Forum Topics

Sheep’s wool packaging for keen composters!

If anyone is interested, I have a quantity of sheep’s wool insulation suitable for composting. Once composted, it’s incredibly nutritious, enriching and good for the soil. We paid an absolute fortune for organic wool and bracken compost from the Lake District and I’d love it if someone could use this wool to make something similar for their garden! (We simply don’t have the space to do this, or we’d be composting it ourselves!)I’d put it in the garden waste bin, but the recycling instructions on the Hounslow website are… unclear. It does suggest that we make cosy insoles for our shoes. ‘Insoles’ is not the spelling which sprung to mind after I’d read it. Anyhow, if anyone would like a load of lovely wool for lovely compost, let me know here and we’ll talk!

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 741d0 Comments ● 741d

The Eco World development: Griffin Park.

Looking at the "6 storey" plansillustrated on this TW8.com website front page ... one wonders whether the residents of New Road, Braemar Road, Brook Road and Ealing Road will be missing out on acres of sky.In many cases views of the delightful Victorian homes will be silloetted against a backdrop of the Griffin Park "high rise" buildingsWalking westwards along Netley Road, for example, the delightful view of the Ealing Road terraced dwellings with be spoiled by these bulbous  new buildings behind them.Planners ... give it a rest surely!

Jim Lawes ● 762d7 Comments ● 749d

Bet your glad you voted Labour

I can't believe dear old Ruth Cadbury, one day after stabbing the old age pensioners in the back, has the gall to post how delighted she is to be appointed chair of the transport committee. Her reward, no doubt, for being a good little lap dog and towing the party line while her boss and the rest of his sponging parasites fill their coffers with freebees and huge salaries and while all the time the Labour faithful in her constituency are shafted. Worse still, Labour commissioned a report into what the impact that cutting the winter fuel payment to the old and vulnerable would be, but Keir blocked it being published as maybe the true cost in lives would be exposed.PS and I thought Boris was bad!

Robert Ayres ● 763d27 Comments ● 757d

Book Launch in Hewson Books Brentford

If you like good books and good wine, come along to the Book Launch of All My Precious Madness by Mark Bowles at Hewson Books Brentford (part of the new Brentford Project) this Friday evening, 27th September - hosted by Spiracle Audiobooks and Galley Beggar Press!We'd love to meet more of the Brentford and Chiswick Community! If you want to support your new local bookshop or the independent books scene, do come along! We've got special guests, great wine and it should be a delightful evening.For more information and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-all-my-precious-madness-tickets-1015410107967?aff=oddtdtcreator

Antonia Stassi ● 759d0 Comments ● 759d

The BRENTFORD FESTIVAL in Blondin Park 2024. (?)

This wonderful Community Festival which has been held for some 20 years ... and in it's early days in Boston Manor Park ...is normally held on the first Sunday in September.The formitable Linda Massey has been the great Organiser with her team of volunteers.However ...the date is getting closeand publicity for the Event seems lacking this year.Is it happening ...do you know?

Jim Lawes ● 793d10 Comments ● 760d

Why not just be honest and say the Fountains Centre is closing?

I can understand why the council might want to soften the blow and show that they have looked into other options but spending a million on a consultants report is out of order.We all know that the end result will be that the Fountains Leisure Centre will be shut. It is too run down and energy inefficient to be refurbed and the model in which community facilities are paid for by building flats has broken down - see The Watermans. A bit of honesty would be appreciated here and actually who would blame the council if they said we can't afford to keep running the centre and we can't afford to rebuild it therefore it is shutting?The million quid could have been used to soften the blow by making the reduction in council tax support for poor families £3million rather than £4million.

Kenneth Seally ● 784d11 Comments ● 763d

Beware of some of our local bus drivers!

One can understand that sometimes, , frail old folk might fall onto the pavement when getting off a busBUT landing on the pavement when you're getting ONTO a bus is a joke too far!It happened to me last Thursday at 7.50pm at the westbound bus-stop (SS) outside the Tanning Shop.Two able bodied people got on firstand I followed with my walking stick and shopping trolley. I had one foot on the bus and my right hand on the opened door handle. I was lifting my left leg to the platform, and my trolley ... when the driver chose to close the entrance door.I was thrown off the bus and handed on my back, side and right arm on the pavement. I was stunned for several minutes and in shock.A member of the public asked if they should call an ambulance. I said no ... which was wrong of me. A Philipino couple dressed my wounds to stop the bleeding and several helped me get on the bus again ... at the second attempt.The driver didn't really apologise.In my daze I didn't know if I was on a 237 or 267. Later that evening a gentleman told me that the same thing had happened to his elderly mother.I'm just recovering from the shock.If an ambulance had been called and a Report made...the driver would have been "quizzed" by his employer.My advice is, when getting on a bus ... make sure the drivers sees you before you jump on board ...especially if you're semi fragile!

Jim Lawes ● 768d7 Comments ● 766d

Filming again???

