Forum Topic

British Waterways Brentford Lock Waterside Fesitval

I hope everyone will come and enjoy the event.  Some very interesting things planned.

Conal Stewart ● 7012d71 Comments

It was a lovely surprise meeting you and your son in Twickenham,and you both sharing a glass of wine with us made our day Jim.I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant in Church St as it deserves to be mentioned for its lovely food and service.A quick couple in the Eel Pie PH afterwards rounded off a cracking first anniversary

Paul Fisher ● 6993d

Hmmm, Swampy or Daily Mail reader? What a choice. Still, you pays your money...

The Pseudometer ● 6993d

Definitely wellies ... ... glad I got that spelling right ...

Sarah Felstead ● 6993d

...pacamacs?

The Pseudometer ● 6993d

Conal made a posting of "I hope everyone will come and enjoy the event.  Some very interesting things planned."  ... Everyone was pleased to hear about such a lovely lively community event and rushed to grab their ...

Sarah Felstead ● 6993d

It's all there in black & white (if you haven't lost the will to live reading through the posts).

The Pseudometer ● 6993d

""You really are quite the Daily Mail type aren't you?""Conal: When you post messages like that ..without any indication of who you are directing it at...readers can be puzzled.If you were referring to me...could I confirm to you that I receive the Daily Mail on Thursdays only...solely so that I can read the Printing Trade Classified Advertisements.Otherwise I read THE TIMES every day…and lots of magazines and local publications.Regarding the Festival...there were 2page and 4 page promotional leaflets published by your employer..but sadly you were unable to get someone to post them on this Forum.  One leaflet clearly showed "P" parking facilities at Syon Park near the Conservatory…with a short distance  You ranted on about the lack of parking facilities..yet failed to mentioned those "organised" by your employer.  Finally your message directed at Matt Hamer on the 17th May  was an insult to a very worthy Brentford resident, community worker, and now Councillor. It read:“”I hope you aren't encouraging people to drive to Brentford for this event Mr Harmer when there are ample public transport provisions locally...I also hope you are not encouraging them to use our precious few parking spaces east of Boston Manor Road Mr Harmer, we already have problems with the Police Centre and the Church using our spaces despite the useless Council sign telling people that their vehicles will be told.Do I have to spend that Saturday stopping vehicles using our spaces now?””And you posted that message on a thread you had started promoting the event… and seeking our attendance!

Jim Lawes ● 6993d

You really are quite the Daily Mail type aren't you?

Conal Stewart ● 6993d

Thanks for having pointed that out.  In any event the weather seemed to put people off. Shame really.

Conal Stewart ● 6993d

???Can you expand on that please?

Ian Silver ● 6993d

Lovely picture.....thank you

Ian Silver ● 6993d

Paul:Fancy bumping into you and your wife Cllr Shirley today in Twickenham ,Church Street! This gave us a chance celebrate your first wedding anniversary today! Congratulations again.You've certainly had a memorable couple of weeks..and those Scotch Eggs will help to keep you fortified!  We mustn't tell Audrey how fab they are..as she's thousands of miles away!! Perhaps I'll slice the last remaining one I have..and take picture..and be really cruel and include an HP Sauce bottle in the photo!!Here's a dreamy picture of ancient and modern in Brentford yesterday.

Jim Lawes ● 6994d

I managed to grab two scotch eggs and a game pie just before he closed Jim,and also some pickled onions and smoked mackeral pate with the help of Cllr Harmer.

Paul Fisher ● 6995d

The Brentford History day tied in well with the event, two talks on the Grand Union and local watermen amd lightermen, plus a guided tour of the waterfront ending up at the Toll House.Packed to capacity which slightly surprised me, it is gratifying to see so many people taking an active interest in the background history of their environment.On another note, I was also delighted to see that virtually all our local ward councillors were in attendance at the Festival in the course of the day, showing the sort of involvement with the community that we like to see.The turn out was very impressive given the weather, so it is to be hoped that this area will now become more frequented, and given the sort of "vitality" that is promised.It is presumably doubtful that ISIS would continue to sponsor the festival if their Appeal is lost for Commerce Road, but hopefully alternatives will be found if that proves the case. This is an event worth keeping up.

