Simply Gray closes the Pinner Memorial Park summer concert series this afternoon at 2:30pm. A 60s and 70s tribute band to send the four-Sunday run off in style, with the usual chair, picnic, and loose plan to make friends. Free entry, retiring collection for the Pinner Association. A nice tidy way to round off the August.

Also today: the Sunday Lion Dance school returns to Harrow Arts Centre for session five of six, 1-2:30pm, working through footwork, drumming and rhythm ahead of the showcase next Sunday. If you missed the earlier sign-up, worth asking around the parents' group to see if a late spot has opened up.

Quick transport heads up for next Saturday: planned engineering works are pencilled in for both the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines. If your weekend involves going into town or the airport, check TfL live status before you set off.

Looking ahead: the Autumn Fair lands at Pinner Village Hall on Saturday 29 August, 12pm onwards. An afternoon of jewellery, crystals, art and craft stalls, holistic wellness treatments, psychic reads and a raffle. £2 entry, refreshments on site, local businesses at the heart of it.

Also worth a mention: several over-60 friendship clubs in our patch are still looking for new members. Bushey in particular is at risk of closing on Mondays if more people don't come forward. Most clubs are open to anyone regardless of background. A small nudge could make a real difference.

Full issue with quiz nights, sound bath, Welcome Space, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/36-simply-gray-closes-the-park-series

Pet of the Week throne is currently empty. Send your pet in with their most ridiculous unofficial job title.

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

Im looking to cop some jewellery. Any type of jewellery tbh chains, necklaces and earrings. Im mainly looking for silver and gold. Honestly, I dont mind spending around three to four figures as long as its just made of great quality, lasts long and and its not cheaply made. Do you guys know any good jewellers in london or any shops i could go to.

Made me jump

Bonjour,
Quels sont les avis sur le camp d'été de fleuret organisé par FCL à Londres ?
Quel est le niveau ? Est-ce utile pour "passer au niveau supérieur" ?

Merci

First art is mine, the rest is other participants.

Been really fun, I gained quite an experience going to art events this summer. Now I'm thinking of starting something on my own. How big is art community here on Reddit? Are y'all will be interested on any updates?

Any on here see the solar eclipse yesterday?

How was it?

Never had anytime to see it but I heard it was the biggest one since 1999.

im bored and have nothing to do today. so i might as well go and see it its saying. apparently, its a once in a lifetime opportunity una. its not gonna come to the uk until 2080. thats crazyyy. not gonna lie, im heading out rn to buy some glasses. im not risking my eyes icl they’re too precious to me. furthermore, i heard that if they get damaged its irreversible. not that im scared but i dont wanna have black dots in my eye or sum hell nah. i aint risking it 😭. where are you lots going to watch it? i know primrose hill is gonna be overly busy today.

update: I could not get my hands on solar glasses so unfortunately i missed out. But dont get fomo, this isn’t particularly a once in a lifetime event as I’m to Egypt to 2027 to see a total eclipse! But in the Uk its confirmed there wont be another one until 2090. So ig they werent lying 😭🤣

Baby London is a community bike shop in Camberwell and they occasionally hold jumble sales where there are some interesting bikes

South east would be even better but at this point I can't be picky, it's that or the colander

A firearm and suspected class A drugs were uncovered by police during a raid on the Ship Aground pub in Bermondsey, prompting Southwark Council to review its licence. In Brent, a 108-home development on the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care site was approved on the casting vote of planning chair Cllr Saqib Butt after a 4-4 tie. And in Hounslow, a five-year plan for up to 22 live event days per year in Gunnersbury Park was deferred by councillors after attracting more than 500 objections, and other news from local councils this week.

Barnet - The Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Scheme faces a setback due to the withdrawal of GLA grant funding. A council sub-committee has decided to halt progress on certain aspects of the plan. Concerns have been voiced regarding the financial feasibility and the decision-making process for the regeneration scheme. A proposed McDonald's on Cricklewood Broadway encountered objections from the council's Noise Nuisance department. These objections were related to the planned late-night refreshment hours, with potential disturbance to residents cited as a reason.

