From sporting history being made on Putney’s doorstep to major investment in local leisure facilities, plus thousands of young readers getting their first free books, here’s your essential news roundup.
History in the making at Twickenham
For Putney residents, this afternoon brings a once-in-a-lifetime sporting spectacle practically on the doorstep. England’s Red Roses face Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham at 4pm, with a sold-out crowd of 82,000 set to break the world record for the largest crowd ever at a women’s rugby match. The attendance will surpass the current record of 58,948 set at the same venue in 2023 and make this the second-highest attended Rugby World Cup final of any kind, behind only the 2003 men’s final.
England are chasing their third Women’s Rugby World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 2014 when they beat Canada in the final. The Red Roses enter the match on a world-record winning streak of 32 games, making this a perfect opportunity for local rugby fans to witness history being made.
See our quick guide for where to watch in Putney.
Scullers take to the Thames tomorrow
The rowing calendar kicks into gear tomorrow with the Vesta Scullers Head of the River Race on Sunday 28th September. The UK’s largest race for single scullers sees over 500 competitors tackle the 6.8km championship course from the University Stone at Mortlake to the downstream end of Putney Pier. Previous winners have included both Heavyweight and Lightweight Olympic and World Champions, with prize-giving taking place at 2:45pm at Vesta Rowing Club.
For spectators, this represents one of the most impressive displays of individual rowing prowess on the Thames, with the race usually timed for the ebb tide to help scullers along the course.
Dolly’s books reach record numbers
Almost 5,000 Wandsworth children have already registered for Dolly Parton’s free book gifting programme – the fastest any UK council has reached this milestone, just two months after launch. The Imagination Library programme provides age-appropriate books monthly from birth to age five, with the first 3,480 books mailed to families on 1 September.
October’s selection includes “Fun with Spot” for youngest readers and “The Elephant and the Sea” for older children, with all books selected from Wandsworth-based publisher Penguin Random House. For local families yet to sign up, the programme remains open to all children under five in the borough.
£24m boost for Active Wandsworth
Local residents will benefit from investment in leisure facilities as Wandsworth Council outlines a £24 million investment in leisure centres over the next decade as part of its “Wandsworth Moves Together” strategy. The initiative includes the UK’s “most generous and compassionate” concession scheme, providing low-income residents with free or discounted access to leisure centres, with over 6,500 residents already signed up.
The strategy’s second year focuses on improving access for underrepresented groups, including plans to recruit volunteers for mentoring people with special educational needs and disabilities in sport, and launching grants to increase women and girls’ participation in sports.
Council extends anti-social behaviour measures
Wandsworth Cabinet has agreed to extend the borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order for another three years, maintaining bans on antisocial drinking, use of legal highs, and strengthening dog controls. Four new open spaces will be covered by updated dog control rules: Oasis Green Space, Swaffield Pocket Park, Nine Elms Open Space, and Graveney Pocket Park.
The measures, which come into force in October if formally approved on 22nd October, carry fines of up to £100 for breaches, though the council emphasises the deterrent effect and preference for voluntary compliance over enforcement action.
Stay informed with the latest Putney and Wandsworth news. Have a story tip? Get in touch with the team.
