A data breach at a London borough council left the personal data of over 6,500 people exposed for almost two years.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent regulator for data information rights law, reprimanded Hammersmith and Fulham council for exposing the personal details of these individuals from 2021 to 2023.

The breach occurred in 2021 after the council responded to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) made and later published on the website WhatDoTheyKnow.com (WDTK).  

ICO head of investigations Sally Anne Poole said: “In publicising this reprimand, we aim to highlight the importance of having the correct policies and procedures in place to mitigate against these types of preventable error.”

A total of 6,528 people were affected, including 2,342 children, when their data was included in 10 of the workbooks featured in the council’s Excel spreadsheet WDTK response.

The data included sensitive details such as the unaccompanied asylum-seeking status of 96 children.

In November 2023, almost two years after the response was published, WDTK performed a review of their website and discovered the personal data.

They ed the council and quickly removed the information.

In its investigation into the case, the ICO considered factors such as the age of the published data and there being no evidence of inappropriate access or use of it.

They also noted the council’s remedial actions, which included updating their guidance and procedures and ensuring that staff undertook training.

Poole said: “It is imperative all staff are trained regularly and internal guidance and sign off protocols are reviewed on a continual basis to ensure breaches do not happen.”

The ICO reprimand included recommendations for both the Hammersmith and Fulham council as well as all relevant public bodies responding to FOIA requests.  

These include an ICO checklist when releasing information containing excel spreadsheets, a manager sign-off for all disclosed materials, and continual review and update of online staff training and guidance.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council confirmed that they immediately fixed the error after they were notified, none of information was inappropriately accessed or used, and that they no longer allow staff to supply information in this format.

Feature image credit: Photo by Joshua Koblin on Unsplash

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A deep and moving autobiographical comedy reflecting the experiences of refugees and OCD sufferers is being showcased at Bush Theatre.

Insane Asylum Seekers is an of growing up developing obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD) with Iraqi parents who resettled in the UK, and explores the pain of war and displacement in comedic ways.

The play at the Shepherd’s Bush venue, which runs until 7 June with tickets costing £15, is based on the true story of Laith Elzubaidi and is performed by Tommy Sim’aan.

Throughout his performance, Sim’ann switches between Laith’s father and mother, showcasing their experiences to the audience.

The most notable point of the play comes when Laith accompanies his mother back to Baghdad 30 years later.

The story highlights the struggles of refugees, an issue that has undoubtedly become a sensitive and controversial topic in recent months.

Last week, prime minister Keir Starmer was accused of invoking Enoch Powell in describing the UK as at risk of becoming an “Island of Strangers.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council announced on their website that they plan to introduce a local Refugee Week, starting with a fun-day on Saturday 14 June on Brook Green.

Refugee Week claims to be the world’s largest festival which celebrates the achievements of refugees across the world.

The movement is international, with events sparked all over the globe.

Insane Asylum Seekers also aims to draw on the experiences of people with OCD, a debilitating condition which affects roughly 750,000 people in the UK.

Resources available for anyone affected by the themes in this article include ocduk.org and refugeecouncil.org.

Picture credit: Alex Powell

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Fulham Reach Boat Club has taught visually impaired Londoners how to row on the Thames in 10 weeks, opening up previously inaccessible blue spaces. 

‘Row the Rhythm’ is a free weekly course organised by Fulham Reach Boat Club to ensure rowing is accessible to all.

The Hammersmith-based charity believes that rowing is beneficial both physically and mentally, and so offers courses to state schools for youth development and to prisoners to reduce crime. 

Volunteer coach Ollie McChesney said: “I wanted to get involved because it is just the core part of what this club is all about: opening the sport up to everyone.

“My second motivation is that this is a challenge for myself, testing my coaching skills by having to communicate in a different way.

“I am really interested to see how I can take what I have learnt from this programme to my coaching with other rowers.”

The boat club has hosted visually impaired rowers every Tuesday from 25 February to 13 May. 

Find out more about Fulham Reach Boat Club and their work by clicking here.

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Following the month of Ramadan, the London Eid Festival returned to Westfield London and Stratford City with an array of stalls from modest fashion to perfume and traditional Arabic calligraphy.

This year marks the sixth annual Eid-al-Fitr celebration hosted by the shopping centre, bringing together London’s Muslim community to unwind and shop.

