This page is a bit of an experiment. OK, as an experiment it falls some way short of the Large Hadron Collider but we reckon it’s worth a punt. Let’s see where we end up.
Got something to say or a bit of news that doesn’t quite fit on any of the items or pages on the site? Well, stick it on here then. If you’re lucky, and we do mean if you’re really, really lucky then we’ll tweet the link to the comment and see if the great mass of the twickerati can help you out. Who knows, it might even work. Simply add yo’ thang as a reply below and click “post comment”.
(Word of warning: We offer no guarantee that we’ll approve every post. And it’s likely that boring press releases, especially political ones, won’t be approved. Why? Because they’re boring!)
Massively recommend anyone and everyone attending Perform Pilates on Church Street above Naz Balti. Have been going for a few weeks and am completely hooked! Cynthia, the lady who runs the classes, is fantastic – really patient and great at what she does. Classes are reasonably priced too
Can’t go wrong.
Hey peeps…enjoy the Twickenham Riverside Jubilee Festival. Take a rare chance to see Pope’s Grotto or visit Turner’s House. Otherwise enjoy craft & food stalls on the riverside along with live music and river races.
Good GP? I’m new(ish) to the area and want to register with a GP. Any recommendations?
I wonder by what criteria a GP is rated as “good”? Helpful, unobstructive reception staff are the first hurdle. Once through that you need a decent set of doctors… There is a directory with some reviews at:
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx?ServiceType=GP
I’m at the York Practice, nominally Dr Frank Thomas is my GP. Nice clean premises. It’s fairly easy to get a same day appointment if you take whoever is free- they are all personable and professeional. The practice nurse and the asthma specialist nurse I see are knowledgeable and professional. My 80-something year old neighbour thinks very highly of Frank Thomas, who has been his doctor for decades.
yes acorn surgery
We’ve used Cross Deep surgery for years. I don’t think you get assigned a specific GP anymore, you just see whoever’s free although you can request to see a particular one if you want. (I think there’s currently one male GP and about 3 women if that has any bearing on things.). The bottom line is… we’re all still alive so it must be OK.
Richmond’’s Royal Connections
To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, The Leader of the Council, Lord True, opened an exhibition showcasing the Borough’s royal history, at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham.
The Royal Connections exhibition is a culmination of a £40,000 project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund exploring over 500 years of Richmond’s Royal past. On display are works from the Borough’s art collection, as well as external loans from the prestigious Phillip Mould Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Over 100 people from the local community helped curate the exhibit which plans to tell the story of Borough’s intimate royal connections.
Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s Strategic Cabinet Member for Communities, Business and Culture, said
“The Royal Connections exhibition is a fantastic way to celebrate and share the story of the Borough’s rich royal history with a personal touch.
I am sure the Royal Connections exhibition will be a highlight of the Borough’s Jubilee celebrations and I look forward to visiting myself, seeing the magnificent art on display and hearing resident’s’ stories and experiences of royalty from the past 60 years.”
The Royal Connections exhibition runs until Sunday 17 June 2012.
Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ.
Free admission
Gallery open Tuesday-Saturday 1.00-5.30pm, Sunday 2.00-5.30pm
Tel: 020 8831 6000
Email: artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk
Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/arts
For more information please visit: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/arts/
Members of the public should call the Council’s contact centre for more information by phoning 08456 122660.
Journalists requiring more information should contact Tom Evans in Richmond Council’’s press office on 020 8891 7160.
DANCING HORSES AT CHESTNUT SUNDAY
This weekend’s Chestnut Sunday in Bushy Park boasts “The Horse Rangers Association Musical Ride” – a display team made up of 8 riders who perform in graceful, choreographed formations. The local Rangers and their instructors will show the riding skills they’ve learned at the charity’s nearby stables at the Royal Mews on Hampton Court Road.
Also there from the Association will be their Band who’ll be striking up in the procession along Chestnut Avenue at 12.30 on Sunday 13 May to get the fun-day underway. It’s a free event and there’s entertainment and side-shows galore for everyone.
The Horse Rangers will also be raising funds for two of their seven squadrons which are designed for those with special needs which operate under the guidelines of the Riding for the Disabled Association. Volunteers will be selling homemade dog biscuits and other goodies.
The Horse Rangers Association (Hampton Court) is a charity which supports the personal development of children and young people, regardless of background or ability, by teaching them to ride and look after horses. Over 400 members attend each week, including those with special needs.
