Contra-flow opposite 119 for urgent Cadent Gas repair works on 18” main.
Estimated completion date 11/05/2026. Ten days to avoid Chalker’s Corner.
Contact: Cadent Gas 08000 159 057.
And meanwhile in East Sheen
Hertford Avenue will be closed from outside 24 to junction with Upper Richmond Road West for Highway improvement works
Two days work starting 05/05/2026 A further day on 08/05/2026.
Contact: FM Conways 01732 600 771.
And this description is a bit odd
Upper Richmond Road West lane closures outside 363 Sheen Lane and east bound on Upper Richmond Road West for Openreach utility works.
The works outside 363 (by James Anderson) have now been there for a least a fortnight. It is said to be for utility works, but the workers have said the kerb is being made more narrow there. And the eastbound closure is on the other side of the Upper Richmond Road, reducing it to one lane by the traffic lights.
At least we now have an estimated completion date of 08/05/2026.
Lorna Hawthorne, parishioner at All Saints Church, is driving an ambulance to Ukraine in July 2026 in a convoy organised by Medical Life Lines Ukraine. Volunteers have supported them, at the time of writing, in driving 125 ambulances to the area.
In support of Lorna, Basil Alter and Charlie Standing are performing this concert at All Saints.
Charlie Standing is a well known and much respected pianist. He has performed regularly at All Saints. He was formerly the church organist from 2002 to 2010, and then at Holy Trinity, South Wimbledon and Holy Trinity, Roehampton.
Basil Alter is a virtuoso violinist, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with an MMus in 2025. He performed at Christ Church, East Sheen in November 2025 to general acclaim. He has recently performed at the Crick in New York and at various venues across the south of England.
In support of Lorna’s trip they have both offered their services free. Tickets for the event are free.
Donations are welcome at the door or online at JustGiving.com
More information to follow but put the date in your diary. Definitely the musical event of the summer not to miss.
Contra-flow opposite 119 for urgent Cadent Gas repair works on 18” main.
Estimated completion date 11/05/2026. Ten days to avoid Chalker’s Corner.
Contact: Cadent Gas 08000 159 057.
And meanwhile in East Sheen
Hertford Avenue will be closed from outside 24 to junction with Upper Richmond Road West for Highway improvement works
Atarting 05/05/2026
Estimated completion 08/05/2026.
Contact: FM Conways 01732 600 771.
And this description is a bit odd
Upper Richmond Road West lane closures outside 363 Sheen Lane and east bound on Upper Richmond Road West for Openreach utility works.
The works outside 363 (by James Anderson) have now been there for a least a fortnight. It is said to be for utility works, but the workers have said the kerb is being made more narrow there. And the eastbound closure is on the other side of the Upper Richmond Road, reducing it to one lane by the traffic lights.
At least we now have an estimated completion date of 08/05/2025. [sic] It does feel like they have been there for a year!
You can help to shape the future of Palewell Common
Palewell Common and Fields are a cherished part of our local landscape—an open, welcoming space where people of all ages can relax, play, connect with nature, and enjoy a sense of community. From dog walkers and families to sports groups and visitors seeking a moment of calm, the Common plays a vital role in everyday life. But like all valued community assets, it relies on active stewardship to ensure it continues to thrive.
That stewardship comes, in part, from the Friends of Palewell Common.
The Friends are a volunteer-led group dedicated to protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the Common and Fields for the benefit of everyone. Over the years, the Friends have supported conservation initiatives, worked closely with the borough of Richmond, helped improve facilities, and ensured that the voice of the community is heard when decisions about the space are made.
To continue this work effectively, they urgently need new committee members to join.
This is not just about filling roles—it’s about bringing fresh energy, ideas, and perspectives into a group that genuinely makes a difference. Without new volunteers stepping forward, the ability of the Friends to operate, advocate, and organise will inevitably diminish. Quite simply, the future of the group depends on people in the community who care enough to get involved.
If you value Palewell Common and Fields as a place of freedom, recreation, and enjoyment, this is your opportunity to help shape its future.
Joining the committee does not require specialist expertise. What matters most is a willingness to contribute time, collaborate with others, and take an active interest in the wellbeing of the Common. Whether your strengths lie in organisation, communication, local knowledge, environmental interest, or simply a desire to give something back, there is a place for you.
If you have ever walked across the Common and thought about how it could be improved, or simply appreciated it as it is and wanted to ensure it stays that way, this is your moment to step forward.
The Friends would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining the committee or learning more about what is involved.
The Annual General Meeting will take place at All Saints Church at 7:00pm on 16 June 2026. Non-Members welcome. This is an ideal opportunity to come along, meet current members, understand the work they do, and explore how you might contribute. There is no obligation—just an open invitation to engage and find out more.
The strength of Palewell Common lies not just in its green spaces, but in the community that supports it. By becoming part of the Friends, you help ensure that this much-loved area continues to be protected and enhanced for current and future generations.
If you are keen to get involved actively, please get in touch by email (office@palewellcommon.org.uk) and / or attend the AGM.
Hammersmith Bridge closed to traffic seven years ago this month. The subsequent saga and the consequences of closure are well known to local residents.
Sarah Olney MP reported in her Richmond Park News this week on a Commons Committee debate about future funding for the Bridge.
She noted that two months ago the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, stated that Hammersmith Bridge would be a ‘good candidate’ to receive funding via the government’s Structures Fund. In the Debate he stated that deliberations regarding the direction of funding via the Structures Fund are ongoing, while decisions will be partially contingent on identifying a practical and cost-effective engineering solution.
Keep an eye out for spending announcements to be made at some point in the near future. Let us hope they will include the Bridge.
The Fixery is a community repair and reuse hub. It welcomes residents to repair, reuse and swap items, helping them reduce waste, save money and strengthen community connections. It looks to be a novel new idea, developed by Richmond Council and Habitats & Heritage.
You can:
Repair it – Repair bicycles, clothing or small electrical items
Swap it – Swap clothes and refresh your wardrobe
Refill it – Refill your empty household cleaning and laundry products
Purchase pre-loved teddy bears or small craft materials – Fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and more
Connect with others – Sit and relax at our on-site café with delicious coffee and snacks available for purchase
Open Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to 4pm. All services will incur a small fee or expected donation.
Repairs are done by volunteers from Twickenham Repair Café. You can bring small items for repair: electrical appliances, clothing, furniture, crockery, housewares, bicycles, toys. If it’s broken and you can carry it, there’s a good chance it will be repaired.
Large items are excluded: the site is a small-scale community venue. If you wish to check that a specialist repairer will be available on the day, please email info@twickenhamrepaircafe.org.
A community space for swap, share and repair at Grove Gardens Chapel in Richmond TW10 6HP
