Archive

  • Fire crews deal with blaze at printers

    FIRE crews from across Watford were called to a blazing inferno which took over an hour to bring under control at Polestar printers in the early hours of Thursday morning. Crews were called to the fire which started in it's out-house next to the main

  • Strikers at Whipps demand fair pay

    A two-day strike by the lowest-paid workers at Whipps Cross Hospital began yesterday morning. But as it got under way a leading union man congratulated the Whipps Cross chief executive for finally "waking up and realising there is a problem". Porters,

  • Andrews fires Park home

    NPL Teddington reclaimed top spot in Division One of the Thames Valley League after a comprehensive 58 run victory over Marlow Park. On a saturated wicket, NPL Teddington elected to bat and raced to 67 off the first 10 overs through Jim Feltham and Asif

  • Unusable gun could spell jail

    IN a police raid on a Chiswick man's home police found an old and rusty gun in a wardrobe and arrested him. When he appeared at Feltham court last week Alan William Ball, aged 53, of Wilston Drive, Chiswick, admitted possession of a firearm without a

  • Eco plan unveiled

    A BLUEPRINT for sustainability in the local ecological environment will be unveiled on Tuesday June 3rd, when local dignatories take a guided tour around the beautiful Wildflower Meadow at Syon Park. The Local Biodiversity Action Plan outlines actions

  • Case dismissed after witnesses failed to appear

    BECAUSE two main witnesses to an assault charge did not appear at Feltham court last week, the case was dismissed Brendon James Cumiskey, aged 58, of Octavia Road Isleworth, had been charged with assaulting Dorothy Wheeler at that address on November

  • Breath test ruse failed drink driver

    IN a cunning ruse to avoid the breath test a driver blocked the blowing end with chewing gum but was caught doing it by police. They arrested Charanjit Barriana, aged 37, of Heath Close, Stanwell, and he appeared at Feltham court last week and admitted

  • Breath test ruse failed drink driver

    IN a cunning ruse to avoid the breath test a driver blocked the blowing end with chewing gum but was caught doing it by police. They arrested Charanjit Barriana, aged 37, of Heath Close, Stanwell, and he appeared at Feltham court last week and admitted

  • Were Tory claims slanderous?

    A WAR of words has been emanating from Hounslow Council after the Leader of the Council, John Chatt (Feltham North ward), accused Tory Councillor Peter Thompson (Turnham Green ward) of making slanderous comments about the Labour-controlled Executive at

  • Heading for Chiswick

    A NEW Headteacher will be taking over at Chiswick Community School from June 1st. Jonathan Bach has considerable experience in London schools and comes to Chiswick from a high achieving and successful school in Wembley. Jonathan was deputy head at Preston

  • Heading for Chiswick

    A NEW Headteacher will be taking over at Chiswick Community School from June 1st. Jonathan Bach has considerable experience in London schools and comes to Chiswick from a high achieving and successful school in Wembley. Jonathan was deputy head at Preston

  • Budding entrepreneur is really the business

    A BUDDING entrepreneur from Cranford has started a successful business while still studying at Royal Holloway, University of London as part of a young enterprise scheme. Gurpreet Singh Gill, 21, is in the first year of an Economics and Management degree

  • Budding entrepreneur is really the business

    A BUDDING entrepreneur from Cranford has started a successful business while still studying at Royal Holloway, University of London as part of a young enterprise scheme. Gurpreet Singh Gill, 21, is in the first year of an Economics and Management degree

  • Exhibition hightlights young carers' artistic side

    The "hedonistic glamour" of the Art Deco era is the inspiration behind a series of bright artworks currently on display at Balham Library. The colourful creations were the work of 10 young artists, including Ricky and Latchmie Tiwari (left), from Wandsworth

  • Celebrity motor race raised £26k

    THE CHISWICK- dwelling son in law of a wartime fighter pilot legend, has thanked the Earl of March for presenting his disabled achievement charity with a cheque for £26,182.73p - after the three day 1950s 'Revival' motor car racing day at Goodwood, which

  • Terror in The Avenue

    A Wanstead woman has spoken of a terrifying attack on her family by a gang who broke into her house in the middle of the night. Maria Shepherd of The Avenue, Wanstead, has told how the men stormed into her house as she and her family slept. Mrs Shepherd

  • Shock at council's work was electric

    A BRENTFORD man is threatening to sue Hounslow Council for negligence and breaching health and safety regulations, claiming that council workmen left 'live' wires hanging from the ceiling in his bathroom. Patrick Bennett, from Horn Beam Crescent, claims

  • Heritage fund brings historic church £57k windfall

    A CHURCH in Hanworth, built over 1,000 years ago, has been given a grant by English Heritage as part of its Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme, but £40,000 is still needed for vital drainage work. St Georges in Elmwood Avenue, built from Saxon

  • Borough's sex life is laughable

    A SURVEY on the borough's sex life has revealed that residents believe having a laugh' is twice as important as sexual intercourse. The survey, which was carried out by Rolos' makers Nestle, in a re-evaluation of the time-honoured slogan, Do you love

  • Wandsworth robber 'strangles' victims

    A violent robber who strangles his victims to knock them unconscious is targeting women in Wandsworth. The man has attacked five women and a teenage girl walking on their own in park areas, in the past two months, police said. Detectives have launched

  • Wandsworth robber 'strangles' victims

    A violent robber who strangles his victims to knock them unconscious is targeting women in Wandsworth. The man has attacked five women and a teenage girl walking on their own in park areas, in the past two months, police said. Detectives have launched

  • A musician who's best mates with the matrix

    A HANWORTH resident had a special reason to look forward to the worldwide premiere of the Matrix Reloaded release last week - because he counts it's Hollywood stars amongst his group of friends. Johnny Kalsi, a drummer from Bear Road, was looking forward

  • 'Post closure endangers our community'

    OSTERLEY residents have been so angered by the proposals to close their local post office on Thornbury Road, that they have started a petition in protest of the plans. While residents say that since the closure of the nearby Barclays Bank makes it is

  • Homes board charged with Cronyism

    CLAIMS OF a stitch up'' over the board of Hounslow Homes were again made at the council's borough meeting last week, by opposition councillors angry that two non-elected members would be staying. Leader of the Conservative opposition, Cllr Peter Thompson

  • Homes board charged with Cronyism

    CLAIMS OF a stitch up'' over the board of Hounslow Homes were again made at the council's borough meeting last week, by opposition councillors angry that two non-elected members would be staying. Leader of the Conservative opposition, Cllr Peter Thompson

  • Surbiton stars face off in Test series

    HOCKEY'S summer international bonanza moves on to Cannock in the Midlands this weekend with no less than five players from local clubs featuring in a three-match England against Ireland test series (writes SEAN COTTER). Kingston dentist Ivan Steen, who

  • Boy of four starts blaze

    A FATHER burnt his face trying to put out a fire started by his 4-year-old son in Feltham last week, after the boy started playing with a cigarette lighter. Just after 9am on Friday (May 23rd) the father and son were at home in a four floor block of flats

  • Wise aims to bring in 11

    HOUNSLOW Borough's new boss James Wise will make sweeping changes to the side by drafting in 11 new names - but he will do his utmost to stop rival clubs luring away top players like Ian Jones (writes DALE HARRY). Wise, 25, will get his first look at

  • 'ME is like living in a glass cage'

