Archive
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Toys are for us
KIDDIES were given a welcome break from following the grown-ups around the shops last week. Instead of being dragged around in the Christmas rush, they took time out to play at toy company Playmobil's roadshow at Bluewater from November 29 to December
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Bogus call by pair of 'policemen'
THE BOGUS caller problem took another twist last week when two men knocked on a pensioner's door pretending to be policemen. The two men showed what the elderly woman thought was police identification and entered her Northfleet flat. They said they believed
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Disabled parking gets a time limit
A DISABLED group claims Dartford Council has taken a backward step in the way it treats disabled people. This follows the council's decision to limit waiting times in disabled driver parking bays to three hours. Councillors imposed the restriction after
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Revised history book now in print
HISTORY buffs in Gravesham can look forward to a completely revised edition of the borough's local history. The expanded book, entitled A Chronology of Gravesend has now been completely updated with coloured illustrations, covering the period from Roman
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Floodlit pitches available for all
DARTFORD: Plan to keep young criminal s busy YOUNGSTERS involved in crime, drugs and truancy will be encouraged to train for professional football coaching qualifications when new sports pitches are built in Dartford. The 12 flood-lit all-weather pitches
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Family reunited by faded photograph
A FADED black-and-white family snap taken in 1915 has led to the chance reunion of descendants of a legendary local figure. Samuel Hook was a 19th-century north Kent poacher, reputed to have size 16 feet. Two of his descendants who had never met saw a
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Fun in the sun in Cyprus
MEMBERS of Age Concern Redbridge had fun in the sun this winter on the island of Cyprus. A group of 39 lapped up some warm weather and lazed around the swimming pool in the popular holiday resort of Limassol. Many had a go at traditional dancing, sampled
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Iain sings praises of Rush Croft
THE link between the music department at Rush Croft School and its information technology department impressed Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith when he toured the secondary. Taking time off from his job as Conservative Party leader, he commented: "I was
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Festive displays on show
A FESTIVE time was had by all members of the Woodford and District Floral Arrangement Group, when they enjoyed a special Christmas presentation evening. To mark the upcoming season, members welcomed Catherine Gledhills who gave a demonstration entitled
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On the lookout for new clubs to contribute
Get members LET us know about the latest goings on from organisations and clubs in the area. It can help drum up new members. Phone Laura Burkin on 8498 3462, fax 531 2017, write to Clubs and Societies, Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, 480-500 Larkshall
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Drive to recruit social workers
BEXLEY: Aim is to fill a further 20 posts this year SHARON Harper is one of three new social workers in Swanley who have been taken on as part of a Kent County Council (KCC) recruitment drive. Like other counties up and down the country, Kent has a shortage
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Shaking babies can cause brain damage
SHAKING babies can often lead to brain damage or the child's death, according to the Kent Child Protection Committee's new campaign. Posters and leaflets saying "It's not okay to shake babies" will be available in clinics, surgeries and schools across
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Having a Dickens of a time
l FUN TIME: St Michael and All Angels, in Abbeywood, spiced up its Christmas fair with a Dickens theme. Penny Parsons stepped right out of a Charles Dickens' novel to entice Molly Pike to try her luck at tombola while Edna Evans and Mary Robson played
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Shoeboxes for needy children
CHIGWELL School has collected 260 shoeboxes full of gifts for Operation Christmas Child this year, beating last year's total of 202. The boxes will be distributed to children in Eastern Europe whose lives have been torn apart by war, poverty, illness
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Budding Political Speakers take centre stage
BUDDING political speakers took centre stage at West Hatch High School recently. The youngsters were competing in the final of the second Epping Forest Schools Parliamentary Debating competition, organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. Chigwell School
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Let us know about your school.....
