New planters cheer up Ham Parade:
You may have noticed some leafy additions to the west side of Ham Parade recently. Andrée is part of Friends of Ham Parade (FHP), an informal group of traders, councillors, Ham Parade Market and local residents’ associations, who have come together to help the Parade thrive.
FHP successfully made a bid to the RHP Social Value Fund to cover almost all the cost of the pots with small trees and flowers between each shop on that side of the Parade.
Andrée says: “I’m very happy to be part of this community initiative. The planters give a more welcoming feel and a mini dose of nature for everyone coming to Ham Parade. Look out for more improvements to come.”
Urgent action needed at Teddington Lock gates
Work by the Environment Agency to repair the main gates at Teddington Lock has stalled. Plus, there’s no end date in sight for repairs to the unreliable secondary lock. These delays affect all river users, with particular impacts for emergency services.
Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington RNLI, stated: “The issues with the locks at Teddington can mean we lose vital minutes when reaching those who are in trouble on the river upstream from Teddington Lock towards Kingston, our busiest area.”
Green Party councillor Chas Warlow is pushing the Council and Environment Agency to act. Chas says: “River users and the general public need to be reassured that emergency services can respond quickly. The situation is unacceptable – government ministers need to step in to find a solution.”
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Ham Close timeline update
News from Hill, the developers of Ham Close: “We are in phase one of the works. Four new blocks are currently being built, plus the new Community Centre (the Hive) and the new space for Richmond MakerLabs. The new buildings are expected to be ready for use by spring/summer 2026.”
Apply for local and climate grants
Social Value Fund for Ham
As part of the Ham Close redevelopment, Hill (the developers) have pledged £250,000 annually for the next eight years to support communities in Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) areas.
Residents, community groups, registered charities and not-for-profit groups or social enterprises can apply for a share of this £2 million Social Value Fund.
Projects should focus on health and wellbeing, learning and development, or financial security and support. Successful past bids include a girls’ mentoring project and fixing the grounds around Redknap House.
Andrée says: “If you have an idea for a project, do apply; look on the RHP website: rhp.org.uk/customer-engagement/ham-social-value-grant for more information.”
Funding for green initiatives
Richmond Council is offering climate action microgrants to help spark and support locally-led climate action initiatives. Applications will be assessed every other month.
Details:
- Grants from £100 to £500
- For community groups, schools, individuals or non-profits
- For events and initiatives that promote positive behaviours around climate change and sustainability
- Next deadline: Friday 27 June 2025
For more info and to apply:
richmond.gov.uk/news/news_april_2025/funding_to_support_your_green_initiative
Solar power – a community vision for renewable energy
If you are a Ham homeowner interested in solar, do sign up to attend the information evening in Ham Library, 7-9pm, on Tuesday 10 June.
- Options, pricing and payback time for solar and batteries
- Using local trusted firms and benefiting the local economy
- Other affordable measures to help you save money, carbon and increase comfort.
