BCA NEWS

Barnes Community Association AGM

The BCA AGM will take place at Rose House on Thursday 14 May at 7:30pm. The meeting is open to all residents but only BCA members may vote. We look forward to welcoming you for business and a glass of wine. RSVP to info@barnes-ca.org.

BCA announces new Executive Director

We are delighted to announce that Emma Robinson is stepping up into the role of Executive Director at BCA, marking an exciting new chapter for our charity.

Emma has been a dedicated and highly valued member of the BCA team for a number of years, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to our mission and the communities we support. Throughout her time with the BCA, she has built strong relationships, played a key role in delivering priority local projects, and exemplified the values that underpin our work.

Having grown within the charity, Emma brings not only a wealth of experience but also a strong sense of continuity and a clear understanding of our purpose and future direction. Emma’s appointment reflects both her significant contributions to date and the confidence we have in her leadership.  Emma will continue to undertake her responsibilities as Town Centre Manager within this new role. 

BCA/OSO Outdoor Stage

Join us for a fantastic evening of live music at the BCA/OSO Outdoor Stage on Saturday 6 June.

This year’s line-up features two crowd pleasing tribute acts - The Backbeat Beatles, celebrating the iconic sound of the Fab Four, and David Live, bringing the music of David Bowie to life.

With a BBQ, bar and a selection of stalls on site, plus DJ Tom Ato keeping the atmosphere going between sets, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening in Barnes. Festival Passes are available so you can settle in and enjoy the full line-up.

Buy Tickets

Changes ahead for e-bike users in Barnes

Many cyclists in Barnes currently rely on e-bikes to travel locally and across the river. Lime is the currently the majority operator but this is all set to change - whether we like it or not! - following a decision by Richmond Council last month.

Forest is set to become the sole e-bike provider operating in Richmond borough. While we transition to Forest, riders will still find Lime in the borough, but from this summer Forest will be the stand-alone operator. Forest is expected to deliver at least the same number of bikes as are currently available from Lime, helping to ensure convenient access for regular users.

The full rollout is anticipated in June in the Barnes area and we will provide information as it becomes available to help residents prepare for the changes that come with a new provider. 

BCA responds to TfL’s consultation on buses in Barnes

Earlier this year TfL conducted a major consultation into the future of buses in Barnes. The Travel Barnes Ponder team responded on behalf of the BCA and last month TfL published their consultation findings. There was some good news – TfL has agreed to the team’s request to significantly reduce the dead running of buses on Howsman Road and to extend route 378 to Putney Bridge Underground station. 

However the Travel Barnes team has some major concerns about a couple of TfL’s proposals which we believe will impact negatively on Barnes and on its residents. These proposals include turning buses around the island on Barnes High Street and standing buses by the pond and the frequency of the new 533 which will replace the 209. We are in discussion with TfL about both of these points.  The 419 and 33 were not part of the consultation and these routes remain unchanged. You can find a full summary of the proposed changes on our website.

If you’re interested in travel in Barnes and would like to join the Travel Barnes group please get in touch travel@barnes-ca.org.

Update from our Greenkeeper

Work to maintain and enhance The Green has continued this month, with Russell weeding and re-sowing the wildflower areas to keep them full of colour for the season ahead and providing an important habitat for pollinators over the coming months. Work also continues on the Beverley Brook project, with seven trees now planted, 800 plug plants in place, and further re-seeding underway with wildflower seed. Two Black Poplar trees have also been planted by the pond as part of a conservation programme led by Barnes Common, helping to protect one of the UK’s rarest native tree species.

In wider local wildlife news, restrictions on feeding birds have now eased following concerns around spreading avian flu.

Men’s Shed restore FiSH noticeboard

The Men’s Shed team has once again been hard at work, this time restoring the FiSH noticeboard located next to the BCA Book Exchange.

While projects like this may seem small, they play an important role in maintaining the local neighbourhood.

Join us to hear about progress with Ponder projects at the next Barnes Town Team meeting

Interested in finding out about the BCA’s campaign on buses, or about our exciting new Barnes website project or about the work of the Men’s Shed? Join us to find out about these Ponder projects and many more at the Barnes Town Team meeting on Wednesday 13 May 6:30pm-8pm at the Barnes Green Centre next to Barnes Pond. No need to RSVP, just turn up!

The Barnes Town Team meets every quarter to update residents on progress with the Barnes Ponder projects. Come along and meet our teams of volunteers and find out what we have planned for the next few months. You can also sign up to volunteer.