The Londoners headed to both venues to hear from some of this year’s vendors.

Watch the video below to learn more.

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A McDonald’s in west London has applied for a new 24-hour licence but residents have aired concerns over late-night anti-social behaviour.

The famous burger t that is looking to expand its opening times shares the same borough as another McDonald’s that has recorded the highest anti-social behaviour complaints of any in the country.

The application comes as the government has announced plans for more late licenses while London is pushing to boost its night-time economy.

Situated on the North End Road in Hammersmith and Fulham, the fast-food giant is looking to other McDonald’s in the country by running all around the clock, instead of shutting at midnight as it currently does.

Resident Chloe August, who has lived in the area for three-and-a-half years, said: “We’ve all got to live together.

“I think midnight is an acceptable time to close.

“Anything after that is just really inconsiderate.”

Hammersmith and Fulham already hosts two 24-hour McDonalds at Shepherd’s Bush Green and Hammersmith Broadway specifically.

The location in Shepherd’s Bush Green had the record of having the most anti-social behaviour reports in the country.

They have previously played classical music in an attempt to dissuade anti-social behaviour and introduced enhanced security.

The current license application is under consultation before a decision is made by Hammersmith & Fulham council.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has ed cutting of red tape of late licenses in order to help boost night-time economy.

London has the lowest rates of pubs, clubs and restaurants open past 2am in the country at just 5.9%.

Khan said: “It would boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country.”

August said though that she would like to see the high-street being used but it must be done in conjunction with local residents with each case being assessed on an individual basis.

Julia Donoghue, another resident of Hammersmith and Fulham, said: “It should not be allowed, the town is bonkers enough already.”

McDonald’s were ed for comment.

Featured Image: Unsplash

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In celebration of the 2025 Oxbridge Boat Race, pubs along the southwest London riverside will engage in festivities involving live music, food stands and outdoor bars. 

The iconic Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race will uphold its historic rivalry of 185 years on Sunday 13 April, stretching across the Thames from Putney to Mortlake. 

This year’s Championship Course will oversee the 79th Women’s Boat Race and 170th Men’s Boat Race, an event typically attracting over 250,000 spectators, according to the Boat Race website.

The race will set off at Putney Bridge and wind its way to a finish just before Chiswick Bridge. 

Schedule

12.45 BBC coverage starts

13.21 79th Women’s Boat Race

13.36 Women’s Reserve Race: Osiris v Blondie

13.51 Men’s Reserve Race: Isis v Goldie

14.21 170th Men’s Boat Race

14.45 Women’s Presentation (Mortlake)

14.55 Men’s Presentation (Mortlake)

15.15 BBC coverage finishes

Offering prime views of the race, riverside pubs from Putney to Barnes will host a variety of festivities throughout the day, ideal for Boat Race enthusiasts or those eager to soak up a vibrant atmosphere with a drink in hand. 

Hammersmith: The Midway Point

Hammersmith riverside offers an insightful viewpoint of the Boat Race, as 80% of teams who lead at Hammersmith Bridge go on to secure a victory.

The Black Lion

The Black Lion marks the start of the Hammersmith riverside strip, offering a large beer garden paralleling the river. 

Alongside their usual Sunday Roast at 12pm, the pub will take advantage of their outdoor space to provide live music starting with the FosseyTango band at 2pm and DJ Aggy at 5pm.

Two outdoor bars are also to be expected for those eager to sit outside. 

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The Old Ship

The 300-year-old pub offers a terrace, balcony space and exterior seating directly overlooking the riverside. 

Starting from 12pm, the pub will offer an outside bar, a seafood shack, live music and two exclusive lunch clubs to be booked ahead of time in their conservatory. 

For a chance to claim the best seats, it is recommended to book in advance or arrive early to catch an ideal viewpoint of the race. 

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The Dove

Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as Britain’s smallest bar room, the small 17th century pub has a balcony terrace overlooking the riverside. 

However, the balcony and indoor seating is limited to a small number of tables, so keen spectators should book in advance. 

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Hammersmith Fan Zone, Furnivall Gardens

Making up one of two official fan zones, Furnivall Gardens will transform to broadcast BBC’s coverage live on a large screen, open from 11am to 5pm. 

While not strictly a pub, the popup event will offer bars, such as a Jim and Tonic artisanal bar and an international selection of street food options. 

