Promiscuous cooks and the art of overcoming isolation

It’s Friday, and earlier today I attended Cllr Marcel's workshop which looked at how new and developing technology can help challenge the issues of isolation and risks of loneliness amongst older people. For a tech-embracing, early adopting, digital native this was of course an exciting opportunity, if a little overdue. Still, it’s on the table and some seriously helpful, progressive people were contributing, so I’m glad that it is happening, and happening properly.

 

Around me were people from very diverse backgrounds – businesses (inc. Barclays with Tea and Teach, Ebay, Adapt2Digital), Councillors and officers, and community groups and organisations. EMAG shared information about their tablet training sessions, AgeUK are offering training and support in using technology, and INS are working with their clients on similar projects. The list goes on.

We ‘mapped’ opportunities, threw around some bright ideas, and found some common points of agreement about how to support older people in embracing tablet technology. There was a clear sense that marketing of current training and support for older people needs to be improved – a key approach would be to pull all the marketing of provision together in to one shared space. You can prove how useful that would be – just try googling ‘ipad help in Richmond’ – RACC have a course that pops up underneath all the Apple related results, but it’s hard to see any of the local courses, drop-in sessions, support etc on offer to help people get the most from their tablets. A single webpage/site that has been optimised for search engines would help these courses reach their audiences better. I look forward to seeing how this develops.

My personal 'bright ideas' (and it’s kind of my blog, so I’m going to take the liberty of sharing them…) include informing hairdressers, PCSOs, Care Providers and any other services that go in to older people’s houses, about local courses on offer, and how they can be accessed. For example, a hairdresser might explain to Mrs Jones that the community centre up the road offers friendly support – so she could perhaps dig that Android tablet out that she got for Christmas, and see if they can help her start to use it – to talk to those children or grandchildren she misses, or share the pictures of weddings she wasn’t able to get to…

And what about retailers? I bet there are hundreds of tablets purchased every year in Richmond, bought by ‘stuck-for-ideas’ offspring to give to ‘less-than-tech-savy’ parents (or grandparents). At the point of sale, a retailer could offer information on local courses so that the recipient knows where to go to learn about this new thing they've been given. And let’s ask Apple if they’ll deliver any of their workshops here in Richmond, much better than trekking all the way to Covent Garden..

Other ideas included intergenerational support - a great opportunity, offering kids hungry for volunteering opportunities the chance to help people who want to learn. There are safeguarding concerns to manage, but they are not insurmountable.

And despite my (slightly arrogant) comment earlier, I also learnt things today. I heard about Breezie for the first time. A Richmond based, app/hardware company that simplifies and condenses an internet experience .. .bringing together browsers, social networks, Skype etc. into one useable app.

And finally, what about Casserole Club? Described by the presenter as offering 'promiscuous cooks' an opportunity to show off their great skills, while overcoming awkward Britishness and the reluctance to knock on your neighbours door… ‘diners’ benefit from great food and regular, meaningful engagement with someone from their local area. Excellent stuff.

Beware the FOG...

Some conversations, emails and social shares from the past week or two have featured some almost Hollywood-worthy references. Testimony to how diverse the work of community Links can be, I've uttered the words 'Fatberg', 'Nexus Inception', 'Using Mosaic', 'The Business Association' and 'The Vacancy Panel'.

Despite sounding like a collection of things that would go comfortably alongside names like Steven Spielberg, John Grisham and Keanu Reaves this bewildering assortment of utterances have all very much been part of Community Linking in some small or major way. Here's how:

Fatberg. Despite sounding a little like an apocalyptic sci-fi terror, a very real 'fatberg' lurks beneath

Fatberg lurks below...

the streets and homes of Richmond Upon Thames. Like it's forbearer in Kingston, the Richmond 'berg is a large wad of wet wipes and FOG (Fats, Oil, Grease apparently...), that has congealed into a pretty disgusting blockage in the sewers under the borough. Thames Water have asked Richmond to help us spread the news, and how home owners and businesses can help resolve the issue. For some, it’s quite an exciting ‘thing’, however the several hundred residents that have experienced a back-flow of sewerage in to their homes will be very grateful to their neighbours for taking responsibility for what they put down the drain. Moving on...