LET us know of any school news, activities and events. Contact Laura Burkin on 8498 3462 or e-mail her at lburkin@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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Santa faces the axe
Hampton Hill Christmas Procession, enjoyed by children for more than three decades, may be axed because organisers cant afford to foot the bill to close the road. The annual procession marches through Hampton Hill High Street and is organised and performed
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Waiter attacked for bottle of beer
A waiter at an Indian restaurant had his shirt slashed with a knife as he tried to fend off a customer who turned on him after he was refused a bottle of alcohol. Police are treating the incident at the Exotic Spice restaurant in Powder Mill Lane, Whitton
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Primary schools stay at top of league tables
Richmonds primary schools have maintained their position at the top of the national league tables. The tables published this week by the Department for Education and Skills are based on the results of 11-year-old pupils gaining level four the required
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Head slams plans to extend 406 bus route
The headmaster of a Teddington school has condemned plans to extend the 406 bus route, claiming it will endanger children travelling to school. Ian McCann, of St John the Baptist School in Lower Teddington Road, said children would not be safe walking
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Emergency finance warning to council
Kingston Council will be unable to cope financially in a major emergency unless council reserves are increased, according to an independent auditor. The councils cabinet was told on Tuesday night that more efforts had to be made to keep £2.5 million aside
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Gang mugs teenagers
A gang of thugs robbed four teenagers of their cash and mobile phones after assaulting them outside the Three Pigeons pub in Richmond. The gang made off with £446 of property after targeting the boys as they walked along Petersham Road at 5.20pm last
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Kew spirit of adventure
Kew Wind Orchestra has been awarded a £4,700 Arts for All Lottery grant for a new piece of music which is accessible to the public. The Richmond-based orchestra plans to commission a local composer to write an approachable tune which can be enjoyed by
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Consultation on High Street
Proposals to revamp Teddington High Street are to go out to public consultation. Richmond Council secured a £134,000 award from Transport for London to carry out the improvements on the High Street. A working group made up of residents, businesses and
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Quins star honours junior school
England and Harlequins rugby star Jason Leonard presented Hampton Junior School with a prestigious award for its sports provision last Friday. The Percy Road school received an Activemark Gold award after undergoing a rigorous audit by Sport England,
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Liberal Democrats launch website allowing residents to air concerns
A new one-stop website to help Kingston residents report graffiti, abandoned cars or other environmental concerns has been launched by the Liberal Democrats. The site was designed by Councillor Mary Reid, who has tried to make the site as accessible as
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Waiter attacked for bottle of beer
Whitton: A waiter at an Indian restaurant had his shirt slashed with a knife as he tried to fend off a customer who turned on him after he was refused a bottle of alcohol. Police are treating the incident at the Exotic Spice restaurant in Powder Mill
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Think twice before buying a pet for someone as present
Kingston RSPCA has issued a timely reminder to people that a pet is for life, not for Christmas. Angela Connor, campaigns manager, said people do not often realise the financial commitment and practicalities involved in buying a pet. She said: Many people
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Council criticised for 'unsympathetic' staff
The insensitive treatment of minorities by some front-line staff and a failure to consult with disadvantaged groups could be undermining Sutton Council's good intentions on delivering equality in the borough. That was the verdict of watchdog the Audit
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RSPCA makes appeal for new homes for friendly felines
Kingstons RSPCA is looking for a home for Opal, a tabby aged 10 and her female kitten Sophie, black, aged eight. Both are neutered. Their owners moved abroad leaving them in the care of the RSPCA. An RSPCA branch spokesman said: We are looking for a quiet
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Protest against petrol company
Environmentalists from Kingston took part in a nation-wide day of protest against petrol giant Esso, last week. Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth (FOE), People and Planet and other ecologists leafleted drivers at petrol stations around the borough on December
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Lady T drops in
Its not often you can tell friends Margaret Thatcher came over for lunch, so Rashan Sadri made sure the occasion would be one to remember. Add in Dennis, Jim Davidson and Sir Rex Hunt, the former Falklands governor, and you had the makings of what would
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Cut down on waste paper
Junk mail accounts for a huge percentage of our daily waste paper. It is possible for you to get your name taken off of certain mailing lists by calling the mail preference service. You will be greeted by an automated service and after less than five
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Fisherman's friends
A traditional fish and chip shop in North Kingston has pledged to donate a percentage of its profits to a leading fishermens charity. Trisha Al-Manasfi and her husband Imad (right), who own the Crossroads Fishbar in Cross Road, will be taking part in
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Wallington's wildcare centre open for visits
London Wildcare in Wallington is swinging its hospital doors open on Saturday, December 1, between 11am and 3pm. The annual event in Church Road will give people the chance to see the sick and injured wild animals that are currently being cared for. There
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New Addington Farmers Market
Food producers from all over Surrey, and further afield, will be at the New Addington Farmers Market on Saturday, December 15. The market offers a good way to pick up Christmas essentials and luxuries with goods ranging from festive flowers to plump pheasant
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Rock & Pop listings December 7-13
Friday, December 7 The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham. Big Daddy's Funky Monkey, monthly soul and funk night third Friday of each month, 7.45pm, £3. For more information call 0208 682 8940. The Cartoon, 179 London Road Croydon 020 8239 1616. Gunz n'
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Fewer single women than single men
Bromley: Women in Bromley are not surprised the borough's "arrogant and pig-headed" single males outnumber single females nearly two to one. A UK-wide survey by BT found Bromley had the third highest ratio of single men to single women with 1.69 to every
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A warm welcome to all
Franciscan Primary School, located in a quiet road near Tooting Broadway, has a warm and welcoming atmosphere The 530-pupil school, which has just had a £1million refurbishment funded by Wandsworth Council, mostly takes children from Tooting, but also
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Where names originated
The name Wimbledon immediately conjures up images of a world famous tennis championship and an ancient common, complete with strange litter-collecting creatures called Uncle Bulgaria and Orinoco, and a football team which may, in the future, be playing
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Why did the toad...
