Archive

  • Scottish skipper guards against complacency

    London Scottish skipper Gary Trueman has warned his men against complacency when they take on co-tenants Richmond at the Athletic Ground on Saturday. The Exiles, who have already beaten Richmond twice in the league and cup this season, go into the game

  • Scots must repeat Manchester shock, says Taylor

    Director of rugby Brett Taylor insists Saturday’s National Trophy triumph over National One Manchester is the benchmark performance his London Scottish must maintain until the end of the season. The Exiles edged past a team two divisions higher than

  • Civic Centre charges will ‘stop road rage fights’

    So-called road rage incidents have forced Hounslow Council to introduce a new fee system for its car park. The scheme, which sees motorists charged 50p an hour with no maximum stay, came into effect this month. Under the previous system, visitors

  • Nintendo DS Browser

    So excited was I at the prospect of a web-browser for the DS, that I may have - I'm not ashamed to admit it - shrieked in delight like a 4 year old. I had so many dreams... surfing the web wherever and whenever I want, accessing my emails and playing

  • Arrest in Brentford 'turf war' killing

    A man has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a Brentford resident who was gunned down in what was believed to be a “turf war” between rival gangs. Dean Tully, 37, was shot dead after two men burst into a flat in the Haverfield

  • Ramsay: Chiswick pub not for sale

    Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has quashed rumours he is selling his Chiswick pub, despite. Gordon Ramsay Holdings, which manages The Devonshire, confimed it would not be closing the pub in Devonshire Road, despite it appearing on the Restaurant Property

  • Smith has stomach for Terrors relegation scrap

    Tooting & Mitcham boss Billy Smith reckons he would be distraught if he tasted relegation for the first time in his managerial career at the end of this season. The Terrors have lost their last five league matches and are just four points above the

  • Reffin' hell

    For very good reason, I am not my usual sunny self this week and, like all Bees fans, it is “referee” Stuart Atwell who is the object of my ire. The ability to slag off a ref is obviously part and parcel of any football supporter’s make-up

  • I'm no one trick pony, says Brentford's Hunt

    Bees midfielder David Hunt insists he doesn’t want to be known as simply a long throw specialist at his new club, but is happy to do the job if required. The 26-year-old's 35 yard howitzers caused panic in the Notts County defence late in the

  • The show does go on

    Gary Mullen spends most of his nights donning a false moustache and prancing around stage pretending to be one of the greatest rock legends that ever lived, and he owes it all to his mother and wife. The pair decided to take the Scottish

  • MP defends Heathrow runway support

    Esher and Walton MP Ian Taylor explained this week why he supported the Government’s announcement to give the go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow airport. The Tory MP broke ranks with his party’s official line last week when he offered his

  • Rydens School raises cash for Shooting Star

    A charity gig organised by four students at Rydens School, Walton, has raised over £800 for the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. About 250 people filled the school hall to listen to an opera singer and jazz before Absence of Sound, the pupils

  • Nurse cleared over sex assault claims

    A Filippino staff-nurse accused of molesting one of her colleagues on night duty in a busy A&E department has been cleared by a jury in less than 20 minutes. Joan Juanico, 38, was found not guilty of a sexual assault on a nurse, whom she had worked

  • Dowson tires of Lampton's Ks critics

    Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has admitted he is tired of listening to fans criticising his players after warning Ks still need all the support they can get to claim promotion this season. The genial Geordie reacted angrily after some sections turned

  • Armstrong makes giant leap for Casuals escape route

    New signing Paul Armstrong repaid Walton Casuals boss Spencer Collins’ faith with two goals in back-to-back 1-0 wins that have re-newed hope of avoiding the drop from Ryman League Division One South. Armstrong pitched up at the Waterside Stadium last

  • Tanners slide into relegation trouble, says boss

    Leatherhead boss Bob Langford has admitted his side are in a Ryman League Division One South relegation scrap after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Kingstonian. The Tanners have slipped to 16th place in table, but are just five points clear of the