Keanu : Not in Twickenham

Alas, there is no Keanu somersaulting through Twickenham in 'Nexus Inception', rather this was a meeting I attended to welcome planning consultants Nexus back to the borough as part of our next phase of Village Planning. Shortly we will be launching the 'Supplementary Planning Documents' for Whitton and Heathfield, and Kew, as well as starting work on the public consultation on new 'SPDs' for Barnes, East Sheen and Mortlake. Keep up to date here: https://consultation.richmond.gov.uk/

'Using Mosaic' was a briefing I attended to learn about how our community engagement team could be better at targeting our efforts more effectively.  Mosaic is a collection of information made available to Richmond Council (and other local authorities) that gives us a better idea about ‘who lives where’. Not quite the Orwellian nightmare that some might imagine, it is more a useful indicator to us for how we should tweak our communication with people across the borough. For example, in some areas we know that the local population may not be so tech savy, or indeed using the internet at all – so we would need to consider using traditional approaches like door-knocking or leafleting. In other areas we know there are many young professionals living who don’t read the local paper, and do most of the communicating on-line, through social media. This video gives an example...

De Niro : not in Strawberry Hill

The Business Association. Sounds a bit like something Robert DeNiro would have played a key part in, with dodgy deals, intimidation tactics and a few (?) illegal activities. I’m pleased to clarify however that there is no Mafiosi sentiment here, and I am really excited to announce that Strawberry Hill now has its’ own Business Association. Over the past 8 months or so I have worked with local businesses to gauge interest, create a constitution and (as of this week) hold an election and first meeting. Strawberry Hill will be an interesting place for a business association to function, as it has two quite diverse groups to represent – there are the 15 or so ‘high street’ traders, with shops, hairdressers, cafes and restaurants, and then there are the estimate 100+ work from home freelancers who may be looking for opportunities to network locally.

Finally, The Vacancy Panel could (in my mind at least) carry a menacing undertone, lifted from a John Grisham legal thriller. Nothing of the sort however. All vacancies at Richmond Council must be considered by this panel of councillors and a member of the HR team. Why has this come up…? Due to the continuing work on village plans, and our commitment to engaging more people in this important process, Community Links is recruiting a specialist officer to help with the consultation process. More news on this anon!

Is Richmond ready to go digital…?

A few things have caught my attention this week, which centre around using digital approaches to the role of Community Links, and to that of the Council generally.

I attended an interesting little ‘meet-up’ on Tuesday – a new group called #DigiWest, that aims to bring
together people from the SW London area that have interests and skills in digital technologies. Although small in number, the discussions were really interesting, and I got to explore with the others what further role digital could play for community engagement.

I was asking, because many (if not all?) Local Authorities will surely be assessing how can we strive to be more efficient, and looking at what role 'digital' play in this? We already do many things where digital is an option – e.g. our consultations are predominantly filled in on-line, residents can do many things like pay bills through the website, and we include social media in our ‘engagement’ work. These are a few examples of building digital in to the mix of what we do, but I suspect that there are more

profound changes that could be made to shake things up (digitally speaking). The change needs to be more than skin (or webpage) deep.

The background to all this, that probably originally spiked my interest, was the reference to developing the use of e-technology to involve residents, outlined in the current administration’s manifesto. NB: Apparently I am ‘the office geek’, so my interest is probably already 204.3 times greater than that of my colleagues on these matters. There was concern that this could have been a touch offensive to me, but I was rather flattered…thus proving the point I guess…

There are concerns to address. Not everyone is confident, competent or even interested in using digital platforms. So perhaps the headline should be…Richmond Council might be ready, but are residents?

Away from the office, as a regular citizen, my use of digital is pervasive. My personal communications, my file storage, how I access media, how I plan my journeys, holidays, social events, pay bills, etc etc. are all digital. I know I am ready. However, in my professional role I must retain the mix of digital and ‘analogue’, on line and off line, ‘cyber’ and ‘real world’.

