Slogging around London in the winter chill is only half the challenge of preparing for the marathon. Like Running Man reader Michelle Williams, as well as many others, I need to raise at least £1,500 for my charity. Hemihelp is immensely deserving, but
In a novel I was reading the other week the author remarked on the intense anger and distress that can be caused by the repetition of relatively innocuous things. I thought of throat-clearing, ring tones and Graham Norton's face, and I agreed. According
Four AFC Wimbledon players face late fitness tests tomorrow before boss Dave Anderson can pick his side to face his former club Hendon. Anderson takes the Dons to his former stomping ground with Paul Lorraine (ankle), Jermaine Darlington (cartilage),
Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway has criticised Ministry of Defence plans to erect a fence around Kenley Airfield. The 1.2m high fence would stop people walking on to the MoD airfield from Kenley Common. The move is designed to stop people strolling
NEC Harlequins make four changes to the team that started against Leicester Tigers last Saturday (3rd March) for the game against London Wasps in the Guinness Premiership at the Twickenham Stoop tomorrow (Saturday 10th March), kick-off 3.00pm.
A mum has spoken about the pain of losing her son after the two men responsible for his death were sent to jail. Craig Barley, 20, of Moval Road, Brixton, and 25-year-old Amariah Linton were this morning sentenced to 11 and 13 years in prison respectively
There was disappointment at the European Indoor Championships in Birmingham for Teddington residents Mo Farah and Jo Pavey. Pavey, who had been suffering from flu in the run-up to the championships, took the lead from the start of the 3,000m. But she
A South Croydon newsagent who was almost blinded by a gang of youths has attacked the police for taking more than an hour to make a three-minute journey to his shop. Muhammad Ijaz-Sarwar called 999 when a group of about 10 youngsters began grabbing items
NEC Harlequins back row Nick Easter hopes he can grab a second chance to prove his international credentials after winning an England recall to face France this Sunday. The 28-year-old starts in his favoured position of number eight in this weekend's
Wandsworth Council is proposing to disperse its museum, close two libraries and force the de Morgan Centre to move. All this at very short notice and with no time for consultation to consider alternatives. A fragmented museum will give a second-rate
I feel it is important to highlight how Wandsworth, the brighter borough, discriminates and singles out areas. The council has targeted a corner in Charlmont Road. I returned from work on September 27 last year to see several large 46ins high wooden
I always thought parking attendants were paid to ensure the smooth passage of traffic and the safety of pedestrians. Obviously I am mistaken. I parked in Valnay Street, SW17, purchased a pay and display ticket, stuck it to my window and went about my
I have been given to understand that, if I go to several Lambeth Council-funded Lambeth College classes, I am only worth one subsidy. This means that, if three separate people used my three separate places in three different classes, there would be three
I am really sorry the inhabitants of North Battersea have lost their battle to to be able to drive their cars up and down the King's Road and the rest of the West End without paying the full congestion charge. There is however, an excellent bus service
Recently I received a £30 fine whilst cycling. Has anyone else ever received a fine for cycling? I had been cycling in the road near Wandsworth Prison. I turned off along the side road towards Trinity Road shops. This is a short no exit road. I had
NEC Harlequins centre Mel Deane has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year deal with Magners League side Connacht. The 32-year-old will join fellow Irishman Gavin Duffy at the Galway Sports Ground, after Duffy
Wow! Tesco must be very pleased that all of 25 people have so far contacted them about sitting on their working group, so that it can revamp the scheme in order to gain more public support. Does it think its supporters will exceed its opponents, some
I was struck by Geoffrey Bills' observations about the 50mph restriction on the Esher bypass. Something similar occurred in St Peter's Way - the main link from this area to the M25 and St Peter's Hospital some time ago. Since its opening, this dual
With reference to your report on the recent coroner's inquest into the death of cyclist Ian Ward in Long Ditton, it occurs to me to wonder what item of evidence was missing that prevented the coroner from recording the proper verdict? The facts, as presented
Last Monday night saw the East Surrey planning sub-committee's overwhelming rejection of Cranstoun Drug Services' application to change the use of their premises at 5, Ember Lane, Weston Green from a centre for recovered drug addicts to a hostel for current
I am delighted that someone thinks that an eight container recycling scheme in neighbouring Kingston is easy. Just imagine how much easier it would be with one combined recycling sack? A major problem with this Lib Dem trial is that it was attempted
