Archive

  • BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2012

    Battle of the Bands 2012 is the second sizzling music competition that took place at the Rutherford Centre on the premises of Wimbledon High School. The competition was hosted by two hilarious GCSE students, Tabitha Carey and Mira Adhikari, who also organised

  • YOUNG ENTERPRISE: A FORCE FOR GOOD

    Across the country, small groups of teenagers have been setting up their own businesses under the initiative of ‘Young Enterprise’. The charity, which offers support, guidance, and, most importantly, an overdraft to companies, was set up in 1963, with

  • TAKE SPLAT!

    The Holy Cross Girls’ School had a real hit on their hands after their successful performance of the children's classic ‘Bugsy Malone’ at the ACT Theatre, Kingston University on 7th, 8th and 9th February. Students and teachers joined forces to

  • HOUNSLOW GETS OLYMPIC RINGS BEFORE ANY OTHER BOROUGHS

    With the Olympics drawing ever so close, the race to get the Olympic rings incorporated into your borough had local councils busy trying to get approval of the iconic symbol. Hounslow though, managed to get the approval first before any other borough.

  • ILLITERACY IS EVERYWHERE

    Illiteracy is an issue that faces the UK as a country, but for myself I was first alerted to its worrying presence after babysitting for several neighbors and relatives children. These children were between the ages of 5 and 9. Whilst helping the children

  • Races Get Royal Seal Of Approval

    On the 17th Of February Sandown Racecourse hosted the Royal Artillery Gold Cup in support for Help the Heroes. The horses competing had to be owned or leased by those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. The amateur jockeys must

  • WHO'S YOUR VALENTINE ?

    So here’s the question that almost all teenagers across Stretham , the county and the world seem to ask : Who’s your valentine ? In my opinion valentines day is celebrated as more of a ideological view that one person must ‘go out’ with another person

  • Snow to Sun

    Despite the snow falling at the start of the month the weather took quite a turn in the weekend commencing 25th February 2012. We welcomed the month with light snow falling for one or two days, and though much less than we have gotten in previous years

  • A Morning to be Inspired

    “Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved”, William Jennings Bryan - 41st United States Secretary of State. Inspiration to aim high and achieve is invaluable as it influences

  • And It's A Wrap! Twickenham Studio Enters Administration

    This week, the beating heart of the British film industry announced it was going into administration, as Twickenham Studios wrapped up its last film after 99 years making movies. It cited the reason as increased competition from bigger, close and similar

  • Car Boot Saver

    Car boot sales have become a popular pastime for many people in the UK. They were introduced in the 1970’s and since this time they have become a welcome part of many peoples weekend routine. Wimbledon Stadium in Plough Lane has been home to

  • Summer Cravings

    It is this time of year that my cravings for the summer sun increase dramatically. I scrawl the photo albums on Facebook looking at pictures of my holidays from previous years, and glancing out of the window to see the glorious February rain pour down

  • Too much too young?

    It is often addressed in the media that we are part of a society where adolescents are exposed to too much too young. I didn’t start to wear make up until I was in year 10, and this is relatively late compared to some others. However why put on make-up

  • CHANGING WORLD

    Melting polar caps, rising sea levels, dying animals, temperatures rising, loss of habitats. These are now phrases that we hear almost on a daily basis. Between the monotonous adverts on a hourly basis that feature polar bears swimming or climbing onto

  • Too much too young?

    It is often addressed in the media that we are part of a society where adolescents are exposed to too much too young. I didn’t start to wear make up until I was in year 10, and this is relatively late compared to some others, who would slap it on

  • 'THE END IS NEAR' - WILL THE WORLD REALLY END IN 2012?

    2012 has a lot in store for us so far - the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics and Euro 2012 to name a few. But already, extremist speculations about the end of the world on the 21st of December 2012 are coming to surface. 2012 originally

  • Sexism. Was it all Eve’s fault?

    Firstly for those how don’t know what sexism is. Sexism is discrimination or hatred against people based on their gender rather than the individual themselves. “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor

  • Walton & Hersham FC: The End or A New Beginning?