An example from this very morning demonstrates this perfectly. Using several online platforms I co-promoted a volunteering event at Isleworth Promenade (St Margarets) – reaching out to local people and potential volunteers to come and help improve this stretch of the Thames riverside. The engagement (including me tweeting, Instagramming and writing about it in this blog) is all very well – but the personal interactions and ‘hands-on’ activity of the event itself, are irreplaceable by digital, on-line means of working.

We'll see what the future holds, but I think we an expect to see much more of the digital approaches (or perhaps not see, as the developments will be behind the scenes).

To sign off, I’d like to thank Colin at SWLEN, and Jason and Rebecca at The Thames Landscape Strategy for pulling together the two volunteer days. Anyone that’s interested in taking part in further activities can drop me a line (email please...no letters!).

John

It's not all weddings, funerals and christenings...

Community Links work with all sectors of the community, including faith groups. Mamta Khanna had a chat with Reverend Derek Winterburn, Vicar of St. Mary’s in Hampton.

MK: Rev Winterburn, please tell me about the projects you are involved in.

Rev D Winterburn: I am the Vicar of St. Mary’s Parish Church, Hampton and Area Dean of Hampton. I serve as an ex officio trustee at the Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity and the Hampton Parochial Charity. I am trustee of MTV Youth Club and Governor at the Hampton School for Boys and the Chair of Trustees of St Mary’s Hampton, Church of England Primary School (a free school). 

What is the Hampton Parochial Charity?

The Hampton Parochial Charity runs Jubilee House on Ashley Road, Hampton Relief and the School of Industry. Of these, the School of Industry Charity makes grants enabling young people (under 21, and who live in Hampton/Hampton Hill) to study at college or enter a trade. In situations where there is financial hardship at home, the charity might be able to help with tuition fees, travelling or maintenance expenses.  

Out of all the projects you are involved in, which one is closest to your heart and why? 

The MTV Youth Club and the St Mary’s School Hampton are closest to me because of the sense of ownership and the initiative that came from within the Parish Church. These projects are putting into action The Church of England’s vision to care for everybody who lives in the Parish. We went door to door to connect with people who live in the estate off Oldfield Road and to ask residents what the needs of the community were if the Church could help them. It was our way of connecting with people directly. 

Most homes responded by asking the Church to do something for young people in the neighbourhood. Based on this need, we began the MTV Youth Club in 2012. The youth club supports young people between the ages of 8-16 through club work, and connects some of them to local businesses. We not only support 16 year olds to find work but also encourage them to stay in work by problem solving through support and advice. 

St Mary’s School has now been open one year; it has been very successful. We are looking forward to doubling in size in September (from 30 to 60 children). The School has land around it which we hope to develop with woodlands, a pond and allotments.  We envision the school becoming a community hub: where older people and young people can all come to benefit from the activities.

Where would you like to be, 5 years from now?

My dream would be that the school would be full and thriving, MTV will be in its own dedicated building and we will have a nursery attached to the primary school. The school will become a community hub where community members will find activities of interest to them. 

What inspires you on a daily basis?

I do what I do because I feel called by God to serve the people of Hampton. It may sound rather 'theological' but that's my inspiration. Coming to the parish a good number of years ago this was the question that I, the churchwardens and the bishop were asking. We came to the conclusion that 'yes', it was God was bringing us together. At key moments along the way, not least in the initiative to start St Mary's school, I have felt this again and again. 

What are the challenges you have faced in running the youth club and launching St. Mary’s School?

Time! Putting together the initial bid for the school application and then moving forward to opening was exhilarating but very time-consuming. There was a huge amount to learn about the process and working collaboratively meant so many meetings and networking. The launch of MTV Youth was supported primarily by a colleague - and again finding time was his key challenge. Clergy have some flexibility about choosing how to use their days, but there some things that cannot be postponed - Sunday comes round regularly!

Which projects do you need most support for (Volunteering, etc.)? 

