The recent news that Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London has awarded Kingston upon Thames £2 million to revive its town centre and increase popularity with visitors has been criticised by neighbouring towns such as Tolworth, Surbiton and Hook which feel
The dictionary definition of procrastination is to delay an action and although we are living in the fabulously fast paced twenty-first century almost everyone is guilty of procrastinating at some point or another. How many times how you purposely postponed
The National Physics Laboratory in Teddington last week played a vital role in deciding the fate of the controversial ‘leap second’ – a second added to measured time every few years to ensure that the world’s 400 atomic clocks are as close as possible
On the 21th of January, people in the clothing store Topshop and Topman had to be evacuated after a fire drill began in the London store on Oxford Street. Some of the staff claimed to be “well aware that the drill was going to take place”. However, there
2012 is only a month in and still the UK Criminal Justice System is failing the population, for many years now people have either been wrongly convicted or the sentences in many peoples opinion have not been long enough. Just before Christmas I
In your first year of college? Struggling with the work load? Don't fit in very well or haven't made many new friend's? keep reading! We all know that new people can be quite scary and that a new environment can be tricky to get used to but once you've
Reports of an 'axe-man' in Warlingham have been spreading round the surrounding area for the last couple of weeks. Official and unofficial reports both suggest that on Tuesday 17th January 2012, a man wielding an axe walked around Warlingham threatening
At 9 o’clock this morning, as the sun was rising over the beautiful Bushy Park and many people were still in their beds, I joined 913 other runners as they gathered at the starting line of the Bushy Parkrun – a weekly 5km run in Teddington. This seemed
August 2011 was a month in which some big questions were raised. The London Riots stimulated masses of debate over who was to blame, why, what needed to change, why it could, why it couldn't... the list was endless. Multiple theories were thought up as
Ursuline High School once again have been spreading some much needed community spirit thanks to some of its Year 12 Sixth Form Students giving up a few hours on Saturday morning to rattle buckets and hand out leaflets, collecting money for the local charity
Many people go on diets, whether it be healthy or not. It seems that as a society we are either obsessed with being thin or determined to alienate those who are not by calling them “fat”. We are determined to lose weight even when we do not need to.
In February half term six Year Twelve students from Ursuline High School Wimbledon join many others from across the country on a coach trip to France for work experience. The trip will begin with a coach touring parts of England picking up students
Last week, on Friday 27th January 2012, was the Holocaust Memorial Day. We have all heard of the Holocaust whether or not we studied history in school, it was one of the most atrocious attacks of ethnic cleansing where 6 million people lost their lives
At approximately 10:40 today, a fire broke out in a dairy on Wood Lane. The dairy was within a few hundred yards of Westfield Shopping Centre and the BBC. The origin of the fire is still unknown, however investigations are currently in place to find
The Faith In Action, Homelessness Project in Merton held a collection for donations and to raise awareness at Sainsbury’s in Colliers Wood on Saturday 28th January 2012. This week is Poverty and Homeless week and charities will be spreading the news of
Here comes that time of the year again… and by that, I don’t mean the time where you start counting how many New Years’ resolutions you have broken or lamenting over the lack of revision for mock exams or even trying to burn off that extra bit of turkey
My friend recently said ‘my street has no community spirit.’ All too often this seems to be the case. Residents of Thames Ditton. Here is the solution. Something exciting is happening during the four day bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. On
The 6th January marks when the "twelve days" of Christmas officially come to an end. This day, takes on a special meaning in Greece where there is a special ceremony of blessing the waters and of the vessels that roam them. The ceremony is a little different
Councils looking to save money were looking with increasing intent on libraries, until recently. Most public service sectors have either already seen their budgets slashed or are considered too vital to cut; libraries looked to be the latest victim. The
How would you feel if there were no staff on your tube on the underground? Would it make no difference to your journey or would it leave you feeling vulnerable? These are questions that we may have to consider sooner than we think, as driver-less trains
Merton was recently crowned as the winners of the best float at the world’s largest New Years Day parade. London’s New Year’s Day parade takes place annually along the streets of London and invites participants and viewers from all over the world
