It's no surprise that with April coming to an end the next biggest thing we're all looking forward to is the upcoming Bank Holiday, otherwise known as Mayday. But where does Mayday come from? Surprisingly enough, it wasn't created to give overworked
If you take a long enough walk in Southfields, you'll be sure to hear at least once how the youth of today 'hang around too much' or 'waste their time inside' or 'don't socialise enough', but did those people ever stop to think that maybe there weren't
On April 17th 2013, the coffin of one of the greatest Prime Ministers ever made its way through central London. Its destination was St. Paul’s cathedral were the ceremony was held. Over 4000 police officers were involved partly because of the recent
Police have received a number of calls as a result of their Gary Hayward appeal tonight. A fresh appeal was aired this evening on BBC’s Crimewatch which featured a reconstruction of the unsolved vicious gang attack on Gary Hayward on October 2,
On Thursday the 2nd of May the hotly anticipated local elections will take place and 2,300 seats will be up for grabs. The elections this year are fiercely contested, and the results could be a true indicator of the future of politics for the UK.
Vocals – James Dickinson and Guy Lancefield, Guitar – Guy Lancefield and Jake Goodbody, Keyboard – James Dickinson, Drums – Steven Tree, Bass – Harvey Godden, Backing Vocals – Harvey Godden. Otherwise known as Nylon Ostrich - A teenage rock band from
The Volunteer Police Cadets is a uniformed Voluntary Youth organisation supported by the Metropolitan Police Service. But my own definition of Cadets is “An ethnically diverse organisation, with no discrimination towards age, gender, race or learning
For several years now Hampton Boys school has been collaborating with Waldegrave School for Girls in order to create a successful school production. Previous performances have included 'Joseph and his technicolour dream-coat' and 'The diary of Anne
Having sold over 10 million records, achieving ten top 10 hits, five number 1 singles and 2 Brit Awards (to mention just a few of their achievements) it has been a shock this week to hear that 2008 X Factor runners up JLS are breaking up. With just
RAF WARMA 2013 was another huge success for the Royal Air Force and sister companies. It saw good weather and military attachments from all over the globe. Another 50 miles for the frankly insane bunch who signed up for it! Before I was a member
Most of you would have heard people saying how vital facebook is to them, however have you ever heard a teenager asking: “what’s so good about facebook- it’s not something that you must have so what’s the fuss about?” After hearing the word ‘unsocialized
After a busy 2012, I decided to ask the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Adrian Knowles, a few questions, from his favourite aspect of being mayor to his favourite football team. What is your favourite thing about being Mayor? Meeting
Do you remember your excitement when you got your first bike? When you finally got your balance and off you went flying in to the sunset? Most of us know that feeling of being free when we ride on our bikes. Recently, many people have caught the bicycle
High fashion came to Epsom on 17th April, as St Joseph’s church hall played host to a catwalk event in aid of Age Concern Epsom and Ewell. The promise of a glass of wine, unlimited nibbles and bargains galore was enough to attract scores of local
“Is this the Supreme Court or the Capitol Building?” “Is the Lincoln Memorial the pointy one or the one with the dude in the chair?” “Wait, so Washington DC isn’t the capital of Washington?” With questions like these being tossed around, it
Since January, there has been a chilling wind and plenty of rain which led to flooding of many people’s properties. Many people, including myself, felt like summer wasn’t coming to visit this year. It felt like a battle between the sun and rain with
Young Enterprise is the UK’S biggest charity for business and enterprise education, helping an astounding 225,000 young people gain practical experience and see if they have what it takes to set up and run their very own business. For the Tiffin Girls
Shortly after 7pm in West Croydon on Sunday28th April, a man was attacked and stabbed. The victim is believed to be in his early twenties and was reportedly stabbed on Windmill Road. He collapsed shortly after near a convenience store on
I was intrigued last week when I noticed the latest addition to Addiscombe’s already flourishing high street. But this was no ordinary addition- it was not a swanky new restaurant or a brand new supermarket! No- when I crossed the zebra crossing in