As anyone who has read Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows will know, unlike his gentle friends Mole and Ratty, Mr Toad of Toad Hall is boastful, conceited and vain. But in my experience, toads are not at all like that. In real life they are elusive
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Dreaming of a Whites Christmas
Fulham face Everton tomorow mindful of the fact that it is their last home game before three difficult away matches at Liverpool, Tottenham and Middlesborough. After last Sunday's doleful 0-0 home draw against Leeds United, the Whites will be keen to
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Pupils' denim day raises cash
Staff and sixth formers at Tooting's Graveney School have raised more than £400 for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Jeans for Genes appeal. The pupils wore their old denims for the day instead of the usual school uniform to raise the cash. December 7
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Sutton disappointed by slip-up
Sutton & Epsom captain and fly-half Sam Frost says they threw away a great chance of winning at lowly Winchester last Saturday. Sutton lost 27-26 after being 17-7 ahead. A Winchester penalty deep into injury time prevented Sutton from consolidating
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How much do you want it?
Sutton United manager John Rains has threatened changes to his team unless the players show more commitment and desire. United are currently 15th in the Ryman League Premier Division just seven points above basement-boys Harrow Borough and Rains is un-happy
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Volunteers do a really professional job
Twelve professionals from international management consultancy Accenture took time out to paint three rooms of the Fairlight Day Centre in Tooting this week. The project was part of an employment initiative run by Capital Care which links businesses that
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Box Office
ABC Odeon Kingston, 0870 9000 792. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone(PG), The Others(12), Spy Game(15), The 51st State(18). Now booking, Lord Of The Rings(PG) opens Wednesday, December 19. Clapham Picture House, Venn Street, 020 7627 7555. Harry
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Art school thanks its friends for new library
Putney Art School has a new library after a campaign raised £6,000. The campaign was spearheaded by the Friends of Putney Arts School, which was threatened with closure three years ago but saved after a public outcry. Half the money was raised by the
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Royal visit marks prison's 150th anniversary
HRH The Princess Royal paid a visit to Wandsworth Prison yesterday to unveil a plaque commemorating its 150th anniversary and to present bravery awards to eight officers. After being introduced to the governor Stephen Rimmer, she visited the vulnerable
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Shrew & improved
Just as Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate is revived in the West End, the Richmond Shakespeare Society is offering the chance to see the play which inspired it, The Taming of the Shrew. Shakespeare, in high comic form, tell two very different tales of wooing
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Revised development plans
A Battersea business and housing development may now include 14 affordable homes after a revised planning application was submitted to the council. The original application was withdrawn last month after it was called in for examination by the Government
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Toad in the hall
The timeless tale of Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad is once again being recreated, and this time it is courtesy of Teddington Theatre Club at Hampton Hill Theatre. Mole is fed up with spring cleaning and abandons his hole, teams up with his friend Ratty and
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Libraries' net access speeds up
Library users in Wandsworth will soon have free high-speed access to the internet thanks to more than £290,000 from the New Opportunities Fund. The Lottery funding will allow the council to fulfil its pledge to make the internet and email free for all
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Arrests made in off-licence murder investigation
Two teenagers from Worcester Park and Sutton have been arrested this week in connection with the murder of a shopkeeper who was shot dead in his off-licence. Rajanikanit Pandya, 37, was already dead when police arrived after 9pm last Wednesday at his
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Tackling crime hot spots
Town centre pubs are a magnet for violent crime, with Clapham Junction, Tooting and Wandsworth the hardest hit. And alcohol is a major factor in criminal damage and street brawls, new figures reveal. The figures form part of the new Crime and Disorder
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Extra money could slash waiting times at St Helier and St George's
Patients requiring urgent treatment could face shorter wating times thanks to extra cash being earmarked for the two major hospitals serving Merton. St Helier and St George's hospitals will receive extra Government funding over the next two years to boost
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Council to sell hostel
The hostel at the centre of a paedophile scare is to be sold on the open market. The sale has been dubbed a "wasted opportunity" by the leader of Wandsworth Council, Councillor Edward Lister, who had called for the building to be used to house key workers
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South-west London mail service failing to deliver
Frustrated Royal Mail customers fed up by postal delays have been told their delivery service is the second worst in the country. Figures released by Postwatch - a consumer representatives council - have shown only 86.4 per cent of first class mail is
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Schools celebrate top marks in league tables
Some of Wandsworth's primary schools have been celebrating this week after the national performance tables were published by the Department for Education and Skills. Albemarle Primary School, in Southfields, was named among the top 100 most improved schools
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A feast of festive tunes
VALENTINE Singers will serve up a feast of festive tunes on Saturday. The Spectrum Singers will perform alongside them in the concert, entitled Follow The Star. It starts at 7.30pm in St George's Church, Woodford Avenue, Ilford. Tickets are £7, senior
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Festive carols from Handel
MUSIC from Handel's Messiah and festive carols will be performed by Redbridge Music Service. The Christmas concert in Ilford Town Hall on Friday, December 21 will feature the music school's symphony orchestra, the intermediate and junior choirs, singing
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Talented Jazz Singer heads Christmas cabaret
A TALENTED jazz singer will head the line-up at the Woodford Christmas cabaret show on Monday night. Virginia Constantine, 28, from Woodford Green will perform a selection of classic jazz songs including You Don't Know What Love Is and I'm Beginning To
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Victim's victory means new life
A Wandsworth schoolboy who was left severely paralysed after he was chased into the path of a car by a teenage gang has been awarded £4.75million compensation - the highest ever payout to a British crime victim. Omar Dadi was just eight and a pupil at
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Novice bike ride
Cycling novices are invited to get on their bikes next Saturday, December 8 for a ride in Nonsuch Park, Cheam, led by experienced riders from borough club Cyclism. Anyone interested should be present and correct at the Mansion caf at 2pm, and for more
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Bowie gets a tribute
HUNDREDS of music fans flocked to Beckenham to celebrate the life and career of the town's most famous son, David Bowie. Before his world-wide fame took off in the 1970s, the star organised a folk club in the Three Tuns pub, now the Rat and Parrot, in
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Disco plan discarded - Opponents dance for joy after brewery's u-turn
Brewery bosses made a sensational 11th-hour u-turn when they withdrew controversial plans for a disco at a Wandsworth Common pub halfway through an emotionally-charged licensing meeting They admitted they had seriously underestimated the strength of feeling
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Help catch these Millwall thugs!
