Archive

  • A Commercial Chirstmas?

    It’s December again, with Christmas adverts all over TV, lights up in Kingston town centre, and people already shopping for Christmas gifts; one wonders what Christmas is really about. Statistics show that only 8% of people living in Britain go to

  • Happy Birthday Britten! By Zohra Nabi

    This November has quite possibly been one of the most action packed months the world has ever seen. Specifically the twenty-second. The U.S. flags were at half-mast for the fiftieth anniversary of Kennedy on the twenty-second; a death date shared by famous

  • The Festive Season of Mock Exams

    In less than a month many people will be celebrating the joyful day of Christmas, filled with fun, laughter and high spirits. However, in even fewer days, the lives of many year 11 students will become more stressful and consist of fear, dread and

  • A five star performance from Starlight

    West side story resides as one of the worlds most treasured musicals, with over fifty years worth of adaptations under its belt. On November 28th it came onto the shoulders of the Starlight youth theatres young actors and actresses to attempt to recapture

  • Ice! Camera! Action!

    On the 24th of November the Streatham Redskins returned home to the new Streatham Ice Arena, taking on the Bracknell Hornets in a 3-3 draw. Following a two year stint in a temporary rink in Brixton, the new Streatham Hub has arrived; boasting a gleaming

  • November? Christmas?!

    Christmas a wonderful time of the year, when snow falls, holidays start and the festive begins in November… The month of Christmas is December, but competition growing with merchandise there’s always businesses trying to be cunning and think ahead

  • Young reporter: An Unexpected Success at the West End.

    After arriving in Leicester Square with no tickets, ambitiously hoping to purchase expensive family seats, an hour after the ticket booth opened, the day began. Immediately we were set with the obstacle of queuing in a line that onlookers would assume

  • Freemen’s fight back!

    Last season Christ Hospital’s determination and forceful attitude saw them secure a winning lead of 4 nil against Freemen’s. However, Freemen’s current record of three wins and two losses during this season sent them yearning for a triumphant victory

  • The Phantom Returns

    City of London’s Freemen’s school gain rights to reproduce Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.  After 2 months of intensive rehearsals lead by CLFS’s successful drama and music department, saw them through the end. Music Director

  • Catching Fire - Catching the Imagination

    The film of Suzanne Collins’ second bestselling book, Catching Fire, was released on the 22nd November 2013. The trilogy of action books have captured the nation’s imagination and with this film’s debut the huge fan circle has greatly widened.  

  • Ice! Camera! Action!

    On the 24th of November the Streatham Redskins returned home to the new Streatham Ice Arena, taking on the Bracknell Hornets in a 3-3 draw. Following a two year stint in a temporary rink in Brixton, the new Streatham Hub has arrived; boasting a gleaming

  • It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

    The Christmas spirit has well and truly hit Streatham today with the help of the annual christmas fair at Streatham and Clapham High School. Early this morning mums, dads and local businesses set up shop inside the school's sports hall for the eagerly

  • ex-hammer burts West-Hams bubbles

    A SUPERB BRACE FROM LAMPARD HELPS GUIDE CHELSEA TO A COMFORTABLE WIN Writes our reporter in the stands, David Knight On 23rd November, West Ham hosted Chelsea in a game that was full of passion, tension and flair!. From the kick-off, both

  • Belgium : A Country Living In The Shadow Of War.

    Last week, I travelled with my school to Ypres in Belgium to visit the war graves and learn more about the details of World War 1, but while I was there, it was not the graves or the museums that affected me most, it was the overwhelming presence of

  • Earlswood's hole in the road

    What do you get if you combine a mosque, a fish & chip shop, a pub, an Indian restaurant, a newsagent, a local train station and 3 way road control? Chaos; complete and utter chaos. This is exactly the situation occurring down at Earlswood

  • the festival of lights

    A joyful occasion that brings families together By David Knight. On 3rd November, a global tradition for Hindus is celebrated. Diwali. Diwali is a 5-day festival and shows the start of an official holiday in countries such as India, Sri Lanka

  • Winter Wonderland Sweeps into Wimbledon

    Even though it is still November, everyone is already feeling the Christmas spirit. With Santa chocolates on the shelves, fabulous Christmas deals and lights strung up around the streets, it is obvious why everyone is so excited, despite the cold weather

  • Socialising

    It seems that in modern day life the act of socialising face to face with people has become much less frequent than ever before.  So who is to blame for this then?  The social networking sites themselves which have diminished the need for face to face

  • Happy Birthday to the Merton Bus Garage!

    Many local residents gathered at the Merton Bus Garage on Sunday 17th November to celebrate the centenary of the Bus Garage. It was a very special day for all the residents in the London Borough of Merton because the old buses were brought out for

  • Abandoned buildings become a 'home' for the homeless

    The growth of homelessness in Croydon is a dilemma that the general public cannot turn a blind eye to. The destruction of the building formally known as ‘Reece House’ have paved the way for countless individuals to take advantage of the open space

  • Moving - Is it a more viable proposition than extending?