Nigel Moore ● 6995d

Thanks for the excellent pictures Jim. What a shame the weather didn't co-operate. Hope you enjoyed your Scotch eggs!!

Audrey Walton ● 6995d

I was there first knockings and had a very pleasant boat trip.There was a nice, pleasant atmosphere(people seem happier near water I think)and a good, if a little low key time was had by all.

Keith Iddon ● 6995d

I'm glad you managed to get along to the festival Linda...and that you gave full marks to the organisers and stall holders.Apparently there were big crowds earlier in the day..and I regret not getting there until after 4pm and thus missed the fun.  It was a pleasure to walk around the Festival area nonetheless.ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooEveryone seemed so friendly! ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooI wonder if I can cadge a lift/trip off this chap!oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooShall I hitch a lift off this chap? Parhaps it's too late.oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOh dear!oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooTime for a pint?oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooAh..a familiar face at last. "4 scotch eggs please!"oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooLook forward to seeing pictures of the day.

Jim Lawes ● 6995d

We closed at 1.00 sharp so we could go to the festival and at 1.00 sharp it starts to rain. That's nothing new to us, boating and us attract rain like a magnet attracts rusty iron filings (Thames water take note, we are available for long weekends at their expense). Anyway we parked in Boston Manor car park (only one other car)and walked the excellent tow path from there. Full marks to the organisers and stall holders you deserved better weather than this, I hope you try again next year and if you do (I know it has already been suggested) can you include more waterborne activities please.

Linda F Wright ● 6996d

Sarah Felstead ● 6996d

Jim, you can access the canal from both sides of the A4.  So you can hop off the bus by PC World and walk along to the canal bridge on that side, then cross underneath the Great West Road.

Sarah Felstead ● 6996d

I dont get much chance to blow my own trumpet, but I ran that re-enactment.And good fun it was too.

Neil Chippendale ● 6996d

Jim Lawes ● 6996d

In view of the traffic diversions..and if you are travelling by bus from Hounslow,or Isleworth...you will find your bus being diverted at Busch Corner to Gillette Corner!Travelling along the Great West Road..and if the weather is ok..you may find it quicker to get off the bus outside PC World, cross the GWR carriageways by the pedestrain bridge..and then access the towpath of the Grand Union Canal ..just on the Canal Bridge.Otherwise..you can stay on the bus..till it goes down Boston Manor Road..and reaches Half Acre..ie the High Street.As Matt has said..with rugby on at Twickenham too..at 3pm..it could all be fun!!If you are travelling fr

Jim Lawes ● 6996d

kevin - whre should the people park their cars? what was the comment about single parents referring to?

M Dowling ● 6997d

Just a question due to the burst water main and the issues of closed roads and those that have given way is this event still on as I was looking forward to attending.

Claire Diaper ● 6997d

So where is the best place to park in Brentford..if using the car is necessitated?  Is it safe to park in THE HAM?Colin: So there are two games at Twickenham this weekend...Saturday AND Sunday at 3pm!!

Jim Lawes ● 6997d

Sadly, I am going to the match at Twickenham, but can I park in Brentford and then take the 267?

