

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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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Your Strawberry Hill

Come along and get information about local groups and organisations, find out how to get funding for a project, explore opportunities to get involved and discuss issues and ideas. Organised by Richmond Council in partnership with Strawberry Hill Residents’ Association and Fortescue Park Residents’ Association it takes place on 5 December, from 3.30 to 8.30pm at Strawberry Hill Golf Course.

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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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Ice skating returns to Twickenham

Twickenham Alive, supported by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Richmond Council and community sponsors, will be providing a temporary ice rink on Twickenham Riverside in the grounds of York House.
The rink will be open between 30 November 2013 and 12 January 2014. Bookings can be made now with a special offer for Richmond schools.

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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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Traders Carol Service Tuesday 17 December

Over the last few years St Mary's Church, led by Revd Jeffrey Hopkin Williams, has organised a beautiful traders’ Christmas carol service. There are readings from people in the community and local dignitaries are also invited. There is music from the Twickenham Choral Society and everyone is invited to sing along.

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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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Adventurers: a new club for 7 to 10 year olds

Aged between 7 and 10? Like making things, playing music, drama, cooking, playing games, finding out about nature, different cultures, the Bible? Like to get a logbook full of achievement stamps to show how brilliant you are? Then Adventurers is for you. Wednesdays after school at Twickenham United Reformed Church.
Interested? Contact Charlotte on 020 8891 6690.

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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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St Kevin's second classroom takes shape

Strawberry Hill Overseas and Community Concern is delighted to announce that work has started on building the second classroom at St Kevin's Primary school in Marigat, Kenya following the award of £2500 from SHOCC. A further £2,500 urgently is needed to complete the building. Donations can be made via Just Giving at www://justgiving.com/Kevin-Cook7. Please help us to complete this much needed second classroom.

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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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A new shop in St Margarets

October saw the grand opening of Vintage and Velvet - new vintage furnishings and fabric boutique on Crown Road. Councillor Stephen Speak officially cut the ribbon, unveiling two floors and a secret garden of retro goodies. Proprietor Amanda is constantly updating their collection, so be on the lookout for some vintage Christmas classics that will make great presents.

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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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My St Margarets Magazine - Christmas edition

Coming in the first week of December, the latest issue of the Traders Association's community magazine is, as ever, jam-packed with local news, featuring Christmassy contributions from our schools and churches, local historians and campaigners. The magazine will be delivered to residents' homes or available in stores from members of the Traders Association.

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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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Ageing gracefully at the Age UK

The Age of Grace dance group learn different styles of dance for active older adults of all abilities. It’s great for confidence and is exercise in disguise! It improves balance and co-ordination and importantly it makes participants feel young at heart. Come along Tuesdays 2.00 to 4.00pm and give it a try. For more information, contact the centre 020 8538 9254.

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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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Christmas begins here!

Start your Christmas in East Twickenham with the great Christmas lights switch on Friday 29 November with the Mayor and a very special guest! And don't miss Sing-a-long-a-Santa in Cambridge Gardens on Saturday 14 December, with gifts for children and carol-singing for everyone! All the details and more are on the website.

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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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Christmas open day

Heatham House is running a free event for young people (aged 10+) and families on Thursday 19 December from 3.30to 6.30pm. There will be lots of fun, Christmas games, mince pies and a chance to sample some of the youth centre’s wide range of activities. For further information please visit our web page.

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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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Knife arch operation at Twickenham rail station

The St Margaret’s and North Twickenham SNT assisted the Safer Transport Team in a planned pro-active operation to tackle knife crime, when a knife arch was positioned outside Twickenham Rail station in October. The operation, based on intelligence, was to deter future incidents and send out a message that knife crime will not be tolerated on this borough.

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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.
Twickenham Xmas Lights on
22 November at Church Street
East Twickenham Xmas Lights on
29 November at Richmond Road
Christmas Craft Fair
1 December (1.30-4.30) at Trafalgar School
Mayor Charity Christmas Concert
3 December (7.30pm) at Clarendon Hall
Christmas Fair
5 December (2-7pm) at Orleans House Gallery
Christmas craft fair
7 December (11am-2.30pm) at Twickenham Library
Charity Xmas fair
7 December (11am-2.30pm) at United Reformed Church
Twickenham Alive Xmas event
8 December at Diamond Jubilee Gardens
St Margaret’s Xmas Lights on
8 December at St Margaret’s Road
Volunteering Richmond drop in
9 December (5-7pm) at Twickenham Library
More dates...

Councillors

South Twickenham

Cllr Clare Head
Cllr Clare Head
Cllr David Marlow
Cllr David
Marlow
Cllr David Porter
Cllr David
Porter

St Margarets and North Twickenham

Cllr Geoff Acton
Cllr Geoff
Acton
Cllr Chris Harrison
Cllr Chris
Harrison
Cllr Ben Khosa
Cllr Ben
Khosa

Twickenham Riverside

Cllr Susan Chappell
Cllr Susan
Chappell
Cllr Scott Naylor
Cllr Scott
Naylor
Cllr Samantha Salvoni
Cllr Samantha
Salvoni

West Twickenham

Cllr Piers Allen
Cllr Piers
Allen
Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons
Cllr Helen
Lee-Parsons
Cllr Lesley Pollesche
Cllr Lesley
Pollesche
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