  • Blues ready for title tilt

    Met Police boss Jimmy Cooper has not given up hope of chasing down Ryman League Division One South leaders Kingstoninan. The Blues, who saw their weekend clash with Corinthian Casuals postponed, have been in fantastic form this season and have a real

  • Dyke weighs in to Elder's red card row

    Brentford chairman Greg Dyke has weighed into the row surrounding striker Nathan Elder’s second red card of the season at the weekend, claiming referees are spoiling the game for fans. Elder, who saw his appeal against the decision turned down

  • Strauss is sign of things to come, says Welsh boss

    London Welsh head coach Danny Wilson reckons Sotuh African Nic Strauss will help his side find the levels of consistency he feels have so far eluded them this season. The 29-year-old former Natal Shark back row completed his switch to Old Deer Park

  • GCSE results in Wandsworth improve

    GCSE results in Wandsworth improved well beyond the national average this year, the council has announced. The borough's results improved by 3.2 points - compared with a national rise of just 0.8 points. The percentage of students gaining

  • Council makes library disappear

    After conjuring up fake libraries to fool the Government inspector, Lambeth Council has been accused of another magic trick - making one of London’s oldest and best libraries disappear. The council has come under fire for its decision to leave

  • Croydon Guardian celebrated in Parliament

    The Croydon Guardian has been praised for its coverage of major issues in the borough in a debate in Parliament. Croydon Central MP Andrew Pelling said the paper should be “congratulated” on issues such as knife crime as he spoke at a Westminster

  • Royston Pike lecture series to enthrall Elmbridge

    The Royston Pike Lecture series draws to a close with three final lectures of the 2008/09 season in February and March. Starting with Gertrude Jekyll and her book on Rural England on February 10, this lecture is presented by Matthew Alexander

  • Council fat cats receive combined £2m salary

    Wandsworth Council paid 20 employees salaries of more than £100,000 last year, according to figures for 2007/2008. The revelation comes at a time when many residents are struggling to make ends meet and amid warnings of cuts to council services

  • Quins winger Strettle is back and out to impress

    England winger David Strettle has called for the game’s Premiership stars to back themselves with ball in hand to end the game’s growing dependence on the kicking game. The 25-year-old is bidding for a Premiership comeback against Northampton

  • 'Unprovoked' attack on driver at traffic lights

    A driver was punched in the face by a teenager in Sunbury in what police are describing as an "unprovoked attack". The 46-year-old man was waiting at traffic lights at Sunbury Cross on January 20 at 3.30pm when a teenager got out of his silver

  • Pet Education: Stop Dog Aggression

    The Voice of the Dog, invites you to understand and acknowledge that all living beings, biologically, are made up of the exact same matter. Evolution confirms, scientifically, that it is firmly established, human equals animal and animal is equally

  • Gang leader backs anti-crime campaign

    The leader of one of London’s most notorious gangs has backed a multi-million pound campaign to help poor Lambeth children stay away from crime through music. Elijah Kerr, founder of the PDC - or Peel Dem Crew - said it was vital young people

  • Last chance to scoop Mayor's park cash

    It is the last chance to vote for a £400,000 cash boost from the Mayor of London for a local park. The open spaces along the River Wandle in St Helier are one of 47 shortlisted for the Help a London park scheme. The Mayor of London Boris

  • Carers of disabled to have their say

    Parents and carers of disabled adults and children are being offered the chance to sit down with Kingston Council and tell them which services they want. Topics on the table include childcare, after-school activities, short breaks, working

  • Hard line over tax despite recession

    Merton families are plunging further into debt as the council stands by its hard line on tax collection - despite the onset of a recession. The number of court summons issued to residents struggling to pay council tax has soared over the last

  • Crystal Palace v Leicester City 14/01/09

    CRYSTAL PALACE 2 v 1 LEICESTER CITY Welcome to this evening's game at Selhurst Park. Apologies for the late start, we had a few technincal problems. Not to worry you haven't missed much in the opening 10 minutes apart from Speroni misjudging a corner

