There will be no changes to the schedule of waste and recycling collections following the two May bank holidays on Monday 5 May and Monday 26 May 2025 We will continue to collect residential waste on your usual collection day. You can find out your collection day by downloading the free My Richmond app Find out how to store and present your waste and recycling for collection Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre will remain open and residents will need to book a slot in advance. Slots will be limited over the bank holiday weekend Planning your spring clean over the bank holiday weekend? Recycle unwanted small electrical items at one of our 30 community banks or through your weekly kerbside collections You can also now drop off certain items in good condition at Townmead Road’s new reuse point Donated items will be redistributed back into the community by local groups If household and garden DIY plans are in store, rent over 30 useful items - like a pressure washer, carpet cleaner, drills and hedge trimmers - instead of buying new at our Library of Things in Twickenham Sign up to our waste and recycling mailing list for local service updates and opportunities Up to: April 2025 © London Borough of Richmond upon Thames This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Richmond Operatic Society to stage Disney’s Beauty and the Beast New motor show to take place at Croft Circuit and website in this browser for the next time I comment Sign up for the latest headlines in your inbox every morning and special offers from our local advertisers You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy. You have successfully joined our subscriber list HMS Richmond has revealed how her Merlin helicopter has managed to get out of a very tight spot The Type 23 frigate released footage showing how the Merlin Mk2 was slowly reversed from the hangar to the deck during the vessel's deployment with Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) The Merlin first entered service more than 25 years ago and has been providing the Royal Navy with its wings and empowering the Royal Marines HMS Richmond posted on X alongside the video: "Our Merlin Mk2 is a tight fit in the hangar but well worth the squeeze for the capability it delivers." The Royal Navy is currently using the Merlin Mk2 and Mk4 The Merlin Mk2 has been dubbed the "ultimate sub-hunter" which can also be used for search and rescue and maritime patrol is able to fly at 160 knots and lift 3.8 tonnes the Merlin Helicopter Force operates 30 Merlin Mk2 helicopters from three squadrons and deploys worldwide on Royal Navy ships The 23 metre-long Mk2 is equipped with Sting Ray torpedoes It has advanced radar that can be used to hunt threats beneath the waves Merlin Mk2 crews are known as "pingers" due to the noise of the sub-hunting sonar Each aircraft has a crew of four: two pilots one observer who is often the mission commander and in charge of navigation When the helicopter is role-fitted for airborne surveillance and control for the distinctive bag which houses a powerful radar lowered under the fuselage when in flight The "bagging" crew of three consists of one pilot and two observers the baggers look for possible threats and can direct other aircraft such as F-35B Lightnings For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25 click here Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe to: To mark 80 years since the end of the war in Europe we asked you to share your stories of VE Day 1945 "During the war we lived in Hampton Road in Teddington I was born in 1940 and have a few memories of VE Day itself There was a big bonfire and party in Bushy Park Gardens in the evening which my mother judged I was too young to go to I can’t understand that decision to this day.. "I have many memories of walking through the American camp which took over all of Bushy Park to get to the post office in Hampton Hill High Street We took our vegetable peelings there for their pigs "One particular memory from shortly after the war on Armistice Day is when a contingent of American soldiers marched through the streets and being amazed how big and tall they were - and so smartly kitted out!" She always repeated this story with shining eyes and much laughter as my father was on some mission with the army "She left my 8 month old sister with my grandmother and headed out onto The Mall and joined the celebrating crowds around Buckingham Palace The atmosphere was incredible and full of happiness and people dancing and singing "Her cousin Malcom spotted them in the crowd amazingly and ended up joining them on the roof of the cab (and subsequently paying for it) "8 May 1945 was an incredible date for her "I remember VE Day with such happy thoughts "I was 5 years old and lived in Sunbury then with my mother (my father was in North Africa during the war years and he did not come home until 1946) and along with a family friend and his son and we went up to Buckingham Palace We travelled by bus and I remember seeing all flags and buntings in the streets of the borough on the way and in the city "We managed to get to the railings of Buckingham Palace and we children stood on the wall and hung onto the railings shouting "We want the King" and were lucky to see King George VI It was an exciting day and will always stay in my memory." It was on the return route often taken by enemy bombers after dropping bombs on the London docks On their way back they would casually drop left-over incendiary bombs on areas such as ours "Having been put to bed at the usual time for a six-year-old I was woken up later to a cacophony of shouting all accompanied by the banging of drums and clanking of saucepans "My mother came in to see if I was awake and told me that the war had just ended in victory That meant that before long I would see my Daddy for the first time; after he had spent practically the whole of the war in a succession of prisoner-of war camps It also meant that there would be no more planes flying over the house at night no more banging of guns and no more searchlight beams scouring the dark sky The huge barrage balloons that were for years a looming presence seen from our back garden "Best of all was the feeling that I would be seeing for the first time the kind man that my mother had told me such a lot about." Thank you to everyone who submitted their memories and stories from VE Day 1945 We hope that over the bank holiday weekend you will enjoy making some new memories and honour those who lived through such a significant chapter in our history If you're attending a local street party or event to mark the anniversary, please tag us on social media and use the hashtag #RichmondVEDay80 Up to: May 2025 Appeal after handbag stolen from Richmond shop We are pleased to share Team Richmond’s fantastic achievement at the recent TCS Mini London Marathon Championships 36 athletes who live or go to school in Richmond represented the borough in the TCS London Mini Marathon Championships Team Richmond achieved impressive results with the Girls under-13 team and the Boys under-15 team both placing first Richmond’s Girls under-15 team secured second place while individual members Laura Graham in the Girls under-13 group and Tom Mythen in Boys under-17 group also achieved second place in their events Richmond’s Boys under-17 team placed fourth and the Girls under-17 team placed sixteenth The TCS Mini London Marathon championships is a highly competitive event that takes place on the last 2.6 km of the London Marathon course It has given the UK’s most promising young athletes the chance to compete against the best new talent in British road running Congratulations to all the young runners for their outstanding performances and dedication You can find out more about Richmond teams in TCS Mini London Marathon.  