Kingston Council approves plans to revamp Eagle Brewery Wharf
#01: Swiftonomics, dragons in Kingston, football-but-not-football, fried chicken, riverside revamp, another new block of flats, inside Buckingham Palace and more.
START WITH A SMILE: Stuff to cheer us up
⚽ While England men’s team weren’t able to end our long wait for a major football trophy, some of the players including Kingston born Declan Rice and Luke Shaw, do give back in many other ways. Here are some of the social and charitable causes they have championed that certainly bring joy and smile to 1000s of people.
LOCAL STORIES: Stuff you need to know
🐔 LATE FRIED CHICKEN? A while back there used to be just one choice after Closing Time. Kebab. Then along came the clucking of chicken shops to take over every UK High Street. Now, one of Kingston’s chicken shops on Fife Road is seeking to extend its opening hours to 1am although Police have objected to the application citing increased risk of crime. We are certain it’s not for crime against healthy eating!
🌳 RIVERSIDE REVAMP: Kingston Council has given the go ahead to plans to revamp Eagle Brewery Wharf. With overwhelming support from the public, this major transformation is to include play trail, boulders, a rope bridge, flowering lawn, 19 new trees as well as pop-ups, public art and installations. The space will also offer exercise classes – yoga mats at the ready!
🏡 BEST STREET: Of the 30 best streets to live in Britain, 2 are right here in…Wimbledon. OK, not quite Kingston but we can still bask in our neighbour’s glory, can we not?
🦄 MENTORING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: Ever thought of mentoring and sharing your business knowledge with young entrepreneurs? Major national charity is looking for business volunteers to mentor and provide advice to student companies from Kingston and Richmond schools. Who knows, you could be the person to nurture the next unicorn!
💸 BUSINESS: Want to have your say on what businesses need in the borough? Kingston Chamber of Commerce wants to know how ‘our borough is working’. They’re asking local businesses to complete a questionnaire that explores the factors that affect performance, confidence and growth. The Chamber works with many stakeholders including Kingston Council to target relevant business support. Whether you’re a business owner or work for an employer, help them understand your business needs.
LOCAL DEMOCRACY: Stuff that affects your neighbourhood
🏗️ NEW RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT: Kingston Council has given planning permission for a new development on the High Street that will see a number of empty office blocks demolished and replaced with an apartment block up to five storeys tall. Of the 34 flats, two will be ‘affordable homes’ offered under shared ownership.
COMMUNITY, CULTURE & EVENTS: Stuff to do, experience and enjoy
🐲 DRAGONS ON THE RIVER: Well, dragon boats at least. Yes, it’s the annual Dragon Boat Race and time to experience some fun and exhilaration on the river. Sunday 21st July will see Canbury Gardens taken over by boats, stalls and pure joy. And if you’re feeling energetic you may even be able to join a team on the day and help raise some money for good causes – here’s one we quite like.
🚶♀️ CHARITY WALK: Kingston Hospital Charity announces special memory walk, Night to Remember, to raise funds for bereaved families. With a choice of 6.5 or 13 miles, the walk takes place on 7th September and you can take advantage of early bird discount if you register by 31st July. Get healthy and support a great charity – what’s not to love!
🎸 MUSIC: If you missed out on the sold-out gig by the Leicester rockers Kasabian at the Pryzm, Banquet Records have added another date. But you’ll have to hurry – this too might be sold out by the time you click on this link!
🐵 CHIMPS ARE FAMILY: Where have Kingston’s chimps gone? Looks like they hopped along tree tops through the park and landed in Richmond town centre. We’re not sure whether it’s seasonal migration or a permanent change of habitation!
🏃♀️ KINGSTON PARKRUN: Perfect way to start your Saturday morning! 5K timed run, jog or walk. Meet at Hawker Centre for a prompt 9am start. If not aiming to beat your PB, you can always volunteer to help with the smooth running of the event. And, of course, it’s a great opportunity to connect with your local community – you’ll find a good 350+ people in bright lycra on any given Saturday morning!
BRICKS & MORTAR: Stuff from proper local shops
🛍️ LAST MINUTE BARGAINS: As the summer sales come to an end many of Kingston’s retailers are offering further discounts on already reduced prices including shops across the Bentall Centre. John Lewis too is offering last minute reductions including 50% off running shoes – just in time to crack your Parkrun PB! (Yes, this is a second mention of Parkrun – you might have guessed we do love Parkrun!)
💳 LOCAL ECONOMY: If you’re more inclined to shop in independent shops, why not take out the Kingston LoveLocal Card. Not only does it offer discounts on all sorts of local shops (fashion, food, coffee, barbers and more) 5% of the cost of the card goes straight to Kingston Foodbank. Feel a lot less guilty about buying that shirt in three different colours!
LONDON CALLING: Stuff to do, experience and enjoy in the big smoke
🏰 INSIDE BUCKINGHAM PALACE: Unless you’re one of the Great and Good, a Head of State, James Bond or Paddington, you’ve probably never been beyond the ornate gates of the King’s little home in SW1A. Until now. Buckingham Palace is throwing open its door to the public over the summer for you to wander regally through the State Rooms including the Ballroom, Throne Room and even the horticultural jewel that is the Royal Garden. You’ll certainly get a run for your money compared with the Kingston / Richmond Open Gardens weekend!
WHAT ELSE? Stuff we couldn’t quite fit anywhere else but still like
💃 SWIFTONOMICS: While the UK leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour may be adding millions to local economies around major cities of the nation, it’s causing a headache for the Bank of England. Some experts believe the tour has led to higher prices in June and with inflation not quite under control, cut in interest rate doesn’t look imminent. Should we dare blame Swifties for those still high mortgage rates?
Always great to see more opportunities to highlight the fun stuff going on across Kingston! In the interests of transparency, are you able to share if you are doing this on behalf of another group / organisation, or whether you are simply a local who is passionate about where they live? Just be good to know how you source your info and how people and charities can share events with you to ensure they're on your radar!