    The London Borough of Ealing has seen a multitude of people extend their homes to better suit their lifestyle. For most, it is simply because they intend on starting a family or in some cases even a home business. However, the question remains whether

  • The magical lights of Warlingham green

    The magical lights of Warlingham green On the 16th of November crowds flocked to  Warligham Green for the special switching on of the Warlingham lights. The magical lights are turned on each year, illuminating the night and bringing Christmas

  • Christmas Markets

    Today I visited Bath Christmas market. In what we predicted would be a slight stroke of genius, we drove to Chipenham and got the train in from there. This only took fifteen minutes and got us right into the centre of Bath, saving time trying to find

  • Surrey: The secret home of authors

    Surrey is home to over a million people, yet many of them are unaware of the numerous world famous authors who have been inspired there. One notable author is Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, who has been buried in Guildford

  • A sit down with Croydon's Newest Entrepreneur

    Have you noticed the new retro dessert house in the heart of West Croydon? I sat down with owner and Croydon resident Azhar Rehman for an interview on his recent business venture.  The owner calls Kaspas, which additionally has a branch in Purley

  • KCC: NORAEBANG CONTEST

    Today at the Korean Cultural Centre in Charing Cross, London held noraebang contest for the K-pop Academy students and their friends. Those who don’t know what ‘noraebang’ means, it means ‘karaoke’ in Korean. It was an amazing experience, which allowed

  • Is Beauty Hairless?

    Is beauty hairless? From the Elizabethans plucking their eyelashes, to the introduction of ladies razors and hair removal creams in 1914, to the high-tech laser hair removal procedures, women are becoming increasingly obsessed with ridding themselves

  • Is Beauty Hairless?

    Is beauty hairless? From the Elizabethans plucking their eyelashes, to the introduction of ladies razors and hair removal creams in 1914, to the high-tech laser hair removal procedures, women are becoming increasingly obsessed with ridding themselves

  • The Darker Side of Christmas

    The Dark Side of Christmas As we head into December and begin our preparations for Christmas, becoming engrossed in cosy social events and festivities, it can be very easy to forget about those that find it difficult to reflect the season’s good

  • Litter, litter everywhere!

    Litter piles up on our streets causing mass havoc. Have you ever casually discarded a piece of rubbish, taken it out of your pocket or bag and dropped it outside on the floor? A survey about litter done in 2006 revealed a whopping 48% in the UK

  • Black Friday Kicks Off with Fantastic Deals

    ‘Black Friday’ is the glorious day, following on from ‘Thanksgiving Day’, which pretty much marks the start of our Christmas shopping. However, even though it is meant to be a peaceful day of shopping it can turn into something quite violent with all

  • Power At Your Fingertips

    @Gsquare86: '...history is being written by the people!' The past couple of years saw an unprecedented rise of rebellion amongst Middle Eastern countries. The Arab Spring was a revolutionary period in which power structures that had been built for

  • HS2 - Ealing's Hero or Villain?

    The building of the high speed rail HS2 has become one of Britain's most hotly debated topics with every taxpayer being affected and many forming opinions on the topic. Engineers have projected the line, which will connect Birmingham to London, will

  • A Musical Future

         When students at secondary schools are given the opportunity to pick certain subjects which are optional leading up to their GCSE’s, they often tend to miss out Music. This may not surprise to some as Music appeals to a very specific type of person

  • An Early Christmas

    As Christmas creeps nearer, primary and secondary schools alike are seizing the opportunity to raise money for their school by hosting Christmas fairs. This November, on a bitter Sunday morning, The Tiffin Girls’ School held their annual Christmas

  • Is Music a Distraction?

    As a new GCSE student, I have been startled by the amount of homework I’ve been receiving. I too often find myself overwhelmed by the enormous amount of work I have to do in a ridiculously short time space. This issue could probably be avoided if I

  • Famous children's author visits Glenthorne High School

    Piers Today: Children’s author. Piers Torday is a children’s author who recently published the children’s book: The Last Wild. I was lucky enough to catch him for a short interview soon after he did a talk to our Year 7s. Immediately, Piers’ intelligent

  • Halliford second team with thrilling win against local rivals

    Last Wednesday, the second team played Laten Park at home. As the last game of the season we wanted to not suffer another defeat, if only for the sake of variety. We entered the game with a good attitude as we had beaten them earlier on in the season

  • ‘Delivering Better Streets’ – or not?

    Recently, there have been many road-works going on around Brentford, with the intention of making roads safer and easier to use. However, many of these road-works have been half-finished and then seemingly abandoned, which means that pedestrians’ paths

  • The countdown begins...

    The countdown begins, with December around the corner have we lost all the Christmas spirit.   Christmas is an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a day generally celebrated by millions of people around the world. Generally

  • Twickenham's breathtaking christmas dance recital

    On Saturday 30th November, students from Marble Hill dance studio gathered in Kingston college's ACT theatre, raring to perfom. Teachers, students and parents alike have been preparing for this day for months, eager to share their hard work with the

  • Every little helps!

    Every year charity: BBC children in need donates money to help young people who are disadvantaged in the UK. The aim of the charity is to make sure that all children feel safe, happy and have a childhood that will allow them to reach their full potential

  • Aspergers Syndrome, the most misunderstood disability

       Out of 30 people surveyed on New Malden high-street only 5 knew what aspergers was. Aspergers Syndrome, discovered by Austrian Paediatrician, Hans Aperger. Aspergers is a social disorder on the  autistic spectrum and over 700,000 people in the UK

  • Are they bringing out the best in GCSE students?