    To look at, Sam Goode from Stoneleigh appears just like any other seven-year-old boy. He has a cheeky smile and loves to chat about football and cartoons. But Sam has Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. It is an illness

  • Tram plan derailed until January

    KEN Livingstone's decision over whether to proceed with a West London Tram scheme, that campaigners believe could result in an increase in rat-running and congestion on Chiswick's roads has been postponed for a year, it was announced this week. The Mayor

  • Top movers on the dance floor

    Elegant dancers in fantastic costumes graced the floor of Crystal Palace Sports Centre, performing a huge range of dance-styles in an international dance competition, which attracted 400 top ballroom and Latin American dancers from more than 26 countries

  • Tram plan derailed until January

    KEN Livingstone's decision over whether to proceed with a West London Tram scheme, that campaigners believe could result in an increase in rat-running and congestion on Chiswick's roads has been postponed for a year, it was announced this week. The Mayor

  • MPs vow to get residents' voices heard

    BRENTFORD & ISLEWORTH MP Ann Keen is calling for residents in Hounslow to join her battle against a third runway at Heathrow. The Labour Member of Parliament is currently working on her submission to the Department of Transport's consultation process

  • Splashing out on a half-term

    The young of Epsom, Banstead and Sutton had plenty to distract them this half-term with activities ranging from the physical to the educational, via the practical. Sutton Community Leisure (SCL) laid on its usual array of courses, camps and activities

  • Was decapitation the work of serial killer?

    A VICIOUS killer struck in Feltham this week, when a rabbit in Dudley Road was brutally killed - in an incident mirroring the recent mutilation of a cat. Between Thursday evening and Friday morning last week (May 22nd and 23rd), the killer got into the

  • Pregnant lady injured in attack

    A MAN and pregnant woman were injured as they filled their car up with petrol at a garage in Hounslow last week. The couple were filling up at the BP garage by Moon's Roundabout, Burns Way at 7.20pm on Monday, May 19th, when the suspect seized his moment

  • Califano exit confirmed but Kershaw signs

    SARACENS' inability to keep hold of their international prop forwards was again in evidence this week after Christian Califano confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season for personal reasons after just one season at Vicarage Road.

  • Buck keeping cards close to his chest

    BUCK SHELFORD is keeping his starting line-up under wraps as he prepares his side for the short trip to Franklin's Gardens to face Leicester Tigers in the Zurich Wildcard Final on Saturday (May 31), kick-off 12.30pm. The head coach has the luxury of being

  • Richmond conquer allo on march to second title

    Richmond Rugby Club's Under 15s are emulating their senior side by going an incredible two seasons unbeaten as they lifted the Surrey Championship trophy for a second successive year (writes DALE HARRY). They are arguably the strongest Under 15s side

  • Transport chief considers A4 traffic noise

    CAMPAIGNERS for a sound barrier by the A4 received encouragement this week from MP Ann Keen and the Vice Chair of Transport for London, Dave Wetzel. Local residents in Wolseley Gardens, whose houses back onto the beginning of the A4 are continuing their

  • Transport chief considers A4 traffic noise

    CAMPAIGNERS for a sound barrier by the A4 received encouragement this week from MP Ann Keen and the Vice Chair of Transport for London, Dave Wetzel. Local residents in Wolseley Gardens, whose houses back onto the beginning of the A4 are continuing their

  • Budget hotel blocked

    PLANS to turn the former Environmental Services building on Glenhurst Road, Brentford, into a budget hotel, have been rejected by the borough's planning officers - after a petition of more than one hundred residents opposing the plans was handed in. A

  • 'Rudest man in Britain' to open fayre

    A HEAVYWEIGHT of political journalism has been named as the man to open the Bedford Park Festival this year, taking time off from giving politicians a grilling on his award winning radio show. Born in Cardiff in 1943, and once accused by Jonathan Aitken

  • Fayre closure is not ferry nice

    THE MUCH anticipated return of Brentford's annual carnival, which was scheduled this June in the guise of the Ferry Fayre, has had to be re-scheduled, after a resident of the luxury housing development that was due to host it, complained that the bustle

  • Fayre closure is not ferry nice

    THE MUCH anticipated return of Brentford's annual carnival, which was scheduled this June in the guise of the Ferry Fayre, has had to be re-scheduled, after a resident of the luxury housing development that was due to host it, complained that the bustle

  • Chance to try mini-rugby at London Scottish Open Day

    LONDON Scottish Rugby Club are holding an Open Day on Saturday June 7th from 11 am. to 3 pm. It is intended to introduce mini rugby and the club to as many boys and girls as possible, scots and non-scots alike. Throughout the morning London Scottish will

  • Library chief assures that closure 'is not an option'

    THE LEAD OFFICER in the redevelopment of Chiswick Library, dismissed fears this week that it may be closed for not adhering to the Disability Discrimination Act, assuring that funding would be made available. Nick Pratt, head of Cultural Strategy Partnerships

  • Gary without a club

    FORMER England captain Gary Patterson finds himself without a club following the upheaval at Farnborough Town and is wondering whether he will have to drop out of the Conference next season (writes TONY FLOOD). The 30-year-old midfield ace, twice an FA

  • Cordery gets Staines job

    FORMER Yeading, Hampton and Aylesbury manager Steve Cordery has been appointed boss at Staines Town as replacement for caretaker Mark Butler. Staines chairman Alan Boon says: "We picked Steve from 40 applicants. He was successful at Hampton and last season

  • Cordery gets Staines job

    FORMER Yeading, Hampton and Aylesbury manager Steve Cordery has been appointed boss at Staines Town as replacement for caretaker Mark Butler. Staines chairman Alan Boon says: "We picked Steve from 40 applicants. He was successful at Hampton and last season

  • Wheeling and dealing well under way at Sarries

    THE now seasonal clearout is well underway as Saracens strive to build a team capable of returning the glory times. The wealth of talent on the way out is startling, with full internationals Craig Quinnell, Christian Califano and David Flatman joining

  • Suvi murder suspect in court

    The man accused of murdering Finnish student Suvi Aronen made an appearance at the Old Bailey. Jason Dockrill, 33, faces a charge of murder for the killing of the 23-year-old student in Wanstead on March 20. Miss Aronen went missing on Thursday, March

  • Suvi murder suspect in court

    The man accused of murdering Finnish student Suvi Aronen made an appearance at the Old Bailey. Jason Dockrill, 33, faces a charge of murder for the killing of the 23-year-old student in Wanstead on March 20. Miss Aronen went missing on Thursday, March

  • Football

    Banstead Athletic are recruiting 15 to 17 year olds for their successful youth team. All games are played midweek under floodlights. The standard is very high. Interested players should call manager David Lazell on 01737 813980. May 30, 2003 11:30

  • Quins stars picked by England

    HARLEQUINS' Jason Leonard, Will Greenwood, and new recruit Mike Worsley have been named in the England squad to tour the Southern Hemisphere for Tests against New Zealand and Australia (writes DALE HARRY). Leonard and Greenwood have been two of England's

  • Pro-am duo's Portugal bid

    A golf trip of a lifetime awaits amateur Andrew Foley and his Tyrrells Wood PGA professional Simon DeFoy if they can come through the next stage of Europe's biggest pro-am competition, the Lombard Trophy. Foley, from Leatherhead, took his first big step