The Twickenham Museum will be holding its 8th Annual Lecture, titled ‘the archaeology of some West London gardens’ on Tuesday 29th of May at 8 p.m. in St Mary’s Church Hall, Church St. It will be presented by Brian Dix, B.A. F.S.A., an eminent garden historian who worked on many historic gardens in this area, including Hampton Court and Bushy Park Water Gardens.
Tickets, £6 in aid of Museum funds, can be bought at the Museum during open hours.
http://www.twickenham-museum.org.uk
Rail work this weekend between Queenstown Road and Barnes, so trains are being diverted via Kingston. Best plan for longer travel times. http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/TWI/WAT/today/1230/dep
Regarding the Army and Navy carnage it’s notable that many of the supporters arrive early in the morning already worse for wear and carry on drinking all day and night oblivious to the fact there is also a rugby match taking place.
I suggest rotating the fixture between Twickenham, Murrayfield, Cardiff and Belfast so each home nations can experience the behaviour and impact of our forces every four years. Fair shares.
Nikki
I suspect the RFU dates have been set aside for concerts.
It would be great to have another H4H concert as the one in 2010 was brill.
Its possible the July date is for a pre Olympics concert/event as the torch will be touring London at that time.
Thanks for that, will keep my eye on Ticketmaster. I would also like to comment that I walked through the town centre yesterday just after 3pm and have never ever seen so many beer cans, bottles and food rubbish strewn around the streets and pavements, outside the Cabbage Patch especially, and all the way down to Mogden Lane Tesco. What is it with the A&N rugby days? I am all for the Forces enjoying themselves and letting their hair down, God knows they deserve it out of all of us for what they do, but for people that are mean to be the most disciplined on the planet, I am disappointed in the mess, noise and behaviour they leave behind. All the other days put together, the 6 Nations, Internationals, Premiership and London 7′s etc. don’t create this mess. Any suggestions?
Anyone know what’s happening at the stadium Sat 21st July and Sat 15th September? Rugby Post says “possible event TBC” ….. would love some more concerts, they send out notice of planning permission each year to allow 5 of them but the only one last year was Help for Heroes in September, and of course two for Lady Gaga this September. About time the Stones paid another visit …….
The Horse Rangers are celebrating St George’s Day. The youth charity’s Band will be playing in the Parades at Whitton on Sat Apr 21 and Richmond on Sunday Apr 22. Please support us and visit horserangers.com or our FB page
Calling all Twickerites! Would you be intererested in volunteering at your local charity – The Horse Rangers Association?
The HRA provides nearly 400 places for young people, able-bodied and those with special needs, who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to learn about horse management.
HRA is always keen to hear from anyone who has some spare time to help as a volunteer. Whether it’s serving teas or walking a pony … please contact us asap. All volunteers must be CRB checked.
Visit our website: horserangers.com for more info
Plant Sale –Saturday 21st April
Playing Field, Richmond Adult College, Clifden Road, Twickenham
10am –1pm
• Plants & Seedlings for sale
• Seed Lucky Dip
• Raffle prizes include £25 Squires Garden Centres vouchers, books, wine and more!
• Cake Stall
To celebrate the 1st RHS National Gardening Week, The Portcullis Trust is holding a Plant Sale to raise funds to help support adult learners in education.
If you would like to donate any plants, seeds, or cuttings for the sale, please call 07505460377
First it was Twickenham Week, then it was the Twickenham Festival and now it’s the Twickenham Riverside Jubilee Festival and it runs for more than 2 weeks, from Friday 1st to Sunday 17th June!
I shall be allowing the populace into the grounds of my little Gothick castle’s to attend the usual Jazz Festival on the 3rd and 4th. I believe the bard of Twickenham, Mr Pope, will be welcoming visitors to his Grotto on the 2nd and 9th of June.
There will also be dragon boat races, a regatta, craft markets, street parties and much more. The HANDS Charities May Fair will be happening on the Green on Monday the 4th June (following the pattern of May Balls at the University of Cambridge which are held in June, obviously).
See: http://www.twickenhamalive.com/ for more details in due course.
Richmond Business Expo, the biggest local business show in SW London, hits Twickenham Stadium on 19th April. This is no ordinary expo! Row upon row of soulless stands are actively discouraged. Instead, you will find a hive of creativity, ideas and inspiration to help grow your business.
