Purley rail deaths update
A woman who killed herself and her young son at Riddlesdown station this morning, has been named as
Donna Oettinger.
According to commuters, the 41 year old 'dragged' her son Zackary by the hand on to the track at around 8.30 this morning.
It's believed she lived nearby, about 300 yards away, and had been suffering from severe anxiety and depression.
Police are treating the investigation as murder and suicide and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths.
Trains were delayed for over five hours.
A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: "BTP officers were called to the station after a report that a woman and a child had been struck by a train. The incident was reported to BTP at 8.29am and was also attended by Metropolitan Police officers. Medics from the London Ambulance Service also attended, but Donna and Zachary were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The station was closed while officers and medics dealt with the incident."
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:23 pm
Crystal Palace Station Finished
Another phase of the massive refurbishment of London Overground's historic Crystal Palace station has been completed.
The installation of three new lifts along with their connecting walkways has now been finished.
The station is now fully accessible.
The ticket hall of the Grade II listed building has already been restored.
The lifts will be officially opened to the public during a short ceremony on Monday. (March 25th)
Wandsworth Policewoman Remembered
Family and friends of a policewoman who collapsed and died while on duty will run the London Marathon in her memory.
30 year old Detective Constable Adele Cashman who was previously stationed at Wandsworth was responding to a report of theft in Camden when she collapsed.
Brother Adam and a former colleague from Wandsworth Police Claire Hart will run the 26.2 miles next month for charity. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:22 pm
More in store for #chesneychallenge?
Fresh from his Chesney Challenge, a supervisor at Epsom Hospital is now planning on ways of making more money for charity.
James Beckley raised over £1,100 for Comic Relief when he listened to The One and Only by Chesney Hawks for 24 hours straight last week.
He’s now teaming up with Chesney again, to try and raise more money for other needy causes.
Are you able to help police in Chertsey?
Detectives investigating a sexual assault in Chertsey are appealing for help.
The alleged assault occurred sometime in the early hours of Saturday March 2nd near the M3 motorway bridge.
The victim, a 17-year-old girl, was walking along Staines Lane when she was approached by three men and assaulted.
The main suspect’s a white man, in his mid 20’s to early 30s, tall, broad build, with short dark hair and stubble.
He also has pale skin with strong cheek bones and a large old scar on the right side of his neck and tattoos on his fingers on his left hand. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:41 am
Man dies in fire
A man has died in a fire at a flat in Fulham.
It broke out in Fulham Park Gardens in the early hours of this morning.
Fire fighters discovered the man in the basement flat and managed to bring him to street level – but he was pronounced dead at the scene. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:41 am
Bird put back
Sam Bird has been put back three places on the grid for tomorrow’s GP 2 race in Malaysia.
Officials haven’t yet given a reason for the penalty after the Hersham based driver initially qualified 5th.
The first race gets underway in the early hours of tomorrow morning. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:40 am
Mother and child die in Purley
A woman and child have died after being hit by a train in Purley.
It happened at Riddlesdown Station at 8.30 this morning.
The pair were pronounced dead at the scene.
British Transport Police say inquiries are under way into what happened.
The station has been closed and buses are replacing trains between Purley, Oxted and East Grinstead posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:39 am
Hounslow Sex Club Consultation
Hounslow residents are being asked for their views on proposals to ban sex shops and strip clubs from being established in the borough.
Hounslow council’s licensing committee has already endorsed a draft policy.
Although the borough currently has no sex establishments, a recent application for a sexual entertainment license by a club, originally called Mist, was turned down last year.
Consultation on the draft policy ends on April 19th and the views will be brought back to the licensing committee before being ratified by the council. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:09 am
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Beddington Park Primary School celebrates Ofsted achievement
Beddington Park Primary School is celebrating earning an overall Good rating in its latest Ofsted inspection.
The school in Derry Lane was praised by inspectors, who reported, ‘Pupils are at the centre of this happy and inclusive school so that they feel valued, enjoy school and grow in confidence.’
The report goes on to praise pupils, teachers, school leaders and governors for their contribution to the school’s impressive achievement and steady improvement.
