EastSheenMatters

Mortlake and East Sheen get everywhere. No doubt many of you have been there and perhaps someone contributed this map, probably in Ceylon days.

Displayed in the Royal Bar & Hotel, 44 Raja Vidiya in Kandy.

Contributed by Brian Coope

The further High Court proceedings between the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and the Save Wimbledon Project (SWP) start in the High Court today.

The AELTC obtained planning permission in 2024 to build a new stadium and 38 more tennis courts on the old Wimbledon golf course area. The point at issue is whether the land in question is subject to a ‘statutory trust’ for public recreation.

The AELTC’s court application is opposed by SWP who believe the golf course land is
protected as an open space for the benefit of the public.

Tonight Friday, January 16th at 8pm, with Stiff Joints, a returning favorite that’s sure to get everyone moving! Their repertoire is built on rock’n’roll but with elements of blues, folk, country, soul and reggae, so expect some Dylan and Cash along with Elvis, Chuck and Orbison, not forgetting Wolf (Howling) and Waters (Muddy) – and they’ll sneak in some sparkling originals too. Want to see what other bands are coming up? Check out the full lineup on our website Barnes Home Guard Association – Whats On

Barnes Home Guard Association, 76A Richmond Park Road, SW14

If you’re curious about wellness and the many ways in which it can be achieved, then this event is for you!

East Sheen is home to a fabulous range of wellness experts and our first Winter Wellness Fair brings many of them together under one roof so that you can drop in, chat and discover what’s right for you. 

It’s not all about exercise – although we do have some fabulous providers from yoga and pilates to outdoor training, cold bathing and jui-jitsu – it can also be about creating a calm and organised home, taking up a new hobby, massage, breathwork, relaxation, life coaching, finding a group you love to walk with, having a well trained, well behaved canine friend…

Expect: over 20 wellness-centred, local businesses, a warm welcome, some fascinating conversations, variety and fun.

There really is something for everyone, whatever your age, needs or preferences – everyone is welcome and entry is free.

Event Details: Saturday 24th January, 12 – 3 PM, The Hare & Hounds, 214-216 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, SW14 8AH

Festive Food Amnesty for Share & Care Collective: The Hare & Hounds is a collection point for Share & Care Collective. If you have any unwanted gifts or non-perishable food items lurking from the festive season, please bring them. These will be distributed to local families in need of a little extra support this winter, Thank you in advance.

Further information: please email info@eastsheenvillage.co.uk / Instagram @eastsheenvillage / Facebook @EastSheenVillage 

Little Panda Mandarin & Drama school will have our annual Chinese New Year celebration to which you are cordially invited.

Little Panda Chinese New Year of the Horse performance celebration, charity event!

8th February 2026 Performance 12:00-13:00pm Lunch : 1pm

Venue: Tower House School Hall.

1

ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday 25th January at 4 pm

St Mary Magdalen Church Mortlake 61 North Worple Way SW14 8PR

You are very welcome to invite your friends and family. Come for a wonderful time of prayer and song!

Refreshments will be served in the Parish Hall afterwards.

Parking is available and all are welcome: enter via Mortlake High Street and Alder Road.

SwimWay is excited to offer a free trial swimming lesson for babies, children, and adults (only to those who have not already attended a trial lesson), available from 12th – 31st January 2026.

This is the perfect chance to experience our friendly, supportive lessons, whether introducing your baby to water, building a child’s confidence, or learning as an adult. Trial lessons must be booked during the week you wish to attend.

Our venues include:

• East Sheen – Gordon Avenue – SW14 8DZ

• East Sheen – Home Guard – SW14 8LA

• East Sheen – Sheen Mount – SW14 7RT

Limited Availability – Book Today!

SwimWay Swimming School

020 8871 3972

info@swimway.co.uk

https://www.swimway.co.uk/book-swim-class

There is still no official announcement on the future of the land at the Stag Brewery site.

To recap Richmond Council has for some years argued that a 1200 pupil secondary school was necessary for local educational needs. Central Government funding was allocated in 2016 and Livingstone Academy was expected to provide the school. Richmond Council gave planning permission in the face of substantial local opposition.

As part of an appeal against plans for the whole site in May 2025 the Planning Inspector approved the applications for both the residential and education plans.

But that was not the end of the story. Central Government still had to confirm that the funding remained available. That matter has been sitting on a desk somewhere in the Department for Education since November 2024.

Richmond Council made it abundantly clear during the hearing of the Planning Inquiry that the school could not go ahead without central funding.

It is now rumoured that the Government is ‘not minded’ to approve the funding. That has seemed probable since the Spending Review in June 2025, but no firm decision has been announced. It is thought that the civil service weasel speak ‘not minded’ has been used to give time for Richmond Council to appeal against the DfE mind.

It is now thought unlikely that the Council will appeal. There seems to have been a gradual acceptance that the school is no longer needed, especially in the light of falling school roles across London.