Archive

  • Vox Pop: The views on Nando's

    Nando’s is one of the most famous chicken restaurants in the UK. Founded in 1987 in South Africa, but with a Portuguese / Mozambiquan theme, Nando’s soon expanded to the UK in 1992, opening its first restaurant in Ealing. Since then it has grown at

  • What to do this Mother’s Day, in Croydon

    If you’re lacking ideas on how to treat your Mother this Mother’s Day, don’t panic, there is much to do and see in Croydon. A great way to show your Mother how much you appreciate and love her, would be to take her to some of the finest restaurants

  • DORIS THE FLORIST

    Valentine’s Day is the busiest time of the year for many florists, but especially the florist, Doris in Thornton Heath. On a rainy afternoon the workers at Doris kindly agreed to spare me some of their time only two days before Valentine’s Day, so

  • Inci Mehmet - The Golfing Hopeful (INTERVIEW)

    A warning goes out to all those on the golfing tour to watch out for a new rising star appearing on the horizon. Inci Mehmet, 16, is a student at the Tiffin Girls’ School and has recently amazed everyone with her latest performance. She has become

  • 12 YEAR-OLD GIRL RAISES THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY

    A twelve-year old girl has raised a grand total of £16,000 for four charities. The girl, namely Sophie Ryan-Palmer, with the help of mum Debbie Ryan, organised a fundraising event at St. Richard’s Church in Hanworth. Over 150 people attended ‘Super

  • Decisions decisions....

    For some local students now is that time when you have to make decisions; decisions on about what A-levels you're going to do and where you're going to do them; decisions about what career you're planning on going in to; decisions about whether you

  • The Black Mirror of Modern Politics

    The final episode of Charlie Brooker’s second series cult hit, Black Mirror, aired on Monday, and as is standard now of the brilliantly dark and dystopian show, it struck one hell of a chord. Like every episode of Black Mirror, 'The Waldo Moment

  • CROYDON NORTH'S NEW NURSERY

    The opening of Purple Panda Nursery in Norbury, Croydon North, will be taking place soon. It will have a baby unit, day nursery and preschool caring for children aged 0- 5 years old. The nursery is located on Norbury Crescent where there are also two

  • If you do not look, you will not find...

    There comes a time, once in a while, when you're out of cash, you have nothing to do and boredom takes over. It seems that most of the time, many of us have to be doing something, whether it be with friends or even at school. But what about the times

  • Out in Oxford

    Visiting one of England’s top universities, and spending the day looking round, meeting the students, and feeling like Hermione Granger whilst eating your lunch. It’s not something that many 15 year old state school students get to experience. But

  • 'INSPIRE A GENERATION': NOT JUST A SLOGAN AFTER ALL

    Figures show that a third of the British population quit their new years get fit challenges after just one month. According to a poll carried out by Arthritis Research UK and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), 34% of those who started their

  • FREE MUSEUM ENTRY: DOES IT HAVE A PLACE IN AUSTERITY BRITAIN?

    The government’s austerity measures have had great impacts on all of our lives recently, and not long ago it was announced that the state no longer felt it could afford to invest in providing children with free swimming lessons. This has led some people

  • Valentines Day; A heart-felt day or a profitable ploy?

    One must really question the authenticity of this day especially for love, right? It has been said that the total spending on Valentine's Day will reach about $17.6bn in America this year, which is an all-time high. Valentines day is everywhere we

  • Warm Bodies review: Is romance truly dead?

    Just when it seemed that the world had had as much supernatural teenage romance as it could take, along comes Warm Bodies, a film that seems perfect for filling the Twilight shaped holes in our lives. The film, adapted from Isaac Marion’s 2010

  • Exams are looming: ready to revise?

    It’s that time of the year again, exams are round the corner and no revision is getting done. From the unfruitful stare at a page in the textbook, to the constant checking of the phone, it all seems like a waste of time. It is certainly not easy to

  • Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge

    Public speaking.  Two very simple words that can often strike fear into, even the bravest of men. Standing up in front of an audience and being forced to talk, whilst trying to engage them, remember what you have to say, using hand emotions, seeming

  • Former Strictly Star Starts Superb Dance Class

    Mathew Cutler, a 39 year old former World Latin America Dance Champion and winner of the 2007 Strictly Come Dancing Series, is currently enjoying great success in a new path of dance: teaching. Alongside dance professional Enrico Stey; the two

  • Coming Home

    Moving back home after a long period of time away is always a hard thing for anyone to experience, but how does it feel moving back to Twickenham after seven years living in Dubai? A 16 year old girl, who now goes to Esher College, has settled seamlessly

  • How is the recession affecting local business owners?

    Recession. A word that we constantly hear within British media; the collapse of the economic market which seemingly shapes our everyday lives.  Spending cuts, austerity, we are constantly reminded of the economic downturn. Recently, Britain lost its

  • HOW BIG IS TOO BIG?

    A new Tesco store opened up last week in Old Malden, which is great. It offers better deals and the new competition on that stretch of shops is bound to cause a price fight to win customers. However, I can’t help but think it is the next strain of

  • McAvoy- A modern Macbeth?