Headteacher Toby Cooke said: “We are delighted that the report, which makes it clear that the school is securely good, reflects so well on our children and demonstrates the real improvements we have made over the past few years.”
The school, which has 293 pupils aged from 3-11, lives by its motto of ‘learning, sharing and growing together as friends’ and places children firmly at the centre of everything it does.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:45 pm
Skip dumper handed conditional discharge
Sifting through rubbish for clues provided Sutton Council enforcement officers with the evidence they needed to prosecute a man dumping waste in a neighbour’s skip.
George Comley, of Elgin Road, Wallington, was handed a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 towards council costs by Croydon magistrates on the 12th of March after pleading guilty to the offence.
Mr Comley admitted dumping waste in a skip on private property in Elgin Road on the 6th of January 2012 without the permission of the owner of the skip.
The skip was on a building site for a new house and the owner complained to council officers who traced Mr Comley through documents left in the rubbish.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:15 pm
SW London Nurses Hired 'To Care'
Nurses in South West London could be hired based on how much they care about their patients.
Kingston University and St George's Hospital in Tooting have joined forces to form a new interviewing process.
Candidates will go through a series of scenarios and will be marked on empathy and integrity.
Aspiring nurses will complete an aptitude test to demonstrate their values and desire to care for patients. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:43 pm
Kingston Uni Fair
Kingston University business students will promote their start-up companies in the market square today.
Four teams showcasing their ideas have already won Entrepreneurial awards for their work.
Kitchen gadgets, fashion accessories and eco-friendly products are some of the items on offer.
The trade fair is open to the public and starts at 3pm. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:08 pm
New social enterprise helping ex offenders get back on track
A business owner in Woking is backing a new social enterprise to get ex - offenders back into the world of work.
Alison Mortlock is the founder of Dilly Daydream, which hand produces shower caps.
She’s an advocate of The Handmade Alliance, which trains former prisoners to produce high quality textiles for British designers.
Alison told us it’s about giving someone a second chance, and helping the British market at the same time.
Surrey Council Goes Into Business
Surrey County Council plans to go into business and earn income to spend on public services.
It wants to launch a so called "trading arm" where it would charge other organisations for services.
The council says the cash would be used to improve front-line services and "keep a lid" on future tax rises.
Council leader David Hodge says local government could no longer rely on Whitehall for funding.
The cabinet is due to consider the plans next week. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:46 am
Tooting Arrest
A man’s been detained in Tooting after threatening to throw bottles at police.
Officers were called just after three o’clock on Wednesday afternoon to reports of a man acting aggressively at an address in Brenda Road.
He was seen carrying a knife.
There have been no reports of any injuries. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:12 am
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Air Pollution Warning
Air pollution is becoming an increasing problem in London.
Richmond Lib Dem Leader and London Assembly member, Stephen Knight, is especially worried for children who attend schools close to busy roads.
320 thousand children attend schools which are within 150 metres of roads carrying more than 10 thousand vehicles a day.
Today, he’ll ask Mayor Boris Johnson to ensure headteachers are sent information and health advice when air pollution reaches dangerous levels, so strenuous exercise outside can be avoided and pupils with asthma and other respiratory diseases can be protected.
Dawn Raids In Croydon
Seven people suspected of violent crimes were arrested in dawn raids in Croydon yesterday.
Twenty-five Officers went to fifteen addresses at 5am as part of operation Cupid.
The suspects were wanted for domestic violence GBH assaults.
Detective inspector Simon Harding says it’s a reminder to violent criminals that police are determined to catch up with them. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:36 am
New Contract For Wandsworth Parks
A new contract’s been awarded to maintain parks and green open spaces across Wandsworth.
Six companies submitted tenders for the new contract and it was awarded to Quadron.
Wandsworth Council says the £2.4m a year maintenance contract represents a saving of £850,000 a year for local taxpayers.
The contract will initially be for eight years, with an option to extend it for four more. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:35 am
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Molesey Weir to be Repaired
A weir on the River Thames is set for a major upgrade in Molesey.
The last time it was repaired was nearly 80 years ago.
A survey from the Environment Agency showed the steel structure was in poor condition and needed to be replaced.