    A new number graded system is set to replace the current GCSE rankings of A*-G, instead there will be 1-9, one being the lowest and nine being the highest. Ofqual-England’s exam regulators hope that this system will help universities and employers

  • COOMBE BOYS' - LIVING FOR SPORT

    Hannah Beharry, one of Britain's first elite female boxers, visited Coombe Boys' School. Nine times British Champion, Beharry visited Coombe as part of the Sky Sports living for sport initiative, with whom she is an ambassador for.   Beharry

  • Unscrupulous Landlords in London

      Sheen happily welcomes tourists. It has a wonderful high street, local station and an entrance to Richmond Park; however, hidden beneath its beauty, there are some appalling landlords. Young people and students who are travelling the world

  • The Season Starts with a Spark!

    Wrapped up warm, the start of December was celebrated with a spark of the Festival of Lights in The Heart Shopping Centre, Walton. On Saturday 30th November, the festive season seemed definitely  here; as all the community turned up to watch lanterns

  • It really was a black Friday

    It really was a black Friday For the past few months every shop you enter has been filled with Christmas decorations; each year it gets earlier and earlier, some even starting in the summer! This is just one example of how commercialised Christmas

  • The Billion pound project

    A third Westfield shopping centre seems to be arriving to London soon. Town Planners have expressed “overwhelmingly” positive support for the £1 billion project, backed also by Boris Johnson.   The hope is that with the introduction of 5,000

  • William Hogarth Remembered After Anniversary of his Birth

    The 10th of November is remembered by the residents of Chiswick as the birthday of the painter William Hogarth, who despite his demise in 1764, has lived on as an exceptionally influential artist, and one of the father's of English painting.  

  • Is Beauty Hairless?

    Is beauty hairless? From the Elizabethans plucking their eyelashes, to the introduction of ladies razors and hair removal creams in 1914, to the high-tech laser hair removal procedures, women are becoming increasingly obsessed with ridding themselves

  • Protests at Pub Closure

    Previously reported as “the only pub in the area”, the Black Dog pub on Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex, is being converted into a Tesco Express. The pub closed down earlier this year, and it was suddenly announced that it was set to become a Tesco

  • A busy time for Kingston’s roads

    In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is clear that the local roads are getting busier due to people trying to get Christmas shopping done early. One of the main shopping locations in the borough is Kingston upon Thames, and on the weekends people

  • Croydon High School Fashion Show

    Students in the sixth form at Croydon High School, with some help from those at Whitgift School, annually organise and produce an outstanding fashion show. It features not only fashion but also live music and refreshments to raise money for their chosen

  • Southall’s Steps to Modernisation

    Southall, a town in the Ealing Borough, is well recognised for providing a unique shopping experience and is notable for having the largest Asian community in London. Recently, the Ealing Council has decided to refurbish Southall.  Southall, nicknamed

  • Kew – is crime now growing faster than the plants?

    Ask many people where they would most like to live and the Richmond borough would be high on their list. Indeed, one of its most famous residents, Sir David Attenborough – a man who has seen a lot of the planet – named it as his favourite place.

  • School Just Got Serious

    I almost haven’t had time to write this article... Why?  Because since I started back at school in September the workload from every subject has already gone up significantly.  This is understandable, as I have just started year 10 and therefore just

  • Typhoon Haiyan

    Typhoon Haiyan (a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale) hit the Philippines on the 8th of November and also affected other parts of south-east Asia. It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record and the

  • Whovians Gather for 50th Anniversary

    On Saturday the 23rd of November, Doctor Who fans young and old gathered in anticipation to watch perhaps the most hyped television event of the year; the 50th anniversary of the beloved sci-fi programme Doctor Who. Thousands of die-hard fans, affectionately

  • Wimbledon Stadium: Interview with the Greyhounds

    The future use of Wimbledon Stadium is currently uncertain with two of the main contenders to buy it having a historical and cultural link to the stadium. As reported in the Guardian in May 2013 the stadium is currently used as the oldest Greyhounds

  • Italia Conti Bring the Spirit of Christmas to Elmglade

    On the 15th December, the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in Reigate are bringing the Christmas spirit to Elmglade (a residential home for the elderly in North Cheam) by arranging for a group of their young performers to sing Christmas carols

  • Doctor who? 50 years of the doctor

    Recently it was the 50th anniversary of one of England’s national TV treasures, Doctor Who. As some look forward to our 13th regeneration of the doctor (To be played by Peter Capaldi) a lot of people are looking back to the original episodes that differ

  • Tesco steals business from Sainsbury's

    The new Tesco extra by Streatham Common has taken off with great success. Lambeth has said that the superstore, and the leisure centre Tesco and Lambeth council have funded, has been a “triumph”. However, not everyone is as pleased with the new

  • Tesco steals business from Sainsbury's

    The new Tesco extra by streatham common has taken off with great success. Lambeth has said that the superstore, and the leisure centre Tesco and Lambeth council have funded, has been a “triumph”. However, not everyone is as pleased with the new

  • Tesco steals business from Sainsbury's

    The new Tesco extra by streatham common has taken off with great success. Lambeth has said that the superstore, and the leisure centre Tesco and Lambeth council have funded, has been a “triumph”. However, not everyone is as pleased with the new

  • Cigarette streets

    Everywhere you look these days you will see cigarette butts on the street some still burning out. You can see them littered outside shops and all over our community’s pavements and high streets. Is this the way we want our community to look?

