Andy Sutch, who sadly passed away on 16 January 2026, was a prominent member of the local community in East Sheen and influential across the London Borough of Richmond and beyond.
Locally Andy was a Governor of Tower House School and the driving force in the recent development of its new assembly hall. He was the long-standing Chair of the Friends of Palewell Common, demonstrating his concerns for the ecological aspects of the green spaces.
Andy worked for Sport England for over 20 years, with responsibility for the South East and London Regions, where he was Regional Director for London. He led on the establishment of Cultural Partners for London with London Arts and other pan London cultural bodies. In 2003 he joined Business in Sport and Leisure, which included a secondment to the 2012 Olympic Games Bid Team until 2005. He was a member of the Mayor of London’s Sports Board, Chairman of the London Council for Sport and Recreation and Chair of the Sports Council in Richmond.
Andy was an Honorary Fellow of St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He was an advocate for sport at the University and played a key role in developments in this area on campus in the 90s and 00s. He was an advisor in the successful bid for National Lottery funding that enabled the building of the University Track and refurbishment of sports facilities.
Andy saw the importance of sport and recreation for children with special needs. As Chair of the Panathlon Foundation between 2013 and 2023 he oversaw the charity’s growth in those ten years, from benefiting a few thousand competitors in London and the South-East to becoming the leading national charity delivering sporting opportunities for 50,000+ children with SEND in every county in England.
Andy will be sorely missed. Our condolences go to Hilary and their family.
ruils is a user-led charity supporting disabled children and adults and people with long term health and mental health conditions to live independently, be part of their community and to live life to the full.
They provide advice, information, advocacy, befriending and activities to their clients and families.
Let’s make sure there is a good response to this survey by publicising it and helping disabled people to complete the survey, where necessary.
Reports are coming in from Malaysia that the Bank of England (BOE) is looking to restart the sale of the freehold of the Qualifying and Community Sports Centre in Roehampton. It is currently leased to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), where it hosts the annual Wimbledon tennis tournament, and operates a sports centre from August to April.
BoE has hired property agent Knight Frank to help. The premises were bought by the BOE in the early 1900s to provide staff with leisure facilities. BoE had put the facilities up for sale in 2019 but in 2021 agreed a 10 year lease with the AELTC, with an option for a further five years.
The move comes at a time when BoE when it is looking to reduce operating costs.
The local concern expressed previously by EastSheenMatters (since 2023 passim) has to be that the grounds will ultimately become a hotel complex or a housing estate, with a large green area closed to the local community. Perhaps the limitations AELTC currently place on the use of the premises is softening us up for that eventuality. But given the problems AELTC is having with its planned expansion in SW19, that may be some way off.
Mr Henry Thomas White was the first stationmaster at Mortlake when it opened on 22 July 1846. He figured prominently in the place for nearly 40 years and was universally liked not only by the inhabitants but by visitors and others with whom he came into contact. He was the same to all, civil, polite and obliging.
On reading that you will no doubt have thought about the similar traits of the present incumbent, Daniel Opoku, who started work at the Station on 7 June 1998. Having heard of his predecessor’s longevity, Daniel plans to beat his record. He is pictured holding the Olympic Flame, which he carried in London.
The following biographical notes about Mr Henry White are taken from “Rambles of Old Waxam (The Cobbler)”. The book is written in the first person by John Eustace Anderson in 1898, under the guise of an old man who has lived all his life in Mortlake. The publisher notes that it had a print run of 500 copies. Several pages are devoted to Mr Henry White.
His hair was quite white and he wore whiskers and latterly a short beard. His father was gardener to the Marquis of Ailesbury of Sheen House (1816-1830) and lived in a small house in the garden opposite the Hare and Hounds. He had three sons Thomas, Henry Thomas and Robert. His son Henry was taught by the old Squire, Parish Clerk and schoolmaster who kept a large private school on the south side of the (Mortlake) High Street teaching about 40 boys. At one time Henry was in the Yeomanry with old Colonel Ommanney, he of the Funding Committee for Christ Church, East Sheen.
When the railway was made, he applied for the stationmaster’s berth and got it in 1846. Only about six years after his appointment, he was presented with a testimonial in the form of a purse containing £35. The subscription list was headed by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester then residing at the White Lodge Richmond Park. The inscription read: “This purse containing £35 subscribed by residents in the vicinity of Mortlake and other passengers by the Richmond Railway was presented to Mr White on 25 December 1852 as a testimonial for his uniform attention and civility in discharge of his duties as stationmaster at the Mortlake Station.”
One distinguishing characteristic was that he always wore a tall white hat summer and winter. When the company made all their stationmasters wear caps with gold braided peaks ‘how sheepish poor Mr White looked when he gave up his white hat. A number of the parishioners condoled with him on the loss he had sustained and declared the company had made him look like a schoolboy by giving him a cap like that’.
He literally lived on the platform, morning noon and night, never absent from his post. Only once can I recall to mind his taking a holiday. No one ever saw him walking more than half a mile from the station and the only Sunday I can recollect his going to Mortlake Church and leaving his duties to do so was the Sunday after he had buried his father.
