EastSheenMatters

The comment was about the LibDems winning every seat on Richmond Council. The response was ‘It’s a Waitrose constituency’,

https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/london/christchurch-east-sheen/basil-alter-summer-recital-series/e-olpjob

Local councillor Julia Cambridge has been reappointed as Chair of the Education and Children’s Services Committee. This is the full list of committee chairs and vice-chairs for 2026/27.

Councillors also confirmed a number of lead member and champion appointments, including: 

• Lead Member for Finance and Resources – Councillor Jim Millard 
• Lead Member for Business and Growth – Councillor Phil Giesler 
• Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre Project – Councillor Katie Mansfield 
• Lead Member for Arts and Culture – Councillor John Coombs 
• Tenants’ Champion – Councillor Paulina Vassileva 
• Armed Forces Champion – Councillor Michael Butlin 
• Borough of Sanctuary Champion – Councillor Fiona Sacks 
• White Ribbon Champion – Councillor Rhi Lee 
• Young People’s Champion – Councillor Penelope Frost 
• Disability Champion – Councillor Margaret Dane

Councillor Nancy Baldwin has been appointed Mayor of Richmond upon Thames. Councillor Baldwin, who previously served as Mayor in 2019/20, returns to the role for the 2026/27 municipal year. Councillor Matthew Wherry has been appointed Deputy Mayor.

A Liberal Democrat councillor for North Richmond, Councillor Baldwin has lived in the borough for more than 40 years and has long been involved in championing community organisations, equality and the voluntary sector. Before entering local government, she worked across banking, education, business and the arts.

Councillor Baldwin said: “To serve as Mayor of Richmond upon Thames once is a privilege – to be asked to do so again is incredibly special.

“This borough is full of people who quietly give their time, energy and compassion to others every single day. One of the greatest joys of this role is the opportunity to celebrate those people and the extraordinary contribution they make to community life across Richmond upon Thames.”

As Mayor, Councillor Baldwin will attend civic and community events across the borough and support two local charities during her Mayoral year: Cocoon Care After Care and Skylarks.

Cocoon Care After Care supports care-experienced young adults across Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, helping young people build confidence, independence and lasting support networks as they move into adulthood.

Skylarks has been supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, alongside their families, across Richmond upon Thames for more than 20 years through inclusive activities, therapies, advice and community support services.

East Sheen Village is teaming up with The Hare & Hounds to host this year’s Saturday Garden Market – Entry is free and you are invited!

Back by popular demand, this pop-up market will transform part of the pub’s garden into a vibrant hub for local creativity and independent enterprise. 

Come along and enjoy a relaxed browse while discovering a wide range of products from non-high street businesses. Stalls will feature delights such as handmade candles and jewellery, crafts, gifts, clothes, travel, hobbies, artisan foods and kids’ activities – something for everyone. 

The market provides a valuable platform for non-high street small business owners to showcase their passions, connect with residents, and contribute to the local economy. With its welcoming atmosphere and carefully curated selection of stalls, the market promises to be the perfect destination for a leisurely Saturday mooch – and perhaps even a drink or lunch.

Entry is free, and you are warmly invited to come along and support our growing community of local entrepreneurs.

EastSheenMatters expressed concern on 10 May 2026 about the effect of the results of the local election in Richmond. Absolute power…… ! BBC News has now reported on this with an interview of the Leader Cllr. Gareth Roberts.

“Much of the focus in London after this month’s local elections was on the successes of the Greens and Reform, as well as Labour’s struggles. But in one leafy west London borough, a very different story unfolded, with the Liberal Democrats winning every seat in every ward at the latest local elections.

“The party secured a complete sweep on 7 May 2026…… leaving the chamber without formal opposition.The Lib Dems now hold 54 seats (+6), with the Greens losing all five of their previous seats and the Conservatives losing their only seat.

“Such a decisive result has brought both praise and unease, with the party saying it is evidence of strong local backing, while also prompting questions about scrutiny, accountability and how effectively different voices are heard in what is now a one‑party borough.

“Council leader Gareth Roberts says local voters backed the Liberal Democrats because of their record in power. He told BBC London Politics: “People like us as a council. They like the fact that we deliver good quality services for them and that we make sure that we have this relentless drive for good quality.

“They also like the fact that they see us all year round and not just this election time and that really matters to a lot of people.” 

With no opposition councillors in the chamber, questions have been raised about how the council will be held to account. When asked how residents can be sure the council is going to be held accountable, he said they would “try and incorporate as many of the voices that we possibly can”. “We will consult, consult, consult, on everything we do,” he said.” Fine words.

Much of what Roberts says is true. They do in many ways have a good record and most of the councillors are visible. But hitherto the Council has only been asked inconvenient questions by the Greens; the LibDems were intent on ousting them to avoid just that and the Greens’ national policies did not help them.

The problem with the Leader’s assertions is that their consultation has previously been limited and ineffective. The conduct of some members has been arrogant. And by their own admission decisions were taken behind closed doors on significant issues. Or has it only been a problem this side of the River?

After their stunning performance at Christ Church last November Basil Alter, violinist, and Julian Chan, pianist, return on 19 June 2026 in the Friday evening concert series at 7pm.

They will be performing Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No 1, Brahms Violin Sonata No 2, Korngold Much Ado about Nothing, and Strauss Violin Sonata.

More details to follow.

Today saw the launch of an English Heritage Blue Plaque to Amy Constance Gentry, was born in 1903 at 111 White Hart Lane in Barnes. The family later moved to 29 Thornton Road in Mortlake, where the Plaque is shown above. [It seems it may have been only Amy who moved to No 29.]

Amy was a pioneer for women’s rowing in Britain. She founded the Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club in 1926. At that time opportunities for women in any sport were limited. Amy through her career, leadership and hard work established women’srowing, nationall, internationally and in the Olympics.

Pictured below the Blue Plaque are Jessica Nolan, President of WLARC, Jenny Field and Josephine Boorman, Co-Captains, and on the left Jean Gilbert, a rower coached by Amy, who has pressed for the Plaque.

There are currently only fourBlue Plaques in East Sheen and Mortlake.

Richard Dimbleby, Broadcaster

Amy Gentry, Rower

Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Godfrey, Tennis

Robert Watson-Watt, the Father of Radar