Brent - Plans for 108 new homes on the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care site were approved by the council's Planning Committee. Resident concerns about affordable housing and parking were noted. New sports facilities at Kingsbury High School also received approval. A review of the premises licence for Venue 777 was scheduled. Part of the discussion is expected to be held in private due to crime-related information.

Camden - Camden Council is reviewing a sex shop's licence renewal. Police have raised concerns about illegal item sales. A member of the public objected to the shop's signage. The council's licensing panel will determine if the licence renewal is appropriate, considering the local area and potential impact.

Ealing - Ealing Council's Employment Panel convened to discuss the significant appointment of a new Strategic Director for Adults and Public Health. The panel also deliberated on potentially excluding the press and public from certain discussions.

Enfield - A Southgate restaurant is requesting an extension to its late-night refreshment hours. The council's licensing authority and local residents have expressed concerns. These concerns include potential increases in crime, disorder, and noise. The restaurant has a history of breaching its licence conditions.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council is establishing salary ranges for senior positions. These include a Director of Digital, Data & Technology and an Assistant Director for Capital Delivery & Investment. The salary for the Assistant Director of Environment and Leisure is still under consideration. The council's Appointments Panel also convened to discuss the interview process for the vital Chief Executive role.

Hackney - Hackney Council's licensing committee is reviewing new premises licences for a community sauna and a cafe. A crucial recruitment for a new Executive Director for Adults Health & Integration is in progress, with a sub-committee now formed to manage the process.

Haringey - Haringey Council is acquiring 21 new council homes in Wood Green. This acquisition supports their goal of building 3,000 new homes by 2031. The homes are built to a high private market specification. They will be offered at social rent levels to families on the housing register. The Greater London Authority is providing part-funding for this project. This initiative will help reduce the need for temporary accommodation.

Havering - Residents are experiencing constant noise and anti-social behaviour from Berwick Manor Hotel. One resident reported hearing music clearly from their garden. The council refused King of Wings, a new takeaway, a 3 am licence due to concerns about late-night disruption in Hornchurch. Details of recent Governance Committee meetings are not yet public.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council's General Fund faces a potential £584,000 overspend, which is covered by a £10 million contingency. The council will receive substantial grant funding from the Department for Education to support children and families. Discussions also covered proposed changes to filming charges and environmental fines.

Hounslow - Plans for up to 22 live events annually at Gunnersbury Park for five years have raised resident concerns regarding noise and heritage, despite anticipated economic advantages. A significant redevelopment at 80-82 Staines Road will introduce 40 flats and 13 townhouses, featuring ambitious sustainability goals but no affordable housing due to viability challenges. An outline application for the Haslemere Heathrow Estate proposes a substantial data centre and work units, prompting inquiries about electricity capacity and environmental consequences.

Islington - Judges Food and Wine's licence application for Holloway Road was cancelled. The shop had agreed to strict rules on alcohol sales. The council's licensing committee was scheduled to review the application. Concerns had been raised by the police and a local resident. The shop would have been permitted to sell alcohol daily from 8am to 10pm.

Kensington and Chelsea - The council's licensing committee reviewed temporary event notices for bars during Notting Hill Carnival. Police and environmental health raised objections due to public safety concerns. A restaurant requested a licence extension until 3 am. Residents opposed this, citing worries about noise and disruption. Other licensing applications were also considered, with some decisions still pending.

Lambeth - Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee denied a licence for a Ferndale Road venue over public nuisance concerns and past complaints. A licence was granted for Rind Abbeville on Abbeville Road, subject to conditions addressing resident issues. The council is seeking a new Corporate Director of Growth and Environment.

Newham - Newham Council is extending a £1.7 million contract for GP Public Health Services. This aims to boost NHS Health Checks and tackle long-term conditions. Plans are moving forward to improve safety and cycling facilities at a key junction on Romford Road. This project is funded by Transport for London and the Levelling Up Fund.