Sainsbury’s have been threatening to open a new store in Teddington for some time now, and some of the locals have taken to the issue passionately. The store, which is planned to open (if it does) on Teddington high street, leading down to
Every area has seen many people come and go: architects, singers, actors and dancers, each with their own talent, each with their own career. But Richmond borough seems to have seen more than most. Most of Richmond's famous citizens have been actors
As May is approaching fast in Richmond, along with it brings the well known and loved Mayfair on Richmond Green. The tradition of the Mayfair has been going on for as long as many people in their mid 50’s can remember, and is already in its 20th thriving
The famous line “concrete jungle where dreams are made ” refers to the Big Apple, that is New York. But whose big dreams are they? During Easter I got the chance to visit New York for the first time. As a lover of art, fashion and the buzz that
To many people, the inserting of needles into ones skin seems painful and something many would not even consider trying. But in fact acupuncture is one of the few natural cures that can help many people recover from a variety of problems. Acupuncture
With the winter season sports drawing to a close and the summer sports beginning many of us are forced to hang up our hockey sticks, rugby boots, netball bibs and football boots and instead pick up our tennis rackets, rounders bats, athletic trainers
Many teenagers from the age of 14 and up participate in an adventurous programme that enables oneself to achieve higher than their potential as well as experiencing something highly recommendable. This is known as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. In order
This week the wider UK economy showed the first signs of finally pulling out of recession – avoiding a “triple dip recession”. We take a look at whether Croydon can do the same. Despite may people’s prejudices about Croydon – the town and
The majority of people will agree that the PSHE and Citizenship lessons we have are basically an excuse to go to sleep. Well last term that wasn’t the case for lucky year 10 pupils at The Heathland School. We were overjoyed to learn that a team of
The proposed decision for the Croydon incinerator was brought to a tied vote after three councillors voted for the notion, three against and two abstained. This can be seen in two ways as the post decision reactions showed only too well. While the
This week many pupils at Surbiton High School are taking a 24 hour ‘vow of silence’ for the charity Free The Children. The school has had much involvement with this charity in activities such a social enterprise group who make tote bags from recycled
Two men have been released from custody after drugs, flares, alcohol and a knife were found on a Crystal Palace supporters coach. Police raided the coach at 8am on Saturday in South Norwood Hill, South Norwood, after receiving a tip-off. One
The highly anticipated Billy Smart’s Circus will soon be arriving at Epsom’s Hook Road Arena, in early May for just five days! The big top travelling circus is one of Britain’s best and is expected to be a sold-out sensation, full of unique acts and
French Exchange can be a daunting prospect; some people don’t like the idea of going to stay with a foreign family that you have never met before. It can either be a disaster, or success. I talked to Jess Govinden to see what she thought of her recent
Ever been stuck for hours in traffic? Yes, of course you have. This painful process is a regular occurrence for most drivers, especially my Mother. Whenever I’m in the car with my Mum we seem to be caught in the worst traffic jams imaginable. For
Diggin’ Diabetes Imagine waking up feeling absolutely fine without a care in the word, only by the end of that very same day, to be told that one of your vital organs no longer functions and as a result you will be injecting yourself four times a
Diggin’ Diabetes Imagine waking up feeling absolutely fine without a care in the word, only by the end of that very same day, to be told that one of your vital organs no longer functions and as a result you will be injecting yourself four times a
Whether it be rats, spiders or even buttons an estimated 13% of adults will develop a phobia at some point during their life, according to one study. Phobias are the most common kind of anxiety disorder with 10 million in the UK thought to live with a
David Garcia, 68 years old, has begun the challenging campaign against poverty in a very unique way. The sixty eight year old plans to survive on a small amount of just £1 a day. As part of a national campaign, people across the world will be trying
This Friday 3rd may 2013 from 3-5pm all of wimbledon college will stop, but one place, one space based next to the infamous milward sixth form centre. WHY? Because it’s the return of the eargerly anticipated boxing exhibition, each fight leading on