  • Access comes to Worcester Park!

    Work is now underway to completely replace the existing footbridge at Worcester Park railway station with a brand new footbridge providing better access for disabled people, the bridge will be complete with passenger lifts to each platform. Worcester

  • Old Curiosities

    A love of aged, dusty items and things that once were could, by some, be said to be a harmful affliction. The modern attitude is very much, “live for today” with surprising numbers of people knowing very little about their local area despite the fact

  • Wimbledon Tower

    Wimbledon Tower A proposal has been submitted for plans for a tower in Wimbledon, the tower will have 140 residential flats in addition to 100 hostel units, the tower would act as a YMCA and will be 24 stories high, lowered from the original 32

  • NaNoWriMo: A Month of Writers' Heaven (or Hell)

    Ever heard of the Travelling Shovel of Death? Plot bunnies? Mr. Ian Monrow? Probably not. Welcome to the strange world of National Novel Writing Month, where every time you sit down to write it’s a Word Battle, evil Procrastination Slugs steal your

  • Lest We Forget

    On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the First World War ended. Civilians wanted to remember the people who had given their lives for the peace and freedom of their country. Moina Michael, an American War Secretary

  • Are Students the Worst Bus Users?

    As a student I take the bus to school every day and there are, of course, things that you must simply do. You should stand up for the elderly, the disabled, the pregnant or the heavily burdened. One should not eat particularly pungent food, play music

  • Peter Andre came to Sutton

    On Saturday 23rd November, the amazing Peter Andre paid a visit to Sutton high street at The Perfume Shop. Peter Andre – well known for singing hit single “Mysterious Girl” – made an appearance at 3pm at The Perfume Shop to show off his new

  • Q Who makes a quaint appearance at Questors

    Doctor Who, the longest running science fiction programme connecting both the older and younger generations. All fans there were fully satisfied after the spectacular two day event week-early celebration of the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who on the

  • The Christmas Scourge

    The common cold! Let’s just say it is no longer as minor as originally once was. It has struck yet again en masse in Epsom. He disguises himself in different forms as though a demon awaiting to catch a child in its sleep. His aim is to pretty much

  • Shoppers enjoy festive fun at School Craft Fair

    Over a thousand people turned up for the Christmas Craft Fair at Tiffin Girls School, held every year to raise money for the school. The fair was held on 24th November, from 11 until 3, and this year there were over thirty stalls, selling goods

  • BULLYING IT COULD BE YOU NEXT!!!

      In this day and age as technology advances along so does social media and the cruelties of that world. One aspect of social media that has evolved recently is cyber bullying. Bullying, once an activity that was exercised by primary children

  • Christmas Comes Again

    I say Christmas comes too soon. As I walked through Balham today and down the High Road looking for an advent calendar it dawned upon me that it wasn’t even December yet. Men we’re shouting about Christmas trees and how cheap theirs were and it’s the

  • Light up the Lane!

    Every year, North Ealing residents come together to celebrate the beginning of the festive period, in the form of the annual ‘Light up the Lane’ event on Pitshanger lane. Every year, the road is closed, and residents from all around Ealing come to

  • Typhoon Haiyan

     Typhoon Haiyan was a tropical storm which hit the Philippines on Friday 8th November 2013. The Philippines are located in South-East Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean and Tacloban was hit badly with the storm surge reaching nearly 5 metres. The capital

  • The Devastating Effects of Natural Distasters

    Typhoon Haiyan, the devastating typhoon that has recently hit the Philippines, has left a nation – as well as the rest of the world – still reeling in its aftermath. The death toll has reached over five thousand, and aid workers are desperately trying

  • Black Friday

    Black Friday is a holiday celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. Usually only celebrated in America, this holiday is all about shopping. Many retailers open their shops extremely early and offer their products at a discounted price. However, this year

  • A Melodious Night to Remember

    A Melodious Night to Remember Sweet music filled the air as boys from both Whitgift and Elmhurst schools as well as a number of prominent professionals took to the stage at Whitgift’s annual Fairfield Halls concert. Taking place on the 21st of

  • All in a Look?

    Last weekend saw thousands of Star Wars fans descend on Twickenham Stadium for the chance to star in the next film in the billion dollar franchise, to be released in 2015. However, many budding actors and actresses were left disconsolate at their very

  • Ride of Remembrance

    A recent charity scooter rally took place in the London area, held by Wasps Scooter Club who contributed all money to the Poppy Appeal. Many other scooter clubs from around the country also joined in, from as far as Eastbourne, to commemorate the deaths

  • Energy companies give public the cold shoulder

    Energy companies give public the cold shoulder.   Great Britain; A country renowned for its compassion and empathy through schemes such as the welfare system, one which is admired by others for its warm-hearted and welcoming nature. But just

  • Energy companies give public the cold shoulder

    Energy companies give public the cold shoulder. Great Britain; A country renowned for its compassion and empathy through schemes such as the welfare system, one which is admired by others for its warm-hearted and welcoming nature. But just how

  • It's the NaNoWriMo Time of Year Again

    NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month – a writing scheme designed to persuade aspiring authors to write their own novels over a span of 30 days. The scheme was founded by Chris Baty; an American who believed that too many people feared the quality