  • Man charged for bringing guns and drugs into UK

    A man from South Norwood has been charged with importing drugs and guns into the country following a major investigation in Lancashire. Jason Bowley, 34, of Holmewood Road was issued a warrant on Tuesday and was brought to Preston police station where

  • Campaign to save racing stables enlists historic figure

    Lord Rosbery stepped down from a horse drawn cab at Epsom town hall in the latest stage of the campaign to save historic racing stables, The Durdans, from development. On Friday Epsom horseman Lawrence Saupe, dressed as one of Epsom’s most famous

  • Palace unlikely to replace Watson

    Neil Warnock will not be targeting a replacement for Ben Watson should the midfielder complete a £2m move to the Premier League this month. The 23-year-old is currently discussing personal terms with Middlesbrough after the Teesside club had a bid accepted

  • Epsom High school governors hit back at shake up

    Epsom and Ewell High School has been badly let down by Surrey County Council, its former governors said. The board of school governors were forced to step down and a new regime was put in place after a disastrous Ofsted report which said the

  • 'Meeting Joe Strummer' at South London Theatre

    Meeting your hero is a risky business, what if they turn out to be rude, less charismatic or shorter than you had fantasised? A fondness of the great frontman Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash and godfather to Lily Allen, motivated Paul

  • House prices to soar like the aircraft?

    Despite a mountain of environmental complaints over the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow the Spelthorne housing market looks set to stay buoyant, according to experts. Estate agents in Staines have seen a new year boost in house sales and

  • Surbiton parents protest poor primary provision

    Surbiton parents are livid that the bulging schools near them are not included in Kingston Council's plans for more primary school places. The Council has announced 150 new places available from the start of the new school year in September, but

  • Win tickets to the London Stitch & Creative Crafts Show

    The London Stitch & Creative Crafts Show comes back to London ExCeL on Thursday 26 February to Saturday 28 February. There will be a host of crafting celebrities to entertain, educate and pass on their skills and knowledge over the three

  • The best iPod downloads of 2009

    John Kennedy (the Xfm DJ, not former President) can see the future. As a pioneer of new talent, Kennedy sorts the Stones from the Steps, deciding who will get airplay and sessions on his show and has been instrumental in launching the early

  • Epsom Playhouse Celebrates its 25th Year

    Epsom Playhouse will celebrate 25 years of entertaining local theatre lovers this weekend with a performance of Leiber and Stoller’s SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE and a cake cutting ceremony to kick start a season of celebrations. During the last 25 Years,

  • Rail repairs to cut off villagers

    A pregnant woman in labour could be stranded at her home, unable to reach hospital because Surrey County Council has run out of money for road works. SCC says it cannot fund the work necessary to install a second level crossing at Ashtead

  • Burstow welcomes Government u-turn on MP expenses

    Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has welcomed the news that the Government’s plans to exempt MPs’ expenses from FOI laws have been withdrawn. MPs were due to vote on the controversial measure tomorrow, which would have created a special

  • £20bn business rescue package 'may not be enough'

    The Government’s £20 billion package for small business is welcome, but more money could be needed, business leaders have warned. In an effort to encourage banks to release more credit the state has effectively insured banks against small and

  • Investigation after man slashes wrists in court

    A man had to be disarmed with CS gas when he pulled out a razor in a Staines courtroom and began slashing himself after he was sentenced to jail time. Douglas MacDonough, 36, from Acton, became aggressive after being sentenced to five months in prison

  • Yoville

    You may have noticed I have not been blogging much of late. I think part of this could be due to the fact that I grown used to the whole co-habiting thing and now find it completely acceptable that someone can own 200+ pairs of shoes. However

  • eBay

    I've been a member of eBay for 5 years, but due to my woeful internet connection and concerns about accidentally emptying my bank account, until recently I had only used 'buy it now'. A couple of months back I made my first auction purchase - for