The media is the centre of all of our daily information, so a certain thing called ‘legitimacy’ should not be taken lightly when reporting news, because many people read the news and generally take it as fact. The topic of ‘how far can the media be
Its time. Again. Teenagers are hysterical with stress and excitement, exams running close but something else is now on their minds. A famous party made popular by North Americans is catching up with many teenage girls at the moment, it is prom. A
Barry M cosmetics are according to their own marketing material the‘UK's number 1 fashion cosmetic company’ selling a wide range of products. Their most recent nail collections include magnetic effect, Nail Art pens, Gelly Hi Shine and Textured
This Sunday morning at the Herne Hill market two lambs were brought in by the Flower Lady who runs the florist in Herne Hill. The two lambs, Bluebell and Buttercup are orphans. Their mother died this spring when snow was blown over the fields covering
As a removal van pulled up alongside a spacious yet inconspicuous house on Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing, it caused speculation amongst many major British newspapers. Why? Because the unassuming suburban house in question is actually the North Korean
In November 2012, the Coalition Government established the Airports Commission under the Chairmanship of Sir Howard Davies, to look into the UK’s airports policy, and in particular into whether Heathrow Airport ought to be expanded. The Government
Last Saturday I was amazed to discover two local heroes who should not be forgotten. The legendary ‘Cat’s-eyes Cunningham’ and Lord Arthur Tedder who were both educated in Croydon. John Cunningham, better known as ‘Cat’s-eyes’, was famed, in
A man has been cleared of the manslaughter of a man who died after a penis was scrawled on his face at a party. Thomas Evans, 32, said he was acting in self defence when he punched Anthony Thompson, 26, on February 5 last year. Today a jury
Yobs pelted objects at three men in an attack which damaged a tram so badly it was forced out of service. A group of youths, thought to be in their late teens or early 20s, attacked the men as they left a tram at Woodside stop shortly before 6pm
In May 2013 Nonsuch High School for Girls will celebrate its 75th anniversary. The local grammar school, which was founded in May 1938, currently educates around one thousand two hundred and twenty girls between the ages of eleven and nineteen.
It hasn’t been the best of months with catastrophes, crises, and of course, we can’t forget the credit crunch increasingly toiling onto what seems an incessant list. I wanted to ask young people of Croydon what they do to make not only them but the
We all feel stressed or under pressure at some points in our lives. Whether we're in school or at home, we've all experienced that feeling of dread and anxiety. Sometimes we bottle up those feelings, which often causes us to feel even worse. I know
More than 80% of people in the UK live in urban areas, and many more work or spend a significant amount of time in towns and cities. Our parks, woods, and other ‘green’ spaces are crucial – they are spaces where we can relax, play, exercise and learn
Originally a series of books that became a teenage sensation, Cassandra Clare’s hit novels are to finally hit the big screens! Set to be released on August 23rd, 2013, the first of the books, ‘City of Bones’, will be hitting the theatres
A man has been imprisoned for a year following a "senseless" attack on a Brazilian tourist in Clapham two years ago. Luke Watson, 22, from of Heath Ridge Green, Cobham, had been on a night out in Clapham High Street on September 25, 2011, when
A young man is in a serious condition after being stabbed in West Croydon last night. The man, believed to be 22, was stabbed in Windmill Road near to the junction of St Saviour’s Road, Croydon at around 7pm on Sunday, April 28. He was taken
Veterans from Britain’s Second World War ‘forgotten army’ gathered on Sunday to remember and commemorate comrades who fell while fighting in Burma. Eight veterans, in their 80s and 90s, joined family, friends and supporters at a service hosted
Kingston Council has performed a u-turn on the closure of a Chessington nursery after admitting councillors were misled over how many children used it. Moor Lane Day Nursery will not close in September, following a review into how the original
A father who was expecting his third child took his own life after a long running battle with depression, a court heard. Jamaine Taylor, 31, professional car paint sprayer from Morden, was found by his wife and partner of 15 years on February 10
A new dispersal order has been introduced to tackle antisocial behaviour in Fieldway. The Safer Croydon Partnership imposed the order following calls from the community to tackle antisocial behaviour on the estate. The order follows concerns