    London’s Trafalgar Studios has undergone a dramatic change in the style and theme of its productions as part of their season, ‘Trafalgar Transformed’, an initiative which aims to bring a host of new theatregoers to the venue and encourage an interest

  • It is better to be Einstein than Superman

    Is it a bird! Is it a plane! Oh wait, no it’s some lunatic prancing around in his underwear. We’ve all heard of superman and we’ve all heard of Einstein but I am here to determine whether it would be better to be Einstein or Superman. It’s the brains

  • MOVE OVER MARY BERRY, TURN ON TO TREE AT STITCHLESS TV

    I caught up with Richmond resident Tree, from Stitchless TV, to hear about her life-long passion for sewing and the next big buzz:  So where did this love you have for sewing first come from? Crafts have always been part of my life, going right

  • More groceries-More problems

    One of my antecedent articles show my discontent with big industries pointlessly throwing around new shops and retailers at every corner of the street. Well that is exactly what has happened-again. Following around 4 years of construction work,

  • BREAKING NEWS: THE CROCUSES ARE OUT

    Whoever looks outside the window today, or even, god forbid, leaves the front door, will probably be met by an icy wind, an oppressive grey sky and the feeling of being stuck in a drawn out winter. It may seem as if the next ice age is just as sure

  • RIVETING REVISION

    EXAMS- a word that undoubtedly provokes a wide range of emotions amongst teenagers across the country! For some, that feeling is dread, whilst for others, it’s adrenalin, but one thing is certain- the only way to ensure success is to prepare! I was

  • Six Nations: England vs France Match Report

    As temperatures plummeted at Twickenham to near-freezing, an extremely important Six Nations rugby match was played. This match was a potential Six Nations decider with England, the leaders in the table at the time, playing against a French side looking

  • Retro 70’s food - the new craze for 2013

    Sales of retro-inspired food are on the rise as nostalgia kicks in for the taste of the 70’s. The decade food forgot is making a comeback.  It seems as though Britain’s ‘penchant for the past’ is progressing beyond television and fashion on to

  • STUDENTS DESERVE MORE PRAISE

    As an A-level student myself I truly understand just how difficult school life can be. The saying ‘school years are the best years of your life’ is often hard to appreciate when you have two essays, a biology project and maths homework all in for next

  • Whit"gift" or "grave"?

    Whitgift centre is the core of Croydon’s finest apple, fleshed out by Centrale who provide the sheen and the glorious high street which provides the taste. Somewhere the young and old can buzz about, socialising, shopping and generally enjoying what

  • A 'HOT' START OF TERM FOR STUDENTS

    A hot start for a couple of students who have volenteered themselves ina contest that could leave them with... well, let's just say hot tongues as well as hot cheeks. 10 students from Norbury Manor College will be participating in an eating contest

  • WHAT DO TEDDINGTON AND REYKJAVIK HAVE IN COMMON?

    Returning from a recent trip to Iceland has prompted this question. Firstly I checked the weather. The Teddington weather forecast is light rain or drizzle in places, causing poor visibility. The cold north easterly breeze of 9mph gives a temperature

  • BRITAIN'S BEEN BRAINWASHED

    An invasion has hit our country and it is not from outer space. British children are constantly being brainwashed by the influences and subliminal messages of American culture.     British people have become overly obsessed with  US reality

  • BARBIES SHOULD BE BANNED

    Her beautiful bleach blonde locks fall precariously down her skinny shoulders. Her skeletons legs prance around your carpet dragging envy and intimidation into your home. Her pink ways are drummed in to young girl’s heads as normal! Is this the role

  • Going On 16

    Going on 16 As I sat, flat out from my busy day of doing nothing but looking at the TV, watching the beautiful American ‘sweet’ sixteen year olds, ‘swanning’ in to a magnificent room full of fire breathers, dancers and ‘famous’ artists on a elephant

  • THE CLASS SYSTEM- FADING OR FORTIFYING?

    You step onto an airplane, and greeted by a serene, smiling airhostess. She looks at your ticket and depending on the two words in the top right hand corner she will either direct you to one of 2 fates; the first: spending the duration of your flights

  • One girl; four charities and £16,000

    A young girl from Feltham, after fighting with cancer for 10 years, managed to raise an outstanding £16,000 for four charities. Sophie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2003, and has seen her cancer come back at least three

  • Too Much Too Young?

    Many local schools have just made the trip to a UCAS, (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) Convention in Olympia London, hoping that it will give them an insight into the wide world of higher education. Most teenagers around the ages of 16

  • MAYNARD VERDICT RAISES DEBATE

    The all too recent and tragic death of Tom Maynard, the Surrey cricketer, who lost his life in his prime, just as he was making waves in the England set up, has raised many a question and point for debate after the results from the inquest into his

  • Living life through a Lens

    A famous Chinese proverb says that one picture is worth ten thousand words, and it’s true. Photos convey complex emotions, trigger memories and eloquently depict imaginings, one word cannot do that. However, the main reason for photography in everyday

  • MAN THE MUSIC CHARTS, MUTE THE MAKER ARRIVES ON THE SCENE

    How do you dispel the Satan-obsessed image associated with heavy metal music? It is certainly one of the aspects in this certain sub-genre that puts many off from exploring it. Surely then, you innovate and experiment, presenting the public with something

  • LENT

    Lent is a time period of 40 days leading up to Easter and arguably one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar. Some Christians fast for 40 days to emulate Jesus and others give up things that they like during this time.  