  • Heathside, A Positive Step

    Heathside School introduced a scheme in 2012/13: the positive language campaign. This was to show students the power of their words and the pain they can cause, to promote positive language. Many lessons in S.E (social education) were spent teaching

  • Paperless and Powerless

    More than three streets of shops and homes, including Cambridge Gardens and Lancaster Road, were hit by Ladbroke Grove’s power cut on November 25th. After pulling into Ladbroke Grove station at 15:45 I found myself to be greeted by emergency lighting

  • Two Sutton hospitals investigate Savile enquiry

    The Department of Health has passed on information relating to the former Top of The Pops presenter: Jimmy Savile recently found crimes to 19 Hospital trusts in order to investigate. Soon after his death in October 2011, investigations were carried

  • Water Waste

    How much water do you think you use up daily? In 2004, the UK’s water consumption was at a level that was just about acceptable, but that was also slowly increasing. In 2006-7 there was a water usage scare and this caused levels to plummet. However

  • The price for sucess?

    Someone once said 'some people dream of sucess.. whilst other wake up and work hard at it.' I think this quote applies to so many people some of which are me and my brother Jacob. I can always imagine and picture myself as a famous swimmer, in the

  • Life as a Secondary School Student

    Whilst I understand that education has changed over many years, I do believe that one of the biggest changes is the amount of homework that students have to complete in the evening and particularly over the weekends. The average secondary school pupil

  • Deliveries Cause Havoc on Main Road

    Streatham Road has always been extremely busy, leading from Streatham to Mitcham Town Centre; it’s a main source of traffic flow for the area. It’s no wonder Tesco recently opened an express store there, with the opportunity to entice passing trade

  • Carshalton Gallery Bullied by Bank

    Mine is an art gallery in Carshalton village, run by Andrew Candy who moved here from Greenwich. Mine Gallery is a  project with the Arts Council to set up an co-operative art space to bring a different type of audience into town; to create a retail

  • Streetlights for Safety

    New street lights are getting put up in crime hotspots across the borough  to help deter burglars, improve the quality of CCTV images and reduce fear as the winter is approaching. A fast-tracked installation of LED lights are being put

  • Dont judge a book by its cover!

    Don’t judge a book by its cover As soon as you step out your front door away from the comfort of home you are being judged and evaluated. On all sorts of thing from looks and clothing accessories down to personality and character. We do it all

  • Are Christmas lights going up to early?

    It is a well-known fact that Christmas lights play en essential role in the spirit of Christmas, lighting up our streets and our hearts. But, when people see Christmas lights popping up in early October many have expressed their anger. So, the question

  • Kew are Getting Ready to Sparkle

    Kew is gearing up for the annual festive celebration of the year organised by local traders: the Kew Sparkle.   This year’s gala will take place on Friday 6th of December from 5pm to 8pm.  As usual there will be many festive activities such

  • Walk for Cancer

    Volunteers are needed for a charity walk to raise funds for a leading cancer hospital. The Royal Marsden Hospital, which has branches in Sutton and Chelsea, needs 5,000 people to take part in its annual sponsored Marsden March, to be held on Sunday

  • Pillow Man Strikes Twickenham!

    Somewhere, in our modern society of Twickenham, there are ordinary people? Or are there? Today, one “superhero” in the Twickenham area fights crime and comedy as he sets up his internet series, and doing stunts to soon bring to Twickenham. I interviewed

  • Accidents on the increase?

    According to transport committee there has been an increase in road accidents in the UK over the past few months. Constantly causing traffic and chaos. The question I ask myself is who are these accidents really caused by? Pedestrians, bike riders,

  • Christmas, the countdown begins!

    The Christmas countdown begins, so go and get your Christmas shopping on as you have about 25 days to buy the perfect (on sale) Christmas gifts for the family.  30th of November bringing peak sales of Christmas advent calendars and is also the

  • The story of Mr Waite and Mr Rose

    Mr Waite and Mr Rose grew up in a time of theiving on behalf of shopkeepers. Many used secret weights to trick customers into overpaying. In 1904 Wallace Wyndham Waite and Arthur Rose opened their first store in Ealing at 263 Acton Lane. When Waite

  • Christmas Is Only Around The Corner

    Numerous shops open their doors to a breeze of customers shopping for early Christmas gifts. Business booms everywhere as everyone tries to get their Christmas shopping finished early and on the 29th and 30th November there were sales in shops all

  • Christmas Is Only Around The Corner

    Numerous shops open their doors to a breeze of customers shopping for early Christmas gifts. Business booms everywhere as everyone tries to get their Christmas shopping finished early and on the 29th and 30th November there were sales in shops all

  • Out With The Old, In With The New

    It’s a new generation. 29th November 2013 marked a very important day in the history of gaming - The long-awaited Playstation 4 was released in the UK. People queued up at midnight to get their hands on the successor of the successful Playstation 3

  • A New Stop for the Piccadilly Line?

    During recent months, dispute over whether the Piccadilly line should stop at Turnham Green station, has accumulated. Debate was sparked earlier this year when Transport for London announced a consultation which ran during 27th August – 7th October

  • ROCK SEES ITS LAST STOCK

    As you wander down the fairly quaint and unexciting Carshalton high street, past the array of cafes and wooden benches, you will reach the local theatre: our humble Charles Cryer. Now, few would ever imagine that underneath its fairly unassuming and

  • Ginger, Come Back!