THUGS who are haunting Millwall's ground face a Christmas behind bars, according to Lewisham police. Deputy borough commander Jeff Harris has thanked News Shopper readers for their help in identifying many of their suspects, but is appealing once again
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Karate kids hit by cuts
A KARATE teacher says he faces the chop if plans go ahead to sell Anerley Town Hall as part of council cuts of £1.4m. Sensei Leonard Woplin, 30, whose Gaijin Ryu martial arts school runs classes at the town hall, says the sale will end his business and
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Pop! Goes their idle world now ...
MUSIC: Not making TV finals is not the end of their world POP Idol fever has gripped the nation for the last two months but what has happened to the young Bromley hopefuls who fell at the penultimate hurdle. For one, drama school beckons while for others
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George's caring gift
Beatles legend George Harrison made an unexpected donation to Kaleidoscope, the boroughs pioneering drugs project, it has emerged. The Hare Krishna worshipper, who died last week, rang Eric Blakebrough MBE, then Kaleidoscope director, from his home in
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Christmas worship begins
Around 300 people crowded into Kingston Parish Church for the Advent Carol Service held on Sunday. The hour-long ceremony saw the building shrouded in darkness slowly brighten up with processions and choir singing. Reverend Jim Bates said: Advent Sunday
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Drowned man's family wait for jury's verdict
Family members of Kil-lae No, who drowned at the Malden Centre earlier this year, are still waiting for an explanation as to how he died, because of a pathologists blunder. Last weeks inquest at West London Coroners Court had to be adjourned until Friday
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Plan to help teachers purchase new homes
Money to help 29 Kingston school teachers buy a home in the borough is now up for grabs thanks to a local housing association. The Key Homebuy scheme will run over the next two years and will allow teachers, who often have difficulty affording to live
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Lucky Dawn gets a visit out of the Blue
New Malden girl, Dawn Havard, got the treat of her life when chart-topping boy band Blue came to visit her in hospital. Following a spinal operation for scoliosis which proved unsuccessful, Dawn, 15, had to spend another fortnight in hospital and have
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Clampdown on the sale of alcohol and solvents
Kingston and Richmond councils are set to crackdown on retailers who sell alcohol to underage children. Thanks to a new law which came into force last week, trading standards officers and police are now allowed to carry out test purchases of alcohol using
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Surbiton businesses get their point across
Nearly a third of central Surbiton traders have taken part in a business consultation, spearheaded by the Independent Group on Kingston Council. Around 130 forms were returned, which quizzed businesses on issues ranging from policing to street cleaning
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Old Malden prepares to do the Queen proud for her Jubilee
Conservative councillors in Old Malden are drumming up support for proposals for community groups to celebrate the Queens Jubilee in style next year. Councillor Mick Amson is gauging public support for his idea to provide Manor Park Hall, in Malden Road
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Clean Clothes on a Sunday......
CELIA DAVIES' parents, author of Clean Clothes on Sunday, the history of an Edwardian childhood, were lively and loving. The family was not rich but they were comfortably off and able to employ a cook, a parlour maid and a nanny, who figures largely in
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Business as usual for Tube line's 75th year
The Northern Line extension, which opened up vast swathes of south London to commuters, is celebrating its 75th birthday this week. To celebrate, a birthday cake was cut yesterday and leaflets about the line were handed out to passengers at stations.
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Festival charity loses esteemed arts contract
A highbrow Wimbledon charity under investigation for allegations of misconduct has lost its prestigious contract to continue running the Cannizaro Park Theatre Festival. The Cannizaro Park Theatre Trust which has run the open-air festival for the past
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Businessman offers £20k reward
A Colliers Wood businessman whose family was robbed at knifepoint has put up a £20,000 reward in an attempt to find the people who terrorised his family. The intruders stole almost £200,000 worth of jewellery from Keith Browns Banstead home on February
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Dream trip for Scout Kit
SCOUT Kit Hobbs is off on the trip of a lifetime. Kit Hobbs, 14, from the 18th Erith (St Andrew's) Scout Group, has been chosen as one of the Greater London South East representatives at the World Scout Jamboree in Thailand next year. While he is there
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Family reunited by faded photograph
A FADED black-and-white family snap taken in 1915 has led to the chance reunion of descendants of a legendary local figure. Samuel Hook was a 19th-century north Kent poacher, reputed to have size 16 feet. Two of his descendants who had never met saw a
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Family reunited by faded photograph
A FADED black-and-white family snap taken in 1915 has led to the chance reunion of descendants of a legendary local figure. Samuel Hook was a 19th-century north Kent poacher, reputed to have size 16 feet. Two of his descendants who had never met saw a
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Help catch these Millwall thugs!