  • CHARLOTTE PARKES

    LOOK WHO's 18 25.1.2009 Happy birthday ,P> Love from Mum, Dad, Natalie, Dominic, Ruby, Martin, Amie, Mason-James, James, Henry and Ella

  • Businesses 'must concentrate on solutions'

    South London businesses must forget the negative headlines and concentrate on solutions to guide them through the economic crisis, says Peter Pledger, chief executive of South London Business - a group representing companies south of the Thames

  • Redskins skipper not feeling under pressure

    Streatham Redskins captain Joe Johnston has said that he does not feel like his side are under pressure to win, despite facing a fight to get into the play-offs. Johnston picked up a goal and an assist as his side were held 2-2 by the Milton Keynes

  • Sutton forced to swap fixture again

    Sutton United will now be at home to Horsham in the Isthmian League Cup next Tuesday night (7.45pm). There have been a string of conflicting reports since the third round tie had to be postponed this week with Gander Green Lane waterlogged.

  • Volunteers needed to watch over police

    Residents can do their bit for the community by signing up to keep an eye on police activity. Merton police need new volunteers join their independent stop and search monitoring panel. A police spokesman said: “The use of stop and search

  • 'Doctor diagnosed my son’s kidney failure as sore throat'

    A two-year-old boy suffering acute kidney failure was diagnosed with a sore throat and sent home by an out-of-hours doctor, his mother claims. Distraught mum Julie Smithers told the Thamesdoc clinic medic covering the out-of-hours service at

  • How to make friends and frag people

    Xbox Live is truly a great invention- seamlessly allowing millions of gamers the opportunity to log on and spend a few hours fragging, racing or pinata’ing each other over the phone lines. Why is it then that the majority of Xbox Live seems to be

  • Poulsom finishes ahead of Stragglers pair

    Debutant Giles Poulsom won the 66th running of the Richmond parkrun event on Saturday morning, clocking 18 minutes 31 seconds. THat was more than a minute clear of Stragglers pair James Flood and Nigel Rothwell, who placed second and third respecively

  • Staines Preparatory School

    Staines Preparatory School 3 Gresham Road Staines, Middlesex TW18 2BT Contact - Natasha Tait - Registrar Tel: 01784 450909 Fax: 01784 464424 Staines Prep Provides a Happy Foundation For Life Whether you visit

  • Smallholding lost after nurseryman's death

    One of the last remaining smallholdings allocated to servicemen after World War I is disappearing from Wallington following the death of a nurseryman. Bill Lovett, 87, a regular on Surrey Street Market in Croydon, died of emphysema last month

  • £500,000 on consultants for Surbiton Hospital polyclinic

    Health bosses are set to spend £500,000 on management consultants to take forward the redevelopment of Surbiton Hospital as a brand new £15m polyclinic. The money is the next step in bringing the hospital back to its former glory after consultants

  • JOSEPH CHARLES BOND

    Passed away on 14th January 2009 in Kingston Hospital. A kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. The funeral will take place at Mortlake Crematorium at 12.30pm on 30th January, followed by a celebration of his life at North

  • Cooking up trade

    A Streatham man is hoping to boost the profile of local businesses with his appearance on hit Channel 4 television show Come Dine With Me. Teacher Peter Rixham, 37, from Hambro Road, will be hoping his culinary prowess leads him to victory in the shows

  • Strip club gets green light

    Raunchy entertainment is coming to Epsom – but with strict conditions. Damon Wellman, owner of the Stir cocktail bar in East Street, was given permission to go ahead with his plans for strip dancing at Stir at Tuesday’s meeting of the licensing

  • BRISTOW, BRIAN GERALD

    Formerly of Hollington, died peacefully on Sunday 18th January 2009. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Mary, son Kevin and his wife Michelle, son David and grandsons Matthew, Jacob and Nathan. Brian was a keen member of the Hersham Comrades