On Friday 27th January, I watched War Horse at the Epsom Odeon cinema. The film was originally a play and was made into a film by director Steven Spielberg. It follows the life of a horse (Joey) throughout World War One and shows the true horrors of
All charities continuously advocate to the public that we should be compassionate and care for others and do this by donating money to them. However, can there be too many charities? For instance, many people have their favourite charity that they
On Tuesday the 17th January 2012 Thomas Knyvett college held a fashion show to raise money for the charity called Team Chris. The fashion show featured a range of prom dresses from the shop Maid in Heaven and clothes made out of newspapers, bin bags
Snow? It has come to the time of year once again when the weather is at it’s most unpredictable and one question that everyone seems to be asking is will it or will it not snow this year. But do we want the snow? In previous years snow has proved itself
Every year, during the days leading up to the 14th February, the florists along East Sheen high street are filled with a huge variety of flowers, the traditional ones being red roses, waiting to be sold to someone so that they can surprise their partner
Television adverts are full of healthier food alternatives. The internet is full of tips for a slimmer body. Programmes are telling you what you need to do to keep fit, while other programmes are constantly reminding you of how you don't want to end up
On Saturday the 28th January, Kingston Ladies Swimming Club, held an annual festivity of synchronised swimming and achievement at Morden Pools. The Club establisshed over a hundred years ago and teams have featured in TV programmes for the BBC. The
Included in the arts are a wide range of subjects; music, drama, dance and so much more. For teenagers everywhere, not just Croydon, having the chance to participate in some form of the arts is an amazing thing. The arts give an opportunity for expression
St George's Hospital has pulled out of its plan to merge with St Helier Hospital. St George’s Hospital in Tooting bid to merge with St Helier Hospital and Sutton Hospital, after the organisation that runs the Sutton unit said it did not
The WSPA (World Society for the protection of animals) has opened their own metropolitan police unit, and are the first group to do so. A sum of £100,000 will be used to pay for staff to work regularly and for an exhibition to display rare, seized items
Every year, since 1932 (apart from one year during World War 2), the Kingston upon Thames Festival of the Performing Arts has been running competitions for those aged 10 to 21, in order to find the best stage dancers, pianists, instrumentalists, vocalists
Chinese New Year is one of the greatest, most extravagant festivals of the year as a whole, especially in Chinese culture. Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac: the Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram
On a dreary, dank day at Westleigh Park, the Beavers twice took the lead but couldn't hold on to their lead, despite the introduction of legend Darren Powell in the second half, writes Rob Overfield. With half an eye on Tuesday's FA Trophy second
Kingstonian assistant manager Mark Hams took great heart from a goalless draw away to promotion-chasing Cray Wanderers after an improved Ks performance. And although Hams was disappointed that the side could not take one of numerous chances to win the
Police are investigating the alleged rape of a woman early on Saturday morning. The victim, in her early 20s, is believed to have been attacked close to the Apple Market in Kingston town centre at about 3.15am on January 28. Police believe
A top London cop will be answering questions and explaining the force's use of stop and search powers during a special webchat on Wednesday. Commander Tony Eastaugh will host the chat between noon and 1pm, giving Londoners the opportunity to
Paddy McCarthy is gutted to be missing Crystal Palace's derby clash with Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow night. The Irish defender is ruled out of the game through suspension after being sent-off for two yellow cards in last week's heartbreaking Carling
Shoppers in the Whitgift Centre got an unexpected treat this afternoon. Olympic medalist Fatima Whitbread was joined by singer Peter Andre at the Croydon centre as she filmed an extract of Fatima's Fat Fight for ITV's This Morning. The
An increase in the number of patients going for operations and appointments to Kingston Hospital has eaten into the cash reserves of NHS budgets. Managers have been told to come up with an action plan to reduce day-cases and outpatient numbers
Wimbledon underground station will not be hit by heavy disruption during this year's Olympics, transport planners have predicted. A new Transport for London map reveals details of congestion expected on the tube network because of the games
Have you got the bug? During the early weeks of this year, a contagious malady has been strolling the streets of Isleworth, greeting people with its poorly introduction. This bacterium may very well be something that we as a community should fear.