Dear Sir, A certain issue that has come to my attention is that more and more teenagers are buying alcoholic drinks or illegal drugs. Recently I read an article about young people in Chessington who were drinking and messing around and things
A man was injured after rival football fans fought at Norbiton station following AFC Wimbledon's relegation-escaping victory. The violence broke out after Wimbledon beat Fleetwood Town at Kingsmeadow earlier in the day. Crowds had invaded the
haart estate agents will be opening the doors to dozens of homes in Biggin Hill and Orpington as part of its May Day weekend open house event. The UK’s largest independent estate agent is expecting hundreds of people from across south east London and
Funny man Tim Vine had his audience in stitches at the opening of a new fancy dress and costume shop this week. Vine was on hand for to crack a few one liners to mark the opening of the Lantern Arts Centre costume shop in Tolverne Road, Raynes
A predatory paedophile who used a social networking website to groom teenage girls has been jailed for nine years. Benjamin Spratt, 28, a taxi driver from Essex, groomed a 14-year-old girl from Sutton and a 15-year-old girl from Bromley. He
Since April 1 Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) became responsible for purchasing healthcare for patients. The group now manages 42 General Practises across the borough, with GPs in charge of buying services instead of Wandsworth Primary
Unwanted bikes are being given to inmates for use in prison classes. Dozens of unclaimed and untraceable bicycles at Sutton Police Station have been transported to Wandsworth prison where they will used by prisoners in bicycle maintenance courses
A damning report into financial mismanagement at NHS Croydon has concluded there was a deliberate cover-up of a £28m black hole in its budget. Senior managers were today branded incompetent and their actions judged to have "a detrimental impact
An early morning TV drama with a difference took place this morning, when a television caught fire in a child's bedroom. Firefighters were called to a flat in Millside, Carshalton, at 5.30am, where the TV was believed to have caught alight when
A 21-year-old man was arrested after police found crack and heroin in a raid this morning. Officers forced entry to a property in Thicket Road, Sutton, and found a significant quantity of suspected crack and heroin. They also seized £1,500
Four cows inside a trailer driven by a landrover were involved in a traffic accident on Saturday. The trailer tipped over during the accident on the A24 near Box Hill at 4.30pm. A Leatherhead fire station spokesman said they had righted the
Serves 4-6 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: none You’ll need: 250g cooked beetroot dipped in vinegar (not pickled) 1 tin butterbeans (410g), drained & rinsed 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed Small bunch fresh chives, finely
Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers sprinter Jordan Smith-Bent’s preparation for the British Athletics League continued in fine style as he helped propel the club to Kinnaird and Sward Trophy glory. While the 22-year-old did not win his 100m and
A doctor dismissed from his post at Kingston Hospital said he had reached a “brick wall” after a years-long fight to uncover why he was sacked. Dr Robin Roberts used the Freedom of Information Act to try to force the release of the details around
It is coming to that time in the year when public exams will soon be coming to an end and the teenagers of Croydon will be sitting at home bored for 2 months, AKA, summer holidays. However there is a scheme set up in the heart of Croydon which
Councillors have voted to increase their allowances by one per cent next month in a bid to ensure the level remains ‘reasonable’. The 63p-a-week, £33-a-year, increase, was decided at an Epsom Council meeting on Tuesday. But it has been slammed
Kingston scouts “made it happen” yesterday at St George’s Day celebrations in Tolworth. Hundreds of Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts packed into Our Lady Immaculate church in Ewell Road to renew their pledges and celebrate the last year in scouting.
Rosslyn Park completed the National League One season with a 37-24 win at already relegated Sedgley Park. It was only a strong second half performance that saved Park’s blushes, after trailing Sedgley Park by eight points at the interval. Saturday's
Traffic lights are reportedly out of order in Ewell this morning leading to traffic jams and delays. The reported failure is at the junction of London Road and Ewell Bypass by the Organ and Dragon, which used to be a pub and Thai restaurant.
