Author: Blake Foster

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust’s Pharmacy Homecare Team has been named a finalist in the Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year category at the 2025 HSJ Awards. The team was recognised for a patient-centred project developed in collaboration with rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology specialists. The project supported more than 300 patients to switch to a safer, more user-friendly, and cost-effective alternative medication. Bhavesh Patel, chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted for the Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year at the HSJ Awards 2025. “This is a proud…

The expansion of East London Crematorium and Cemetery in Plaistow, east London, is set for completion in October. The site, established in 1872, will soon be able to offer additional burial options in a carefully designed new section of its grounds. Dominic Scotland, business leader at East London Crematorium and Cemetery, said: “This expansion allows us to continue our long-standing commitment to the families we serve, by offering meaningful options for remembrance in a setting that holds deep historical and emotional significance for the community.” The new grave spaces will provide families with the opportunity to personalise each plot and…

Keilly Eury and Jane Phillips both took over establishments in Petersfield Avenue in August 2000 and are celebrating the silver jubilee of their businesses. Keilly took ownership of hairdressers Magic Mirrorz on August 11, less than two weeks after Jane was handed the keys to The Saxon King pub in the same street. It was in Magic Mirrorz that the duo met and found out they were both new business owners. Keilly (left) and Jane (right) celebrated 25 years of business and friendship this month (Image: Keilly Eury) “I went down to a new hairdressers a few days after getting the pub and we…

Rainveer Mahal, 26, of no fixed abode, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court this morning (August 15) wearing a light jacket, white t-shirt, jeans and trainers.  He was previously charged with possession or custody of a fighting dog, and two charges of failing to ensure the welfare of two XL bullies.  On May 20, 2024, the dogs were involved in a fatal attack on Mahal’s 50-year-old mother Angeline in Cornwall Close.   The court heard from Mahal’s defence representative Alexandra Khan that the dogs were named Bella and SJ, contrary to prior reports that SJ was named Scarface.  Both welfare charges against Mahal have…

A man from Lewisham has been sentenced to life in prison for multiple rapes and assaults. Clinton Easy, 32, from Lutwyche Road, was identified as one of London’s most dangerous offenders by the Met Police’s innovative ‘V100’ programme. The programme uses data to pinpoint men who pose the highest risk to women. Easy was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on August 14 and will serve a minimum of 12 years. The judge also imposed a restraining order. The sentencing followed two trials. During the first trial, which began in July 2024, Easy pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and two charges…

The incident happened at an address in Russia Lane at 9pm on Thursday, August 14. The woman was found with a serious head injury and pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination is set to take place soon. A 45-year-old man, who was known to the victim, was arrested and remains in custody. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads the Central East Command Unit, said: “Our team of officers and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to this woman’s tragic…

Alarmed residents reported an explosion or an “enormous bang” at about 11.45am today (August 15). It was heard in areas such as Havering, Dartford, Orpington and Erith.  A flight was escorted into Stansted Airport by an RAF Typhoon after it lost contact with the ground. Contact was re-established with the plane, which had been travelling from Nice, and was escorted into the airport.  Officers determined there was nothing of concern. A spokesperson for Royal Air Force confirmed: “We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched today to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in…

Plans have been given the green light to change the use of the old O’Neill’s pub in Brentwood High Street, which closed in December 2022.  The plans do not include any external alterations to the building, but they do say the restaurant would be across two floors. The plans also show a range of seating for more than 100 guests, including tables and booths, and at least two bars. Brentwood Council raised no concerns about the impact on the conservation area and the former pub’s neighbours. MORE NEWS: Brentwood takeaway celebrates new opening with 99p pizzas The council officer’s report said:…

The festival is set to celebrate the area’s renowned curry houses, spotlighting the culinary traditions of the Bangladeshi community. The event promises street food, chef demonstrations, cultural performances and family activities. A procession will be part of the festivities (Image: Rehan Jamil) Organisers hope the festival will help Brick Lane take the title as the UK’s ultimate curry destination. The main festival day will take place on Sunday, September 21, from midday to 9pm. It will include free events, street stalls, cooking demonstrations, live graffiti presentations, and a procession from Buxton Street to the Brick Lane Arch. Executive mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman,…

The two-week East Summer School took place in July and August across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering workshops in film, dance, fashion, music production, coding, and environmental science. Now in its eighth year, the programme is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of creatives. Shazia Hussain, chief executive of LLDC, joins young creatives at East Summer School (Image: Rahil Ahmad) Shazia Hussain, chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), said: “The London Growth Plan recognises that London cannot achieve its growth potential until all Londoners are achieving their potential – ambitions that are at the heart of…