    In 1934 the council in Walton supported the local football club (founded in 1896); by purchasing it land in Stompond Lane, when previously the club had no permanent ground. As the club became more successful the council developed the ground and overtime

  • Rock on, Wimbledon High!

    On Thursday 2nd February 2012, Wimbledon High School held its infamous concert, Battle of the Bands, for the second year running. Organised by Tabs Carey and Mira Adhikari, the concert showcased the many talents of the bands at Wimbledon High and at the

  • Lawrence Okeye. Let's Discus.

    The sensational athlete from Croydon, Lawrence Okoye, will surely be representing Great Britain in this year’s Olympics after breaking the British record in the men’s discus. He threw a breath taking 67.63 metres which smashed the previous record. The

  • OLYMPIC MINISTER PREPARES TO CUT THE RIBBON ON A LOCAL EFFORT

    Jeremy Hunt the olympics minister and MP for south-west surrey has agreed to open the Claygate Clubhouse, the finished product of a £330,000 community project that is coinciding with the olympic year to promote sports, predominantly cricket and football

  • 150 Days.

    It’s months away now, months away from what will undoubtedly be the experience of a lifetime for many. The London 2012 Olympics is something that we are all lucky to even see in our lifetime, so it’s understandable as to why everybody I getting so excited

  • Shepperton Against Meters

    At the heart of Shepperton, as found in most towns in Surrey and across England, lies the often busy high street. On most days there is a flow of traffic running through the centre of the high street which allows access to the shops, businesses and local

  • FROM SNOW TO SUN

    It seems spring is definitely on its way. Clear, blue skies and warm sunshine has replaced the freezing cold snow. Only weeks ago, England had the joyous but dangerous snowy conditions that led to flights being cancelled and many travel disruptions for

  • House Of Gibbons

    I was recently subject to an unusual train of circumstances which led to an invitation to Prime Minister’s Questions. Knowing very little about it, I deemed it an opportunity too good to miss. So I took the day off school, and off I went to the House

  • CROYDON COUNCIL HEARS YOUNG PEOPLE'S VOICE

    Young people aged 11-19 have the opportunity to join either Croydon youth council or Area Youth Forum. Croydon Youth council is a group of young people who meet weekly to discuss issues that affect them. Area Youth Forum meets on a monthly basis

  • Carshalton man killed in lorry crash

    A 35-year-old killed this morning in Mitcham after his car was involved in a crash with a refrigerated lorry was from Carshalton. The incident happened at 8.13am in London Road, Mitcham, opposite the junction with Crescent Grove. A silver

  • I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE

    Recent months have seen an intense focus on cycling: the Times has published a manifesto expressing what it thinks should be changed in the law to make cycling safer in cities; cycling has been an issue discussed thoroughly in parliament and it is hopefully

  • Midwives flock to Ashford and St Peter's

    Twenty new midwives have joined Ashford and St Peter’s hospitals in the past six months. Working across different areas of care in the community, the new recruits are enthusiastic about their opportunities in Chertsey and Ashford. Lauren Troughton said

  • A Trip to the Guardian

    Thirteen Ursuline students taking English Language A-Level were recently given an amazing opportunity to visit The Guardian Newspaper near London Kings Cross. As we were all working on our second piece of coursework - writing to inform, it was a great

  • Women with Attitude; Girls with Gratitude!

    ‘Women with attitude’ was a strong topic at the Ursuline High School’s prefect leadership programme last Friday. Professor Susan Vinnicombe, a former student of the Ursuline and now Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Diversity Management and Director

  • Young Blood

    We’re always being told we should do more for charity, you can’t really escape the judgmental glare of charitable associations guilt tripping you into sending your hard earned cash somewhere or another. Sometimes it can be a bit too much, it’s hard to

  • REVIEW: Bistro Union, Clapham

    If you’d asked me 2 weeks ago what was the best restaurant in Clapham, I would have answered with no hesitation – Trinity. However it is two weeks on and a serious contender for the title has just opened – the more relaxed, informal Bistro

