They Call it Paradise But I Don't Know Any of the Bands
Brentford West councillor Guy Lambert reports back
Brentford West councillor Guy Lambert
May 30, 2025
Last Thursday meeting my diary said Boston Manor Park Stakeholder meeting (online of course). In my little mind I was expecting a meeting about the varied art and community things planned for the park across the summer, but when I got there I realised it was about what I have always thought of as Junction 2. It is now referred to as BM Live, because in addition to what we know as Junction 2, there is another event planned called Paradise in the City (perhaps another nickname for Brentford).
When we discussed J2 last year there was a proposal to extend the event over 2 weekends. I was quite uncomfortable about that, mainly because a large chunk of the park becomes inaccessible for local people. Asit turned out, that didn't happen but it has come back and they have modified the arrangements to improve accessibility a little: At least the path that leads from the main entrance to the bridge will now be open to the public except when the festivals are actually on. I am still uncomfortable and I continue to chase officers to make progress on recovering Clitherows Island. That is nearly all owned by the council but for years - probably decades - it has been invaded by people who have no right to be there, on the land and in boats. I have yet to persuade the council to find the will to tackle this.
The organisers are very professional and after some very difficult times in the early versions of J2, the last two played out with no complaints to the councillors - or very few anyway. For those who like these type of events - details are here and one of the difficulties the organisers have is that they have less interest in the free tickets they offer to locals than they would like . If you're a fan, here's your chance! I confess I'm a bit old and have not heard of any of them. Whatever happened to Freddie and the Dreamers?
Somebody has remarked to me that there is an impact on parking in the area outside the times of the CPZ, so I have raised an enquiry whether a temporary extension is possible. After all, we ban parking on Brook Road South with little notice when someone wants to film a film (did you notice how I put that? (Literary genius I'd say) to upset residents. Why not upset Techno-fans from outside the area?
On Friday evening I had a walk with the River Thames Society, which I joined recently. This was led by Paul Keane of Brentford Boat Club. I was a bit late, having misunderstood the time but saw a bunch of shady characters walking past my home and tagged on. I was expecting a walk along the various paths around the rivers and the canal but we only got as far as the Brewery Tap and all these gallant explorers decided a pint of Pride and a pizza were much more useful in improving their understanding of the riparian situation than wandering up paths. Still, we got a good look at Town Wharf at low tide.
Then somebody alerted us to an art exhibition in the loft so that was a nice addition
There were a lot more than this, including hundreds of photos as well as many paintings by 2 local artists.
On Saturday I went up to Boston Manor Park, where the Nature Festival was running. There were hundreds of people there and I went back late in the day to see the bubble. This young chap was doing the music in a rather Junction2 way.
This is the bubble, which contained a young lady doing some alarming if mesmerising moves.
It was great to watch across the pond.
I spent quite some time in the park, talking to various people including a good sprinkling of council officers. There was a stand I hadn't seen at events before, and it was the animal control team.
This is one of the council services I have to use from time to time as a councillor and it is one of the teams that always works impeccably. Quick response, speedy feedback, and the jobs are done to everybody's satisfaction.
Forgive me, I can't resist putting up 4 pictures of the slides they had up in their tent. It is one of the unseen services (by most people) that the council provides. As you will see, like so many council services, demand is ballooning and there are a lot of sad stories (and quite a lot of scary ones.
Sad really, and worrying to see the fall in the number of animals chipped. I salute this service. Nice people doing an important job.
I also spent some time in the Manor itself, something I had not done for a while.
It seems that typos are not necessarily a 20th and 21st century. Unless Mr Clithorow changed his name before he snuffed it. People are inclined to call the island named after this family to make another typo, calling the Island Clitheroe, presumably after this young starlet superstar from the 1960s, Jimmy.
Then it was Sunday, and the Brentford Market. It was well attended in a modest, Brentford style. Some of the organisers were doing a survey of visitors and traders. I took part in that and my feedback was grow it and do it more often, but that's just me. Apparently, the traders really enjoy it, because there is a very nice Brentfordy community feel. They will not start to rival Amazon from their takings, but the fees are sensible and they can make a decent return (so they return). I had my first experience of Argentinian street food and that was very nice and not too expensive. I believe they are trying to get some more traders to make it more of a shopping experience so I hope that succeeds. The music was good too - well done all.
Before it started I cycled to Lampton Park in Hounslow for the cycling Mela. I was a bit early, so the team were only setting up. Said hellos to various people. I didn't take any pictures, but someone took a picture of me. It has not emerged. I suppose the censors got to it.
On Monday I took a gentle stroll along the river to Kew Bridge. )n the path on the river side of the old Watermans there is a new (I suppose) graffito. I suppose it may be related to the new artists who are using Max Factor (as was) and I found it very pleasing.
Also in a way pleasing and in a way puzzling is some changes that seem to have happened on the board walk (somebody has had a small fire, not life-threatening) and somebody has provided some planks on the supposedly soon to be finished marina. It has a 'long stop' date of 1 July, which was set last May I think and where no visible progress had followed until these planks. I am not convinced (to put it politely) that the latest drop-dead date set by the council will be achieved, and if so that will have failed to meet drop dead dates set by the council about as frequently as the majestic Liverpool FC have topped the football league. In fact, it feels like Liverpool were in the Northern Combination when this marina was first committed, but it's possible I'm exaggerating. A bit.
Also I finally got around to report this sorry apology for a stolen bike (I imagine) which matches ones I have seen in all corners of our capital. They might offer an exceptional service but the marketing does not spread optimism.
Most unusually I have not had an acknowledgement from Hounslow Highways. Perhaps it's a service they offer, who knows. I suppose I'll have to have another go.
On Tuesday I had a meet with old colleagues. Someone decided we should do it in Reading at a Spoons, so I decided on using the train from Ealing as Reading is on the Lizzie line. However, I was despatched to Paddington to catch a 'proper' train -very rare for me. Actually, Spoons was better than expected, good selection of beers pretty well given away free. I made the mistake of ordering a pizza. You live and learn. Or not.
In the evening it was the annual meeting of the Council. I find these events increasingly tedious, though it was great to have an opportunity to celebrate the mayoralty of Karen Smith. She has been a really lovely mayor, and her smiling face and personality improves the experience of the council greatly. She is succeeded by Amy Croft. Hitherto she was the only Labour councillor in Chiswick since Gladstone was wearing short trousers but the shock this week is that one of the Chiswick Tories, Ranjit Gill, has found the courage and the way to escape via Checkpoint Charlie and is now another Labourites. I suppose that makes up for the loss of the ejected 3. Theo followed his normal practice to have a pop at the management, but I don't think anyone was very interested, though perhaps that's projection 😂
Wednesday evening, I joined some chums in the Time cafe where the monthly Brentford Voice social was organised. I really fancied the onion rings, but they were rather tough, I thought, before I realised I was eating Calimera, which is something I determinedly avoid.
Oops, that is Good Morning - not something I associate with squid. Apparently I meant calamari. Anybody can make a mestaki, and you know what I mean!
Today I had my annual MoT at the doctors. A charming nurse took my blood pressure (thumbs up) took my weight (scales not severely damaged) and did a bit of vampiring but I will have to wait for the verdict.
This evening we have an online member briefing.
And That Was The Week That Was. I wonder if anybody is old enough to remember that.
Councillor Guy Lambert
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