If you’re a fully fledged business, in the early stages of starting one, or maybe facing redundancy and want to explore creating your own venture – you will find something of interest. Up to 100 local businesses will be showcasing. The variety is limitless; professional services, design and marketing, home & garden, financial and legal, online experts, restaurants and more.
Plus our FREE ‘How I Made It’ seminars with keynote speakers are not to be missed. Three super-successful entrepreneurs will be sharing their inspirational stories to show you what really is possible when you put your mind to it.
The whole event will be abuzz with inspiration, innovation and hope. Book your FREE TICKET at http://www.richmondexpo.co.uk
Am I the only person to be irritated by the buses on Heath Road when they announce Copthall Gardens as it is written, not as it should be pronounced (as in Copt Hall Gardens, which, funnily enough, is derived from the eponymous hall which stood nearby)? I emailed London Buses some time ago and had a polite response, but nothing has changed.
Eventually, we’ll be pronouncing it like that and the link with a little bit of Twickenham’s history will be lost to future generations.
No you are not. It is irritating. Next time the announcer voice says, “The next stop is…. ” shout Copt Hall to drown her out.
Regarding the St James Sorting Office Consultation:
St James are ONLY demanding 5 hours of your time on Friday or Saturday.
Perhaps that’s how long it takes to workshop (aka brainwash) local residents these days!!
I don’t see any point in holding such an event (other than to tick a public consultation box) until the Council have confirmed the move of the youth centre from Heatham House to the sorting office site. This move will
reduce the development area of the sorting office site, thus limiting the potential for other much needed amenities and will result in St James having to build very high to generate profits (deja vu?!).
It’s time for the Council to come clean on Heatham House.
Dear RFU
Having just read on the bbc website that apparently J White has said that the RFU have been in contact concerning the vacant England manager role I felt I had to write to you to express my views.
As with most England supporters these last few years I’ve been so disappointed with whats happening with our national side- poor play @ results, inflated player power / egos, poor management and a general lack of pride in playing for ones national side , not to mention the extremely poor discipline showed by players and lack of control exercised by those in control .
With the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as interim manager recently , as if my magic, a lot of these past problems on the pitch appear to have been addressed . Mr Lancaster has showed tremendous drive and enthusiasm, but most of all has put in place a clear set of rules and guidelines and hasn’t been afraid to exercise control and discipline as and when required. This was so sorely missing these past years . In addition, the players seem to be playing now with more adventure and freedom, no longer the ‘defence first’ mentality imposed by numerous predecessors.
However, this ‘sea change’ hasn’t occurred by magic, but by a man who clearly understands man management , who possesses an excellent rugby skill set and is respected amongst all players – and hopefully management. . namely Stuart Lancaster.
For the sake of English Rugby, will the decision makers amongst the RFU please read this heartfelt email , and understand that you have a man, an Englishman to boot, already in the role who clearly has demonstrated he is able and willing to take the English National side on to a new and higher playing level, his name is STUART LANCASTER , he deserves to be made England Manager on a permanent contract.
( Incidentally, I’m a former rugby player, having played for Orleans FPRFC in Twickenham for over 20 years, who yearns for an English team to be proud of!)
This just in… if you want to know what might happen on the old Royal Mail Sorting Office Site in Twickenham and want to have a (probably fairly limited) say in it then this could be for you. Might be worth a visit:
A Vision for Twickenham Sorting Office: A Community Planning Weekend
• What: You are invited to attend this Vision for Twickenham Sorting Office Community Planning Weekend to participate in creating a new Vision for the future this important site.
•When: Friday 23 March [2pm - 7pm] & Saturday 24 March [11am - 4pm]
• Where: at Richmond Adult and Community College, Clifden Road,Twickenham TW1 4LT [RACC]
• Why: St James (part of the Berkeley Group) has recently purchased the former Sorting Office site with a view to bringing forward residential led, mixed use proposals. The aim is to meet the aspirations of the emerging Twickenham Area Action Plan and deliver a development of high quality, which enhances this important part of Twickenham and is well integrated with the surrounding area. St James has appointed John Thompson & Partners (JTP) as architects for the scheme and to facilitate the community planning process.
