The London Buzz - 16th May 2025
Today's London news round-up:
⛪ The congregation at Our Lady of Grace in Charlton have been told their church can stay for another year – but the row between two Catholic communities over its long-term future goes on. Greenwich Wire
🌳 London should take lessons from Sweden on how to protect the capital's trees from droughts and diseases, an expert from Kew Gardens has told politicians. BBC News
🖼️ A design for a mural on a wall on Mortimer Street is to be chosen this month by a panel of judges representing corporate Fitzrovia. Fitzrovia News
🍔 More than 200 residents have signed a petition which aims to block “dark kitchens”, as planners get ready to reach a verdict on a new facility near Caledonian Road. Islington Tribune
🚗 Laurence Fox has denied encouraging people to damage ultra low emission zone (Ulez) cameras in London. BBC News
🚧 Thames Water has been ordered to pay more £100,000 for providing false notices and forcing pedestrians onto a busy West London carriageway. South London News
🏘️ Residents of Mortlake say young people are being squeezed out of the area, after a 1,075-home development was green-lit with a tiny proportion of affordable homes. Neighbournet
🚉 Network Rail has launched a new academy in Enfield to help develop “future rail talent”. Enfield Dispatch
🧑🦽 London bus drivers refuse to lower the ramps to allow a disabled child to board up to "12 times a week" a frustrated mum has revealed. Local London
🏞️ Work in Lammas Park, to protect homes and businesses from flooding has resumed after the revised design for its flood management scheme was approved by Ealing Council. Around Ealing
And from ianVisits:
Former Royal Mint to host a public exhibition of Chinese coins
Victorian tiled railway maps restored at London’s Victoria Station
Cash, Coronets and Charcoal: Kenwood House’s portraits of America’s aristocratic ambitions
Tate Britain to replace front lawns with sculpture-filled wildlife garden
Some things to do in London tomorrow
Cheam Charter Fair - Free
The fair is thought to date back to 1259 when Henry III granted Cheam a charter making it a town. Firm historical records of Cheam Charter Fair date back to the 1800s when a fairground accompanied the market.
Barnes Fragrance Fair - Free
The Barnes Fragrance Fair will celebrate twenty independent fragrance brands and founders, an array of scent workshops plus a handful of talks.
Roughly monthly open day of the St Pancras Waterpoint tower - Donation
Tour an historic Grade II listed water tower with views of the Gasholders flats, the Coal Drops, Kings Cross area and St Pancras station.
Monthly guided tours of the Van Gogh house museum - £12
The Van Gogh house guided tours offer visitors an opportunity to learn about their most famous tenant, as well as the architecture, history, and future of the house.
Kensington Dollshouse Festival - £11.50
International event of the top dolls house builders, miniature artisans & DIY suppliers attending.
Nunhead Cemetery Open Day - Free
Annual open day by the Friends offering tours of the cemetery, and visits to the chapel and crypt.
The Danish Fair - £3
Inside the church, you will find stalls offering Danish design, crafts, antiques, plants and flowers, books, sweets, a bakery, café and much more, while the gardens serve up hot dogs, frikadeller, smørrebrød, lagkage and cold drinks from the bar.
Norway's National Day - £7.50
The annual celebration of the Norwegian National Day, with music and food, takes place in Southwark Park.
Waterloo classic cars meet - Free
A monthly display of classic cars in Waterloo - usually attracting around 20 vehicles.
LCW - Conservation, Carving and Gilding Demonstrations, Printmaking Workshops and Exhibitions - Free
City & Guilds of London Art School hosts a two-day event that showcases some of the historic and contemporary craft skills that they champion on their undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Monthly opening of the Barnet "Physic Well" - Free
Volunteers from Barnet Museum open the Barnet Physic Well, giving everyone free access to this little known part of Barnet’s heritage.
Fireworks display in Greenwich - Free
A fireworks display will take place on the Thames near the Royal Naval College, Greenwich.
Some things to do in London on Sunday
Free entry to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
As part of Dulwich Festival, you can enjoy free admission to the Permanent Collection (excludes temporary paid exhibitions).
Goose Green Fair - Free
A festive celebration of culture and community, the Goose Green Fair is a wonderful day out for all the family. From bouncy castles to a beer tent, handmade children’s clothing to homemade cakes, designer jewellery to local photography.
Visit a garden: MHA The Wilderness - £5
The Wilderness is a reformed heritage garden first created by Rev William Wilks, Vicar of Shirley and former secretary of the Royal Horticulture Society, between 1904 and 1923.
Visit a garden: Arundel & Elgin Gardens - £5
One of the best preserved gardens of the Ladbroke Estate with mature and rare trees, plants and shrubs laid out according to the original Victorian design of 1862.