St Mary's School continues to need my attention; we continue to appoint new staff, recruit new children and await Ofsted. But as an organisation it is becoming more self-sufficient. However one aspect of wider interest is the surrounding grounds area. The school is keen to work with the wider community including MTV Youth to develop these as a resource for everyone. Obviously there are educational priorities but we hope that our neighbours and others will find something here for them. MTV-Youth always welcomes adult volunteers (after DBS clearance) to work with the young people at the Friday club night and the fund-raising team is open to ideas and people. 

A message for residents

My message to residents is that St Mary's Church, School and MTV Youth, all local people, are trying to serve others. We don't see ourselves as anything other than Hampton people working together for the benefit of everyone - and in that way we share God's love for all. As Jesus said 'love your neighbour.'

How to harness the power of the Gloriana, and I don't mean the rowers..

It's been an interesting week in the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, with regards to 'community engagement'. My role is to support, facilitate (or just plain 'make happen') local people getting involved in their area - this might range from setting up and running a pop-up youth club (not had that one yet, any offers?) through to just letting them know that there's an opportunity to have their say on whether to allow a local volunteer group to establish a small orchard in Hampton.
Many will have heard that quite a number of local residents have become very engaged around the Gloriana Boathouse proposals. To me, it's interesting how proposals which involve a building (be that school, housing or boathouse), or would visually change the landscape in some way, really motivate, incentivise and catalyse groups of people in to action.
What's less clear to me is why something else that has huge importance to people's lives, in terms of welfare or education, gets comparatively little attention. Concurrent with the Gloriana consultation there are consultations on the borough's Sexual Health Strategy, and developing Special School Provision. A consultation on setting up a Childminding Agency has just closed.
Sexual Health and conception are topics that are important to many people, for often quite diverse, even opposing reasons. Similarly, are people generally uninterested in the conversation about how we can ensure that home-based care for children is of a high quality?
It might be cynical to say, but if Richmond CCG were to propose building a new sexual health clinic on a park in the borough, I wouldn't be surprised if many more people would be putting their view forward on the matter.
I believe the challenge for the Community Engagement Team is to find ways to make these opportunities relevant to residents in the way that the construction of a boathouse on the bank of the Thames is. It is tangible, it is novel, and you can 'see' it (well, I guess you kind of have to imagine it), and it captures the imagination. Discussions about sex and sexual behaviour is not only uncomfortable for some, it may also be seen as a matter of personal choices (as opposed to a very public building development).
The Community Links Teams are thinking of ways to help people learn about and participate in these consultations, including using innovative on-line and off-line methods. For example, try our Pinterest board which we have just set up. We are also considering running a few 'drop-ins' for those who are less comfortable doing things on-line, to learn about how to use the consultation finder.
The challenge is not specific to Richmond, and we know that engagement in public matters is generally low across the country. I welcome suggestions for tackling the 'engagement' challenge we face.

What support is on offer for people over 55 in Richmond? How long have you got…?!

On 28th May, Mamta attended the launch of the Teddington and Hampton Community Partnership which promises to be a one point of contact for residents who are older, disabled or facing long term health conditions. This means that instead of a resident calling around a heap of organisations to seek support; they will need only call one number now (0208 8316464). Once the resident’s details are recorded, the advisor (now known as the Information Navigator) will come back to them with details or answers to their questions. For those living in Richmond, Kew, Ham and Petersham that number is 02036934000 and for those living in Barnes, Mortlake, East Sheen, Twickenham and Whitton that number is 02089731877 for the Go Local team.

These new networks are part of the Community Independent Living Service (CILS) which aims to help people live as independently as possible within their community.  Through information, advice, signposting, support groups, social education, cultural events as well as exercise, fitness and training opportunities, CILS is delivered through 'Go Local' and the 'Community Partnership'. For those using these services, they will not notice anything different. If you’ve always gone to a day centre for a hot lunch on a weekday, you will still get the same experience you’ve always had. It’s for those starting this process anew: CILS promises to deliver a seamless experience.

We think this new service is essential, as there are a lot of services provided for Richmond residents – so many in fact that it’s sometimes hard to work out where to start. In this post, we take a look at some of them.

