Cabinet Members agreed that Elmbridge Borough Council enters into an Option Agreement with the NHS North West Surrey Alliance Development Partner
to enable the development of an NHS Neighbourhood Health Hub at Elm Grove in Walton-on-Thames
Cabinet also acknowledged the impact on the Walton Bowling Club and agreed to continue to consider alternative options for the Walton Bowling Club
which includes a commitment to reasonable financial assistance for a merger or to improve bowls facilities in the borough
the Elmbridge Cabinet will decide on the proposal to create a new NHS Neighbourhood Hub at the Elm Grove site in Walton-on-Thames
This development aims to ensure all residents have access to high-quality healthcare services close to home
are committed to the wellbeing and wellness of the local community
Their ambition is to provide high quality healthcare services for the local population
reduce unnecessary hospital visits and enhance patient experience.
The aim of the Neighbourhood Hub is to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities and tackle health inequalities by creating multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)
These teams will include GPs and other primary care professionals
and domiciliary and care staff working together
to work more efficiently with healthier outcomes for the local community
this NHS Neighbourhood Hub development on the Elm Grove site offers a blueprint to deliver a first-class health infrastructure which will offer integrated health services
tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes for residents in Walton-on-Thames and the surrounding area
Walton-on-Thames has some of the highest levels of need
While the average life expectancy in Walton is 83.3 years and 84.9 years in North West Surrey
it drops significantly to 78.6 years for men in the southern part of Walton
This is a stark contrast to the 87.6 years in Oxshott and Stoke D’Abernon
The Neighbourhood Hub approach to community care aims to bridge this gap by ensuring all residents have equal access to health and support services close to home
The development of the site will enable the relocation of all health services from the current health centre and community hospital site at Rodney Road in Walton
The Neighbourhood Hub will allow the existing 13 services to be significantly expanded
operating in specially designed patient care facilities with the latest technology
the current 19 GP practice rooms will be increased to 26
there are at least seven more planned services that will benefit the local community
specialist nursing support for heart failure
talking therapies for anxiety and depression
A further benefit of the new building is that it will facilitate a seven-day service
Elmbridge Cabinet will be asked to review the outcome of engagement with residents from the end of 2024
During our engagement through November and December 2024
which included a survey and in-person sessions
we gathered feedback from around 500 residents on the Elm Grove proposals to
Residents’ responses covered green spaces and play areas
the NHS neighbourhood Health Hub and Walton Bowling Club
A more detailed report on the engagement is available.
Elmbridge Cabinet will discuss an extraordinary opportunity to support improving health outcomes for Walton residents by selling land on the Elm Grove site to the NHS development partner
Cabinet approval will enable the Neighbourhood Health Hub to be built.
The Neighbourhood Hub would centralise essential services
supporting community health needs and reduce pressure on local hospitals
the Neighbourhood Hub would offer flexible
sustainable facilities to benefit the community.
while the benefits of a Neighbourhood Hub are significant
we also appreciate the passion and strength of feeling associated with Walton Bowling Club and the wellbeing value bowling brings to our residents.
Elmbridge is fortunate to have a variety of active bowls clubs in the borough
We will continue our discussions with Walton Bowling Club about their future plans and support them as best we can
This support includes a commitment to reasonable financial assistance for a merger or to improve bowls facilities in the borough.
Our proposal is to enable a new Neighbourhood Hub at Elm Grove in Walton-on-Thames
the proposed new Neighbourhood Hub development offers a unique chance to develop a modern
integrated service that will support residents and improve healthcare for the local population
integrated Health Hub while preserving green spaces and enhancing the much-valued Elm Grove recreation ground
ensuring it remains a vibrant and valuable space for everyone to enjoy
Portfolio Holder for Resources and Deputy Leader
Elmbridge Borough Council
The agenda for the Cabinet meeting is available
Watch the Cabinet meeting on 30 April at 4pm
the Cabinet meeting will now be held on 30 April at 4pm
Meeting agenda.
Watch the meeting on webcast.
We are aware of inaccurate information circulating regarding the development of Elm Grove in Walton-on-Thames
When incorrect information circulates it creates unnecessary worry and we apologise for that
Included in this information is the assertion that on site tenants such as the Elmbridge Eco Hub are being forced to leave their current location
the team is positive and optimistic about their move to Coronation Recreation Ground in Hersham
This new location is giving them a permanent home
allowing them to enhance their services and increase their positive impact on our community.
The potential development of Elm Grove will be discussed at the Elmbridge Cabinet meeting on 24 April (which will be webcast)
At that meeting Cabinet members will discuss the options for the site in the context of the business case presented and the results of the residents’ consultation from November / December 2024
All information about Elm Grove is on the council’s website
The Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council have also been hosting events around Elmbridge in recent weeks
discussing Elm Grove (among other topics) and answering any questions from residents.
If the answer to your query on Elm Grove is missing from the website, please email communications@elmbridge.gov.uk and we will ensure it is added
Elm Grove will no longer be on the agenda for the Elmbridge Cabinet meeting in March
In order to work through the full details and information needed with our NHS partners and on site tenants
we will defer the report until a special Cabinet meeting in April. The results of the consultation will be published with the reports for the special Cabinet meeting on 24 April
The Shaping Elm Grove engagement is live from Monday 18 November until midnight on 18 December 2024
After considering your feedback and adopting the Development Brief for Elm Grove in Walton-on-Thames
we would like to hear your comments on our emerging proposals for Elm Grove
Your thoughts and opinions are valuable to us
and we invite you to share any further views you may have about this site
Elmbridge Borough Council is seeking to develop part of the Elm Grove site for either a new NHS neighbourhood Health Hub or for housing
Redevelopment of the site will facilitate improvements to Elm Grove recreation ground
including play area enhancements and more trees to help alleviate flooding on site.
Elmbridge Borough Council and your local NHS are aiming to transform the delivery of health and care services
we can bring a range of essential services into one convenient location for the community
The focus is to support people in their own communities ensuring they can access the right service at the right time
The Elm Grove site is ideally positioned for this and will allow expansion of both primary care
community health and wellbeing and care services
It will support the population health needs now and as the community grows
The site offers a unique opportunity for a broad mix of professionals from health
voluntary and community sectors to work together
and focus efforts on the needs of the people of Walton-on-Thames
Local health practitioners and community providers are collaborating with Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership to shape these exciting plans
We understand the importance of Elm Grove to our community
The decision on whether to develop homes or a Health Hub will depend on the available space.
we cannot accommodate a neighbourhood Health Hub or an optimum number of homes on the site
if Walton Bowling Club and the Eco Hub remain in situ.
Your views matterIn this latest community engagement on Elm Grove
we are asking your views on the possible development of the site including the value you would place on a new neighbourhood health hub for Walton
We have an online survey available to capture your views but as always if you would like this in another format please email: communications@elmbridge.gov.uk.
We will also be available for the below in-person sessions
where you can hear more about the possible neighbourhood health hub and understand more about the options of the site
The Shaping Elm Grove engagement is available from Monday 18 November until midnight on 18 December 2024.
The views captured during this engagement will be reported to Elmbridge Cabinet as part of an options report in the new year
and we look forward to seeing you at our drop-in sessions – no booking needed
More information on Shaping Elm Grove
Stay up-to-date on council and borough news through WhatsApp and our newsletter.
Join Elmbridge Borough Council’s WhatsApp
Sign up to the Elmbridge Borough Council newsletter
Help improve this site by giving feedback
Stephen Grove (right) and his son Brenton will compete at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps ahead of their 24 Hours of Le Mans effort together – Credit: Iron Lynx
Iron Lynx has confirmed Stephen and Brenton Grove for their FIA World Endurance Championship debut at Spa in preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hours
The father and son duo will compete in the third round of the 2025 schedule with Iron Lynx at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on 10 May
After Claudio Schiavoni suffered a physical injury at the European Le Mans Series’ 4 Hours of Le Castellet last weekend
he will focus on becoming fully fit for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Matteo Cressoni will also step out of the driving seat to support the Grove family pairing ahead of their maiden appearance at Le Mans in the third Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 Evo
Martin Berry will, meanwhile, join the #61 Mercedes-AMG crew, replacing Christian Ried in the lineup, partnering with co-drivers Lin Hodenius and Maxime Martin
Brenton said: “It’s super exciting to make our WEC debut this weekend in Belgium
“It’s a shame that it’s in these circumstances
and we wish a speedy recovery for Claudio – we will do our best to make him proud
“The team were great to work with in Portugal
so it made sense to continue our program in the lead up to Le Mans
The Iron Lynx team have been working with the Mercedes-AMG package this season
Iron Lynx accomplished their first race finish with both entrants
Spa will act as a precursor for all teams ahead of the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans
READ MORE: Iron Lynx ‘satisfied’ with Imola home race despite P13-P15 finish
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
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Former Test referee Owen Doyle has delivered a withering put-down of Scottish whistler Sam Grove-White after assessing his performance in the recent Stormers v Connacht match in the United Rugby Championship
The Irish province were beaten 29-34 in Cape Town on April 19 in the opening match of their two-game tour to South Africa that ended with last Saturday’s 7-26 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg
An ex-IRFU director of referees, Doyle now writes a weekly column on refereeing in The Irish Times and his latest contribution didn’t pull any punches when it came to reaching a verdict on the underwhelming effort of Grove-White in Cape Town
he lauded the display of Hollie Davidson after she took charge of last weekend’s tour-ending Connacht match
“Hollie Davidson is the best referee in Scotland
She is also easily in the top half of the other practitioners on the circuit,” wrote Doyle
“Connacht finished their tour in South Africa with a solitary bonus point for their efforts
They were accompanied on their travels by Davidson
“He handled the first match versus the Stormers; with Davidson in charge on the highveld
where Connacht were put to the sword by the Lions
I’ll bet the westerners wished the appointments were reversed
“Grove-White has been around for a long time
and I won’t be alone in remaining completely unconvinced by his performances
Critical scrum penalties against the tourists were impossible to agree with
but some of his verbals seemed meaningless
Impressively taking ownership of her decisions
she cut out the need for the TMO on several occasions
Davidson also called an excellent penalty for a foot trip – she saw it
More referees might consider trusting their own eyesight.”