The Pseudometer ● 6997d

If any one has been put of going to this event at the weekend by car don't be. With bad weather predicted it would be a shame if people didn't go because some people have given the impression they are unwelcome. This is a great opportunity for the Brentford area to show it is not some sort of crime ridden chav town as some want to portray us but a place with a sense of community, some spots of great beauty and a strong sense of its own history.Take public transport if it suits but take the car if not. The amount of CO2 emissions globally from cars is less than a fraction of 1% and much less than that from air travel. The modern private motor car, even the much derided Chelsea tractor, gives off hardly any emissions these days because of legislation on air quality. This can't be said of a bus or indeed waterborne transport. The 'Dave Spart' arguments against using a car are very dangerous if you follow their logical conclusion. If a single mother is being criticised for taking her children by car to this event then it won't be long before narrow boat owners are taken to task for having a trip up the river. The arguments against using your car are based on pseudo-science and people shouldn't be allowed to get away with some of the posturing and bullying we have seen on this thread. Even though I could walk to this event I'm almost tempted to drive.

Andy Jones ● 6997d

Spare me Sarah! I'd be hopeless, I'm just putting ideas out.I did raise the subject last night at the BW User Group meeting, of engaging locals for participation and ideas next time around. The rather strange response was that this was a first, and appraisals would be made for any future event once this was done. I can't see where an answer came into that.Actually it isn't the first festival here, I attended a canal event here in the very early '90's, when they had Dragon-boat races, and even (on Boston Manor Park), a re-enactment of the Civil War battle of Brentford! Quite a spectacle it was too. Of course that didn't involve the waterways either, but the Civil War histories tell of engagements with boats sailing past Syon Park and being fired on, that should combine the waterways theme with such a re-enactment.

Nigel Moore ● 6998d

Firstly, apologies Conal, I should have pointed out that public transport is readily available. The car park in  Ealing Road is the old Alfa Lavel site which GSK use during the week (although I understand that will finish soon) and the football club on matchdays. It's usually locked up at weekends and, for people who drive, it's probably too far to walk (about 10 minutes). Anyway, let the E2, E8, 65, 235, 237, 267, H91 or the train take the strain - if possible.

Matt Harmer ● 6998d

But I want to look nice for you sweetie x

The Pseudometer ● 6998d

Isn't there that huge car-park partially used for the football just off south ealing road?

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

You seem quite able talk it up on here Colin.  I just want to see if you are as brave in the fesh as you are rude on this website?  It's a fair request.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

I can't get these posts to go in where they should - both the last 2 postings from Nigel line him up for all future community events in the area!  Put the man in charge!Has anyone thought to ask the Gt West Road companies if they would allow their car parks to be used?  People could join the canal footpath just before the sheds and then walk on down to the Lock?

Sarah Felstead ● 6998d

Lovely posting, as always, Nigel.Cllrs please note to include Nigel in organising any community event - puh-leese!

Sarah Felstead ● 6998d

Can I lose a few stone first?

The Pseudometer ● 6998d

Only where it is specified as residents only.  It shouldn't be a problem for the most part I should think as there is usually plenty of room for the football matches and there has never been a problem, and no you won't be intimidated...  just have your vehicles towed away if you park in a residents only defined space that is all.  You would be surprised the amount of people that cannot read basic English.  I should imagine that the only people who will "need" to  drive are the same type of people who need to drive chelsea tractors to their children's school gates.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

I won't be.  But you can be as obnoxious as you like, have the guts to say what you want to my face Colin. I'm up for it.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

I won't be.  But you can be as obnoxious as you like, have the guts to say what you want to my face Colin. I'm up for it.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

The issue for Colin et. al. is that they clearly don't like the idea of public transport.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

(Don't get jealous).

The Pseudometer ● 6998d

The point is that when there is ample public transport provision we do not need people driving here.  It is all really quite a simple concept Bronwyn.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

I'm quite happy to meet you and illustrate to you otherwise.

Conal Stewart ● 6998d

'M' - I remember getting on a bus when ours were younger. One in a push chair one walking. I had been warned against it by the missus but thought I didn't need to take the car for such a short journey. How wrong I was. Even allowing for my personal fecklessness it was an absolute nightmare, brakes not holding on the buggy, one child inconsolable that they weren't allowed upstairs and stop missed when we needed to get off. They are older now and I quite happily take the bus these days but I would have every sympathy with parents of younger kids who want to drive.There aren't parking restrictions on a Saturday in the area to the best of my knowledge.