    On the 12th November 2013, a pet cat, Ginger, was reported missing on Tattenham Way, near the Beacon School. He was last seen playing in the owner’s garden the day before. Ginger is a very well-loved and friendly cat who is currently greatly missed

  • Remember, Remember...to pay your tax.

    It is British tradition and culture to light a bonfire every November in honour of the fail of the infamous gunpowder plot. But to what extent is it worth it? The month of November is filled with fireworks and bonfire festivities, lighting up the

  • The Festive Season Sets In

    With less than a month until Christmas, the present-buying fever is beginning to set in. However, Kingston recently played host to a great opportunity to get some gifts before the high street madness sets in, as on Sunday November 25th, The Tiffin

  • A Hearty Welcome

    For year 11s, the time has come to pick what they want to do in future after leaving their school years behind. Some decide to start colleges, stay in school sixth form or get apprenticeship. Cheam High School Sixth form plan to welcome the years 11s

  • White Ribbon Campaign

    On the 25th of November, people all over the world take part in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness of all forms of violence against women, and for those who have been subjected to forms of it, such

  • Will St Andrew Pull Through?

    In the midst of the Scottish independence controversy and the Glasgow helicopter disaster, this St Andrew’s day was bound to be a poignant one for Scots and for the rest of the UK – but what does this year’s legacy look like for Scots living in the

  • A golden episode for a golden anniversary- Doctor Who style

    Doctor, Doctor, I think we all feel like a pair of curtains after doctor-mania exploded on a huge scale. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who needed to pull themself together after the 799th episode of the timeless classic hit the screen last Saturday

  • Imagine Dragons and Getting in the Christmas Spirit

    Christmas season is drawing ever closer with each degree it becomes colder and every cheesy Christmas advert. Just this Friday, the Christmas lights turned on in Stoneleigh Broadway, kick starting our local festivities and bringing some long-awaited

  • Road Resurfacing Chaos

    On Monday 25th November, a road resurfacing project began in Claygate, Surrey. The project caused mild disruption across the town, lasting for a week until Friday 29th November. The project was the resurfacing of Common Road, a long road in the

  • Once upon a time, the landed gentry lived in Streatham Hill

    Streatham, believe it or not, was once home to some of the wealthiest gentlemen in the capital, had the richest and most intricate architecture in south London and was known to be both enchanting and immensely popular! Unfortunately that sense of admiration

  • A Vicious Cycle

    As six London cyclists are killed in 13 days, the death toll seems to be escalating rather emphatically. The roads appear unforgiving at present, and Londoners can do nothing except point the finger Boris’s way. We are told that road related deaths

  • Can college students say no to fast food?

    A constant flow of around 2,000 teenagers throughout the day requires the canteen at Reigate College to be fully stocked with enough variety of food to please every fussy eater. With a quick glance at the menu, it’s easy to identify the many healthy

  • Anglo-German School Goes From Strength to Strength

    A pioneering South London primary school in which students spend more than a third of their time speaking German has grown by 25 per cent since September. The Judith Kerr School in Herne Hill, named after the famous German born children’s author

  • Christ's finish off the year with a bang

    In a year of celebration, November has been another fantastic month of jubilation for Christ’s School. First on November 7th, there was a fantastic fireworks night held in the school field. Just 3 days ago (November 27th) the annual awards evening

  • Students echo entrepreneurial ingenuity

    I changed the subject of this article, due to something catching my eye completely spontaneously today. I felt this article was also important to write to show that some of the everyday things we see during the day can be something really special if

  • Reigate Grammar’s Little Contributions

    Reigate Grammar School has been committed to developing a Charities programme that allows the pupils the opportunity to ‘make a difference’ for others less fortunate than ourselves. Through a range of fundraising initiatives, RGS students are encouraged

  • Mr. Cool arrived in Richmond

    It was happy days in Richmond upon Thames this weekend as 70s American TV star ‘Fonz’ paid us a visit, but today he was Henry Winkler, now starring as captain Hook in Richmond Theaters pantomime Peter Pan. On Saturday 30th November Henry Winkler

  • Lend a Helping Wing

    It has been noted recently that the blue tit population has dramatically fallen this year, along with Starlings, Robins and many other common birds. In fact, I had hardly noticed when it was bought to my attention by Sheila Willis who lives in Reigate

  • Different Opinions on Fashion

    When we think of fashion what is the first thing that comes to mind? Many of us are very self-conscious about what we wear because we don’t want to be judged by others, whether by our friends or just strangers. Is it because we care about what they

  • Seasonal Spirit Hits The High Street

    On Thursday the 28th of November, Teddington High Street, one of top 10 nominees for the Daily Telegraph's "High Street Of The Year" award, welcomed seasonal cheer with its annual "lights up" event to mark the beginning of advent and to prepare with

  • Hanging Out

    There are many places in London where teenagers and youths can hang out and meet. For example in Wimledon and kingston there are shops and cinemas and central London has many parks and skate parks where anyone can meet up. However, Southfields is a

  • Swarms of hopefuls await auditions for new Star Wars film

    Star Wars. One of the highest rating movie franchises in the world, on your doorstep. Thousands of hopefuls queued for hours on end at Twickenham Stadium, hoping to land a lead part in the new Star Wars film. Episode VII of the Sci-fi movies held auditions

  • Richmond is WHOLLY the place to be...