  • New boss Devonshire to ring changes at Hampton

    ALAN Devonshire, the new manager of Hampton and Richmond Borough, has said his first task at the club will be to rebuild the player's shattered confidence and bring in new signings (writes DALE HARRY). The former West Ham and England player takes over

  • Hargraves not forced out

    BRENTFORD'S new chairman Eddie Rogers has denied that managing director Gary Hargraves has been forced out of the club after learning that he would lose his title following a boardroom reshuffle (writes TONY FLOOD). Rogers says: "Gary declined to take

  • Making a good investment

    Sutton's former mayoress Ann Dodwell presented a Carshalton-based credit management firm with an Investors In People Award recently. Mrs Dodwell congratulated staff at Credit Solutions Ltd in Butter Hill, which has a team of 155 employees, for achieving

  • Herts make par-fect start to season

    HERTFORDSHIRE'S county golf side made a dream start to the new season when they beat Middlesex 7-5 at Liphook. "Middlesex are certainly not a weak side," said Herts coach Terry Trude, "and it's always difficult to win away in your first match of the season

  • Boiler companies turn up the heat

    An Epsom company is reinforcing the town's connections with France by forming a business partnership with one of the country's leading manufacturers. Carfield, in Blenheim Road, has been chosen as the UK technical partner for Geminox, a subsidiary of

  • Somner agrees new deal -but Hunt rejects Bees offer

    BRENTFORD stars Matt Somner , Kevin O'Connor and Jay Smith have all agreed to sign new contracts, but Steve Hunt and Jamie Fullarton have rejected the offers made to them (writes TONY FLOOD). New chairman Eddie Rogers revealed: "Steve and Jamie felt they

  • Somner agrees new deal -but Hunt rejects Bees offer

    BRENTFORD stars Matt Somner , Kevin O'Connor and Jay Smith have all agreed to sign new contracts, but Steve Hunt and Jamie Fullarton have rejected the offers made to them (writes TONY FLOOD). New chairman Eddie Rogers revealed: "Steve and Jamie felt they

  • Baker Bowls into top 100

    IT appears to be the month of milestones for Katharine Baker. The British number one is debuting at the French Junior Open this week, just days after a spirited showing in the Astrid Bowl in Belgium consolidated her place among the top 100-ranked juniors

  • Concerts need more publicity

    I read a notice in your paper a short time ago about a concert at Carshalton House Water Tower by a quartet of young French string players. Not having any connections with the Friends of the Water Tower, who organised the concert, I write entirely as

  • Still homeless after serving my country

    I write regarding the letter in the Sutton Guardian on May 8 from a homeless squaddie. I too served in the British Army (Royal Green Jackets) for four years and served on two operational tours, saw two friends die and ask myself for what? On leaving the

  • Animal cruelty

    I have recently become aware of a shocking example of the cruelty of factory farming the pig farrowing crate. The farrowing crate is a metal cage in which sows are confined a week before giving birth. The crate is so small the sows cannot even turn around

  • Drunk Hampton man headbutted police van window

    A DRUNK man who head-butted a window on a police van was bound over to keep the peace at Richmond Court on Thursday. Jonathan Behnegad of Chandler Close, Hampton, will be bound over in the sum of £200. The 22-year-old was arrested for being drunk and

  • Road rage over extra work

    Having been able to get Central Road in Worcester Park resurfaced, ward councillors for both Worcester Park and Nonsuch wards were delighted when the work was started. We were, however, furious when we heard the road was being dug up less than a month

  • Pub plans everywhere but not a drop to drink

    Developer Bewley Homes has submitted plans to turn the Robin Hood pub into two semi-detached houses, just two weeks after a planning inspector rejected its last proposals for the site. A planning application has been lodged with Kingston Council proposing

  • Bellamy scales new heights

    DAVID BELLAMY may have anticipated last week's Embassy Pairs Challenge in Spain to be something of a busman's holiday after giving himself little chance of success, but, the Rickmansworth angler, alongside partner Martin Harper, waltzed away with a fourth

  • Plaque to Titanic survivor is in wrong place, says resident

    THE OFFICER who survived the sinking of the Titanic has his commemorative plaque not in the Twickenham street where he lived, but in a nearby cul de sac, and a local resident is hoping the council will restore it to its rightful place. Peter Butler of

  • Operation cuts down the crime

    OFFICERS from various divisions of the police patrolled the borough in high visibility at the weekend in an operation aptly named Blister. Over 90 uniformed officers from borough community beat officers, crime squad officers, Transport for London officers

  • Do your bit to make life difficult for fly-tippers

    Sutton Future Network has been talking to the Environment Agency about fly-tipping problems. Fly-tipping often emanates from residents' homes without them realising it. In order to reduce the amount of unsightly fly-tipping, the agency is asking people

  • Rapist who sent text jailed for eight years

    A hairdresser who raped a student and sent a boastful text message to one of her friends during the attack, was jailed for more than eight years this week. Aaron Pescud, 20, was invited back to the 18 year old's bedsit after they met at The Works nightclub

  • Get in on the act with new skills

    Hundreds of free courses to help people get back into learning will run in Kingston and Richmond next month. Bite Size is for people from all walks of life to find a new hobby or skill. Courses ranging from CV preparation to survival cookery as well as

  • Hospital one step closer

    The Royal Marsden is one step closer to being among the trailblazers of the Government's controversial foundation hospital concept, after the Department of Health shortlisted it for further consideration. The cancer-specialising NHS trust, which has a

  • Grant keeps classes running

    Drama therapy classes at Foresters Primary School will continue for a further three years after the group that runs them received an £11,000 grant. Funding had only been available to continue the sessions which are primarily for pupils with autism for

  • Green wait on promotion D-Day

    LEVERSTOCK GREEN FC are sweating over the outcome of the Spartan South Midlands League's annual general meeting to see where they will play their football next season. Having finished outside the promotion places in fourth spot, the Pancake Lane side

  • Testimonial Day raises £40,000

    ORGANISERS and senior Hornets officials were delighted with the success of Watford's Testimonial Day on Saturday, May 24. More than 5,000 fans, including corporate hospitality customers, flocked to Vicarage Road to enjoy a host of fundraising events,

  • Testimonial Day raises £40,000

    ORGANISERS and senior Hornets officials were delighted with the success of Watford's Testimonial Day on Saturday, May 24. More than 5,000 fans, including corporate hospitality customers, flocked to Vicarage Road to enjoy a host of fundraising events,

  • Time for tea

    The Wallin-gton Evening Townswomen's Guild is keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a new member. The guild is inviting residents to its next monthly meeting on June 3 at the Red Cross hall in Cranleigh Gardens, Wallington, at 7.30pm. It is

  • Lessons in music and culture

    THE International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Palmerston Road, Wealdstone, is to hold lessons ion Sundays in Gujarati, music and culture for children aged six and over and young adults. The Gujarati lessons will be available at beginner, intermediate

  • Drunk driver who crashed into bollard reported by witness

    A PART-time house husband', as described by his defence counsel, was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £200 when he drove over the limit in East Sheen. Edward Maloney, of Sunbury Avenue, Sheen, drove his Mercedes whilst drunk on Upper Richmond

  • High Streets tweet

    The dramatic decline of the house sparrow has been the subject of much press coverage in recent months. Many theories have been put forward to explain the widespread disappearance but from my observations, little colonies will hang on, sometimes in the

  • Watford director quits

    BRIAN ANDERSON has resigned as a director of Watford FC and its parent company, Watford Leisure PLC. Anderson is likely to be leaving the UK with his family in the near future to live abroad, and feels that he will not be able to dedicate the timed needed

