Author: Blake Foster

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Kingston Council staff were supported well by compassionate leaders, although warned improvements could be made to tackle delays in access, varied response times and gaps in provision. A new report by the CQC praised the council’s focus on helping people to live independently, particularly through short-term support to help patients regain everyday skills after illness or injury, occupational therapy and digital assistive technology, following an inspection in February. It said access to care following hospital discharge was well-coordinated for patients. Staff reported feeling supported and described a positive and inclusive working culture, according to the…

Skye, the high-flying pup from PAW Patrol, was spotted at London Waterloo station en route to Chessington World of Adventures, where she was helping unveil the UK’s first PAW Patrol-themed hotel rooms. Howard Ebison, divisional director at Chessington World of Adventures, said: “We’re delighted to receive Skye’s seal of approval on our new PAW Patrol hotel rooms. “Every detail has been carefully curated to capture all the fun of Adventure Bay and create an unforgettable experience for young PAW Patrol fans. “As we get ready for the opening of the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land in spring 2026,…

Westmeria Counselling Services, which has run for 22 years, opened its new building in Cobden Court, Wimpole Close on Friday, June 28. The Deputy Mayor of Bromley, Gemma Turrell, officially opened the building, alongside supporters, partners and dignitaries. Since the mental health charity’s founding, it has operated from rented premises in Bromley but has now secured a new home in addition to its Bickley offices. The charity provides “donation-based” counselling for those facing financial hardship, as well as “affordable” private counselling at £45 per session. Westmeria offers a counselling college which provides training placements for students entering this field. A…

It comes after emergency services received reports of an incident in Claxton Grove at 11.19pm on June 11.  Two men were treated for gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital.  Oliver Rodney, a 30-year-old resident from Northolt, died on June 12.  The second victim, also in his 30s, has since been discharged with minor injuries.  Jahmel Joseph, 28, of Eaton Rise, Ealing has been charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a prohibited weapon and dangerous driving.  One man died in hospital following the shooting (Image: Metropolitan Police) Investigating officers are…

The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is one of three London museums in the running for a national award recognising it as one of the best museums in the country for families. The Family Friendly Museums Award, run by Kids in Museums, highlights the UK’s museums, galleries and heritage attractions that “go the extra mile” to welcome and support families visiting. The award launched in 2004 recognises venues for various factors, from their facilities to their accessibility, with awards across five categories. Among the shortlist announced this year, two museums in south London – The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton – are in…

A lorry and car crashed on the QEII bridge around 11am yesterday (July 3) with standstill traffic in both directions of the M25. The bridge reopened around 2am the next morning with traffic moving freely over the crossing again.(Image: Milly Howe) Essex Police says it recognises the “huge” impact this closure had on drivers. Chief Inspector Stuart Austin said: “The impact this collision has had on the lives of those travelling in the south of the county today has been huge. “I know that it hasn’t been easy, or comfortable, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while…

While the RHS Chelsea Flower Show may have passed, this week we’re celebrating its plant of the Year 2023 – Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’.   Also known as the African Lily, it’s the perfect plant for an ornate container and with little care required. Having graced gardens with its purple and white varieties, ‘Black Jack’ has glorious globes of deep, dark purple hues and is on offer via You Garden. Black buds open up to reveal stunning striped purple flowers and once in full flower at the height of summer, with exploding globes of dark purple tones. Get ready to enjoy a…

Plans to transform the part-derelict Twickenham Riverside were approved in 2022 after 40 years of uncertainty and will see 45 new homes, shops, cafés, restaurants and open space built next to the River Thames, but the progress of the scheme has been described as “painfully slow”. Richmond Council said the revamp was delayed by nearly 12 months after winning planning permission, as the process to acquire gardens needed to carry it out took longer than expected. Twickenham Riverside Trust was given a 125-year lease on Diamond Jubilee Gardens in 2014 and opposed the council’s application to acquire the land under…

In a list compiled by National Geographic, the outlet highlighted the wild swimming spots that let you ” immerse yourself in nature”. Among the UK-wide list of locations was one London spot with the popular Hampstead Heath Ponds picked. You can see the full list via the National Geographic website here. @dannidk_ Autumn morning swims 🫶 at #hampsteadheath #hampsteadheathponds #thingstodoinlondon #londonsctivities ♬ You Can’t Hurry Love – Live At Jools’ Annual Hootenanny – Olivia Dean & Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Why you should visit Hampstead Heath Ponds for some wild swimming The National Geographic describes Hampstead Heath Ponds as…

The Flying Machine, tucked away on Kings Road, is available on a fixed term tenancy through Stonegate Group. It’s expected to bring in an annual turnover of just over £315,000, with weekly rent set at £403. There’s a single bar, a separate games room with darts, pool and Sky Sports, a garden on a lower level, and parking for around 20 cars. The pub sits right in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, a short walk from a shopping parade, and there’s a bus stop directly outside. Stonegate is looking for someone hands-on and community focused, possibly a first-time landlord,…