Dan Evans ● 6999d

A few other ideas for the next festival, to bring in water and canal activities to redress the current imbalance.Invite the Brent River Association to exhibitInvite the T & W Stakeholder Forum with their illustrated BRN policies“Roses & Castles” painting tuition/exhibitionRope and fender making skills demonstrationsOld films shown of when the area was being used for freightConducted walking tours of canalside heritageStalls specialising in canalia and boaters' equipment

Nigel Moore ● 7002d

not sure if your aware but it is not illegal to take children or buggies on public transport, although may be thought of not being posh enough. where the event is being held in there is very very little public parking or not really any public car parks nearby.so the easiest way to get there is get a bus from chiswick high road (237 or 267) which costs £1, 80p with oyster card and all under 16's travel free and get off in brentford high street, directly opposite event.

M Dowling ● 7002d

And at night:  "aboutthisboy" has taken this snap:

Jim Lawes ● 7002d

There's a chap called "aboutthisboy" who has produced some pleasant pictures of the Canalside area.oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jim Lawes ● 7002d

Thanks Jim.I was beginning to think that it wouldn't be worth ever setting foot in Brentford as the residents are so friendly!

Bronwyn Snelling ● 7005d

Let's get back to happy Brentford and look forward to a memorable day out.I took this snap last year sometime and it brings pleasure to the eye..not aggro to the ear!

Jim Lawes ● 7005d

In which road..east of Boston Manor Road..does the Angry Man live..so we can avoid getting an earful!There will be visitors from all around..Chiwick and Isleworth..Kilburn and Clapham Junction..let's hope that they will be made to feel welcome!For myself..I will avoid that unattractive road parking option and go by railway to Brentford Station.It's the Station neighbours that are the problem..why hasn't Mr William E Hughes sorted out this longtime ugliness?

Jim Lawes ● 7005d

Ann - there aren't any parking restrictions in the resident areas on a Saturday so you should be able to park nearby. I have three kids - one in a push chair so public transport isn't really an option even if there was a convenient route. I'll definitely be driving.

Justin Harris ● 7005d

I’m looking forward to seeing how well the Festival will go, and hope for a great success. I don’t even care that it is a cynical attempt to convince us that ISIS are cuddly and caring.The history exhibition at the Toll-house (in addition to what will be more comprehensive at St Paul’s on the same day), is something I hope will be entertaining education.The proportion of landside activities is disappointing. The only canal usage is the availability of free boat trips. That’s a terrific idea of course, but so much more should have been made of the canal itself, rather than just using it as a backdrop. Previous events during rallies here included dragon-boat races which would have added enormous colour to the festivities. It’s certain that local canoe clubs and Sea-Scouts would have welcomed an opportunity to demonstrate Eskimo-rolls and small boat handling. One of the highlights of the Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice is the boat handling competition for narrowboats, surely an ideal event!It’s tragic that so much of the waterspace has been effectively filled in with the new pontoons, which certainly restricts the area available for such events, but an attempt to make the best of what’s left should have been made.Then too, why was there no engagement with local interest groups and waterside businesses? We could have volunteered visits to the boatyard for example, local boaters could have been on hand to demonstrate use of the locks, Thames 21 could have been invited to man a stall showing what can be done to keep the surrounds clean and tidy, Wildlife Trusts could have been there to teach youngsters and oldies about the local birdlife and other ecological issues. A brave move would have inviting Hounslow’s planning department down to show just what vision they had for the waterfront as a counterpoise to the ISIS vision. I’m going to be suggesting that BW involve local waterside people and businesses next time around, with just such ideas.

Nigel Moore ● 7006d

...and short with it.

The Pseudometer ● 7006d

Well some people would find that intimidating but if you are in the right then that is your perogative. Do the residents parking restrictions apply on Saturday?

