Parking charges proposed for Richmond and Bushy Parks
#38: Kingston Council forced to appoint new company to maintain 6,000 council homes, Surbiton High Girls – Wembley winners, planning permission approved for new café in Richmond Park, call for volunteers for Kingston 2025 celebrations, VE Day 80th anniversary, Royal Star & Garter merger, Tom Gates' Epic Stage Show at Rose Theatre, Easter Egg Hunt at Ham House, new outdoor gym at Latchmere Rec, football for women comes to Kingston, Penguin’s Little Book Stop for your community, comedy with Rhys James, Barclays Local Tennis League in Kingston, rooftop bars to enjoy this summer in London, and more.
START WITH A SMILE: Stuff to cheer us up
The local library where you can borrow a new outfit: Preloved clothing is now big business. Until recently the domain of charity shops on UK’s high streets, it now has a global platform through ecommerce giants like Ebay and Vinted. Lizzie Dibble, however, has taken a more novel and community based approach by launching a shared wardrobe scheme at her local library in Oswestry, Shropshire. She’s hopeful that her clothes lending project could help bring in new footfall to the UK’s beleaguered libraries, as well as introducing readers to the romance of secondhand fashion. Every garment is labelled with the name of the person who donated it adding to the idea that preloved clothing is more special, because it has that history.
Could this idea work in Kingston’s libraries too?
LOCAL STORIES: Stuff you need to know
Parking charges proposed for Richmond and Bushy Parks: The Royal Parks has confirmed its intention to proceed with proposals to introduce parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Parks, bringing them in line with its parking policy across the rest of the Royal Parks. The decision follows a public consultation which took place in 2021 and received more than 12,000 responses. The fees for both parks will be £1.40 per hour Monday to Friday, and £2.00 per hour at the weekend, to a maximum of six hours on any day. However, the introduction of parking charges requires the approval of Parliament and the proposal can only be tabled when the Parliamentary timetable allows, which is unlikely to be any time soon.
Kingston Council forced to appoint new company to repair and maintain 6,000 council homes: Just six months after appointing Breyer Group, Kingston Council has been forced to appoint a replacement as the home maintenance company files for administration. The new supplier, Cardo Group will now be managing the repair, maintenance and improvement of more than 6,000 council homes. In a statement, the council said it “was extremely disappointed to learn of Breyer’s financial difficulties given the robust and formal procurement process followed to appoint Breyer in October 2024 which included extensive involvement from residents.” Given Breyer’s seemingly speedy demise since their appointment just months ago, it will raise legitimate questions about the council’s due diligence process. It’s also unlikely to inspire confidence in Cardo Group’s quick-time appointment.
Planning permission approved for new café in Richmond Park: The Royal Parks charity’s planning application for a new café at Roehampton Gate in Richmond Park has been approved. The current facilities at Roehampton Gate are temporary structures erected 20 years ago, after a fire destroyed the original buildings. The new space will be transformed into an environmentally friendly café in keeping with the landscape it sits in. The park landscape around the café will be improved and enhanced to increase biodiversity and a new car park entrance and cycling infrastructure will also be created. The timescale of the project is still to be confirmed. Details of the proposed plans are available here.
Call for volunteers for Kingston 2025 celebrations: As the opening of the landmark Kingston 2025 celebration draws near, volunteer opportunities are up for grabs. From a few hours on a single day to getting involved over the six months of festivities, there are a range of roles on offer to help celebrate Kingston’s past, present and future, and shine a light on over 1000 years of history in the borough. Find a role at Kingston Volunteering.
VE Day 80th anniversary: 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. It is 80 years ago on 8 May 1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered, ending World War II in Europe. More than 3.5 million British men and women helped make that happen by serving in the British Army. Of those, fewer than 70,000 people are still alive. Metro newspaper is asking for your help in preserving their stories. If we don’t document them now, their memories will die with them – share your stories here. In the meantime, please share your views on marking VE Day by taking part in our poll below.
