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Join the Whitton Adult Community Singers

The Whitton Adult Community Singers are looking for new members to join their weekly choir. Sessions take place every Saturday at the Whitton Community Centre, singing a variety of songs from folk, pop, gospel and classical.

You don't need to be able to read music to join, beginners are also welcome. Contact Loulla on loulla82gorman@gmail.com for more information.

Learn to cook delicious, healthy meals

Join the Age UK Richmond Man with a Pan 6 week cookery course at St Mary's University in Twickenham. You'll learn to cook nutritious, delicious meals and get tips on how to eat healthily.

This is a beginners course which takes place in the university teaching kitchen. All ingredients are supplied.

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Have your say on the future of Marble Hill Playcentres

The new trustees at Marble Hill Playcentres are asking for your views on how to make them more financially sustainable.

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, feedback will also help secure funding and planning permission.

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Dementia Awareness Day

Marling Court Care Home in Hampton are hosting a Dementia Awareness Day on Thursday 7 February between 9am and 5.30pm.

Anyone from the local community with an interest in dementia or caring for someone with dementia, is invited to come along on the day free of charge. Consider joining the virtual dementia tour to experience what living with dementia might be like.

Pre-booking is required, please email marlingcourt.admin@countrycourtcare.com.

Ofo leaves Richmond

We are disappointed, but not surprised to learn of Ofo’s exit from the London market and therefore Richmond upon Thames. The move to reduce their deployment over the winter months to central London had all the hallmarks of a company struggling with its provision.

Most of the Ofo bicycles placed in Richmond upon Thames have already been removed from the borough. However, any bikes that are found can be reported online and we will remove them.

Richmond Borough remains committed to supporting cycling as part of its overall work to increase active travel. We will evaluate Ofo’s impact and will continue to consider all options for increasing the uptake of cycling in the borough, including working with alternative partners.

Mayor receives cheque from Richmond Music Trust

The Richmond Brass Band Richmond Music Trust has given £600 to our Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Cllr Ben Khosa, for the charity Refuge. The money was raised through the Christmas charity concert held in December. 

Refuge supports more than 6,000 people by helping them to rebuild their lives and overcome whatever type of domestic violence and abuse they may have faced.

Council condemns proposals for additional 25,000 flights from Heathrow

The Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, has condemned Heathrow’s latest consultation on expansion, claiming 25,000 extra flights would be disastrous for the borough.

The Heathrow eight-week public consultation is asking for public feedback on issues such as noise, runway alternation and night flying relating to its two existing runways and the proposed controversial new third runway.

Find out more and view consultation

Free workshops for your new technology

Did you recently purchase or receive a digital device over Christmas but are unsure how to get the best out of it? Our friendly Libraries Team have a range of sessions to help you get the most out of your new tablet, laptop or mobile phone.

Last year the team helped over 450 people get to grips with their technology. This year, they want to help even more people.

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Sign up for men's health programme

Men aged 40 to 60 are invited to sign up for a men's health programme. The programme, delivered by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s exercise specialists, will run over 12 weeks at Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre starting on the Monday 14 January.

It’s open to men aged between 40 and 60 who either live in Richmond upon Thames or attend a local GP. Places are limited, so contact Neil Young at nyoung@brentfordfccst.com or 020 8326 7048 to secure your place.

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Free choir places for music students

Teddington Chamber Choir (TCC) has a limited number of free and half-price places for music students and other musically qualified people under the age of 25. Applications are also invited from others, particularly those who sing lower voice parts. Ability to read music is advantageous.

TCC is an auditioned mixed voice choir, singing mainly classical, which rehearses on Tuesdays from 8.15 to 10.15pm at St Mark’s Church, Teddington, TW11 9DE.

If you are interested in joining, please contact enquiries@teddingtonchamberchoir.org or come along to our open rehearsals on 8, 15 or 22 January 2019.

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Free energy workshop at Twickenham Library

Citizens Advice Richmond are providing a free energy workshop full of tips to help you check, switch and save on your energy bills. It takes place in the Lecture Room at Twickenham Library on Wednesday 6 February from 11am.

To book your space, email Justin Webb at Justin.webb@citizensadvicerichmond.org.

There’s a mystery afoot at York House and you’re invited

Join the Mayor for 'Coffin on the Catwalk', an evening of murder, mystery and intrigue on Friday 8 March 2019. Tickets include a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a three course meal and an evening of detective work.

A cash bar is available throughout the evening and raffle tickets will be available to purchase. Tickets are £55 per person. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s charity, Refuge.

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Ham Common Woods management work

This month we are undertaking works to improve the conservation value of the Common’s woodland area north of Ham Gate Avenue. The works are funded in part by the Forestry Commission and will selectively reduce the amount of holly in the understorey in some areas to increase light and space in the woodland.  Non-native trees will also be removed, paths opened up but no clearings will be created. 

The works will take place on eight days spread over three weeks, starting on Monday 14 January. Please follow any safety signage or the requests of the team members.

For further information or to provide feedback please email parks@richmond.gov.uk or phone 0208 891 1411.

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Multi faith visit

The Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group (EMAG) have organised a multi faith visit for Tusday 12 March, aiming to enhance people's understanding of different culturees and relationships amongst faiths.

The tour will include a visit to the House of Commons, St James Church and the National Spiritual Aseembly of the Bahai Faith Rutland Gate. For further information or to book, contact Ashi at ashi@emaguk.org or on 020 8893 9000.

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50 bird species to see in the borough

Despite the short, grey January days there are plenty of bright spots for local birdwatchers. Fifty different species, including wintering wildfowl, have been spotted in the borough, mostly around the Leg o' Mutton Local Nature Reserve in Lonsdale Road.

As spring comes, we will see the the return of common terns following successful broodings here since the installation of a new nesting raft in 2016 and we hope to maintain our status as the 4th largest breeding ground for herons in London.

Free choir taster sessions

Calling Richmond, Twickenham and Kew residents! Sign up now for a free choir taster session with DyNaMix Rock-Pop Choir.

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Stub out smoking for good in 2019!

Smokers looking to kick cigarettes to the kerb and give up their deadly habits this New Year are urged to take advantage of the free Stop Smoking service.

You can receive confidential face-to-face advice and support from specialist advisers, as well as free materials and medication.

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Beat the booze this January

Start the new year happier and healthier, by going alcohol-free with the Dry January challenge.

Research shows that in Richmond upon Thames, about 54,000 adults drink more than the recommended maximum of 14 units per week. Yearly there are over 2,800 hospital admissions due to alcohol-related conditions.

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Councils call on Government to scrap apprenticeship levy

The number of residents from Richmond and four other London boroughs starting an apprenticeship has fallen by over a quarter in the last year, following the introduction of a Government levy.

7,390 people from Richmond, Croydon, Sutton, Merton and Kingston, signed up for apprenticeships in 2017/18, compared to 10,030 in 2016/17.

A major change to the funding of apprenticeships was introduced in April 2017 with the start of the government’s Apprenticeship Levy. We are campaigning for Levy reform.

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Art and history at Orleans House Gallery

Art Historical London and Orleans House Gallery will be hosting weekly lunchtime art and history lectures.

These lectures are open to all. The first talk, The Portrayal of Motherhood, is on Tuesday 8 January, from 1.15 to 2.30pm. Tickets are £15, or £13.50 with a Richmond Card.

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