  • Hot or Not? The Vow

    The vow is a heartbreakingly romantic movie about husband and wife, Paige (Racheal Mcadams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) as they tell the tragic true story of a newly married couple as they battle to put there lives back together after an accident puts the

  • Passionate painter celebrates 104th birthday

    A passionate painter celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by friends. Hilda Mathie spent the landmark day opening cards and presents and eating cake and tea, which she enjoyed with friends and staff at Hobkirk Resource Centre in New Malden

  • Gary Mason crash death driver to be sued

    The van driver who accidentally knocked down and killed boxer Gary Mason failed an eye test after he was arrested by police following the fatal collision. Piero Zanelli, 44, from Purley, who knocked the former British heavyweight champion Mason

  • Charity boosted by 10,000 new tennis balls

    Tennis courts in Raynes Park were transformed into a sea of green last week as 10,000 tennis balls were delivered to the site. The balls which blanketed Joseph Hood Recreation Ground came courtesy of car maker Nissan, donated to national charity

  • POSTCARD FROM METZ

    An incredibly opportunity! Together with other Sixth Form students I was given the chance to fully experience life in Metz, France for a full week from 11th February to 18th February 2012. I, like many other UK students, have studied French for many years

  • London Fashion Week, and Weekend

    London Fashion Week happens twice a year, and alongside Paris, Milan and New York Fashion Week, it is one of the most important events that takes place in the fashion world. London Fashion Weekend is a series of shows; they occur after the main London

  • Daniel Morgan murder suspects linked to News of the World

    Former Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Hames has suggested the News of the World placed her under surveillance because of the paper's links to suspects in the Daniel Morgan murder case. Mr Morgan, who worked as a private detective in Thornton Heath

  • Cranes arrive to repair ripped racecourse roof

    Cranes were spotted at Epsom Racecourse yesterday morning signalling the start of work to repair their damaged roof. The roof of the £23.5m Queen’s stand was ripped off in high winds in early January causing debris to be swept for miles and several

  • Police fight dog fouling

    Police officers returned to an alleyway to tackle dog owners who do not pick up after their pets. Officers visited the alleyway between Shorts Road and West Street, Carshalton, today (Tuesday, February 28). Although there were no offenders

  • DO WE REALLY NEED EXAMS?

    For most, exams are the source of all stress and for many, they evoke a cold sweat and a worried expression. But a question we don't hear many people asking is "Do we REALLY need exams?" Do exams and tests really need to exist? Is it essential that we

  • Cannabis factory shut down

    A cannabis factory was shut down in a police raid this morning. A police van pulled into a side street near Hamilton Avenue, Stonecot, just before 11am and the officers quickly sussed out the area. Armed with a large metal battering

  • Does an increase in quantity create a decrease in value?

    Many would argue yes, if there had been more than one Jesus, he would be valued less… if more people had a levels and degrees, they would be valued less by employers. However, it seems that the financial answer is almost certainly no. No matter how

  • Nick Hulme to take up position at East London Trust

    Outgoing Croydon Health Services NHS chief executive Nick Hulme is leaving to take up a position at a neighbouring health authority. Secrecy and speculation has surrounded the whereabouts of Mr Hulme after he went on leave on January 31, but

  • New riverbus pier given green light for vital commuter service

    The number of people commuting by riverbus is set to rocket after planning permission was granted for a new landing pier between Wandsworth and Battersea railway bridges. Hundreds of residents already rely on the Putney to Blackfriars riverbus service

  • Cobham service station works hold up the bride

    A traffic light failure on gas, water and electricity works connected to the new M25 service station caused huge pile-ups and made one bride late for her wedding at the weekend. The lights near Downside Bridge failed at about 2pm on Saturday, only letting

  • Thug sentenced after punching teen with watch

    An 18-year-old man slid his watch over his knuckles and punched a 17-year-old student on the jaw. The man was sentenced to eight months in a Young Offenders Institution at Croydon Youth Court on Thursday, February 23. The man was one

  • Boris lacks cutting edge during school visit

    Even the easy parts of being London’s mayor can prove taxing at times, Boris Johnson found after failing to cut a ceremonial ribbon at a school last week. During a visit to Hall School Wimbledon on Wednesday, February 22, Mr Johnson was unable

