Author: Blake Foster

A funded training programme has launched in Epping through a partnership between the Institute of Swimming and Places Leisure, ahead of the opening of the new Epping Leisure Centre later this year. The centre will offer around 130 swimming classes per week, supported by newly trained instructors from a specialist academy. The programme allows would-be swimming teachers to become qualified for just £85—significantly less than the usual £1,000 cost. Mathew Nicholson, contract manager at Places Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing swimming to the new Epping Leisure Centre. “As we launch our new Learn to Swim programme we need to…

Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School, in Brentwood, got the grading in all five assessment areas following an inspection by Ofsted on May 14 and 15. The inspection report, published on June 30, praised the “warm and friendly” atmosphere at the school and the way pupils “focus, engage and are interested in their learning”. Ofsted noted the impact of the school’s “revised behaviour policy” and the success of initiatives like “Funky Fridays” which encourage pupils to dance their way into school to improve attendance. Pupils at Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School with headteacher Victoria Townsend (Image: Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School) READ MORE: How Havering primary…

The shop at Kew Retail Park already has a food hall, but the clothing and home departments take up significantly more floorspace. However, M&S has said that it now wants to more than double the size of the supermarket to “enable the full range” of its products to be sold. The food hall would include a “walk-around cheese barge” as well as a larger bakery section, according to a planning application submitted to Richmond upon Thames Council. The upgraded supermarket would also sell Plant Kitchen and Gastropub product lines, and offer customers manned or self-service checkouts. Although M&S is not…

This performance has been consistent since last summer. The council says its close performance management has significantly improved the service’s consistency. Councillor Nicky Purse, who is responsible for environment policy, praised the efforts of everyone involved in enhancing the waste collection service’s reliability. She said: “The quality and reliability of bin collections is vital — it impacts every household in Harlow. “That’s why we continue to work closely with our waste partner, Veolia, to ensure we are delivering an efficient and high-performing service for our residents.” She highlighted the improvements made over the past year, stating: “A year ago, a high number…

The funding will help deliver a “year of culture” in 2026, featuring a 12-month programme of arts, heritage, and community projects across the borough. It follows previous funding wins, including a £200,000 Cultural Impact Award from the Greater London Authority and £100,000 from Arts Council England. Councillor Anne Clarke, cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts, and sport, said: “This £250,000 of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will ensure we have the resources to put on a spectacular programme of cultural events that will bring together our communities to celebrate our heritage and the best of what makes Barnet…

Hurstmere School in Sidcup will host the concert on Tuesday, July 8, to celebrate both past and present musicians from StudioFix, the school’s student record label. The event will put a spotlight on the success of various bands, solo artists, and the school’s award-winning choir, Harmony Army. StudioFix has seen its students evolve into performers at major UK venues like the Royal Albert Hall, and even winners on national competition platforms. Notable alumni include Zach Loizou, Tom Monks, Robert Taylor, Jamie Moreland, and The Gas Tanks, the latter having supported Madness after forming at Hurstmere. Andy Gilbert, StudioFix’s music teacher…

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace was assessed by inspectors over two days in April. They observed lessons, interviewed staff and students, and scrutinised various aspects of the academy’s provision. The findings have culminated in a glowing report, with the academy being recognised for delivering “an education that is second to none”. Ofsted inspectors commended the quality of the academy’s curriculum, the expertise of its teachers, and the range of enrichment activities on offer. The report specifically praised the “aspirational curriculum” and the tailored support for students’ individual needs, which result in “consistently excellent” outcomes. The focus on students’ personal development…

The annual concert series sees some of the biggest names in music perform on the Great Oak Stage, with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones and Adele featuring in previous years. This year, the ‘Stick Season’ singer will be just one of the many mega stars headlining BST Hyde Park. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to see Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park, here’s what you need to know, including the lineup, timings and more. When is Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park? The ‘Maine’ singer will be performing at BST Hyde Park for one special show on Friday, July 4. What…

This can turn an otherwise comfortable vehicle into a sweltering, unpleasant space to operate. It is for this reason that I started looking for affordable, and even free, ways to keep cool while out for a drive. Several methods came up during my search, with one, which was recommended by a number of websites like WikiHow, catching my attention. I tried this totally free life hack for keeping cars cool during a heatwave without AC I first wetted a cloth and placed it in the freezer (Image: Newsquest) This life hack for keeping your car cool during a heatwave or warm…

Tottenham Central councillor Isidoros Diakides said the problem had been raised with him by constituents who lived with their families, which often included children, in one-bedroom flats.  He prefaced his concerns with an acknowledgement that Haringey Council had made some “tangible progress” in recent years but said the problem was still “serious”. Raising his concerns at a housing, planning and development scrutiny panel last Monday (June 23), he said: “I’ve seen grown men in tears in front of me and that kind of thing, it is tragic sometimes, it affects children, and I do think we’re not actually getting there…