With more than 250 stallholders already signed up the much-loved Richmond May Fair will take place on Saturday 10 May between 10am and 5pm on Richmond Green It will be opened by the Mayor of Richmond Old favourites like the vintage funfair and dog show will return the craft marquee and a variety of food and drink schools and various performance groups will provide free entertainment throughout the day on the Riverside Radio stage the fair is a showcase for all that Richmond has to offer and plays an important role in helping local charities promote their work and raise much-needed funds Pamela Fleming, Chair of the Richmond May Fair Committee and recently recognised at the Community Heroes Awards 2024/25 for her dedicated work on the fair commented: “We couldn’t put on the fair without the generous support from our new sponsors in 2025 and our wonderful team of volunteers The fair is part of Richmond’s rich heritage and fosters a real sense of community Our aim is to make sure there is something for everyone and to suit every pocket and taste We are all hoping the sun shines like it did for us in 2024 so residents and visitors can enjoy the day!”  to protecting green spaces and helping to uplift the most vulnerable among us – some of Richmond upon Thames’ most inspiring grassroots initiatives were celebrated last night at the 2025 Community Heroes Awards organisations and businesses whose tireless efforts make the borough a more compassionate Richmond Council’s Spokesperson for Communities highlighting the extraordinary breadth of grassroots action locally “At the heart of Richmond upon Thames is a powerful spirit of kindness “Our Community Heroes remind us that lasting change often begins with small consistent acts of care – whether it’s a volunteer offering a friendly lift or someone standing alongside a neighbour through hardship “These humble members of our community dedicate their time and talents to tackling inequality protecting the environment and building strong With more than 150 nominations across 10 categories the awards showcased powerful stories of compassion innovation and leadership from every corner of the borough The ceremony also featured a special Leader’s Award presented by Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts recognising the invaluable contributions of local foster carers Sue Richards was honoured for dedicating more than 20 years to fostering love and stability to some of the borough’s most vulnerable children Councillor Baldwin added: “These awards are our opportunity to say thank you but their impact is deeply felt and truly inspiring They make Richmond upon Thames not just a place to live You can find out more about becoming a foster carer on the Achieving for Children website Learn more about this year's Community Heroes Awards and explore the inspiring stories behind our shortlisted nominees 70 primary school Eco Champions from ten local schools came together for an Eco Summit event at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes.  Designed to support schools on their sustainability journey the Eco Summit offered an immersive day of shared learnings and passions activities and workshops with local experts The 70 pupils played a central role in this exciting event.  The summit kicked off with an inspiring speech from Councillor Julia Neden-Watts who introduced the new Climate and Nature Strategy and spoke to the importance of young people’s concern about and interest in nature and climate change.  Community Bluescapes and Royal Holloway University carried out workshops themed around enhancing natural ecosystems making small changes to help local wildlife and promoting green practices.  Habitats and Heritage supported Eco Champions to create their own bug hotels Community BlueScapes carried out pond dipping activities and Royal Holloway University led an eco-poetry workshop supporting students to craft creative poems based on the sounds of nature.  Our Air Quality and Climate Change teams led the final interactive sessions of the day helping students to identify pollutants vs non-pollutants and envisioning the changes they hope to see in the future through a Postcards from Tomorrow activity where they drew postcards for their 2025 selves.  Primary schools and parents of students in Richmond upon Thames can access our Climate Resources Hub to discover more climate resources as well as news and information on future events.  You can also subscribe to our monthly climate newsletter to find out more about local climate and sustainability news The Know Your Place heritage festival is returning this spring Find out about events and activities featuring Richmond's fascinating history the Know Your Place festival has been moved to spring making the most of the warmer weather with a fascinating riverside exhibition as well as talks and the re-launch of the Whitton history walk the Know Your Place heritage festival has celebrated and engaged residents and visitors with the borough's people and places through a carefully curated programme of events Whether you’re interested in the mysterious stories of the history of Mortlake and Barnes uncovering the history of Richmond riverside or researching the history of your own home Here are some events taking place this month this Reminiscence Café talk led by Mark Lewis will explore forgotten ceremonies and thrilling tales of smuggling and piracy - legends that have shaped the soul of the Thames for centuries Book Thames folklore tickets As part of the celebration of our European partnership this enlightening talk on Tuesday 20 May will feature the vibrant sporting cultural and educational exchanges that have flourished between Richmond Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany Book Richmond, Konstanz, Fontainebleau tickets You can find out more about our summer celebration to recognise the reaffirmation of these European partnerships join us in delving into the rich history of Mortlake and Barnes Local historian David Deaton will explore the fascinating stories told by the restored tithe maps of Barnes and Mortlake Book A Tale of Two Parishes tickets You can view the full programme and book your tickets now Habitats & Heritage’s popular Plant Sale for Wildlife is back Come along with your little ones and enjoy a fantastic day of plants Get ready to explore a wide selection of pollinator-friendly plants including annuals Whether you have a huge garden or a tiny outside space there will be plenty of bargain plants to get your backyard buzzing Children will have lots of fun with a nature scavenger hunt and the opportunity to see and learn more about local bees with the Twickenham & Thames Valley Beekeepers’ Association The first 30 visitors will receive a free plant there will be a raffle with exciting prizes Don't forget to treat yourself to some delicious homemade cakes Find out more about the Plant Sale for Wildlife.  