A small group of clients enjoyed a group excursion to The Isabella Plantation this week. We were all taken with the beauty and tranquility of the place – it was green and lush, and everything looked so healthy. Lots of vibrant colour dotted amongst the trees, but the many shades of green and different shaped vegetation attracted the eye too. We enjoyed seeing young children on a nursery excursion and some ducks with ducklings as well as the beautiful nature. Lastly we warmed up with coffee in Pembroke lodge, and dropped our clients home all in great form after such beautiful sights.
Kew Gardens Trip
10 July 2026
The FiSH bus took us to Kew Gardens this afternoon, and despite the very warm weather, a group of clients and volunteers enjoyed a walk around the colourful shaded paths and avenues. Along the way, we admired Henry Moore’s Monumental Nature exhibition. We were delighted that brand-new RGN volunteer Rhisa joined us!
Trumpeters House
11 June 2026
In spite of the most miserable weather forecast, the rain held off and twenty RGN guests enjoyed the most delightful afternoon in the gardens of Trumpeters House followed by a delicious tea.
Home made cakes were provided by Vicky Guiton and our wonderful DofE students, Lara and Phillip and even our Director, Anne whisked up a Victoria sponge cake.
Thank you to the volunteers Alison, Jess, Carey and Dinah who helped with transport and with making endless cups of tea.
Special thanks must go to Susanne Lap for making everyone feel so welcome in her cosy kitchen, and to her gardener John, who showed us round, helping clients navigate paths and slopes safely!
Some feedback from our clients
“A lovely day, the size and beauty of the garden was a surprise and delight, the tea was delicious and the rain kept away. Thank you for organising it all, a lot of thought went into it on our behalf. Everyone was so kind, welcoming and helpful. So many thanks to all involved, good wishes to you all.” GG
“Thank you for organising such a wonderful afternoon visit yesterday. The garden brought peace, the company stimulation, the house memories of past tenants Pamela and daughter Sara, the keen gardeners whom I knew and what can I say about the tea party? YUM! YUM!”
“Our hosts were so hospitable. A delightful afternoon.” HJ
“Thanks Anne it was a delightful afternoon despite the poor weather. Susanne was so welcoming and a privilege to see that stunning garden and have tea. Your new volunteer is lovely but then they all are, I am so lucky to have help from Richmond Good Neighbours.” MF
Kew Village Market Donation
7 June 2026
We were delighted to have been presented with a cheque for £1000 from Kew Village Market which will cover the cost of printing and posting our quarterly newsletter to all our clients and will cover the cost of sending every registered client a birthday card.
In a world where many residents are not digitally connected, this newsletter keeps them up to date with forthcoming events which they can attend, making enquiries by phone!
Thank you Kew Village Market for choosing to support us.
Isabella Plantation visit
15 May 2026
May Fair Tombola 2026
10 May 2026
After a few anxious weeks monitoring weather forecasts the sun came out and it was a glorious day on The Green. RGN had a great location and we were busy all day selling raffle tickets for our “Ten Green Bottle” themed stall. Who would have thought our volunteers could have had a previous existence working as traders or barrow boys but they sold tickets with passion and the winners accepted their prizes of Fairy Liquid or wine bottles with humour!
Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, collected bottles, set up and staffed the stall and worked hard to make it a very successful fundraising event.
Fay ran the London Marathon for us!
26 April 2026
Volunteer and former RGN employee, Fay Davidson, ran the London Marathon on Sunday, raising funds for our vital work here at RGN. We are so very proud of Fay and thankful to GreenspaceTW1 for helping her prepare. You can still make a donation HERE.
An incredible achievement!
An afternoon of crafting
11 March 2026
A small group of clients attended a jewellery workshop this afternoon led by Sara Elvin. Clients were shown how to thread beads onto elasticated thread and allowed to let their imagination run wild with their preferred colour combinations. One volunteer used the opportunity to repair a broken bracelet which was heading to the bin. Crafting and chatting felt like a perfect way to spend an hour on a Wednesday afternoon.
And there is always cake made by our Duke of Edinburgh volunteers Lara and Phillip.
Thanks to Sara for giving up her time and bringing all the essential component parts for everyone to go home with a keepsake.
Community Access Scheme at Kew
3 March 2026
As a member of the Community Access Scheme at Kew Gardens our clients were offered the chance to access this year’s orchids exhibition during quieter periods.
Our client HJ took advantage of the opportunity and had a wonderful visit on Monday with her helper.
Radnor choir visits the Cambrian Centre
12 February 2026
Radnor House School Prep choir visited the Cambrian Centre this week. Pupils sang beautifully and enjoyed chatting and sharing a laugh with our clients over tea and cake.
Some colourful cheer in January
27 January 2026
We had another delivery of wonderful cheerful spring flowers today donated by Sainsbury’s, Amanda’s Flowers and Bramble and Moss delivered to our chosen clients. Once again these arrangements were put together by Lyn and Julie for The Pink Project.
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- It was Frank’s birthday too!
