Forum Topics

Advice needed re sofa please

Hello all, I am looking for advice please. I have a sofa that I need removing and unfortunately due to health reasons I can’t do this myself.Does anyone know of any organisations that can help ideally recycled or revamped and free to a good home. It does have damage by my cat but it’s a good quality grey velvet sofa.Any advice would be much appreciated thank you.

Dionne Monarch ● 83d15 Comments ● 45d

Low emission diesel cars

Hi I went to renew my car parking permit and I am being charged a £75 surcharge because my car is diesel. Although my car is diesel it has low emissions equivalent to band 4 emissions and the website states that 'Band 4 (101-130 g/km) generally correspond with current standard charges'.  Hounslow's parking strategy states that 'the less polluting the vehicle is, the less the user pays for parking'.  Diesels with low emissions are being penalised by the surcharge.  I have written to complain.  I urge other low emission diesel owners to also complain.

Joanna Hill ● 62d9 Comments ● 52d

St Paul’s Green - teenagers in the playground

Coming back from coffee and the shops, I saw around half a dozen teenaged boys (in school uniform, but sadly no identifiable blazer badges) playing very roughly on the zip wire in the children’s playground on the green. They were all well into their teens, voices broken, tall and (a couple of them) quite hefty. They were so rough that I feared they were going to break the equipment. Heart pounding, I decided to go for it and asked - nicely - if they would please be careful, as the playground was for little kids. Of course, there was a load of lip in return, including: ‘This is a public park’. Yes, It’s a public park, but the playground isn’t. You want public, go and play on the grass. Some tedious back and forth ensued. I used some choice language and walked off, only stopping to have a look at the Rules & Regs board by the gate, which stated that the playground was for under 11s. I pointed at the sign and one of them shouted ‘I’m blind’ - I shouted back that he was… well, something else more, ahem, ‘fundamental’, if you get my drift. (I’d like to point out that I do not merely spew filth - I enunciate clearly, like an effing lady.)As a child, I was always frightened of the older children when I went to the swings. (By older, I mean 9 or 10, not 15 or 16.) Perhaps I was oversensitive, but seeing older children roughhousing filled me with terror. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that at the time or - indeed - now. It’s intimidating, makes the atmosphere horrible for children and parents and knackers the playground equipment. I don’t know I what - if anything - can be done. There’s obviously no funding for a full-time park keeper. Even if there were one, I don’t think that teenagers would take any notice of them. When I was little, park keepers were scary authority figures; now, they’re probably as intimidated as the rest of us. My poor husband is sure that I’m going to end up knifed, but I feel that sometimes you do have to call out this sort of thing. It may not be the hottest anti-social behaviour ticket, but it’s really not acceptable. Or am I just yelling into the abyss?

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 93d8 Comments ● 57d

Stolen luggage

If anyone staying at local hotels have lost their luggage, suitcases and handbags, they have been dumped in St Pauls recreation ground. The dog walking area at the bottom of the path that runs alongside.

Steve Bullman ● 88d3 Comments ● 73d

MISSING CAT

My Cat Jeff has been missing since Sunday 15/6. She isn't a very adventurous cat and usually doesn't wonder very far from home so it's strange that she hasn't come back. Please kindly look out for her, She is a beige British Shorthair, shy but friendly. We are worried sick so your help would be much appreciated. Please call Caro on 07703433110 if you spot her anywhere, thank you.

Carolyne Beck ● 86d1 Comments ● 76d

65?  Happy birthday - You are now eligible for …

Alongside the bits that are wearing out and dropping off ….  what perks have you found for this amazing group of people?

Sarah Felstead ● 88d5 Comments ● 77d

To the Brentford Community – Re: Jim Lawes, A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Hello friends, neighbours, and fellow hearts of Brentford (where Jim lives) and Chiswick (where Jim grew up and I was born),This is Lucas Lawes writing to honour someone whose quiet strength and community spirit have carried more weight than most could know—my father, Jim Lawes.As Amanda Jane Goodall and I prepare to marry in June 2026, I would like to ask publicly, and lovingly, for my father’s blessing as Amanda becomes Amanda Jane Lawes. But even more than that - I want to say thank you.The last sixteen years have been difficult, complex, and at times unbearable for Jim's family, but especially for my Dad, Jim. Through it all, Dad has shown patience, resilience, and an enduring love that words barely capture.Jim Lawes has long been a pillar in this community - his dedication to Brentford’s history, his commitment to preserving stories and supporting neighbours, and his tireless efforts to celebrate local heritage have meant the world to many. To me, he is not just a father, but a living archive of heart, heritage, and humanity.So please, if you’re reading this - take a moment to reflect, to applaud, and to honour a man who deserves it. Jim Lawes.To my dad: thank you. For everything. I love you.A Message of Strength to Dad (recorded 6th April 2024)https://youtu.be/xVXb11a1m70Imagine by John Lennon by local Artist Phil Marshall - The Albion Pub on Bridge Road in Hampton Court/East Moleseyhttps://youtu.be/uKVDMxg2u0AWith hope, healing, and harmony,Lucas Edward Lawes