A post shared by BKT United Rugby Championship (@urc)
Sticking with the URC, Doyle described it as a cop out by tournament administrators to blame a malfunctioning match day tablet and app – and not referee Andrea Piardi and his supporting team of officials – for the gaffe that incorrectly left Munster playing with 14 players in their April 19 loss to the Bulls
after the fixture with the South Africans in Limerick went to uncontested scrums early in the second half
as the laws state that a team should not lose a player if the reason for uncontested scrums is a head injury
but it took some time before Munster were restored to 15 players with Kendellan allowed back on the pitch
Doyle said: “What they are blaming is a malfunctioning tablet and app
The reasons players leave the field are entered into the app
It is programmed to inform the officials of the correct next steps to take
The officials overseeing replacements only had to use old-fashioned pen and paper to come up with the same answer as the app
But maybe they just didn’t know their business.”
READ MORE: The ‘worrying’ 10-year record broken last weekend by the Irish provinces
Owen Doyle has insisted that Leinster should have been awarded a game-winning penalty try in the final minute of their Champions Cup semi-final
The match officials for the 2025 mid-year internationals have been confirmed
World Rugby’s confirmation that Andrea Piardi has been appointed as second Test referee on the British and Irish Lions tour has generated plenty of heat
The match officials for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour have been announced
which includes the referees handed the whistle for each of the three Tests
Orange Grove Hotel and Gardens has been voted Best Events Venue for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the prestigious 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards
The accolade marks the second year running that the venue has won the award
Owners Louise Martin and Annaliese Hughes are delighted at this recognition of their significant investment in the heritage venue since they acquired it in 2024
“We are thrilled to have retained our Muddy Stilettos Award for another year,” said Louise
we are delighted to have won it twice in a row
and we believe it reflects our ambitious vision for the property and the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team.”
“We’ve come a long way since acquiring the business a year ago
and we’ll be holding a party in the summer to celebrate this win with the fabulous suppliers and customers who’ve helped us get here
We will also be offering 100 complimentary tickets to members of the public on a first-come
first-served basis – so watch this space.”
“A key objective is to diversify our services,” said Annaliese
“We’re currently exploring a partnership with a beauty and wellness brand to transform some disused space into treatment rooms
This addition would allow us to offer relaxation and rejuvenation services to leisure guests and wedding parties alike
elevating both our overnight stays and our events offering with in-house beauty and wellbeing treatments.”
“We’re looking to make more thoughtful use of our land too,” Louise explains
“Plans include the introduction of shepherd huts nestled among the trees
offering a charming alternative to traditional accommodation and appealing to anyone seeking a nature-rich stay
We’re also exploring the addition of a gym and cold-water therapy to enhance our wellness offering further.”
“Another exciting development in our pipeline is the creation of a greenhouse restaurant at the front of the land
This would become a destination restaurant blending seasonal dining with the natural beauty of our surroundings
It would also serve as a beautiful new event space
supporting the continued growth of our events business.”
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Take your taste buds to new heights without your feet leaving the ground at this magical
immersive dining experience that's returning later this month
In partnership with Feast on Cloud 9, the specially-commissioned red and white balloons will be grounded within the picture-perfect gardens of The Grove
where they overlook the flowing waters of the magical ornamental canal
experiential events and their central focus is always the food so you can pretty much guarantee that it’s going to be good
The fact you’re sat in an adorable vintage hot air balloon
surrounded by 300 acres of stunning countryside is just the cherry on top
Allow your taste buds to soar without your feet having to leave the ground
The 2025 menu hasn’t yet been revealed
but based on previous menus; we can assume that it’s going to be blooming delicious
Tables can be booked in groups of between four and six due to the size of the baskets
and just in case our good old British weather isn’t cooperating
there’s a secret indoor area for you to continue to enjoy your feast
The balloons are available all throughout the summer
sun-soaked evenings – remember what those feel like?
Find out more and plan your visit here
Ian Payne is Leading Britain's Conversation
Polls have closed in a series of elections across England which could see Nigel Farage’s Reform UK deal blows to both Labour and the Conservatives
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour faces a battle to hold on to the Runcorn and Helsby seat in the Commons, with Reform hoping to take a seat the governing party won convincingly at the 2024 general election
Kemi Badenoch faces her first test as Tory leader with the party braced for a difficult set of results
with both Reform and the Liberal Democrats hopeful of stealing council seats last contested in 2021 at the height of Boris Johnson’s popularity with Conservative voters
The Runcorn and Helsby by-election was triggered when former Labour MP Mike Amesbury quit after admitting punching a constituent
The 2024 result suggests it should be a safe Labour seat – Amesbury won 53% of the vote – but Reform’s Sarah Pochin is the bookmakers’ favourite to secure a by-election victory
Read More: Keir Starmer faces growing calls to give MPs 'final say' on any UK-US trade deal
Read More: With Reform knocking on the door of local politics, the Tories look set for a bloodbath, writes LBC's Natasha Clark
More than 1,600 council seats are up for grabs across 23 local authorities
while four regional mayors and two local mayors will be elected
Mr Farage said he wanted to “smash the two-party system”
But Sir Keir said voters faced a clear choice between Labour politicians “working together to bring change to Britain” or “chaos and division with parties who have no plan for change”
Mrs Badenoch said the Tories would offer “better services and lower taxes” but she has acknowledged her party faces a tough set of results
A Tory spokesman said: “Tonight will be the first real test of Keir Starmer’s Labour government
10 months after they won an unprecedented majority at the general election
“The Conservatives have started on the process of renewing our party under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership
“But we also have always been clear that these would be tough elections for the party – defending an incredibly high watermark from 2021 when we took two-thirds of all seats
“If the 2024 general election was replicated on today’s battleground
we would lose control of almost every single council.”
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mrs Badenoch faced “a reckoning at the ballot box as former Conservative voters across the home counties rally behind the Liberal Democrats”
Davey was optimistic about his party's prospects as polls closed
"We are expecting to see big gains against the Conservatives in their former Middle England heartlands," he said
"Last year the Liberal Democrats won a record number of MPs and became the largest third party in 100 years
Now we are on course for our seventh year of local election gains
"Voters have delivered their verdict on a Conservative Party that broke the country and a Labour government that is too timid to fix it."
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Former Accel investor Candice du Fretay launches Outlier Grove
a $20m angel and seed fund backing Europe’s next global B2B leaders
The fund aims to accelerate B2B startups through early engagement with the US market
du Fretay is bullish about Europe’s ability to create global category leaders
The region has become a centre for world-class tech and AI talent
which she attributes to its leading universities and the groundbreaking AI and engineering work coming out of research labs like DeepMind in London and Meta’s FAIR lab in Paris
winning the US market is required to achieve significant scale
Although the conventional wisdom is that European startups should wait until Series A to sell their products in the US
du Fretay believes this approach means founders can miss early opportunities to share best practices
learn about competitors and sell into the US market
reducing their chances of achieving category leadership
she saw that many of Europe’s most successful B2B platforms sold their products globally ahead of their Series A
du Fretay acts as an extension of the founding team
insight and access to the fund’s network of US-based LPs – entrepreneurs
directors and C-level executives that have shaped the success of over 25 category-leading companies including Anthropic
The fund will take a collaborative approach
writing cheques of $200,000 to $500,000 alongside business angels and other seed firms
it will invest in around 25 companies from the very earliest stages
“Europe is home to world-class tech talent and has consistently produced groundbreaking research and innovation
the US is a large and lucrative market where buyers have big budgets and a strong appetite for adopting emerging technologies
so Europe’s outliers can think globally from day one
Through my own US network and the backing of entrepreneurs and C-level executives from iconic US scale-ups and enterprises
Outlier Grove will support these exceptional individuals and accelerate their journey to global leadership.”
Southern Grove has secured a debt facility its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Tower Hamlets
Southern Grove has secured a financial package for their 111-bedroom
£36m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Tower Hamlets
Specialist capital advisory firm Arc & Co
closed a 70% LTV debt package in partnership with Ingenious Capital Management
whilst also sourcing a joint venture equity investor to support the development of the PBSA scheme
Andrey Redman structured the debt with the Ingenious and Falco teams over a period of eight weeks
The Tower Hamlets PBSA scheme will have a gross internal area of 43,249 sq ft
5,382 sq ft of which will be commercial space
The scheme will also deliver both internal and external amenity spaces
There will be communal amenity and shared gardens on the first
Construction is set to begin in Q4 this year. The design team included Ollie Cooper, Senior Planner at Maddox Planning, Adam Blacker, Director at DMWR Architects Ltd and Jonathan Lonergan
“It is a pleasure to support ambitious developers who are acquiring and building to provide much-needed homes in the popular PBSA
has the necessary expertise and deep relationships to source funding partners that have the right appetite and experience to back these ambitious strategies
“Our advisory approach ensures that the structuring results in the best possible outcome for the borrower—now and as part of their future business plans
“We are excited to support all parties as they bring their strategies to fruition.”