Habitats & Heritage is really grateful for any donations of plants, so whether you are an experienced gardener or still developing your green fingers, please get in touch with lucia@habitatsandheritage.org.uk or bring your plants on the day.  we invite all players and their little ones to join us in unveiling seven newly refurbished tennis courts at Carlisle Park To offer our residents an excellent park and community location for tennis in the borough extensive work has been undertaken to re-lay five courts and re-paint all seven courts at Carlisle Park Come along to our opening event to test out the newly refurbished courts and take a look The opening event will feature a variety of engaging activities for all ages Tots & Playball Taster Classes for young players followed by Junior Tennis Demonstrations and Teen Games Families can join in a Family Tennis Class to play mini tennis together Adults will have their own session with a tennis clinic join us for an official re-launch of the tennis courts in Carlisle Park including a timed tennis family doubles event and an 8 and under mini tennis match play event The day will wrap up with prizes and presentations.  Book your classes and competitions Residents can walk in and turn up on the day but spaces are limited so we advise to book in advance Some classes are free to play on the day but will be asking for small charity donations for our tennis provider TW Tennis' new sports foundation Other classes have entry fees to cover prizes and trophies For enquiries, contact our tennis provider TW Tennis at info@twtennis.co.uk Investment in community facilities is one of the priorities in our new Leisure Strategy which aims to help residents of all ages build healthy Three local bowls clubs are waiting to welcome you to their upcoming open days where you'll be able to try out the sport in a friendly and open environment Bowls is a great form of low-impact exercise and is also a fabulous way to meet new people and make new connections over a shared interest An open day is being held jointly by the Friends of Grove Gardens and Teddington Bowling Club on Saturday 3 May between 1 and 5pm Both adults and older children are being invited to come and try their hand at bowling Bowls will be provided and our members will be on hand to show you how the game is played There will be another chance to try bowls at Teddington Bowling Club on Monday 26 May from 11am to 4pm as part of the Bowls England Big Weekend you can receive discounted rates on season tickets and pay and play sessions throughout the 2025 season Learn more by contacting Gerrard on 07517 524144, or by emailing gednor425@gmail.com.  Join in and give bowls a go at two upcoming Hampton Bowls Club open days For more information, contact Kevin on 07578 159841 or email hamptonbowlingclub@outlook.com Two open days are taking place this May in Radnor Gardens though flat soled shoes are compulsory to play You can find out more by emailing strawberryhill.bowling@gmail.com Richmond Council is pleased to announce that major repair works on the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park (Ferry Lane) commenced this week as part of the Council’s planned programme of works The towpath has remained closed since 19 October 2024 following the structural collapse of a section of the pathway the Council has undertaken extensive preparatory work to ensure the safe and effective reinstatement of this much-used route Initial emergency measures included closing the affected section and installing scour protection to prevent further damage from tidal flow A specialist marine design team was appointed and detailed site investigations and surveys were carried out to inform a robust reinstatement plan the Council worked closely with key partners to secure the necessary permissions to begin works – including the Port of London Authority Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee said the repairs mark a major step forward in reinstating an important local route “This stretch of towpath is a valued route for many in our community – both for leisure and for active travel – and we know its closure has been frustrating for many We’re pleased that permanent repair works are now underway and progressing on schedule “Large engineering projects like this can sometimes face unavoidable delays the Council and partners have worked incredibly hard to keep things on track "We said we’d aim to be on site and underway by April — and here we are Works are expected to be completed in summer 2025 While the focus is on reinstating the collapsed section the Council will also be incorporating ecological and safety improvements where possible Improving and maintaining the towpath across Richmond upon Thames remains a priority the Council appointed consultants to develop a comprehensive Towpath Improvement and Management Plan for the entire borough Sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest information about these works and medium-sized businesses are invited to join our free Access to Finance event to explore how to access the best funding route for your business This free event is an excellent opportunity to learn about the current economic environment and explore everything from government loans to alternative finance products Participants will also hear from an experienced panel of funders about choosing the best funding route for your business and the funders’ experiences in applying for and receiving funding In addition to a practical workshop and Q&A the event will feature one-to-one meet the funders/advisers sessions with experts ensuring participants receive tailored advice for their business needs Come along to connect with funding experts and gain strategic insights Register for Access to Finance — A woman has died after being found shot in a car Richmond Police were called to the 600 block of Westover Hills Boulevard in South Richmond around 8 p.m where they found a woman in a car with a gunshot wound She was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries They added that the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death "Anyone with information about this homicide investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective G Russell at (804) 646-7715 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000," police wrote in a statement "The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous." This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share. Join us at The Exchange in Twickenham from 10am to 2pm on Friday 11 April 2025 the fair is a chance for residents to seek guidance and access to new and existing jobs in the borough Local businesses from a variety of sectors will be in attendance to provide employment and training opportunities for residents This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with employers hiring locally in Richmond upon Thames explore a variety of job openings whether it’s your first role or a career change and receive one-on-one career guidance from Richmond Work Match experts You can also boost your