AI and the Historian
14 January 2026
Our Cambrian Talk last week was a great way to start off the New Year with an introduction to “AI and The Historian.” Mark Lucas showed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to bring historical images to life, recolouring black and white photos, recreating the inside of buildings such as Richmond Palace, which is now in ruins, and illustrating with AI enhanced imagery, life as it might have been.
Our clients loved this introduction to the world of AI questioning how they can trust the information given and amazed by the speed of the answers. We think there’s an opportunity for another talk on this fascinating topic!
Thanks once again to our Duke of Edinburgh students, Lina and Philip, for delivering delicious cakes for tea.
Gift bags at Christmas time
24 December 2025
Santa’s elves worked overtime at RGN, as they got ready to deliver 150 gift bags to our clients around Richmond. With thanks to the North Richmond Scouts, Sheen Mount Primary School and Deer Park School for helping put the bags together and deliver them.
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Carols at Radnor Prep
10 December 2025
We were delighted to be invited to Radnor House Prep School for a morning of carols and music. The children sang beautifully with the words projected onto a screen so all our clients who attended could participate. There were talented solo performances by several children including a rousing Good Kind Wenceslas on the trumpet which made everyone feel very Christmassy.
Our clients had time to chat to the children who performed after the concert over a cup of coffee and cake.
Thank you to the PTA for the generous gift bags for clients to take home full of goodies. We love working with local schools and are looking forward to another performance in February by Radnor House Prep School.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
1 December 2025
On 1st December 22 clients and a couple of volunteers enjoyed a traditional tasty Christmas lunch at The Sun Inn on Parkshot. Thank you to Katie and her staff for their hospitality, greeting all our clients with warmth and kindness. The chef even prepared a complete take away meal for one client who was unwell on the day. We love working with local businesses to reduce social isolation at a time when many might be on their own.
The History of Richmond Bridge
12 November 2025
Our talk this month by Mark Lucas was on the history of Richmond Bridge which our clients and additional visitors really enjoyed. Mark Lucas’ use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance photos brings everything to life and we are looking forward to his next talk in 2026 on AI.
We are delighted to be able to offer two students, Philip and Lara from The German School at Petersham the opportunity to volunteer for RGN as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. They are going to do four hours volunteering a month and started off with the most delicious homemade bakes for our Cambrian tea. We look forward to seeing what they produce for our Christmas Afternoon Tea!
Full of Life at Holly Lodge
10 October 2025
We were delighted to be invited to visit Holly Lodge and to go on a Nature Trail as part of the “Full of Life” events being held across the Borough. On a beautiful autumn morning a group of clients were taken from the Victorian school room to the grounds at Holly Lodge, looking for wildlife and at floral and fauna. After a busy morning tea and delicious cakes brought the day to a close.
Thank you to our volunteers Sarah, Ann and Richard for escorting the visitors and to the Holly Lodge volunteers for taking such good care of everyone. Thanks also to FiSH for their wonderful minibus driver.
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RGN Volunteer Picnics
31 August 2025
Our clients benefit from thousands of hours of volunteer time donated each year. Without these volunteers Richmond Good Neighbours could not function. The Pagoda picnics provide an opportunity for volunteers to get together and for the trustees to say thank you.
An August afternoon in Kew Gardens
8 August 2025
Where better to spend a sunny August afternoon than Kew Gardens. We were a group of 10 including three volunteers, dropped off and collected by expert minibus driver Steve from FiSH. On arrival, spoilt for choice on what to see, some of the clients decided to head for the splendour of the great Broad Walk and a welcome cup of tea at the Orangerie. The rest of us opted for a leisurely tour of the gardens on the land train. All agreed that the colourful formal flowerbeds in front of the Palm House were the visual highlight of the day . The afternoon closed with everyone meeting for coffee and a good chat in the shade of the Victoria Gate café.
Thank you to Deirdre Hennessy, Sarah Keating and Richard Seaborne who escorted our clients today.
Strawberries, cream and tennis
9 July 2025
We had a lovely afternoon in July at The Cambrian Centre watching the tennis from Wimbledon’s Centre Court with strawberries and cream for our guests. This has become a regular fixture on our monthly tea calendar and is very popular with our clients.
Boat trip with Tamesis Club
10 June 2025
A group of ten RGN clients and two volunteers took a boat trip along the river from the Tamesis Club. It was the most peaceful cruise which included seal sightings along with many goslings and we even ventured through Hampton Lock which went very smoothly despite there being some rumours of strikes. On board, the delightful crew from the River Thames Boat Project served us tea and biscuits and then later we all enjoyed a delicious lunch of sandwiches and crisps. The crew (all volunteers) were so accommodating and even let us take turns steering. It was a joyous day and the Thames looked beautiful in all its June glory.