Lucas Lawes ● 95d6 Comments ● 83d

Brentford Festival

Sad to see that the redoubtable Linda Massey has said that this will be the last year of the Brentford Festival that she helped revive way back in 2005. Our area will be all the poorer for the demise of this popular event, and just saying 'Thank-You' to Linda and all her wonderful volunteers hardly seems enough. It is the law of unintended consequences that has proved the last straw with the advent of 'Martyn's Law' the result of the Manchester Arena bombing, meaning there has to be better security which also means having to find the money to fund it. Sadly this may also open the floodgates to bigger commercial events in our parks - as we have seen in Brockwell Park on the T.V. recently, with access by the local people restricted, while big companies make a lot of money and cash strapped councils go along with more and more events. The sheer number of volunteers in this country is something pretty unique and the areas they get involved in are many and varied. Can't help but think that along with better security we are also losing something typically British, all those fetes and fayres that raise money for good causes. So a huge 'Thanks' to Linda and everyone she works alongside for many years of dedication, so that we can just turn up and enjoy ourselves!  

Vanessa Smith ● 87d1 Comments ● 86d

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 ● 109d1 Comments ● 87d

Hello Jim

I hope you are doing well.  I love to read you are out and about in Brentford and your insights into the area.  I always find your postings  informative and enjoyable.  I still look out to see if you have talked yourself into climbing these tower blocks and your photos from the top.  Have a good day.

Sarah Felstead ● 88d0 Comments ● 88d

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 ● 136d54 Comments ● 91d

Perpetual Double Yellow Line Parking

Every evening and weekends there are vehicles parking on double yellow lines. The owners know there will be no tickets handed out between certain hours. They block the way for vans and of late, fire engines and ambulances. Why aren’t random checks conducted to stop this type of selfish parking?

Jai Williams ● 91d1 Comments ● 91d

John Dale suspension and Meta

A few days ago I was reading in Private Eye about how the looser moderation policy at Meta has resulted in a dramatic increase in anti-semitic comments and a corresponding increase in attacks culminating in the murder of the young couple who worked at the Israeli embassy in Washington.I am not accusing Meta of being anti-semitic as I'm sure their new regime has resulted in a rise in hate speech against a wide range of communities.The banning of John Dale's site could therefore be some sort of target driven operation which means that they still have to suspend some accounts to give the appearance of doing something but without a human actually looking at what they are blocking.His page is the only thing I look at on Facebook these days but I am familiar enough with the platform to know it was exceptionally well run compared to man other groups which are totally lawless. My only criticism of him would be why is he effectively giving his time and effort for free to such a terrible company.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 101d17 Comments ● 93d

FREE Golf Lesson at The Golfrooms

The Golfrooms in Brentford are offering a free golf lesson for both beginners and advanced level golfers. https://thegolfrooms.com/golf-lessons-2They also run some excellent junior golf groups and squads for anyone interested in getting their children into golf

James irons ● 98d4 Comments ● 94d

Jim's son's upsetting emails for the last 16 years

Hi Dad,Just to say I am sorry for all the distance, harm and upset I have caused you to suffer, and your friends and family to suffer too.Our family conflicts via email and letter is over.And for the National Association of People Abused in Childhood, 3465 views:https://youtu.be/fDZRA-pDXrILucas Lawes (Nico) xxxlucaslawes@gmail.com xx

Lucas Lawes ● 100d0 Comments ● 100d

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 ● 134d18 Comments ● 100d

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 ● 115d3 Comments ● 100d

It’s a bit like Fawlty Towers around here…

Remember the opening credits showing the hotels name, Fawlty Towers, and how the letters were moved around each week to spell something else?Well, our specialism around here seems to be the  temporary road signs.  Utility road works last year gave arrows showing the traffic where the diversion was.  This lasted for a couple of days until somebody twigged the diverted route came past their house, so the arrows were swiftly moved around, and hey presto! The arrows took drivers back to where they started..You may have seen all the road closed signs for Wood Lane?  These have done a grand job in keeping the local roads clear of the school and commuter traffic.  There is a gas leak just before the railway crossing which needs to be fixed.  In the meantime , there isn’t a hole, and there isn’t a worker in sight.  Last night around 8.30pm the cones were carefully  tucked away onto the pavement and  the road closure  is actually no more …

Sarah Felstead ● 173d1 Comments ● 100d

Attenborough family

Where about in Isleworth did they live?

