Sir Jeremy Hanley died on 22 May 2026. He was Conservative MP for Richmond and Barnes for 14 years from 1983 to 1997. He held a number of Ministerial posts and was Chairman of the Party in 1994/95.
As described by Tim Catchpole, Chair of MESS, in a recent talk, he was influential in the planning for the South Circular Road in Sheen.
Mortlake Community Association and Mortlake Hall Unite to Create a Lasting Home for Community Life
Two organisations at the heart of Mortlake’s community life have come together to secure a stronger, more sustainable future for the area. Mortlake Community Association and Mortlake Church of England Educational Foundation, which runs Mortlake Hall, have announced their merger to form a single charity, uniting activity and place under one organisation. The newly merged charity will be known as Mortlake Community Association (MCA), with the venue continuing as Mortlake Hall. Two trustees from the Mortlake Church of England Educational Foundation will join the merged charity.
Founded in 1980, MCA is a thriving local charity with a clear purpose: to reduce isolation, promote inclusion and empower people in and around Mortlake through the activities it facilitates. For many years, the home for these activities has been Mortlake Hall, a much loved nineteenth century former school building and one of the area’s most important community assets.
Mortlake Hall is a busy venue, hosting not only MCA activities but also children’s clubs, a variety of classes and many other organisations through private hire. Together, the two charities have supported generations of residents to connect, learn and belong.
The merger was announced at the MCA Annual General Meeting on 21st May 2026, where members endorsed the creation of a single charity with a permanent location and a sustainable future for both organisations’ activities.
“Bringing these organisations together allows us to protect what people value most while building something stronger for the future,” said Francine Bates, chair of the MCA trustees. “Our ambition is for Mortlake Hall to be a place people can visit every day – to meet friends, take part in activities and feel part of their community.”
For further information: info@mortlakecommunityassociation.org.uk
Continue readingThe comment was about the LibDems winning every seat on Richmond Council. The response was ‘It’s a Waitrose constituency’,
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.
| Committee | Chair | Vice Chair(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee | Councillor Piers Allen | Councillor Chris Varley |
| Education and Children’s Services Committee | Councillor Julia Cambridge | Councillor Michael Wilson |
| Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport Committee | Councillor Julia Neden-Watts | Councillor Elizabeth Gant |
| Finance, Policy and Resources Committee | Councillor Gareth Roberts | Councillor Katie Mansfield |
| Transport and Air Quality Committee | Councillor Alexander Ehmann | Councillor James Chard |
| Planning Committee | Councillor Jonathan Cardy | Councillor Richard Pyne Councillor Penelope Frost |
| Regulatory Committee | Councillor Lesley Pollesche | Councillor Seamus Joyce |
| Policy and Performance Review Board | Councillor Richard Warren | Councillor Elizabeth Gant |
Councillors also confirmed a number of lead member and champion appointments, including:
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.
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