Hamptons and Teddington Community Partnership

Linden Hall on Linden Road in Hampton runs services on all days except Wednesdays. They offer a freshly cooked hot meal at midday (£5.00 for members and £6.00 for non members). From a hairdressing and chiropody service to gentle exercise, word puzzles, Hoy, Bingo and coffee mornings, Linden Hall offers older residents a place to meet friends, old and new. Tel: 020 8941 2373

The Greenwood Centre is a vibrant community hub on School Road in Hampton Hill, offering a venue to various charities and community groups. At its heart, there are two services that reach out to isolated residents in the community: the befriending service and transport service. With the help of these two, residents can connect with local activities and services. The befriending service offers a one to one reliable relationship to those who are living on their own, helping to relieve their loneliness and to build their confidence to become more independent. The transport service, for instance, picks up older residents to bring them to Linden Hall for a hot lunch or takes people on shopping trips to Sainsbury’s. (02089799662) 

Elleray Hall in Teddington describes itself as a lively social club for older people where they can have a coffee, chat with friends and have a hot home cooked meal. With a range of activities, entertainment and outings, Elleray Hall members have a busy calendar! Through their voluntary care group, members can benefit from support to attend a GP appointment, or help to collect prescription and even shopping trips to the local supermarket.

Richmond, Kew, Ham and Petersham Community Partnership

The Avenue Club (in Kew) provides a social base for the Over 50’s who want to get the most out of life.  There is so much going on here every day; you can join the Choir led by talented choirmaster Michael McLauglin, play Bridge or indulge in one of the many Services and Therapies on offer such as hairdressing, manicure and hand massages or try Aromatherapy, Reiki or Reflexology!  You can join day trips out and take exercise classes like Pilates,Yoga or the ever popular Line-dancing.  

Running from the Woodville Centre, Ham and Petersham SOS helps older or disabled people with shopping trips, doctors visits and social outings. The very enthusiastic Sam Payne keeps everything organised, and is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. You can get in contact through the website, or give them a ring on 020 8948 1090

Go Local partnership

Age UK Richmond has several services for the older resident. They have an outreach service that

offers telephone befriending, introduction with the help of volunteers to social clubs and digital support tuition.  Their objective is to encourage people to enjoy a healthy and rewarding life that makes living longer a real cause for celebration. They run the Twickenham Wellbeing Centre on Arragon Road. The name doesn’t give much away, but there is a very comprehensive programme of activities on offer including computer courses, exercise classes, yoga, pilates, art classes, discussion groups and outings to interesting places as well as providing a friendly place to meet friends or just drop in for a coffee or tea and chat. They also offer subsidised services such as chiropody, hairdressing, therapy and beauty treatments.Give them a ring to find out more  020 8538 9254.

Age UK Richmond also run Whitton Social Centre (111a Kneller Road), a lively community resource that offers a range of activities and outings. Here they encourage people to enjoy a healthy and rewarding life that makes living longer a real cause for celebration.

Barnes Green Centre (on the green, in Barnes!)  is a fantastic centre that offers a wide range of attractions for people over 50.  It is definitely worth popping in to take a look at what is on offer, and while you’re there say ‘hello’ to the wonderful Alan who runs it

As well as general advice on health and wellbeing you can have monthly confidential health checks by a registered general nurse, or give Pilates, Tai Chi or Yoga a go!  The Centre always smells lovely with tasty home cooked hot lunches available every day, as well as lots of social activities, talks and trips to go on.  There is always something on at the Barnes Green Social Centre! (Telephone: 020 8876 2377)

More services in the borough

Hampton on Thames Community Centre offer social, recreational and educational activities to young and old in the Hamptons and nearby areas. You can find them at The White House, 45 The Avenue 020 8979 1884.

RHP’s Dean Road, Extra Care Scheme is the borough’s flagship independent living scheme for older residents. Dean Road managers are keen to have residents from the local area attend their Wednesday Open Days from 10:30 which are run in partnership with Linden Hall’s outreach service. Coffee morning, bingo and subsidised hairdressing, chiropody and beauty treatments are all offered here. Denise Estick is the scheme Scheme Manager and you can contact her on 020 8941 8951 or by email Denise.Estick@rhp.org.uk

Mortlake Community Association encourages local people to get involved in community life. With many activities for people of all ages and interests, you can join in activities such as Healthy Cooking on a Budget, join the Positive Living Group, try some Gentle Exercise or spend the afternoon doing some Social Dancing!