London Mayor’s £27m skills programme to help residents into good jobs and boost capital’s economy: The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has announced £27 million in funding for a skills programme to help fast-track Londoners into good jobs and boost economic growth across the capital. The Mayor’s Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses from two weeks to three months that support Londoners aged 19+ to get quality jobs in sectors key to London’s long-term economic success, from creative industries to construction and hospitality to healthcare. Further information on the skills programme is available here. To join a course, apply here – deadline for applications is 27 May 2025.
Surbiton-based Royal Star & Garter merges with Care for Veterans: Founded to care for soldiers returning from World War One, Surbiton-based Royal Star & Garter and Worthing-based Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) have agreed a merger. Previously housed in a landmark building perched on Richmond Hill, Royal Star & Garter’s residents were moved to the purpose-built 63-room building in Surbiton, Kingston, when the building was sold in 2013. Two further homes have since opened in Solihull and High Wycombe. The Grade II listed Richmond Hill building was sold to a housing developer which has restored and converted the building into apartments.
LOCAL DEMOCRACY: Stuff that affects your neighbourhood
Council meetings to attend in person or watch online: A quieter month due to the school holidays but here are a few meetings you can attend in person or watch online. On the agenda for the Planning Committee is 4 Manorgate Road, Norbiton – the demolition of existing units and redevelopment of the site to provide a Class B8 self-storage facility alongside access, car parking, landscaping and associated works. (Planning application reference: 24/01674/FUL.)
Licensing Sub-Committee – 22 April
Planning Committee – 23 April
Kingston Partnership Board – 24 April
COMMUNITY, CULTURE & EVENTS: Stuff to do, experience and enjoy
Tom Gates' Epic Stage Show at Rose Theatre: Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, Tom Gates' Epic Stage Show comes to the Rose, bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world. With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show.
Easter Egg Hunt at Ham House and Garden: Make your way along a trail inspired by the English Civil Wars and enjoy activities for the whole family to save Ham House! Normal admission charges plus £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. On now until 21 April.
Last few days remaining to take advantage of places where Kids Eat Free this Easter including at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants: It’s pretty hard keeping kids entertained during school holidays. And it can cost a fortune too. Well, this Easter, restaurants, supermarkets and other food venues are offering ‘Kids Eat Free’ or Kids Eat for £1 deals. Some of these places include Côte Brasserie, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Pizza Express, Zizzi, YoSushi!, TGI Fridays and IKEA. A full list is available here courtesy of Money Saving Central.
New outdoor gym at Latchmere Recreation Ground in North Kingston: North Kingston residents now have a brand new outdoor gym and table tennis tables to enjoy! And if you don’t have your own table tennis bats, you can hire them from the nearby Tandem Café. The Latchmere outdoor gym is the latest outdoor facility to join 11 others across the borough:
Fairfield Rec
King Georges
King Edwards
Churchfields
Canbury Gardens
Alexandra Rec
Manor Park
Woodgate Avenue
Kingston Rd Rec
Beverley Park
Elm Rd Rec
Football for women comes to Kingston in May, no experience necessary: Kingston & Richmond Swans FC is launching at Tiffin Girls’ School on Thursday 8th May offering women in the community the chance to learn or return to football in a welcoming environment. The sessions are open to women aged 18 to 81+ with no previous experience necessary. Swans FC started in Twickenham and launched Chiswick & Kew Swans last year followed by Richmond & Barnes Swans earlier this year. Its welcoming and inclusive approach with an emphasis on keeping fit, meeting friends and having fun make the sessions extremely popular. Sessions for Kingston & Richmond Swans will take place on Thursday evenings, 8-9pm. Registration is open now.
Bring the joy of reading to your community with Penguin’s Little Book Stop: To celebrate its 90th birthday this year, Penguin has launched a new project, 90 Little Book Stops. And you could get one in your community. Book exchange spots that live in your neighbourhoods, Little Book Stops aim to celebrate the joy of reading and the people who make reading happen for their communities. To get one in your area, you just need an idea for the perfect location for a Little Book Stop and commit to becoming its steward. Nominations close on 1 May 2025 – apply here.
