Kew Liberal Democrats

Hundreds of residents have already signed the online petition asking for the Tories to scrap secret plans to build a third runway at Heathrow. You can join the protest by coming along to the protest picnic, this Saturday 14th April at 1pm on Richmond Green. All you need to do is bring the picnic and banners will be supplied. See you all there.

NIGHT FLIGHTS INCREASE AT HEATHROW?
It has been reported in many newspapers that airlines are hoping to bypass the restrictions on night flights. Emirates Air wants permission to land its A380 airbuses – the world’s largest passenger airliners at 5.5 degree angle, rather than the usual 3 degrees, to try and protect homes from jet engine noise. The airline also wants to fly in and out of Heathrow until 1am every day, restarting flights after 4am. At present, only 16 night flights are allowed at Heathrow airport. Most arrive and depart between 4.15am and 6am every day. If Tory government ministers allow the change and the restrictions are lifted it will mean planes landing for more then 20 hours a day. (Evening Standard, Tuesday, 10 April, 2012). Make your views known contact and write to your local MP’s Vince Cable and Zac Goldsmith, your West London GLA candidate Munira Wilson, your Euro MP Sarah Ludford, Baroness Tonge, Baroness Kramer and of course all local councillors. Join the protest, join HACAN at www.hacan.org.uk

CUTS FOR KEW LIBRARY
Under the Council’s new plans, Kew library will lose the services of our lead librarian who is moving to Hampton Wick. Opening hours will also be cut by 3 hours a week. Kew Library will close for staff training and then re-open under its new regime. The new team will be Bernadette Lawrence – Customer Service Manager, Simon Lynn – Library Assistant and Weekend Assistant – Amanda Waters. We need to make the council aware that we support Kew library and we do not want our service to be eroded.

From the 18 April, Kew Library will be open for 3 days a week only. Here are the new times.

Tuesday 10am -12.30pm and 1.30pm-6pm
Thursday 10am -12.30pm and 1.30pm-6pm
Saturday 9.30am -12.30pm and 1.30pm -4pm

INLAND REVENUE SITE BUILDING PLAN REJECTED AGAIN
Once again, local residents with support from your local councillors and your MP have stopped developers from erecting six new buildings on the Old inland Revenue site. The planning application was refused by the council’s planning committee because of a shortage of parking and a number of design issues. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with the Kew Residents Association at www.savekew.org.uk or the Kew Society at www.kewsociety.org

Network Rail are undertaking essential improvemnt works to Kew Gardens Station. Works will be indertaken from 2 April to 4 May. During this period some of the works will be carried out during pre-planned midweek nights, between 23.00hrs to 06.00hrs. Daytime works, if necessary, will be between 07.30hrs and 17.30hrs.
In addition there will be 24hr working over three weekends.
Saturday 14 April (01.15hrs) to Monday 16 April (05.10hrs)
Staurday 21 April (01.15hrs) to Monday 23 April (05.10hrs)
Saturday 28 April (01.00hrs) to Monday 30 April (04.00hrs)
The works will involve the closure of the station subway over the weekend of 14th-16th April.
Access to the track will be through the North Road access gates.
If you have any concerns please go to www.networkrail.co.uk or telephone National Helpline on 08457 11 41 41.

OLYMPIC TORCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
With the Olympic Torch Relay passing through Kew, local residents are being invited to become volunteer stewards along the route, which runs along Kew Road from Richmond and over Kew Bridge. The Kew Rotary Club has also procured a supply of marigold seeds, with the idea that these could be planted along the route to give a display of gold. Please contact Kew Rotary for more details at www.kewrotary.org.uk

JUBILEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
As part of Wild London HM The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh will be attending an event on the Rugby Pitches in Richmond Park on 15th May. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. If you would like to help please contact Kew Rotary at www.kewrotary.org.uk

KEW MIDSUMMER FETE
Now in its third year, Kew Midsummer Fete has established itself as a great family day out, attracting residents and visitors who enjoy all the fun of a traditional village fete. This year it takes place on Saturday 16th June, so put it in your diaries now. For more information, go to www.kewfete.org

CROSSROADS CARE
Crossroads Care, Richmond & Kingston upon Thames, has been providing respite care for the Borough for more than 24 years. They look after people in the comfort of their own homes to give full-time carers a well deserved break. CROSSROADS CARE needs as much support as you can possibly give as they currently have a large number of young carers who are under 18. If you would like to help please contact www.crossroads.org.uk/richmond

KEW CARS BEWARE
Richmond Council is introducing a new set of fines for motorists who block yellow box junctions, drive in bus lanes or make illegal right turns.