Southern Grove has ambitions to deliver 50,000 across its living sector brands
marine and aviation – allowing it to provide specialist advice across a range of financing solutions
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JAM students join None of the Above at Jammin’ in the Grove 2025 – photo © G Nicholas Hancock
Youngsters from the Caldwell County JAM, Stokes County JAM, Morganton JAM, and the Yadkin County JAM attended the event, and each group performed in between sets from featured bands which included The Zack Brown Band, The Biscuit Eaters, His & Hers, and None of the Above. Tim Frye, DJ at WPAQ and WBRF Radio, served as MC for the event. The local Union Grove Elementary School Cloggers kicked off the music by entertaining the audience with a couple of dance demonstrations.
Blake Farms owner, Brenda Blake, said she hopes the event will continue annually as a fundraiser for JAM, and members of None of the Above quickly agreed. The Blakes purchased the farmland formerly owned by the Harper Van Hoy family, who produced the annual Ole Time Fiddler’s and Bluegrass Festival at the site they called Fiddler’s Grove every Memorial Day Weekend from 1970 to 2013.
Featured bands began with Zack Brock and his four-piece ensemble. Zack is from Yadkinville, NC, and his musical influences come from country, bluegrass, rock, and Americana. Brock has released two EPs titled Old House Sessions and Sunday Morning Turnaround.
The Biscuit Eaters are a bluegrass family band from Surry County, NC comprised of the Wilkerson family that includes Samuel, 15; Josiah, 12; Maggie Jane, 10; Silas, 8; and Molly age 6. Meredith on guitar is the mom, and Jason on bass is the father. The kids are multi-instrumentalists.
His & Hers is a husband and wife fronted folk Americanagrass band from North Carolina. They have four albums, among them Come On In, in September 2022 and Live at The Primavera Roadhouse, Volume 1 in March of 2024.
None Of The Above, out of both Surry and Yadkin Counties, NC, has been performing in the Piedmont Triad area with their bluegrass-based acoustic music for well over 25 years. Their music incorporates elements and material from a variety of styles including bluegrass, alternative country, folk, rock, and their own original compositions.
According to Brenda Blake, the next Jammin’ in the Grove will be scheduled for May 2, 2026.
emailAbout the AuthorNicholas HancockNicholas Hancock is a former newspaper writer and editor who also played rhythm guitar in The Bluegrass Gentlemen from 1968 through mid-1974
he is retired and enjoying his hobby of photographing bluegrass and other music events
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For north Londoners it doesn’t get much better than this: a 40-minute drive up the M1 and you’re there
It would be easy to think that you’re in the heart of the British countryside
rather than a 15-minute drive from Watford and the famous ‘Making of Harry Potter’ Warner Bros studio
But the Chiltern Hills are just a half-hour drive away and there are plenty of quaint nearby villages to visit
Arriving at the hotel is
The first thing you hit is the vast championship golf course before you roll up the driveway into the ominously large car park
Passing two imposing event spaces before you even reach reception
the lobby – located in an 18th-century red brick mansion – bustles with families and groups of friends
The aforementioned conference centres (there are
three onsite) are found in the more contemporary west wing which was added in 2003 and
looks more like a boarding school or new-build flats
teamed with the endless stream of golf club-wielding men gives parts of the place a disconcertingly corporate feel
But all of that is forgotten once you start exploring the estate
whose award-winning spa and outdoor spaces are the main attraction
Read more: The UK’s best spring walks to make you feel alive
Whilst an intimate, boutique experience this ain’t, personal touches are still paramount. The staff are as available and attentive as in any smaller hotel and, although busy, nothing feels frenzied. Indeed, more than a corporate hub or golfers' paradise, The Grove is clearly geared towards families
my two-year-old swiftly grew besotted with a staff member called Lizzie who was manning the arts and crafts section
they decorated flags and paperchain-style people
and painstakingly threaded a beaded bracelet
The hotel’s bedrooms and suites are divided between the 189 rooms in the west wing
and the 12 suites and 13 bedrooms in the Grade-II listed mansion
All rooms boast separate baths and showers
overlooking the perfectly manicured gardens
decorated with muted greens and browns in an obvious nod to the natural surroundings
But the real highlight was the carefully thought-out additions we found dotted around the room
staff had left us a box containing toys and books
robata-grilled meats and fish prepared right in front of your eyes
Breakfast is also served in the three-tiered dining hub
with yet more stations manned by chefs whipping up fresh omelettes
as well as table upon table blanketed with all the typical “full English” and continental goodies you’d expect
you can opt for more measured à la carte options at The Stables or Madhu restaurants
with an ample outdoor terrace overlooking the golf course
is a bright and airy conversion of the estate’s original 18th-century stable block
with a focus on seasonal British classics with a modern twist
and omnivorous tasting menus (all at £80 a head) with optional wine pairings
Afternoon “high chai” is also served between 12 and 3pm
the pottery shed hosts a series of pop-up dining experiences and
guests can book the “feast on cloud 9” experience – a nine-course tasting menu taken in a hot air balloon firmly tethered to the ground
Read more: I hiked to the UK’s most remote gastropub and foraged for my own dinner
A hotel as big as this is all about the facilities
with the spa alone equipped with 18 treatment rooms
an indoor pool and its own restaurant serving health-boosting broths and bowls
there is a (very separate) indoor pool on the other side of the hotel
as well as an outdoor playground and OFSTED-registered kids club for children aged two to nine
There’s also plenty to keep adults and children occupied across the rest of the estate
with free activities on offer including archery
the hotel creates its own sandy beach next to the outdoor pool
and offers hot air balloon rides and sporting camps at an extra cost
There are lifts in both sections of the hotel and two accessible bedrooms
The hotel will accommodate dogs provided they weigh less than 30kg and are fully house trained
Guests also need to pay £50 per dog per stay
Dogs are only allowed in a selection of bedrooms
located on the ground floor of the west wing
and they are not allowed to enter any of the restaurants or the spa
All of the west wing rooms can accommodate at least two adults and a baby
and the deluxe rooms have capacity for two adults and two children
For anyone wishing to take advantage of the available childcare
Anouska’s Kids Club is open daily throughout the school holidays and on Saturdays all year round
and can be booked in three-hour time slots costing £45 per child
Best thing: The activities. In the summer, the outdoor pool and deck-chair-strewn Ralph’s beach is the perfect place to while away the afternoon, while woodland walks (with wellies provided) and bike rides can be enjoyed all year round
Perfect for: Families with young kids or large groups of friends
Not right for: A couple looking for an intimate
which are lined with candy-striped hot air balloons in summer
Website: Thegrove.co.uk
Read more: Best Lake District hotels for lakeside views, spa breaks and Michelin-starred meals
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Apologies to those patiently waiting on March’s report (there have been some
but with our April fixture list looking threadbare
The fact that I missed the deadline has nothing to do with it
Join us for an electric two months of football
It began with consecutive season-defining performances in March as The Mighty Salads took their game to a new level week after week
with two frustrating games taking a bit of the shine off the miracle month that came before it
got embroiled in a scandal that unfortunately I can’t talk about
I used to write these blogs to take friendly jabs at teammates
and less friendly swipes at the opposition who outclassed us with ease
Not that we’re safe from the occasional humbling
It can be tempting to compare our club to others
but I’ve come to the belief that I just don’t care
there are so many more interesting things going on
We now have to cast an eye to the prestigious awards ceremony
Who will take home the trophy for the most assists
Who will be outed as the biggest teacher’s pet of all (given to the Manager’s Player of the Year)
and this edition was box office by anyone’s definition
This usually wouldn’t be anything to write home about
of which three games remained at this point
We’ll come back to our double header in April
Marcus alone had a hat-trick of nearly goals
stopped only by the strong hand of the keeper
Talisman Rory stepped up to the plate first
pouncing on a loose ball in behind to get the scoresheet going
the latter’s a particularly impressive smack into the top corner from distance
were already asking for the game to be called off
Sunday League throws up all kinds of quirks
asking the referee to blow the final whistle twenty minutes in
Dan and Joel added to the goals in the second half
A late double to seal yet another hat-trick in Rory’s glittering career made it 7-0
Academy team PROFA – who had done the double on us in the league – were all that stood in the way of a place in the final
The stakes were raised when news broke that the winners of the other semi had been disqualified
This match wasn’t just another cup game anymore
Winning meant going into the final as bona fide favourites
Few have been more present in these moments than Dan
who had been enjoying his freer role from the back line
a man-mountain to squash the technical football we knew the opposition had
we watched as the ball fired past the outstretched hand of the keeper
It took a special effort to open the game up
PROFA retaliated with a goal shortly afterwards to level proceedings
was due to go on trial for Dundee United the following week
It was a surreal piece of information to hear
sucking on his vape and rubbing his beer belly
Disaster struck at the start of the second half
A mean bobble caught our defensive line by surprise
and the opposition striker’s quality did the rest
despite the effectiveness of our game plan
The second half was predictably wrought with tension
we went hell for leather and threw every available forward onto the pitch
Having prioritised the needs of the team over personal success for 90 minutes
A lofting pass bounced towards PROFA’s goal
Gavin got his body in the way of the onrushing defender
If you thought the term “limbs” only applied to the professional game
and even a rogue pooch piled on Jeff as he wheeled away in celebration
Football is about these rare feelings of pure elation
They are what remain after everything else is history
but the lads had done everything they could
None of us would have believed it was possible to get the opportunity when we started the season
And our re-introduction to Division four had been a rude awakening
Little did we know at the time that Newton City were the league favourites
adopting a playing style of smash and grab
Their strengths were equal parts psychological and physical dominance
Then we learned that none of our three goalkeepers would be available
The ghosts of our past had come back to haunt us once again
I’ve mentioned that heroes in Sunday League aren’t always apparent
but after five minutes it was clear to all of us that Mike knew what he was doing
Several key pieces of goalkeeping gave us the spine we needed to feel comfortable
if the referee hadn’t made himself the star of the show
Without re-visiting what was a painful day
his failure to control the game took away from its intensity
Newton went 1-0 up through a very dubious penalty
Having started the second-half on the front foot