  • 'Lourie did not speak for me'

    A RESIDENT of Kew has this week said the leader of the Liberal Democrats did not speak on his behalf when he thanked council officers for preventing the installation of a phone mast in his street. Mr Daniel Slack a resident and business owner of North

  • Squash club raises £500

    A losing streak provided the inspiration for Cheam Squash Club members to shed some pounds and raise £500 for Macmillan Cancer Relief while they did it. Captain Dave Nott and players, Mark Dinnage, Steve Weller and Rob Winterhalter, have lost nearly four

  • Woman dies in car smash near home

    A woman was killed in her own street when the car she was travelling in collided with four other vehicles in Wandsworth on Saturday night. Patricia Sharpe, 59, from Wandle Way, died when the Toyota being driven by her 80-year-old husband hit a car and

  • Visit centre on open day

    The borough's major provider of services for people with disabilities is opening its doors for all-comers next month. Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning (SCILL) is holding an open day on Wednesday, June 11, between 11am and 3pm, at its

  • Dyer set to sign?

    WATFORD are optimistic they could complete the signing of a new striker next week. Manager Ray Lewington, who is also looking to bring in a forward on loan from a Premiership club for the season, remains "hopeful" that he is got his man, but is still

  • Something for everyone at Cheam fair

    Scores of people turned out to see if they could pick up a bargain at the recent Cheam Charter Fair. The fair has been held in the village since the 1400s and scores of stallholders made sure there was something for everyone, from antiques and bric-a-brac

  • 26% drop in car crime

    CAR crime in Richmond has dropped by over a quarter in the past six months, a figure which has been described as impressive' by community leaders. The total number of crimes reported has fallen from 1,727 to 1,268, a drop of 26.5 per cent. The results

  • Thief caught red-handed says 'please don't call the police'

    AN OPPORTUNISTIC theft has led to the conviction of a 31-year-old man from Kent at Richmond Court this week. Steven Power of Court Cottages, Dorset, had stolen £40 from a cash-box in the reception of a chiropractors owned by Wesley Elliot, at York House

  • Final delivery for Mail Rail

    The underground mail delivery train in central London will stop operating early tomorrow, after serving the city for more than seventy years. Dubbed Mail Rail', the automated service will be mothballed because Royal Mail says it is too expensive to operate

  • Health news

    Residents interested in learning about complementary health should tune in to Radio St Helier (87.7 FM) on Wednesdays between 6.30pm and 7pm. Sutton Complementary Health Network, a support organisation for those offering complementary therapies is hosting

  • Families enjoy a taste of adult learners' week

    A real treat was cooked up at Scola recently when parents and children baked homemade pizzas as part of adult learners week. The event was held to encourage parents to learn with their children and was part of series of activities held at the college

  • Richmond is an inspiration for Royal Parks project

    AN ARCHITECT proposing to create a new royal park in London this week said he would be looking at Richmond's parks as examples of the way green spaces can compliment each other. Sir Terry Farrell has set out a series of 'petits projets ' through which

  • Education 'solution' storing up problems says councillor

    RICHMOND'S education chiefs have blasted government moves to contain the school funding crisis, as 'panic measures', demanding they do more. It follows a meeting between local education authority heads and Education Minister Charles Clarke, who told them

  • Tracing the family tree

    Sir, - I am tracing the family tree and would be grateful for any information on my great, great grandmother, Tamar Hale, aged 75, on the 1901 census, and living at 5 Sillwood Cottages, Nursery Road, Sunbury, Middx, with her son, Charles Hale, who became

  • All the fun of the fair

    Tweeddale Primary, formed from a recent merger between the infants and junior schools, will be holding its summer fair on Saturday, June 7. Stalls, games, a raffle and gymnastic displays as well a scout band are all promised at the event, between 11am

  • 1930's tea dance for Lynde House

    The Abbey Players recently performed songs of the 30s for the residents of Lynde House in Richmond at a Palm Court tea dance. Full size palm trees were brought in, and on the menu was a mixture of items from the Ritz, Raffles Hotel and even Mrs Beeton

  • A real Old Father Thames!

    Gordon Dear, President of the Skiff Racing Association (SRA) and of The Skiff Club, based in Teddington celebrated his eightieth birthday on Tuesday with a special outing on the Thames. Gordon, of Anglesea Road, Kingston, has been messing about in boats

  • Events listings until June 5

    MISCELLANEOUS Claygate English Folk Dancing Club, Thursdays, 8pm-10.15pm, St Nicholas Church Hall in Summer Road, Thames Ditton, 020 8641 2013 or 01372 373 745. Asian Elderly Group meets at 10.30am Tuesdays, Drake House, St George's Road and 10.30am Thursdays

  • Kids listings until June 5

    Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11, 020 7223 2223. King Matt. What would life be like if a child became king now is the chance to find out, June 4-8, 10.30am 1.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm £6-£8. Chessington World of Adventures. Theme park and zoo

  • Nature through the bard's eyes

    SHAKESPEARE will be coming to Kew Gardens next month when Private Drama, a leading supplier of bespoke theatre and event entertainment, presents a limited season of plays in the newly refurbished 18th Century Orangery. Exclusive performances of Shakespeare

  • Grant for community music group

    GEMS, a community music club, has been awarded a grant of over £4,000 by the Local Network Fund. The club organises activities that offer people a chance to be creative and make music in the less privileged parts of the borough. It was founded by classical

  • Successful initiative nets award

    AN INITIATIVE to reduce the school run, and promote cycling among students and schoolchildren throughout the borough of Runnymede, has proved so successful that it has been rewarded with a National Cycling Award. The Runnymede Business Partnership picked

  • Hospital holding family day

    THE Mandeville Veterinary Hospital in Mandeville Road, Northolt, is holding a family day in aid of local animal charities from 11am to 4pm on Sunday. There will be tours of the hospital, a bouncy castle, snakes and lizards, games and prizes, dog agility

  • TV star to host Richmond's business awards night

    TV comedian Al Murray, star of the series 'Time Gentlemen Please', has been announced as the celebrity host of Richmond's Local Business Awards, which are sponsored by the Richmond and Twickenham Times, next month. The Perrier Award winner will compere

  • MP: Release health centre land now!

    SPELTHORNE'S MP, David Wilshire, has this week called on Surrey County Council to immediately release the land it owns, next to Shepperton Health Centre, so that a new and better day centre can be built. His request is in response to last week's announcement

  • House party

    Ever wanted to nose around an artist's home? That's just what people are being invited to do at this year's ArtHouse the Annual Open Studios Art Festival. More than 100 artists across Richmond are opening their homes and private studios to the public

  • Trafalgar launches school project

    COUNCILLORS have welcomed the opening of a new school building in Twickenham, the first to operate as part of the PFI agreement to create new places for young children. The new Trafalgar Infant School building is now open at the Meadway in Twickenham.

