Latest news and developments from The Wyndham Grand
The Wyndham Grand strives to be London’s best luxury hotel and for this to be maintained, we sometimes need to make changes to the hotel. We do this with the minimum disruption to guests.
Please note that due to refurbishment the gentlemen’s changing room will be closed from next Monday 16th January to Monday 13th February. Temporary changing rooms will be available for male guests but the sauna and steam room will be closed.
We would also like to announce that as of Monday 9th January 2012, The Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour will be completely Non-Smoking. Please also note that there will be an additional fee should the guests decide to smoke in any of our rooms.
Just two of the many ways we are making sure The Wyndham Grand remains to be London’s best luxury hotel!
Former soldier turned sculptor’s art is causing a sensation in London
A former soldier turned sculptor who was almost paralysed in a parachuting accident in the Army is to join nine other selected artists to re-tell the story of the London 2012 Olympics.
37-year-old Mark Jackson from Wroughton became a sculptor following a serious accident he had whilst serving in the elite Parachute Regime for the British Army.
The reinvented sculptor is to create artwork that will re-capture the 2012 Olympics story. The programme is part of the BT Art of Sport initiative, a key component of BT’s sponsorship activities for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
The enterprise will recreate the story of next year’s Olympics in London, with a focus on conveying the passion, commitment and dedication shown by the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, which will provide a legacy of the 2012 Games long after they are over.
The ten artists involved in the artwork recreation of the 2012 Olympics, will work closely with the Team GB Paralympic and Olympic athletes. Talking about the inspiration he will draw from the Olympic athletes, Mark Jackson said:
“The determination of the Olympic athletes is truly inspiring and I am looking forward to working with them.”
“I spent a fantastic nine years in the Army and then took the decision to leave and become an artist. The parachuting accident was very much a catalyst for taking it up early,” continued the former soldier turned sculptor.
Earlier this year, Mark Jackson, who is the son of former General Sir Mike Jackson, was asked by the London Olympics committee to produce a life-size bronze statue of Sir Ludwig Guttmann, the ‘father of Paralympics.”
High speed rail links in London
High speed rail links – A possible solution to secure London’s future aviation capacity.
The Mayor of London has announced that there may be alternative solutions to ease congestion than building the Thames Estuary Airport. The airport, more commonly known as “Boris Island” would cost £40 billion to build.
Boris Johnson recently announced that high speed rail links in London airports may be the solution to relieve high proportions of human traffic to and from the UK’s busiest airport.
Talking on LBC Radio, Mr Johnson spoke about the future of London’s transport capacities and that he was open to suggestions for high speed rail links in London.
“I am not wedded to any particular solution. It may be that there are alternative ideas that people provide. High-speed links between this or that airport….creating a dual hub or whatever,” said the London Mayor, before adding, “The idea of a Thames Estuary airport is extremely superficially attractive, I have to say.”
There have been suggestions that a third airport should be built at Heathrow Airport, but Boris Johnson described the project as a “dead duck” and the other options needed to be explored.
The importance of London trees
Why trees and woodland are vital for London’s future.
They look great, improve the quality of the air, provide shelter from the rain and the sun, and provide home for birds and other wildlife, not only are trees good for Londoners but they are good for visitors and good for business Given their multiple assets, it’s no wonder the capital can’t get enough of them.
According to research, increasing the amount of London trees there are in an area by just 10 per cent can decrease the temperature of the city by as much as four degrees Celsius.
In order to reap the unique and multiple benefits trees bring to a city, the Greater London Authority is working with various boroughs and partners across London to increase the amount of London trees by 25 per cent by the year 2025, that’s an increase of 2 million more London trees!
Part of the scheme involves Boris Johnson’s Street Trees Programme, which is an expansion of the Forestry Commission’s London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme and will run until March next year. Within the scheme, charities, residential groups, local councils and community groups are able to apply for grants to plant trees in their area.
Talking about how important trees are to people living and visiting London, the London Mayor said:
“Trees are a vital part of our city, providing shade, keeping our streets cooler and making our city much more attractive.”