Are we not able to get a part refund for our annual parking permit when we have days taken up where we are prohibited from parking and fined if we do in our road? 6 whole days and a big percentage of Netley road again suspended parking due to filming.I wonder where all the residents are expected to park. It seems incredibly unfair after paying £90 for the year and then 3 Weeks of it so far we haven't been able to use it. I just wonder who are the best people or department to contact about it. Apologies for the moan.

Jane Ansell ● 778d13 Comments ● 768d

RIP Herbie Flowers

Bassist extraordinaire and occasional tuba virtuoso has risen to join the heavenly orchestra. Born in Isleworth and a session musician on so man tracks. Best remembered though as a founding member of Sky, CCS and Blue Mink. Also notable work with Marc Bolan and T Rex. Rest in Peace Mister Bassman.

N V Brooks ● 774d2 Comments ● 769d

Could the Hounslow Loop be given to TfL?

Reading about the planned nationalisation of South Western Railway it occurred to me that this might be a good opportunity to bring the suburban part of that network under the control of TfL making it part of London Overground.This could lead to a significant reduction in ticket prices and a more joined up service.I'm sure rail nerds out there will provide good reasons why this isn't that easy to do but there would be significant benefits for Chiswick and Brentford.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 813d5 Comments ● 769d

Charlton House - Albany Road

Ive just heard that the Charlton House - Albany Road development Is to be multiple 9 level block of flats. Please tell me this isn’t so?The original plans shown in a showroom a few years back was similar to Brentford High Street.

Jai Williams ● 772d4 Comments ● 771d

Free local festival on the 21st Sept

Hi all!For the second year in a row, I’m helping put together a free local festival/open day hosted at the Brentford & Isleworth Quaker Meeting House, as part of Open House Festival. We’re opening up from 10-6 on Saturday the 21st September, inviting visitors to explore the building and grounds, learn a little bit of local history, and enjoy a variety of free arts, crafts and musical activities.The full programme can be found at https://bandiquakers.org.uk/open-house/, or on Open House  Festival’s website at https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/2688 - featuring craft workshops, chamber performances and more. Everything is free to attend, and all are welcome - any age, any background, any faith and none.(Some events we ask for registration in advance if possible, to help us judge numbers, but feel free to turn up on the day!)There’s also a whole load of other interesting venues opening up over the two weeks of Open House - see https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/neighbourhoods/brentford for some local options, I’m hoping to visit a few!

Justin Treadwell ● 777d0 Comments ● 777d

Regarding Dial a Ride if you’re interested

Please remember this service is for people who cannot use public transport and do not have their own vehicle, and that the drivers of the buses are not volunteers.My solutions for Dial-a-Ride would be to start they must be better funded, they need the app to be clearer when bookings are confirmed, they need to speed up the recruitment process, they need a bank of drivers that they can draw on when there are staff shortages, they need to prioritise certain types of bookings, particularly those going to medical facilities, if this needs other types of bookings to be rearranged, so be it, another possibility could be to return to one passenger journeys most of the time, I know this sounds strange but it will speed up the process and enable them to take more bookings, I don’t have a problem sharing the bus with other passengers if their Collection point or destination is the same as mine or is on the way to mine or vice versa but that isn’t always the case.The backup system for Dial-a-Ride Is Taxicard However, They either don’t turn up or turn up late most of the time. I’ve missed Doctors appointments and was left for more than one hour in the street two weeks ago, they didn’t turn up due to a lack of availability. this is not unusual and happens regularly to me, just think about it, how long would you wait for a cab? Would you wait more than an hour? Even if it was a very cheap service? I think not! I have concluded that the simplest solution would be to give the contract for Taxicard to Uber. A more complicated solution is to give people who are members of the Taxicard scheme digital taxi vouchers, like a preloaded debit card and make all taxi companies and taxi drivers take them. that way, if one company can’t fulfil your booking someone else can. And you might be able to hail a taxi in the street sometimes as well as use a cab service.I’ve had to delete most of what I’ve written because it was far too much. So this is just the basics. And it still seems too much!

Patricia Feeney ● 831d3 Comments ● 779d

The Silence of the Lambert

I note that the latest lazy musings from Brentford’s resident funnyman include a reference to an ancient Toey politician called Wenest Marples and his ‘ethics’.I wonder if Guy Lambert might like to comment on the new Government’s winter fuel allowance and child benefit cap policies? I’m sure he can’t be happy that the Red Tories in Westminster have proved to be every bit as heartless as the Blue ones preceding them. Surely he must have some words of comfort for those residents in his ward that will be badly affected by these policies.Of course, he will say there’s no money. But then he might have to mention the Labour group meeting this week that revealed a massive hole in the finances (despite the persistent claims of prudence and good money management he’s made in the past). Seems that council tax will go up, and will hit the less well off in the borough most, around 7,000 on Council Tax support.But then Lambert is a socialist so absolutely nothing to say.

Simon Hayes ● 790d16 Comments ● 779d

This last weekend's CREATIVE MILE event.