Project manager, David Blythin, said work to remove and replace the gates will be carried out this summer and next summer.
The 130 year old weir last underwent repairs in 1934. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:16 pm
Boxing Champ Visits Surbiton
Sugar Ray Leonard has been visiting Surbiton Amateur Boxing club today.
He was named boxer of the decade in the 1980’s, after winning five titles in five different weight divisions.
He tells Radio Jackie's Joe Keen why he's in the UK.
Inappropriate incident
Police are investigating after a teenager was approached by man in West Molesey Cemetery.
The 14 year old girl was jogging through just after 4pm yesterday when she was touched on the neck by the suspect.
She ran off and reported the incident to police.
The suspect’s believed to be around 6 foot tall.
House to house enquiries are being carried out and police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:03 pm
New energy station given the go ahead
The Energy Secretary's given the go-ahead for the first of a planned new generation of nuclear power plants in the UK.
Ed Davey, who is also Kingston’s MP, granted planning consent for French energy giant EDF to construct it at Hinkley Point C, in Somerset
According to ministers, the UK needs a new fleet of reactors to cut carbon and keep the lights on.
Mr Davey made the announcement in the House of Commons.
Revenues and Benefits team wins customer service excellence award
Hard work and innovation has seen Sutton Council’s Revenues and Benefits team have its Customer Service Excellence accreditation extended for a further three years.
A recent inspection by Cabinet Office examiners found that the department was fully up to speed in all of its procedures and was ‘Compliant Plus’ in two areas and displaying ‘Good Practice’ in a further five.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:31 pm
Fraudster sentenced
A fraudster who falsely claimed £15,000 of benefits has been given a 16 week suspended sentence and community service.
He failed to notify Sutton council he was subletting his property, meaning he received various benefits he wasn’t entitled to.
40 year old James Alves from Cheam was sentenced at Camberwell Green magistrates and ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:56 pm
Substation fire in Tooting
A substation in Tooting caught fire this morning - resulting in a loss of power to homes in the area.
Firefighters were called to Mitcham Lane just before 6am.
An explosion caused the door to blow off and apparatus to set on fire - but luckily no one was injured.
UK Power Networks says it was caused by a fault on the low-voltage underground electricity distribution network.
Tooting's MP Sadiq Khan is urging those affected to get in contact. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:32 pm
Carlisle Park facelift finally complete thanks to Council
Major improvement works have been carried out to Carlisle Park in Hampton, after the Council provided funding for an upgrade to the facilities to improve accessibility and the overall appearance of the park.
The improvements have been made as part of the Council’s Parks Improvement Programme which has the aim of encouraging residents and visitors to not only access parks for recreation and leisure but for parks to also become a part of their day to day life within the borough.
In order to retain the current high standards of parks, existing facilities in Carlisle Park were improved and new facilities developed in partnership and consultation with borough residents.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:29 pm
Saddle up for Air Ambulance bike ride
Life-saving charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is appealing for cyclists to join its new-look Double 100 bike ride this summer.
The 100-mile or 100km ride on June 23rd will this year start and finish at the Surrey and Sussex helicopter base at Redhill Aerodrome.
Both new routes take in all counties covered by the two helicopters and the 100-mile route will pass through Marden in Kent – the home of Kent Air Ambulance.
More than 80 riders including Air Ambulance crew members and former patients took part in the inaugural Double 100 from Dunsfold Park, raising £12,000 for the charity.
The Double 100 is open to regular and occasional cyclists with feeding stations along the scenic route.
Record year for Heathrow
UK airports handled more passengers last year despite a dip in holiday-flight traffic.
221-million people passed through UK airports in 2012 - 0.6 % up on the 2011 total.
Heathrow had a record year last year, serving 70-million passengers.
Numbers were also up 1.7% at Gatwick. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:33 pm
Payout for Mitcham's MP
The Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden has accepted "very substantial" damages from The Sun newspaper
Siobhain McDonagh was paid 50-thousand pounds in damages by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.
It's after the tabloid admitted its employees accessed private information from her stolen mobile phone three years ago. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:53 pm
Waste company boss fined £400 for fly-tipped rubbish
A waste company owner has been fined £400 and ordered to pay £215 costs after Sutton Council refused to give up on a chase that lasted more than a year.