employability with free workshops designed to enhance your job applications and interview skills The path to your next local job begins here Richmond Council has been awarded the coveted 'Air Quality Strategy of the Year' at the latest Fleet Vision International Awards ceremony in recognition of its innovative work to tackle air pollution and improve public health The award reflects the significant progress already made – and continuing – to benefit residents in Richmond upon Thames is more than a document – it’s a bold path forward that is already delivering results "We’ve set some of the UK’s most ambitious targets aligned with World Health Organization guidelines and backed them up with practical measures that are making a tangible difference to our community,” said Councillor Ehmann "This is not just about addressing air pollution; it’s about improving quality of life through clear actions that reduce emissions "Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK which is why I am proud that we’re adopting the most far-reaching air quality targets anywhere in the country." The Air Quality Action Plan focuses on the two main sources of pollution that individuals can impact – nitrogen dioxide generated by combustion Richmond Council has already seen clear evidence its approach is working with nitrogen dioxide levels falling significantly across the borough over the past six years safer air – especially benefitting children and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions but there is more work to do as we continue our work toward an even greener borough," added Councillor Ehmann The judges praised Richmond's strategy for its measurable impact and community-driven approach Richmond Council’s extensive engagement process was also commended The judges highlighted that the Council hosted webinars and street stalls to ensure the strategy reflected the needs of the local community Head of the Fleet Vision International Awards Judging Panel "The judges praised the advocacy for external action and lobbying for changes beyond the Council's authority The Council encourages car-free lifestyles with e-cargo bikes while reducing engine idling in sensitive areas.  "Richmond is transitioning borough vehicles to electric and installing 200 charging points – all this while carrying out active consultations and campaigns focused on public concerns.  "The judges noted that Richmond has become an example to others for air quality improvements in London and beyond." Councillor Ehmann added that by bringing together transport and climate change efforts ensured that the strategy addresses interconnected challenges and delivers real benefits "This award represents the hard work and dedication of many people – community groups and the Council’s teams – all working together to make Richmond upon Thames a healthier place to live "Richmond is leading the way – not just in London but nationally – with tough targets This week's crime log reflects a wide range of public safety incidents reported by the Richmond Police Department and other notable law enforcement activity across city neighborhoods see the interactive crime map embedded below A driver was arrested for driving under the influence at 12:22 a.m Another driver was arrested for driving under the influence at 4:35 a.m Grand Theft: 4600 block of Valley View Road A grand theft incident occurred at 5:35 a.m Grand Theft: 2300 block of Lancaster Drive A grand theft incident occurred at 7:29 a.m A theft by use of access card information was reported at 8:22 a.m Vehicle Recovery: 5100 Macdonald Avenue Officers recovered a stolen vehicle at 11:16 a.m Someone took a vehicle without the consent of the owner at 12:01 p.m Someone reportedly made criminal threats and committed perjury at 1:55 p.m Another vehicle was taken without the consent of the owner at 2:26 p.m Chemically inconvenienced: 4900 Macdonald Avenue Officers arrested someone on disorderly conduct charges related to alcohol at 3:36 p.m Commercial Burglary/Theft by Access Card: 4500 Macdonald Avenue A commercial burglary and a theft by access card information were reported at 3:55 p.m A residential burglary with no force was reported at 4:42 p.m Obstructing a Public/Peace Officer: 300 block of 24th Street One person was arrested after reportedly obstructing a peace officer or emergency medical technician at 7 p.m Residential Burglary: 1100 block of Barrett Avenue A burglar reportedly broke into a home at 7:48 p.m A person was reported for pimping involving a prostitute over the age of 16 at 10:46 p.m Vehicle Theft: 900 block of South 45th Street Auto Burglary: 700 block of Golden Gate Avenue Vehicle Thefts were reported in the 600 block of 5th Street False Identification/Robbery: 11900 block of San Pablo Avenue Someone was arrested for robbery and providing false identification to officers at 4:39 p.m Possession of Burglary Tools/Stolen Vehicle/Vehicle Theft: 2200 block of Macdonald Avenue Officers nabbed someone in possession of burglary tools and a stolen vehicle at 6:15 p.m Gone in 60 Seconds: 900 block of Humboldt Street Obstructing arrest: 600 block of South 30th Street Police made an arrest for obstructing a peace officer or emergency medical technician at 8 p.m False imprisonment with violence occurred at 8:58 p.m Vehicle Theft: 5800 block of Fresno Avenue Grand Theft: 1400 block of San Joaquin Street Grand Theft from Person: 3200 block of Pierce Street A grand theft from a person occurred at 11 a.m Auto Burglary: 1300 block of Macdonald Avenue Contempt of Court: 100 block of 13th Street Theft by Access Card Information: 4900 block of McBryde Avenue A theft by use of access card information occurred at 4:33 p.m Auto Burglary: 1100 block of Barrett Avenue A residential burglary with force occurred at 5:25 p.m Criminal Threats: Undisclosed location in the 94801 Police made an arrest for intimidation at 7:21 p.m Assault with Firearm: 900 block of S 47th Street Police investigated a report of assault with a firearm on a person after a suspect allegedly brandished a gun in front of an occupied vehicle near BTA then fled the scene before officers arrived at 7:27 p.m Theft by Access Card Information: 1600 block of Canyon Drive A theft by use of access card information occurred at 7:58 p.m A grand theft from building occurred at 9:04 p.m Contempt of court and obstructing a public/peace officer/emergency medical technician occurred at 9:08 p.m A strong-arm robbery was reported at 12:29 a.m Criminal Threats: 600 block of South 20th Street Someone threatened to commit a crime with the intent to terrorize occurred at 1:17 a.m Trespassing: 4900 block of Macdonald Avenue Officers made an arrest for trespassing on posted land and refusing to leave at 3:40 a.m Petty theft: 4800 block of Macdonald Avenue Officers made an arrest for vandalism at 9:50 a.m Vehicle Theft: 2900 block of San Mateo Street A grand theft from a building occurred at 1:12 p.m Obstructing a Peace Officer: 4100 block of Lakeside Drive Police made an arrest for obstructing a public/peace officer/emergency medical technician at 5:27 p.m An individual was arrested for committing a felony while out on release as well as for possession of marijuana for sale and selling/giving/transporting marijuana at 6:31 p.m Shoplifting: 4500 