As the leaflet said it was mainly an "Art trail at various locations in Brentford" that weren't generally un available for free access at other times.St Lawrence Church and Gardens were open ... and whilst the real purpose was to view the artwork by adults and local children ... it was a great opportunity to view the Church's interior architecture. The remnants of the Graveyard wereintroduced to us as "the gardens"which was a little disrespectful in my view.I missed seeing Plockers wine bar,and a visit to our Museums.Did you manage to pop along?Any reports on the other key event THE BRENTFORD FESTIVAL IN BLONDIN PARK ?

Jim Lawes ● 781d1 Comments ● 781d

This last weekend's CREATIVE MILE event.

As the leaflet said it was mainly an "Art trail at various locations in Brentford" that weren't generally  available for free access at other times.St Lawrence Church and Gardens were open ... and whilst the real purpose was to view the artwork by adults and local children ... it was a great opportunity to view the Church's interior architecture. The remnants of the Graveyard wereintroduced to us as "the gardens"which was a little disrespectful in my view.I missed seeing Plockers wine bar,and a visit to our Museums.Did you manage to pop along?Any reports on the other key event THE BRENTFORD FESTIVAL IN BLONDIN PARK ?

Jim Lawes ● 781d0 Comments ● 781d

Farewell to BA Williams

This Friday, BA Williams, the pharmacy located in Albany Parade and one of Brentford’s longest-established businesses, closes its doors for good, vacating their premises ahead of the demolition and redevelopment of Charlton, Albany and Osier Houses. Owner Mr Savani and his team threw a grand farewell party this evening, where a huge number of past and present customers came to express their thanks and say goodbye. It was truly standing room only and the warmth and goodwill was heartfelt and genuine.The team at BA Williams has taken incredibly good care of both my husband and me. They were always there to provide advice and kindness. The comfort of being able to talk to someone who was familiar with you cannot be overstated. I know that, over the years, they have done the same for hundreds, if not thousands, of other customers. They provided an invaluable community hub, and have always gone above and beyond to help those frightened, anxious or in need. It is a great loss for Brentford and we are the poorer for that loss. Forgive me if I am mistaken here, but several people with whom I spoke expressed surprise that none of our elected representatives appeared to be in attendance. I certainly did not spot either of our councillors (although I admit I would probably not recognise Cllr Yates unless she was pointed out to me), nor our MP who is frequently spotted out and about in Brentford. I can’t help but feel this was shabby. The shop is open until close of play on Friday. If you haven’t - and you’d like to - there’s still the chance to wish everyone well as they all head into their next acts.I cannot express how sad we are to say goodbye. We will miss everyone there terribly. Good luck, godspeed - and thank you. 

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 785d3 Comments ● 783d

Dave Wetzel

Thank-you for highlighting the sad news of the passing of Dave Wetzel. As one of the people lucky enough to serve under him when he was Leader of Hounslow council, I valued Dave as a friend and colleague who was a dynamic leader and retained the respect of both councillors and officers. Dave understood the value of public service and had also been an elected member of the GLC and a wonderful advocate for public transport. But more than any of his many achievements he was just such a lovely, lovely man, kind and very genuine, he enjoyed a long and happy marriage to Heather, also a former councillor. Sincere condolences to her and his daughters and grandchildren, he really will be missed by all of us who knew him, and will be remembered with great affection and many smiles.

Vanessa Smith ● 807d5 Comments ● 790d

(S)ime bikes

As someone who finds the blasted E-bikes a right pain in the backside - being dumped as they are all over the place this article from today's 'i' showed what can be done when you have a council with some spine and that is willing to listen, so unlike our own dear Hounslow! It seems that there is no London-wide policy or agreement with the various hire companies, all boroughs making up their own rules, which are pretty much ignored a lot of the time anyway. I think they've been taken for mugs.Melbourne city council in Oz have banned electric scooters and have given the rental firms 30 days to remove them! 'After hundreds of accidents and complaints from the public about too many people riding them on footpaths'. This is after a two year trial basis - would that councils here listened, and just think how much more space they have in Oz compared to us!!

Vanessa Smith ● 798d8 Comments ● 790d

A "THUMBS UP" for the Musical Museum, Brentford

I hadn't been to the London Musical Museum in Brentford for some yearsfor various reasons ...but the other day I attended there for a personal recording session (to do with local history etc).I was so impressed with the new lay- out of the exhibition areas, the entrance foyer ... and features in the corridors ... that I thought I should give them a little promotion.Spotlights and attractive displays gave a positive vibe.It was all so uplifting  and one congratulates the interior designer who planned the changes.Previously called the Piano Museumwhich was based at St Georges Church under the baton of Frank Holland RIP, the London Musical Museum requires a brighter future.The Museum is open on 3 days only.FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS.The 1st floor café is open 10am - 4pm on those days and it is FREE to visit.INFORMATIVE TOURS OF THE MUSEUMtake place at:10.30am,12.30pm & 2.30pm. Costing £7.50 for locals.(See website for other folk)I'm trying to establish whether one can tour the Museum for free ... if one is without the Guide.The various displays of GIFTS on sale caught my eye ... eg vinyl LP records of organistscosting only £2.50.There are areas for private functions, tea dances, silent film shows and more.WE must use it or lose it!The Museum needs funds to survive.

Jim Lawes ● 793d0 Comments ● 793d