Friday brings a mix of breaking crime news and community celebrations across Wandsworth and Putney. Jack Shepherd, the speedboat killer convicted over Charlotte Brown’s death near Wandsworth Bridge, has been returned to prison for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, while the borough celebrates its gardening talent with the Wandsworth in Bloom awards. Meanwhile, Battersea Park Fireworks announces its return with discounted tickets, Putney prepares for Halloween festivities, and the community marks 80 years since local-born Clement Attlee became Prime Minister.
Speedboat Killer Jack Shepherd returns to prison
Jack Shepherd, the man convicted of manslaughter following the death of 24-year-old Charlotte Brown in a speedboat accident near Wandsworth Bridge, has been sent back to prison more than a year after his release. Shepherd was freed from HMP Dovegate in January 2024 after serving half his six-year sentence, but was arrested in August for alleged “coercive and controlling behaviour and assault” against his girlfriend.
Charlotte Brown died on December 8, 2015, when she was thrown from Shepherd’s poorly-maintained speedboat during a first date. The boat capsized after hitting a submerged tree trunk near Wandsworth Bridge. Shepherd went on the run and was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence in his absence in 2018.
Charlotte’s father Graham said: “He’s back where he belongs. Prison is the best place for this man. I’ve always believed that Shepherd is a narcissist. He’s never shown remorse for his part in the death of my daughter.”
Wandsworth in Bloom 2025 winners announced
Wandsworth’s finest gardeners were celebrated at the Wandsworth in Bloom Awards ceremony in Battersea Park last week. The competition, held at the Pump House Gallery, showcased creativity across balcony blooms to community food-growing sites, with ten trophies presented to residents, local businesses, community gardens, and schools.
Key Winners:
- Best in Show: Bertice Pompe
- People’s Choice: Age UK, 549 Old York Road
- London Borough of Culture Most Vibrant: St Micheals Foodback Community Garden
- Best Front Garden: Jan Parker
- Best Business in Bloom: WIP Space Studios
The evening featured live music from the Malteserz Jazz Band and speeches from key figures.
Local coworking space wins National People’s Choice Award
The Landing by Spacemade, a popular coworking hub in the heart of Putney, has won the People’s Choice award in The Tallys 2025, an annual top 100 ranking celebrating the UK’s most inspiring office and coworking spaces. The win, determined by hundreds of public nominations, recognises the strong community support The Landing provides for budding entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers.
The Putney-based workspace on Upper Richmond Road was praised for its welcoming atmosphere, outstanding community team, and popular after-hour socials that bring members together. The recognition reflects The Landing’s role as a workspace and community hub supporting local business growth and professional networking in Putney.
Battersea Park Fireworks returns with 5,000 half-price tickets
More cut-price tickets are available for people signed up to the Council’s Access for All program, alongside free meals, cheap Lime bikes, and free access to shows. Battersea Park Fireworks returns to light up the sky on 1 and 2 November, and for the second year in a row, 5,000 half-price tickets are available for eligible residents.
The weekend event offers two different experiences:
- Saturday 1 November: Fireworks Night (doors 6pm, display at 8:30pm) with live music, fairground rides, and food
- Sunday 2 November: Family Fireworks Night (doors 4:30pm, display at 7pm) with child-friendly entertainment and earlier timing
Council Leader Simon Hogg said the event has “become a much-loved highlight in our community calendar” and emphasised the council’s commitment to hosting inclusive and accessible events. The council is still withholding details about the success or otherwise of its flagship Access for All programme.
Wandsworth African Caribbean Month launches in Putney with star chef
Wandsworth African Caribbean Month is coming to Putney with a programme of events launched by celebrity TV chef Ainsley Harriott. The celebration will feature cooking workshops, support clubs, a borough-wide food tour, and community cook outs designed to showcase Caribbean culture and cuisine across Wandsworth.
A highlight of the month-long celebration is the Caribbean-ish Supper Club taking place on Friday 31st October at St Mary’s Church on Putney High Street. The event will be hosted by Louise Simms, a former MasterChef Quarter Finalist, who promises “an unforgettable dining experience that blends the bold, vibrant flavours of the Caribbean with fresh British produce.”
Tickets for the three-course meal with welcome drink are £60, offering diners a unique fusion of Caribbean traditions with locally-sourced British ingredients. The supper club represents the innovative approach of the month-long celebration, which aims to bring communities together through food, culture, and shared experiences across the borough.
Borough of Sanctuary fund opens for applications
Applications are open for the next round of grants from the Wandsworth Borough of Sanctuary Fund. The fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers in building new lives in the borough.
Wandsworth was officially awarded Borough of Sanctuary status last year by City of Sanctuary UK. The application deadline is 3 November, with Meet the Funder events available to help applicants understand the process.
80 Years since Clement Attlee became Prime Minister
A commemorative event was held in Putney on Monday 15 September to mark 80 years since Clement Attlee became Prime Minister following the 1945 General Election. Attlee, who was born in Putney, led a government that introduced landmark reforms including the creation of the National Health Service.
The gathering took place at the commemorative plaque on Portinscale Road, near East Putney station, which marks Attlee’s birthplace. The event brought together local residents, schoolchildren, and civic leaders, including Lord Attlee (grandson of the former Prime Minister), the Mayor of Wandsworth, MP Fleur Anderson, and Council Leader Simon Hogg.
As part of the celebration, a new Key Stage 1 lesson plan was launched to help local children learn about Attlee’s life and values, developed in collaboration with Wandsworth Heritage Service and local schools.
Halloween fun returns to Putney
Lots of Halloween fun planned throughout Putney town centre on Friday 31 October from midday to 5.30pm, courtesy of Positively Putney.
The popular Trick or Treat Trail will return with participating businesses displaying posters in their windows, offering safe and friendly fun from 1pm to 4:30pm.
New this year is a Pop Up Pumpkin patch in Church Square from midday to 4pm, where families can choose pumpkins to carve on-site or take home. The event will conclude with a Spectacular Spooky Halloween Pyro & Fire Show at 4pm and 5pm in Church Square.
Additional activities include face painting and balloon modelling outside Putney Arts Theatre from 1pm to 3pm.
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