then went up 2-1 with two incisive finishes
Newton were brutes who were looking for pushovers
A sharp attack and smart forward play brought the scores level once again
The last ten minutes should have been played out with as much passion as the first eighty
Some incredible decisions from the ref led to a penalty for both teams
Several yellow cards and a sinbin were brandished
I’m glad that we have developed our own version of “Fergie Time”
but even the opposition manager graciously admitted his team got a little lucky
It was time to go back to DAR for two back-to-back fixtures to end a memorable season
I’m afraid that I cannot discuss the games much
but you can find a full report of both on our website
I write to you at the tail end of the season
but it’s time to reflect and have a well-earned break
When does a football club become more than just a football club
This club began as a means to an end – a simple desire to play the game and call out those who claimed they would have gone pro if not for ‘that knee injury’
It’s hard to negotiate the right balance in Sunday League
Clubs are in a constant battle to sink or swim
and the cost of living has everybody looking over their shoulder
The politics of running a side is far more nuanced than you might think
Thank you very much if you have followed along for the journey
Anybody who can call themselves a Salad has contributed to making this team what it is
I stated that Grove Park Rangers was here to stay
You can find out more about Grove Park Rangers and catch up with their old blogs on their website: groveparkrangers.co.uk
See also: Decision imminent on plans for tower block at Hogarth Roundabout
See also: New classical music festival for Hammersmith – Black Lion Festival
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Ohio (WCHS) — Police are investigating after "highly explosive materials" were found at a home in Coal Grove
as well as the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office
responded to the home along Pike Street overnight where they removed and “disposed” of the fireworks
Police said they were called to the residence about 9 p.m
Sunday after a report of highly explosive materials at a residence in the 300 block of Pike Street
according to a news release from the Coal Grove Police Department
Officers were granted permission to enter the home where they said they discovered the reported illegal explosives
a series of controlled discharges were conducted during the removal process
residents within 100 feet of the home were evacuated and the street was closed
“While we understand many were inconvenienced by the timing of the material disposal and the loud explosion without prior notice
we ask for understanding given the severity of the situation and the need to maintain a secure
spectator-free scene,” the city said in the news release
An investigation into the incident is ongoing
but the police department said no arrests have been made
The city initially reported that a person was arrested in the incident
but has since said no arrests have been made
No injuries were reported in the incident and Pike Street has since reopened
Ash Grove Court is a studio and two bedroom apartment led high-end PBSA and boasts strong bookings for 2025-2026
Beachrock has been instructed to sell Ash Grove Court
a 99-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) asset adjacent to the University of Surrey Stag Hill Campus
The bid deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025
The Guildford-based scheme is a studio and two bedroom apartment led high-end residential specification and the asset boasts strong bookings for 2025-2026
The accommodation boasts a vibrant courtyard with a games area and private terrace
or soak up some sunshine during the warmer months
Residents can also gather together and enjoy movie nights or gaming sessions in the communal lounge
equipped with comfortable seating and modern entertainment facilities
the Ash Grove Court scheme includes an on-site fitness suite featuring state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
A dedicated study area also provides quiet spaces and residents benefit from convenient bicycle storage facilities and comprehensive contents insurance included in the rent
Ash Grove Court is a five-minute walk from the University of Surrey and a 23-minute bus ride or eight-minute car journey to The Academy of Contemporary Music
Guildford’s historic landmarks include Guildford Castle and Guildford Cathedral
Stoke Park offers acres of green space for outdoor activities
while The Star Inn is an ever-popular public house
On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May the Revenues & Benefits Online Forms for Benefits and Council Tax will be unavailable while an upgrade takes place
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
East Herts Council and housing association
have announced the handover of affordable homes at Limsi Grove
a brand new development built by Cala Homes
with 20 being rented at an affordable rate to local people on the council’s housing register
The remaining seven are being sold on a shared ownership basis (part-buy
The properties include one and two-bedroom flats and two and three-bedroom houses
with two of the two-bedroom flats having wheelchair access
Limsi Grove is situated in the open countryside but is within easy walking distance of Hertford town centre with all its shops and amenities
including the brand new BEAM entertainment venue
affording children the opportunity to walk and cycle to and from class
whilst two train stations regularly offer services to London
East Herts Executive Member for Neighbourhoods said
“I am delighted to be able to open the doors at Limsi Grove to the people of East Herts
The completion of this development is another milestone in the growth and evolution happening in our corner of Hertfordshire
offering new and affordable housing opportunities to our community.”
Executive Director of Development for Paradigm
“The East Herts Council housing team is really proactive
and understands the growing need to more affordable housing
Producing new neighbourhoods that actively add value to the Council's local communities is not easy
We’re thrilled that our relationship with the Council continues to go from strength to strength
allowing us all to provide more homes for those that need them the most.”
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Here is the latest update on Chris Jericho and Fozzy’s canceled concert situation
Earlier today, just a few hours before the 3rd May episode of Collision, the Royal Grove in Nebraska announced that Jericho’s band, ‘Fozzy’, has canceled their May 3rd show in the venue. The venue uploaded a statement on Instagram and updated its fans about the situation
“IMPORTANT UPDATE‼️ Fozzy has canceled their show at The Royal Grove on May 3rd
The band’s lead singer has chosen to prioritize a wrestling match and despite our efforts to keep the show as agreed
we’re offering all ticket holders a 2025 All-Year
Or you may request a full refund instead.”
The venue emphasized in their statement that Jericho chose to prioritize a wrestling match over the show
This prompted several fans online to question Jericho’s return tonight on the 3rd May edition of Collision
The former ROH World Champion had been absent from television since the April 9th episode of AEW Dynamite
when he expressed his disappointment in Big Bill and Bryan Keith
It's worth noting that despite the venue's claims, Fozzy actually cancelled this show three months ago. https://t.co/pttEspmQaapic.twitter.com/Vo1c8qvgyY
— ITR Wrestling (@ITRWrestling_) May 3, 2025
Speaking at the Horror, Rock & Wrestle Fest 2025 event
Chris Jericho shared the story of how he had turned down his first WWE contract
‘Should I put you down with an asterisk?’ And I was like ‘No
put me down with a ‘no,’ I’m not interested,’” Jericho recalled
which I’m convinced was supposed to be me.”
who asked me if I wanted to come in for a try-out.”
In other news: A budding WWE star has vowed to end John Cena’s career early.
This week's WWE Raw featured a Gunther-Pat McAfee confrontation and Jey Uso facing Seth Rollins in the main event
A former WWE champion has competed and won his first match on Raw in over five years
Paul Heyman has explained why he turned his back on Roman Reigns
A former WWE Champion has announced their wedding engagement
AEW Women's Champion Toni Storm wants to wrestle this Academy-Award winning actor
CM Punk has opened up on the women wrestler's role in WWE
A WWE Hall of Famer's daughter is currently training to become a pro-wrestler
New update has emerged on Chelsea Green's WWE contract
Southern Grove appoints a new CEO - a senior board-level professional in the residential development sector
Southern Grove has announced that Nick Vaughan is their new CEO
He brings a depth of talent and experience
including as the former Head of Greater London Residential Development at Savills
Nick is a senior board-level professional in the residential development sector
with experience in leading on both the development and funding sides of the industry
He is also a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
directing and leading innovative projects that reflect a commitment to excellence and sustainability
Southern Grove is looking to expand and explore new opportunities
and Nick shares their passion for creating thriving communities while tackling the housing crisis head-on
With their brands – Future Generation
Evolution and Mast – the business is committed to ensuring at least 50% affordable housing across all of their schemes
Southern Grove is a specialist mixed-use developer dedicated to delivering highly sought-after residential schemes and hospitality projects
the company also seeks to increase the amount of desirable affordable housing in partnership with housing associations
Future Generation is Southern Grove Group’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) arm
Future Generation creates superior quality
award-winning student living with superb finishes
high-tech interior design features and a unique approach to creating cohesive communities
Both companies champion a design-led approach
which creates best-in-class developments that consistently create high sales demand and reliable rental income
‘[A] compelling new brand that will be modern and dynamic’
What former Aberdeen CEO Stephen Bird said about the company’s name change to Abrdn in 2021 — a decision that was reversed last month to “remove distractions”
Aberdeen isn’t the first company to experience a branding malfunction…
‘The best has been made even better’
What Coca-Cola CEO Roberto Goizueta said in 1985 about the launch of New Coke
an allegedly ‘improved’ formula
the company was forced to reinstate the original after just 79 days
CEO John Roberts’ take on Royal Mail’s rebranding as Consignia in 2001
This was ditched within a year after suggestions that it sounded like a shipping container
‘A fresh take on a beloved brand’
Tropicana president Neil Campbell describing its new
intended to “reinforce the emotional connection” consumers had with the drink
It turned out those emotions were largely anger
‘A reflection of our heritage and a vision for the future’
Weight Watchers CEO Mindy Grossman in 2018
which apparently stood for Wellness that Works
inspired by nature but enhanced by man’
this time plugging its new “highly sophisticated” bottled water
An article in The Grocer claimed that it was actually treated tap water from Sidcup
MM received the following comment from chartered financial planner Greg Neall (right) on an article about IHT pension changes:
“This is just sour grapes from advisers with egg on their face.”
You’ve joined the hallowed ranks of the Mixed Metaphor Brigade
“It only took one bad egg to create the chain of events that led to this economic shitstorm.” (Eggs again
“The financial bailout machine has trapped America into playing Cliffhanger on The Price Is Right
only we’re heading on an upwards path to Nowhereville
and the yodelling never stops.” (We’re sure that path to Nowhereville is quite the hike.)
they have quietly reattached the daisy chains of toxic sludge.” (Are toxic-sludge daisy chains a thing?)