THUGS who are haunting Millwall's ground face a Christmas behind bars, according to Lewisham police. Deputy borough commander Jeff Harris has thanked News Shopper readers for their help in identifying many of their suspects, but is appealing once again
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Broadway entertainment for Jewish club
MEMBERS of the Wanstead and Woodford Association of Jewish Ex service Men and Women (AJEX) celebrated their last function of the year in style. They enjoyed a meal and cabaret, with entertainment by the group 'Westend To Broadway' which performed a number
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Talk on ye olde villages of Woodford Green
he WOODFORD Green branch of the National Trust will welcome speaker Peter Lawrence to its meeting tomorrow (Friday, December 14). Mr Lawrence will present an illustrated talk on local history of the villages and suburbs of Woodford Green. It takes place
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Quiz for charity
A CHARITY quiz was held by the Redbridge 18 Plus group on Saturday. It took place at Wanstead House, The Green, Wanstead from 7.30pm. Proceeds from the event will go towards the charity Childline. The club caters for people aged 18 to 36 and provides
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Crackdown may lead to youth clubs
TWO youth centres could be set up in Walthamstow in a bid to stop young people loitering on streets at night. Problem areas have been targeted by a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour in recent weeks. The campaign, which has included nightly patrols
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Sabrina aims for the stars
FIVE seconds of song from Sabrina Ramikie and you can tell why she expects to be a star. "In five years time I want to be able to reach all the people I want to reach," said the Leytonstone girl who lives with her mother in Kingsdown Road. "Singing shouldn't
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Community groups can apply for hand-outs
SMALL community groups in Bexley are being urged to ask for cash to help their activities. The grants, ranging from £500 to £5,000, are given out by the Awards for All section of the National Lottery. Its aim is to encourage and increase activities in
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Top of the class for the Arts
AWARDS have been given to two schools in Wanstead and Woodford, for achieving a level of excellence in arts. Both Wanstead High School and Woodbridge High School and Language School, Woodford Green have received the Artsmark Silver award from the Arts
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Extra police hopes dashed
Richmond will miss out on a bobby bonanza if draft proposals by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) are passed next week. A delegation from Richmond met with Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Blair a fortnight ago to argue the case for more resources
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Man's ear lobe bitten off by road rage driver
A Ferrari driver had part of his ear bitten off when he was attacked by a white van man in Tolworth. The estate agent was dragged from his car, kicked and punched before the deranged driver tore off his ear lobe with his teeth. The road rage erupted when
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Christmas rush causes mayhem in car parks
With the Christmas rush not yet in full flight, Kingston is already struggling to cope with the flood of shoppers driving into the town centre. Shoppers have reported waits of up to an hour and a half to get into packed car parks, with queues clogging
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Dreams come true in Marjorie's grotto
Stepping inside Marjorie Butchers home is like seeing all your childhood Christmas wishes come true. For one day of the year, the New Malden residents home resembles Santas grotto, bursting at the seams with brightly coloured gifts and toys. The eponymous
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Trading standards department wins award
Richmonds Trading Standards Department has won an award for its excellence in serving the public. The highly acclaimed Charter Mark award was given by the Cabinet Office, to recognise the high standard of service the department provides in giving customers
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New bid to end underage sales
Kingston and Richmond councils are set to crackdown on retailers who sell alcohol and solvents to underage children. Thanks to a new law which came into force last week, trading standards officers and police are allowed to carry out test purchases of
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Mayor Ken urged to help free plane spotters
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has been asked to prove his influence in Europe by helping to free a Whitton man and his colleagues held in Greece on espionage charges. Graham Arnold, 38, is one of 12 plane spotters arrested on suspicion of spying at
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Lawrence suspects: Mothers speak out on latest arrest
THE arrest of a new suspect in the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry has prompted the mothers of two of the original suspects to speak out. Following the arrest of 27-year-old labourer Darren Davies on suspicion of Stephen's murder, Luke Knight's mother
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Happy to paddle his own canoe
Marooned Millennium paddler Alexander Bance has resorted to some nifty DIY to gain access to the Thames. Fed-up with waiting for Kingston Council to act, the 75-year-old canoeist repaired the slipway himself using four bags of cement and paving stones
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Performance at Royal Opera House is dream come true for drama students
Two Kingston University drama students will be performing in the National Youth Music Theatre Company production of The Dreaming at the Royal Opera House this winter. Ben Barnes, 20, and Sarah Brown, 20, are first year students on the new drama degree
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£460 to get car from clampers
A man was charged a staggering £460 to recover his car after it was towed away from the car park of a Surbiton office building. The man, who does not want to be named, recently had his car taken from the car park of Endeavour House, in Cambridge Road.