  • Bogus charity warning

    Sutton Council this week warned residents to look out for bogus charity collectors operating in the borough. The warning follows several inquiries to the council's trading standards service about fake organisations offering to collect unwanted clothes

  • Grass will be cut in time

    GRASS in Spelthorne will get a cut prior to a visit by the judges of the Boroughs in Bloom contest. Surrey's Local Transportation Director for Spelthorne, Paul Fishwick, gave an undertaking about the timing of the grass-cutting programme to members of

  • Having designs on history

    Carshalton High for Girls pupils recently unveiled a ceramic sculpture they have spent months creating with the help of a local artist. The artwork depicts historic borough scenes and will decorate a nondescript wall at the school. Artist Simon Honey

  • Tertiary Colleges 'best for sixth form'

    A SURVEY commissioned by the Tertiary Colleges Network and carried out by the Responsive College Unit has concluded that the tertiary system is the best model for post 16 education. The Tertiary Colleges Network involves 60 colleges and the Principal

  • Glittering affair to greet new mayor

    An evening of high ceremony and tradition marked the election of Councillor Colin Dawe as Wandsworth's new mayor on Wednesday. The annual meeting of the council to elect the borough's first citizen for the coming year was also a welcome break from politics

  • Alcoholic attacked police officers

    AN ALCOHOLIC who kicked and punched two police officers whilst drunk was sentenced to serve a number of rehabilitation programmes at Richmond Court. Thirty seven-year-old Andrew Hensey of Brickfield Close, Hereford, had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting

  • Boost for scheme to aid dyslexic offenders

    DYSLEXIC inmates at Feltham's institution for young offenders will benefit from money raised by Richmond's dyslexia association, to continue invaluable literacy and numeracy work . At their annual meeting recently Richmond Dyslexia Association presented

  • Batting can only get better

    Wimbledon captain Richard Pearson has demanded a huge improvement when his side entertain Weybridge in the Castle Lager Premier Division tomorrow. Pearson knows his side must produce much better performances if they are to retain the title they won last

  • Best in show

    Footballing legend George Best's wife Alex will be among special guests attending a charity fashion show at St Raphael's Hospice in North Cheam on Monday. Mrs Best, herself a former model, is expected to present prizes at the event on June 2 at 7.30pm

  • Cash boost for community groups

    Three community groups have received a welcome cash windfall thanks to the company which owns the Wandsworth Borough News. The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of owners Newsquest Media, last Christmas donated £200,000 to community charities and

  • GROUNDS FOR CELEBRATION

    With just 48 hours to go until AFC Wimbledon are scheduled to take over the running of Kingsmeadow, chairman Kris Stewart has told fans not to worry if the deal is a few days late in being finalised. The Dons had been aiming to buy the lease from Ks chairman

  • A class act

    Rushy Meadow Primary School in Carshalton has been recognised for its excellence in staff development with an Investors in People (IIP) award. The school in Rushy Meadow Lane achieved IIP status after being assessed in several areas, including its commitment

  • Postboxes sealed after theft

    Postboxes in Roehampton have been sealed since Tuesday as a security precaution after a smash-and-grab raid on a van in which their keys were stolen. Now locals could find it takes another week until they can use 11 pillar boxes in Roehampton High Street

  • Good advice

    Merton Citizens' Advice Bureau has successfully achieved the Investing in Volunteers standard in the management of volunteers. The Investing in Volunteers standard recognises the four key values involved in managing volunteers as commitment, accessibility

  • Troubled maternity unit to stage open day

    THE maternity unit at St Peter's Hospital, in Chertsey, which was cleared of causing the deaths of dozens of babies last month, is holding an open day, in a bid to recruit staff. A report by the Commission For Health Improvement (CHI) ruled in April that

  • Malden top despite defeat

    Malden Wanderers crashed back down to earth with a bump on Saturday. The early Castle Lager Surrey Championship Premier Division pace-setters crashed to a 109-run defeat at home to Reigate Priory. Reigate posted an impressive 250-8 and Wanderers were

  • Rivals frustrated

    Dropped catches and poor bowling cost Sutton victory in last weekend's Castle Lager Surrey Premier Division clash with local rivals Cheam, according to captain Henderson Clarke. After winning the toss and opting to field, Clarke was unhappy that Cheam

  • Testing times for new union leader

    The lush surroundings of the university campus in Kingston Hill must seem a calm and tranquil haven compared with the political maelstrom Mary Bousted will enter as head of a national teaching union. In August, the 43-year-old Kingston University academic

  • The people have spoken

    Terry Wilcox (letters, May 16) continues the distortion presented so often in the past few months by those opposed to CPZ in Merton Park. The council did indeed assure residents that their views would be taken into account. What the council did not do

  • 'Absolute menace' given four-month Anti-Social Behaviour Order

    AN 18-YEAR-old from Chertsey, described by police as an absolute menace on the road', has been given a four-month Anti-Social Behaviour Order. Nicholas Paul Field, of Free Prae Road, stole from cars in hotel and pub car parks, gave false names to police

  • Abandoned

    A Tooting man is demanding answers from an airline after his learning-disabled brother went missing after getting off a plane at Heathrow Airport. Huseyin Mustafa, a caterer based in Blackshaw Road, claims he waited for more than four hours while airport

  • Paying twice for bad service

    As a leaseholder, I have been telling my neighbours for years who are also leaseholders that we are paying twice for certain things. The council tax includes the upkeep of roads, paths and lighting and so does the service charge, which isn't cheap. I

  • No paws as vets hand over reins

    After 30 years looking after New Malden's pets, veterinarians Hope and Davies will hand over the reins. But even without John Davies and Peter Hope there is plenty of quality care available for everything from sore paws to wagless tails. Assistants Margo

  • 'Shabby' youth clubs face axe in shake-up

    Up to four of Kingston's youth clubs could be closed and elements of youth work privatised as part of a review of the council's youth service. The one-year review is expected to be agreed by the council executive on Tuesday and follows a damning 2001

  • Grim statistics of bombing

    The Surrey Comet of September 9, 1944, made shocking reading. For Government censors at last allowed it to reveal details of the death, injury and destruction left during the previous 80 days of continuous enemy flying bomb attacks on Kingston, Surbiton

  • Make music

    Budding musicians are invited to audition for one of the area's leading youth orchestras next month. Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra will be trying out potential new players on Thursday, June 26, at Tolworth Girls' School, Fullers Way North, Surbiton. For

  • Bouncing, bikes, bellies and bands

    Space hoppers, bicycles of all shapes and sizes and prams were used to negotiate the crowds who crammed into Canbury Gardens on Monday for this year's Green Fair, writes Helen Barnes. The bank holiday sunshine drew visitors of all ages down to the riverside

  • Ex-Hammer heads Hampton's revival

    New manager Alan Devonshire believes he will bring the good times back to Hampton & Richmond Borough. The former West Ham and England player takes over a side which won just three Ryman Premier League games last season. Devonshire, who drops down

  • Robbed of assets

    The concept of getting new schools and hospitals you couldn't otherwise afford by partnership with private enterprise had some merit, but no one could have guessed New Labour would have extended this concept to sell all the 600 existing Inland Revneue

  • Esher rack up penalty points

    Esher were deducted two points for the second time this season in their winning draw against local rivals Weybridge in the Castle Lager Surrey Premiership last Saturday. They were again penalised for a slow over-rate, but skipper Derek Lane claims the

  • Take anti-angling crew seriously

    The Government spokesman on angling Martin Salter MP has declared: "The anti-fishing lobby is a few extreme vegans. It's nothing we take seriously." He deludes himself. The angling world finds itself now in the position of the hunting world some years

  • Music while you shop

    Bluegrass band Orange Blossom Sound will be playing in Sutton High Street at 6pm tonight. The band will play on the New Millennium Garden Stage, Sutton High Street. May 30, 2003 10:00