Barnes Tuesday Local

We were thrilled to welcome The Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Penny Frost to the Barnes Tuesday local on 21 April. She said a few words to welcome everyone, and we were delighted by the fantastic turnout from across the community.

Barnes Tuesday Local is a great new initiative to bring together new and old residents of Barnes every Tuesday from 6pm - 8pm at The Bulls Head in Barnes - everyone is welcome!

Join us for a Community Morning in North Barnes

Join us from 10:30am-12:30pm on Saturday 16 May, for a relaxed Community Morning in North Barnes on the Castelnau Parade.

It’s a great opportunity to meet the team from the Barnes Community Association, find out more about what we do, and share what matters to you. We’ll be chatting about BCA membership, volunteering, and how you can get involved. Enjoy a drink, listen to live music and also take advantage of the offers taking place in the shops in the parade by Hammersmith Bridge.

Chelsea is in bloom and so is Barnes!

Every year many residents head over the river to visit the stunning Chelsea Flower Show. This year we are taking advantage of the enthusiasm for all things floral - inspired by the success of the Barnes in Bloom Front Garden Awards - with a new partnership with Barnes Artists during Chelsea Flower Show week – Chelsea is in bloom and so is Barnes.

We are collaborating with our local florists, flower shops and greengrocers on a floral trail displaying art from some of Barnes’ most successful artists. Chelsea is in bloom and so is Barnes takes place between Saturday 16 May - Saturday 23 May.

Participating businesses include The Flower Room and Maison Maioli on White Hart Lane, Barnes Fruit and Veg on Barnes High Street and Two Peas in a Pod, Barnes Pantry and Bella’s Fruit and Veg on Church Road. At these businesses you can view and purchase stunning floral art from artists who live and work in Barnes including Michelle Hawes, Sophia Bloxham, Sarah Dickinson, Shirley Henry, Jo Holland, Katie James, David Pearce, Sue Pearce, Lori Shaul and Caitriona Tamlyn.  

Enjoy a taste of Chelsea Flower Show here in Barnes!

Find out more

WHAT’S ON AT ROSE HOUSE

Fireside Folktales

This May 23 & 24, the Fireside Folktales Barnes Fringe Festival brings a mix of theatre and storytelling to venues around Barnes, including a full day of performances at Rose House.

This exciting new festival, supported in part by BCA, celebrates myths, legends and classic tales through imaginative, contemporary retellings for a range of ages.

At Rose House, the programme includes:

Lullabies & Love Stories (8+), a surreal and imaginative retelling of folk tales and ballads in a modern setting

First Time Tales (8+), an improvised storytelling experience shaped by the audience

Daedalus & Icarus (15+), a powerful modern adaptation of the classic myth

Plucked (18+), a dark retelling of Persephone and Demeter

Explore the full programme and book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/shadowroad

OTHER NEWS

Barnes Fragrance Fair

Following the success of last year’s event, the Barnes Fragrance Fair returns on Saturday 16 May, bringing together over 35 of the UK’s best independent fragrance brands and perfumers. The fair is free to attend across the Barnes Green Centre and Barnes Methodist Church venues, with a programme of workshops, talks and even a scented walk celebrating the role of fragrance in everyday life.

Find out more and book tickets for walks, talks and workshops at www.barnesfragrancefair.com

Volunteer Fundraising Trustee at the OSO

The OSO is seeking an experienced Fundraising Trustee to join its Board and help shape the next stage of its development. This is an opportunity for someone with strong fundraising insight and strategic judgement to support a growing arts charity in strengthening its income base, whether bringing prior trustee experience or stepping into a first board role. 

The OSO is particularly interested in individuals who can help identify income opportunities, develop fundraising strategy, and build confidence and momentum in this area. For more information, please contact sue@osoarts.org.uk or sharon@osoarts.org.uk. 

Police Liaison Group Meeting

The Barnes Police Liaison Group (PLG) will take place on Monday 11 May, 7pm at the Barnes Green Day Centre, Church Road, SW13 9HE. Residents are encouraged to attend to hear local updates, raise concerns, and speak directly with the local police team.

All welcome.

Walking Netball in Barnes

Walking Netball runs year-round, outdoors in fine weather and indoors when needed, helping players build skills, improve fitness and support their mental wellbeing through regular drills and gameplay. Open to all abilities, it offers a relaxed way to stay active, with no experience required - just the ability to catch and throw a ball. For more information, visit: https://rut.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/walking-netball