We had an excellent lunch earlier today at Squires Garden Centre, where we were joined by the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Penny Frost, as well as Lesley from Homelink, Robin Jowit (briefly), and members of Kew and Richmond Rotary Clubs. The Mayor spoke about the importance of voluntary organisations in Richmond Borough, especially with the ongoing financial pressures everywhere. Lesley spoke about Homelink's work and recent activities, while Robin talked about their providing 3D printers and scanners to schools in Ukraine to train the next generation of engineers and technicians who will surely be needed there in the future. Many thanks to Squires and to Colin for providing us with an excellent lunch, and to all of those who attended. We started to distribute our crocus corms in aid of End Polio Now, which are available at £5 per bag - if you would like some to plant then please contact Eva. Richard Ward's advice (and he should know) is that they should be planted at least 4 inches deep in the soil, and preferably a bit deeper, so that squirrels do not dig them up over the winter. (fb)

The Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital will be holding a Charity Bridge Event evening on Friday 21st November, at the Richmond Bridge Club's Bowling Club Pavilion in Cambridge Park. This will be a friendly bridge tournament accompanied by a two course Thai meal and complementary drink. All proceeds from the event and raffle will go to supporting TMH and its work. So if you know your Psych Overcall from your Light Third-Hand, or if you know when to use a Jettison Discard, then come along and support them! Please see https://friends-tmh.co.uk/charity-bridge-event/ for further information and tickets. (fb)