• How: Community Planning is a way of engaging with the local community and partners to shape the future of their towns and neighbourhoods. At the Community Planning Weekend you will have the opportunity to take part in workshops, walkabouts and hands-on planning groups to discuss key issues and develop ideas relating to the regeneration of the site. This event will be an opportunity to share local knowledge and contribute to the emerging Vision for the site. Pop in for a short while, a few hours or stay for the entire time if you can. Team members will be on hand to explain what’s happening.
• Report Back: Following the public workshop days the team led by JTP will analyse and summarise the outcomes and develop an illustrated Vision for the Sorting Office site. It will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 25 April 2012 at RACC.
• Contact: Ieva Anserberga, John Thompson & Partners by email at ia@jtp.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7017 1780.
More: http://www.jtp.co.uk/community-planning-projects/twickenham/
I went to this, interesting what some of the proposals were, especially for a possible music venue opposite the station. I think the results are in this week with a meeting at the college giving details.
Fundraising is Funraising
Here’s hoping that the twickerati are feeling generous with time and money, willing to try new ideas, make new friends, and make our locality more lively in the cause of raising money for Oxfam.
We’re starting Fundraising for Oxfam in Richmond and Twickenham (FORT). We ve got some good fundraising ideas, but could do with more. And we need the twickerati to share the roles of management and organising events.
Inaugural meeting is on Monday 19th March at 7.45 pm at The Orange Tree in Richmond. (Table at the back in the alcove on the right if you enter from Kew Road.) Meanwhile if you’ld like to know more, contact:-
shireenalam@gmail.com – 07845 524641, or
alick@munro.com 07944 933532
Alick Munro
Hello Art Lovers,
Just wanted to remind you about the pop-up gallery group show of paintings, sculpture and mixed- media work courtesy of Neal’s Yard Galleries. Lots of artists on display. It’s at Forsyth House, 211-217 Lower Richmond Rd, Richmond, TW9 4LN and runs from 1st to 11th March on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 2.30-7.00pm and on Sundays from 2.30-4.30pm. Pop into the pop-up and have a browse. There’s a lot of great talent on show.
More details at: http://www.nealsyardgalleries.com
(or see my work at http://www.dominiqueholt.com)
Boris backs Solum plans for Twickenham Station
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/9564030.Boris_accepts_Twickenham_station_plans/
What a difference a year makes – from Back Boris Leaflet, Spring 2011
“BORIS PICKS A WINNER
Planning in Twickenham is now based on preserving the character of the existing environment. Any new development is to be low density family housing, not cramped, high density high rise without car parking””
Hey Twickerati and friends,
I heard there is a new Bar and Restaurant opening in Twickenham? has anybody heard this rumour?
What rumour? There are always new bars and restaurants opening. And there are always bars & restaurants closing. Are you talking about TW2 Bar & Grill on Twickenham Green in what was previously Harry’s Bar, the Wine Bar & Harrington’s?
Its actually myself, we’re opening a new bar and restaurant down York Street where the Ranch used to be.
I am a local artist working on a project called ART2HEAL
ART2HEAL is a project running in select spaces in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames providing art in health environments (wards, Waiting rooms and therapy rooms) to promote healing via visual stimulation
Project aim:
Utilise available wall spaces in heath centers and clinics to promote healing through the arts and provide a platform for contemporary art,whilst at the same time benefiting your patients through access to art.
I am trying to raise community awareness and need to find businesses to sponsor ART2HEAL
Please do get in touch if you are able to help in ANY way, it will be very much appreciated.
Need some help from the local Richmond community as Richmond Council have persecuted me and my mother for the past 5 years and all the evidence is here : -
https://sites.google.com/site/onelawfortescohmv/council-tax-conspiracy
Can you help?
Have you spoken to the Richmond & Twickenham Times about this. They might be interested in doing some digging. Or there’s always a Freedom of Information request to get more details on the relevant correspondence.
Thank you for your help and advice. Richmond & Twickenham Times have never got back to me on this and I written to them on over five occasions. I really need members of the public in the borough of Richmond to send this to the Richmond & Twickenham Times and in this way they will know that it is in the public interests. Surely, Richmond Council overcharging their resident(s) Council Tax and using anonymous bailiff’s is in the public interests and should be publicised? Thanks.
The standard of journalism on the R&TT is abysmal, Council Tax Conspiracy. I should go to the Evening Standard.
Heatham House piece in yesterday’s Standard: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24033952-dont-close-youth-club-that-helped-keira-to-stardom-says-her-mother.do
Helping the one-trick Keira to stardom is no recommendation to many.