A teenager has unearthed a collection of 19th century photographs giving a snapshot of Victorian Norwood while tracing her ancestry. Grace Anthony, 17, was researching her family history with her mother when they made the discovery.
Police have confirmed the death of a pensioner in a fire in Stoneleigh as non-suspicious. The man, who has still not been named and was in his 70s, was killed after a fire broke out at his home in Stoneleigh Park Road, Stoneleigh, on January
On the 23rd January Chinese new year was celebrated all over the country and on the 29th London witnessed a large parade in Chinatown, a display by 100 performers in Trafalgar Square and a fireworks finale to welcome in the year of the dragon, a year
A 17-year-old has been charged with brandishing a knife and causing criminal damage outside a Leatherhead home last week. Police were called to a disturbance in Gaveston Road at about 8.25pm on January 25 and made an arrest nearby. A
Cobham’s idyllic Medicine Garden has won the 2011 Countryside Alliance Enterprise Award for the south east of England. Run by the Countryside Alliance Foundation, the awards have previously been dubbed the Rural Oscars. They aim to recognise committed
A six-year-old with cerebral palsy has taken his first steps after the community raised £60,000 for an operation in the US. Beau Brown has lived his life in a wheelchair and it has always been his dream to walk. His illness has never
Terry Brown believes his much-changed AFC Wimbledon squad need time to gel after falling to a 2-1 defeat to Aldershot Town at Kingsmeadow on Saturday. Despite Sammy Moore levelling with a free-kick, the Dons were outdone by two deflected Anthony Straker
Extensive building work to create a new hotel in Wimbledon’s Broadway could start before the year is out, according to developers. The proposed work will see three floors demolished and eight new floors added to the property at 153-161 the
Today we are asking everyone in Merton and Sutton to join us in supporting a charity which for the past 25 years has done extraordinary work helping the people of this borough – St Raphael’s Hospice. None of us like to think about dying – but it
An absolutely fabulous woman has helped launch our Give Your Quid campaign. Comedy star, June Whitfield, has been involved with St Raphael’s for a number for years. The hospice is something she is passionate about and a place where she is always greeted
School pupils gathered at an eco-conference to share their green ideas. The event - the Hinchley Wood Schools Partnership Children’s Eco Conference 2012 - saw six schools take part. The eco-conference was held at Thames Ditton Infant School with the
Dear reader, I would like to begin by thanking the Wimbledon and Sutton Guardian newspapers very warmly indeed for deciding to launch this special appeal. The Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross is a registered charity, whose works include
Surbiton cyclist Andy Betts may have secured his first win in the Imperial Winter Series but he believes it has come too late to challenge championship leader Jamie Pine for the title. The 35-year-old Felt Colbornes rider won E/1/2/3 race in round ten
A man in his 70's was rescued by fire crews after a lit cigarette set fire to his basement flat which had no smoke alarms. Firefighters were called just before 10.40pm on Thursday, January 26, to the fire in Geraldine Road, Wandsworth.
