The new Mayor of Richmond Cllr Richard Pyne, is the 59th Mayor of the Borough and lives in Sheen. It is a tradition that the Mayor raises money for local charities during his mayoral year. He has chosen Richmond Borough Mind and Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow.

Richmond Borough Mind supports those affected by mental health problems. Home-Start RKH provides mental and practical support for local families with children under the age of five.

The first charitable event took place today in the gardens of Asgill House, built in 1757-58, a Grade One listed Palladian Villa overlooking the Thames. The house is on the former site of the Tudor Richmond Palace which was demolished after the Civil War. After some years of dilapidation the House was returned to its original appearance in a restoration of 1969-70. The garden contained a 200 year old copper beech tree, one of the Great Trees of London, but sadly eight years ago major branches broke and it had to be felled.

Asgill House is leased from the Crown Estate and the event was held with the kind permission of the present owner, whose late husband carried out the renovation.