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A big kick at Cottage
A 10-year-old Surbiton girl completed every young football fans dream last Thursday, November 29, when she led Fulham out on to the pitch against Tottenham in the Worthington Cup. Katy Knivett, who lives in Maple Road, was match day mascot, after winning
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Your chance to tell council where to spend the money
Residents will get the chance to tell Kingston Council what their personal priorities for spending are for the coming financial year. Last week, leaflets outlining the key budgetary challenges facing Kingston Council were delivered to every household
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Fulham kick off Christmas lights
New Malden twinkled into life on Friday when Father Christmas made a special detour to kickstart the towns festive celebrations by switching on the Christmas lights. The absence of any Christmas lights last year led to a mammoth fundraising effort by
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Ks support for toy appeal
LA Fitness teamed up with manager of Kingstonian Football Club, Steve Sedgeley, to kick off the Christmas Toy Appeal at the club in Clarence Street, Kingston. The event was launched on Monday, November 26, and aims to collect hundreds of new toys for
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Tempers flare over youth unit
Angry residents from Montagu Gardens were nearly thrown out of a council meeting this week as tempers reached boiling point over plans to relocate a youth offending centre. Fury erupted at the Beddington and Wallington area committee meeting on Wednesday
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Support group needs helpers
Victim Support, Kingston, needs volunteers to help provide free, confidential support and information for victims of crime. People from all sectors of the community are sorely needed, especially for Kingston, Surbiton, Tolworth, New Malden and Chessington
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Education cash boost
Kingston Local Education Authority can cross three things off its Christmas list early this year, after receiving nearly £1 million in extra funding. The news is especially pleasing for Latchmere Infants School, which will now be able to proceed with
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Exhibitions December 7-13
Michelle Noach, Salon Vertigo. Printworker Michelle presents a retrospective exhibition with work from her 13 year career. Clapham Art Gallery, 61 Venn Street. Opens Tuesday, closes December 24, Tue-Sat 1-9pm Sun 1-5pm. The Death Of Perspective: A look
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Road safety competition winners
The winners of the Sutton road safety competition run by Sutton's Road Safety Unit received their prizes from the Mayor Councillor John Leach last Saturday. Daniel Joyce, 12, picked up a new mountain bike and the second prize of cycling accessories went
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Decipher the image
Michle Noach is a very distinctive printmaker-artist, and Clapham Art Gallery is delighted to present her first retrospective show, Salon Vertigo. Michle was born in Paddington, Australia, and moved through her formative years between Australia, Holland
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Classical listings December 7-13
TODAY December 7 THAMES DITTON Vera Fletcher Hall, Embercourt Road at 7.30 pm; English Pocket Opera productions of Hansel and Gretel. Tickets £11 from The Ironing Board, High Street, Thames Ditton or 020 8398 1226. SURBITON British Red Cross Hall, King
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Youth valued in new festival
A bold plan for a Kingston Opera Festival is on the drawing board ahead of the opening of the town's new theatre. It is the brainchild of 26-year-old conductor Howard E James, who is co-founder and musical director of the highly successful Richmond Chamber
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Seductive Stravinsky
Production is all-important for appreciating Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress, one of those operas that doesn't send you home humming the tunes or caring much about what befalls its characters. And production is ideally tuned in English National Opera's
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Arrests made in off-licence murder investigation
Sutton: Two teenagers from Worcester Park and Sutton have been arrested this week in connection with the murder of a shopkeeper who was shot dead in his off-licence. Rajanikanit Pandya, 37, was already dead when police arrived after 9pm last Wednesday
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Jazz, folk and blues listings December 7-13
Friday, December 7 The Bulls Head, Lonsdale Road, Barnes 020 8876 5241. Reconsider. Top blues band get the weekend underway, 8.30pm, £6. The Ram Folk Club The Foley Arms Hare Lane Claygate, 020 8688 9421. Fraser Nimmo. A welcome return for this stylish
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Young more mature
The name Los Pacaminos may not mean much to music lovers, in fact it sounds like something served up in a Mexican restaurant, writes Gareth Foreman. Yet the band, which has been on the road for more than seven years, was the brainchild of 80s chart topper
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Council acts to stop travellers' encampents
Following a huge increase in the number of trespass incidents involving travellers over the last two years, Croydon Council has set up a working group to speed up the enforcement process, writes Cara Summerhayes. Two years ago, there were between four
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From vandalism to street legal