    Richmond is WHOLLY the place to be!   You may have been innocently strolling through Richmond town centre on Tuesday 8th October 2013 and come across a large huddle of excitable Richmond inhabitants. Well, be assured, there was a perfectly

  • Festive Fun and Food

    On Thursday 14th of November, Kingston upon Thames turned it's Christmas lights on in style. From 3:30 there was a variety of different activities for anybody who wanted a go. The theme this year was circus, so the streets were filled with bright colours

  • East Sheen’s Changing Highstreet

    Last week, East Sheen’s ‘Blockbuster’ finally closed down following a closure plan designed by Blockbuster’s administrator Lee Manning. Its unfortunate demise has left yet another bare space in East Sheen’s high street, after other shops including

  • Saving Mr Banks, A Review

    Saving Mr Banks is an interesting film with a hard line to walk. It invokes both Mary Poppins, one of the most famous and well-loved movies of all time and the ghost of Walt Disney a figure that provokes both hate and love in equal measure from different

  • Parents! It is Only a Game

    Sport is fun for some. It always has been and it always will be. However, in today's competitive world where, to quote a famous Swedish 70s Pop band, "the winner takes it all," are parents taking their child's success in sport too far? Sunday morning

  • Our generation, Our say

    Nowadays, teenagers are blamed for incidents that occur in modern day life. We have to deal with the pressures of puberty, school work and we are blamed for problems that we have no control over. We have no one to stand for us, to speak out against

  • Autumn blues...

    Autumn comes to an end as winter emerges with its frosty mornings and even colder nights.  Everyone knows the annoying effect that winter has on doing our washing but its bitter mornings are truly the worst: often making the journey to school or to

  • Earlsfield get their skates on!

    Next month, The Leather Bottle pub in Earlsfield will become the first pub in London to open an ice rink. The pub on Garratt Lane will open its doors to the rink on­­­­­­­­­­­­ 1st December and remain open until 12th January. The Leather Bottle is

  • What is there to do in Epsom?

    ‘There’s nothing to do in Epsom. I always have to go to Kingston for everything’ claims one Epsom town resident. I, in this article, will prove this to be spurious assertion, in all likelihood said by someone who does not know Epsom well at all.

  • Battle of the Supermarkets

    On Monday 25th of November 2013, a new branch of the well-known supermarket Morrisons opened in Horley. The site, 38-40 High Street, had previously been a branch of the clothing retailer Peacocks, but the company unfortunately went into administration

  • Cinderella to grace the panto in Leatherhead? Oh yes she will

    Cinderella shall go to the ball in Leatherhead this Christmas - oh yes she will. This year's Christmas panto at the town's theatre will feature an array of favourite kids stars, including Wendy Abrahams and Wink Taylor, from ITV’s Sooty Show, who

  • Queen Victoria to share Christmas traditions in Ewell

    Queen Victoria will be gracing Ewell with her presence and sharing the Christmas traditions of her time. Bourne Hall Museum Kid’s Club will get the chance to meet Her Majesty and hear all about the 18th Centrury days when Father Christmas wore

  • "Lovely Things for Lovely People"

    A fabulous gift shop has recently opened on Streatham High Road called The Indigo Tree. Streatham High Road is the longest continuous high road in Europe and in 2002 it was voted Britain's Worst Street; this was principally down to the terrible traffics

  • Sam Wedgwood

    There is singer in Surrey called Sam Wedgwood. He is a wedding musician who also plays at concerts, parties and any other private events. He has been described as “a true multi-talent. Not only a gifted singer and instrumentalist but also a fantastic

  • Christmas Lights Up New Malden

    With only twenty five days left until Christmas, the preparations for the exciting day are beginning to getting well underway, not least in New Malden.  On the evening of Friday 29th December, New Malden embraced the festive spirit as it turned on

  • One Boy's History of The Blitz

    One Boy’s History of The Blitz   Jonathan Wailes recounts his memory of the Blitz in London Jonathan Wailes remembers the war having a big impact of his childhood as he was only a few years old when Britain declared war on Germany. Wailes

  • Crystal Palace Mums organise festive fun for children

    Festive fun for four-year-olds and under is coming to Crystal Palace next week thanks to an online community for mums and dads. Crystal Palace Mums (CP Mums) are bringing their Winter Wonderland Party 2013 to Twenty-Five bar, on Westow Hill, on

  • Kids have opinions too...

    June 2013, was the month Michael Gove the Secretary of Education, announced the following changes to the GSCE education system.  From 2015 onwards GCSE’s exams will be grades from 8-1 instead of A*-G, there will be 9 core subjects, there will be no

  • Local schools raise money for Children in Need!