Andy Jones ● 7006d

Is it just me or does everyone see an image of a purple face, bulging eyes and a vein throbbing at the temple when Conal posts?

Andy Jones ● 7006d

Firstly, you did jump down my throat aggressively and that is why I told you to take a lay down in a dark room and go read the information supplied by BW... which I presume you still haven't done as yet.People will drive to public events of course, but the alternatives are many and have been made public in several formats. Shame really, just like parking signs you have chosen not to read them before having a pop.My question was quite clearly with Mr Harmer, a local councillor, not a disguntled person from Chiswick.  A local Councillor should not be encouraging people to drive when there are numerous methods of coming to the event.  I think its common sense and a help to those you represent. Don't you agree?

Conal Stewart ● 7006d

I'll not be intimidating anyone. I'll be reminding people if I see them to observe the signs which are in english and are clear... residents parking only.  It takes common courtesy on both parties.  When there are plently of options few need the use of their people carriers etc.

Conal Stewart ● 7006d

What a bizarre response! I think the phrase is 'take a chill pill'.I am not jumping down your throat - I just happen to have a different view on some of the points you made. It is self-evident that if you organise a public event some people will drive to it. Of course it is commendable that an attempt is being made to discourage people from driving but there will always be a proportion who can't or won't use public transport. If the event does lead to significant complaints from local residents then I'm sure British Waterways won't hold similar functions again. It would make sense therefore to give advice to those who need to drive about places they can legally park nearby.You were complaining that the Council had put up signs about towing in your area and had not acted on them. I presumed you meant this was due to a lack of towing lorries but maybe the Council have alternate means of removing cars that I am not aware of.It may be about Brentford but I thought people like you who are having trouble with illegal parking would find it relevant that just a couple of miles away there is the opposite problem in that over zealous enforcement it leading to cars being towed for minor offences that are not causing obstructions.

Justin Harris ● 7006d

What?  Before you shoot losely from the mouth, will you please go and provide yourself some factual information? Read the British Waterways poster which is providing the information of how to get there, its quite plain its advising on public transport and indeed states a lack of spaces for cars.  I can put you in touch with Debbie Walker on the issue if you like.  If you insist on being so pedantic.I also asked Mr Harmer the question, not you?  Where do you get off in being so utterly rude?Additionally, where am I "bewailing" the lack of towing lorries? what I have said on this thread is that certain local users seem to have problems understanding private parking spaces and that Mr Harmer ought not to be encouraging people to drive anyway.  The fact is this is about BRENTFORD, not CHISWICK and I think you need to go take a lay down in a dark room before you jump down my throat without having the info.

Conal Stewart ● 7006d

It is surely British Waterways who are encouraging people to drive to Brentford by holding this event in the first place. Inevitably a significant number of an attendees are going to drive - people with kids, the disabled or the elderly may have to. One day's disruption for a day's local entertainment is a small price to pay and if there aren't parking restrictions then people are perfectly at liberty to park.There is some irony in you bewailing the lack of Council towing lorries when I and others are complaining that they are permanently trawling the streets of Chiswick.

Justin Harris ● 7006d

This is supposed to be a family event and so many people will need to drive. Are the parking spaces in the area restricted on the Saturday or will local residents like yourself just be trying to intimidate visitors out of parking on their road.

Alice Slater ● 7006d

I hope you aren't encouraging people to drive to Brentford for this event Mr Harmer when there are ample public transport provisions locally...I also hope you are not encouraging them to use our precious few parking spaces east of Boston Manor Road Mr Harmer, we already have problems with the Police Centre and the Church using our spaces despite the useless Council sign telling people that their vehicles will be told.Do I have to spend that Saturday stopping vehicles using our spaces now?

Conal Stewart ● 7006d

This would be a good place for people that use this forum to meet each other. I for one am planning on attending the festival even though I live in Isleworth.