However basic or advanced your computers skills are there is the Computers for Everyday Life group or why not give the Mind Music Group a go?  The popular Reminiscence Group is always looking for people to bring their stories and tales of life in and around Mortlake. If you have any ideas or want to start a new group or try something different, then contact Mary, the MCA Manager who will be delighted to discuss your ideas with you. (020 8878 7256 )

The Cambrian Centre at Caplan Court in Richmond is run by the community, in the community, for

the community.  There are so many interesting things going on, including Life Drawing, Line dancing, Tai Chi and Pilates, or if you’ve ever fancied learning Bridge then why not give the Bridge Group for Beginners a go? You can relax with the Meditation class run by Samantha – a traditional Buddhist breathing-mindfulness practice that develops concentration, inner strength and wisdom.  There are also support groups that run from the centre including for those who have a hearing impairment Parkinson’s People, a group that supports people with Parkinson’s Disease. The Cambrian Centre is also home to the Community Gym - a very friendly fitness and exercise facility offering a low cost option for users of all abilities in an informal and comfortable atmosphere.

In Barnes, the Castelnau Community Project not only looks great since the refurb, it has excellent facilities, with a large hall with a stage, café area, computer room and lots of fantastic activities for the over 50’s. What about ‘Goldies Exercise’ – a gentle chair based exercise or if you’re feeling a bit more lively have a go at Zumba Gold - the classic Zumba class but gentler!  If you are looking for work there is a Job Club that offers support, information and advice sessions.  If you’re feeling peckish pop into the daily café or join the monthly Community Lunch group where good food and good company are guaranteed!  You can also take part in Day Trips or if you are interested in non-specific Over 50s activities, there is a lot more on including furniture recycling classes and a theatre group.  You could even become a volunteer - get to meet new people, have fun and maybe learn something in return!

FiSH Neighbourhood Care provides voluntary help for the residents of Barnes, Mortlake & East Sheen with the aim of combating loneliness and providing practical support.  FiSH is run from the Barnes Green Centre and put on lots of activities that you can take part in including; the FiSH Choir, weekly talks, accessible shopping trips to local supermarkets, FiSH 'n' Chats, movies at the Olympic Cinema as well as Dementia Friends training.  It really is worth popping into the centre to see what is on offer.

 London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Specialist Day Centres

Sheen Lane Day Centre is a Centre of Excellence for Richmond residents aged over 60, with long term physical ill-health, who might otherwise be isolated in the community. The Centre is a great place to socialise and meet new friends, offering support for those with higher care needs based around individual care plans and an allocated key worker. The Sheen Lane Day Centre runs classes on flower arrangement, art and poetry and much more. They have rehabilitation support to improve mobility, living skills and referrals to occupational therapists and physiotherapists. 74 Sheen Lane, TW11 8EZ. To receive information about the service, fill in this online form.

The Woodville Centre in Ham is for older people diagnosed with dementia. It is highly regarded and offers a safe and friendly environment. Clients are encouraged to move around freely and enjoy all of the facilities available. There are even some pets to make friends with!

The services are designed to support individuals who need specialist care and offer respite to their carers. They run group activities which encourage social interaction and provide an opportunity to meet new friends.

The Access project is run by Richmond Council for adults with a disability or sensory loss.

They offer a wide range of activities in a fun social environment in Whitton. It’s easy to pop along to meet up with friends or make new ones, you can build confidence by taking part in group discussions, or learn a new skill such as photography. Importantly, anyone using the service will be given a key worker who can offer you advice on a range of issues such as employment, education or welfare.

We found putting this list together really helpful for our own understanding - but we're sure we've probably missed something, or someone! Get in touch if you know of a service or group that we should be aware of. We can't list them all here, but we'd like to know about them!

