Wednesday 13th January 2010 Crucifixion in Trafalgar Square
London's Trafalgar Square will host a large-scale outdoor enactment of
the Passion of Christ this Easter. The event is expected to attract
thousands to watch as more than 100 actors from Bramley, Surrey, play
out Christ's trial and execution on Good Friday, 2 April.

The free central London event promises a "unique" taste of what it
might have been like to actually have witnessed events in Jerusalem on
the first Good Friday, even down to the bloodthirsty mob calling for
gore.

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend
Vincent Nichols, said: "I am delighted people from so many Christian
denominations will be coming together to remind Londoners why the bank
holiday of Good Friday is observed." London

Wednesday 6th January 2010 South London bin takes the piss
A novel scheme is being trialled in an attempt to put a stop to people
urinating in the streets in South London. Specially converted wheelie
bins have been set up in the streets of South London that collect the
urine which is then converted into bio-fertiliser.

The designer, Swiss born Stephan Bischof tested a bin in New Cross and
Honour Oak and said: "It wouldn't be better than a proper public
toilet but because there are so many wheelie bins close it is like an
emergency solution."

Lambeth Council said it was too early to say if the council would be
adopting the wheelie bin urinals. London

Wednesday 9th December 2009 £60,000 for Hepburn’s dress
A cocktail dress worn by the actress Audrey Hepburn in the film How to
Steal a Million fetched £60,000 at auction in London this week. The
late star wore the Chantilly lace dress, which was designed by her
favourite designer Hubert de Givenchy in the 1966 film. The Oscar
winning actress, who died in 1993, starred opposite Peter O’Toole and
is seen wearing the dress in a scene set in the bar at London’s Ritz
Hotel.

The auction, held at La Galleria in central London, raised £268,320 -
half of which will be donated to charity. London

Tuesday 1st December 2009 Something fishy is going on in London
Plans to release fish into London’s waterways will take a step forward
today when 250 chub and dace with be released into the River Pool in
Lewisham and the River Ravensbourne in Bromley. The release will be
followed on Wednesday with the adding of 500 tench and crucian carp in
Canada Water in south-east London.


Environment Agency fisheries officer Tom Cousins told the press: "We
look for opportunities to improve the local fish stocks for the local
anglers benefit. The River Ravensbourne catchment and Canada Water are
prime examples of providing an amenity for local anglers while
creating and enhancing the environment. We know that the fish we have
stocked in the past have always done well in these areas." London

Monday 30th November 2009 London tartan bid
Members of the public are being asked to help design London’s first
official tartan. A competition to decide on a new tartan for London is
being started at the Kings Place arts venue in Kings Cross. The
Scottish Tartans Authority (STA) is looking for a design and colours
that reflect the character of the city.

A Kings Place spokesman said: "Entrants could choose to include
elements such as the pillar box red of the city's buses and the green
of Hyde Park in a bid to make it essentially London."

Judges will include the Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane and Scot poet Jackie Kay. London

Wednesday 23rd September 2009 Abbey Road sign ends up on eBay
The London street Abbey Road was made famous by the Beatles when they released their LP with the same name. The album, which sold millions, was named after the street where much of the Beatles material was recorded.

Now, a street sign installed there six years ago is being auctioned on eBay by Westminster Council to raise money for London transport schemes. It is one of 42 West End street signs due to go under the hammer. The authority raised £18,000 from a previous auction of street signs. London

Thursday 17th September 2009 Brixton makes money
The south London neighbourhood Brixton has always had plenty to set it apart from other London areas. The influx of immigrants to the area in the late 20th century has ensured that Brixton is vibrant and multi-cultural, with a real identity and flavour. Now Brixton is trying to strengthen that famous community by printing its own money. Brixton Pound notes are being produced in an attempt to keep local cash within the local economy.

Project manager Tim Nichols explained: “We are in London, the financial hub of the world, and are trying to do something that goes against the grain of the big banking system that we are living on the edge of." Despite his enthusiasm, the project is a hard sell as many locals are worried about issues such as counterfeiting. London

Tuesday 15th September 2009 Escaped red panda takes a walk in the park
A red panda escaped from London Zoo into Regent’s Park in the small hours of Monday night and gave zoo staff a busy time trying to coax the animal home. The red panda, normally found in the Himalayas, scaled a security fence and then climbed a tree in Regent’s Park. Initial attempts to encourage the panda to surrender its tree top seat failed so zoo staff stayed under the tree all night to monitor the animal.

The red panda, which is one of a species not related to the better known giant panda, still refused to come down next day leaving zoo staff with no option but to shoot him down with a tranquilliser dart. The red panda was returned to his pen unharmed. An inquiry has been ordered by London Zoo to try to establish how the panda, who isn’t actually called Harry Houdini, might have escaped. London

Friday 4th September 2009 Capital camel racing
Visitors and residents of London are used to seeing people rushing
about on foot, bikes and in cabs, but on camels? It's not what you
might expect in Central London but this week two purpose-bred racing
camels completed a 75m dash along Potters Field near Tower Bridge. The
London club claimed a UK first with all previous camel racing in the
country using traditional zoo animals rather than bloodline racers.

The camel race was organised by Saracens Rugby Club to promote their
Big Day Out at Wembley on 12 September when they go up against the
Northampton Saints. Today's winning jockey Andy Probert said she never
doubted her mount would triumph.

She said: "I knew she could do it - we're on our way to Wembley, I
can't believe it. This is a dream come true. I am delighted to be
pioneering camel racing with Saracens and simply can't wait to go to
Wembley."

The race was started by Saracens winger Mike Tagicakibau and forward Tom Ryder. London