  • The Great Croydon Bake Off

    Croydon. Possibly the most surprising place this side of equator. Saturday 16th was no exception as a giant white marque greeted shoppers in the Exchange Square just opposite the ‘Matthew Yard’ coffee shop in Old Town. As well as this unexpected

  • KNIFE AND GUN CRIME IN LOCAL BOROUGHS

    More than a week has passed since the death of Peter Hagan, brutally stabbed at the ground floor of a tower block in Wandsworth.   It seems to me that knife-crime is a problem that will not go away any time soon, in a society rife with gang

  • Stress for success

    Examinations are something every individual must go through and that we must learn to cope with if we are to succeed to the best that we can - this year being no different. Students across the country are awaiting their January results and preparing

  • Blockbusters

    Blockbusters. Haven’t we all been? With its endless rows of DVDs and games to rent, and second-hand ones for sale, it’s like heaven for some. I can confess, I have bought my (small) share of games there every once in a while, either for me or a friend

  • HMV: WILL IT BE MISSED?

    On the 15th of January this year, HMV went into administration. The store has been providing the public with music, film, technology and related merchandise since it was founded in 1921 with its now famous Oxford Street store, and is now set to close

  • JANOSKIANS CAUSE CHAOS IN HYDE PARK

    The 23rd February was the day the Janoskians, a comedy group based in Australia, held a meet and greet in Hyde Park, London. Or rather, were supposed to. After almost 2,000 eager fans flocked to the scene, the police were forced to cut the meet

  • WISH YOU WERE HERE?

    Thames Ditton is, on paper, every suburban parent’s dream. Its green leafy spaces, low crime rate and situation in renowned schools’ catchment areas, all being short commute from London make the reasonably priced houses fiercely popular with property

  • Are the arts neglected in education?

    Following a run of awards ceremonies of the highest prestige, the arts have had a lot of attention over the past few weeks. But unfortunately, this a very rare occasion, as it appears that the arts are growing ever less significant in the modern-day

  • Paint Kingston Green

    Next week will see ‘Paint the Town Green’ return to Kingston for the sixth year running. It will coincide with national Climate Week and see a series of environmental events happening across Kingston. For one week only, from Monday 4th March to

  • MORE ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY

    In the winter months we are told frequently to keep an eye on our elderly neighbours and family members etc. Throughout the year, we are encouraged to look after the elderly by offering to help them with the shopping or taking some time out to sit

  • Sweet Surreal Sixteen

    Getting to the age of 16 is often theorized as something incredibly amazing, as though one more milestone in life has been overcome. Is it the American influence that has appeared within British society, or is it the appearance of more freedom, within

  • Man dragged to death by police

    It has been confirmed that a taxi driver from Mozambique has died after being dragged from the back of a police van before being dragged through the streets of the town Daveyton, which is located close to Johannesburg, South Africa. According

  • WHAT IS LENT REALLY ABOUT?

    The definition of Lent is ‘the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday until Easter observed by Christians as a season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter’, but to Christians it is more than just a definition, it is a time of reflection, prayer

  • 25 years of Red Nose Day

    Friday 15th March celebrates the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day and the Great British Menu is entering into the spirit of this momentous occasion! Every year, top chefs from all over the British Isles compete to cook a course for a huge banquet celebrating

  • RAISE A LAUGH!

    Red Nose Day transforms the lives of people both here in the UK and across Africa. The projects that Comic Relief support cover a huge range of issues. In the UK, the money raised has helped to give shelter to young people on the streets and protection

  • Facebook - the way forward?

    Type “f” into Google and guess what comes up first? Surprise, surprise, FACEBOOK! Since life has evolved around the invention of the internet, people - especially youth - have come to rely on Facebook more and more for basic communication.

  • SKIING - A HOT TOPIC

    Skiing: A Hot Topic   After trying skiing for the first time in Sweden during half term, I could fail to see why I would do it again and why people enjoy it. So when my friend revealed to me he had been skiing for as long as he could remember

  • AMAZING ART

    ‘A magical evening’ said one visitor of The Tiffin Girls’ School’s Art Evening held on Tuesday 26th February. Individual art displays were presented by 20 of the school’s A-level art students from the Year 12 class for teachers, family and friends

  • IS IT BETTER TO BE FREE TO BE BAD, OR FORCED TO BE GOOD?

    Some people naturally behave badly and commit either serious crimes or minor offences. However, in prisons, for example criminals are forced to be good using the aim of punishment called reform. This means that they teach the criminal to change their

  • SPRING HAS ARRIVED - GET SNAPPING

    Nonsuch Park, located between Cheam and Ewell Village is not only a beautiful open space but also holds great heritage. With over 400 acres to enjoy, it has been open to the public since 1937. However it has not always been a public space. Nonsuch

  • HOW TO STUDY MORE EFFICIENTLY

    With GCSE and A-level examinations only a few weeks away, here are some tips to ensure you make the most of the time remaining. 1. Make a plan. Write down everything you need to do and think about which tasks should be done first. Are those Biology

  • Candy Crush Saga Clutches Country

    On the Android market, there is a game which has become quite a craze amongst phone fans. It is called Candy Crush Saga; published by King.com.   It has 10,000,000+ downloads, making it one of the most popular applications available. The

  • Spring has Sprung

    February is almost over and March seems to be just around the corner, the winter weather and short days seem to depress us. However with March just a day away does this put us in an overall more happy and positive mood. With near frezing temperatures

  • The Good Life Still

    The death of talented actor Richard Briers last week, best known for his role as Tom Good in ‘The Good Life’, once voted the 9th best British best sitcom was sadly heard by fans across the Britain. Perhaps among the saddest were the residents of Surbiton

  • COULD POP UP SHOPS STAY UP?