Gladstone Buchanan, the owner of A1 Clearances, pleaded guilty to Duty of Care offences at Croydon magistrates court following an offence committed in 2011.
Investigators found rubbish including 12 cubic metres of furniture, speakers, mattresses and even an old toilet dumped at Valley Point Industrial Estate in Beddington. All of the waste was found to have come from a nursery in Streatham which Buchanan’s company had removed.
Buchanan claimed that his vehicle containing the waste had been stolen, but he was unable to supply any documentation for the waste he had taken away from the nursery.
He initially failed to attend court in September 2011, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on the 9th of November of that year.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:56 pm
Guest appearance for trophy
The UEFA Women's Champions League trophy will be making a guest appearance at the Women's County Cup Final next month in Leatherhead.
Crystal Palace Ladies FC take on Chelsea LFC (Reserves) on April 3rd in the showpiece climax to the competition at Fetcham Grove, home to Leatherhead FC.
The UEFA Women's Champions League trophy will be available from 6.30pm onwards for supporters attending the Women's Final to take photos of and get up close and personal with, while there will be chances to win tickets to the Women’s Champions League Final and official merchandise also.
Funny stories behind a serious message
Surrey Police has released details of some of the excuses given by motorists when caught using mobile phones at the wheel.
They hope highlighting bizarre justifications such as my ex wife is harassing me – can you speak to her? will raise awareness of the dangers of using your phone while driving.
Excuses also used were my boss is checking up on me
and I am not on the phone, I’m looking something up on the internet.
We’re being reminded that our reaction times are 50% slower and you are more likely to drift across lanes when on a mobile.
If you get caught, you face three penalty points on your licence and a £60 fine. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:52 pm
Free wildlife event gives visitors garden insight
Nature enthusiasts can get handy tips to discover the full wildlife potential of their gardens next month as part of a one off special afternoon.
The free Garden Wildlife Showcase will help participants to discover how to attract their favourite garden wildlife – including hedgehogs and newts - whilst learning how to identify some of the borough’s lesser known residents such as the web pirate, Mother Shipton or hairy hawker.
Thanks to lottery funding and the London Borough of Sutton, Biodiversity Gardens has created the opportunity for residents to meet with experts from local and national conservation bodies.
Visitors can join in with innovative talks, activities and displays by Biodiversity Gardens, RSPB, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Royal Horticulture Society, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and GIGL.
The Showcase will take place at Wallington County Grammar School on Saturday 27 April between 1pm and 4:30pm
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:53 am
Couple makes mammoth journey to rehome dogs
A couple from Jersey has made a 1,300 mile round trip to rehome two Staffordshire Bull Terriers from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Last week Leslie Coles (pictured with Buddy) and Chris Fritot (pictured with Dizzy) made the epic journey to adopt Dizzy and Buddy the Staffies from Battersea, having recently lost their two Greyhounds.
After catching the night ferry from Jersey, the pair sailed 12 hours to Portsmouth, before heading to the world-famous Crufts dog show in Birmingham. It was then straight down to Battersea to rehome their new four-legged companions.
Female Dizzy and male Buddy arrived at Battersea separately, but coincidentally both came into the charity in February as their owners could no longer care for them.
Quins bring silverware home to Twickenham
Harlequins had not dropped a game in their campaign to win the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
They came into the final as favourites based on form but underdogs for the occasion. The Twickenham-based side were expected to win which meant the pressure was on.
At the first whistle Quins retained possession. They passed out wide, gaining good ground.
Following an infringement in the scrum Sale took a quick tap but gained little ground before knocking-on; something that was to become a regular occurrence throughout the game.
Harlequins earned an early three points after Sale were penalised for not releasing, 6 minutes into the game.
Quins regained possession on the restart and powered past the half-way line. Yet it was not all one-way traffic; Sale saw an opportunity to intercept but it was their execution which let them down. The ball was knocked on.
