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BRENTFORD CANAL FESTIVAL RETURNS ON SATURDAY 21ST JUNE 2025

Join us for a day of fun at the Brentford Canal Festival on Saturday 21st June 2025 to celebrate the town’s waterways. Recognised by Hounslow Council as the borough’s largest FREE festival, the festival is set to be an exciting day of fun for the whole community to enjoy. Spend the day strolling through market stalls, enjoying pop-up food and drink offerings, and sitting on the water’s edge watching live performances. Live music and dance will take place across six different stages positioned in Workhouse Dock, Brentford Lock West, Market Place, the floating stage at the Gauging Lock, Brentford Lock Piazza and The Beehive, from acts including Bandini, House of Jack and Babel Brass. There’ll be something to keep the whole family entertained too, including face painting, arts and crafts workshops and a magician in the Kids Zone, Morris dancing, floating markets and a showcase of car eye-candy from classic and supercar hub, Duke of London, who will be hosting its ever-popular classic and supercar car boot sale throughout the day, selling vintage clothing, automobilia, artwork and vinyls. Be sure to check out the free boat trips in the Brentford Basin along the Grand Union Canal, as well as the free kayak and rowing taster sessions.The festival will also welcome over 50 stallholders showcasing the very best of west London’s independent and local businesses - you’ll find everything from homemade jewellery by Merge Jewellery, zero water accessories by Ilke Usluca Design, and jams, chutneys and hot sauces from Condiments Kitchen. It’s also set to be a foodie heaven with deli treats, hot food trucks and delicious, sweet treats on offer. And that's not all, with local independent restaurants Sam's Waterside and Rottura guests can enjoy delicious food with beautiful views across Brentford and River Brent. So, grab your friends and family, and get ready to explore what this exciting west London destination has to offer – don’t miss out!  This is a free, non-ticketed event but to stay up to date with the latest news and updates, you can register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brentford-canal-festival-tickets-1343596476229?aff=oddtdtcreator

Megan Rees ● 21h0 Comments ● 21h

"Albany Spice have moved to Twickenham Green"

The popular Indian Restaurant"Albany Spice" who traded for many years on Brentford's Albany Parade, have both found new premisesin Twickenham and are busy kitting it out. They plan to open up during next month (November) and are leasing thè premises once occupied by "McClements" in years gone byThe location is just the other side of the railway bridge in Heath Roadand on the right at the beginning ofTwickenham Green and near Knowle Road.The 267 and 281 buses pass the door.This is an information plug ... because they were so popular and are  now much missed.They will be doing take-aways but am not sure about a  delivery service.

Jim Lawes ● 223d4 Comments ● 1d

Community Engagement and Inclusivity in Local Events

It's wonderful to see such initiatives taking place in our community. Events like these not only bring us together but also highlight the importance of inclusivity and support for all residents. I'm looking forward to participating and encourage others to join in. Let's continue to make Brentford a welcoming place for everyone.

Priya Shah ● 1d0 Comments ● 1d

Waterman's

Any news about Waterman's rising like a phoenix from the ashes at a new Brentford location?

Eric Alan Leach ● 114d22 Comments ● 2d

Guided Walk: The Great West Road’s 100th Anniversary

Guided Walk celebrating the Great West Road’s 100th AnniversaryBank Holiday Monday 26th May 2025Meet 2.30 p.m. Market Place/corner 194 High Street, Brentford, TW8 8LBCost £3 (cash) pay the guide (Christine Diwell) on the day, no need to bookArranged by Hounslow Heritage Guides and Hounslow & District Local History Society, it’s a chance to explore this unique corridor of Art Deco architecture and hear about some famous lost inter war era buildings in company with James Marshal author of The Great West Road Centenary History.

Rob Kemp ● 24d10 Comments ● 2d

Brentford's nightlife last night (Saturday)

Three of us at 9pm ...looking for somewherefor a light meal and someatmosphere in the High Street.1) Brewery Tap (a pizza?)   Crowded and over noisy   with laddish types   (we didn't stay)2) The Rottura Restaurant.   Empty! We moved on.3) Visited La Rossetta,   as we have done occasionally   for 30+ years.    It was packed in both sections,   Great atmosphere... the food too.   They're doing somthing fight.The Weir Pub outdoor area looked busy this afternoon. The Holiday Innlobby/bar was busyish too. Sam's was not exactly packed.Any Reports of other so called hot spots?La Rossetta saved the day for us

Jim Lawes ● 26d11 Comments ● 5d

Where can we donate a number of books relating to WW2?

A collection of books about WW2 needs a home,  They can go to the Oxfam book shop in Ealing but we wondered if there is a school/college/ museum library that might want them?  Any suggestions?  They are modern books.  Thanks

Sarah Felstead ● 7d2 Comments ● 6d

Support Brentford traders ... for starters anyway!

Everyone locally will have their favourite walks and traders to visit.My Outer Hebrides family who are visiting ... enjoyed a starting off point at "Feather and Heart"at Brentford Lock East ... viewing the Canal too. "Very relaxing and lovely too"Then easing along to "Naked Grain"where the updated and new shop lay-out looked great.Across the High Street to "Mother Rugger" to admire their display of fine products and works of art (there's a formal art exhibition evening this Friday)Then on buses to Richmond, the alleyways, the Green and the busy Thames towpath ...full of happy folk enjoying the sights.Getting out and about can be so rewarding. The sights and the people you meet. We met an old neighbour from 15-20 years ago on the 267!On the previous day we visit one of those skyscrapers in London ...the "SKY GARDEN" Absolutelystupendous views and the price of entry ... FREE!Back to Brentford on the N9!

Jim Lawes ● 28d33 Comments ● 6d

Lidl stores.