    There has been an increased opening of pop up businesses all around the UK, including in and around the Richmond borough. The Richmond Council has been issuing appeals for proprietors of vacant shops to allow these businesses to flourish. These businesses

  • GUYS AND DOLLS SCHOOL PLAY

    On Thursday 7th of February 2013 the students at Bishop Thomas Grant secondary school put on a show stopping performance of the 1950s musical, “Guys and Dolls”. The play is about a gambler called Nathan Detroit and he bets another gambler, Sky Masterson

  • THE INTOUCHABLES FILM

    The Intouchables or Les Untouchables is a French comedy film produced in 2011. Although it being very popular and a huge hit in France, it hadn't quite grabbed Britains attention. The film is set in Paris, where a very wealthy quadriplegic is looking

  • AN AMAZING FASHION SHOW

                                                        An Amazing Fashion Show     A fashion show was organised by a professional designer, Barjis Chohan, who designed designer abayas and scarf. This fashion show was held in Central London,

  • PARKING LAWS DAMAGING WIMBLEDON VILLAGE HIGH STREET

    Parking laws damaging Wimbledon Village high street Wimbledon Village chains are hopeful that the proposed relaxation of parking restrictions will be given the all clear as the council had been put under major pressure by shops of the area to remove

  • Keep our towns clean.

    Firstly the reason why we litter is because, we as a community, are just too lazy to put our rubbish in the nearest bin as it is much easier for us to just throw it on the floor and walk away. Afterwards, we then hopefully wait for someone to pick

  • Les Miserables- Not So Miserable After All

    For people whom do not usually enjoy musicals, as they do not like the fact that people can spontaneously combust into song during a normal conversation, Les Mis may not be their favourite movie. Although, nobody can dispute that the quality of

  • Celebrating Chinese New Year!

    This Year February the 10th marks a new year in the zodiac calendar. It is the time period known to the whole world as Chinese New Year and in China as the ‘spring festival’. It is the most important traditional Chinese festival and is sometimes referred

  • HALFWAY TO HEAVEN: DOES THE ALPHA COURSE WORK?

    5 weeks ago, I started Nicky Gumbel’s famous Alpha Course. The course is designed for everyone and aims to convert the atheists, persuade the agnostics and strengthen the belief of theists. The course has already reached astronomical heights having

  • Shakespeare or Walt Disney?

    Romeo and Juliet or Ratatouille? Mickey Mouse or Macbeth? As You Like it or Alice in Wonderland? The Comedy of Errors or the Chronicles of Narnia? Monsters Inc or A Midsummer Night’s Dream? Twelfth Night or National Treasure? Toy

  • Did Ralph Wreck-it for you?

    Wreck-it Ralph is a 3D computer-animated film that was released on November 2nd 2012 in the United States. It documents the story of the titular ‘Ralph’ as he embarks on a quest to become a video game hero, after years of being the villain in the game

  • Interview of a Great Writer

    The table’s set for tea. China cups orbit the regal teapot who stands with her nose in the air, their depths brimming with steaming, gold liquid, their fragile bodies constantly being lifted to meet the lips of the diners. It’s a tea party for the

  • THAT'S WHY GIRLS GO TO ICELAND

    A group of Year 10 and 11’s from Gumley House School went on a fascinating Geography trip to Iceland last week. They went on Wednesday 20 February to Sunday 24 February, and enjoyed it very much. Catherine Albertini, a Year 10 geography student, said

  • CALLING ALL STUDENTS

    This is the second year of Challoner’s got Talent, a spin off the National show Britain’s got talent, aimed at the students at Richard Challoner School. The school set up this event for pupils to showcase their talents: anything from acting to cracking

  • The Best Month of the Year

    So, February, fun month isn’t it? Beside from Valentine’s Day, we have all sorts of other things to look forward too. For example the weather, spring is apparently just around the corner. That explains the snow. Not even real snow, just little icy

  • Does Advertising Unfairly Represent Women?