A solid scrum from Quins followed by quick hands saw Sale penalised as they had little response to the attack. Quins kicked long for a line-out just 10 metres from the try-line. A good take by Quins was passed out wide for Williams to cross. The conversion was pushed wide by Botica. Yet Quins were 8 points without score 10 minutes in.
The restart was caught well by Smith but Sale chased and stole the ball. They wasted this attacking move by choosing to kick-through Quins' defence and the Twickenham-based side collected without pressure, clearing their lines.
Sales' no. 8 Powell broke through the Quins defence following a scrum on the visitor's 10 metre line, but once again this strong play ended with a forced knock-on during an offload.
Yet Sale had gained momentum. They earned the put-in at the scrum after the first attempt collapsed. That decision then escalated to a penalty after Dickson was deemed to have tackled early. 16 minutes in and Sale get their first points on the scoreboard after a solid kick from Cipriani.
Quins sent the restart ball deep and despite a good chase, missed tackles allowed Sale to move up to the half-way line. The ball entered touch with a line-out to Sale which which was then deemed to have been brought down by Quins.
Sale kicked for a line-out deep in the Quins' territory. Once again Sale performed well but Quins defended the maul, forcing the Sharks to pass. Quins intercepted and broke back into Sale's territory.
Williams once again tested the Shark's defence, breaking through and then kicking for a chase. Sale were forced to ground the ball over their own line, giving the scrum to Quins 5 metres out.
The ball was in and delivered very quickly; Guest crossing the try-line before the scrum had unraveled. Botica added the conversion.
Sale, however, dusted themselves off and added points of their own - a three point penalty which Cirpiani scored, albeit with some help from the posts.
Not happy allowing Sale any momentum, Harlequins kicked long, forcing the Sharks to take it into touch. An infringement followed, allowing Botica to add a further three points to the visitor's score.
Half-Time: Sale Sharks 6 - 18 Harlequins
Sale start the second half scoring through the boot of Cipriani for a three point penalty just three minutes in.
Quins send the restart long but chase and put good pressure on their opponents. They came close to an interception, forcing Sale to slice into touch.
A great line-out from Quins allowed Casson to find a gap in Sale's defence, crossing for a try. Botica added the conversion. Only 5 minutes of the second half had passed by.
Following the restart Sale earned themselves a kick for a line-out deep in Quins territory after the visitors were penalised for not releasing. Despite good pressure from Sale their attack came to nothing after knocking on.
A further infringement in the scrum allowed Quins a quick tap. They had good driving pressure and support but progress was slowed by a strong Sale defence. A few more bodies got the drive on again and over the line. The TMO was called in to action and it was deemed a good save by Sale who held the ball up.
Replacements from both sides were made ahead of the scrum on the 5 metre line. A further infringement in the scrum allowed Quins to take quickly. This time Sale were waiting. The visitors could not break through and opted for a cross-field kick. Williams missed the catch allowing Sale to fall on the ball for another 5 metre scrum.
Again a powerful Quins drive for the line and as before the referee ruled the ball had been held up. Intent was there from Quins and on another break Wallace darted over for a try, converted by Botica.
Sale employed the long restart kick. With a good follow-up they made it just short of the Quins' try-line. Their progress halted only through a knock-on forced by some hard tackles.
However it was the turn of Quins to be penalised in the scrum. Sale acted quickly and Leota crossed, converted by Cipriani.
Sale came close to scoring again after their no. 12 Tuitupou escaped two attempted tackles, kicking it on before being pushed into touch.
Despite their constant desire to attack, Sale could not increase their points score, eventually ending the game once time had elapsed.
A strong performance by Quins earned them the right to lift the trophy. Harlequins - winners of the Anglo-Welsh Cup 2013.
Full-time: Sale Sharks 14 - 32 Harlequins posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:49 pm
Thousands taking part in fight against cancer
Thousands are currently pounding the streets as part of The Marsden March.
It is a 14-mile or a 5-mile sponsored walk between The Royal Marsden’s hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton.
3,700 people took part last time and raised an amazing £1.2 million to support cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and care.