When Darren Cullen otherwise known as Ser was expelled from a school in Croydon, he went to work with his dad in the family business, writes Dean Piper. But Darren knew he was not happy with his life. With a couple of City and Guilds qualifications, he
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Nelson hospital joins cyberspace
Peckish patients and staff at the Nelson Hospital will soon be able to surf the web as they snack following the opening of a new internet cafe. The Victory Caf opened at the Raynes Park site on Monday and houses four PCs one with wheelchair access that
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Liberal Democrats launch website allowing residents to air concerns
A new one-stop website to help Kingston residents report graffiti, abandoned cars or other environmental concerns has been launched by the Liberal Democrats. The site was designed by Councillor Mary Reid, who has tried to make the site as accessible as
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Beware of the whipping boys
Carshalton Athletic manager Frank Murphy has warned his players not to underestimate the challenge of struggling Barking & East Ham United. The teams meet at Lodge Avenue tomorrow, with the Robins needing a big win to improve their confidence
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Cubs dive in for success
More than 70 Cub Scouts took part in the Wandsworth, Putney and Roehampton Scout District Swimming Gala. The event took place at Putney Leisure Centre and races were split into three age groups - eight, nine and 10-year-olds. As well as receiving medals
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Church receives revamp
Craftsmen used a crane to climb hundreds of feet to carry out refurbishment on the United Reformed Church in East Hill, Wandsworth, last month. The work was carried out by specialist firm, the Cathedral Works Organisation, which used the crane to reach
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Clubbing Listings December 7-13
FRIDAY Arch, 635 Lendal Terrace, Clapham. 020 77207343 Audible Pizza a diverse mix of old and new funky beats. DJs Alan Funci Frances, Alex Potter and Soul Unique. Entrance free. Chicago Rocks, 78 High Street, Sutton. 020 8643 2606 Party hits from the
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Take a stroll by the river
A brochure promoting the riverside walk between Battersea and Putney has just been published. The Riverside Walks booklet was officially launched by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Ron Smith, at Putney's Bar M last week. It includes places of interest
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At a screen near you
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone(PG). The long-awaited big screen adaptation of JK Rowling's best-selling novel has finally arrived. Join Harry and an all-star cast including Dame Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane in this fun packed fantasy and
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Variety is the spice of life
The golden era of radio came to Battersea on Tuesday when a pensioners' lunch club hosted an old time variety show. Members of Battersea and Clapham lunch clubs were treated to an afternoon of song, music and entertainment harking back to the days of
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Grab the Chance to Star in Guy Ritchie's Next Smash
FSauctions and UK Youth are hosting an auction packed with donated items (from the likes of Frank Skinner, Nigel Mansell and Suzi Perry), including the chance to bid for one male and one female part in Guy Ritchie's next movie! You will be given the chance
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Lawrence suspects: Mothers speak out on latest arrest
THE arrest of a new suspect in the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry has prompted the mothers of two of the original suspects to speak out. Following the arrest of 27-year-old labourer Darren Davies on suspicion of Stephen's murder, Luke Knight's mother
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Withnail and eyeliner
Who is going to stick their neck out and say You Without Me is a great film? Me, writes Heidi Wyithe. Starring ex-Brookside star Anna Friel and Dawson Creek's Michelle Williams, this could have been a recipe for disaster. This is Withnail and I for girls
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Theatre Listings December 7-13
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill,Battersea, 020 7223 2223. Around The World In 80 Days. This year's big Christmas musical at the BAC follows the adventures of Phileas Fogg and his quest to circle the globe. This promises to be fantastic. Opens tonight
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Wonder and lightening
White Rabbits, a Mad Hatter it can only be Alice In Wonderland, which is coming to Wimbledon Studio next week. In Lewis Caroll's classic comic satire we encounter Alice, an 18-year-old Victorian bride nervously awaiting her impending marriage. Lulled
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Improvements to bus routes
The 93 bus will now run 24 hours a day as part of a package of improvements in the area. The bus, which travels from Putney to North Cheam via Wimbledon and Morden, will run every 30 minutes throughout the night. Daytime services will also increase in
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End of the rainbow
For 20 years Geoffrey Hayes was king of children's television as host of the show Rainbow, writes Gareth Foreman. But this Christmas he is King of Wimbledon Theatre in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk alongside Shane Richie and Sadie Nine. After the
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Is our youth service declining?
