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Thanks Duncan....I'll try and stay focused!!  Isn't it a pity that so many community fetes are suffering from the difficult weather this year..lets hope the sun shines for the Brentford Festival in September!!There were some 40 mini marques and and stalls at the Osterley event today..and a stage for the performing arts and there was certainly a thousand or so people attending.  The clouds and early rain sent many home early..say after a two hour visit..and then I cycled in to see what was going on!--------------------------------------------------------Stalls were scattered over a wide area..and occupied by all sorts of local groups..including that Southall Railway Preservation Society, the West Middlesex family history group, the Osterley Residents, the the local Lions group who meet at the Holiday Inn, Brentford. Then there was the Cyclist group and the Diabetic Club, and many many more!There were artists' stalls galore and many pieces of artwork and handmade greeting cards on display and for sale.The Ealing beekeepers caught my eye!-------------------------------------------------------And the local Lion's Club chairlady!-------------------------------------------------------David Webster the Ealing pen and watercolour artist had work that caught my eye too.(www.david-webster.co.uk)------------------------------------------------------- More pictures in the pipeline. These events enable there to be much mixing and contact and conversation between people in a locality and are much valued in my book.The stallholders were so happy to answer questions and had time to speak about their subject.

Jim Lawes ● 6530d

http://www.owgra.org.uk/There been a busy residents' association in this area for many years..and in times gone by a lot of energy was expended stopping developers building on Osterley Park, Wycombe House Cricket Club Ground, and Wyke Green Golf Club.  I recall Mrs Jill Brame getting an MBE for her efforts on this and other things too.Weren't Tesco going to finance building a dual carriageway up Windmill Road to the Southall Iron Bridge..thus destroying the rural journey north passing the Hare and Hounds Pub!In recent years..Basil Mann and Sheila O'Reilly and colleagues have held fort..but support has been a bit lacking during the past couple of years.  Residents were thus threatened with a "close down" option last month...and wow didn't that get the locals going!!Some 40 people attended the recent AGM at St Mary's Church Hall to hear about news from the Police, the Campion House overdevelopment in Thornbury Road..and the happenings on the Brunel Site.The Police reported "doggying" in the Lane to the north of Osterely Park..accessed from Heston. So watch out!!  Peeping toms keep away!!Barbara Reid and Sheila O'Reilly ..two of the local Councillors..gave updates on their exciting and busy year at the Civic Centre and in the Ward.Mary Macleod, the recently chosen candidate for the Conservative Party..listened in to resident's concerns..and made note and introduced herself to the audience.http://www.owgra.org.uk/The website..if you manage to get access...has some information and copies of all newsletters.

Jim Lawes ● 6569d

Fresh baguette sandwiches and a cuppa are never far from my mind..and the Osterley Village shopping parade (and me!)has been given a new burst of life by the opening of the Park Cafe...on Friday last..just before the Bank Holiday.Locals are excited by it..and 92 year old Mr Patrick Barnes..the village elder and President of the local Residents Association has already blessed it with his presence.The Park Cafe has a professional feel..and the armchairs at the front of the cafe gives the just the right attraction for a tired cyclist!There have certainly been some changes along that parade of shops over the years..and things are hopefully looking up now that parking is easier...and that there is somewhere pleasant for visitors to snack and refresh and rest.-------------------------------------------------------The cafe opened for the first time last Friday...at 9.30am just as I was passing by. Local shopkeepers were calling in  to deliver their best wishes.--------------------------------------------------------When the sun comes out.......----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I was most impressed that the owners and friends attending the launch/opening formed a circle...joined hands...and prayed for the ventures's success. It should be a community asset.--------------------------------------------------------The jacket potatoes could be much improved(!) but the baguettes and coffee were tops.

Jim Lawes ● 6578d