Re. the Cranstoun drug rehabilitation centre in Esher, the issue is not whether it should be closed - as Cranstoun did this itself last year, when it was treating residents after detox - it is whether it should reopen as a centre for nine active drugs
An unpublished novel by renowned author Jeanette Winterson was found at Balham Underground station. A 134-page manuscript of The Stone Gods, not due to be published until September, was picked up from a bench on Wednesday night. Martha Oster, 27, a
Ray Wilkins, the former England and Chelsea football captain, joins Marc Hayton, managing director of Foxhills, at the opening of XIX, a new bar and grill at the Weybridge club. The opening marks the first stage of a £5million development of the existing
Pupils at Ashburton School celebrated World Book Day last week with a visit from a professional storyteller. Josh Gaillemin visited the Long Lane school last Thursday and spent the day recounting various stories with pupils. Since Mr Gaillemin began
Family numeracy classes in Croydon have proved so successful the Basic Skills Agency has asked to film classes for a leading television education channel. Teachers TV is funded by the Government and produced to help people based in the education sector
A group of existing and potential international traders met in central Croydon last week to discuss a forthcoming week-long trade mission to Johannesburg and Cape Town. The mission leaves London on March 10, and a longer second mission is planned for
The deadline for the inaugural South London Business Awards has passed and all focus is now on the event. Top radio presenter David Jensen is to host the event at Crystal Palace Football Club on Monday, May 21. More than 400 top business people from
I can't believe the shortsightness of the Sutton and Merton PCT in not maintaining a specialist, up-and-running, efficient, much needed bereavement service for the cost of £36,000. Bereaved people require individual help when they request it, from a
It is indeed our entitlement to know the truth about our NHS services. However, the truth - as seen by many letter writers concerning the local health services and provision - appears somewhat open to people's own interpretation, and truth as only you
Year six pupils enjoyed an afternoon out of the classroom to learn about possible dangers in every day situations, including what to do in an emergency and how to safely use London transport. Children from Haslemere School in Mitcham listened to representatives
A week or two ago, my daughter and I went to Cannon Hill Common which is our local park. I thought I saw what looked like a dead heron floating in the pond. I wondered how it had died as I had already seen an incredible amount of rubbish and wondered
Your voting service in the March 1 edition regarding banners in the council chamber is misleading - it says "the Mayor has banned banners". This is not true; it is the leader of the Conservative administration, Councillor David Williams, who has made
I went to visit the new Metcall central communications command centre in Lambeth that is now taking all of the emergency and non-emergency calls for the Merton, Croydon and Sutton areas. All the equipment is state-of-the-art and was very impressive.
A group of existing and potential international traders met in central Croydon last week to discuss a forthcoming week-long trade mission to Johannesburg and Cape Town. The mission leaves London on March 10, and a longer second mission is planned for
Tesco has announced it has withdrawn its Tolworth plans. Reassuringly, it says it now wants to listen to the community before submitting another plan. And yet the community has already expressed its views. It did so particularly clearly at the public
It is noticeable that our MP Ed Davey takes every opportunity for a photo-shoot when he is attacking the Government. Will he be as pro-active in having publicity to oppose the Lib/Dem cuts at our Day Centres and Resource Centres in New Malden? It would
The Kingston Pensioners Forum is alarmed at the proposals to reduce services for the elderly in Kingston upon Thames and have invited the Leader of Kingston Council, Derek Osbourne, and the Chief Executive of the Kingston Primary Care Trust, David Smith
I am currently trying to find out as much as I can about the Tagg family of the Kingston/Hampton area, one of whom (Thomas) gave his name to Tagg's Island. I would be most grateful to hear from any of your readers who could help me with any information
What a sell out by the Liberal Democrats to the elderly living in the Royal Borough of Kingston. Now they are threatened by the closure of either Newent Day Centre or Hobkirk Day Centre. One hopes these councillors will remember that it was these same
Unlike Sarah Hanson-Kahn (Letters, February 28) I do not wish to thank Kingston Council for the Berrylands Trial waste collection. Like her, I do my best to recycle so I am pleased that cardboard is to be added to a weekly recycling coll ection. However
I think it is an utter disgrace that Wetherspoon's has been approved to have a pub at the ex New Malden Police Station site when more than 600 people complained, when it took only 36 people to complain about Kenwood House music for it to be stopped.
