News in Teddington

Last week's spring statement from the Chancellor was a bitter disappointment for those looking for a helping hand to combat the soaring cost of living.

I was especially dismayed by the lack of support for the poorest households, with findings from the Resolution Foundation estimating that a further 1.3 million people – including half a million children – will be plunged into poverty.

After a late winner at Stamford Bridge, it just reminded us how important Chelsea are to the Premier League.

Supporters displaying the banner 'The Roman Empire' may feel they are supporting their team rather than Abramovich – but they must open their eyes to where his money came from.

SHANE Warne was rightly regarded as the Einstein of cricket.

When he famously said "Monty you have played one test match 33 times", many people, not least the media, thought he was spot on.

The latest sports column by England international and Twickenham Cricket Club member Monty Panesar.

England need leadership at they take on Italy in the Six Nations this weekend and they can look to a returning Joe Launchbury to make the difference.

As we are half through this extraordinary year, it seems fitting to summarise 2021 so far.

The first half of the year has been much busier than the same time last year with over 40 "shouts".

Many readers will be aware of the debate on the future of Elleray Hall - a social lifeline for many of Teddington's older people.

Briefly, the council proposes to build a new centre on the small North Lane car park and fund this via an affordable housing development on the site of the existing hall.

The Duchess of Cambridge has the platform to highlight society's biggest issues and why that's more important than ever before.

DANIELLE STACEY

WEEK FOUR:

Jeremy Thompson is a former Sky News presenter in his 70s.

Jeremy Thompson is a former Sky News presenter in his seventies. He is documenting how the coronavirus lockdown is impacting his everyday life in a personal diary.

Monday March 30

Wednesday 25 March

Some friends around my age report back on their first trip out to "oldies' hour" at the supermarket.