    Advertising messages today are absolutely everywhere, from websites to huge posters emblazoned onto the sides of our public transport. According to research done by the Guardian in 2005 the average UK citizen will see up to 3,500 advertising messages

  • VOX POP: THE LIFE OF A GCSE ART STUDENT

    Art is a subject that is taken by many GCSE students, both in and out of The Tiffin Girls’ School. It is generally seen as a ‘soft’ subject, but how ‘soft’ is it in reality? To find out, I sought the opinion of Yachen Zong, a Year 11 Art student within

  • Doswell hails Sutton United’s do or die attitude

    Sutton United boss Paul Doswell admitted his team were too open in the 1-0 Blue Square South defeat at Chelmsford City last Saturday. However, he is unrepentant and vowed to continue an attacking style of football in an effort to win the points

  • BULLET HOLES IN BUSES

    RF’s are a type of bus; not too different to the ones which we currently use however there are some significant differences. Firstly is the fact that that they were single deck buses operated in the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Also they had an engine

  • HOUNSLOW'S HOSPITAL CHANGES

    West Middlesex hospital has been serving Hounslow and other neighbouring borough’s residents for over a hundred years. However it is now part of big structural changes for regional hospitals in line with the new NHS North West London programme (Shaping

  • THE G&T CLUB

    On the 28th February, ten pupils from Waldegrave School for Girls went to visit Oxford University for a school trip. The trip included a talk/lesson about the course of Classics as well as asking current students questions about university life. The

  • The Origins Of Valentines Day

    Valentine’s Day, also known as the feast of St.Valentine is celebrated internationally on February the 14th of each year. Valentine’s day originated from Saint Valentine who was known for his imprisonment for carrying out prohibited wedding ceremonies

  • The consequences of a Croydon primary 'hijab' ban

    In January 2013 St Cyprians Greek Orthodox primary school, situated in Thornton Heath was being pursued to the high court by a Muslim family due to a religious affiliated case. The parents of a nine year old female attendee of the Greek Orthodox Primary

  • Car Crash on Popes lane

    On February the 28th on popes lane around 17:10 pm, south Ealing in west London next to the west 5 clubs; a black Volkswagen lupo crashed quite severely into a wall. The people driving the car had ran away from the scene before the fire brigade and

  • The Music Composition Course!

    Students that chose Music as their option for GCSE or A-Level had an opportunity to go and attend a composition course organised by the Royal College of Music, held at St. Pauls Boys School. The course started on the 13th February and the last session

  • LEARNING CURVE?

    Interview with a local voluntary education worker. Q:  Why did you choose to study education? A:  Teaching has always been a passion of mine. That’s why I decided to study education for early years at university. To help me make my decision

  • BEYONCE BREAKING BORDERS BEYOND HER CONTROL

    Recently, Beyoncé seems to be re-establishing her peak in her musical career. After performing at the Superbowl Halftime Show, ratings were at 48% of TV share, with a total of 103.8 Million viewers tuning into the show. Since then, sales of

  • GUMLEY PREPARE FOR ANOTHER CHARITY DAY

    Gumley House Convent School for Girl's prepare for yet another charity day. Gumley House, a local school in Isleworth are making plans and finishing up the final touches to what is to be a 'Disney' inspired charity day. The school spends multiple days

  • Horsemeat Scandal- What do people think?

    Recently, we've all been hearing about beef products in supermarkets containing horse meat, up to 100% in some cases. Many people are disgusted by it, and rightly so- when we spend our money on beef, or any other food for that matter, we expect it

  • SPAR - FINALLY HITTING BACK!

    Whilst the Ealing riots are long forgotten for most, local mini supermarket Spar has been deling with the devastating damage caused, but is now finally ready to part with the bad memories. It was August 8th 2011 when Spar, Ealing Broadway was attacked

  • ISLAND INSTRUMENTAL

    In amongst the bustling streets of London and the ever-changing tides of the Thames, Eel pie island lies, the hidden birthplace of some of the world's greatest music. Eel Pie Island was a tourist attraction through the 19th century with its world

  • Role Models

    A role model is someone we admire, someone who is living the way you would like to and someone who you would like to base your life on. Many people aspire to someone who for example may be successful in sport, media or someone that have done something

  • GRAND DESIGNS: LIBRARY SPECIAL

    Last September, Croydon High students returned to school ready for the start of a new year. They expected much of the same thing: lessons, teachers, assemblies, PE. Yet what they discovered when they arrived was very different to anything they’d foreseen

  • THE SUPERMARKET SURGE IN WORCESTER PARK

    Recently, it has emerged that small, independently-run convenience stores in the Worcester Park area have dramatically fallen, due to several large supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Iceland taking over, especially on the high-street

  • THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOWBUSINESS

    A talented cast of pupils at Bishop Thomas Secondary school and sixth form performed a spectacular version of the well-known musical to parents, teachers and fellow pupils this month.   Over a two nights the pupils transported the audience

  • Spring is in the Air! Or is it?...

    So here we are again, March is just around the corner and we’re all starting to look forward to those hazy long summer days, when you could do anything you wanted and don’t even have to think about school. But then we realise that in fact it’s only February

  • DOES SUTTON HAVE COMMUNITY SPIRIT?

    Countries across the globe feature a variety of communities from religious to regional communities. However was Sutton built around a strong sense of community spirit, or a lack of interaction between people? Many people see community spirit

  • UCAS Is Here.