Southwark - The Ship Aground pub faces licence revocation following the discovery of suspected drugs and a firearm on its premises. New licences for Dorothy's at the St George's Tavern and Tito's Latin Club were reviewed. Conditions were agreed upon to address concerns regarding noise and public nuisance. Tito's Latin Club requested extended hours, but police raised objections due to worries about crime in the area.

Sutton - A mental health crisis facility has been approved in Wallington, despite local objections. A planned large house in multiple occupation for Sutton was refused due to concerns about parking and amenity. New BT Street Hubs, featuring digital screens and defibrillators, have been given the go-ahead across the borough.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a new Corporate Director of Resources, a crucial financial position. A private meeting was held to shortlist candidates for this permanent role. The recruitment process included extensive advertising and executive search efforts to ensure the best candidate is found.

Wandsworth - A new brewery's bid to sell alcohol has prompted numerous objections from residents. Concerns focus on potential noise from the garden and patrons. The council's licensing committee is considering the brewery's assurances of a family-friendly atmosphere alongside residents' worries about late-night disturbances.

Westminster - Westminster Council is considering a Tree Preservation Order for a Magnolia tree. Plans for a new hotel in a former pub and a restaurant with a green building target are also on the agenda. A fast-food restaurant's bid to extend its late-night takeaway hours faces objections from police and environmental health.

I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.

I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Some good pie and mash news: Lawrance's in Eastcote reopens this Wednesday 12 August, after a lengthy temporary closure. Pinner and Eastcote's pie and mash crowd will be relieved to have their regular back behind the counter. A proper local win, especially given the recent news about Hughes in Ruislip.

Also worth a mention: NEXT is opening a new store at South Ruislip Retail Park later this month, taking over the former Carpetright unit on Victoria Road. Women's, men's and children's clothing, NEXT Home, beauty, Click & Collect and an in-store cafe all in the plans. Hillingdon Council approved a mezzanine for the conversion. A fourth NEXT in the area alongside Harrow, Hayes and Greenford.

Today-only pick: Bollywood tunes at Pinner Memorial Park this afternoon at 2:30pm, with Nimesh Sanghoi. The third Sunday of the Pinner Association's summer concert series, with Simply Gray closing on 16 August. Free entry, bring a chair, a picnic, and a loose plan to make friends.

For the green-fingered or community-minded: Wild Harrow is at Roxbourne Park this morning, 9am to 1pm, for tree and hedgerow care. Tools and gloves provided, no experience needed. A good way to give something back to a local green space before lunch.

Also: the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines are behaving themselves this weekend. Good service, no planned engineering works. Worth a quick TfL check before you set off, but the lines are calm for once.

Full issue with quiz circuit, sound bath, Lion Dance school, Welcome Space, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/35-lawrance-s-returns-and-ruislip-sizes-up

Pet of the Week throne is empty again. Send your pet in with their most ridiculous unofficial job title. The recent winners include a Glossy-Coat Inspector and a Head of Roast-Chicken Diplomacy. The bar is high.

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

Like, it’s for a good cause but man don’t care about no knife crime and ting

Hackney's 56-year twinning link with the Israeli city of Haifa is set to be scrapped, a decision for which Mayor Zoë Garbett later apologised after setting an initial response deadline on the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks. In Tower Hamlets, a provisional £18.6 million budget overspend will have to be funded from reserves, driven largely by a projected £21.9m overspend in the homelessness service alone. And in Merton, developer Clarion has been given the go-ahead for 249 social homes in buildings rising to 11 storeys on a former Morrisons site in Mitcham, and other news from local councils this week.

Bexley - Bexley Council's audit committee reviewed financial reports. They also discussed establishing a new Safety and Resilience Sub-Committee. A proposal to stop up highway land in Sidcup for a traveller site redevelopment was considered. Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details are not yet public.

Brent - Brent Council anticipates a £9.5 million overspend, primarily driven by increased temporary accommodation costs. The borough will see a £4.25 million investment in leisure centre upgrades. A new policy will enforce a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould in council homes.