Ivor Harper of Park Financial gives his suggestion for a future Aberdeen name change (all right
This article featured in the April 2025 edition of Money Marketing.
If you would like to subscribe to the monthly magazine, please click here
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Young students from Brentford School for Girls also helped plant the orchard
which consists of 14 apple and pear trees.
Robin Grove Park is situated in Syon and Brentford Lock Ward
near the club’s previous stadium Griffin Park
which was built on an orchard owned by the brewers Fuller Smith and Turner
owner of the Fuller’s beer and brewing business
contributed towards costs of the orchard and were also present at the event
The Robin Grove Park Orchard was created as part of Brentford’s commitment to nature and creating biodiversity
According to International Union for Conservation of Nature
24 per cent of Europe’s bumblebee species are threatened with extinction
They are in decline due to loss of habitat
New green spaces such as the orchard are vital for bees to thrive
the orchard also serves as a place that the community can visit and enjoy
the club also established the Gtech Community Garden
a natural space just outside Gtech Community Stadium which consist of different plant species
Brentford sustainability manager James Beale said: “We’re grateful to Hounslow Council for helping us develop this orchard
as well as all those from the community who planted trees with us.
“Nature is a key pillar of our work here at Brentford
but significant steps to nurturing our environment for our habitat and society
We hope the community can enjoy this space and benefit from it.”
leisure and public spaces on Hounslow Council
added: “Our orchards are a cornerstone of our borough's history
as a place that once supplied London with its fruit and vegetables
teaching the next generation the value of sustainability and living healthy lives
we've honoured this legacy by planting 16 new orchards in parks such as Lampton Park
and to club ambassador Marcus Gayle and players
for their collaboration on planting our borough's newest orchard in this once-neglected patch of land
"It was wonderful to see local school children planting the new trees and making sure they were given the best start in their new home
I hope these same children will join other local people in watching the trees grow
thrive and bear fruit."
Opening with Rudyard Kipling’s 1903 poem ‘Boots’ – now known for soundtracking the recent trailer for the upcoming film 28 Years Later – False Reality indicate or even promise a lot of things for their set
But whilst rage carriers are notably absent here
the crossover thrashers do certainly live up to some of the promises indicated
Riding high following a string of headline shows and sounding on absolute brilliantly form
the London unit don’t shuffle but spree through their set with all the haste and persistence of the murderous lunatics from the aforementioned upcoming film
There’s nowt grace or hesitation to False Reality tonight
just the ceaseless stomp synonymous with the UKHC movement as of late that’s further complimented with that classic
lacerating and timeless thrash edge that’s clearly enjoyed by the battlejacket-donned punters here
especially with it’s solo sounding akin to Slayer in their prime
and whilst some of this large room may have all the energy of the undead
there’s still plenty of stank faces and headbangers abound clearly enjoying this fantastic set
Continuing along the edge of crossover thrash are Grove Street
Back in Bristol after supporting Power Trip just a few weeks back
the band’s position as main support on this bill feels a bit odd to begin with
they are undoubtedly a product of the hardcore and adjacent scene that has birthed all three bands on the lineup
there’s a touch of contrast between what Grove Street offer and the musical threat posed by their peers tonight
as the band bounce around to the likes of ‘Ultimate Penalty’ there’s almost a level of playfulness and overt fun to their set
it’s an expected to an extent: who can forget Grove Street’s origins as a homage to a certain video game we all played at a dubious age
As push-putters and two steppers mosh for supremacy whilst collectively trying to avoid the pillars that characterise this venue
Tracks from their most recent record The Path To Righteousness are performed with a level of flair that ultimately showcases their right to be playing to crowds of this size
with ‘Ulterior Motives’ becoming the catalyst for the first stage dive of this evening
it does become clear why Grove Street have been handpicked to play main support here tonight; their energy can probably power this venue for a year alone
Heriot has a decorated history with this city
In 2022 the band played their EP release show to a sold out Crofters Rights
Late last year their played their debut album release show at the Exchange
a space almost twice as large as the room they conquered just months back
As they lurch into ‘Sentenced To The Blade’ prior to bludgeoning Bristol with ‘Enter the Flesh’ Heriot sound like a band with tightly closed fists
bloodshot eyes and jaws clenched so tight their teeth are close to cracking
Flying through material from their aforementioned debut Devoured By The Mouth Of Hell
Heriot genuinely sound furiously determined
It could be said that this band have long held a sense of hellbent determination that has allowed them to scale up the metaphorical ladder so to speak so rapidly
such intent feels almost palatable and borderline dangerous
‘Foul Void’ and ‘Soul Chasm’ sound positively lethal and are delivered with a sense of malice
their signature HM-2 delivered sound essentially driving pitters to cease both pushing and moshing in favour of just daftly lunging at each other
A sense of blind rage essentially becomes the theme of the evening
but as the band continue through their 45 minute set
As Heriot flog Bristol to an inch to it’s life
it’s clear what has allowed this band to scale up so quickly is how they are able to channel and articulate their inherent extremity in a way that’s more palatable than most extreme metal
most would argue that tracks such as ‘Solvent Gaze’ and ‘Mourn’ would counter such a notion of palatability
especially with the way they’ve delivered with spittle and phlegm tonight
but it’s not since likes of Rolo Tomassi have we seen a band able to deliver blinding extremity in a way that’s agreeable and digestible
A sleek performance of ‘Opaline’ validates such a sentiment perfectly
it’s growling beauty wonderfully showcasing the inherent nuance and intricates of this band
the hyper-agression and musical ultra-violence is still the primary factor
draw and catalyst for Heriot; a fact made proven by a thunderous and pummelling rendition of ‘At The Fortress Gate’
a closer that bolsters the fact that this band have managed to engineer their sound to appeal to the masses without comprising the danger their name has become to resonate
it’s impossible not to reflect upon the posters that until recently adorned the walls behind the bar of this venue
Show flyers of colossal acts who The Fleece has hosted in bygone years
But there’s no questioning their future as one of the biggest and most celebrated names in extreme music
Whilst heavy music is becoming more and more commercialised in general
tonight shows how Heriot are able to still animate a sense of real threat in their craft whilst still being approachable to anyone with an interest in alternative music
Who knows just how far up that ladder this band is going
A feasibility study into a new railway station at Wantage and Grove is to be carried out this year
Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned SLC Rail to put together the strategic outline business case for the project
It is expected to be published by the end of September 2025
Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy
said: “Oxfordshire County Council has long been an advocate of a proposed Wantage and Grove Station
“This area has had a rapid increase in population in recent years and if we are going to be able to meet our ambitious targets set in our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan
regular and reliable transport options that serve our local communities and businesses across the region is essential for supporting the people
our economic centres and climate change objectives.”
The proposed new station would support the substantial growth in population that has taken place over recent years and provide residents with a high-quality and sustainable alternative means of travel
Oxfordshire County Council is leading on the promotion of the station and will be working closely with Network Rail
Great Western Railways (GWR) and South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils to progress any plans
Network Rail’s industry programme director
said: “We welcome the feasibility study into a proposed new station for Wantage and Grove
“The industry strategy – the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study
jointly commissioned by the county and city councils
and the Department for Transport – highlighted opportunities to expand Oxfordshire’s railway and help deliver economic growth to the region
This recommended a number of potential future improvements to support increasing interconnectivity across Oxfordshire
which could support the provision of new stations.”
A Wantage and Grove station was initially opened in 1846 but has seen no trains since 1964
GWR’s Business Development Portfolio Director Tom Pierpoint said: “We welcome the development of new stations across our network and are proud of our record working with partners to connect communities to the railway in recent years with new stations opening in Bristol
“We look forward to engaging with the study
rolling stock and crew requirements.”