Hampton Court Palace Feel Good Festival: Enjoy a variety of wellness workshops, inspiring talks, shopping and food at the Feel Good Festival at Hampton Court Palace. Taking place over the weekend of 16-18 May, the festival brings together the mind, body and soul within the serene gardens and grounds of the palace. Through hands on workshops, guided practices, drop-in clinics and, of course, food, drink and shopping, it’s a perfect opportunity to ditch the dull and experience the best version of yourselves.
Barclays Local Tennis League in Kingston: The Masters is over (well done to Rory McIlroy!), football season is drawing to a close, the sun is starting to make the odd appearance and leaves are showing a hue of green. It must be time to dust off the old tennis racket and head off to a court near you. Whatever your level – beginner or advanced – meet new people, power up your game and compete at a park court near you with Barclays Local Tennis Leagues. Download the app, find your local court in Kingston and join a league. More details including league start dates are available here. And, don’t forget you still have a couple of weeks left to take advantage of tennis for ‘£5 for April’ at Ember Sports Club over in Esher.
Comedy with Rhys James at the Royal Oak in New Malden: You will have seen him on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, now watch Rhys James in New Malden on Tuesday 22 April. Plus there might be a special guest making an appearance! Book here.
SPORTS DAY: Stuff about enjoying your local teams
Chelsea Women FC: A 94th minute goal from Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones delivered a 2-1 victory against Liverpool last Saturday, sending the Blues to Wembley for the FA Cup final. On 18 May, they will take on holders Manchester United who reached their third successive FA Cup final with an impressive victory over rivals Manchester City. But before all that, there is the small matter of most coveted of Chelsea’s targets – the Champions League. The Blues travel to Barcelona for the first leg of the semi-final fixture this Sunday 20 April. The quadruple appears closer than ever!
Kingstonian FC: Five consecutive league losses (plus one Surrey Senior Cup defeat) and the Ks are perched to fall out of the playoffs. They are equal on points and goal difference with Hayes & Yeading United but by whatever machinations they are clinging on to fifth position. While current form doesn’t bode well, with three games to go it’s still in Ks hands. This Saturday 19 April, they host Horndean, currently sitting in sixteenth place in the table. Back in September 2024, when the two last met, it ended in a 1-1 draw.
LONDON CALLING: Stuff to do, experience and enjoy in the big smoke
Rooftop bars to enjoy this summer in London: On a recent trip to New York, I rediscovered the joys of rooftop bars. Notwithstanding the lofty-priced drinks they offer elevated liberation from the rattle and hum of a pulsating city where construction of skyscapers appears to be mandated in local building laws. It turns out, London too now seems to have a legal requirement for a rooftop bar in every new brief to an architect. So, as the evenings grow longer and the sun teases us with occasional flashes of its warmth, here’s a bunch of London’s best rooftop bars to enjoy this summer courtesy of Time Out.
WHAT ELSE? Stuff we couldn’t quite fit anywhere else but thought you’d still find interesting
Surbiton High Girls – Wembley winners! Massive congratulations to Surbiton High Football who represented AFC Wimbledon and were crowned winners of the 2025 Utilita Girls Cup. A second-half goal from Sahara Heywood secured a 1-0 victory and the silverware. Commiserations and a huge well done to the runners-up Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College who represented Crewe Alexandra.
Please could The Royal Parks charity note a correction to the article about parking charges which states that a consultation took place last year. The consultation actually took place in 2021. Please see the up to date information, as noted today, 24 April 2025:
A Royal Parks spokesperson said: “In 2021, following public consultation and approval from the previous Government, we announced that we would be introducing parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Parks. However, the implementation of parking charges also requires Parliamentary approval, and there was not enough time to get this change approved before the new Government came to power.
“We still firmly believe that charging for parking is the right thing to do, but we have not yet formally requested approval for this from the new Government.”