A digital sign on the cafe at the Riverside is now showing the countdown to the opening of the Diamond Jubilee Garden.
Today it is displaying…..135 days to go.
According to my maths, that means it won’t be open until after the Queen’s Jubilee weekend. Ooops.
Yesterday, the Travelodge opening party was CANCELLED by the Travelodge Executive Chairman who suddenly discovered a diary conflict!!!
Twickenham Poolsite: work’s started on the Diamond Jubilee Garden, and the kids’ playground is closed for the next 16 weeks. It makes sense, because there’s a LOT of rubble and detritus to be removed, but there were a lot of disappointed kids and their mums coming away this morning.
Still, the project will open up part of the poolsite, despite the shortcomings of the designs, and concerns about what’ll happen to the remaining buildings – the old caretaker’s house that’s home to HANDS, the local charity, and the rather nice art deco ruin of a cafe building.
While, it’s good that work has started on the Riverside, closing the playground seems unnecessary as it will not be changed.
Is the cafe still open?
The cafe closed in November (I think – it was late autumn) and hasn’t reopened, except for a few days when the display about the plans for the poolsite were on. Speaking of which, what’s happened to all the feedback gleaned from that?
I suspect it’s been filed in the same place as the rest of the council’s consultation feedback.
Perhaps one of the Riverside Councillors can give us a progress update?
There’s always Holly Road playground!
There’s a meeting TONIGHT (Tuesday 7 Feb) at York House at 7.00pm with the new local NHS trust as part of a consultation about the future of healthcare provision in this area. There are fears for Teddington Hospital in all of this – nothing is secure. See http://www.hrch.nhs.uk/news-and-publications/events/
Anyone know who is responsible for not one but now two flag poles resplendent with flags on the Hospital Bridge Roundabout? Please give them a big pat on the back. TW2 keeping Great Britain Great! Or trying to anyway
Missing: Rickshaw Man
Prizes for Valentines Giveaway (List)
Amorous Weekend in Venice? Check
Romantic Dinner for Two? Check
Enchanting Rickshaw ride home? Er…
Yup. We need your help – we can’t seem to find the Rickshaw man! We’ve seen him around, near Water Lane, but that was around last year… we need him now – can you help?
Unfortunately, we don’t have much to go on – he’s a man and his Rickshaw’s black… with possible white trimming? The important thing is he’s most likely local and we need to find him since he’s been mentioned in our Valentine’s Competition Giveaway!
If you have any information that goes towards his capture- er! Identifying and locating him, please contact us on 020-8744 0474 or e-mail: info@crusadertravel.com
Thank You!
One assumes this isn’t a package of prizes given that it’s a bleedin’ long rickshaw ride home from Piazza San Marco
And, at the risk of straying into off colour material – what guarantees are on offer that the Venetian weekend would be “Amorous”? ; would professional services be on hand to ensure no lull in the proceedings
Haha, yeah some poor choices of words…alas, the cost of a hasty humour. But no, it’s not a package…
As for the guarantees on the ‘amorous’ weekend…um…let’s keep the discussion ‘family friendly’ :p
If you can’t find Rickshaw Man, you could offer a romantic weekend for two at Twickenham Travelodge (including microwave dinner).
Simples (and cheaps).
You are obsessed with the Travelodge, twickerman. You’re beginning to sound like Alan Partridge.
Simon H, have you tried their bar/cafe?
The system won’t let me reply to your message below, twickerman, but I’m going to try the Travelodge cafe this weekend. In fact, I’m going to try every cafe in Twickenham this weekend and compile a report on each one’s merits. Or, at least, I would if the weekend was 800 DAYS LONG!
Not too bad an idea…they are *very* nice people to talk with. Will talk to the boss.
Sixties Night with the 60s All-Stars
Fabulous band made up of original members of Kinks, Foundations and George Harrison Band will be at The Turk’s Head, St Margarets on Friday 3rd Feb. Only £20 (in advance) to include light supper & lots of dancing to a great band. All in aid of The Royal Marsden – organsied by The David Adams Leukaemia Appeal. Email: liz@davidadamsleukaemiaappeail.org or see http://www.davidadamsleukaemiaappeal.org
Hello Art Lovers,
There’s a pop-up gallery group show of paintings, sculpture and mixed- media work from 1st to 11th March 2012 courtesy of Neal’s Yard Galleries. This one’s at Forsyth House, 211-217 Lower Richmond Rd, Richmond, TW9 4LN and running Thursday, Friday and Saturday 2.30-7pm and Sunday 2.30-4.30pm. Pop into the pop-up and have a browse.