May I use your pages to thank Councillor Marc Hanson for his comments (letters, February 22) on my opposition to the Tory closure of Bond Road special needs children's centre. Every politician dreams of being accused of "breathtaking cynicism" at least
A sure sign that spring has arrived is the annual Daffodil Show at the RHS London Flower Show (Tuesday 3rd - Wednesday 4th April) The Lawrence Hall will be a spectacular sight as it is filled with hundreds of daffodil cultivars of every shape, size and
Wow! Tesco must be very pleased that all of 25 people have so far contacted it about sitting on its working group, so that it can revamp the scheme in order to gain more public support. Does it think its supporters will exceed its opponent - some thousands
As many of your readers will know, the Tories in Merton want to close Bond Road Early Years Nursery in September. This is a specialist centre for vulnerable children but the Tories say these children will instead be provided for in the eight new children's
In the piece about computer recycling in the Green Guardian of Feb 22 I saw no warning given that people should ensure that the computer's hard drive is completely erased of content. Any computer that has been used on the internet for personal banking
Councillor Peter Southgate makes it sound as though I waged a one-man campaign against the CPZ in Merton Park. In reality there were hundreds of people involved. Also, let us not forget that when consulted, the majority of people in Merton Park were
In a novel I was reading the other week the author remarked on the intense anger and distress that can be caused by the repetition of relatively innocuous things. I thought of throat-clearing, ring tones and Graham Norton's face, and I agreed. According
On Friday morning tens of thousands of parents across the country learned whether their children had gained a place at their preferred primary school - unless they happened to live in Surrey. Shortly before the big day, the local education authority
With reference to the ongoing debate about the site for Stanley Park School. The fact is that the current site is too small. The children have to walk alongside a busy main road to go to Stanley Park Recreation Ground for games lessons. The Stanley Road
I feel strongly about the possible destruction of the lavender field and allotments that I felt I must write and voice my concerns. I first stumbled across the lavender fields some five or so years ago as a visitor and was so enamoured of them that I
I am at a loss to understand how a council, which I thought took some pride in its "green" credentials, could have even considered the Stanley Road Allotments as a potential site for a new Stanley Park High School. Are you so out of touch with this community
It's official - puppets have grown up. Once the preserve of birthday parties for the under fives, they are now acc-eptable - even trendy - entertainment for adults, too. Or so proclaim an excited arts press. But hold your horses, says Malcolm Knight,
The success of the Blind England Cricket Team more than matches the achievements of the regular team says one local resident and team member. RICHARD LYONS reports In summer 2005, Andrew Freddie' Flintoff and chums were the toast of the nation after
It's easier to fight poverty in the Third World than you may think - just look out for a special label during your weekly shop, writes SARA McCORQUO- DALE. If you were not paid a decent amount after a hard day's work the chances are you wouldn't
Halrequins RL boss Brian McDermott blamed a flu epidemic and not the spectre of becoming Super League leaders for last Saturday's 19-12 home defeat by Warrington. A third poor second-half showing in succession cost Quins their unbeaten record and the
Ever since moving to south London in 1987, and then to Coulsdon in 1989, Letty and Allen have gone out of their way to support Filipinos who need help. The couple, who met in the south east asian country, offer their home to those needing accommodation
Moving to a new home can be traumatic experience but Harlequins RL new boy Chris Melling has made the task seem like child's play. Melling returns to old club Wigan Warriors on Friday having made an impressive start to the season. He deputised for Mark
A Croydon primary school has been targeted by heartless thieves who dug up more than 20 trees and stole valuable equipment from its environmental garden. Earlier this year trees were taken from Castle Hill Primary School in Dunley Drive, New Addington
Croydon residents are being invited to put forward their views on a consultation document concerning the sustainable development of two of the borough's conservation areas. As part of the new planning system, the council is working on plans for South
I have been given to understand that, if I go to several Lambeth Council-funded Lambeth College classes, I am only worth one subsidy. This means that, if three separate people used my three separate places in three different classes, there would be three