  • Mason miffed by 'cheating'

    Malden Wanderers captain Mark Mason has accused Reigate Priory of "blatantly cheating" during the sides' Castle Lager Premier Division match last weekend. Malden chasing Reigate's total of 250-8 claim their reply fell apart when overseas player Brendan

  • Last glimpse of ship of doom

    There is something undeniably melancholy, perhaps even eerie, about Kate Odell's photograph of the Titanic steaming away from Queenstown in southern Ireland on April 11, 1912. The silent and stark outline of her hull and funnels on top of the cold, grey

  • Olympian welcomes games bid

    LONDON'S bid for its first Olympic Games in 64 years has been welcomed by a Woodford Green woman who won a medal last time round. Dorothy Parlett, of Harts Grove, who became the first British woman ever to win a medal in the 100 metres, believes that

  • The call of the faithful

    One of the most stunning and ambitious architectural projects to be created in Merton for generations Morden's Bait-ul-Futuh mosque is rapidly taking shape, aiming to create a centre for a global community and a valuable asset for the area. The place

  • Make laugh, not war

    Clowns are not the first people you would expect to find in a war zone but a new Leyton exhibition focuses on four clowns who braved war-stricken countries to bring laughter to children. The Cir-Kosovo exhibition, which opened on Saturday at the new 491

  • Man jailed for fatal stabbing

    A man who stabbed a father-of-one to death has been jailed for seven years. Louis Smellie, 44, of North Birkbeck Road, Leytonstone, was last week found guilty of the manslaughter of Patrick Williams, a former soldier and known drug dealer. He was sentenced

  • Storm over IRA 'bravery' comments

    London MP John McDonnell is at the centre of a political storm over comments he made calling for IRA terrorists to be "honoured". The Labour MP, who represents the west London Hayes and Harlington ward, praised the "bravery" of IRA bombers during a gathering

  • Hospital advises on sun exposure

    A NORTHWOOD hospital is advising residents to be careful about their exposure to the sun. Consultant dermatologist at Bishops Wood Hospital Doctor Sarah Wakelin is asking people to re-think how much time they spend in the sun and to take a siesta when

  • Search for best Neighbourhood Watch group

    VIGILANT residents' groups are required for Neighbourhood Watch Week in June. ADT Fire and Security, which has organised the week in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch, is on the lookout for Britain's best Neighbourhood Watch group. The week takes place

  • Council praised by Government

    HERTSMERE Borough Council was praised by central Government this week following the sustained improvements made to its housing service. The commendation came from local MP Tony McNulty and is the outcome of a recent re-inspection of Hertsmere's housing

  • Beer and buses combine for day out

    THE lure of beer is the novel incentive to get people out of their cars and into public transport which has been dreamed up by Hertfordshire County Council and Camra (Campaign for Real Ale). On Monday, public houses across the area recommended by Camra

  • Resident loses appeal against bottling plant

    A BEDMOND resident has lost his appeal against Three Rivers District Council. Mr Roy Beach appealed against the authority's decision to refuse planning permission for a water bottling plant at Stranmillis in East Lane, Bedmond. However, this month, a

  • Give sale profits to Supporters' Trust

    Mr Rajesh Khosla is right to state the previous Kingstonian management in its efforts to bring higher grade football to Kingsmeadow, brought financial difficulties upon the club resulting in the club going into administration. Like most Kingstonian supporters

  • It makes real sense

    It was all hands on deck at Victor Seymour Infants School as work began on a new butterfly and sensory garden. Headteacher Ann Smith (pictured) joined staff and pupils at the start of the project to transform an unused plot into a valuable environmental

  • Train company must not cut more services

    I read with interest last week's story about the success in getting SWT to re-introduce one train service it axed four years ago. Alarmingly Weybridge, Walton, Hersham and Esher are about to suffer a similar fate but this time it is 24 services each day

  • Boy knocked down on 'death trap' road

    A Sutton boy is recovering is hospital after becoming the latest traffic accident victim on a part of London Road labelled "a death trap" by one councillor. The nine year old was taken to St Helier Hospital with head injuries after he was hit by a car

  • Developer should pay for train station on site

    Mr A P Rogers, writing from Chessington, is right. Chessington World of Adventures should, as part of what I understand to be a massive expansion of its activities, be required to provide an adequate railway station on its site. It may surprise some to

  • Councillors not delivering

    May I be permitted to add my voice to that of your correspondent Peter Flower (Letters May 23). The antics of the councillors we are seeing reported in the press do not make good reading. The leader resigning because he did not feel he could make any

  • Building courses top in country

    Kingston University's building courses are the best in the country, according to a national newspaper survey. In its University Guide 2003, the paper gave Kingston 91.4 out of 100 for its teaching in the subject, moving it up from last year's sixth place

  • Drugs and alcohol killed backpacker

    A backpacker from New Malden died "drunk and alone" in a Bangkok hotel room after overdosing on a cocktail of amphetamines and alcohol, an inquest heard. Peter South, a 31-year-old IT consultant, of Belmont Avenue, was found slumped on his bed and dressed

  • Festival lifeline

    This year's Navaratri Festival could be saved after a review panel sent the grant appeal back to the committee which rejected it. It was a positive result for the Sarvoday Hindu Association after it was awarded nothing in March because of council guidelines

  • Burglars take charity cash

    A North Cheam hairdresser who dyed her hair blue to raise cash for Cystic Fibrosis Trust is devastated after burglars broke into the salon and stole the charity money. Rose Gathercole was well on her way to raising more than £800 after her brave charity

  • Appeal event aims to be knockout fun

    If you think you can take on the might of a Surrey Comet all-star team, then why not enter a special It's A Knockout event in aid of Kingston Can, writes Simeon Brody. Ten-person teams are still needed for the family-fun event based on the 1970s television

  • School's award

    Manor Park Primary School will be celebrating its success in achieving an Investors In People (IIP) award next week. A presentation ceremony will take place attended by council education director Dr Ian Birnbaum next Thursday at the school in Greyhound

  • Health week at Fawbert and Barnard Primary School

    Youngsters from Fawbert and Barnard Primary School, Harlow, worked up a sweat during an aerobics class led by pupils from Mark Hall School. The lesson was one of several activities held to mark the primary school's health week. The children also had a

  • Guardian apology

    In last week's Guardian (page 11) we published a picture of a borough schoolboy as part of a news story on Sutton Council and police's latest truancy sweeps. We would like to stress that the boy pictured was not playing truant, was on study leave and

  • Jaw broken

    A woman's jaw was broken during an attack by a man in Brooklyn Close, Carshalton on Saturday, May 17. Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault, which happened between 1.30am and 2.15am. If you have any information call police on 020 8649 0759

  • Hunt for racist attackers

    Police are this week hunting racist thugs who beat a black man with a bottle in West Croydon. Around 12 men pounced on the 21-year-old victim as he walked home from a night out in the early hours of last Saturday (May 17). As they passed him in the street

  • Assault charge

    A Carshalton man has been charged with attacking the owner of a house after breaking into the property. Kieran Thomas, 23, of Thornton Road, appeared at Kingston Crown Court last Tuesday, May 20 and faces charges of assault causing actual bodily harm

  • Next big thing

    The first phase of Centrale, Croydon's new £100million shopping centre, was completed on Thursday when Next opened its North End store to the public. Developer St Martin's Property Group will complete the first phase of development, comprising three flagship

  • On this day, June 4...

