Mayor's Blog: Celebrating youth events in the borough

One of the exciting things in being Mayor is to visit schools and events where there are children and young people present. In the three months I have been Mayor, I have attended several of these. I always enjoy the surprise and interest in the world around them shown by young children. It is something we should still be striving for as adults.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sacks, has also visited events where she has seen young people in action. A recent one was the Richmond Primary Schools Borough Sports. This is just one of the sports activities that children have access to in the borough.

Towards the end of the summer term, I was honoured to attend the presentation of KS2 awards at Buckingham School Hampton. The children were very well behaved, and it was good to be there. Hopefully, those who didn't receive awards this time may be inspired to do so in the future, especially considering their breadth, ranging from academic achievement to being good friends.

Another great fun event I attended was The Otakar Music Trust Summer Concert on Saturday 8 of July. This trust enables those who might not usually have the opportunity to take part in individual or group music. They discover the joy of this, and it also helps the young people in their communication. I was impressed not just with the young people but also the skilled adults, including the compère, who gave their time and expertise to make such an enjoyable event.

We are now in the school holidays and there are plenty of opportunities for children and young people to enjoy themselves around the borough.

National Play Day on Wednesday 2 August saw events held at Ham Youth Centre and Linden Hall Community Centre, Hampton. This was hosted by the Children's Centres in conjunction with others and involved a free day of early years activity including Messy Play. It was nice for parents not to have to clear up afterwards! There were also stalls providing information and activities for the whole family.

Other activities in the school holidays include the summer reading challenge Ready, Set, Read! run by our local libraries. We are also fortunate that there are many parks and playgrounds on offer in the Borough, including our two Royal Parks, Richmond, and Bushy. Something away from 'screen time'.

Praise must go to those who run youth organisations and other events that make all this possible.

One more event before the summer holidays end that you might be interested in is the Met Police Family Fun Day at Old Deer Park on Monday 21 August. It starts at midday and runs to 6 pm. Perhaps I will see you there!

Mayor's charity events

Charity events in September 2023.

Mayor's Twickenham Tour and Tea

Sunday 10 September 2023 - Join the Mayor for a guided tour of Twickenham with tea afterwards at York House. Tickets are £25 and include a special souvenir booklet.

Evening at The Museum of Richmond

Monday 18 September 2023 - A private visit to the Museum of Richmond with an introduction from the curator and drinks and canapés with the Mayor. Tickets are £20.

All proceeds go to the Mayor's charities, Age UK Richmond and SEEN.

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