His house joined the platform and had a very pretty garden in front with rose trees and a beautiful grape bearing vine growing in the front of the house. He also had a vegetable garden. His father used to live with him and many a time on a fine day have I seen the old man taking a constitutional on the platform of the station as he was walking up and down with his stick.
In March 1880, he suffered the severe loss in the death of his wife Mary Ann White who died age 82. He did not survive her many years. In winter time he used to suffer severely with the fog and cold weather but worked up to the last. On hearing of his death, I could fancy I saw him as in his active days when standing on the platform as a train was coming in and you used to hear his cry of ‘look up there, stand back’.
He lies buried in the cemetery, still within sound of the passing trains. If you go and look on the tombstone erected to his memory, you will find these words. “This stone has been placed to the memory of Mr Henry White the first railway station master at Mortlake by some of the parishioners as a public recognition of the faithful and obliging manner in which he discharged his duties for 38 years.”
His son Harry White who lived with his aunt in Sheen Lane was appointed booking office clerk to issue tickets. At one time Henry had to do this himself. His son held the post for about 30 years.
The Council Meeting on 27 January 2026 listed a number of public questions about the handling of the Pensford Field scandal. The Minutes should make interesting reading!
Ms Sarah Atkins has given notice to ask the Leader of the Council:
“The Council recently disclosed in January 2026 on the order of the Information Commissioner (in response to a Freedom of Information request made in late 2024) a paper that went to the Service Chairs’ Meeting on 19 July 2024 about the change in use of Pensford Field. It proposed as a first step, before terminating the then existing lease, that the Leader and officers meet with the Pensford Field Trust to express the Council’s support for Dose of Nature and to test if there is scope to reach a compromise. This did not happen. Can the Leader explain why?”
Mr Baker has given notice to ask the Leader of the Council:
“What oversight arrangements or accountability mechanisms exist to ensure the Monitoring Officer makes decisions that are compliant with the Council Constitution?”
Mr Robert Gingell has given notice to ask the Leader of the Council:
“On 1 October 2024, you gave assurances in this chamber that “when the Lease is transferred to Dose of Nature for Pensford Field that the fields will be accessible to those residents, local community schools, nurseries and organisations who use or benefit from the field now.” ……”People will notice no real change…….their enjoyment of the field will continue as they have done before.” Why has council you lead broken that promise, by restricting access to local residents to weekdays during office hours and enabling Dose of Nature to start charging nurseries for access to the field and toilets?”
Mr Gary Evans has given notice to ask the Leader of the Council:
“What is the formal process set out when the Information & Transparency Manager at LBRUT receives a request to conduct a Freedom of Information Act internal review?”
Mr Richard Ferriday has given notice to ask the Leader of the Council:
“The Information Commissioner has decided in three separate decisions that the public interest is not served by withholding information about the termination of the lease of Pensford Field and has ordered the Council to disclose documents. In two of the three cases, the Council was also found to be late providing responses to the initial requests for information. In the light of these adverse decisions, does the Leader consider that the Council should have been more transparent and responsive about its decision making on this issue?”
Sir James Munby, former President of the Family Division of the High Court, died on 1 January 2026. He was widely regarded as one of the best Family Judges since the inception of the Division in 1971 and for a range of reasons; his humanity, his erudition and his sheer devotion to his work involving children and families. I worked with him on many occasions in court (uniquely for a solicitor appearing before him in the Court of Appeal) and when writing and teaching child law. He was always most generous with his time and expertise. He was a man of real principle who spoke his mind.
One of his most famous quotes was in a case in 2004 and more than 20 years later the simple concept he articulated bears repetition.
” We cannot afford to proceed on the blinkered assumption that there have been no miscarriages of justice in the family justice system. This is something that has to be addressed with honesty and candour if the family justice system is not to suffer further loss of public confidence. Open and public debate in the media is essential.”
Substitute local government for family justice and move on to 2026.
In a post on 20 September 2024 questions were asked about Painsfield Villa. A search of the picture gallery on the Barnes and Mortlake History Society has now produced some answers – see below the map.
The Villa does not appear on a map of the area in 1850. It is shown in the map below which is dated 1873 in what is now Paynesfield Avenue. Houses were built on the eastern part of the road in 1902. An Indenture (or Lease) of that year sets out that Joseph Neville of Barnes granted the lease for 99 years to Alfred Basden of Fulham in consideration of the costs and expenses incurred by William Hattersley, Builder, who lived, according to the Electoral Register of 1904, at No 2 Paynesfield Avenue. An early example of a developer who lived on the premises?
Model Cottages pathway: enquiry into measures to restrict scooters and speeding bicycles. CCTV has been considered and ruled out. New signs have been put up which are not proving to be very effective. However, residents have had the opportunity to air their concerns which have been addressed as far as possible.
Routine reports
a) Police
A quarterly report was presented, including the latest crime stats and tips on keeping your vehicle and home safe. (See below)
Residents noted that the category in the crime report ‘All other’ is by far the largest number and it would be more meaningful if it were broken down. After some discussion the chair agreed to consult with the police on alternatives.