                                                                                                                                                                    What is happiness to you, Is it being with your family around a table enjoying each other

  • Two Sutton hospitals to investigate Jimmy Savile link claims

    Two hospitals in Sutton are to carry out investigations in relation to links with serial sex attacker Jimmy Savile. The Royal Marsden in Sutton and Chelsea, and Queen Mary’s Hospital previously situated in Carshalton Beeches, are among 19 hospital

  • Auditions announced for young performers contest

    Young people across the borough have the chance to step into the limelight by taking part in the upcoming Wandsworth Young Performer of the Year competition. Auditions for the annual celebration of local talent, which aims to showcase a diverse

  • Tiffin School Pushes Ahead With New Building Plans

    Tiffin School, one of the country’s leading and most oversubscribed Grammar schools, is struggling to cope with local demand for places, with around 1,800 applicants competing for 150 Year 7 places each year. It is intending to increase its intake

  • Sutton Switched On

    On 23rd November, Sutton turned its Christmas lights on. Dozens of fans lined up to meet Peter Andre, whilst others experienced a throwback by listening to reunited S Club (no longer 7 but 3) and counted down with the Mayor of Sutton.   "I

  • Firefighters called to car fire

    Firefighters were called to a car fire in Sutton last night. The crew from Sutton fire station were called to Gander Green Lane at 11pm, where they found the Volkswagen Polo alight. The driver escaped the car before it caught fire and no-one

  • Firefighters called to bedroom fire in Thornton Heath

    Firefighters were called to a fire in a bedroom at a house in Thornton Heath yesterday evening. Two appliances from Norbury fire station were called to Kingswood Avenue at 6.45pm, where one bedroom in the property was alight. No-one was trapped

  • Local Quiz-goers raise over £2000 for the Philippines

    “What’s the dialing code for the Vatican?” “What song does Bill Murray wake up to everyday at 6am in the film ‘Groundhog Day’?” “Which President according to urban legend said ‘I am a jelly doughnut’?” These were just some of the questions

  • What Does Labour Think of Epsom?

    Earlier this week I and a colleague of mine went to report on the ‘Labour Candidate Selections’. This would decide who our current MP ‘Chris Grayling’ would be battling up against in the 2015 general elections. Now I know what you’re thinking, why

  • Push for the posh in Richmond

    In October 2013 a brand new supermarket called ‘Whole foods’ opened in the Richmond town center. Although it sells groceries it’s also a local hangout where people can have a coffee, a fresh smoothie or get a delicious meal at one of the food counters

  • CAFODs Festive Fundraiser

    As you all may have noticed by the appearance of shop windows and everyone’s spirits, Christmas is nearing. Christmas is a time where children make a wish list and send it off to Santa, you eat more than your body weight and shops make lots and lots

  • Volunteers wanted to transform school library into Wonderland

    A primary school is looking for volunteers to help transform their library into Wonderland. Morden Primary School is building on their learning environment by re-designing their library, which will take on a new fantasy theme of 'Alice in Wonderland

  • Ross is back holding court, and raring to be better than ever

    Ross Hutchins will make his return to full-time tennis next month after facing his biggest opponent head on, and coming out a winner. The 28-year-old from Wimbledon was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma 12 months ago, but after undergoing chemotherapy

  • Ring in Christmas with top handbells team

    Ring in the festive season with sparkling tunes, old and new, courtesy of a top team of handbell ringers. The Wandle Ringers will be in town to entertain audiences with songs played on their Whitechapel handbells - from arrangements of classic

  • Switching on Christmas

    November is coming close to an end and the most exciting month of the year is awaiting us. Yes, It’s Christmas! As 2013 reaches an end, we are greeted by this merry holiday in which families and friends (that we have not seen in a while) gather around

  • Silent Tributes

    On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the UK fell silent. This was all in remembrance of the soldiers who died during the two world wars, and a chance to think about the soldiers currently serving. Services were held all over the

  • Get your skates on at Hampton Court Palace

    As the temperatures begin to drop, there is no better time to pull out the hats, scarves and gloves, get your skates on and head out on to the ice in front of Henry VIII’s picturesque palace, writes Laura Proto. Whether you are with a group of

  • Over 75s reminded of free TV licence

    People over 75 have been reminded they can join more than 7,000 others in Sutton watching TV for free. TV Licenses are free for people over 75 and cover all equipment being used on the property, including laptops and smartphones - but some people

  • Varsity pair head back to roots

    Rugby rivals Matt Janney and Max Mather are relishing a Varsity homecoming this Christmas.   The former Richmond FC youngsters hope to go head-to-head in the 132nd Oxford University versus Cambridge University match at Twickenham stadium on December

  • World Memory Championships get underway in Croydon

    The finest minds from across the globe will be flexing mental muscle for the next three days in Croydon. The World Memory Championships, which get underway today at the Croydon Conference Centre today, will see competitors from 32 counties put

  • British Red Cross moves in at Sherwood House

    A purpose built cabin has been installed at Sherwood House after the British Red Cross chose to use to site for its mobility aids loan service. Deputy mayor of Elmbridge Councillor Barry Fairbank cut the ribbon at a special opening ceremony held

  • Text to report drink-drivers this Christmas

    Members of public will be able to report drink-drivers via text over the festive season. The initiative, launched by the Surrey Police, has been set to appeal to people unlikely to call police. Inspector Richard Mallett from Surrey Police’s

  • Back To The Future (Books)

    Isn’t it great to just sit down and read a book? I personally think so, but is it important for future generations? Books are one of those things in my life that I can easily call a luxury. Sitting with a book, a cup of warm coffee in my hand and

  • Triumph Continues For Reigate U15's

    On the 28th November, Reigate Grammar School and Brighton College clashed in a ferocious NatWest cup fixture. RGS, unbeaten for nearly a year and a half, new they would have a game on their hands as a strong Brighton team arrived at Hartswood