Update on 33 Ham Farm Road

33 (and 35) Ham Farm Road is continuing its unusual combination of merging two properties into one, demolishing the original building apart form one room, building a large extension to the room and adding a garden studio (which is a habitable space) right next to the main house, all this undercover of extensive sheeting.

Update on 31 Ham Farm Road

After a false start or two over a few years, work has restarted in earnest at 31 Ham Farm Road. Windows have been removed and a trench dug.

Update on 25 Ham Farm Road

Work has been going on at 25 Ham Farm Road for about a year and seems to be drawing towards a close. Part of the front elevation is now visible and it is an interesting mix of glass and black panelling, just like the roof lights. I suspect that I am going to like this house when it is finished.

Update on 23 Ham Farm Road

Ham Farm Road remains a centre of construction projects and I walk past them all most days just to keep an eye on progress. This seemed like a good moment to do an update on all of them, starting with 23 Ham Farm Road.

I thought that the only works proposed at the front of the house was a new porch so I was surprised to see two steel girders firmly installed on the front boundary (possible over it as there is a strip if Ham Common on that side of the road, hence the set-back walls). It will be interesting to see what develops. 

New trees in Church Road

I thought that the saga of Church Road ended with the recent planting along the boundary only to discover that trees were part of the plan too.

Petersham Avenue welcomes Spring

I walk along Petersham Avenue regularly (and every other path in Ham too!) and on this occasion it looked even more stunning than usual with the new Spring growth lining the path. 

The colours almost look unnatural but the image is untouched (except for whatever clever stuff the iPhone does whenever you take photos).

Work starts at St Richard's

St Richard's was consecrated in 1966 and has been an iconic building in Ham ever since. Age has taken its toll and a major restoration project is proposed if the necessary funding can be secured. Meanwhile work has started on some lesser repairs.

Wall repairs

Ham (and Petersham) benefits from a profusion of characterful old brick walls and I am glad to say that they are generally very well cared for and most have a visible history of sympathetic repairs and extensions. The latest example of this careful management can be seen in Meadow Close though the property is in Ashfield Close.

Richmond's Twinned Towns

Ham Parade has gained information boards on both sides and this one on the west side describes Richmond's two twinned towns, Fontainebleau and Konstanz.

I know little of Fontainebleau, and am content with that. Konstanz is a different matter. I spent a few good days there in 2018, travelling there and back by train and via a few other places. I loved Konstanz and if ever there is a need to send an ambassador from Richmond there then I am willing to do my bit.