EastSheenMatters

On 22 May 2024 Richmond Council gave planning permission for the development of the Barnes Hospital site to include residential units, a special needs school and a hospital. Work started on the site this week.

Buildings in the eastern part of the site have now been demolished but not yet those in the western part. This is because planning permission for the replacement mental health facility (outpatient hospital) and Special Needs School in the eastern part was granted in October last year while planning permission for housing in the western part was not granted until May this year. Demolition in the western part is expected to follow soon. The three small buildings by the entrance gate will survive, as will the wall surrounding the site plus a few trees.

At White Hart Lane level crossing

and a look inside the site

And a look inside

With thanks to Richard Barfield and Maurice Joseph.

And if they need some refreshment

The London Duathlon which was to be raced in Richmond Park on 8 September 2024 has been called off due to “significant operational challenges” and safety concerns. About 4,000 people took part last year.

The London Duathlon site states: “There have been a number of unforeseen factors this year that have led to this difficult decision, particularly in relation to the operational complexity of producing a multi-sport event.” 

It is difficult to see what factors can be described as ‘unforeseen’ in this longstanding event.

More likely it is that the advertised concept of “Race through acres of ancient trees and herds of deer” has become unacceptable to the Royal Parks Agency, especially in the context of recent cyclist related deaths.

“We need an independent, apolitical East Sheen and Mortlake outlet, which ensures that information circulates freely among residents and retailers.“

This was first raised on this blog on 26 April 2024.

The Guardian is now on the case. See their article below on 28 July.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/jul/28/mill-media-joshi-herrmann-interview-local-uk-news-substack-sheffield-manchester-birmingham-liverpool?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

If you are interested in this issue comment here rather than just reading it on your email.

The Safer Parks Police Panel meets quarterly and comprises of 15 people representing the many park visitors, local residents, those with businesses within the Parks, the Friends and local councillors.

The last quarterly Panel meeting took place on Monday 18 July and the latest priorities were set at the end of this. They were:
1 – Robbery and seasonal distraction theft.
2 – Anti-social behaviour (to include unlawful barbecue risk in the hot dry weather)
3 – Unlawful cycling and E-scooters.

The Park authorities have always only been concerned about what happens in the Park; thus their focus for anti-social behaviour is on the risks of barbecue use. But the boundaries present poblems too.

It has been stated that E-scooters are not permitted in the Park. E-bikes may be used but not left in the Park. That is why you will frequently see many left just outside Sheen Gate. Responsibility for rubbish bins just outside the Gate remains with the Council. That is why you will frequently see overflowing bins, filled by people who are using the Park.

These matters will be raised at forthcoming meetings: the Police Liaison Group on 2 October 2024 and a Mortlake with East Sheen Society meeting on 21 October to be addressed by the Parks Superintendent, Paul Richards.

A few days away exploring Middle England was a welcome relief from muggy London. And so much more pleasant than sitting in an airport lounge.

In Yorkshire we stayed in Sheriff Hutton, twice mentioned in the Domesday Book, now with a decent cricket club, a privately owned 12th century castle and other ancient monuments, and easy access across the North Yorkshire Moors and thence to Whitby Abbey, noted for Dracula and Goth parties, and to quaint places like Crayke.

Moving a few miles west to Harrogate we found the stunning RHS Garden at Harlow Carr, a Theakston Brewery at Masham and the Oldest Sweet Shop in the world at Pateley Bridge.

Onwards to Oswestry – with fine dining at Pant-yr-Ochain (the Hollow of Lamentation), where we learnt about Chirk Aqueduct and Castle, which required a brief foray into Wales. Chirk is a 13th century fortress, until recently a private residence, but now owned by the National Trust and the home of five Mortlake Tapestries.

Finally we spent a couple of nights in Lichfield to explore granny’s birthplace, in a local farming area owned by seven generations of famers.

Returning to city life we stayed in Lichfield, famous for having the only three spired cathedral in Britain. It was the scene of battles in the English Civil War. The main spire was bombed by the Parliamentarians but quickly rebuilt by Charles II.

Who needs the beach?

Perhaps most remarkable in a city of 35,000 is Lichfield Live. It manages to produce an informative, apolitical, fortnightly newspaper of 32 pages with no more than three given over to advertising. Something that Richmond with six times the population does not have.

Following a successful campaign by residents Richmond Park Road has been completely resurfaced. A good job done by the Council contractors in just two days. It is now the envy of Parkside. No doubt the neighbouring roads will be clamouring for equal treatment.

September 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm  Tuesday Talk

Tuesday Talk – Local History

The Barnes Green Centre Barnes Green, Church Road, London

Historian (for a day) Richard White on local history

From the River to the Park

A Thames Water sewage leak near Kingston Hill has lead to a warning that walkers and dogs in Richmond Park, Barnes Common and Wimbledon Common need to avoid Beverley Brook.

See https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c303mgg59rgo

The AELTC Sports Centres at Bank Lane, Roehampton and Raynes Park are Pay & Play tennis centres which are open to the public. Registration is required via the website https://roehampton.communitysport.aeltc.com/ with a fee of £4 for adults and £2 for under 18s. After registration you receive an email to activate your account and then a membership card to show to security at the site. Registered players may book courts, pitches and other facilities at either venue.

Coaching sessions at Roehampton are now available for booking on the website.
The sessions are: Tuesdays 7:30 – 9pm Beginners and Intermediates and Fridays 9:30 – 11am for Improvers.

For a few weeks grass courts can also be booked at Roehampton.