  • Kingston Hospital released wrong C Diff figures

    Superbug figures acclaimed by Kingston Hospital in October were wrong - but the right ones are 11 cases better. The Surrey Comet reported a decline in C diff cases back in October, when the hospital said between January and September there

  • Three-point turn woman mounts neighbour's car

    A woman trying to do a three-point-turn ended up on top of a neighbour’s car. Robert Den-Hartog, 35, an American primary school teacher who lives in Ashtead, looked out the window after hearing a crash noise to find his neighbour’s car on top

  • Unemployment hits three-and-a-half-year high

    Unemployment in Kingston has hit its highest level for three-and-a-half years, according to figures released this week. A wave of redundancies has resulted in 304 extra people signing on to jobseeker’s allowance in the autumn, bringing the

  • 37 Kingston drivers held over 'drink driving'

    Kingston police arrested at least one person a day on suspicion of drink-driving during December, according to research. The Metropolitan Police launched the crackdown operation which took place from December 1 to December 31, 2008, to catch

  • Outside students invading Sutton grammar schools

    More children from outside the borough attend Sutton’s top schools than those living here, figures show. A census in May 2008 showed only 2,018 students from Sutton make up the 5,238 total population of the borough’s grammar school children

  • Lovekyn Chapel celebrations begin in Kingston

    The first in a string of events celebrating the 700th anniversary of the oldest complete building in Kingston, the Lovekyn Chapel, will take place today. Professor Nigel Saul’s historical talk, A Wing and a Prayer, will consider the fortunes

  • Care worker dragged pensioner across floor

    A care worker has been sentenced to 90 hours unpaid work after he was found guilty of assaulting a 74-year-old man in his care. Norman Smith, 55, of Elsenham Street, Southfields, was working at a Tooting nursing home on 26 May, 2008 and was

  • Lunch money a thing of the past

    Children will no longer pay for their school lunches with cash or cheques under a new system. The E-Pay Cashless Schools programme was launched in primary schools in 2006 to remove cash and cheques from schools so children did not have to carry

  • Officers search 100 in anti-knife drive

    Nearly 100 people were stopped and searched at Tooting Broadway last week in a drive to catch people carrying knives. Police found no weapons but made two arrests, one for theft and one for possession of drugs. Operation Blunt 2 was

  • Will Wandsworth inherit Lambeth's litter?

    Wandsworth could inherit rubbish from neighbouring Lambeth when a tip is coverted in to a recycling centre, it has been claimed. Questions have also been raised over how green the new Vale Street recycling centre - opening in February - will

  • Croydon College is rated top in the the UK

    Croydon College is now in the top five per cent of all colleges in the country, including school sixth form and specialist colleges, for helping students achieve top marks. The figures, released by the Department for Children, Schools and

  • Committee supports under-threat Elmbridge services

    Opposition councillors have won the first round in the battle to save five of the borough's “frontline” services. Elmbridge Council’s community affairs overview and scrutiny committee met on Tuesday night to discuss recommended saving proposals

  • Coroner's findings point to foul play in Brazilian cell death

    A respected Brazilian coroner has rebutted a police report claiming holiday-maker Neil Juwaheer died of a suspected drug overdose while in custody. Dr George Sanguinetti’s said there was “no scientific proof’’ that the 35-year-old died after

  • Carshalton home declares itself independent state

    A family of four claim to be living outside the reach of British law after starting a new country at their home in Carshalton. Emperor Terry I, 40, and his esteemed son HIH Crown Prince Jonathan Austen, 14, founded the Empire of Austenasia

  • IT 'money saver' costs council £1.1m

    Bungling Wandsworth council officers have admitted to a £1.1m overspend on a computer project introduced to reduce overspending. The Frameworki system, which holds records of all adult and children’s social service clients in the borough, was

  • Will it be Total Wipeout for Sutton woman?

    A Sutton woman is taking part in BBC One’s game show Total Wipeout. Jody Favell, 26, will compete against 19 contestants with the aim of getting crowned Total Wipeout Champion and winning a £10,000 prize. Miss Favell said she applied