    The time of the year has approached. Amongst all the AS workload, revision, exams and coursework; Year 12 are being introduced to UCAS and all the joys of personal statements. What do we write? How do we write it? Since when has writing about

  • Golden girl gets gong from the Queen

    An Olympic star managed to time her curtsies well and even made the Queen laugh when she picked up her MBE toady.   Cheam cyclist Joanna Rowsell was at Buckingham Palace this morning to pick up her award, given to her after she won a gold medal

  • YouTube, The Perks and Pains

    The internet is vastly expanding beyond our control with information and media being scattered through our everyday lives. I personally, am one of many that upload media to the internet, or more specifically, YouTube. I’m sure many of you who are currently

  • Rolling The Die

    Are better savings always better value? A nurse takes a perspective of this question regarding the NHS of South West London pioneering the Better Savings Better Value (BSBV) 'review [process which] has been set up to look at ways to drive up the quality

  • Epsom Men’s dreams of hockey glory hanging in the balance

    Epsom Men’s hockey skipper James Midmer has admitted that defeat in this weekend’s crunch clash with unbeaten league leaders Old Cranleighians could spell the end of their season. Midmer’s team lie third in Hampshire/Surrey Regional Division One

  • WHO INSPIRES YOU?

    Who inspires you? A celebrity? A family member? A friend? Throughout our whole lives we have been surrounded by people who we admire and look up to. Whether we want to be a teacher or a singer, we've usually all been inspired by someone to follow our

  • Mastermind of Great Train Robbery dies

    Bruce Reynolds, mastermind of the 1963 Great Train Robbery, has died aged 81 - months before the 50th anniversary of the famous heist hailed as one of the most audacious crimes of the century. Mr Reynolds, who lived in Croydon, died in his sleep

  • And the cow goes "neigh"!

    If you were to go out on the street today and ask a stranger what sound a cow makes, they would probably…well, actually, they’d probably move away from your general direction, with a look of fear and confusion on their face. However, you would assume

  • Three arrested after UKBA raid Crystal Palace restaurant

    Three people have been arrested after UK Border Agency (UKBA) raided a restaurant in Crystal Palace. Officers visited EDO on Westow Hill at around 7.10pm on Tuesday, after receiving intelligence about staff at the premises and their right to work

  • Cuts loom as council looks to make £15m savings

    Jobs cuts, privatisation of much-loved services and the selling of property are on the agenda as the council prepares to cut millions of pounds more from its budget. Wandsworth Council is facing a monumental task over the coming 12 months as it

  • Council assures parents school meals are horse-meat free

    Wandsworth Council has reassured parents that no horse meat has been found in school meals since sampling began. Councils up and down the country have been frantically testing school food products since the horse meat scandal broke earlier this month

  • Racism in Football

    After the emergence of another major incident of racism in football, I was granted the privilege to chat with a young football fan, Aidan Kennedy, about what he thought of the topic; I Began: What do you think of Racism in football? "Well, I think

  • Old London Road brought back into the limelight

    The 27th February brought joy to many residents in the Kingston area after a street party was organized to bring the consumers’ focus back onto Old London Road. The increase in the quantity of chain stores in the Kingston area over the last few years

  • Special school get "outstanding" Ofsted rating

    A Wandsworth special school for local children with severe and profound disabilities has been given an "outstanding" rating Ofsted inspectors. Greenmead School, in St Margaret's Crescent, Putney, has been handed the top award after inspectors praised

  • Man jailed for unprovoked attack on off-duty PCSO

    A man who attacked an off-duty PCSO in Wandsworth has been jailed for six months. James Wall, 18, from Bexley, was accused of elbowing the police officer in the face at a bus stop in Garratt Lane on April 26, last year. The 27-year-old PCSO, from

  • Clothes store Republic saved from closure

    Struggling fashion retailer Republic has been bought by a sportswear giant, saving 116 stores and more than 2,100 jobs. The Leeds-based company, which has a store in the Bentall Centre in Kingston, entered administration on February 13, following

  • The Feltham Passion

    Born for This -  the story of the life and death of Jesus Christ is to be performed by the local communities of Feltham, Bedfont, Hanworth and Hounslow. It is an emotional story about the life of the Son of God which is to be performed throughout the

  • Oxbridge and UCAS Conventions

    Thursday, the 21st of March, the Oxford and Cambridge Student Conference will be held at the Epsom Race Course. The conference will provide current information on the application and admissions procedure at both Oxford University and Cambridge University

  • Marvel comics debut fine art collection

    Comic book fans are being given the chance to take home a slice of superhero history as Marvel unveils its debut fine art collection. Six of the publishers iconic covers, chosen by creator Stan Lee, have been selected to be turned into limited

  • JUNGLE DOCTORS-THE UPCOMING BAND OF 2013

    The Jungle Doctors are a indie/rock band from london.They have 5 members consisting of Sam Budd (lead vocals/guitar & keys) Will Tyler (backing vocals/bass & keys) David Thomas (backing vocals & guitar) Angus Mcguiness (guitar & bass

  • Local reservists honoured for Olympic role

    Territorial Army soldiers from Coulsdon were among more than 200 military personnel recognised for their role in last summer's Olympics. Members of the 41 Signal Squadron, based in Marlpit Lane, supported the security operation at the O2 Arena,

  • New Malden office block evacuated after fire

    A high rise office building was evacuated this morning after a fire broke out. Fire crews from New Malden and Surbiton were called to the CI Tower in St George’s Square, New Malden at 10.10am. Volunteers manning the New Malden police front

  • The Little Book Shop

    The Little Book Shop! Despite current technology and gadgets, reading is still loved by people everywhere.  Reading is both entertaining and educating, as it fires up imagination and offers new vocabulary. There are many book shops out there, offering