block of Macdonald Avenue Police made an arrest for shoplifting and providing false Identification at 6:32 p.m Grand Theft: 500 block of South 28th Street DUI and obstructing: Undisclosed location in the 94804 Officers made an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and obstructing a peace officer at 10:15 p.m Vehicle Theft: 5500 block of Country View Drive Vehicle Theft: 200 block of South 43rd Street Contempt of Court: 4900 block of Cypress Avenue Carrying a Loaded Firearm/DUI: 900 block 15th Street Someone was arrested for a DUI and for carrying a loaded firearm at 5 p.m Battery: 2100 block of Pyramid Drive A battery on person occurred at 6:23 p.m Assault with Deadly Weapon/Criminal Threats: 3800 Lakeside Drive An assault with a deadly weapon was reported along with some criminal threats at 7:29 p.m Battery with Serious Bodily Injury: 2700 block of Barrett Avenue A battery incident resulting in serious bodily injury occurred at 7:30 p.m Firearm Robbery: 1500 block of Carlson Boulevard A robbery involving a firearm occurred at 10:58 p.m Vehicle Theft: 3100 Benjamin Drive and 3400 Richmond Pkwy DUI/Driving with Suspended License: 2700 block of Garvin Avenue A rocket-fueled driver reportedly drove with a suspended license at 12:08 a.m Police made an arrest for driving under the influence at 12:41 a.m Smoke shop fire: 12500 block of San Pablo Avenue Firefighters were dispatched to the Exotic Clouds smoke shop after multiple callers reported seeing smoke and hearing explosions coming from the building at 3:40 a.m Vehicle Theft: 100 block of South 37th Street Assault with Deadly Weapon/Stalking: 2000 block of Western Drive Assault with a deadly weapon and stalking were reported at 10:25 a.m A shoplifter was arrested after reportedly using force or threats of force to avoid apprehension at 11:20 a.m Obstructing a Public/Peace Officer/DUI: An unspecified location in the 94806 Police investigated a DUI and obstructing a peace officer at 4:25 p.m Police recovered a stolen vehicle at 8:06 p.m Vehicle Theft: 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue Someone took a vehicle without the owner's consent at 6:35 a.m Someone was disobeying a court order at 12 p.m Police were called to deal with someone's public intoxication at 2 p.m A shoplifter reportedly used force or threats of force to avoid apprehension at Costco at 3:36 p.m Firearm Discharge: 4500 block of MacDonald Avenue Someone popped off 17 rounds in the Target Parking lot near DaVita Dialysis in a grossly negligent manner at 6:35 p.m Brandishing a firearm: 800 block of Carlson Boulevard If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting local journalism with a Grandview Independent subscription. Click to see our monthly and annual subscription plans You're invited to join Arts Richmond’s Affordable Art Tent and Poetry Afternoon to fill your summer with creativity and cultural enrichment Arts Richmond is hosting an Affordable Art Tent for residents to purchase unique artworks from local artists.  contact the organiser at info@artsrichmond.org.uk or call 020 8892 9446.  You can find out more about the Affordable Art Tent Come along for a celebration of the poems shortlisted from the Arts Richmond ‘Changes’ Poetry Competition held earlier this year Roger McGough will announce the winners and share some of his own wonderful creations You can find out more about the poetry afternoon.   Citizens Advice Richmond is taking part in the London Legal Walk to raise funds for free legal support services The Citizens Advice Richmond will be taking on a 10km walk with the Lady Chief Justice and thousands of lawyers to raise funds for free legal advice charities Every step taken and every penny raised will bring us closer to a community where justice and support are accessible to all Donate now Citizens Advice Richmond has been providing free confidential and independent advice and support to the local people of Richmond borough for nearly 80 years Last year Citizens Advice Richmond helped 6,400 residents and improved household income overall by £1.3 million Much of this was securing entitlement to benefits income for people with disabilities and long-term health problems The local charity reduced debt repayments for clients by £120,000 helping them to manage their essential bills and outgoings such as rent and council tax.  We are looking for passionate volunteers to bring this vibrant celebration to life Discover how to get involved in bringing people together through a diverse range of arts and cultural events and activities Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a budding storyteller, our varied volunteer roles at the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival (RAIF) can provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills and gain enriching experiences for a career in the creative sector meet new people and enjoy your time in a friendly environment Our fantastic RAIF volunteers are an integral part of Orleans House Gallery as valued members of our team You will assist with event set-up and stewarding provide behind-the-scenes festival support and more we can continue to share and promote arts and culture within the community as well as provide a high-quality visitor experience Apply now to help make this festival flourish please select the 'Events and Festival Volunteer' role and include Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival within your personal statement RAIF will feature a line-up of events responding to Cultural Reforesting a growing movement that asks how we can repair our broken relationship with nature and with one another In line with Earth Day 2025’s global theme – Our Power Our Planet – RAIF harnesses the creative power of communities to spark dialogue renew hope and imagine more sustainable futures the borough will become a place where climate ideas take root and grow.  Find out more My wife Helen and I have just returned from a three-day trip to our sister city – Richmond Virginia the first one from a Richmond Mayor for 17 years was an initiative I wanted to take to strengthen the links between our two cities Richmond Virginia takes its name from our home because early settlers thought the bend in the James River above Richmond reminded them of our famous view of the Thames from Richmond Hill And I can confirm that the similarity is remarkable The local branch of the English Speaking Union (ESU) organised a whirlwind tour for us to the Virginia State Capitol the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden We were also shown two 17th century houses which had been moved brick by brick from England to Richmond in the 1920’s All these visits were extremely interesting for a keen historian and gardener like myself and I can heartedly recommend a trip to the city but I suggest you spend at least five days there We had the chance to meet the city’s newly elected Mayor and over lunch we discussed issues affecting us both These include the future of our respective rivers both of which are increasingly affected by flooding linked to climate change; the rise in mental health challenges affecting young people worsened by COVID and its consequences; and the need for more social housing We also met an organisation called Capitol Trees who