    1968: Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones elected for trial by jury over a marijuana possession charge. 1973: The Russian rival to Concorde, nicknames Concordski, exploded in flight at The Paris Air Show, killing all its crew. Sabotage was suspected. 2000

  • On this day, June 4...

    1968: Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones elected for trial by jury over a marijuana possession charge. 1973: The Russian rival to Concorde, nicknames Concordski, exploded in flight at The Paris Air Show, killing all its crew. Sabotage was suspected. 2000

  • Change our litter habits

    Pet owners who allow their dogs to mess on public pavements could soon find themselves falling foul of the law and earning a hefty fine in the process. From June 6, Croydon Council will be introducing tough new measures including on the spot £50 fines

  • Palace runs garden tour

    Tours of the gardens at Eltham Palace are taking place today (Wednesday) and on June 11 and 18. Tickets, costing £10.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, include entry to the site. Call 020 8294 2548 to book. May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Town centre pushes for 7pm shop finish

    Creating a more cosmopolitan Croydon could be one step closer if shop opening hours are extended to 7pm. It is hoped the move will prompt more of Croydon's 25,000 commuters to indulge in retail therapy after work and encourage them to stick around to

  • Palace runs garden tour

    Tours of the gardens at Eltham Palace are taking place today (Wednesday) and on June 11 and 18. Tickets, costing £10.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, include entry to the site. Call 020 8294 2548 to book. May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Embassy says sorry to race attack boys

    Two boys who suffered racist attacks in Sutton during a visit to the area have received an official apology from the British Ambassador to Germany. Teenagers Kevin Petersen and Andreas Munoz Gonzales, from Harsewinkel Realschule, were assaulted and subjected

  • Palace runs garden tour

    Tours of the gardens at Eltham Palace are taking place today (Wednesday) and on June 11 and 18. Tickets, costing £10.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, include entry to the site. Call 020 8294 2548 to book. May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Schemes sure are a bonus for borough

    A scheme targeting young children and their families in some of the borough's most deprived areas is well under way with the launch this month of two new initiatives. An art and craft workshop and a parent group have been set up in Sutton's northern wards

  • Getting the white stuff

    Re: Remembering the Milk Round (News Shopper, March 26) I think you will find John McCarthy used to work for the South Suburban Co-op, not the South Surbiton Co-op! LAURIE DUNMOW Belmont Avenue Welling May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Getting the white stuff

    Re: Remembering the Milk Round (News Shopper, March 26) I think you will find John McCarthy used to work for the South Suburban Co-op, not the South Surbiton Co-op! LAURIE DUNMOW Belmont Avenue Welling May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Recent decades

    Recent history is just as important as the events of 50 or more years ago. Do you recall the growth of pop music in Britain in the 1960s? Perhaps you went to an early Rolling Stones or David Bowie performance? Do you remember what you were doing when

  • Recent decades

    Recent history is just as important as the events of 50 or more years ago. Do you recall the growth of pop music in Britain in the 1960s? Perhaps you went to an early Rolling Stones or David Bowie performance? Do you remember what you were doing when

  • Schools face £3.5m funding shortfall

    The level of government funding has left a £3.5 million black hole for school budgets in Hounslow, says a senior education official. The claim by the corporate Director for Education has raised fears that standards will slip and the curriculum will suffer

  • Crash families have second legal aid claim rejected

    Families who lost loved ones in the Potters Bar rail crash have again been refused legal aid for their compensation claims. It is the second time the Legal Services Commission (LSC) has thrown out the application. Louise Christian, the solicitor representing

  • Ghost in the machine

    Strange symbols on computer screens could mean ghosts are using the latest technology. LUCYA SZACHNOWSKI looks at a tale of a modern haunting ... Author Andrew Green, in his book Haunted Kent Today, shows even ghosts can move with the times. In the late

  • Ghost in the machine

    Strange symbols on computer screens could mean ghosts are using the latest technology. LUCYA SZACHNOWSKI looks at a tale of a modern haunting ... Author Andrew Green, in his book Haunted Kent Today, shows even ghosts can move with the times. In the late

  • PRINCESS ALICE LOTTERY DRAW - May 30th

    Winners in the 308th weekly draw of the Princess Alice Hospice Lottery, Friday May 30th. Keep up with news of Princess Alice including events and the weekly draw winners on website: http://www.princess-alice-hospice.org.uk. If you would like to support

  • Paying twice for bad service

    As a leaseholder, I have been telling my neighbours for years who are also leaseholders that we are paying twice for certain things. The council tax includes the upkeep of roads, paths and lighting and so does the service charge, which isn't cheap. I

  • Hatfeild far from being unpopular

    While agreeing that Merton needs to review its pupil places, which many of us have been saying for some time, your correspondent (News, May 9) is wrong in appearing to imply that Hatfeild is unpopular and almost empty. I would not want your readers to

  • CCTV cameras might stop park vandals

    I despair at the state of the children's play area in our parks in recent times. When I took my grandchildren to King George's playing fields in Tudor Drive, Morden, recently, I had to struggle to unwind the baby swings that had been wrapped around the

  • The people have spoken

    Terry Wilcox (letters, May 16) continues the distortion presented so often in the past few months by those opposed to CPZ in Merton Park. The council did indeed assure residents that their views would be taken into account. What the council did not do

  • Why the rush to shut Battersea kids' zoo?

    Dear Tory Councillors for Wandsworth Isn't it time you started to be more honest in your arguments about the Battersea Zoo? It is your lack of honesty to date that has flabbergasted so many of your constituents on this issue so far, not just frustration

  • School curriculum must be balanced

    I wonder how schools may welcome the current proposals concerning the re-appraisal(?) of SATs at the ages of seven and 11. For many years I worked in a primary school within the borough and towards the end of my time there noticed how grossly addicted

  • Rubbished

    Why is Wandsworth Council so determined to encourage flytipping? My wife and I are about to move and hired a van to take several large household items to the Western Riverside Authority dump in Smuggler's Way. A simple enough process, one would have thought

  • Chemist did so much for us all

    Fairoak Pharmacy at 270 Mitcham Lane, SW16 was managed by chemist Samji Halai (known to everyone as Sam). He provided all of the medical goods prescribed by the GPs at Greyswood Practice for more than 20 years. Sam will be sadly missed and we, the Furzedown

  • Chemist did so much for us all

    Fairoak Pharmacy at 270 Mitcham Lane, SW16 was managed by chemist Samji Halai (known to everyone as Sam). He provided all of the medical goods prescribed by the GPs at Greyswood Practice for more than 20 years. Sam will be sadly missed and we, the Furzedown

  • Sandra's film scoops Cannes film award

    TRIADS, Yardies and Onion Bhajees is the title of a film starring an actress from Woodford Green, that has just scooped the award for the best black and Asian film at the Cannes Film Festival. Sandra Spencer, of Hookstone Way, Woodford Green, plays Sandy

  • Make a cuppa to help out all of the carers in the area

    CARERS and residents are being invited to put the kettle on and host a tea party. The tea parties will form a major fundraising arm of National Carers Week, which runs from Monday June 9, to Sunday, June 15. The week-long campaign, which this year has

  • CCTV cover will increase in bid to deter criminals

    Shoplifters and petty criminals in Merton are to be under increased surveillance as part of plans to step up CCTV operations and create new radio link schemes within the business community. The proposals, revealed in the borough's CCTV action plan for