KEW NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION
The Kew Neighbourhood Association was created in 1977. It aims to provide services and facilities in the Kew ward to help elderly, disabled, sick and disadvantaged residents. They provide transport to and from medical appointments, social activities, shopping, light gardening and other simple tasks. If you know of people in the community who would benefit from such help or if you would like to help by being a volunteer then please go to www.kna.org.uk

KEW ROTARY CLUB RAMBLE
Kew Rotary will be running its annual ‘Riverside Ramble’ on Saturday 26th May. This is a great opportunity for you to raise funds for the charity of your choice, and Rotary does all of the admin work, stewarding, etc. Please contact David Poole on dsp@btinternet.com for details.

Do the lights take too long to change from green to red?
Do the lights change back too quickly so you can’t cross the road safely?
If you feel that the Kew Bridge crossing, at the junction with Kew Green, is dangerous to pedestrians then let me know.

SECONDARY GLAZING FOR FREE FROM BAA AND EVEREST
Residents have been in touch with their experiences of the noise insulation scheme measures, supplied by Everest on behalf of BAA. Secondary Glazing, or a 50% contribution to double-glazed PVCu replacement windows, has been offered by BAA as compensation for the noise pollution that planes create while landing and taking off at Heathrow. It’s loose change for BAA as they try to placate residents who live under the most politically fought over flight path in Europe.

Some residents have complained to me about the attitude of the Everest installers who told them that they should be grateful that they are getting secondary glazing for free. While other residents have said that their installers were very polite and friendly.

I would like to carry out a quick survey on what residents think.
Has BAA been in contact with you about the scheme?
Were you satisfied with the offer?
Have you had noise insulation measures fitted under the scheme?
Has it cut out the noise pollution?

IS THIS THE REAL FUTURE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT?
400 residents from the Queen’s Park Ward in Westminster have petitioned the local authority, under a 2007 law, to become a parish council and take over the running of their ward. Their responsibilities could include crime prevention, parking, lighting, litter bins, power to acquire land and public lavatories to name a few. Parishes could also have cash raising powers through a ‘small precept’ on council tax. If you think that Kew should become a Parish Council and should be in charge of its own destiny, please let me know.

JUBILEE STREET PARTIES
If you have not, as yet, thought about holding your very own Jubilee Street party then why not knock on your neighbours’ doors and see what your street thinks about an outdoor celebration. You can get all the information on how to organise a party by calling 08456 122660 or go to www.richmond.gov.uk/street_parties .Applications to host a jubilee party close on Friday May 18.
Alternatively, Richmond Council, as part of the jubilee lunch campaign, is allowing residents to organise park parties instead. So for more information on partying in the park go to www.richmond.gov.uk/smallcommunity_park_parties

‘ST LUKES IN THE AVENUE’ MAY BALL
If you would like go to the ball and dance the night away on Saturday 19th May 2012 the contact Rosalind at Rosalind@eagleton.net. All proceeds will be going to support St Luke’s church and PEACH, a UK charity working for children with Autism. Tickets are just £45 per person.

The maternity and postnatal services at Richmond Hamlet, Kew Foot Road are closed.
The Richmond National Childbirth Trust (NCT) first became aware of proposals to relocate the service in March 2011 and at that time they raised the issue of women travelling via public transport to Ham. There is no direct route on public transport from Barnes, Mortlake, East Sheen or Kew and just a single bus from Richmond.

Richmond NCT is concerned that women with more than one child, birth injuries or disabilities will be unable to access services. They were assured that they would be informed and consulted regarding any proposed changes so were dismayed to find out about the changes by chance and without any warning, notice or consultation.

Richmond NCT is still concerned that not all parents will be able to access services safely using public transport and they have again raised this issue.

Richmond NCT is disputing Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare Trust’s (HRCH) claim that parents are pleased with the move because parking is easier at Ham and firmly believe that most parents are unaware of the changes and have asked HRCH that they take action to address that concern.