Proposals for the new station will feature in Oxfordshire County Council’s emerging OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail strategy
which is expected to be adopted later this year
according to an independent opinion in 2018
it is estimated to become the fifth busiest station in Oxfordshire
attracting at least a million users a year
There is also a strong economic case for the station
as it is estimated to generate £2.48 for every £1 invested
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New homes along Corbett Street in the Love Grove neighborhood have brought in people and families in the once secluded neighborhood
Archie Blue Park in the Love Grove neighborhood in Wilmington
a lifelong Love Grove resident dedicated to the mentoring the youth in the community and was employed for more than 30 years by the Boys & Girls Club
One Tree Hill Way leads residents across the Love Grove Memorial Bridge into the Love Grove area of Wilmington
Smith Creek can be seen on both sides of the Love Grove Memorial Bridge that opened in 2018 and leads into the Love Grove neighborhood of Wilmington
Homes along Stanley Street in the Love Grove neighborhood in Wilmington
Smith Creek can be seen on both sides of the Love Grove Memorial Bridge that opened in 2018 and leads into the Love Grove neighborhood
Homes along Stanley Street in the Love Grove neighborhood
New homes along Corbett Street in the Love Grove neighborhood have brought in people and families in the once secluded area of Wilmington
One Tree Hill Way leads residents across the Love Grove Memorial Bridge into the Love Grove neighborhood of Wilmington
played a key role in advocating for the Love Grove Memorial Bridge in Wilmington
This photo captures him on-site during the bridge construction
The Love Grove Memorial Bridge in Wilmington on March 31
Traffic travels over the Love Grove Memorial Bridge on Tuesday
The tracks use to be the only way in or out of the community until the completion of the Love Grove Memorial Bridge
The Love Grove Memorial Bridge crosses over Smith Creek on Monday
The railroad tracks leading into the Love Grove community on Tuesday
The Love Grove Memorial Bridge crosses over marshlands in Wilmington
One day back in 2013 architect Jane Middlehurst was on her way to her Peckham studio when she spotted “just a scrappy junk waste site” backing onto a railway viaduct and sandwiched between housing on one side and industrial workspace on the other
Jane had founded Poulsom Middlehurst with her friend Amy Poulsom a couple of years earlier
they tracked down the site’s owner and asked if he was interested in selling
The GLA had just launched its custom build fund
and they thought the site might lend itself to a self-build scheme
“We huddled together a random group of people who might be interested,” Jane recalls
and there were some other local people that we’d met.” The plan was to get funding as a group
end up living as neighbours – and build a flagship project for their practice in the process
They quickly discovered that the GLA fund was designed for developers; would-be residents couldn’t apply as a group
They couldn’t borrow from commercial lenders as they didn’t have the resources to pass the financial checks
the boutique development company founded by Roger Zogolovitch and his son Gus
Solidspace had built a reputation for building carefully- crafted homes on small sites that others might overlook
with a view to becoming London’s first custom build enabler; developing projects as well-insulated
airtight shells that purchasers could adapt to their budgets
The backdrop of railway arches and the adjacent industrial space give the project a gritty edge
funding the project as part of the GLA Custom Build Housing Programme and commissioning Poulsom Middlehurst to obtain planning consent for a terrace of three houses and four apartments to be sold as a shell
the submission was a textbook infill on a tight urban site
but with a polite nod to the rhythm and scale of the residential street
clean-looking brick – a waterstruck brick manufacturerd using a traditional ‘soft mud’ process – to reflect the project’s contemporary style
and the Zogolovitches insistence that the houses should incorporate Solidspace’s signature split-level configuration
eating and sleeping to flow across a series of interconnected levels
View looking east along Blenheim Grove towards Rye Lane
The new terrace responds to the pre-existing mix of Georgian and Victorian houses and more recent apartment blocks
who lives in one of Solidspace’s early split-level houses (Zog House in London’s Queen’s Park designed by Groves Natcheva)
is quick to point out that the split-level section has much to recommend it
“It’s really complicated but it optimises every square inch of space because it effectively gets rid of all the corridors.” In addition
it makes full use of both volume and light
The changes in level create ‘natural’ divisions between different rooms or zones
Overall it “allows small houses to punch above their weight.”
a fact that exacerbated the perennial problem of finding contractors willing and able to deliver high-quality work on relatively modest projects
Gus concedes he had unrealistic expectations
Maybe it would have worked with something more traditional But you can’t outsource the implementation of innovation
I cycled here every single day for seven months
If I was to change one thing it would be go slower; not take on so many projects
“Building a shell is standard practice in many countries throughout the world
Raising development finance is a challenge
The custom build fund set up by Boris Johnson came with an interest rate which was based on how risky we were
in that it meant we were able to refinance
Though we still ended up owing a million pounds in interest to the GLA.”
and their friends from the original working group had held onto the idea that they might still buy into the project once the base build was complete
But the project took so long to realise that people had got married
Jane had moved to Sheffield; Amy had moved to the Czech Republic
Gus had to find a new generation of purchasers; simultaneously marketing the location
Case study 1
Would-be purchasers quickly discovered that mortage finance for custom build is as elusive as development finance
each resident has established their own ‘playbook’ for customising their home
Some designed and project managed the fit-out themselves
Matthew Shepherd and Matthew Wood have all delivered projects on the scheme
Case study 2
A couple of the residents approached Poulsom Middlehurst to design and deliver their fit-out
and we’ll always be grateful to Gus for keeping us as architects
He is thrilled that the project has been shortlisted for a RIBA London Award
“how do you want us to judge this?” – a question he struggled to answer
Residents have found radically different ways to express their individuality while working from the same shell
We’ve ended up with really interesting diverse homes.”
In commercial terms the big win has been the location
it’s been a lengthy project; but the costs have been counter-balanced by the concurrent rise in Peckham’s fortunes
Gus opted to retain two flats rather than take any profit from the scheme
gambling that the long-term rise in value will validate the immediate financial pain
the flats are earning their keep as rental properties and “a bit of a show project – I was keen to build up my portfolio and doing up my own place felt more satisfying than buying off the shelf.”
but it would have to be the right site and the right price
You don’t make as much money on a shell scheme.” Then again
“I made the decision a long time ago that I’m not going to be the kind of developer who follows the easy money
© Built Environment and Architecture Media Ltd 2025
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Bell Phillips has submitted plans to replace a former school in Ladbroke Grove
The scheme for client Manak Homes would redevelop a 769m site that was once home to the Lloyd Williamson school
It was submitted to Kensington & Chelsea earlier last month
The proposal involves demolishing existing buildings at 2-14 Telford Road and 246-248 Ladbroke Grove
around 500m north of Ladbroke Grove tube station
The building provides a nursery on the ground floor with a courtyard play space
providing homes for 90 people in a mixture of one
Both the flats and the nursery will have entrances on Telford Road
while bike storage and refuse would be at the rear of the site
next door to North Kensington Fire Station
Bell Phillips says the nursery will retain the site’s existing social and community use
the practice says it has taken references from surrounding buildings
such as curved glazed brickwork referencing the rounded corner of the Eagle
Recessed bays and finely detailed metalwork balustrades
reference details found in terraced housing on Ladbroke Grove
Biodiverse green roofs and planting will contribute to the biodiversity net gain and urban greening across the redevelopment
A timeline for the scheme has yet to be set out
TagsBell Phillips Architects Housing Kensington & Chelsea Ladbroke Grove nursery
MVRDV and Mecanoo are among five finalists vying to design…
BDP’s College of Arts & Society at Coventry University has been named…
Lewisham Council has given Turner Works planning permission for a mixed-use regeneration…
Wandsworth Council has given Gehry Partners planning permission for two more residential…
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Sustainable and active transport in Normanton and Arboretum is getting a boost thanks to a new mobility hub
Building on the success of similar schemes elsewhere in the city
the new mobility hub will be installed into the Grove Street car park
giving citizens and local businesses greater choice when deciding how they travel around their local community
Mobility hubs provide the local community with a range of sustainable and active travel methods
making it easier for citizens to access local amenities whilst also helping the Council to learn more about the area’s transport needs
Work on site to install the Grove Street mobility hub will begin in Spring 2025
Work will also be carried out to make improvements to the car park
which is situated adjacent to the busy Normanton Road area
We’ve been working hard over the past eighteen months to enhance and diversify Derby’s active and sustainable transport offer
giving citizens greater choice when it comes to deciding how to travel around the city
Our teams have listened to citizens and learnt from other mobility hub sites and now we’re ready to introduce another mobility hub into Grove Street
This latest mobility hub will be a welcome addition to our ever-growing network of active and sustainable travel choices
playing a key role in our combined efforts to combat climate change through reduced pollution and congestion in Derby
Work on site to create the hub will begin in Spring 2025 and is expected to be completed within a few months
The mobility hub will be funded by the Department for Transport (DFT)’s Future Transport Zones Fund
which was awarded to Derby City Council to trial new and exciting developments in transport
citizens and local businesses will have the opportunity to quiz Council Officers about the new hub at a community engagement event on Tuesday 17 December
Officers will be in the Grove Street car park from 11am – 3pm
sharing information about other mobility hubs within the city
such as the already established Six Streets mobility hub and the new hub on Nottingham Road in Chaddesden
This is also an opportunity for the Council to learn more about any potential transport challenges and needs
Residents who would like to know more about the mobility hubs can get in touch with the Future Transport Zones team by emailing traffic.management@derby.gov.uk
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One of the largest social housing developments in the country is currently under construction in Liverpool
Place North West went along to find out more about the project
Regenda Group’s regeneration of the 1970s Grove Street estate aims to provide more and better homes on the cusp of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter
the scheme will see the number of homes on site double to more than 300 as the ageing apartments are levelled to pave the way for the delivery of energy efficient homes for existing and new residents
Metro Mayer Steve Rotheram said partnerships like the one with Regenda at Grove Street could help the city region make “a big dent” in its housing target
while also pushing the nation towards Labour’s 1.5m homes target
Regenda Group’s executive director of operations and customer service
outlined how the future of Grove Street has been crafted with the existing community in mind
“We looked at [the ongoing regeneration of the Knowledge Quarter] and thought we want better for our residents,” she said
“They want to be part of this regeneration so we extended the boundaries to include [Grove Street].”
including the social value Regenda and contractor M&Y Construction are generating
Can’t see the video? You can watch it on the Place North West YouTube channel
Read our
300 units as the largest social housing development in the country…..really
This is a great development and the terraced housing element should be copied throughout the city in places like Scotland Rd
Developer BXB has selected the Warrington-based firm to prepare the ground for a link road aimed at unlocking the Cowley Hill residential 104-acre site in St Helens
Liverpool City Region’s largest brownfield site
DB Remediation is scheduled to begin the 12-month package of work in June
The firm also delivered a package of enabling works […]
The local developer has submitted proposals for a £12m project comprising 20 properties on a prime site in the south Liverpool suburb
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A planning application has been submitted on North Somerset Council’s behalf outlining proposals for Grove Park in Weston-super-Mare
Permission is being sought by We Made That
the council’s appointed architecture practice for the project
has been closed since December 2023 due to vandalism
This project is part of North Somerset Council’s ambitious placemaking vision for the town
made possible thanks to the authority’s successful bid for £20 million from the UK government
Proposed designs have been shaped by local people
community groups and organisations as a result of a series of engagement events led by We Made That
This included a free family-friendly public event – the ‘Grove Park Gathering’ – held in Grove Park on 1 June
North Somerset Council's executive member responsible for placemaking
said: “It’s great to see these proposals being submitted for planning approval
the work would make a positive difference to the park’s main entrance from the High Street and relocate the public toilet block back into the park
We want to draw more people to and from the town centre to enjoy this beautiful town centre green space
encouraging more footfall and trade into the town
“It’s a key priority for the council to involve the local community in shaping plans
I was delighted that over 120 people attended the Grove Park Gathering event in June and to see that those people’s comments have fed into these proposals.”