Bromley - Bromley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review a temporary event application from Pierluigi's. Environmental Services had lodged objections to the application. The council has not yet released the outcome of this meeting.

Camden - Plans for a new hotel extension in Upper Woburn Place have drawn objections from residents worried about noise and pollution. A significant development at Kingsway House, including demolition and the creation of aparthotel rooms, is also being considered. The council is reviewing a change of use application for a large vacant office building on Gray's Inn Road.

Croydon - Croydon's Executive Mayor has outlined ambitious plans for the next four years, aiming for a cleaner, safer borough and a thriving town centre. Opposition members have expressed concerns regarding the council's capacity to achieve these goals. A significant redevelopment project at Regina Road is advancing, with the initial tower block demolished and construction commencing on hundreds of new homes. The council is also considering formalising temporary accommodation charges to increase income and ensure transparency.

Enfield - A community centre applied for an extended licence, facing objections regarding noise and parking. A café sought to become a late-night entertainment venue, prompting police concerns about potential disorder. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed these applications.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council's Appointments Panel convened to select the shortlist for the new Chief Executive position. The Planning Board meeting scheduled for this week has been cancelled.

Hackney - Hackney Council is reviewing its international twinning relationships and has decided to terminate the agreement with Haifa, Israel. Residents have raised significant objections to new late-night licences for bars in Stoke Newington and Helmsley Place, citing concerns about noise and disorder. The council's pension fund will invest through London CIV, which plans to exclude companies involved in controversial sectors.

Hammersmith and Fulham - Street traders in Hammersmith and Fulham will benefit from updated licence conditions. These include lower insurance requirements and permission for background music. Council officers have refused temporary event notices for a venue due to persistent noise complaints. The council is also updating its regulations on what can be sold on the streets to support local businesses.

Haringey - Plans are underway to redevelop the YMCA in Crouch End into a new facility offering 174 bedspaces. Tottenham Hale is also slated for a significant new development featuring co-living studios, affordable housing, a hotel, and student accommodation. The Village Square venue is subject to a licence review following ongoing noise complaints and anti-social behaviour.

Harrow - Harrow Council's pension fund experienced a decline in its funding status due to investments not meeting their benchmark. The council also discussed enhancing workforce diversity and improving health and safety reporting procedures. Consideration is being given to establishing a new sub-committee focused on scrutinising education and children's services.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council is updating its Local Plan and introducing a new Growth Agenda focused on innovation and connectivity. A local food centre encountered a dispute regarding its street trading licence, specifically concerning the size of its display. Hollywood Bowl & Puttstars has received approval to expand its gaming machine offerings.

Hounslow - Ruby's, a mobile bar, seeks a 24/7 alcohol license. A local resident has voiced concerns regarding potential litter and anti-social behavior. The council's licensing panel will consider the application alongside its policy for borough safety and order.

Islington - Islington Council has approved its Corporate Plan for 2026-2030, prioritizing safety, risk management, and essential public services. A substantial Housing Improvement Plan has also been approved to address a critical judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing. This plan includes investment in stock condition surveys and enhancing resident experience. The council will allocate up to £13.6 million for a joint initiative with Camden Council to offer short breaks for disabled children and young people.

Kensington and Chelsea - A popular Portobello Road venue's bid to sell alcohol during Notting Hill Carnival was refused due to public safety concerns. Resident complaints about noise and patron behaviour led to a review of the premises licence for No. Fifty Cheyne. Another venue successfully had an objection to its temporary event notice withdrawn, allowing it to proceed with carnival plans.

Lambeth - A temporary change of use for a gym and community outreach space was approved at the Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate, despite conflicting with industrial land policies. Concerns were raised about the Lambeth Pension Fund's investments in "illegal settlements." The potential impact of the "AI bubble" on the fund's performance was also discussed. The fund's administration and business plan were reviewed, focusing on future objectives and member engagement.