Sarah Felstead ● 136d8 Comments ● 103d

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 ● 109d3 Comments ● 106d

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 ● 132d14 Comments ● 107d

Community Empowerment and Local Improvement Initiatives

It's encouraging to see our community coming together to address local challenges. Initiatives like the Rainbow Project empower tenants to have a say in how funds are spent, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in our surroundings. Such efforts not only improve our environment but also strengthen the bonds within our community. Let's continue to support and participate in these initiatives to create a better Brentford for everyone.

Priya Shah ● 108d0 Comments ● 108d

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 ● 145d9 Comments ● 114d

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 ● 124d0 Comments ● 124d

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 ● 125d2 Comments ● 125d

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 ● 143d4 Comments ● 129d

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 ● 129d0 Comments ● 129d

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 ● 132d1 Comments ● 132d

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 ● 135d1 Comments ● 134d

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 ● 219d84 Comments ● 136d

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 ● 209d17 Comments ● 138d

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 ● 140d0 Comments ● 140d

Time called on Balraj finally?

As he previously turned up just in time to avoid forfeiture, it looks likely that he has made a miscalculation on his calendar and will finally be ousted. That is of course, unless Labour say that the breach of the Act was de minimis if he turns up to the January council meeting or they offer him special dispensation. If they cared about residents of the ward they would be doing everything they possibly could to get him out.

Kenneth Seally ● 285d82 Comments ● 143d

Help - floor tiler required.

Has anyone got any contacts/recommendations for someone who can lay a ceramic tile floor in our porch? Let down last week by a company, so would be grateful for any suggestions.

Vanessa Smith ● 151d1 Comments ● 145d

How much for a ticket at New Cinema

At last a new cinema.But the report does not mention the regular ticket prices.We go to the one in Kings Cross or Chelsea as wife gets a company perk ( a bit like Waterman's had with GSK employees.But a normal ticket ( which I have to get) is never less than £20. and the concessions are £18.50So it's not really going to be affordable to the average person in Brentford is it?The lovely place in Chiswick is super but super expensive too.Or is there a different local pricing that got omitted from the report?

Raymond Havelock ● 220d32 Comments ● 152d

Guy Lambert blog fact check

Some lazy assumptions this week, councillor.The Windmill Road junction does indeed see large puddles in heavy rain, although the genuine flood issues that plagued that part of the road some years back are long gone. However, to blame this on people’concreting over their gardens’ is a bit of a stretch.Perhaps you should ask the ever-reliable Thames Water to investigate the drains there. Given the appallingly shoddy construction of Performance Point on that corner the chances are that there’s a substantial amount of concrete and other debris blocking up the sewers. It’s happened before.You might also want to point the finger at your council’s own planning department. Just up the road is Reynard Mills, which has a vast expanse of tarmac and concrete approved by your planning committee. Contributing to those overworked drains, no?I look forward to the increased flow out of the Churchill House development when its concrete and tarmac are added into the mix.As for rowing in Brentford, well a lot more could be done to support Team Keane. One suggestion made to the brains behind the GSK redevelopment is to give the club space adjoining the canal so that more schoolchildren can enjoy the benefits of rowing and canoeing with them. While I don’t enjoy your continuation of the class war, I agree that as a form of exercise it should be more accessible for all. After all, Britain’s greatest tower didn’t have a private education. Perhaps you could pursue this.Other than that, it was a reasonable read this week.

Simon Hayes ● 198d7 Comments ● 167d

Three cheers for the Royal Mail 1st Class!

I posted a greeting card with a 1st Class stamp at 4.30 pm yesterday at the "gold" pillar box outside Isleworth Post Office on the London Road ... and wished it well and a safe journey.Blow me down ... it safely arrived at a remote house on the Outer Hebrides this morning!Just 16 hours later! That really is first class. Well done Royal Mail (Jubilee Mail Centre and the Stornoway Delivery Office)

Jim Lawes ● 170d1 Comments ● 169d

Parking Permits

Anyone know why my Hounslow CPZ permit- which cost nothing last year- has suddenly increased to £90 a year? It's the same car...

Mark Gormley ● 181d6 Comments ● 176d

ISLEWORTH THROUGH THE AGES illustrated talk

posting on behalf of - The Friends of Isleworth Public Hall Inviting all to enjoy a Social Afternoon on Wednesday 9th April 2025. Doors Open 1.45pm for a 2.15pm Illustrated Talk “Isleworth Through the Ages” by Christine Diwell3.15 p.m. RefreshmentsAt Isleworth Public Hall, South Street,  TW7 7BGEmail: members.foiph@gmail.com Tel. 020 8744 0663

Rob Kemp ● 179d1 Comments ● 177d