Richmond NCT believes some public consultation should have taken place before making decisions about changing the provision. With those concerns in mind they have put together a very short survey to see how well the changes have been communicated and what parents think about the changes. You can complete the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2LFNGRX until 1st March 2012.

The address of the new clinic is:
Ham Clinic
Ashburnham Road
Ham
TW10 7NE

BEWARE ROGUE BUILDERS.
It has been reported to me that there is a group of rogue builders knocking on doors in Kew. They are intimidating residents to part with vast amounts of money to do simple and often unnecessary repair work on their houses. The local police have already been called to one incident and are aware of this scam is happening.
Please be careful who you allow into your house and if you are unsure please call the police. It is better to be safe then be forced to part with your hard earned savings.

WHO WILL STAND UP FOR YOU AT CITY HALL?
The London Assembly and Mayor elections are taking place on Thursday 3 May. Munira Wilson is your local Lib Dem London Assembly Candidate for South West London.

Munira is campaigning locally to introduce 20mph limits where appropriate, retain runway alternation at Heathrow and introduce ‘One Hour Bus Tickets’ to make bus travel costs fairer for you.

Munira will hold the Mayor of London to account for residents of South West London, so please make sure you have registered to vote. If you would like to help Munira email Munira@munira.org.uk

THE TIMES’ SAVE OUR CYCLISTS CAMPAIGN.
I am on the Cycle Liaison Group and am aware of the importance of keeping our cyclists safe on our Richmond roads.
More than 27,000 cyclists have been killed or seriously injured on British streets in the past 10 years.
We need to build environments that are fit for cycling and help cyclists stay safe on the streets.
The Times has launched a public campaign and an 8-point manifesto calling for cities to be made fit for cyclists:
Please go to www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/contact and join in the petition to make our roads safe for cyclists.

POP IN FOR A CHAT AND A COFFEE.
The Kew NCT hold their coffee mornings at the new Pavilion café at North Sheen recreation ground every Thursday morning. There is no need to book all you need to do is turn up at 10.30am.

The café is open for breakfast, lunch and after school tea. If you want to run a dance class, chess club or hold a children’s party, all you have to do is go into the café and ask for details.

HEATHROW NOISE COMPLAINTS RISING.
Complaints about noise from planes at Heathrow Airport have risen more than six-fold during the first of the runway alternation trials.

As you all know, BAA is trialling runway alternation at Heathrow. The trial started in November to make it easier for planes to use both runways simultaneously. Before the trials the runways were restricted to take-off or landing and were switched each afternoon, except in an emergency, to give residents respite from the noise. Under the proposed new changes, the dual use of the runways can be deployed when a plane faces a 10-minute wait to land or take off and if 30% of all flights are delayed by more than 15 minutes.

So far there have been 480 complaints in the first month of the trial, compared with 75 during November 2010. The first trial finishes on 29 February while the second will run from 1 July 2012 until 30 September – coinciding with the London Olympics.
( BBC , Online, 12th Feb 2012)

The council has set up an online survey for residents to submit their views and these will be used in representations made by the council to BAA.
The survey form and further details of the trial can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.richmond.gov.uk/aircraft_noise or you can call them on 020 8891 7979.
As well as reporting noise level changes to Richmond Council, you can also report concerns to BAA direct by calling 020 8745 5791 or by emailing them at heathrowcommunityrelations@baa.com.

OPPORTUNITY OR OPPORTUNISM?
You might have heard or read that Richmond Council has moved forward on the plan to ask local organisations to run Kew library in partnership with the council.

This is part of the council’s doctrine of being a commissioning council, where local services are outsourced rather than provided.

I am all in favour of our libraries remaining at the heart of our communities and for local volunteers to help keep our libraries open for longer. I am not in favour of the council using the ‘Big Society’ slogan as a way to get rid of their obligation to provide a library service in Kew. I am not in favour of this council using communities to help run libraries as a way for them to shed staff and to transfer the responsibility of the costs of running a local library to the voluntary sector.

The council may see this as unique opportunity for the council; but it certainly is not a workable business plan for local communities.