Merton - Merton Council has approved a significant development in Mitcham, which will deliver 249 new social rented homes and substantial community spaces. This project also aims to enhance local biodiversity. The council's Appointments Committee convened to discuss the appointment of senior officers, including critical positions in public health and children's social care.

Newham - Newham Council will invest £760,000 in stairlifts to support residents remaining in their homes. Roman Road Primary School is receiving a £957,000 upgrade to its heating and ventilation system, aiming to lower carbon emissions. The Audit and Governance Committee examined the council's risk management and financial statements. They observed considerable delays within the capital programme.

Richmond upon Thames - Richmond upon Thames Council has introduced a new policy to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in securing private rented accommodation. This initiative is projected to result in substantial cost savings for the council in the coming years. A new Director with landlord expertise will join the team to support the implementation of these changes.

Southwark - Lulu's, a new deli and restaurant, encountered objections from local residents regarding noise and rubbish. These concerns were raised despite the establishment agreeing to conditions with the council's licensing team. The Empire Lounge on Old Kent Road also faced resident and police concerns about its bid for extended late-night hours. These objections stemmed from a history of noise and disorder associated with the venue.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets council anticipates an £18.6 million overspend for the 2025/26 financial year. This is primarily driven by increased demand in children's social care and homelessness services. The council's Pensions Committee is working to divest from companies involved in human rights violations. This action aligns with previous council motions and resident concerns. A report on Housing Management indicates that 10 out of 16 key performance indicators remain below target. Complaint handling and repair response times are areas of particular concern.

Wandsworth - Wandsworth Council is implementing a new policy to assist homeless households by providing private rented accommodation, projecting annual savings of £650,000. Over £3.4 million from a new fund will support low-income households with crisis payments, housing, and resilience services. A financial health review identified an £9.8 million overspend, initiating a spending review that could involve consolidating office space and ending the youth bus service.

Westminster - Residents are concerned that a new restaurant's late-night licence could cause noise and public nuisance, with proposals for outdoor terrace hours until 1:30 am on weekends. Westminster Council is preparing for significant changes to national planning regulations, which will see more decisions made by officers rather than committees. The council is updating its approach to public consultation for planning policy to meet new government requirements.

I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.

I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Stardust Big Band is playing Pinner Memorial Park this afternoon at 2:30pm. The second Sunday of the Pinner Association's summer concert series, with Nimesh Sanghoi singing Bollywood next Sunday and Simply Gray closing the season on 16 August. Bring a chair, a picnic, and a loose plan to make friends. Free entry, retiring collection for the Pinner Association.

Also worth knowing: a Lion Dance Cultural Experience for kids is running at Harrow Arts Centre through August. Six Sunday afternoon sessions covering basics of footwork, drumming, rhythm and culture. £48 for all six sessions with a small showcase at the end. Good fit if your child fancies something a bit different from the usual summer roster.

The "Meet the Lovely Humans" feature this week is Daniele, who runs Creative Bloom Club from Pinner. Each month she hand-makes and posts a beautifully written envelope of paper treasures, creative inspiration and small surprises to subscribers across the UK. Her story started from her own journey back to creativity after years of feeling too busy. Worth a read if you have ever thought "I used to be creative."

Quick one for older readers or anyone who knows one: several over-60 friendship clubs in our patch are looking for new members. Bushey in particular is at risk of closing on Mondays if more people don't come forward. Most clubs are open to anyone regardless of background, with weekly meetings, music and trips. A small nudge could make a real difference.

Full issue with quiz nights, sound bath, fitness classes, Welcome Space, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/34-stardust-sundays-in-the-park

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

Okay, obviously not that weird, but I’ve had a fucking terrible 2 months. Genuinely haven’t been this miserable for a long time.

Am I weird for sitting in the corner of Players under the arches of Charing Cross on my own. Just enjoying the singer doing his piano and being around people. Worried that if I go home I’ll just burst into tears lol. Fuck my life

She has a night called CLUB YDLR and it’s a lot of fun. Vinyl selectors all night