Andrew Sibley ● 7007d

It's a fair point. The areas East of Boston Manor Rd are generally free of restrictions, as is the Health Centre car park - it's opposite the station.

Matt Harmer ● 7007d

Yes, I suppose that would be the easiest option if you don't have any babies or nans you would like to bring along!

Bronwyn Snelling ● 7007d

I would hope that many would come by public transport. Theres little excuse considering that there are four trains an hour running into Brentford either way at this time on a saturday unless I am sadly mistaken.  Not to mention seven bus routes.Hence why british Waterways note public tranport options.

Conal Stewart ● 7007d

Where would people park their cars, if coming from different areas to enjoy the festival?

Bronwyn Snelling ● 7007d

I wouldn't mind entering that competetion but I'm barred because of my job.  The Weir does nice meals I have to say even if they are a bit too pricey for the local market at this point in time.

Conal Stewart ● 7007d

I wouldn't mind entering that competetion but I'm barred because of my job.  The Weir does nice meals I have to say even if they are a bit too pricey for the local market at this point in time.

Conal Stewart ● 7007d

From a British Waterways website:Brentford Waterside Festival27th May 2006Brentford LockGrand Union CanalFree Bank Holiday fun for all the familyWith all the colour and splendour of a carnival, the food and drink of a farmers market and the sounds and entertainment of a street party, the Brentford Waterside Festival taking place on Saturday 27th May is set to be a dazzling affair.Organised by British Waterways London and sponsored by ISIS Waterside Regeneration, the programme of events includes street entertainment, live music, a farmer’s market, craft stalls, boat trips, children’s activities and much more. The event will take place between 11am and 5pm around the Brentford Lock area in west London and is free of charge and open to everyone.Activities include:    * Street entertainers – including The Sneakers, The Black Eagles, Grand Theatre of Lemmings    * Live music – including the Bridge Ensemble (Musicians in Residence for Hounslow.)    * Free boat trips    * Face painters    * Balloon modellers    * Children’s arts & crafts workshops    * Circus workshops    * Brentford Farmer’s Market, providing BBQ and snacks    * Interpretative display of the history of Brentford in The Toll House"The waterways have played an important part in the growth of Brentford since Roman times and in the last few years the Brentford Lock development has revitalised this gateway to the canal network, The Brentford Waterside Festival will encourage people to get out and enjoy their local waterway and discover the improvements that are taking place," says Louise Fishleigh, Recreation Manager for British Waterways London."The festival will include a host of free activities to keep all the family entertained, from boat trips to BBQ’s, balloon modellers to bands and we hope thousands of local people and waterways enthusiasts will join us for a day of waterside fun."Brentford is served by a frequent train service and a range of different bus routes. For visitors arriving by boat, there are plenty of moorings available, where boats can tie for free for up to 14 days. For details of facilities call British Waterways’ Brentford office on 020 7985 7780.CompetitionAs well as organising the Brentford Waterside Festival, British Waterways is offering you the chance to win lunch for four people at The Weir Bar and Dining Room to the value of £50 when you visit the festival. Simply send your answer the following question to enquiries.london@britishwaterways.co.uk by Friday 19 May.What is the name of the canal that joins the River Thames in Brentford?

Jim Lawes ● 7007d

There isn't a Sat . 26th May this year....

Keith Iddon ● 7008d

Bravo for another jolly event in Brentford.It should lift all our spirits..just like that Festival last year in Boston Manor Park..at which thousands of people attended.I took this picture last year sometime! Canon digital cameras are recommended.

Jim Lawes ● 7008d

Looks good Conal with live music, boat trips, workshops etc etc.Let's hope that there's a good turnout by the people of Brentford to support it & keep our fingers crossed for some nice weather.Had a walk along the towpath a couple of days ago & it certainly looks much better & cleaner now the new developments are completed.

Kevin Farnan ● 7011d