  • City teenager training with Palace

    Manchester City teenager Joan Roman is to spend the next 10 days training with Crystal Palace. The 18-year-old, signed by City in 2009, has joined up with the Eagles in order to gain experience away from the Etihad Stadium. Although Palace manager Dougie

  • Road closed after serious accident

    A motorist has died this morning after a serious crash with a lorry in Mitcham. The driver of a silver Peugeot 206, a 35-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene after crashing into a white refrigerated lorry at about 8.10am. Officers

  • Mouldy windows set to stay for two more years

    Families said they would continue to fight for double glazing after being told they could face another two years of cold, wet winters. Black mould, dripping windows and crumbling plaster drove residents in Meldone House and Armeston House in

  • Police station front counters under threat

    Police station front counters could be axed in a cost-cutting Metropolitan Police review. Kingston police said counters at Surbiton, Kingston and New Malden – which is staffed by volunteers and offers a Korean speaking service to the community

  • Eagles add another promising youngster

    Crystal Palace have snapped up another non-league star after signing 18-year-old Bayan Fenwick from Lewes yesterday. The striker put pen to paper on a contract to join the Eagles' youth team having spent time on trial and playing and scoring in the U18

  • Charity founder joins campaign

    Founder of the Esther Community Enterprise (ECE), June Ross-Wildman has pledged her support to Give More - a campaign encouraging people across the UK to give more time, money and energy to causes they care about. Single mother of two, Mrs Ross-Wildman

  • Park is given award by mayor of London

    A park included in a police dispersal zone has been recognised in a safety award scheme. Hares Bank, New Addington was given a bronze 2012 Safer Park award by the Mayor of London on Monday February 27. The award recognises the work of police council

  • 'Bureaucrat gone mad' defends GP funding changes

    A health boss has denied new funding rules will force the closure of GPs surgeries, but admitted they will bring pain for some practices. Last week Adam Wickings, managing director of NHS Sutton and Merton, was labelled a "bureaucrat gone mad

  • Sutton couple become Olympic rivals

    A couple will become sporting rivals at the Olympics this summer, when one takes part in the London 2012 opening ceremony, and the other the closing event. Legal secretary Janette Hawkridge, 40, will be appearing in front of an estimated audience of

  • Horse Ranger Association march to Hampton Court Palace

    Hundreds of Horse Ranger Association members marched to Hampton Court Palace, led by eight horses and riders. The palace was the focus of the youth organisation’s annual celebration on Saturday, February 25. More than 200 marched along Hampton Court

  • Artist star Uggie causes upturn in jack russell interest

    Oscar-winning film The Artist has sparked an upturn in the number of people keen to own a jack russell like the one in the movie, according to Battersea Dogs And Cats Home. Four-legged Uggie steals the show in the silent film which won five awards at

  • Charitable biker fights flag ban

    A fundraising-mad biker will appear in court in June to fight for his right to fly the flags of the armed services from his bike. Broderick Mills, of Palace Road in Streatham, has raised money for the Royal British Legion and Army Benevolent Fund since

  • Police appeal after man stabbed

    Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed on a residential street in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident took place on St Saviours Road, Brixton, at about 2.50am. Police closed the road, along with nearby Lambert

  • Teen film maker laying building blocks for the future

    A teenager whose animated films have seen him grace a US film festival has been commissioned to produce a tribute to the top ten movie moments of all time - in Lego. BRIT school pupil Harry Bossert, Sidney Road, Walton-on-Thames began creating

  • THE SMOKING BAN

    Coming from a long line of none smokers I was very pleased when the ban came in preventing people from smoking in public places such as restaurants, pubs and cafes. For too long none smokers have had to endure their socialising ruined by smoke wafting

  • Protect it: your mobile phone

    Recently, it has come to my knowledge that there is a way to track your phone if it has been stolen. It is a clever and cost-free way which is used by the Metropolitan Police if a phone or any other personal property is reported stolen. You simply go