Harlequins skipper Chris Robshaw has insisted leading England into the Six Nations is as much a team effort as it is down to him. The 25-year-old was unveiled on Monday as acting head coach Stuart Lancaster's on-field lieutenant when England's campaign
A Wandsworth entrepreneur has created a mobile phone app designed to protect women after driving down Garret Lane late at night. Mikkel Dissing, managing director of PanicGuard, based in St Ann's Hill, said "I came up with the idea a year and
Dear Boris, With fewer than 200 days to the opening of the Olympic Games in London, this newspaper is still waiting for a press pass so it can report on all the local athletes our readers want us to cover. You have repeatedly promised Newsquest
The public will get a change to grill the new boss of the Metropolitan Police at an event in Kingston next month. Bernard Hogan-Howe took over as commissioner after the phone hacking scandal led his predecessor to resign. Mr Hogan-Howe
Saint George’s Church of England School in Gravesend has received official praise for its English and history department. The department has received the Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI) Mark for 2010/11. PTI launched the Schools Programme in 2007
With the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling to survive let alone thrive. Shrinking customer numbers mean that companies need to be more competitive than ever to keep existing clients and to attract new ones. At times like
Notts County striker Lee Hughes has been charged with sexual assault following an incident at a hotel in Croydon in December last year. The 35-year-old, from River Crescent, Nottingham, was staying at The Aerodrome Hotel, in Purley Way, on
A toy store run by former Woolworths managers is set to open. Mark Buschhaus, former manager of Woolworths in Banstead, Sutton and Kingston and Stephen Barnes, who ran a store in Crawley, are preparing to open their fourth store of their franchise
Gareth Southgate has added his voice to the long-list of admirers of Crystal Palace’s youth academy. Speaking at a Carlsberg Pub Cup event, he praised manager Dougie Freedman’s willingness to give the younger players a chance, a philosophy which this
So, it finally looms. The game Chelsea fans always look for first when the fixtures are announced arrives this weekend. Forget ancient rivalries with Spurs and Arsenal, it’s Chelsea v Manchester United that stirs the blood – and it’s this Sunday’s afternoon
Warlingham fell to a last-gasp 33-30 defeat to Deal & Betteshanger on Saturday. Having trailed for the majority of the game, Warlingham squeezed into the lead with just six minutes left on the clock but were thwarted at the last knockings by a determined
To make no bones about it Chichester thoroughly deserved to win this London Division One South match at Rugby Lane on Saturday but Sutton & Epsom should have been awarded the points they also deserved after a spirited performance against the runaway league
An inspired second half performance from Wimbledon, which saw them playing with 14 men for most of it saw the Dons run out 34-15 winners over Guildford on Saturday. Wimbledon got off to the worst possible start, carelessly giving the ball away
If Cinderford looked anything but a side that has spent most of the season battling against relegation, then Park didn’t look much like title contenders either with a disappointing display that ended in a 22-12 defeat - their third loss in a row
Carshalton Athletic recorded their first league win of 2012 with a gutsy performance to come from behind and win 2-1 against an in-form Margate, writes James Barrett. Two goals in the last 15 minutes, which included Tom Davis’s injury-time winner,
Barnes’ hopes of escaping relegation from National Two South took a major blow with a 45-10 defeat to Old Albanians on Saturday. First, they were demolished by the visitors, and then discovered that all of the sides around them in the table had recorded
In front of a large crowd following the Mitcham President's pre match lunch gathering of old Mitcham legends, Mitcham produced one of their best displays of the season to beat a lively Old Amplefordians 21-15 side, writes Grace Miller. With winger
Old Walcountians once again paid the price for failing to turn opportunities into points as they lost 8-3 to mid-table Cranleigh. The Counts recalled winger Chris Walsh, who had scored 27 tries in their promotion campaign three years ago, in a bid
Richmond secured five more precious points with a four try 26_10 victory against a talented and resilient Clifton side, who were buoyed by their victory the previous week against Hartpury College. The power of the home pack was the decisive
Burgess Hill came away with the points at the Waterside and Casuals were left disappointed as they crashed 2-0 after two previous wins. The first 15 minutes were pretty even with neither side launching a telling strike on goal. In the
Andy Turner is determined to get his persistent Achilles problem sorted once and for all before the start of his all-important London Olympic 2012 summer campaign. The 31-year-old Sutton-based world bronze medallist was left limping in agony suffering