GROWING anger about the lack of council-run activities for young people erupted at a recent police/community consultative group meeting when residents in Blackfen, Welling, Erith, Slade Green, Foots Cray and North Cray and Northumberland Heath demanded
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Half moon at the theatre
he Redbridge Drama Centre will be getting youngsters in the mood for the festive season with its Christmas play 'When Snow Falls'. The play for children aged between three and eight years-old will be showing at 11am and 2.30pm. It takes place at the Half
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Help ease pressure GPs face in winter
Health bosses are aiming to ease the pressure on GPs during the winter months by urging people to be more responsible. Dr Peter Graves, a consultant in Primary Care, has spoken out through the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority about ways
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Council tax 'likely to rise'
Council tax is likely to go up next year after the government announced the borough would get a four per cent rise in its grant levels. Wandsworth says the rise is the minimum amount the government could have given and will not cover an increase in the
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Pick up after your pooches
Dog owners in Wandsworth are being reminded about by-laws which prevent dogs entering prohibited areas such as playgrounds and other amenities. Anyone in charge of a dog will be prosecuted if they allow it to foul anywhere on council estates apart from
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A story of discovery
HALF Moon Theatre will present a family show at the Redbridge Drama Centre on Tuesday. When Snow Falls is billed as a poetic tale of friendship and discovery. T and his mischievous sidekick Midge set off on an adventure through a magical frosty landscape
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A Christmas Concert for Snaresbrook
SNARESBROOK Rotary Club will present a Christmas concert on Saturday. Cantori Vocal Ensemble will perform O Little Town of Bethlehem and other festive carols, old and new, in Woodford Green United Free Church at 7.30pm. The singers will be directed by
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Time for Tea
MR WONDERFUL will host a tea dance at Sir James Hawkey Hall, Broomhill Road Woodford Green on Wednesday. Doors open at 1.15pm for dancing from 1.30pm to 4pm. Tickets are 2.50, Redbridge leisure pass holders pay £2. Refreshments are included. To find out
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Awake for Sleeping Beauty
TICKETS for the Sleeping Beauty Pantomime are selling like hotcakes. For your chance to watch Prince Charming awaken the slumbering princess with the kiss of true love call the Kenneth More Theatre, in Oakfield Road, Ilford on 8553 4466. Tickets are £9.75
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Shopping centre hotel plans back on agenda
Plans for an eight-storey, 200-bedroom hotel at the Wandsworth Shopping Centre have been resurrected. Owner Portfolio Holdings has put in a new planning application as part of a list of additions to a major renovation scheme already underway. A hotel
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Lights show raises charity funds
A CHRISTMAS lights ceremony in Orpington raised £200 for charity and entertained hundreds of shoppers. The High Street lights were turned on by mayor Councillor John Holbrook and a firework display attracted admiration from the crowd at The Walnuts. There
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Fur flies as fake cats cause fuss
ORPINGTON: Animal activists target ornamental model pets HARMLESS ornamental pets modelled on famous ships' cats have caused fury among animal rights activists. Maritime specialist Nauticalia which supplies Orpington home store Ambience, has been inundated
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Government grant for more learning
BROMLEY is set to benefit from a Government grant to provide for school learning. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has issued the grants to be made available for London primary schools to spend on literacy and numeracy provision. Bromley
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Boxing club body blow
The manager of a popular youth boxing club is ready to jump into the ring with council bigwigs who have threatened to close him down. Kingston Council wants to recover full ownership rights on the sports centre where the club is based but champion trainer
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Elderly trapped in flats by broken lifts
Elderly residents are being stranded in their six-storey building as council maintenance contractors Serco fail to do repair work to the vital lift. The most recent breakdown at Cumberland House in Kingston Hill was last Friday, but just hours after the
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Oxygen leaves them gasping
More than 130 youngsters turned up to help launch Liquid Oxygen, the new under 18s nightclub event. Oxygen is a new Christian youth charity based in Norbiton which aims to provide activities and entertainment. The first of the monthly Liquid Oxygen events
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New Sainsbury's ready for business
The new Sainsburys development in Richmond Road, Kingston, will open for business on Tuesday. The supermarkets official opening will be made by the deputy mayor, Councillor Steve Mama, who will also collect a cheque for £500 on behalf of the Mayors charities
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Our primary schools pass test in this year's tables
Kingstons primary schools finished 16th in the country in primary school league tables released this week, while neighbours Richmond topped the lot for the second year running. The new tables are based on the 2001 key stage two national curriculum tests
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Concern over delays to traffic calming
Surbiton councillors are worried at the delay bringing in traffic calming measures and new road crossings in the St Marks ward. A sum of £250,000 was received by the neighbourhood in January but so far no work has been done, bar some footpath resurfacing
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Here was the news this week in.......
here was the news 40 YEARS AGO: 1961 A THREE point plan to save the Green at Woodford Bridge was drawn up by campaigners. The newly formed Save the Green Committee planed to start a petition, contact the police's Road Safety Officer and call a public
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Nelson hospital joins cyberspace
Peckish patients and staff at the Nelson Hospital will soon be able to surf the web as they snack following the opening of a new internet caf. The Victory Caf opened at the Raynes Park site on Monday and houses four PCs one with wheelchair access that
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Help ease pressure GPs face in winter
Health bosses are aiming to ease the pressure on GPs during the winter months by urging people to be more responsible. Dr Peter Graves, a consultant in Primary Care, has spoken out through the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority about ways
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Police warn: 'stay secure'
Opportunist burglars who prey on homes in Merton this festive season could spend Christmas behind bars, police have warned. The stark advice is part of Operation Bumblebee a campaign to cut burglary and thwart festive thieves. It highlights the fact most
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Traders say Priory dig is affecting Mills' sales
Traders at Merton Abbey Mills are claiming a nearby archaeological dig has affected their business as customers confuse it with construction work still in the planning stages. The work to excavate part of the medieval Merton Priory site lying under the
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Council tax to rise yet again
Council tax in Merton is likely to top £1,000 for the first time. New Government grant levels for local authorities are likely to mean London bills will rise by about 5.2 per cent for an average band D property. Mertons council tax rate currently stands
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Unruly schoolchildren cause chaos on buses
Unruly schoolchildren are running wild on a Wimbledon bus route by intimidating passengers, causing damage and shouting abuse. The adolescents have been plaguing bus drivers, commuters and shoppers with their aggressive behaviour on the Mitcham Belle