  • Review: Dead Space 3 [Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC]

    Trudge… trudge… stomp! Dead Space is back – with more hard sci-fi horrors for our delectation. I’m very fond of this series – I was caught by surprise by how much I liked Dead Space 1. As soon as I looked at the back cover of its box, with the legend

  • Red Riding Hood is coming to Croydon

    Little Red Riding Hood is coming to Croydon this month in a show that is fun for all the family, writes Andy Bloss. Members of the audience can follow Red Riding Hood on her adventures in the forest as she meets Silly Billy, Woody the Woodcutter

  • A chilling encounter as Dracula comes to Fairfield Halls

    Prepare to be scared as a chilling adaptation of Dracula comes to the Fairfield Halls next month, writes Andy Bloss. This classic tale of spine tingling Gothic horror is coming to Croydon for a series of shows, based on the novel by Bram Stoker

  • Get your boogie on at Fairfield Halls

    It is time to get your boogie on as a host of big names come to Fairfield Halls to perform Boogie Nights next month, writes Andy Bloss. The Osmonds, Gareth Gates, Louisa Lytton, Andy Abraham, Chico and Shane Richie Junior all feature in Boogie

  • Neighbour denies wasting police time in Tia Sharp case

    The neighbour of Tia Sharp's grandmother has appeared in court accused of wasting police time during their search for the schoolgirl. Paul Meehan spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, and deny the offence, during a brief hearing at

  • UPDATE: Woman dies after collapsing on bus

    A 65-year-old woman from Leatherhead died after collapsing on a bus outside a station yesterday it has been confirmed. A bus company has said the woman did not have a fall on the bus but died as a result of ‘natural causes’. An Epsom Coaches

  • Popular kids TV show comes to Fairfield Halls

    The popular children’s TV show Milkshake is coming to Fairfield Halls this weekend. The all singing, all dancing live stage show is visiting theatres up and down the country in a 12 month tour which started in July 2012. A host of the TV show

  • Celebrate Mothers Day at Hideaway Jazz Bar

    Celebrate Mothers Day with a twist at one of Streatham’s premier jazz bars. Hideaway, in Streatham, has arranged a special Sunday Lunch event for all the family this Mother’s Day. Female swing band the Kai’s Cats are performing and guests will

  • Family raise funds to help ill baby's fight

    Smiley little Louie looks like any other 11 month old tot - except he is the only boy in the UK with an incurable and often fatal genetic disease. Three girls in the UK are also known to have the rare and very serious condition, Spinal Muscular

  • Sutton backpedaling on recycling

    The borough's green credentials have once again been called into question after figures showed it is being outstripped by its neighbours on recycling. In 2002 Sutton had the second best recycling figures for the whole of London, with 28 per cent

  • Woman dies after suspected fatal head injury

    Paramedics desperately tried to save the life of a woman who suffered a fatal head injury near Leatherhead station yesterday. A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman said a car and two ambulances were called to Station Approach in Leatherhead at

  • Thousands caught without TV licence in Wandsworth

    More than 1,500 were caught watching television without a licence in Wandsworth last year. Wandsworth ranks lower than Lambeth where 1,900 people were caught, while 2,600 people in Haringey were found without a licence. The average evasion

  • Teenagers create videos for Keep It Clean campaign

    A group of teenagers have created videos to encourage residents to keep their streets clean. Students from the around the borough made four short films as part of the Keep It Clean campaign which is being run by the Croydon Guardian and Croydon

  • Church lych gate restored

    A church lych gate, of only two of it's kind in Wandsworth, has been repaired following a years of restoration work. The historic gate in the St Mary's Summerstown churchyard, in Wimbledon Road, Tooting, was first built in the 1930's and serves

  • Car flips over in Kingston town centre

    A driver has been hospitalised after flipping his car and knocking out a set of traffic lights in Kingston last night. The Vauxhall Astra overturned on the one way system by Birkenhead Road and the junction with Queen Elizabeth Road at around 10.40pm

  • Palace won't risk future for promotion

    Crystal Palace may be fighting for a return to the Premier League but Steve Browett is not willing to risk it all to get there. The Eagles are in a strong position to at least make the play-offs this season as they mix it with the Championship's

  • Consultation events announced for Coulsdon Masterplan

    Two consultation events have been announced for residents to find out more about long-term plans to redevelop Coulsdon. The Coulsdon Masterplan. plans include the provision of new homes for the Cane Hill site, a skate park, leisure centre, new

  • A third of children 'living in poverty'

    More than a third of children are living in poverty in some areas of Croydon, shock figures have revealed. There are thousands of deprived young people in the worst affected parts of the borough, comprising 37 per cent of children in Fieldway and

  • Recyclers asked to be the faces of new council campaign

    Recyclers are being offered the chance to be one of the faces of a new recycling campaign. Croydon Council are asking people who regularly use their recycling boxes and community recycling facilities to have their photos on leaflets, posters and

  • Army campaign comes to Croydon town centre

    The final weekend of TA Live took place at Croydon’s Whitgift Shopping Centre on Saturday. Advertisements were aired live from military operations in Afghanistan as part of a new campaign to encourage people to join the Territorial Army. Uniformed

  • Tribute paid to late police sergeant

    A charity football match between colleagues of a policewoman who lost her battle with cancer hours after she married has raised nearly £2,750. Officers from Croydon and Merton police played the friendly at Imber Court, the Metropolitan Police's

  • Meeting held over future of police stations

    There will be more police officers on the streets instead of stations, it was said during a public meeting discussing swingeing cuts to the service. Stephen Greenhalgh, Boris Johnson's deputy mayor for policing, explained plans to close three front

  • Father hopes his adoption story will inspire

    A dad-of-three has penned a book about his experience adopting his son to encourage more men to consider adoption. Shegun Olusanya, from Purley, started writing the book four years after adopting his son Joshua, at the age of two, in 2009.