are doing great work cleaning up unloved public places around railway tracks and former industrial sites They operate through a network of dedicated volunteers as I do at Kew Gardens Helen and I were struck by how many Richmond Virginia residents have links to us They either have relatives or friends here or they have visited as part of a holiday in the UK or they want to see our world-famous sites like Hampton Court I told them about our forthcoming twinning reaffirmation weekend with our friends from Fontainebleau and Konstanz and I hope some of them will come over to join these celebrations I think we both can benefit from strengthening our links encouraging more visits to our respective cities and sharing ideas about how to address common problems I would love to see regular exchange visits involving young people Our American cousins certainly have the desire to do just that Up to: Council blog 2025 There will be no changes to the schedule of waste and recycling collections over the Easter weekend We will continue to collect residential waste on your usual collection day. You can also find out your collection day by downloading the free My Richmond app Find out how to store and present your waste and recycling for collection.  Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre will be open from 9am on Good Friday The last available slot to book is 3 to 3.30pm Slots will be limited over the bank holiday weekend. It's advised to book a slot early.  Find out how to responsibly recycle your Easter celebration waste, like cardboard and foil off Easter eggs, in our A-Z recycle guide.  Planning your spring clean over the bank holiday weekend? Recycle unwanted small electrical items at one of our 30 community banks or through your weekly kerbside collections You can also now drop off certain items in good condition at Townmead Road’s new reuse point If household and garden DIY plans are in store, rent over 30 useful items—like a pressure washer, carpet cleaner, drills and hedge trimmers—instead of buying new at our Library of Things in Twickenham Use code BANKHOLIBORROW25 for 25% off bookings made before 18 April We collect limited information about web visitors and use cookies on our website to provide you with the most optimal experience and improve our website. To learn more about our website privacy practices, please review University of Richmond’s general data privacy regulation policy you must click on “I agree” to agree to this use Richmond’s gymnasts enjoyed a great Acrobatic European Championships in Luxembourg representing Great Britain and bringing home silver and bronze medals The 2025 Senior European All Round Silver medallists are Richmond Gymnastics Association's (RGA) Senior Men’s Group: Louis Alexander The Men’s Group also secured a bronze medal in the Dynamic routine final impressing the audience with their high-energy skills and upbeat performance They showcased exceptional energy in every routine blending flair and personality with remarkable technical precision "We are immensely proud of all our gymnasts at the 2025 European Acrobatic Championships Their commitment and dedication is exceptional and we are delighted with their performances in Luxembourg with bronze and silver medals being an added bonus!” Amber Harvey and Chiara Linden dazzled on the competition floor with beautiful securing them a fantastic eighth place in the Balance routine final It was the first time competing at Senior level for RGA’s Senior Mixed Pair Toby Cooper-Driver and Leela Were-Ramini They looked amazing on the floor with elegant routines and successful high-power skills placing fifth in the Dynamic routine finals and a brilliant eighth in the All Round Final Christoph and Louisa performed beautifully with their poise and expressive routines these gymnasts have become role models at the club inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams with the same passion and resilience Their accomplishments not only showcase their individual talents but also reflect the strength and unity of our team The European Championships have been a testament to their perseverance and the incredible support system surrounding them.” Find out how to get involved in gymnastics with Richmond Gymnastics Association A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday 25 February to officially mark the start of works on a new cycle hub at Richmond Station.  The multi-storey facility is a partnership between Richmond Council and South Western Railway providing parking for up to 700 bikes.  We have contributed £664,000 to the scheme which will help promote sustainable transport and improve local infrastructure.  the hub will be powered by solar panels and feature a water reclamation system supporting environmental sustainability.  Chair of Richmond Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee "We are delighted to support this initiative and see it come into being with works now starting on site The Cycle Hub at Richmond Station will make it easier for residents to choose sustainable travel options and help reduce congestion on our roads to improve local air quality We are hope to see more of these types of partnerships across the borough so we can continue to enhance our local infrastructure to meet the growing needs of our community."  Up to: February 2025 New research from Swim England shows that 70% of children in England stop swimming lessons before reaching full competence in the water however Richmond Council is determined to change this trend by offering free crash courses to those who need them most.  Swimming is not just a fun way of staying active – it is a life-saving skill As the only borough that spans both sides of the River Thames it is especially important that children in Richmond upon Thames develop water confidence and competence.  Richmond Council launched the Summer Splash programme last year ensuring that no child in the borough is excluded from learning to swim due to financial reasons more than 110 children took part in free crash courses with 89% completing the programme at Pools on the Park and 96% at Teddington Pools. The free Summer Splash crash courses are available to children in school years 5 and 7 who have not yet met the KS2 requirement to swim 25 metres confidently and perform safe self-rescue. Councillor Alan Juriansz Culture and Sports Committee and Lead Member for Sport said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to swim Sign In Register Existing warehouse buildings near the Richmond Olympic Oval are being torn down in preparation for the development of a hotel and residential complex will include 365 residential units and a 189-room hotel Demolition of the site has begun and is expected to be completed by June according to a spokesperson with Landa Global Properties They added the Landa team is also "in the process of working with city staff on refining the approved development." "We are monitoring the market and adapting the project to reflect evolving conditions and to ensure we have a project that delivers the long-term housing needs in the area and supports the long-term growth and livability of the neighbourhood.”  