People can find out more about the proposals, including detailed drawings, on the council’s website
The planning application number is 24/P/2162/R3
To find out more about the improvement programme in Weston, visit the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/improvingweston.The photographs below were taken at the Grove Park Gathering event held on Saturday 1 June 2024
Named for Cincinnati's Spring Grove Cemetery
The Ophelias' fourth full-length album is a stunning ode to mid-size cities
It feels almost unbearably emotional to listen to an album so intricately entwined with a city that I haven't called home for over a decade
My grandparents are buried in Spring Grove; I have a deep connection to the river and to the cicadas that basically eclipse the sun every 17 years
I also worry about running into my exes on Ludlow or Vine
But one needn't be from Cincinnati to connect with this album
Cincinnati is the vehicle through which The Ophelias explore self-narration and the process by which our experiences become our histories
the album ranges from melancholy nostalgia to the more rageful sounds of Salome
Andrea Gutmann Fuentes on violin and Spencer Peppet on guitar and lead vocals
the fullness of the sound so completely echoes the emotional content of the lyrics
imbuing our collective memories of Cincinnati with a folkloric quality
an album executed with honesty and compassion
Spring Grove by The Ophelias
When you first reach the final stretch of North 11th Street
the road twists down King Street across the railroad tracks
revealing Love Grove -- a Wilmington neighborhood rich with history
"My grandmother lived out there for many years and now my brother has taken over the property there on King Street," Islah Speller
creator and tour guide for Journeys Wilmington African American History Walking and Riding Tours
Speller fondly reminisced about childhood visits to her grandmother in Love Grove -- picking berries along the railroad tracks
feeling the clay from Burnt Mill Creek beneath her feet and racing with friends past the cemetery
11th Street just before what was formerly the neighborhood's sole entrance
"We couldn't go out when the train was coming because we would just look out the screened-in porch and see the train ride down the middle of the street and the house would tremble," Speller said
recalling the old railroad that once ran straight through the neighborhood
Raised with her parents on Wilmington's Southside
Speller affectionately described visiting the natural haven of Wilmington's Love Grove as "the country within the city."
Although much has changed since 6-year-old Speller once ran through the streets
many longtime Love Grove residents still say it's the enduring quiet they cherish most
once home to just a few dozen single-family dwellings
While a bridge built in 2018 gave the neighborhood a second entrance and addressed safety concerns
it's also spurred on an abundance of new homes constructed as recently as 2023
Now longtime residents adjust with the changes while holding tight the neighborhood's historic roots
Less than 10 years ago, Love Grove was only accessible via King Street -- a route frequently blocked by passing or stopped trains along the CSX right-of-way. Since the 1940s
residents and community leaders had urged city officials to create a second entrance
"We were like hostages," Elder Lynda McMillan
longtime resident of Stanley Street and preacher with Spiritual Educational Outreach Ministries
said when she sat down with the StarNews at her home in March
they couldn't get out of Love Grove and no emergency transportation could get in
and that would be blood on somebody's hands."
The problem was amplified in June 2013 when six flammable tankers carrying hazardous materials derailed
blocking the neighborhood's only access point for more than 12 hours
while others grew anxious about health issues and access to care
one thing was particularly heartbreaking -- missing her brother's wake in Georgia
She eventually managed to leave the neighborhood by driving over a makeshift bridge atop the train tracks
despite opposition from officials on scene
about another way out of here," McMillan said
Located at the intersection of Stanley and Liverpool streets
McMillan's house is commonly referred to as the "Praise the Lord House," with its bright orange shutters symbolizing strength
McMillan recalled turning to prayer during that pivotal moment in 2013
"The Lord spoke to me in the spirit saying you will be like David that went before Goliath," said McMillan
She connected with Ronald Sparks -- engineer
former councilmember and advocate for the Love Grove community -- alongside at least six other community leaders
they successfully undertook the mission of securing a second entrance for Love Grove
A 2004 interoffice memorandum from former city manager Sterling Cheatham reveals $280,000 was allocated in 1996 to fund a second entrance into Love Grove
The plan was to construct a two-lane ribbon pavement section from Corbett Street to McRae Street
When CSX denied permits for grade crossings
city staff met with community leaders and $95,000 of that funding was instead redirected to construct sidewalks
widened cross sections and curbing along King Street
"I was an engineer for the city of Wilmington ..
but nobody would take action on it," Sparks said
adding that he went on to become a councilmember in 2007
They were locked in here and couldn't get out
Having worked on what he estimates to be around 800 bridges in his career
his proposed solution wasn't immediately agreed upon
"We had to fight hard to get this," Sparks said
The Love Grove community created campaign signs
led marches and eventually sat down with councilmembers at McMillan's home
Recalling that meeting inside her residence
McMillan said she told councilmembers "If the train derails
They had to feel what we felt over here," McMillan said
you don't know if the train is going to derail
you don't know if something is going to explode
Ultimately, the Love Grove Memorial Bridge was included and approved by voters as part of the city's 2014 Transportation Bond. After approximately a year of construction
the $5 million bridge opened in April 2018
Love Grove, named after the Love Grove Plantation located there before the Civil War, has been home to a predominantly Black community on Wilmington's Northside since the 1920s.
The property was sold or leased as farmland in the 1880s and in 1909
started selling 50-by-100 foot lots priced between $100 and $125
the city of Wilmington tried unsuccessfully to evict community residents to build a sewage treatment facility in the area
Nearing the 21st century, Love Grove was comprised of approximately 60 single-family homes, predominantly occupied by Black residents. Train tracks, which cross the King Street entrance to the neighborhood, once extended down the center of the street to a plywood manufacturing plant that was demolished more than two decades ago.
Infill development brought in new homes to Love Grove throughout the 2000s
some built by Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
In 2004, city council approved a request for high-density development along 25 acres at the back end of the neighborhood
known as Clarendon Park -- a decision opposed by residents
In 2023 -- five years after the opening of the bridge -- McKee Homes built a wave of new residences
the half mile-long neighborhood houses both longtime residents and newcomers
Love Grove is also the location of Archie Blue Community Park
the park underwent significant improvements
It has served as a gathering place for cookouts
community meetings and even a funeral during the COVID-19 pandemic
Just a few years after the opening of the Love Grove Memorial Bridge in 2018
straight from that neighborhood right to (North) 23rd Street," Sparks said of Clarendon Park
"This last stretch took off after the bridge was completed."
but many newcomers in Clarendon Park now cite the location's convenience as a primary draw
"When I first came and I saw the bridge I thought 'wow that's so pretty and the area is really nice,'" said Naomi Pyle
a renter originally from New York who has lived along Creekfront Drive for approximately a year-and-a-half
new residents seem to have mixed opinions on how they describe the area
both new and longtime residents agree those in Clarendon Park and Love Grove rarely interact
"Safety is occasionally a problem," Pyle said
"I will say Wilmington police have stepped up their patrol," adding that she'd also like to see the creation of a community watch
The new development and the opening of the bridge has also brought more thru traffic into Love Grove
but newer residents near the bridge see it differently
"I wish there were speed bumps," Heather Harris
who has owned a home along Creekfront Drive for approximately a year-and-a-half
Harris said another common issue is a lack of parking
which can make getting through the neighborhood streets a problem -- something McMillan has also noticed
"That can bring about confusion sometimes because people don't want you parking in their drive ..
and there's no place on the street now," McMillan said
Though she doesn't believe the addition of new housing has changed the overall culture of the neighborhood
McMillan said her main concern is with the density of the new development
"I think the houses are too close together," McMillan said
that's the only thing I have an issue with."
With the area's rapid growth in the last few years
it doesn't sound like development in Love Grove is slowing soon
What that ultimately might mean for the historic neighborhood and its longtime residents remains uncertain
"I get letters and calls and things everyday about wanting to sell (my house,)" McMillan said
And I think the lady said something about $160,000
New Hanover County property records currently appraise McMillan's property at $322,500
Love Grove and Clarendon Park continue to see a steady flow of traffic from residents
The area even draws in the occasional tourist
"There's a lot of people that come and they just take photos of that sign over there that's One Tree Hill Way," said Pyle
a nod to the "One Tree Hill" TV series that filmed in Wilmington
"At least once a week we'll have people come take pictures at that sign."