Cambrian Centre talk on WW2
14 May 2025
We were delighted to welcome Simon Fowler from the Richmond History Society to the Cambrian Centre this afternoon to give a talk about Richmond in WW2. We heard about how Churchill came to Old Deer Park the night before the election and gave a rallying speech! Our clients, two were children in Richmond during the war, shared memories of being evacuated to Devon, keeping chickens to have fresh eggs and having their Andersen shelters lined with carpet! Simon’s book on the subject is available to buy from The Museum of Richmond.
2025 Richmond May Fair
10 May 2025
Our popular tombola stall was back at the May Fair this year raising essential funds for the charity. The theme of our stall was “Grapes and Grain” which gave an assortment of potential prizes from bottles of Prosecco to granola bars. Many familiar faces came back to try their luck and walked away with a smile! And we were delighted that every last bottle and bag of grains was won. Thank you to everyone who donated, supported and volunteered on the day!
Spring lunch
10 April 2025
On a beautiful spring afternoon we welcomed guests to The ETNA Centre for a delicious homemade lunch followed by musical entertainment from The Connaught Opera which included hits from “Anything Goes” “The Mikado” and “Kiss me Kate” all accompanied by many changes of costume!
Thank you to the volunteer bakers, drivers and table hosts who made the lunch so enjoyable for those who were able to join us.
Summer Tea at ETNA
22 August 2024
Due to building works at The Cambrian Centre whilst a new kitchen is installed, we switched our monthly tea this month to the East Twickenham Neighbourhood Centre, rented a minibus to help with lifts and as always had a couple of volunteer drivers to bring our more fragile clients.
It was a lovely afternoon full of conversations in English, French and Spanish, we also had volunteers’ children with us and the wonderful ETNA staff to make everyone feel so welcome.
Thank you to everyone who helps to facilitate these monthly teas which bring isolated people together if only for an hour.
A special thank you to our funders who make it possible to rent a minibus and the venue.
Ham House
8 July 2024
A group of clients enjoyed a lovely outing to NT Ham House last week where we explored the house and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the lavender garden and the vibrant colours in the walled garden.
Thank you to Howard from FISH Neighbourhood Care who took such great care of everyone on the minibus.
Richmond May Fair
21 May 2024
The Richmond May Fair was back, bigger and better than ever and as Richmond Good Neighbours is very much part of the local community we were delighted to have a stall on Richmond Green.
It was time for a change from the successful “Gin”tastic stall, so this year we came up with a new theme of “Bubble and Truffles”. Our clients, volunteers and supporters in the local community embraced the theme with generous donations of chocolate truffles, Prosecco and Champagne, bubble bath, shampoos and even a couple of bottles of Fairy Liquid!
On a bright sunny day, a rare event in recent weeks, we set up our stall complete with a bubble machine and over 350 prizes. Some were lucky and went off with a haul of prizes and others were less fortunate, but everyone seemed to like the idea and accepted their prizes with a smile.
Thank you to a steady stream of RGN volunteers and family helpers who were there setting up at 7.30am, helped throughout the day and packed up at the end of the day at 5pm. Deidre delivered coffee and cinnamon buns, Fay’s daughter Mabel was a star finding the winning tickets and many others popped by to have a go and support the cause raising £1800. We will be back next year, on May 10th.
Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, visited the stall, spent money and helped on the day. A special thanks to the Richmond May Fair Committee who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the day run so smoothly.
Art Workshop at Holly Lodge
15 March 2024
On Friday 8th March we took a group of 10 clients to Holly Lodge last Friday to take part in an Art Workshop. The trip was a huge success and despite some trepidation from our clients about the art and what it might entail, much fun was had by all! The weather was beautiful and so was the artwork.
We painted parakeets onto bookmarks and printed dragon flies onto notecards. Perhaps the highlight was the tea and cake along with a chat at the end. Holly Lodge provided a wonderful workshop for us all so a big thank you to them along with our wonderful volunteers Penny, Alison and Ines.
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Painting of parakeet
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Rosie painting
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Glenys and Alwyn
A perfect afternoon
19 May 2023
It was a perfect afternoon for an outing to The Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park. Thank you to our volunteers, Jane, Carey and Janet who escorted the outing.
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Silver Sunday Tea
11 October 2022
The Mayor of Richmond attended RGN’s Silver Sunday afternoon tea on 9th October, spending time talking to guests and meeting volunteers. Musical entertainment was provided by Sarah Burley.
Held at the Avenue Club, Kew we welcomed guests from KNA, FiSH, The Avenue Club, Richmond Good Neighbours and other local residents.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with baking cakes, making sandwiches and serving tea as well as the drivers who helped to transport guests to and from the venue.
Special thanks to Deidre Pindar who co-ordinated the catering and to Janet Bradford who worked so hard setting up and clearing up.
We are grateful to LBRUT for the Full of Life grant which helped with the costs of running the event and must single out Siobhan from the Avenue Club for working with RGN to make the event come together.
Community Heroes Award
18 August 2021
In case you missed it, Richmond Good Neighbours was recently a recipient of the Community Hero Award, which is down to all our volunteers and your hard work.
You can see a clip of Anne talking about this wonderful achievement and our lockdown experience below.