Police are appealing for witnesses following an altercation between three males outside a fast food shop. The incident happened at Roosters Chicken shop in High Street on Thursday, March 1, at around 11.30am and left one man with facial injuries. Anyone
Family numeracy classes in Croydon have proved so successful the Basic Skills Agency has asked to film classes for a leading television education channel. Teachers TV is funded by the Government and produced to help people based in the education sector
Violence and gang culture will be at the top of the agenda at a conference co-hosted by Croydon Council next week. Council leader Mike Fisher and Councillor Steve O'Connell, joint deputy leader and cabinet member for public protection and crime reduction
A man who beat his girlfriend during a drunken rage was spared jail because his victim had forgiven him. Croydon Crown Court heard how Robert Elliot attacked 22-year-old Holly Halcombe at her mother's home in Nottingham Road, South Croydon, after a night
Wandsworth Council is proposing to disperse its museum, close two libraries and force the de Morgan Centre to move - all at very short notice. Wandsworth has comparatively little of real cultural worth, and to lose these amenities would be tragic. I
A group of mothers trying to protect their children from gang crime has proved a hit. ParentWatch, the group set up by 13 mums from New Addington, has seen a boost in numbers since it was first reported in the Croydon Guardian. Mellisa Stewart, manager
Miriam Hanane, 33, from West Croydon, is looking forward to the Tube coming to Croydon. She said: "I think Croydon is lovely, there are lots of shops, lots of clubs and bars to go out to and the night life is generally good. They have closed down bars
Ignoring an unprecedented demonstration by several hundred protesters representing pensioners, people with disabilities, their carers and voluntary groups, Lambeth Labour politicians pushed through care cuts and charges that are among the harshest in
If anything can spearhead a major Terrence Rattigan revival, English Touring Theatre's sparkling production of French Without Tears is the show. When the original production opened at the Criterion Theatre in 1936, it ran for three years without a break
The recent violent deaths of four young people in Southwark and Lambeth are an absolute tragedy for the individuals, their families and the communities most affected. We should not however, lose sight of the fact that overwhelmingly, communities across
It would be hard to do justice to the history of the Royal Ballet School and its White Lodge home if you had infinite space and unlimited funds. That Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham can manage it gives an indication of the range of exhibits on display
The fragility of family ties can be sorely tested at parties, when celebrations bring out the best or the worse in the relationships that hold loved ones (and hard-to-love ones) together. Director Stephen Taylor production of The Time of my Life for
I have always been a bit scared by the idea of swinging. Whether it's performance anxiety or the prospect of partner swapping, it gives me the jitterbugs and not in a good Wham kinda way. However, as the proud owner of a ticket for the biggest event
I write about Rachel Morgan's letter (Letters, February 28) about Labour's record on council tax increases. Surely the most cynical act of all was the referendums, before the 2002 local elections, which invited council taxpayers to say what level of
I write with regards the letters page and recent correspondence to St. Peter's Hospital and public transport accessibility. I can contribute the following to which people need be aware. I work in the bus industry and can advise people of the following
SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Nationwide Conference South: Sutton United v Bedford Town. Ryman League Premier Division: Hampton & Richmond v Billericay Town, Hendon v AFC Wimbledon, Walton & Hersham v Carshalton Athletic. Ryman League Division One South: Cray
I do not by any means always agree with Jack Pinkerton. However, in his last two letters to the Guardian, concerning the muddled state of the British constitution, he certainly has a point. What we need to resolve is the establishment of a proper United
Councillors give £1,000 community grant for Stanwell North. Most residents know that each councillors controls £1,000 per annum, which can be used on projects that are for the good of all ward residents of the ward. Your councillors for Stanwell North
Following over one million people protesting against the War in Iraq which has cost so much money and so many lives Tony Blair now says that he will press on with the vehicle and road pricing policy which nearly two million petitioners protested against