For more information concerning the Fan Zones, visit The Boat Race website.

The Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor

Only two doors down from one another, The Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor are sandwiched between the Hammersmith Fan Zone and Hammersmith Bridge, the midway landmark of the race. 

Their prime location guarantees a busy and lively atmosphere. 

The Rutland Arms

Named after the smallest county in England, the riverside pub is organising big celebrations: expect live music from around 5pm and multiple pop up bars, including a Pimm’s bar. 

The Blue Anchor

Two doors down, this 17th century pub will be hosting an outdoor BBQ and additional outdoor drinks bar.  

The Rutland Arms and the Blue Anchor pubs. Photo Credit: Geoff Henson. License: CC BY-ND 2.0

Fulham

The Blue Boat

Located right after Hammersmith Bridge, The Blue Boat will host live music from 12pm to 10pm, including artist Tony Bowen. 

The day will also consist of a BBQ from 12pm to 6pm and an ice cream cart provided by Laverstoke Park Farm.

Pop-up bars will appear on their terrace, including a Gin and Tonic and slushie bar. 

A big screen with live coverage is set to be erected as well as a Special Race Day set menu – to be reserved and pre-ordered in advance. 

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The Crabtree

The Crabtree pub and restaurant will engage in live music from 12pm, featuring artists such as Aaron Norton and The Mighty Molly Collective band from 7pm. 

Their beer garden will host food stands involving an asado grill and Crabshack BBQ.

This year the pub is sponsored by brands including but not limited to Pimm’s, Whispering Angel and Olmeca Altos Tequila. 

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Putney: The start of the race

The area will host the start of the Boat Race, offering a potential view of the ‘Coin Toss’ between the presidents of Oxford and Cambridge, dictating which side of the river the teams will race on.

Fulham Fan Zone

Situated towards the start of the race, Fulham Football Club and Bishop’s Park will serve as another official fan zone. 

Open from 11am to 5pm, 14 screens of BBC’s live coverage will be available, also involving several bars and street food stands.

To add to the atmosphere, the Fulham Brass Band will be playing at various times in the early afternoon. 

The Duke’s Head

Offering a view on the early stages of the race, The Duke’s Head will be hosting a full day of live music in celebration.

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Barnes: The finish line

The Bull’s Head

Situated near the end of the Boat Race finish line, The Bull’s Head will be serving their Sunday roasts, involving a day of live jazz music as well as a face painting station for children.

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The White Hart

Planted right on Barnes riverside, The White Hart will be one of the final pubs on the stretch of the Thames before the finish line.

In celebration of the Boat Race, the pub is offering Boat Race Gala Lunch Tickets, composing of a three-course meal, canapés and an exclusive view of the race.

Their downstairs space will also be available for walk-ins. 

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Mortlake

The Ship

This 16th century pub marks the Boat Race finish line, providing a view of the historic race since 1845.

Featured image credit: Lapatia. License: CC BY 2.0

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A free sensory room commemorating a student with cerebral palsy has opened at Westfield London as a measure of greater inclusivity and accessibility for all consumers.

The room was designed to provide a tranquil space for individuals with sensory processing disorders and cognitive conditions including, but not limited to, ADHD and autism.

It commemorates Mia Wedgbury, who was a pupil of Jack Tizard School and community champion for playground inclusivity in Shepherd’s Bush.

Jack Tizard School headteacher sca Smith said: “This thoughtful project, along with the other efforts like sensory backpacks and quiet hours, demonstrates Westfield’s commitment to inclusion.

“We are deeply touched by the decision to name the room in honour of Mia, a truly fitting tribute to a cherished member of our school community”.

Jack Tizard School and Queensmill School, which are both specialist schools catered to children with severe learning difficulties, were consulted over Westfield’s sensory room which features soothing lighting, interactive visual projectors, tactile elements and soft furnishings to help alleviate signs of stress.

Mia was 17 years old when she ed away, and was known in the Hammersmith and Fulham community for her and her mother’s involvement in implementing inclusive playground equipment in Wormholt Park.

Mia’s mother Hayley Wedgbury said that in spite of the challenges her daughter faced throughout her life, she was prone to laughing and had a cheeky sense of humour.

Mia inspired Hayley to implement inclusive playground equipment in Wormholt Park in 2016 to normalise integration of children with disabilities in public spaces.

