Having the guts to chase glory

1:19pm Friday 15th April 2005

More than 45,000 runners the highest number yet have signed up for the London Marathon on Sunday. Why do they do it, knowing the agony it entails? How did this hardy annual bloom into one of the world's greatest marathons? Whose idea was it anyway? John Bryant gives some answers in a book to mark the 25th anniversary of this unique event. The idea was born in the 1970s, over a few beers in the Dysart Arms, Petersham. Local resident Chris Brasher, Olympic gold medallist and pacemaker for the world's first four-minute mile, was listening agog to tales of the spectacular New York Marathon with his friend and one-time steeplechasing partner, John Disley of Hampton.

Friends in need of new £2m centre

10:22am Thursday 3rd February 2005

It's a remarkable story of stewardship. A trust set up with £118 more than three centuries ago is now funding a unique £2million development planned by Kingston Quakers in the town centre.

Will we miss the office party?

11:10am Friday 28th January 2005

In the 1970s and 80s Kingston embarked on an office building programme that changed the face of the town centre, and led several high profile companies to establish their headquarters in the Royal borough. Now, office building has ceased, most of the existing buildings are outmoded, many companies have departed, and Kingston is accused of losing the vital balance between retail, residential and commercial provision.

A businessman, a charity man, and – always – a gentleman

9:36am Friday 29th October 2004

Guy Salmon who has died, aged 91, was not just a car dealer. He was a car enthusiast. For those old enough to remember, the very mention of his name sparks memories of a bygone and, through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia, a more glamorous era. HANNAH SUMMERS reports.

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