Walton Casuals boss Kim Harris does not want to see former club Kingstonian relegated from Ryman Division One South - unless it means his side being safe. The ex-Ks manager crosses swords with his old team on Saturday, and a win for the Stags would put
On the grounds of flawed consultation the High Court has recently thrown out the Government's case to increase the number of nuclear power stations (Greenpeace v Government). The ruling will dismay, I imagine, our Spelthorne Conservative councillors
Imagine being on the staff at the admirable St Peter's Hospital, Ashford, or considering applying for a job there or, even worse, contemplating entry as a patient and then reading the politically motivated abuse, once again, of the Tory like of Messrs
Further to John Leer's excellent letter on Brett's application to extract minerals in North Stanwell (Villager, February 10) it has to be said that they and Morris have been playing the system for far too long. The people of the area are rightly fed
I have read the letter Is he a hero or zero?' by Harold Trace and must point out that in 1997 Gordon Brown decided to take the business rate from local council to fill his central pot. So far, rate support grant has been far less than the business rate
Hampton & Richmond boss Alan Devonshire wants his side to go on another unbeaten run after their first defeat in 13 games on Saturday. Despite goals from Law-rence Yaku and Ian Hodges, the Beavers lost 3-2 at title-chasing Bromley, their first loss since
England is now home for more foreign criminals than ever before as the risk of getting caught becomes less and less. When they are caught, foreign and English criminals are freed to commit more offences because the New Labour Government has not built
NEC Harlequins young gun Adrian Jarvis is hoping he can catch Brian Ashton's eye after fly-half rivals Toby Flood and Shane Geraghty were picked to face France at the weekend. Quins team-mates Nick Easter and David Strettle will swap a sell-out 12,600
Croydon is featured at an exhibition at the Gallery on the Green in Warlingham. Trevor Woods painted landmarks such as Fairfield Halls, the Nestle building and the 50p building'. The exhibition is at the gallery in Limpsfield Road from March 1-29 from
Croydon's Primary Care Trust is slashing the number of minor operations it carries out in a bid to save money and resources. Surgical procedures such as hysterectomys, grommet installation and varicose vein treatments have been reduced by the PCT. New
Several weeks ago I wrote to the Croydon Guardian and suggested the Bensham Manor byelection would be the first real chance voters had to give their verdict on the first nine months of the Conservative council. I confess even as Labour leader I did not
Boss Alan Dowson fears for the future of his Kingstonian side should the goals of Bobby Traynor dry up in the remaining weeks of the season. The 23-year-old striker has bagged eight goals in 10 appearances since switching from Walton & Hersham when Dowson
Walton & Hersham chairman Alan Smith says he was left with no option but to sack manager Bobby Paterson after he failed to turn up to last week's training sessions. The Scot was relieved of his duties at Stompond Lane last week and replaced with his
Wes Daly is happy to be centre of attention as AFC Wimbledon's promotion tilt gathers pace. Since manager Dave Anderson switched to a 4-3-3 system just after the turn of the year, Daly has been a revelation at the heart of the Dons midfield, which has
Tooting & Mitcham assistant manager George Wakeling has tipped keeper Dave King to win the club's player-of-the-year award after a string of outstanding performances. King's excellent displays this season have given the Terrors the best defensive record
Sutton United hitman Ross Gaynor says scoring a brace on his Republic of Ireland U21 debut was a dream come true. Gaynor received a shock call-up into Don Givens' squad for the 11th annual Madeira Tournament in Portugal last week. And the 19-year-old
Leatherhead assistant Steve Wood has warned his players they must show more character if they want to win promotion after Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Horsham YMCA. The Fetcham Grove side are now five points adrift of a play-off spot thanks largely
A Chessington family has become the borough's first to be evicted because of the yobbish antics of their children. Possession of cannabis, causing a nuisance, intimidating neighbours and shopkeepers and assault were all given as reasons to Kingston County
A senior judge from Wimbledon has denied two counts of flashing a woman on a commuter train. Lord Justice Richards, one of the country's most senior judges and sits in the Court of Appeal, appeared before City of Westminster Magistrate's court yesterday
Kingston's biggest ever counterfeiting scam has been busted after a Tolworth man was jailed for importing fake Armani and Burberry clothes from India. In just 14 months, Simon Waugh, 45, sold more than 4,000 goods on eBay, building a criminal business