  • Last glimpse of ship of doom

    There is something undeniably melancholy, perhaps even eerie, about Kate Odell's photograph of the Titanic steaming away from Queenstown in southern Ireland on April 11, 1912. The silent and stark outline of her hull and funnels on top of the cold, grey

  • Ex-England captain is up for grabs

    Former England non-league team captain Gary Patterson has found himself without a club following the upheaval at Farnborough Town. The 30-year-old midfielder, who twice won the FA Trophy with Kingstonian in 1999 and 2000, said: "My contract with Farnborough

  • Keep hold of your property

    As a long term council tenant with the Kingston borough I would like to say I am totally against the handing over of our homes to a private company. God help us if this happens again like it did in the 1950s and 1960s with those rough landlords. These

  • Enchanting views were just the tonic for me in hospital

    When I was in St George's Hospital a few years ago there was quite an unimpressive view from the ward windows, stretching from St Mary's spire in Wimbledon to a maze of railway lines and unlovely tower blocks. What a contrast to the view from Kingston

  • Kind cabbie was willing to go extra mile

    A few weeks ago I visited Kingston from my home in the West Highlands of Scotland. I left my diary with the address of my destination at home. I had a vague idea of the address, so on arrival I set out to find it but got hopelessly lost. I had been travelling

  • HARRIS FURY AS SILLS BAILS OUT

    Kingstonian's leading scorer Tim Sills has reneged on his promise to stay with the club and completed a free transfer to Conference League new boys Aldershot Town. The 28-goal striker pledged his future to Ks in the Comet after winning player of the year

  • Logging on for easier access

    As many people will have read in last week's Comet, we have just launched Kingston Council's new web site. It is now much clearer and easier to use. At http://www.kingston.gov.uk you can access many important services. You can pay bills, report problems

  • False work claim

    A Wallington man has been ordered to do 240 hours of community work after falsely claiming he had carried out dust mite extermination on a house and being paid £170. At Sutton Magistrates' Court on May 12, Andrew Haines, 32, of Clouston Close, admitted

  • Evidence is on every filthy street

    After reading Councillor Osborne's letter, particularly his boast the Lib Dems have "ploughed extra money into street cleaning" I have the following comments. My street is scheduled to be swept every fortnight. However, I only receive a street cleaning

  • Library fun

    There are three children's events taking place at libraries across the borough at the end of the month. On May 29 three to seven year olds can make their own clock and have their faces painted at Roundshaw Library Youth Centre at 10am. The following day

  • Important votes cost school its new status

    John Rook, headteacher of Southborough School, is understandably "disappointed, frustrated and annoyed" by the recent decision by the council committee to reject the school's application to change its status. He is not the only one after the widespread

  • Homes too dear for key workers

    Kingston is the 17th most expensive place in the country for key workers to buy a home, according to a Joseph Rowntree Foundation study. The study found the average price for a two-bedroom home was £181,000 requiring an income of £57,600 to finance it

  • Manager in line for top accolade

    Sutton Council's risk manager is one of three people short-listed for a top industry award. ALARM The National Forum for Risk Management in the Public Sector has selected Michael Sloniowski for its Risk Manager of the Year award. The winners will be announced

  • Regarding Elliots Music Shop in Watford High Street

    THEY sold records, sheet music and musical instruments and before buying a record (all 78 vinyl, we are talking circa late 1940's early 1950's here although I think you could also buy the 12 inch which eventually became LPs) you could go into a soundproof

  • Home fires reduced

    Kingston residents are safer than ever from house fires, according to figures released by Kingston Fire Brigade. Accidental fires in homes were down to 105 during the period between April 2002 and March 2003 a reduction of almost 10 per cent from the

  • Ken cash for Can

    Members of Grafton Football Club in New Malden raised £3,300 for Kingston Can in memory of former committee member, Ken Johnston. Mr Johnston (pictured) died of cancer after Christmas, aged 57. The club in Grafton Road held a party to raise money for

  • Top turnout for Magdelene summer fete

    HUNDREDS of people turned out for the St Mary Magdelene Church annual summer fete in Harlow on Monday. Attractions included a dog show, sideshows and stalls, prize draw, cake sale, tea bar and pony rides for the children. Organiser Tony Harris said: "

  • Nursery places

    Parents should benefit from £80,000 of lottery cash that will bring 25 new nursery places to Roundshaw. The Roundshaw Early Years Centre successfully bid for the money which will go towards a new building. May 30, 2003 09:30

  • Assault charge

    A Banstead man has been charged with indecently assaulting two women at Chicago Rock Caf in Sutton on April 15. Arron Hughes, 22, of Partridge Mead, appeared at Sutton Magistrates' Court on May 12 and was released on unconditional bail pending a further

  • Hunt for racist attackers

    Police are this week hunting racist thugs who beat a black man with a bottle in West Croydon. Around 12 men pounced on the 21-year-old victim as he walked home from a night out in the early hours of last Saturday (May 17). As they passed him in the street

  • Tea lady is United's cup of Rosie Lea

    After 62 years, Sutton United's longest serving tea lady has decided to blow the whistle on the beau-tea-ful game. Rose Ford, 79, began working at Sutton's ground during the height of the Second World War, following in the footsteps of her mother Clara

  • About Moneyhill House, Rickmansworth,

    MONEYHILL House was built in 1720 and became known High House to distinguish from Money Hill on the opposite side of road. It housed at various times, Samuel Salter and, in 1881, Mrs Harriet Walker, patron of St Peter's Church. It was said "to have been

  • Teachers accused of spending spree

    A headmistress accused of living a millionaire lifestyle with stolen school funds enjoyed luxury holidays in the sun with a female colleague, a court heard last Thursday (May 22). Colleen McCabe, 50, spent a fortnight in a secluded Maltese villa with

  • OAP attacked at knifepoint

    Police are appealing for witnesses after a 73-year-old Sutton woman was attacked at knifepoint in her home in the early hours. Two men, one of them carrying a knife, broke into the house in Cressingham Grove and knocked the victim to the floor, leaving

  • On this day, June 4...

    1968: Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones elected for trial by jury over a marijuana possession charge. 1973: The Russian rival to Concorde, nicknames Concordski, exploded in flight at The Paris Air Show, killing all its crew. Sabotage was suspected. 2000

  • On this day, June 4...

    1968: Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones elected for trial by jury over a marijuana possession charge. 1973: The Russian rival to Concorde, nicknames Concordski, exploded in flight at The Paris Air Show, killing all its crew. Sabotage was suspected. 2000

  • Palace runs garden tour

    Tours of the gardens at Eltham Palace are taking place today (Wednesday) and on June 11 and 18. Tickets, costing £10.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, include entry to the site. Call 020 8294 2548 to book. May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Getting the white stuff

    Re: Remembering the Milk Round (News Shopper, March 26) I think you will find John McCarthy used to work for the South Suburban Co-op, not the South Surbiton Co-op! LAURIE DUNMOW Belmont Avenue Welling May 30, 2003 17:30

  • Police stop £2 million cocaine 'robbery plan'

    Police found what is believed to be more than £2 million worth of cocaine after stopping a car during a planned operation in south London yesterday. Police say they acted to foil an attempt to rob alleged drug dealers. The silver Mitsubishi Galant, containing

  • Police stop £2 million cocaine 'robbery plan'

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