What's On in Richmond upon Thames - Summer Fairs

Last weekend Mamta and Lynette enjoyed Chestnut Sunday and Richmond May Fair. Inspired by these great events we thought we'd look forward to the borough's Village Summer Fairs and public events. This is just a slice of the action, there is so much more going on in London's most attractive borough!  The beautiful Royal parks, historic houses, theatres, museums & galleries all have their own events so please take a look at the Visit Richmond site to find out more: www.visitrichmond.co.uk

Hampton Fun Day -  Sat 17 May 12 - 6pm - Top Field above Hampton Football Club 

The 4^th annual Fun Day is set to be even bigger & better than last year with fun for the whole family. You can enjoy rides, bouncy castles, games, pony rides, a craft area & plenty of different stalls.  Listen to some great Live Music whilst sampling some of the wonderful food on offer in the covered 'Cafe / Picnic area' (we're hoping for a sunny day) or in the beer tent! £1 entry. 

HANDS Charities Fair - Bank Holiday Monday 26 May - Twickenham Green 10 – 3pm

With over 75 charity stalls selling crafts, plants, gifts, bric-a-brac, toys, home-made cakes & refreshments, a barbecue & amusements for children, come & support your local charities & voluntary organisations! The Mayor of Richmond will begin a tour of the stalls at 11am. 

handscaregroup@btconnect.com

‘A Spring in Our Step’ 29 May at Hampton Youth Project 11 - 3pm  RHP are holding this free event  focussing on work, well-being & education. An exciting day of workshops & drop-in sessions aimed at finding employment, training, saving money & learning practical skills such as basic home repairs & cookery are all on offer, as well as one-to-one support & help with tablet & smartphone devices from RHP’s Digital Champions!  Exhibitors include Sainsbury's, Citizens Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus & Way to Work.  Assisted reading volunteers will be reading some classic children’s stories & you will have the chance to receive a free book with RHP’s chosen charity, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Bring along the flyer & hand it to a RHP team member to be entered into a prize draw to win a Hudl tablet! http://ow.ly/wPlwg

Richmond Volunteering Fair Wednesday 4 June at York House 

Interested in Volunteering?  Pop along to meet over 35 charities & organisations looking for volunteers & also get expert information & advice from Volunteering Richmond staff. http://ow.ly/wQ2mr   

Strawberry Hill Fun Day - Sunday 20 July - 12- 7:30pm
www.twickenhamalive.com

A fundraising fun day to support Strawberry Hill House, run by Twickenham Alive, in the grounds of the house on Waldegrave Road.

Fun for all the family with a live music stage, food Stalls, large bar and Pimms tent, craft and charity stalls, fairground, Shetland pony rides and Water Zorbers! Music from Lips, Michelle Luscombe and Band, K, The Deputies , Alix Anthony, The Carnabys and Nark Drool & The Shudders

Ham Fair - June 14 - Ham Common 11 - 4:30pm hamfair@gmail.com

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Ham Fair, organised by Ham Amenities Group.  This great family day out has the usual wide variety of stalls – food, clothing, antiques, jewellery to name but a few – entertainment, art, music, a Dog Show, as well as surprise items to mark the 30th Anniversary!

Kew Midsummer Fete Sat 21 June 
11 - 6pm  Kew Green http://ow.ly/wPojP

Enjoy a fun family day out at a traditional village fete in the lovely setting of Kew Green.

With vintage fairground rides, over 100 stalls including a craft marquee, delicious food & drink, this Fair has a wonderful festival atmosphere with local bands & live events throughout the day. Plus of course the attractions no great fete can be without – a friendly dog show, a fun tug-of-war & a grand charity raffle.  Run by local people for local people in aid of local good causes, Kew fete is a much-loved annual highlight – so roll up, roll up for a great day out! 

Mortlake Summer Fair Sat 28 June 12:00 – 4pm Stag Brewery Green   http://ow.ly/wPp8N

This year's family-friendly fair will feature a crafts & produce market, family sports, children's attractions including inflatables, live music, a wheel of fortune & a grand raffle - not to mention a mouth-water array of food & drink to satisfy all tastes.  Admission is £2 per person.  

