ENVIRONMENT TRUST FOR RICHMOND UPON THAMES

Founded in 1984, the Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames aims to preserve, restore and find new uses for buildings and landscapes of historic interest and character in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Projects that the Trust is currently involved in:

• Twickenham River Centre – the site of the old Twickenham baths has lain derelict for over 20 years. Now the Council is forging ahead with redevelopment plans that will include the Environment Trust's proposal for a community-use building open to people of all ages and all backgrounds, which is physically and inherently linked to the river environment.
• Grove Gardens Chapel – fallen into dereliction until the 1990s, the Chapel was restored by the Trust and is now available for hire as a venue for parties, classes and meetings
• Kilmorey Mausoleum – through a team of dedicated volunteers, the Trust maintains and develops the gardens as a wildlife haven. If you would like to help out, there are regular work sessions on Monday lunchtimes (noon to 2 pm). Call 020 8891 5455 or 07955 172 940 for more information
• Vineyard Passage Burial Ground – committed Trust volunteers have brought the Burial Ground back to a charming wild woodland garden much enjoyed by passers-by. The group holds regular work mornings on the first Saturday of the month and new volunteers are very welcome to join in. Call the office on 020 8891 5455 to find out more.

The Trust also runs a series of monthly Art Picnics to draw attention to the Trust’s work, to encourage wider knowledge of the borough’s rich heritage of natural and historical sites, and to offer an informal, instructive and enjoyable opportunity to document these. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in, so don’t let lack of experience or doubt about your ability put you off – each session will be supervised by well known local artists who will guide and encourage you. All that you need to bring is your lunch and any friends and family that you think will enjoy the experience too. We provide the art materials, paper, pencils, charcoals, drawing boards… but we do ask for a contribution of £10 per individual (£7.50 for Environment Trust members) or £20 (£15) per family (two or more people, at least one of whom is under 17 years old). Please call the office on 020 8891 5455 for tickets and details.

You can find out more by visiting the Trust's website at www.environmenttrust.co.uk or by calling the Trust office on 020 8891 5455. The Trust's most recent programme of there volunteer events/workdays can be downloaded here.