More details coming soon at: http://www.nealsyardgalleries.com
Talking Shop. The cafe dedicated to conversation.
What does that bring to mind? How might a cafe like that work in or around Twickenham? Would you like to join a working party to see if we could make this a reality? It could be a joyful place for people to meet, in a party atmosphere as guests of a host, serving themselves to soft drinks and snacks, and putting contributions in a collection box for expenses and profits go to charity. Get in touch and we can expand on the idea.
Alick Munro 8892 9243, 07944 933532 alick@munro.com
Um, isn’t that what pubs are for?
pubs can be good for conversation, but generally you have to bring your own mates. it would be good to go somewhere where people are happy and interested to talk.
For Christ’s sake, no more bleddy cafes!
Please come along to my FUNdraising Quiz Night – quite possibly the best quiz you will ever go to!
I am running the London Marathon in April 2012 and am raising money for the ‘Help a Capital Child’ charity, an organisation to help disadvantaged young people in London. For more information about the charity please visit http://www.capitalfm.com/charity or search for their Facebook page.
In order to help reach my fundraising target, I am hosting a quiz night on Sunday 5th February at the ‘London Road’ pub in Twickenham (6pm for a 7pm start). What better way to beat the Sunday night blues – booze, entertainment, nibbles, a raffle with awesome prizes, great company, questions to keep you on your toes and a warm feeling inside?!
Teams of up to 6 people and I would like to suggest a donation of £10 per person into the charity bucket that will be passed around on the night. ABSOLUTELY 100% of ALL money raised at the quiz will be donated to ‘Help a Capital Child’.
Please, please come along and support the event and pass this invite onto ANYONE you think maybe interested in it. For further information then please contact me on Facebook or katharine.lynch@yahoo.co.uk.
If you are unable to make the quiz but would still like to help me reach my fundraising target then please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KatharineLynch and sponsor me there.
Look forward to seeing you on the 5th February!
Kat x
Hello there,
I run a fantastic local singing group, Sol Singers, who do all kinds of songs – anything ranging from pop, jazz, african, folk…anything that’s fun to sing. So, we’re looking for some new members to swell our ranks. Anyone interested? Singing is a fantastic way to de-stress, boosts your confidence and mood and generally have a fun and yet healthy evening out!
Have a look at: http://www.solsingers.com or email me: solsingers@gmail.com
Twikerati,
I like your site a lot. One point: isn’t the Your News section (chronologically speaking) upside down? I’m such a lazy s*d I find it exhausting having to go all the way to the bottom of the page for the latest news.
Keep up the good work,
Nick Edmunds
it depends which hemisphere you’re from!
i’m afraid you’ll find its just the same over at the R&TTimes.
i suggest you try using the End key if you can be ar*ed
Just changed it to show newest first. Let’s see what people think.
Travelodge is the first bar or hotel in Twickenham to be granted a 24/7 licence.
Travelodge has just been granted a 24/7 booze licence. Floodgates are now well and truly open for all other Twickenham bars and hotels to follow suit.
Their advertised philosophy of eat, drink and be merry til long after your bedtime is bound to steal business from Twickenham’s other late night dive, the piano lounge, especially at just £12 a bed.
Really? I mean….really? Are you seriously implying that a hotel with a 24hr licence ( pretty commonplace) is likely to become a den of late night sex?! Or am I mistaken, and actually you’re worried that the Piano lounge might go out of business if prospective punters have the option of calling it a night, and getting some shut eye?
Do you know if this is a general licence or a residents only licence? It’s not entirely unknown for hotels to be able to offer 24/7 drinking opportunities otherwise they’d be completely unable to offer either a residents’ bar or in room minibar facilities.
