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Writer's pictureSarah Olney MP

Richmond Park News: 20th September 2024


UPCOMING COFFEE MORNINGS


I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to register for one of my upcoming coffee mornings over the past week. Demand for places has been extremely high and so I am afraid that both the Ham and Kew events are now fully booked. To comply with fire and security regulations, I am afraid that I am unable to accept any more bookings to these events.


However, there are still places available for my coffee mornings in Coombe Hill and Mortlake. If you would like to join me at these events, please register with the link here.



TEDDINGTON DRA: UPDATED PLANS GO TO PUBLIC CONSULTATION


Over October, Thames Water will be putting their updated plans for the Teddington DRA out to public consultation. Since they last consulted on the scheme, the company has changed their proposal dramatically, widening the pipeline between Mogden and the outflow and removing the major construction sites planned for Ham Lands.


While this may be an improvement from a construction perspective, the wider tunnel is concerning as it could, hypothetically, allow Thames Water to pump significantly more effluent through the pipeline than currently proposed (although they would require a license from the Environment Agency to do this). In addition, the updated plans do nothing to mitigate any damage to the river and continue to pose a threat to the Burnell Avenue open space.


The dates and times for the four consultation events can be found below, I would urge any impacted resident to attend and share their feelings on the updated scheme.


Community information event details: 


  • Tuesday 1st October: Isleworth Public Hall, TW7 7BG, 2pm-7pm 

  • Saturday 5th October: St Richard’s Church, TW10 7NL, 10am-4pm 

  • Wednesday 9th October: DoubleTree by Hilton, KT2 5FJ, 2pm-8pm 

  • Monday 14th October: York House, TW1 3AA, 2pm-8pm 



SERGE LOURIE


I am sorry to report that on the 10th of September, Serge Lourie, former leader of Richmond Council, local champion, and founder of Richmond Park parkrun passed away.


Serge dedicated his life to public service. Alongside his role on Richmond Council, he was chairman of multiple housing trusts and associations, General Secretary of Help the Aged, and a founding member of the Liberal Democrats.


He was a constant source of energy, optimism, and bonhomie for everyone who knew him and it was always wonderful when he dropped by my office to discuss a local issue or invite me and my team to yet another run across Richmond Park. He was the guiding hand behind dozens of amazing projects that benefited so many people in our community and was a fountain of useful advice for anyone with the good sense to listen. He will be sorely missed.



LAUREL PHARMACY

I recently visited Laurel Pharmacy in Kingston to discuss a variety of issues that are impacting pharmacies across the UK. Many pharmacies act as the first point of call for individuals seeking support or treatment for a medical condition so I was very concerned to hear about the structural issues which cause many pharmacists to have to work at a loss in order to deliver the right medication to their customers. 


I would like to thank the staff at Laurel Pharmacy for the hospitality that they showed towards me and for engaging in an interesting discussion with regards to the nationwide drug shortages of certain medications, the extensive time that it can take pharmacists to attempt to source medication, and for explaining their experience of structural issues with the health service which have caused many pharmacies across the UK to close down.


MANOR CIRCUS: KEEP CLEAR MARKINGS


The completion of the Manor Circus works were long overdue, and I am sure that local residents and commuters will be pleased that the disruptions caused by the renovations have now come to an end. However, as some of my constituents have noticed, the 'Keep Clear' markings situated at the intersection of Lower Mortlake Road (A316) and Raleigh Road have also been removed.


While these markings were only implemented as a temporary measure to enable vehicles from Raleigh Road to turn onto the dual carriageway without being blocked by the traffic, many constituents and residents noted that this was a positive change which helped drivers access the A316. 


While TfL have, so far, refused requests to reinstate the markings they did encourage residents and commuters to report their desire for the keep clear signage to be reinstalled to customerservice@tfl.gov.uk (or via this link). TfL has provided assurances that these correspondences will be passed onto their Major Projects team for continued consideration.



RICHMOND THEATRE'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY


It was a pleasure to visit Richmond Theatre on Wednesday to celebrate their 125th Anniversary alongside Mayor of Richmond Cllr Richard Pyne. Over the past few years the theatre has gone from strength to strength and I would like to thank all the cast and crew who have worked so hard to make the venue a success.


Richmond Theatre will be hosting an Special Open Day on Saturday, 21st of September to mark this special occasion. This free event will offer a rare glimpse into the theatre's storied past and vibrant present and will feature access to the theatre's archives, where the team will be showcasing programs and memorabilia from the venue's illustrious history. 


The open day will be running from 11 am to 3 pm and I would highlight recommend popping in if you have the time.



KINGSTON BOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE - CLIMATE EMERGENCY GROUP


Earlier in the week, I met with members of the Kingston University of the Third Age's (U3A) Climate Emergency Group. U3A is a group of over 100+ charities that provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and make a difference in the world.


During the session, we heard from Cllr Ian Manders, Kingston Council's lead on the Environment, about the work the local authority is doing to combat the climate emergency. We also discussed how, with a younger cohort of MPs now taking their seats in Parliament, there is a growing consensus in the chamber that we must tackle climate change as soon as possible.


U3A is fascinating organisation and if you want to learn more about their work, activism, or events, I would urge you to get in touch with their team through the link here.


COMMUNITY NEWS


BARNES COUCH TO 5K


On the 24th of September, the Barnes Runners will be launching their next Couch to 5K programme. It's a fantastic way to gently build up your confidence running and is entirely free for anyone who wants to attend.


The group runs every Tuesday evening meeting at the Rose House, 70 High Street, Barnes, SW13 9LD. If you'd like any more information email info@barnesrunner.com.



CALL OUT FOR MUSICIANS


Kingston International Film Festival are seeking talented musicians to be part of an impactful short film that explores the journey of grief through music. The film will be showcased at the Kingston International Film Festival 2025 and would offer anyone selected the chance to gain valuable insights into the film making process while making contacts with fellow musicians and industry professionals.


If you are a violinist or a violist, get in touch with their team on jelena@kiffest.uk to find out more.



FRIENDS OF HAM LANDS


From 6:30 PM on the 7th of October, the Friends of Ham Lands will be hosting a series of talks at St Richard's Church, Ham, discussing the natural history of Ham Lands, the area's differing ecologies, and the link between wellbeing and nature.


Friends of Ham Lands is a wonderful organisation who do so much to maintain this special corner of our community. However, they are reliant on volunteers to help maintain and protect the reserve. If you are able to give up a few hours to help them keep Ham Lands free of litter or can assist with their conservation efforts, I would urge you to contact them on friendsofhamlands@hamunitedgroup.org.uk




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