Stay updated on Twitter #marsdenmarch
The route:
From The Royal Marsden in Chelsea, the walk proceeds along Fulham Road and down to Putney High Street. From here it heads to Wimbledon Common, then on to Raynes Park station and down to King George's Playing Fields. After crossing Nonsuch Park it carries on to Cheam and Belmont before finally arriving for a party at The Royal Marsden's hospital in Sutton.
To Support:
If your supporters want to cheer you along the walk, there are four areas where they can wait: Wimbledon Common, near the windmill; King George’s Playing Fields; Nonsuch Park, at Nonsuch Mansion; and the finishing line at The Royal Marsden's hospital in Sutton.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:06 am
One
of many reasons why we are so useful to South West London...
our very own news team bringing you stories that are relevant to you
and your area.
If you have a press release
or would like to send in news then pop off an e-mail to [email protected]
Rod Bradbury
News Editor
Rod enjoys and plays all sports and could have been a cricketer if hadn't taken his eye off the ball at a crucial moment.
Lucy Mayer
Lucy is the Senior Broadcast Journalist at Jackie and also the Travel Editor. Find out more about her on the Presenters page.
Iona Stewart-Richardson
Iona is the breakfast news reader. She has a passion for politics, poetry, and performing. She enjoys all sports especially swimming and running.
Luke Williams
Luke spends his free time playing synthesisers and watching old sitcoms. Journalism helps remind him of the 21st century.
Danielle Boxall
Danielle lives in Epsom Downs, she enjoys music and loves discovering new artists both new and old. She likes history and politics and has a special interest in the 20th Century.
Sarah Onions
Sarah was schooled in Kingston and she likes jogging around Bushy Park.
Mike Oban
Mike enjoys playing and watching sports and is a budding football coach.
Deborah Martin
Deborah may have started life on a farm in Ohio, USA, but is a long time resident of South West London. Her current loves are fusing glass, good meals out, and dancing.
Dave Stevens
Dave never cooks and likes a glass of red wine while not drinking Guinness. He is also a chocoholic.
Natalie Osborne
Natalie presents both news and travel - more on Presenters page.
Alex Loveridge
Alex loves watching tennis at Surbiton and Wimbledon and also plays a bit too. He swims at Richmond, but not in the Thames.
Haz Childs
Haz is from Hampton and loves all genre in music, but has a soft spot for reggae and Bob Marley.
Sharmeen Ziauddin
Sharmeen lives in Worcester Park and loves lie-ins, kittens, books, politics, make-up and anything with sugar in it, but hates Monday mornings with a vengeance.
David Walker
David´s philosophy is you only live once so go out and grab every opportunity no matter how small.
Sandra Aggrey
Sandra wants to travel the world in 60 days.
Anna Kretschmer
Anna is an amateur ballerina and ballroom dancer. She also enjoys reading, sewing, and looking after her cat Bess.
Faye De Silva
Faye absolutely loves singing and dancing, even though she can't sing or dance.
Ben Chapman
Ben lives in Cheam and loves sport.
Paul Francis
Paul grew up in Fetcham and now lives in Teddington with his wife, two cats and a dog. He supports Fulham and plays in a band.
Chuck Adolphy
Chuck is a huge Chelsea fan and loves all sport, especially cricket.
Jacqui Kerr
Jacqui enjoys all sports and has had a go at most! She loves talking, current affairs, music, and walking her polar bear sized dog.
James Kitchin
James is an avid theatre-goer and Chelsea supporter.
Winston Lo
Winston’s first love was Geography. Now mapping his way as a journalist, you’ll also often find him singing and dancing in the shower.
Kelly Valencia
Born in Colombia raised in Barcelona (despite the surname), Kelly loves adapting to new cultures.
Simon Sapper
Simon has lived in south-west London for more than 30 years. He is married with three kids, a Brentford season ticket holder, a lover of loud shirts, a charity trustee, a school governor and a rugby coach.
Sophie Weaver
Born and bred in Esher, travel, food, sport and animal enthusiast.
Graham Osborne
Graham is capable of quoting films at the drop of a hat. If he were allowed, he would probably never leave the cinema.
Henry Riley
Henry presents both news and travel - more on Presenters page.
Felix Thompson
Felix is from Kew. He loves his sport, and he lives and breathes Newcastle United.