Following the success of the 3 month trial period, Richmond Council has given the go-ahead for the market to continue in 2012. The next market will be Sunday 5th February, 10am – 2pm. The market will then be held on the first Sunday of every month for the rest of 2012. We’ve also been given permission to extend the size of the market, allowing for more stalls along Royal Parade in the near future.

PAVILION AT NORTH SHEEN RECREATIONAL GROUND OPEN.
The café at north sheen recreational ground is open. Residents can now enjoy a hot cup of coffee, a full English breakfast, a chat over a light lunch or take the kids there for an after-school tea. The club house is also available for hire. If you want to run a dance class, chess club or hold a children’s party, all you have to do is go into the café and ask for details.

CHRISTMAS WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS
Waste and recycling collections will take place a day later than usual during the Christmas holidays. Households are being asked not to leave their rubbish out early unless protected in a bin. The one day later collection period will run from from Monday 26 December to Saturday 7 January. Collections will take place on the bank holiday, 27 December. Collections which normally take place on Mondays will be carried out on Tuesdays, and so on. Friday collections will take place on Saturdays. A leaflet with these collection dates has been delivered to all households.
Or you can download a leaflet at www.richmond.gov.uk/christmasdates2011.pdf.
Residents, who are registered for the Council’s garden waste collection service, should be aware there will be no garden waste collections from Monday 26 December to Friday 6 January. Collections will start again as normal on Monday 9 January. Christmas trees can be recycled from 9 January 2012. Please put them out with your recycling. Remember they cannot be recycled if they have pots or decorations still attached.

CAFÉ OPENS AT NORTH SHEEN RECREATIONAL GROUND
Kimberly and Dean, who own The Original Maids of Honour in Kew, have just opened the new café at the pavilion in North Sheen Recreational Ground on North Road. The café is open 7 days a week, during park opening hours and serves a great variety of food for breakfast, lunch and tea. The KPR Club House and Community room is also open for hire. So if you want to hold a children’s party, set up a Zumba class or start a chess club, just pop in and ask for details.

KEW VILLAGE MARKET
After the success of the market trials, the council have given Kew Village Community Market the go ahead for the market to continue. The next market will be on Sunday 5th February.

TRAIN CLOSURES OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
For all Christmas and New Year travel updates go to www.tfl.gov.uk or pick up a leaflet from the station. There will be no London Underground services operating on Christmas Day. On New Year’s Eve you can travel free between 23:45 and 04:30 on bus, tube, tram and DLR services. Free travel will also apply on London overground trains after 23:45. At all other times normal fares and ticket arrangements apply. There are no refunds or extensions to tickets spanning Christmas and New Year as a result of reduced services. Please remember that some fares change from Monday 2 January 2011 and that you can buy or renew your season ticket up to 30 days in advance. For all the latest information go to www.tfl.gov.uk

CHRISTMAS IN RICHMOND
Not sure what is happening in Richmond over Xmas and New Year? Then go to Visit Richmond to find out at www.visitrichmond.co.uk

ROAD GRITTING IN THE BOROUGH
The council winter gritting service ensures that, where reasonably practical, main roads are kept clear of snow and ice and entrances to important public buildings remain accessible.
The council use precautionary gritting from October to April to prevent the build up of ice on selected roads. In times of heavy snow and prolonged freezing conditions the council will also clear selected footways, pavements and smaller roads. For more information please go to HighwaysandTransport@ichmond.gov.uk

BUY A GRIT BIN
The council now sells grit bins, costing £390 each. They are ideal for community groups, schools and large organisations, but anyone can request one. The bins are delivered full of grit, and come with a shovel and a lockable lid. Refills are available for £90. Each request for a grit bin is assessed for suitability, as the bin will need to sit on your property, but adjacent to a public highway. You can find more details at the following website address: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/transportandstreets/roadandpathwaymaintenance/roadgritting

RICHMOND COUNCIL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS
Richmond Council will continue to serve residents’ needs during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Services which people rely on such as meals on wheels and gritting or snow clearance will continue throughout the winter. The Council’s website www.richmond.gov.uk will be operational all the time, where people can still apply for benefits, permit or planning applications and for a host of other functions, including making payments if needed.

The emergency contact number for the Council’s Careline is 020 8744 2442 and this number is operational 24 hours-a-day. Residents who wish to contact the Council by phone during the working week should call 08456 122660.

