The ups and downs of life without a limb.

[This piece was made in March 2022]

Joey

Reporter Isabella Harris speaks to Richmond residents about the idea of Blue Monday and interviews Karin from Putney Samaritans about their alternative idea for the day. 
If you are feeling emotionally distressed there are many places you can reach out to for support, including Samaritans on their free number 116 123 which is open 24/7. 
Photo by Matt Seymour via Unsplash.

Riverside Reports: Blue Monday or Brew Monday interview with Putney Samaritans - Isabella Harris

On Saturday 25th of January, Merton Live! is back and this year it's bigger and better with more acts and more performances than ever before. Presented by Wimbledon Guild and New Wimbledon Theatre, ArtsWatch reporter Simon Grant chatted to Wimbledon Guild's Mark Williams to find out more.

Merton Live! at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Riverside Reports: Sarah Elliott from Republicans Overseas UK on President Trump's inauguration - Mirrhyn Stephen

Reporter Dylan Trenouth speaks to residents of Richmond about whether the area – as suggested in The Times' annual survey – is in fact the best place to live in England.

Riverside Reports: Is Richmond really the 'best place to live in England'? - Dylan Trenouth

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, Isabella Harris and Kasia Filisiuk report from an event with Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE in Richmond at the German School London. Today is also the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a momentous day when we can take time to reflect on the lives lost and the continuing impact of the Holocaust. 

Image of Mala Tribich by Isabella Harris



Riverside Reports: Holocaust memorial day - Isabella Harris and Kasia Flisiuk

27 year old George from Putney tells Riverside Breakfast with Jason Rosam and Battersea Power Station how he fell seriously ill in March 2020 with suspected Covid-19 while recovering from glandular fever. Following this, he developed symptoms consistent with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a condition in which the body’s mast cells release excessive chemicals, leading to allergic-like reactions. Despite his symptoms, George faced significant challenges obtaining a diagnosis, as some doctors were sceptical about MCAS and its links to long Covid.

His experience highlights the difficulties faced by patients seeking recognition and treatment for poorly understood conditions. It also underscores the potential role of compounded and personalised medicine in addressing these gaps. Conditions like MCAS often require tailored solutions, and compounded medications can provide customised formulations to meet individual needs.

Riverside Reports: George from Putney on compounding pharmacies after MCAS diagnoses

Clapham's Omnibus Theatre has welcomed The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, as its Royal Patron. The appointment makes the Omnibus the only fringe theatre in London to have a Royal Patron. Riverside reporter Julia Bright spoke to the theatre's President and Founder George Owen MBE and Artistic Director Marie McCarthy, who told her how the patronage came about with the help of Deputy Lieutenant of Lambeth Christopher Wellbelove.

Riverside Reports: The Omnibus Theatre welcomes the Duke of Edinburgh as Royal Patron - Julia Bright

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The announcement came as the Chancellor outlined her plan to boost the UK economy, but the decision has already faced strong opposition. Ahead of the announcement, Riverside News Editor Mirrhyn Stephen found out more about controversial third runway plan and how it will impact us here in south west London.

Riverside Reports: Chancellor backs Heathrow Airport expansion - Mirrhyn Stephen

Local author Lily Samson joins Riverside Breakfast with Jason Rosam, Ali Palmer and Battersea Power Station as part of the breakfast book club, Riverside Reads to talk about her debut novel THE SWITCH which is set in Wimbledon Village. 

Elena and Adam are delighted to find themselves housesitting in Wimbledon, a step up from their Walthamstow flat. They meet Sophia and Finn their beautiful and sophisticated neighbours who invite them into their world.

Over coffee Sophia suggests a game to Elena where they will swap partners in secret, is this a real offer or just a strange fantasy. Elena starts to experience a sexual awakening which was not part of Sophia's plans who has a very different agenda.

This book is a real page turner which keeps you guessing throughout – who is to be trusted and who is actually the most dangerous participant.

Riverside Reads: Local author Lily Samson on her debut novel 'The Switch'

In Crane Park, volunteers are monitoring water voles and their habitat after reintroducing them to the area last summer. Our reporter Evie Calver visited Crane Park Island to find out how the volunteers are continuing to protect the endangered rodents this year. 

Joey

Ali Whaley