The Queen’s Hall planning application has been rejected. Thus far that’s all the planning pages say – http://www2.richmond.gov.uk/PlanData2/Planning_CaseNo.aspx?strCASENO=11/3695/FUL
The Queen’s Hall proposal is highlighted in Rich & Twick today. I think it is interesting that the developers had not in fact gone into the Hall to have a look at what was there before they proposed to knock it down. There was an “open hour” last Tuesday, organised of behalf of the Richmond Environmental Information Centre
I had no idea about these proposals and feel sure that if the wider public were aware of them it would provoke considerable opposition. It is even more out of character than the plans for the riverside site that the Conservatives scrapped. Perhaps we can get Scott Naylor outside KFC campaigning ( if he hasn’t committed Hari Kiri after the station debacle)??!! I think some letters to the Richmond and Twickenham Times might help
Queen’s Hall, Twickenham – proposed redevelopment
Queen’s Hall is in King Street behind Bu-sen and backs onto the old swimming pool. You can see it clearly from the service road that runs behind the shops on the river side of King Street. The hall has a long history, and the owners, F&C Reit Asset Management, are proposing to turn it into commercial and flats. It’s application 11/3695/FUL (http://idoxwam.richmond.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?&appNumber=11/3695/FUL)
Teresa Read writes: “Queen’s Hall, (accessed through Bu-sen) is an historic building which is being studied as part of a community heritage project. There are a number of artifacts above a false ceiling which have not been seen by the public for many years.
“Queen’s Hall, built in 1877, was used for many concerts and plays. In 1881 Lillie Langtry made her debut there. During the Second World War the Hall was used for dances attended by US forces stationed in Bushy Park. After the War it became a dance studio and is currently occupied by Bu-sen Martial Arts and Fitness Centre.
“On the ground floor a decorative Victorian wrought iron ventilation system and mosaics can still be seen and the original stage is in existence. The name “Queen’s Hall” in mosaic in the entrance to the Hall is covered by a mat. The auditorium, the middle part of the Hall, which can only be accessed by a ladder, contains a very spectacular frieze of a chariot. Other items of interest include chandeliers, plaster motifs and a suspended lighting system.”
For more, and a picture of the frieze, see http://idoxwam.richmond.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?&appNumber=11/3695/FUL
Love rugby? Live in Twickenham? Well….near Twickenham then? Great! Thamesians are a local rugby club based on Twickenham Green welcoming players of all abilities for rugby, socialising and everything in between. The club has a proud history and celebrates its 50th year in 2012. If you would like to find out more about playing rugby for a hugely welcoming club at the very epicentre of the game, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Follow us on twitter @thamesiansrugby
I’d love to see more rugby on the Green. If there’s anything I could do to support this, let me know!
NEWS:
The ‘Coloured Mass’ has had the distinction of being given the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society’s Award for the best Local History Publication in 2011.
In ‘The Coloured Mass: art and artists in the Twickenham area from Tudor Times to the 21st Century’ (published by the Borough of Twickenham Local History Society) Dr David Allan takes us on a vividly-constructed and scholarly journey through the art history of the Twickenham area. The lives and works of more than eighty artists, sculptors, photographers, come under consideration in this copiously illustrated book. The area’s historic surroundings of Marble Hill, Orleans House, York House, Pope’s Grotto, Walpole’s Strawberry Hill, Garrick’s Temple and Turner’s Lodge have provided a constant source of inspiration for resident and visiting artists over five centuries.
The book’s intriguing title is from Alexander Pope’s words ‘Blend in Beautious Tints the Coloured Mass’ (Epistle to Mr Jervas, 1716), and the contents are no less evocatively described: The Glory of God and the Splendour of Princes; Masters of the Baroque; Connoisseurship and High Art versus Portraiture; The Genius of Landscape and the Photographic Interlude; Expressionists, Collectors and Amateurs; Applied Art, Art education and Abstract Art; 21st century interpretations of Turner’s riverside. Comprehensive appendix listings include specially drawn maps showing the locations of the ecclesiastical and other major buildings where the artists and art were located in each century.
Hi, we are a Twickers based band LEARN TO SWIM. Some may have witnessed our pop folk in front of around 10k at Strawberry Hill Music Day last or Twickenham Regatta last summer. Well…we want to help keep the spirit of Eel Pie Island and local music alive as well as playing central London gigs. Trouble is our stuff isn’t blues and isn’t grass roots folk so, at current, eliminates us for the Barmy Arms and Eel Pie Club… Can anyone recommend any local venues/gig nights we might not know about?
http://www.twitter.com/Learntoswimband
Great music and beer. Support live music + good local boozer. Marble Hill Pub Fri 27/4. 3 bands. Free. http://bit.ly/I8bNpg