Molly Wilhelm covers the city of Wilmington and public safety for the StarNews
ORR protects the interests of rail and road users
Major changes in the management and regulation of railway safety in the UK were introduced following the accident
along with what was Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate (now part of ORR) formed a three-way approach to safety: standards-setting
accident investigation and regulatory functions
There was also the re-writing of safety standards and implementation of new mandatory safety measures to rail infrastructure and trains
ORR’s Head of Interoperability and Rail Vehicle Engineering
recalls his experience attending the site as an inspector a few days after the accident
I remember setting off for work on 5 October 1999
I’d started my day late after a visit from the gas man
and was slightly surprised to see an Intercity train stopped at the fast line platform at Ealing Broadway as I hopped onto the tube into town
But it was only when I reached the office that I heard something had happened at Paddington
First reports were sketchy – a DMU derailed
A small group had already left the office to attend
It took a while for the true scale to become clear; that this was an era-defining event
I was an inspector in the Southern Field Team of HMRI at the time
having joined the inspectorate the previous year
I attended the site several days after the accident
to relieve those from the initial group who had been working from dawn to dusk
And yet the devastation was still fresh
The incongruity of the carriages at the back of the High Speed Train
while at the front was a stinking sooty oily chaos of twisted metal
the leading end of the front power car covered with tarpaulin where once there had been a driving cab
Walking through the Thames Turbo it was a similar story: at the back of the train it all looked familiar
its aluminium bodyshell splitting along weld lines
leaving an entire bodyside wrapping around one of the HST carriages
Everywhere were reminders that this was a human catastrophe
There were mundane items left on the trains and scattered on the track
reminding us of the normal day that had been shattered for those caught up in the event
frightened ourselves with the possibility that
it could go far beyond the thirty-one counted so far
By now it was pretty clear that driver had simply missed a red signal
probably because of the low sunlight on that autumn morning
How such a relatively simple error could result in an accident on such a scale was something to be considered in detail away from the site
Those of us there on the track worked with the police and with technical experts from Railtrack
the train operators and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure evidence was gathered before the wreckage could be removed and rail services reinstated
Discussions about how Railtrack intended to remove the damaged vehicles from the site
On site we were very aware of the line of cameras poking over the wall of the adjacent Sainsbury’s car park
mindful that directional microphones might be picking up our comments
enforcement action relating to the management of the worst-performing 22 signals on the network
those with a history of being passed at danger – SN109 had been on that list
At home in the evening the news relayed the wider fallout of the accident
The Deputy Prime Minister proclaimed that such a thing should never happen again
many details barely dimmed by a quarter of a century
But the industry itself has moved on a long way
There was no magic bullet to make things safer: instead it has needed a lot of hard work and attention to detail
We remember those whose lives were lost or changed irrevocably
Their losses are why we have to do what we do.
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Commercial UAV Expo
it allowed EGPD to easily scale and integrate new technologies
EGPD built on that foundation by integrating Mark43 CAD with Flock Aerodome Drone as a First Responder (DFR) system
Mark43’s ability to adapt to EGPD growing needs and their strong relationship with the force set them up as the best vendor
Nate Lange at EGPD identified as key measures of success
public safety must be paramount over profits,” said Lt
“When vendors prioritize profit over the mission
you see it.” A vendor that takes into consideration every need and every problem that a department is facing instead of just the sale is a key indicator that they have the best interest of the department’s success in mind
This includes ensuring the software is easy to learn and use by anyone in the department
As a DFR program that’s under a year old
the police force at Elk Grove is learning how valuable drones are to the force
From gaining critical situational awareness for a call
to locating a suspect while protecting officers
it’s become abundantly clear how important the drone’s role is in the department’s day-to-day operations
“We decided it was too dangerous not to have a drone program,” Lt
and are committed to constantly re-evaluating and improving it
we weren't focused on what the drone platform can do — we were focused on what we needed it to do and what we wanted it to do
As the primary role of EGPD is to serve and protect the community
there was not originally a strong foundation of technical knowledge on drones or the programs that run them within the department
Rather than attempting to become technological experts in the process of starting their drone program
Laying this foundational groundwork before launching a drone program provides a clear path of what types of hardware
and training a department will require to successfully operate DFR in their communities
Drones elevate efficiency and safety with faster response timesSince integrating Mark43 CAD with its Flock Aerodome Drone as First Responder (DFR) program
EGPD has seen a major decrease in call response times
Every second counts when it comes to responding to a 911 call
having the response times cut down to just a minute and half or less can change the trajectory of the incident
possibly saving lives or preventing disaster
we've been documenting response time based on a CAD data and a 911 call,” Lt
with drones and listening to the 911 call in progress
we're getting to scenes before the CAD call is even created
We're calling that a negative response time
We used to average about seven minutes for officers to get to a call
we're averaging response times at a minute and a half."
the drone provides critical details about the call before officers arrive on-scene
the drone can tell officers the exact location of a suspect or accident
This context is invaluable to officers and is something that they never had before
EGPD’s ability to align real-time drone data with CAD activity was made easier by Mark43 and Flock Safety’s open architecture and focus on interoperability — helping improve coordination between systems and giving officers clearer context faster
This information allows officers to make better informed decisions on how they are going to respond to a call
The drone could reveal that the situation is not dire and only requires one officer to respond
letting the rest of the force remain available for other needs
or it may reveal that officers need back up and they can send the appropriate number of resources
the kind of information that the drone provides is critical and would be otherwise nearly impossible to capture
“We had an ATV pursuit where the drone located the suspect hiding inside a construction pipe,” Lt Lange explained
“Instead of officers methodically clearing dozens of pipes with flashlights—putting themselves at risk—we had precision information: 'pipe seven
north end.' There's just such a significant difference between someone trying to describe a scene to you versus showing you the live video
situational awareness is immediate and complete."
the drone has proven itself to be especially helpful to the force
the nightshift force is smaller than the daytime force
having the drone on hand has become an important asset
These capabilities are providing the team with a tactical advantage that is impossible to quantify
“Flying at night was a non-negotiable for us,” Lt Lange said
“We were trying to augment and offset those times when officers have the least number of additional resources
we don't have a lot of additional units working evenings or weekends
Having a platform that truly augments patrol services and provides air operations and situational awareness at night was critical.”
Education and transparency are key to positive public perceptionDespite all the good drones are doing for EDPG and other police departments
gaining trust and educating the communities remains a hurdle to adopting and integration
When community members aren’t aware of public safety drone operations
it can be alarming or confusing to see a drone flying around their town
It’s easy for misconceptions and fear to arise as a result
EGPD recognized this issue before they launched their program and made it a priority to educate their community before taking to the skies
“We don’t wait for the questions — we proactively go out and say exactly what we’re doing
and what safeguards we have in place,” Lt
we have a forward-facing portal where you can see 100% of our drone flights
City council can shut down our technology use at any time if it's used unethically — and they see everything we do.”
arguably one of the most important ideas to drive home is that drones are not replacing officers
or existing air operations like helicopters
Drones are meant to solve the same problem by using different tools
They’re meant to serve as an augmentation to the current technology and be a force multiplier
EGPD recognized the value of transparency to its public and has taken a few different courses of action to give the public all the information they need
This department holds and event called “Barbecue in the Beat” where the force brings all the drones to a park where community members can see drones and ask questions
Attendees can touch all the tech and ask officers clarifying questions
highlighting a sense of transparency that can be the difference between a positive or negative assumption about what exactly departments are doing with emerging technologies
Beyond gathering the community in person, EGPD offers even greater transparency into their drone program by having a virtual library of each flight they make that the public can access on their department website
Every single drone flight is video recorded and saved for a year
and any community member can ask about a flight and see the related case number and flight path
This kind of access to information by the public is paramount to successful acceptance of drone use by police departments
It provides the community with a sense of security knowing that the drones are strictly used for public safety efforts
Success with such endeavors is more about a comprehensive mindset than any single tactic.
“Transparency isn’t just one method,” Lt
“It’s a combination of outreach
and being intentional about showing the community what we’re doing."
Erin Sewall is the Content Specialst for Commercial UAV News and Expo
Prior to joining Diversified Communications
Erin contributed to news sources for a major outdoor retail company
Erin graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications
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The history of entertainment on Bruce Grove is a colourful one
still traceable in the buildings you see here today
Bruce Grove became a destination for movie-going locally when Bruce Grove Cinema opened in 1921
It was an independent cinema initiated by Tottenham Cinema & Entertainment Company issuing shares in 1920 for investment to support their development – and the venture was a success
which was larger than any other local cinema
With its distinctive tall tower looking over Bruce Grove
(The illuminated Bruce Grove Cinema in 1938
taken by a member of the Tottenham Camera Club
From the collections and © Bruce Castle Museum and Archive)
The cinema is best described by local resident Jim Clark (1925-2018)
who in his reminiscence of Tottenham’s entertainments singled out Bruce Grove Cinema as his ‘favourite’
This oral history is part of the collections at Bruce Castle Museum and Archive:
trains could be heard puffing their way out of Bruce Grove Station towards White Hart Lane
not very frequently but it marred the illusion of reality
[…] The main entrance to the Bruce Grove Cinema had a glamour all of its own
Up a few steps and through glass panelled doors with large
curved brass handles to the centrally-placed glass-surrounded ticket kiosk—sometimes we took Circle seats and went up the stairs which were carpeted in red rubber
[…] It was a comfortable cinema seating 1500+ and the fine quality screen had rounded corners
To the bottom corner was a clock illuminated in subdued deep red for those who needed to know the time
(View of Bruce Grove Cinema in 1927 when it was showing the film The Magic Garden
as advertised on the large bill poster on the side of the building
By 1963 Bruce Grove Cinema closed like many others
with the decline of cinema-going. After its closure
the ballroom nextdoor was converted into cinema screens – this was in 1974
Following the fate of so many other former cinemas
the original Art Deco building of the Bruce Grove cinema was taken over as a bingo hall
The company that ran the bingo hall also did the conversion of the new cinema
It was very welcome as Tottenham had been without a cinema for many years.
Eventually the former Bruce Grove cinema became the venue for the Freedom Ark church until that moved to Tottenham Town Hall; and in more recent times it has reinvented itself yet again to become the splendid Roller Nation
Today the former dance hall turned cinema has now become the Regency Banqueting Hall
8 – cinema that replaced the Bruce Grove Dance Hall
In the 1970s Edward Daley approached the Trades and Labour Club to hire the Rear Hall of No.7 Bruce Grove to run a night club mainly aimed at the recently arrived African Caribbean population. The Shady Grove Club became an important centre for reggae music. Avril Nanton remembers working there for a while running a comedy club at the Shady Grove - one of the first Black women-led comedy nights in London
Roller Nation occupies the former Bruce Grove Cinema building
Aware of its prestigious history as a cinema
in 2021 Roller Nation ran a successful anniversary event to celebrate 100 years since the cinema had first opened
They transformed Roller Nation back in time to a cinema auditorium
set up with an organ to play live music whilst watching an early movie on the screen
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