Working with Parents Active, she raised £7,000 for a wheel-chair accessible swing, and the funding was matched by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, who contributed to the installation of a wheelchair accessible roundabout and trampoline. 

Wedgebury said: “I used to feel so guilty, going to the park and kind of being on the sidelines.

“Although [Mia] was very entertained hearing children laughing, you don’t feel welcome if you’re not catered for.”

Wedgbury added that the stares the family received from other children was due to a lack of exposure to children like Mia, necessitating a normalisation of inclusive public spaces.

Conversations concerning the sensory room began around six to seven years ago via quarterly meetings held at Westfield, fostering a discourse between the centre and customers or carers affected by disabilities. 

Within these discussions, Wedgbury highlighted that for herself and other carers of young people with disabilities, the shopping centre became a community hub throughout school holidays, after school hours or weekends.

She said: “Westfield became known as our local centre for disabled people, because at least then we had a shelter and things to look around.”

Wedgbury served as an initial bridge of between Westfield and the Jack Tizard school, introducing the school’s sensory room as a source of inspiration for the shopping centre’s project. 

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s head of shopping centre management Katie Wyle said that alongside the schools, the centre consulted with an occupational therapist and conducted benchmark visits such as at Gatwick Airport to inform themselves on the best practises in sensory-friendly environments.

Wyle said: “This helped us understand how to effectively accommodate a wide range of sensory needs across different age groups”.

Alongside the new room, the shopping centre offers sensory packs for hire in of children and adults with sensory requirements.

These include sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity, sensory massage balls, a fidget toy which mimics bubble wrap, ear defenders and feeling fans, which are a communication aid displaying emotions for non-verbal individuals.

The sensory room provides carers like Wedgbury a greater sense of ease.

She said: “It gives us that peace of mind that there is a space that you can book ahead of time, so that I can plan my day a bit better.

“My daughter had seizures and sometimes the lighting would get a bit much for her and so, to have that space, you’re no longer in a panic, thinking ‘I have to go to Westfield for just an hour and get out of there as soon as possible because I don’t want my child to be distressed’.”

The shopping centre has maintained an official relationship with the Jack Tizard School since 2020, and offered its pupils long-term work experience placements alongside other opportunities such as ice skating sessions, participation in their nature reserve and educational activities covering sustainability.

Mia was a beneficiary of this scheme when she turned 16, working in the nature reserve at the centre every Friday, and Hayley stated the significance of the experience for children affected by disabilities, as their future regarding work opportunities may be uncertain.

She said “It’s quite scary what adulthood will look like”. 

Wyle added: “By working closely with Jack Tizard School, Westfield London has gained valuable insights that have directly shaped its initiatives, ensuring they are inclusive and meet the needs of customers with a wide range of needs or disabilities.

“We aim to make the sensory room an ever-improving, inclusive environment for all”. 

Wedgbury is involved in ongoing conversations with the shopping centre regarding future developments, such as the incorporation of a hoist, and intends to continue in her of parents or carers attempting to apply pressure on their local authorities for more inclusive measures.

Wedgbury maintains a positive relationship with Jack Tizard School as well, and received an award in honour of her daughter Mia from the Jack Petchey Foundation. 

Wedgbury said: “[Public spaces] will always be my ion because that’s where I started.

“I really think all public spaces, if they can cater to some of our most complex of society, then that’s amazing.

“It’s lovely that I am still able to do things for Mia. Her legacy carries on”.

Booking requests for the room can be made at the guest services desk in Westfield, London, or via telephone on 020 3371 2403.

Feature image credit: Billie White

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A slam poetry competition is set to take place in west London next month to promote awareness for mental health and treatment of refugees.

The West London branch of Mind and actor Karim Hadaya have teamed up to create #PoetryInTheCity, the proceeds of which will aid funding of Hadaya’s new film, Ashes of a Dying Ember.

Three opening rounds take place at Next Door Records on the 3, 10, 17 March, which lead up to a Grand Final hosted at 156 Shepherd’s Bush Market on World Poetry Day, 21 March. 

Nicholas Smith, Head of Marketing & Communications HFEH Mind said: “Whether you’re a poetry fan, whether you’re a fan of scripture, or of film, or just really curious about the performed word and speech, just come down and have an incredible evening with us.”

Slam Poetry contestants must complete open prompt verses in English by esteemed Syrian philosopher Al Mutanabbi.