WATCH COUNCIL MEETINGS
As discussed before, you can now watch your council and councillors in full debate, although this is not for the faint hearted! To see the latest webcast, just go to: www.richmond.public.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/69645
Residents will also soon be able to watch the Council’s planning committee meetings live from the comfort of their own homes. The Planning Committee has agreed to trial webcasting of planning meetings over the next year to help create a better understanding among the public about how the local planning authority works and how it makes its decisions.

NEW CYCLE STANDS FOR CHURCH STREET
Cyclists in Twickenham will soon find more space to safely lock their bikes, following an upgrade of part of Church Street Square, which has been approved after local shops were consulted.

In November and December last year, half of all reports of internet fraud in the borough involved residents paying for an item online, only to find they never received the goods.

The Police are urging residents to be incredibly cautious when parting with money online, particularly when buying Christmas presents. The Christmas shopping period is the perfect time for fraudsters to set up these often convincing looking websites, as the demand for online shopping increases, but our attention to detail is decreased.

You must trust the website you are using, but the best advice is ‘if in doubt, rule it out’ and buy from the local high street.

Never pay for an item online by sending cash and never use money transfers when buying online as these do not protect you if you do not receive your purchase.

For advice and information on avoiding becoming a victim of internet fraud, see www.met.police.uk/fraudalert and www.getsafeonline.org, which features a printable rough guide.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or call 101.

DECK THE HALLS WITH THE GARDEN GANG
Green fingered residents are being invited to come along and purchase their winter plants at a Christmas themed sale hosted by the Garden Gang.
The Garden Gang Green Power is part of Richmond Council, providing employment and work experience for people living in the borough who have learning disabilities.
The Plant Sale is on Tuesday 13 December from 10am till 2.30pm at the Woodville Centre at Ham.
For more information about the Garden Gang, call 020 8891 7602

THE WINTER WELL-BEING CAMPAIGN
There are numerous schemes to help you keep warm this winter. You should contact your supplier to see if you’re are entitled to the ‘Warm Home Discount Scheme’; which gives eligible people a rebate of £120 on your winter electricity bill.

There is also the Winter Fuel Payments which are paid to pensioner households to help with the cost of fuel. For advice,e call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 915 1515, or ask us at Richmond AID on 020 8831 6070. You can get a claim form online at www.direct.gov.uk.

You can also get help from the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99. They can put you into contact with schemes and grants to help with your bills.

Or you can get advice on other grants from Richmond AID on 020 8831 6070 if you are under 60, and
Age UK Richmond on 0845 600 1090 if you are over 60.
Remember to check local news and weather forecasts for advice when bad weather is forecast. You can also find severe weather warning updates on our campaign webpage: www.richmondaid.org.uk/2011/12/keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter/

MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS SECURE THIS XMAS
Your local community team would like to bring to your attention the recent burglaries that have occurred in Kew. The roads that have been affected since the start of November are Beechwood, Burlington, North Road, West Park Road and the Mortlake Road. The majority of suspects are getting in through unlocked rear doors. As Xmas is nearly upon us and with presents being left under the Xmas tree, officers would like to remind you to make sure that you lock all your doors and windows securely and double check when leaving the premises.

If you have any questions regarding security issues please contact your local Kew SNT team on 020 8247 7257 or e-mail them at Kew.SNT@met.police.uk or go online at www.met.police.uk/teams/richmond

RESPONSES TO HEATHROW NOISE
Do not forget to submit your views on the Heathrow Alternation runway trials. The council has set up an online survey for residents to submit their views and these will be used in representations made by the council to BAA.
The survey form and further details of the trial can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.richmond.gov.uk/aircraft_noise or you can call them on 020 8891 7979.
As well as reporting noise level changes to Richmond Council, you can also report concerns to BAA direct by calling 020 8745 5791 or by emailing heathrowcommunityrelations@baa.com.

NORTH ROAD TRIANGLE
I have been speaking to the council and the officers in charge of the project. They have reassured me that the design of North Road Triangle will be going ahead. Meetings have, recently, been held with Veolia, who are going to do the hard landscaping for the new garden design. The works will start soon and I will keep you all up to date once I have been given a new start date.

