That Was the Year That Was

Hammersmith's top stories of 2011

January

Council Names Palingswick House as Site of Free School
Over 20 community groups forced to move out this year

We Did It! Irish Centre Campaigners Submit Petition to Council
Organisers thank local people for support gathering 6,000 signatures

February

West London Free School Appoints Head
Tom Packer says role is "unmissable opportunity"

Council Approves Sales of Local Buildings
Irish Centre and Palingswick House among eight to be sold off

500 Jobs to Go as Councils Merge Services
H& F Chief Executive Geoff Alltimes to step down

March

New Borough Commander Spells Out her Vision
Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi Introduces herself to residents

Borough to become "Street Party Capital" on April 29
Residents holding Royal Wedding events urged to apply before April 11 deadline

April

Head of the River Race 2011
Leander I beats almost 400 boats to win historic event

Campaign Begins to Save Irish Cultural Centre
Supporters invited to Wear Your Heart for Irish Arts

May

Lakeside Shooting Victim Named by Police
Randy Osei-Boateng was shot twice in the chest

Tributes Paid to Tragic Cyclist Naoko
Memorial for Japanese woman killed in Queen Caroline Street collision

Five Boys in Court over Bus Station Stabbing
16 and 17 year-olds charged with Grievous Bodily Harm

June

Summer Festival Begins in Lyric Square
Hit the urban beach for sports, films, theatre and living statues!

Hammersmith Marine Killed in Helmand
Sam Alexander, 28 leaves behind a wife and 10 month old son

Oh Goodie! Tim Brooke-Taylor Awarded OBE
Actor among residents on Queen's Birthday Honours List

July

Tributes Paid to Talgarth Road Crash Victim
Magda's death was "tragic loss to social work profession"

Simply Obsessed!
Tina Turner fanatic evicted for non-stop singalongs

Police Appeal for Information over Brook Green Burglary
Investigation follows theft of gold bars and coins worth almost £200,000

August

Special Community Meeting at St Paul's Church Tonight
All local residents encouraged to attend to discuss recent public disorder

Champagne Charlie Admits Bollinger Fraud
Tattooed conman spotted by detective on Clapham bus

Flowers Laid in Memory of Three Murdered Policemen
Officers pay their respects on 45th anniversary of Braybrook Street shooting

September

Walliams Begins Final Push through West London
Cheered by crowds on Hammersmith and Putney Bridges

He's Done It!
David reaches the Westminster finish and raises well over one million

Withdrawal of Weekday Olympia Tube Service to Go Ahead
But District Line Wimbledon branch will gain extra trains

October

Five Boys Convicted of Bus Station Stabbing
Teenagers face jail when sentenced in November

Bishop of London is Guest at St Paul's Centre
Over 1,000 people celebrate opening of new extension to landmark Hammersmith church

Brook Green Murder Victim Named by Police
'Complex and reclusive' John Saunderson-Smith killed by a blow to the head

Cagney and Racy
Sharon Gless impresses in A Round-Heeled Woman at Riverside Studios

November

Justin Bieber Delights 10,000 Fans as He Lights Up Westfield
Teenage superstar switches on Christmas lights and sings new song Mistletoe

Five Teenage Boys Sentenced for Bus Station Stabbing
14 year-old victim left with "life changing" injuries

Damage to Hammersmith Bridge Barrier Angers H & F Council
Repaired 100 times in six months after being repeatedly broken by bus drivers

December

Hammersmith and Fulham Council Withdraws King Street Plans
Change of mind said to be due to "mass opposition"

Four Teens on Trial for Lillie Road Murder
Gang accused of killing Polish chef

Tube Drivers to Strike on Boxing Day
More money wanted for staff to work on Bank Holiday

January 3, 2012