  • Recipe: Chicken baked with shallots, olives and thyme

    Serves 4 Preparation time:  10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes You’ll need: 4 skinless chicken breast fillets 12 shallots, peeled 4 garlic cloves 16 good quality pitted green olives 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 tbsp extra virgin

  • Panel member attacks NHS review

    A former nurse has criticised the NHS review that has put St Helier Hospital's accident and emergency department at risk of closure - after taking part in its scoring review. Doris Richards, from Carshalton, is the vice chair of Sutton Link - a

  • Brit Blues Award winners come to Sutton

    The winners of last year’s best band and album at the Brit Blues Awards are bringing their contemporary blues to Sutton. King King will be launching their new album Standing in the Shadows at Sutton’s Boom Boom Club this month. The band draws

  • Why can't trains be as clean as our streets?

    By D. Rainoil; Pine Grove, Wimbledon I live in Wimbledon and am delighted that the streets of Wimbledon are so much cleaner now, including especially Lake Road on which are several major schools. This is due to the care that the populus now

  • THE CHALLENGE NETWORK ON THE RADIO

    On Friday 22nd February one of the many Festivals taking place across London and the rest of the country that have been organised by Youth Board members from the Challenge Network took place in Croydon College. The day was a chance for young people

  • MP to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight

    An MP will be helping at a stall promoting Fairtrade foods this weekend.   Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake will mark Fairtrade Fortnight by visiting the stall at the St Nicholas Centre in Sutton town centre on Saturday.   Fairtrade

  • Hundreds of jobs at risk, with Tesco depot to close

    More than 600 people are set to lose their jobs after supermarket giant Tesco announced plans to shut its distribution centre in Weybridge. The company, which employs 650 people at its Brooklands industrial park site, will also cut 800 jobs at

  • No job or service cuts planned this year

    Epsom Council is not planning to cut either jobs or services this year despite having to save half a million pounds. It intends to raise council tax by 1.99 per cent, beneath the level that would trigger a referendum, and raise council service

  • Future of Epsom Hospital in hands of GPs, says MP

    Epsom’s MP believes the future of the threatened Epsom Hospital is now in the hands of the area’s doctors after the Better Services Better Value (BSBV) review was halted for a second time last week. Chris Grayling said he is "glad" no recommendations

  • Council fights fuel poverty

    Sutton Council is trying to help households facing fuel poverty. 19 London boroughs were each given a share of £686,655 by the Government's Cheaper Energy Together fund. Sutton will use its share of the funding to work with residents who struggle

  • Free travel pass to be taken away from mentally ill

    Hundreds of vulnerable and mentally-ill residents are set to lose their entitlement to free travel. Merton Council budget cuts mean more than 400 people in the borough who have serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia, severe bipolar or

  • Take your mum racing this Mothering Sunday

    Mothers can enjoy a day of racing for free as the annual Paddy Power Imperial Cup falls the day before Mothering Sunday. The race day is set to be as exciting as ever and, along with the bring your mother racing for free offer, racegoers also have

  • FRIENDS, ROMANS, COUNTRYWOMEN

    William Shakespeare, despite presenting some strong, female characters, was hardly what we would call a feminist writer; but as the man was writing in the 16th century, we can't be too angry.     However, what we can say for Shakespeare is

  • THE 85TH ACADEMY AWARDS

    2012 has been a great year for marvellous movies. An epic and action-filled James Bond movie, “Skyfall”, appeared in the scene then after succeeding months, rose to the top of the UK Box Office for being the highest-grossing movie in the United Kingdom

  • Tree adoption scheme gets 100th parent

    A tree's new foster parents have dedicated its life to a neighbour who died last year. Sylvia and Gordon Bailey are the 100th 'parents' to sign up for Sutton Council's unique tree fostering scheme. The couple have planted a cherry tree in Chalcot

  • The face of Changing Traditions

    THE FACE OF CHANGING TRADITIONS In these modern times many think that little is being done to preserve traditions and customs of yesteryear! If indeed this is the case we must ask ourselves firstly, which traditions and customs we would like

  • BREAKING NEWS: ICELANDERS UNWIND AT UNRAVEL

    Initially, I visited Unravel Knitting Festival held last weekend in Farnham to report the hive of craft activity that is alive in Surrey. However, my plans shifted when I spotted a storm of Icelanders unwinding at the event - I caught up with Ragga

  • SPRINGTIME

    Spring is almost in bloom and with the nonstop rain and on and off snowfall, I’m sure you can’t wait! After all spring is possibly the happiest season, the snow melts, days get warmer and nights get longer. Spring also represents new life and is the