LIDL supermarkets are known by manyreaders.One of the attractions are the "Centre Isle" counters which display all manner of hardware items which appeal to DIY enthusiasts.The store at Fulwell hosts quite a large selection of such goodies...(four long counters)The St Margarets store ...has not quite as much ... the Shepherds Bush Mall store even less.I was surprised to find that the Hammersmith branch (within the Livat /Ikea shopping complex) didn't have any such popular counters at all.Hammersmith did have these counters once ... but because of the high level of pilfering (in W6) they were abolished.One wonders if Brentford's new branch will take the risk!

Jim Lawes ● 37d9 Comments ● 6d

Community Support for Local Initiatives

It's wonderful to see the community coming together to support local initiatives. Events like these not only raise funds but also strengthen our bonds as neighbours. Kudos to everyone involved in organising and participating. Looking forward to more such events in the future.

Priya Shah ● 15d0 Comments ● 15d

Jersey Road is still closed tonight

The road is closed for some distance from outside Jim Lawes old house,up to Osterley Park.   Clearly shown on the live maps.  Lots of police tape and police activity all day.

Sarah Felstead ● 17d2 Comments ● 17d

Selling a house

Interested in your opinion.A viewer being shown around a house, is filming it room by room on their phone.  Is this ok?

Sarah Felstead ● 35d4 Comments ● 21d

Attenborough family

Where about in Isleworth did they live?

Sarah Felstead ● 28d7 Comments ● 21d

Brentford Canal Festival on the 21st of June – we’re looking for volunteers

Ahead of our 4th annual Brentford Canal Festival on the 21st of June, we are looking for volunteers to support and help deliver this amazing day.We welcome people of all ages and abilities and will find a role that best suits you. The types of activities that are needed include way finding, information sharing, litter picking, setting up and clearing up, managing stages and boat trip queues. The event runs from 12-6 and we ask for 3 hours of your time during the day to support the event. All volunteers will be fully inducted and insured for the day. Feedback from people who have volunteered in the past has been positive and rewarding. Many return to volunteer again.If you’re interested we are holding two meet and greet sessions in the Digital Dock (address) on 10th May 9.45-10.45 and 14th May 18.00-19.00.Please let us know if you’re able to attend either session or email us with your details and questions and we will get back to you.Contact Sam: 07775 905 869#bcf2025#volunteer#brentfordcanalfestival#festival#westlondonevents

Martin Case ● 21d0 Comments ● 21d

Advice regarding professional cleaning please

Dear local neighbours,I’m seeking help to find a professional oven cleaner please? I’m also potentially looking for a regular and local cleaner. I work full time and have a disability so really appreciate any help with looking after my flat.With thanks and best wishes, Dionne.

Dionne Monarch ● 24d1 Comments ● 24d

Brentford Canal Festival 21st June volunteer shout out

Ahead of our 4th annual Brentford Canal Festival on the 21st of June, we are looking for volunteers to support and help deliver this amazing day. We welcome people of all ages and abilities and will find a role that best suits you. The types of activities that are needed include way finding, information sharing, litter picking, setting up and clearing up, managing stages and boat trip queues. The event runs from 12-6 and we ask for 3 hours of your time during the day to support the event. All volunteers will be fully inducted and insured for the day. Feedback from people who have volunteered in the past has been positive and rewarding. Many return to volunteer again.If you’re interested we are holding two meet and greet sessions in the Digital Dock (address) on 10th May 9.45-10.45 and 14th May 18.00-19.00.Please let us know if you’re able to attend either session or email us with your details and questions and we will get back to you.Contact details:Info@brentfordvoice.co.ukLook forward to hearing from you and seeing you soonSam @ Brentford Voice

Sam Thomas ● 27d1 Comments ● 26d

Hewson Books not reopening

According to my intel, Hewson Books will not be reopening in the spring.  This is a very great shame. It was, perhaps, a slightly strange opening so early in the development’s, er, development. Bookshops are the stuff of life but Brentford currently has greater needs than that. I’m so sorry that Hewson Books has been a casualty - the first casualty. The odds were stacked against success at this time, in that location and with the heavily discounted competition from Amazon.  The moral of this story is ‘use it or lose it’. Many thanks to Hewson’s for having had a go.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 111d84 Comments ● 28d

SuDS

Very interesting small comment in Guy Lambert's blog this week, regarding SuDS, Sustainable Drainage Systems. This was regarding people paving over their front gardens, many to enable them to park their cars there.One of the things that grinds my gears is the number of people who drive over our footpaths without the benefit of a proper vehicular crossover, in order to use the front garden as their own parking space. I have to say that LBH are appalling at any enforcement to put a stop to this - which contravenes The Highways Act 1980 Section 184. You should apply for a crossover from the Highways Authority - which happens to be your local council, this would also ensure that the council would be in a position to also ensure that any hardstanding installed to park the vehicle, was permeable or had sufficient drainage, thus helping us to save water. However, Hounslow's so-called 'Enforcement' seems to consist of maybe sending a feeble letter to any offenders pointing this out to them, then absolutely nothing happens. Apart from the damage to footpaths - what damage is possible to the services underneath them? Were LBH to actually enforce - this would bring in much needed revenue as they would be the people constructing the crossovers and possibly the hardstandings if a householder did not want to do that themselves. Why oh why LBH don't offer some sort of amnesty and a reduced rate to encourage the uptake - and make it clear if people don't comply - they will take the appropriate action?

Vanessa Smith ● 101d17 Comments ● 30d

Dementia Awareness

Hounslow Council are holding a dementia awareness event in the glorious space of the great conservatory at Syon on May 20th.It's free but you'll need to book.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/step-back-in-time-step-forward-for-dementia-awareness-tickets-1320095123049?aff=oddtdtcreator

Susan Kelly ● 32d0 Comments ● 32d