Richmond city council approved an application extension to Landa Global Properties after asking the developer to do some extra work on traffic management The development was grandfathered into the 10-per-cent affordable housing requirement for Richmond's city centre developments due to the timing of its application Landa would have been required to provide 15 per cent affordable housing units (from 30 to 45 units) in line with the city's updated requirements for city centre developments Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing We want to make sure everyone in Richmond upon Thames can move more in a way that they enjoy. And our new Leisure Strategy outlines how we plan to do just that With continued investment in community sports, active travel, and environmentally friendly facilities, along with fairer pricing we hope to help residents of all ages build healthy If you are looking to start moving more this spring but don’t know where to start, sign up to our Richmond Moves email updates to receive tailored information and local resources on how to get active in the borough Our leisure centres are offering a wide range of exciting sports promotions this spring perfect for getting active and enjoying time with both family and friends Whether you're looking to try a new activity, take advantage of discounted memberships or book a court for your favourite sport local charity Barnes Common Limited is hosting an exciting line-up of walks Resilience refers to the ability of environments and communities to react to change in a way that enables them to continue thriving How we create flourishing and resilient environments and communities is a pertinent question for our times.  talks and workshops encourages us to consider this question by looking at nature and food growing in new and unique ways Roy Vickery encourages us to re-think the uses of plants we dismiss as weeds Tanya Moulding shows us how to make botanical scents Connor Butler uses the lens of queer ecology to challenge what we think of as ‘natural’ while poet Edward Adonteng considers the spirituality of gardens Stay tuned for more exciting activities!  Visit Barnes Common Limited's website to view the full event series and book your tickets Richmond Council has secured a major £7 million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme marking a significant milestone in its mission to become a greener delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will support transformative carbon reduction projects across five key Council-owned sites in Richmond upon Thames: Pools on the Park The Council is also committing £1.94 million in match funding to help deliver these ambitious plans The improvements will include low-carbon heating systems and advanced energy efficiency measures – expected to reduce overall energy use by 82% across the portfolio and cut carbon emissions by an estimated 951 tonnes of CO2 every year said the investment shows the Council is serious about tackling the climate emergency and protecting much-loved community facilities “This is a fantastic result for Richmond upon Thames and a testament to the hard work of council officers in securing this highly competitive funding These upgrades will not only cut carbon but also reduce energy costs and future-proof some of our most valued public buildings “By investing in sustainable infrastructure now we’re protecting the long-term financial health of the Council and ensuring our facilities can continue to serve residents for years to come added: "Tackling the climate emergency requires bold This funding allows us to accelerate our transition to net zero reducing our carbon emissions and making real improvements to community buildings “These sites are known and used by many Richmond residents and play a valuable role in the life of the whole borough I am delighted that the Council is making progress towards a cleaner healthier future – and doing so in a way that benefits the whole community.” The investment forms part of Richmond Council’s wider Climate Emergency Strategy which sets out the Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions borough-wide by 2043 Salix Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation said: “This is an ambitious project at Richmond and encompasses highly valued community buildings “The project will help reduce carbon emissions for the council and will make these buildings more energy efficient and cost effective to operate “We have no time to waste in addressing climate change and ensuring we can all get to net zero.” Works are scheduled to begin later this year Richmond Council will continue to work closely with delivery partners and Salix Finance to ensure all elements of the scheme meet required standards and deliver lasting environmental benefits residents over 40 are invited to join free career development courses designed to open new doors and opportunities Whether you're looking to re-enter the workplace or seeking a career change, local charity Room for Work offers free support They are dedicated to helping skilled workers with previous work experience including parents returning to the workplace and new arrivals to Britain seeking their first UK job the course will cover employability skills with an emphasis on networking and practising competency-based interviews one-to-one mentoring and follow-up coaching support provided by experts Register online Richmond Council is backing a new scheme to help people save money on their water bills – by cutting out the paperwork and getting support straight to those who need it From April, more than 500 eligible low-income Richmond households will be automatically signed up for Thames Water's WaterHelp discount saving hundreds of pounds a year – with no need to apply or fill in forms There are 531 people eligible for a social tariff across Richmond The council has teamed up with Thames Water and Policy in Practice to safely match local data with water accounts identifying who’s eligible and getting them onto the reduced social tariff we are focused on practical solutions that directly benefit our residents We’re already providing crucial support with initiatives like free school uniforms we are taking it a step further to ensure even more financial help reaches those who need it most "This is about being proactive and finding innovative ways to make a positive impact." which could now be rolled out across London Richmond Station’s historic Art Deco features have been restored to their former glory following a major refurbishment officially unveiled today at a special event attended by local councillors It follows a collaborative improvement project between Network Rail supported by a £100,000 investment from the Council has improved the station’s historic features preserving its character while making it a more welcoming space for passengers and visitors With around 8.9 million passengers travelling through Richmond Station each year “Richmond Station is a key gateway to our borough These improvements ensure the station is both functional and beautiful improving the experience for everyone who uses it.  “Our investment has helped restore a 1930’s treasured landmark for generations to come.” The targeted programme of improvements focused on restoring the station’s Art Deco features including a refurbished entrance canopy with a bronze-finished fascia and glasscrete rooflights Other works included cleaning and polishing the station’s bronze entrance doors and adding new bronze-finish poster panels to the front elevation The culmination of the restoration was a joint effort by the rail industry and local partners to improve the look and feel of Richmond Station “Many of the station’s original features have been brought back to life,” added Councillor Ehmann South Western Railway also welcomed the restoration recognising the benefits for passengers and the local community.  Asset Enhancement Manager for South Western Railway “Richmond is one of our most important stations and its beautiful Art Deco building is one of the architectural jewels of our network it’s important that our customers enjoy a pleasant and welcoming environment when travelling with us and that the communities we serve feel a sense of pride in their local station That’s why we’ve been so pleased to partner with Network Rail and Richmond Council to restore Richmond Station to its former glory Our colleagues and partners have done a fantastic job,” said Chris Gregory Richmond Council remains committed to improving the borough’s transport infrastructure and town centres ensuring Richmond continues to be an attractive and accessible place for residents and visitors “the transformation that has been achieved has been truly remarkable.  the glories of Richmond Station’s wonderful Art Deco heritage have been hidden behind various layers of unattractive and uninspiring clutter This wonderful refurbishment now allows Richmond Station a chance to shine once more; and the really exciting thing is that there is still more work to do.  “I can’t wait to see the full splendour of Richmond Station when the full works are finally completed.” “this project is much more than just improving the station’s appearance – it’s one of the many ways our transport network is being improved to build a safer and attractive borough for all residents.” Up to: March 2025 Meadlands Primary School is looking for co-opted governors to join its Governing Board and make a positive contribution to the ongoing success of the school The Meadlands Primary School Governing Board plans the strategic direction of the school and holds the Headteacher and School Leadership Team to account The new governors will commit to a four-year term of office Responsibilities include attending six governor meetings per year undertaking a small number of school visits per year Full training is provided and governors are able to access free development and training opportunities run by Achieving for Children.  If you are interested, contact Meadlands Primary School at chairgb@meadlands.richmond.sch.uk Find out more about the school RICHMOND, Va. — Widespread Panic has announced two upcoming shows at the soon-to-open Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Richmond, Virginia Tickets for the Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 shows will go on sale Friday. Georgia-based Southern rock jam band features Richmond native David Schools on bass guitar Widespread Panic has played in Richmond more than 30 times since the mid-1980s but has not performed in the city since 2016 and has not held an outdoor show there since the mid-1990s The Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront is expected to host its first concert in June CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy The volunteer-run service will return to Richmond Park on Monday 17 March 2025 giving all park visitors better access to enjoy the natural environment of this large National Nature Reserve and Friday between all the Richmond Park car parks The minibus is accessible, with a ramp and steps to aid access. Wheelchair users wishing to use the service should contact volunteering@royalparks.org.uk Find out more about this service Richmond Council has expressed deep disappointment at the Metropolitan Police’s decision to disband the Royal Parks Police and other vital policing roles raising serious concerns about the future safety of Richmond Park It follows the Met Police today announcing cuts to 1,700 officers as part of efforts to address a £260m hole in its budget for the coming year stressed the importance of the Royal Parks as both vital natural habitats and cherished community spaces “At a time when residents are already concerned about the visibility of policing this decision will do nothing to reassure them The loss of the specialist policing team would leave them more vulnerable to crime and anti-social behaviour Councillor Roberts has also warned of ramifications to public safety across the community due to other London-wide reductions in policing The Met Police cuts will see the disbanding of the Royal Parks Police the removal of dedicated officers from schools and restrictions on front counter opening hours there will be a 10% reduction in forensics “With the continued strain on resources across the borough and the city residents already feel that their concerns about safety are not being addressed and decisions like this undermine public confidence in local policing.” Richmond Park and Bushy Park are two of the largest green spaces in London together spanning over 3,600 acres – roughly the size of a London borough – and require officers with specialist training and experience Without the dedicated Royal Parks Police team responsibility for policing these vast areas will fall to Safer Neighbourhood Teams and other local officers who are already managing high demand elsewhere “The Royal Parks Police provide a vital service ensuring our parks remain safe and well-managed Their work includes enforcing park regulations and responding to incidents quickly and effectively Losing this specialist team places an additional burden on already overstretched local policing resources and risks leaving our parks unprotected “Our parks are essential for residents’ health and wellbeing and we will continue to push for the resources needed to protect them,” said Councillor Roberts We are actively seeking assurances on the extent of the impact these cuts may have on community safety In case you missed it, traffic will be diverted off Highway 99 at the Steveston Exchange starting tomorrow evening until Wednesday morning Meanwhile, Richmond News columnist Sabine Eiche shares where the word conclave comes from and her thoughts on how a new Pope is chosen 📲 Remember, if you want to keep up with our 24/7 news coverage, make sure to sign up for our daily headlines newsletter and Sunday news round-up Temperatures are expected to hit a high of 17C and a low of 7C in Richmond City Centre, according to Weatherhood Click here to check out forecasts for other areas of Richmond for the rest of the week GMR regular Anabelle Wee captured a barred owl on the West Dyke To submit a photo, email us at [email protected] with the subject line "GMR." Remember to tell us where and when you took the photo Do you know why the West Dyke Trail in Richmond was originally built The West Dyke Trail was originally built as a flood protection structure and not a recreational path they protect the city from high tides and Fraser River flooding Do you have a fun fact about Richmond? Email us at [email protected] and put "Richmond Fun Fact" in the subject line