Councillor Roberts has given notice to move the following Motion at the Council meeting on Tuesday 8th July 2025:

‘Council rejects the Minister of State for Local Governmenr and English Devolution’s characterisation of the committee system of governance as being ‘unclear, duplicative, and wasteful’.

Council opposes government’s plans to abolish the committee system and to force councils to adopt a Strong Leader and Cabinet system.

Council believes that imposing a one-size-fits-all structure risks undermining local autonomy and the democratic engagement of elected representatives. Richmond Council will continue to champion governance that puts residents first and empowers all councillors to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our Borough.’

A well-worded and apposite motion.

But some, especially in the east of the Borough, may regard it as ironic coming from a ‘Strong Leader’ who effectively runs a Cabinet system.

Happy birthday to Bianca, our local Big Issue Seller – she always has a smile for her customers – and Waitroses’s.

Tuesday Talk

People, Places and Pubs in Mortlake

8 July 2025 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Richard White, Founder of the blog – ‘EastSheenMatters’, is going to give a talk on the People, Places and Pubs in Mortlake.

Barnes Green Centre, Church Road, London SW13 9HE

Tuesday Talk

People, Places and Pubs in Mortlake

8 July 2025 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Richard White, Founder of the blog – ‘EastSheenMatters’, is going to give a talk on the People, Places and Pubs in Mortlake.

Barnes Green Centre, Church Road, London SW13 9HE

EastSheenMatters previously posted a photo of the oak wood sculpture near Sheen Gate at the link above on 28 April 2025. Local artist Bruce Houlder has now painted replicas of the sculpture from four sides. He will be exhibiting them at the Barnes Art Fair from 7th to 13th July 2025.

The Parish of Mortlake with East Sheen is seeking an Administrator to support the clergy and lay leadership. It is a varied job, with opportunities to meet people and to support the work of the three churches in the Parish: St Mary’s Mortlake, Christ Church, East Sheen and All Saints, East Sheen in the Diocese of Southwark.

The Parish Office is at St Mary’s, Mortlake High Street, SW14 JA. The office serves as the hub of communications and administrative support for the Parish as a whole.

The job description gives more detail.

If you are interested please complete and submit this application form .

Closing date for applications: Friday 4 July

Interviews: Tuesday 15 July

Community Conversations 2025

The dates for the 2025 Community Conversations have now been confirmed. Registration links for joining in person and online will be available one month before each event.

If you are attending in person you will be able to meet your councillor and view information stalls between 6.30 and 7pm. From 7 to 9pm a conversation will take place for those attending in person and online.

Mortlake and Barnes Common, Barnes and East Sheen

• Date: Thursday 3 July 2025
• Time: 7 to 9pm – doors open from 6.30pm
• Location: All Saints East Sheen, 63 East Sheen Avenue, SW14 8AX

You need to register

Register for the Mortlake and Barnes Common, Barnes and East Sheen Community Conversation

A Presentation is planned for about noon.

The Mayor of London granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Homebase site on Manor Road on 23 May 2024. More than a year on there is no news about what is regarded as an important part of Richmond Council’s future housing provision.

There have been rumours that the owners Avanton may sell the site now they have planning permission, but there are no further details on this.

What is going on?

St Mary the Virgin Mortlake High Street celebrated its Garden Party in the Churchyard this Sunday.

and nearby