The competition runs as part of HFEH Mind’s 30 for 30K campaign, aiming to get local businesses to drive conversations and fundraising to mental health.

HFEH Mind are covering three boroughs, 30 businesses in each, over 300 days, sparking 30,000 conversations, with a fundraising target of £300,000.

The scheme has been backed by Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow cafes, cinemas, leisure centres, sports parks and landscape designers, with more companies to be released in the coming months. 

Smith said: “The idea is to really embed ourselves in the community. I would love this to be a pilot for other Minds to then run and champion because it is such a win-win situation.”

The Syrian subject of the Poetry Slam competition s Ashes of a Dying Ember, which aims to highlight the struggles of Syrian refugees in both local and national contexts. 

The film tells the story of Hadi Al-Amaery, a Syrian refugee in London taken to the woods after being the victim of a corner shop robbery.

Hadaya, company director of Munchie Lunchie Productions LTD said: “The aim was to showcase who is a Syrian refugee, what is their narrative and to showcase as well that mental health is an important aspect to look at when you’re looking at a refugee.

“This is the stepping stone. We are at the start of something completely different.”  

The film is currently in the post-production phase, aiming for release before June. 

#PoetryInTheCity contestants can enter for £10 in advance by booking on the official website, or pay £12 on the door.

Image Credit: Munchie Lunchie Productions LTD / HFEH Mind

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London Freedom FC are among the newest inclusive football teams in the capital, and have enjoyed quick success in their short history.

Their mission statement is simple – they aim to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to enjoy playing football.

Founded in 2023, they compete in the London Unity League (LUL), a 14-team community of inclusive football teams.

The league was founded in 2006 and recently expanded to include a second tier, which London Freedom won in their inaugural season.

Also featuring in the league are two sides sponsored by Charlton Athletic, and another sponsored by Millwall.

As well as the LUL, London Freedom FC compete in national cups run by the Gay Football ers Network, and have entered tournaments in Mexico.

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Marco Silva has called for more respect for referees amid the recent online abuse directed towards Michael Oliver and David Coote.

Police investigated threats and abuse aimed at Premier League official Oliver this week after he sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Coote, meanwhile, revealed that he received death threats in an interview with The Sun and Fulham manager Silva expressed his concerns ahead of his side’s clash with Newcastle United.

Silva said: “We need to do more as a society. It’s not just managers, players, journalists, or social media.

“We understand that the fans are sometimes not happy, but we have to respect the people involved in the game. 

“Football is about emotions, and during the 90 minutes we have emotions, and share them with the officials. But after the game stops, we move on.”

Fulham have been involved in a number of controversial decisions, most recently in their 1-0 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

Goalscorer Lisandro Martinez was perhaps fortunate to still be on the pitch after he jumped into a challenge with winger Adama Traore two-footed.

But Silva criticised the role of social media in the abuse of Coote and Oliver, a sentiment echoed by numerous managers this week, including Mikel Arteta.

He said: “Why didn’t we beat Manchester United? Because we made mistakes, and it’s the same with referees. 

“The referees are going to analyse their job, and we will analyse as well, but everyone needs to stop and behave because the abuse is not going to change anything. 

“We all know that right now social media is not easy to control, but it’s for other people to deal with.

“We have to respect each other at the end of the game, and during the game, because in the end, we are all professionals.”

Silva will be hoping for no controversy against Newcastle, especially after last season’s 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park, which featured an early red card for striker Raul Jimenez.

However, he will be without Harry Wilson, who is ruled out for 10 weeks following a stress fracture in his foot that he suffered against United.

Tenth place Fulham haven’t made any senior gs in the transfer window, and now have limited time to find replacements for Wilson and the injured Kenny Tete.

Although Reiss Nelson has recovered from a hamstring problem, Silva said the Newcastle game came too quickly for the winger to feature.

The Cottagers will look to emulate Bournemouth’s stunning result from two weeks ago, as they ran out 4-1 winners against a side who’d won nine on the bounce.

Eddie Howe will be without striker Callum Wilson, who continues to recover from a hamstring strain, while Harvey Barnes remains a few weeks away from returning.

The fifth-place Magpies have not strengthened yet in January, but Paraguayan international Miguel Almiron has returned to his former club Atlanta United on a permanent deal worth around £8m.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 3pm.

Picture credit: Rishi Tanna

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