Twickenham Green Fete  Sunday 6 July   http://ow.ly/wPtWF

Enjoy a fabulous family fun day out with a band, stalls & lots of activities for all to enjoy! 

St Margarets Fair Sat 12 July 12:00 – 7:30pm Moormead    www.stmargaretsfair.org

Whilst the main objective is to continue to provide an enjoyable community day for residents of St Margarets any profit they make supports local charities & schools. This fun family event has a Tea Tent, Beer Tent, Pimms Stall, BBQ, Silent Auction & a Coconut Shy! 

Barnes Village Fair Sat 12 July Barnes Green 

The 40^th year will see the Grand Parade open proceedings with decorated floats & vintage vehicles, while the rest of the day is packed with activities & entertainment including live music, fairground rides, Inter-Schools Quiz, clowns & theatre. There are over 300 stalls selling everything from plants to vintage clothing as well as a wonderful selection of food & drink on offer.  www.barnesfair.com

Teddington River Festival & RNLI Lifeboat Open Day Sun 27 July 11 - 5pm www.teddingtonriverfestival.com

There’s so much to do!  At the Lock Island & Towpath there’s live music, 'A River View' photography competition, face painting, Pimms & ale Bar, lots of arts, crafts & community stands & fairground rides. Take a look around Teddington Lifeboat Station, have a go at kayaking with The Lensbury in the Barge Lock or take a peek at The Thames Venturer!  

At Manor Road Rec there will be RNLI Stalls, Model lifeboats & children's games, Trampolines & inflatables, Yoga & Face painting for kids, NPL Rockets, a Historical display of Teddington as well as a BBQ & Refreshments.

On the River watch RNLI River Rescue & Teddington Sub-Aqua Club 'Roped Diver' demonstrations or have a go at kiffing with The Skiff Club or take a leisurely Boat ride down the Thames.

 Hampton Wick Festival & Grand Parade Sun 10 Aug 12pm http://ow.ly/wPLnx

The biggest day in Hampton Wick, with many craft & community stalls & a Grand parade there is something for everyone! 

Richmond Fine Food & Real Ale Festival August Bank Holiday Sat 23 - Mon 25 Aug Old Deer Park 

A heady mix of fabulous food & real ale awaits you with chef demonstrations, tasting sessions, culinary master class talks, a host of local artisan food producers & exciting world food stands as well as the beer & cider festival where 100 cask ales will be on offer as well as craft beers, ciders & perries.  Thrown into the mix is a varied entertainment programme, a Tug of War contest, a Bake Off competition & an array of family entertainment on the Village Green.

There’s live music organised by Richmond's Crawdaddy Club along with some very talented local bands supporting the headline acts: MARTIN TURNER of WISHBONE ASH, JO HARMAN with her award winning world class band & the long awaited reunion gig of 70's British Soul pioneers KOKOMO! £40.00 for a weekend ticket  www.richmondfoodandale.co.uk

Kew Horticultural Summer Show  

Sat 30 Aug Kew Green http://ow.ly/wPRus

The 70th Annual Summer Show takes place in a marquee & although vegetables, fruit & flowers play the major part, there is something for everyone - photography, arts & crafts, cookery & special classes for children. There are many stalls, a lively jazz band, BBQ & tea tent. Profits from the show will go to local & horticultural charities. Stalls open from 11.00am; marquee opens at 1.30pm.

Richmond Running Festival Sun 21 Sep www.richmondrunningfestival.com

London's most EXCLUSIVE half marathon &10k event - the only race that runs in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew! Remember to save some energy for the music festival after the race where you can celebrate with your friends & family in the heart of Richmond.

The Great River Race - 21.6 Miles from London Docklands to Ham Sat 27 Sep  

www.greatriverrace.co.uk

The Great River Race is London's River Marathon - a spectacular boat race up the River Thames that attracts over 300 crews from all over the globe, appealing to every level of competitor from those who enjoy fun, fancy dress & charity stunts, to serious sportsmen & women.  A great fun day out for competitors & spectators alike.