NB The table does not conveniently convert to enable posting in EastSheenMatters. If you want a full copy please send your email in a Comment on this item
Concern was expressed about cyclists who go through red lights in many parts of East Sheen. The police responded by saying they stopped cyclists if they were in the vicinity but generally it was difficult to catch them.
b) Neighbourhood Watch – Andy Lindesay
Andy Lindesay, a street co-ordinator, gave an overview of how Neighbourhood Watch operates in his area. It is intended to prevent crime and promote community using WhatsApp and maildrops to keep in touch.
Specific advice included, firstly, in relation to smart doorbells:
they should be hard wired and not wifi
video was best stored locally rather than cloud storage
mount CCTV high up to avoid tampering
Secondly, re parcel theft:
opt out of click and collect
ensure deliveries are arranged for when you will be at home
keep a close check on notifications as couriers usually send a ‘delivered’ message – if you are unable to take in your parcel ask a neighbour
if you see a parcel left on a doorstep consider posting a message on the NHW WhatsApp to alert your neighbour
give an alternative drop off if possible
In the last quarter volunteers concentrated on signing up new members. In the next quarter the focus will be on visiting elderly and vulnerable residents and explaining the benefits of NHW.
The presentation gave rise to several questions from residents:
i) The police confirmed that parcel theft should be reported as it helps them build up a picture of which streets to focus on.
ii) A resident questioned how long it takes for matters raised with the Met online to be referred back to East Sheen officers. It was explained that an issue would be redirected immediately but a crime report may take longer. Residents could use local police emails to report, for example, intelligence on an event that has already happened.
The police advise that Met Engage is a valuable source of information and recommend that residents sign up. https://www.metengage.co.uk
Faraday bags are useful as they block the signal sent to keyless cars. They are available free at meetings.
Richmond Park Policing
The dedicated police unit has been disbanded and the SNTs from South Richmond, and Ham, Petersham & Richmond Riverside wards have moved their base to Holly Lodge – 10 officers in total.
There would be no routine patrolling in the park. A local response vehicle would attend in the event of a 999 call (as they do in East Sheen).
The content below gives useful information on the type of crime locally and what can be done to tackle it.
Motor Vehicle Crime
Interference:
3 x Attempt – Keyless unlocking device used but unsuccessful
Vehicle lock and ignition barrel broken – Immobiliser and alarm set off
Lexus – small hole drilled in the back of the vehicle
Toyota – Front bumper damaged – possibly to access vehicle electronics
Ford Transit – Side wall of tyre has been cut
Theft from Motor Vehicle – 14
Audi A5 – Window smashed & handbag stolen
BMW – Rear passenger window smashed & Laptop stolen
“Government axing of Livingstone Academy will put pressure on school places”: EastSheenMatters disagrees
In a statement issued on 23 January 2026: “Richmond Council has warned that the Department for Education’s decision to axe the Livingstone Academy West London risks worsening pressure on secondary school places in the east of the borough – and is formally appealing in a bid to secure a rethink.
“The proposed free school would have addressed a clear and longstanding shortfall in local provision, following years of joint work between Richmond Council and the Aspirations Academies Trust to deliver a high-quality secondary school for local children.
“Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “This is a deeply disappointing proposal. For several years now, children in the east of our borough have missed out on being offered a secondary school place on National Offer Day because demand already exceeds supply. That is not a future risk – it is happening now.
“The Livingstone Academy would have provided much-needed capacity and real choice for families, particularly with significant housing growth planned locally. Decisions about school places must reflect the realities communities are facing on the ground.”
“While welcoming the government’s ambition to increase inclusive provision for children with special educational needs, the Council stressed this must not come at the expense of sufficient places for pupils without additional needs. Richmond Council also rejected the suggestion that unmet demand can be met by sending pupils to schools in neighbouring boroughs.
“Councillor Julia Cambridge, Chair of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Families consistently tell us they want their children to attend school close to home, alongside friends and support networks. Expecting young people to travel out of the borough is not a realistic or fair solution – particularly given the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge and the travel challenges that creates.
” “Livingstone Academy would have offered something genuinely distinctive, with a focus on technology and digital creativity that is not currently available in Richmond or neighbouring boroughs. That opportunity should not be lost lightly.”
The Council is urging Ministers to reconsider the decision. “Our priority is simple,” added Councillor Roberts. “Every child in Richmond deserves access to a local school place. We will continue to press government to work with us to make that happen.” “
The above is of course Council speak and a repetition of the Achieving for Children evidence at the Inquiry. It ignores evidence given by local schools and other experts, and the feelings of the vast majority of the local community. See for example among many EastSheenMatters comments before and since the Inquiry https://childlawobserver10.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1200&action=edit
In so far as children should benefit from this funding, it is money that needs to be used for special educational needs.
An appeal merely further extends the uncertainty hanging over local education and the use of the Stag Brewery site. It is difficult to escape the impression that even now the Council Leadership is engaged in denial and a desire for self justification. Or a determination to heighten political blame for the decision on central Government. Or the acquisition of central Government money. You have to wonder just what discussions there have been within the Council hierarchy. The statement refers to ‘risks’; have those risks been adequately weighed? Sadly we are unlikely ever to know the real motives.