An enthusiastic crowd and stars of London 2012 turned up to applaud the champions of British horseracing at Sandown Park. The bet 365 Ultimate Celebration on Saturday, the finale of the jumps season, started with a dressage performance from Neptune
Come 1st May I scan the skies for telltale glimpse of sickle wings, those joyful screaming cries; glad to welcome them once more to England green and dear, for summer never can begin for me until they're here. Yes I'm eulogising about swifts, one
By Tom Hughes If Stephen Dobbie still has naysayers, I think they should be prepared to take their negativity underground. Not to rehash last week’s column, but the way he skilfully made space for himself, embarrassed a Blackburn defender and
The full cost to the taxpayer of the new Surbiton Health Centre is being withheld to prevent commercial competitors getting an upper hand on the NHS. The project, which includes the health centre and Lime Tree Primary School, cost £15m to build
Kingston Council are set to close Moor Lane Nursery School, which is a huge disappoint to the users. This is another service that helps and benefits many parents and children that the council want to close. The Lib Dem councillors seem to be on
Leatherhead missed out on the Ryman Division One play-offs after a 1-0 defeat at home to Faversham Town. The Tanners needed three points to secure fifth place ahead of Folkestone Invicta, but David Botterill's late goal put paid to any hopes of
By Bruce Archer Brentford manager Uwe Rosler was distraught after watching his team miss a golden opportunity to clinch promotion to the Championship. Brentford had taken the League One game to Doncaster, and their big chance came in the final
A wheelie bin was set on fire in a garage yesterday. The London Fire Brigade were called to the blaze in Chartwell Place, Abbotts Road, North Cheam, at about 8.30pm on Sunday (April 28). The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes
Police are today offering a £20,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information about a vicious gang attack on father-of-three Gary Hayward. A fresh appeal is being aired tonight on BBC’s Crimewatch which will feature a reconstruction
A popular butchers shop has closed its doors after more than 80 years of service. The closure of Hartshorn Butchers on Coombe Lane in Raynes Park on Saturday has upset local residents, who said the owners would be retiring. Sue Mullen from
A multi-agency sting operation targeting rogue traders raised awareness but failed to catch any lawbreakers in action. Officers from the council’s trading standards, environmental health, benefit fraud and street scene teams along with the Met
Tempers flared at Strawberry Hill Residents’ Association (SHRA) meeting last week over unofficial boundary changes between Strawberry Hill and Twickenham. Residents protested to the eradication of 16 roads recognised as Strawberry Hill within Richmond
A foodie has been shortlisted for a dream job as a "taste master" in Western Australia after seeing-off tens of thousands of other applicants. Asha Patel, 30, from Epsom, is among 25 people in the running for the job after a worldwide contest by
A home swapping event took place to help tenants downsize and avoid bedroom tax. Dozens of people took part in the event held by housing association Viridian in Balham Library, Ramsden Road, on Thursday. The event invited people living in over
The fight for floating homes in Surbiton has been renewed as Hydro Properties prepares to launch its appeal in the next few days. The company has hired top planning and environmental barrister Martin Kingston to fight its case. On his company
Parents and residents have come together to discuss parking issues at an Esher primary school set to expand next year. A large number of cars park on grass verges near to Cranmere Primary School, The Drive, and nearby residents are concerned the
For decades the high street phone box has given so much: residents made quick calls on the move, Superman benefitted from a makeshift changing room, and Colin Farrell was locked away for hours in the movie Phone Booth. But now Lambeth Council's
Residents in Kingston Hill can once again get free cash quickly and easily, after a new ATM was installed at a petrol station. The new service at the Shell garage, on the corner of London Road and Clifton Road, was put in following a campaign by
A nursery in Tolworth is getting into the party mood as it celebrates turning 10 this year. The Advantage Day Nursery in Red Lion Road began celebrations for its tenth anniversary last Friday. Manager Hazel Moody said the event was a low-key
Actress Virginia McKenna will be standing in for Sir Michael Caine at the biggest theatre festival of its kind in the UK. Sir Michael, who is patron of the Leatherhead Drama Festival, will be unavoidably absent from its 10th anniversary due to