KEW VILLAGE MARKET
The last of the three market trials finished on the Sunday 4th December. Although it was a very cold day, the responses and turnout were hot. I will be having a meeting with council cabinet members and council officers and I hope that the market will be able to continue from February onwards. The first of the charity grants will be sent out in January. For more information on the market or if you would like to apply for a stall please go to www.kewvillagemarket.org

ALL IN ONE CONSULTATION
The council has finished analysing responses to the consultation and village events. Early next year they will be publishing the Kew Village plan which will focus on matters you said were a priority. The caveat, of course, is that the council cannot afford to do everything so they will be asking residents to help.

CIVIC PRIDE FUND AVAILABLE
If you have an idea that will benefit the community and improve the area then you might be eligible for a Civic Pride Fund grant of up to £5,000 to get your project off the ground. Go to www.richmond.gov.uk/myrichmondvillages for more information.

GET RID OF DOUBLE YELLOW LINES
Richmond council would like to see an increase in residents’ shopping in their local shops. They would like to make more parking spaces available by reducing the number of double and single yellow lines in and around local shopping areas. If you would like to see yellow lines disappear then e-mail Cllr Chris Harrison, Cabinet Member for Highways with your suggestions at Cllr.CHarrison@richmond.gov.uk

NEVER TO LATE TO START CYCLING
With the Olympics just around the corner, and with Richmond hosting the cycling events, the council has joined up with British cycling, Twickenham cycling club and the local police to get competitive cycling into our schools through Strictly Cycling. For those of you who would prefer a more leisurely cycle there are the local sky rides taking place throughout out borough. For more information go to www.richmond.gov.uk/…/strictly_cycling_takes_bike_fest_to_richmond.htm or www.richmond.gov.uk/…/spring_into_sky_ride_-_become_a_cycling_leader.htm

Heathrow Airport’s runway trials will be scrutinised by Richmond Council and residents can report changes in noise levels on the Council’s web site, with a backup phone number available for those without access to the internet.
Callers only need to leave their postcode, date and time, and say whether noise levels have risen or fallen where they live, since the trials started.
The web based survey and phone line went live on Tuesday 1 November, and will operate until 29 February next year. It will re-launch on 1 July 2012 and run again until 30 September 2012 in order to cover the full length of time BAA has been given for trials.
The survey form can be found on the Council’s website at www.richmond.gov.uk/aircraft_noise, with the alternative phone line number on 020 8891 7979.
The BAA trials will see both runways being used for landing aeroplanes at the same time. Currently under the alternation agreement each runway is used for landings for half a day, with a switchover at 3pm, to give respite to households under the flight paths. BAA is trialling using both, at the same time, in order to reduce delays at the airport with a temporary increase in capacity. They will also be conducting a trial to use both runways for dual takeoffs.
As well as reporting noise level changes to Richmond Council, people can also report concerns to BAA direct by calling 020 8745 5791 or by emailing heathrowcommunityrelations@baa.com
BAA has a statutory duty to report all complaints it receives to an independent committee which a Council representative sits on. The Council earlier this year launched its own standing committee on Heathrow, which meets as and when required to discuss issues relating to the airport.

A public meeting is taking place on the controversial decision to allow Heathrow airport to trial the use of both runways simultaneously. The meeting will be hosted by Zac Goldsmith with representatives from BAA. The meeting is on the 10th November at 7.15pm at Duke Street, Richmond, TW9 1DH.
You can get further information on the HACAN website at www.hacan.org.uk
Please come along and express your views.

Do not forget to come along and support your local market. The market runs from 10am – 2pm and this month’s Sunday market will be even bigger and better with the added stalls of a fishmonger, a deli, hand made pickles and jams. This month’s charity stall will be hosted by the Kew Community Trust; the Trust is responsible for keeping St Luke’s in the Avenue Centre open for the whole community to use. Activities include the running of The Avenue Club, a social club especially for the elderly.
So if you have not done so already put the date in your diary. For further information please go to www.kewvillagemarket.org

MAYOR TIGHTENS GRIP ON DISRUPTIVE ROADWORKS IN LONDON
The Mayor has announced a new onslaught on disruptive roadworks on London’s streets. He is urging Londoners to report faults and roadwork disruptions to TfL by going to www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/reportastreetfault or by tweeting @report_it with the hashtag # roadworks so they can take action with the relevant organisations and get things moving again.