Leatherhead suffered their worst defeat of the season to date, as Bury Town scored five goals without replay at Fetcham Grove to win 5-0. It was a bizarre score line as the two sides had been evenly matched in the opening 30 minutes, with Leatherhead
A 32-year-old woman has been sent to prison for 12 years for stabbing another woman whilst trying to steal her handbag. Andrei Sonia Vidasinhas, originally from Portugal, stabbed the 55-year-old woman while she was walking along Bramlands Close
A choir made up of wives and girlfriends of servicemen fighting in Afghanistan has agreed to perform at Sandown Park racecourse. The Military Wives choir which beat X Factor to the sought after Christmas number one slot will perform live after
Boss Uwe Rosler has admitted striker Gary Alexander's form is making it difficult to pin him down to a new Brentford deal. The 32-year-old bagged a hat-trick on Saturday as the Bees crushed Wycombe Wanderers 5-2 at Griffin Park, with further
Ken Livingstone pledged to finish the clean-up of the river Wandle, build affordable housing and slash tube fares during a visit to Colliers Wood last week. Labour’s candidate for London’s Mayor also gave his full support to our DROP THE DONS
Six fire engines were called to a blaze at a leather shop last night. Crews from Croydon, Norbury and West Norwood fire stations were called to Just Leathers in North End, at midnight. Firefighters took an hour to tackle the blaze, which
Two horses and a dog escaped uninjured following a fire at stables in Coulsdon. Firefighters from Purley and Wallington were called to Richland Avenue, at the junction with Longlands Avenue, at 11.12pm. About 25 percent of the stables
Pro-Active South London is urging people to nominate a Sutton tennis club to be London Club of the year 2012. Sutton Churches Tennis Club is a small club, they play all year round and offer weekly club sessions and have several teams in the
A health club burned to the ground during the August Riots has been reopened by fellow businesses caught in the disaster. Nuffield Health Centre in Norbury was forced to close after an arson attack caused more than £1m of damage. On
How rapidly January fled by. Now,with February upon us we can look forward to increasing wildlife activity, weather permitting. Not that January was uneventful, enjoying as it did highlights such as daffodils blooming, bees foraging and occasional
A pensioner died after nurses failed to report a fall at a hospital, a court heard. James William Boundy was discharged from St Helier Hospital despite suffering a fall the night before which was not recorded in his notes. At the inquest
Forecasters are warning of freezing temperatures this week as England is hit by a cold snap. The Met Office said there was an 80% chance of "severe cold weather" between Monday morning and Thursday, with snow in some places and icy conditions elsewhere
A shortage in eels is driving up the cost of the cockney favourite, with fears they might be off the menu soon. Overfishing has seen supplies of the snake-like fish fall by 98 per cent in the last five years. Eel numbers have also been
Surrey Comet readers have backed calls for the borough’s top school to open its doors to more local students. Figures show Tiffin Girls’ School, ranked the fourth best state school in the country last year, has 335 girls who come from within
Over-running engineering works have caused delays for Monday morning commuters. Southern services are warning of delays of up to 20 minutes between Balham and Victoria due to over running engineering works at Balham. The disruption has also
Cyclists are to be given a lorry driver’s eye view as part of a safety campaign. Croydon council officers will be in North End on Monday January 30 hosting the event offering cyclists the chance to get behind the wheel of a Heavy Goods Vehicle
Age UK Sutton held a Question Time panel with the Minister of State for Pensions. Steve Webb MP, Minister of State for pensions and ageing society took part in the panel during Age UK’s annual review event on Tuesday, January 24. The
By Anne Delaney, Wimbledon Why does the planned expansion of Dundonald School include adult leisure facilities? A pavilion is already conveniently located close to where matches are played and the children’s play area. The pavilion has been
The children and staff in Year 1 at Stanley Park Infants' School, all dressed up and enjoyed a day at sea last Tuesday when they took part in a Pirate Day. Pirate Kate from Freshwater Theatre joined the crew to bring the stories of pirates and battles
Don’t’ get me started on size 0 models and their impact on young people. The pressure inflicted upon teenagers in the modern day is extraordinary and the images printed on the front cover of each and every magazine only increase the longing for the ‘ideal
When Billy Tommey was only two years old, he was diagnosed with severe autism. Ever since then, the lives of his mother, father, brother and sister have been wildly different to those of most families who have no conception of the Tommey’s battle. But