DIGITAL TELEVISION SWITCH OFF
Please be aware that elderly residents in Kew are going to be visited by representatives from Carillion who are switching over their televisions to digital.
The installer will visit by appointment only and so if you haven’t made an appointment, don’t let them in
You can arrange a password in advance so when an installer arrives you can confirm whether or not they are legitimate.
Check for photo identification before allowing anyone into your home
The installer will set up the equipment and show you how it all works before they leave
Visit www.helpscheme.co.uk for more information or call free on 0800 4085 900

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Our very own neighbourhood store, Oliver’s Wholefood Store, won the best community retail business award at this year’s Richmond Business Awards. Oliver’s is also celebrating 22 years of trading this week. We congratulate Sara and her team on the win and wish them continued success for many years to come.

KEW ART STUDIOS XMAS EXHIBITION
Prints, paintings and tapestry are just some of the things which will be on offer when Kew Art Studio hosts its first ever Christmas exhibition this year.
The art studio, founded in 1980 by a group of local artists and run as a registered educational charity, has more than 50 members and 12 resident artists who will display a range of mixed artworks during the event on November 26 and 27th
The exhibition will be open from 11am to 4pm daily and admission is free. As well as larger art works there will also be cards and other small Christmas gifts to choose from.
Kew Art Studio’s Christmas Exhibition, 270 Sandycombe Road, Richmond.

BE SAFE, NOT SORRY THIS BONFIRE NIGHT
Residents in the Borough of Richmond are being reminded to take extra care and be thoughtful of those around them on Saturday 5 November as they celebrate bonfire night.
The Community Safety Partnership is urging people to be “safe not sorry” when celebrating bonfire night as fireworks when used incorrectly, can be dangerous and cause serious harm.
Please buy fireworks from a licensed retailer and do not buy loose fireworks that may have been tampered with.
It is not illegal to set off fireworks in your own garden as long as it is after 7am and before 11pm and you are over the age of 18. On Bonfire night you are legally allowed to set off fireworks until 12 midnight.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT THE RICHMOND GOLF CLUB – SUN 6th NOV
This event has been running for 5 years now and every year it gets bigger and better. A great family evening out with fun for all and delicious food. Go to fireworksrichmond.eventbrite.com for more information.

WESTERLEY WARE GETS FUNDING TO IMPROVE PLAYGROUND
The council would like to involve the users and partners in the design and choice of the final scheme and would welcome suggestions on who would like to participate in both the design brief and choice of final scheme.
At present the council are in contact with Westerly Ware Association.
Some of the previous suggestions from residents on improvements to Westerley Ware include:
• Replace the non-compliant equipment
• Replace the deteriorating chain link fence with modern more aesthetic playground fencing
• Improve the landscaping and appearance by incorporating the grass bank into the playground.
• Improve the movement and flow of people around the site
• Improve accessibility
• Use softer design materials in keeping with the Thames landscape
• Lift some of the dense overhanging tree growth at playground entrance
The council will need to progress this project to make use of the funding opportunity and initiate construction works early in the New Year. So if you have any further comments or ideas contact parks@richmond.gov.uk with your suggestions.

PENSFORD FIELD HAS A NEW CHAIRWOMAN
Mary Smith has taken over as chairwoman of the Trust and says she hopes to contribute to both conservation and education projects at the field, while also raising awareness of activities on offer to both general visitors and school parties.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved ranging from helping to plant native wild flowers to checking the log piles for stag beetles.
To join in with the activities at Pensford Field, visit pensfordfield.co.uk

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AT THE MUSEUM OF RICHMOND
The Museum is holding a Bring and Buy Sale with proceeds going to a local Charity. This is being held on Monday 28th November from 10am to noon at the Museum of Richmond, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue. Admission to the event is £1.50 including tea/coffee and a mince pie. They will be holding a Charity raffle so please do get in touch with our office if you are happy to donate any prizes.

HELPING ADULT ENTREPRENEURS
Richmond Adult Community College has attracted major funding to develop a new curriculum and qualifications to help adult entrepreneurs get started and stay in business whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications. For more information go to www.racc.ac.uk