Forum Topics

Beware:  gangs of Southern Electricity salesmen on the prowl

If you go to the Chiswick W4 Forum..and type in SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY in "Forum Search".. you will find messages posted last year about persistent and misleading salesmen cold calling at people's front doors.So be warned, these salesmen have decended on TW7... TODAY..appearing to be on their own  but in fact working in a sizable team..using misleading words..and misleading claims..and even asking to see one's fuel bills ....gas and electricity and "you pay by direct debit don't you?".  I was surprised at the chap's tenacity. As an old vunerable man living on my own ..I could have been duped! More information later...this is just an advance warning!! Have you been visited yet..by these cold callers?

Jim Lawes ● 7331d1 Comments ● 7331d

Sparrows

Much in the news about LACK or disappearance of these cheeky little birds.  I am happy to say they are thriving and have increased this summer - at least in my garden.  Also golden finches having a lovely time eating the echinops (spelling!?)  Cleodendron berries have been found by pigeons - to my disgust, hopefully they will leave some for the black birds.  Actually the tiny branches are too small to really take the weight of the pigeons, but so far no damage done.

Lois Westby ● 7339d8 Comments ● 7331d

So, that's where some of my neighbours and friends come from...

When one of my children went on a trip around the world some years ago, he spent a good deal of time in Pakistan and India.One knew something about each country but not lots....so I bought the LONELY PLANET guide for India..and followed his progress around the different areas. I was amazed at the expanse and diversity of the Country..and it was very educational. The different religions and customs.  I even read that there were two Pizza Express restaurants in New Delhi!I thought..the locals in Hounslow and Heston and Isleworth should all be given a copy of this LONELY PLANET guide to help them more easily understand their "incoming neighbours". I mean, the book only costs £10 or something.Today, I have received a postcard from Mumbai (old Bombay) and on seeing the picture ..thought that looks like the South of France!So this posting may contibute to our understanding of that massive country far away... I had no idea views like this were there! (see next message).

Jim Lawes ● 7338d9 Comments ● 7332d

P.C. or not P.C.

I just wonder how many of us feel that the Metropolitan Police Service is becoming a mealy-mouthed, pathetic, bunch of apologists for trying to do the job we pay them for? This latest hoo-ha over the Muslim P.C. in the diplomatic protection squad just makes me furious and frankly I don't believe a word that has come from on high making pathetic excuses for this individual. As one Police Officer put it - he volunteered for the D.P. Squad and therefore must have been aware of what would be expected of him, the Met. are supposed to police "without fear or favour", yeh right. I always had the highest regard for our Police, that is going down the pan at a rate of knots. What with don't refer to young hooligans as yobs in case the little darlings get offended, you do begin to wonder what the point of a Police Service is, no wonder youngsters don't respect them.

Vanessa Smith ● 7338d47 Comments ● 7332d

Shameless advert

For 'The Chelsea Ballet' a really great amateur ballet company in which my wife is taking part.They rehearse localy, they are all amateurs, some have had formal training, but have had to give up dancing due to health or work but all dance to a very high standard. And only £10 per ticket.

Bob Crossley ● 7333d0 Comments ● 7333d

Local Car Boot Sales

Hi All,Can anyone recommend a Car Boot Sale worth while going to local to Brentford that might be happening this Sunday?  If so, can you also let me know what time the set-up is/ finish time.Thanks a lot,Fran Naughton

Fran Naughton ● 7334d4 Comments ● 7334d

DELICIOUS SRI LANKAN MEAL

Another chance to join us at the London Buddhist Vihara to enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan meal.  All home cooked food.SATURDAY 14th OCTOBER FROM 5.00PM - 9PMatLONDON BUDDHIST VIHARATHE AVENUE, CHISWICKLONDON W4 1UDTICKETS £5.00

Pat Smith ● 7334d0 Comments ● 7334d

FEELING GROTTY?

Then pop into the healing centre at the London Buddhist Vihara, The Avenue, Chiswick.  We will be open between 11am and 1pm TODAYHealing helps any condition, through from stress to physical illness.  There is no charge made for the healing (all the healers are working on a voluntary basis, although a donation would be welcome.You do not need to make an appointment or book but if you want any further information before coming please give me a ring on 0788 189 6449.

Pat Smith ● 7334d0 Comments ● 7334d

Been to Kew's Steam Model Show this weekend?

On the BRENTFORD AND ISLEWORTH CALENDAR thread, James informed us of the Steam Model Show 2006 being held at Brentford's famous Kew Bridge Steam Museum.This industrial complex was built between the years 1836 and 1900 "to supply people with water".  It's all there waiting to be visited this weekend ..Sunday  11am till 5pm..and there is a small entrance fee..but lots to see. Parking is free.Pictures on the next message.  Lots to read,watch and admire..and the cafe is good too.  I stocked up with unusual greeting cards from various stalls and a couple of Chiswick History Books..and fed well of course! I'll probably go again tomorrow too!Most interesting was conversation with all kinds of people on the stalls..and even in the cafe. They all want to talk  and are waiting for someone to break the ice..and exchange notes..generally about industrial history and modelling matters!

Jim Lawes ● 7336d1 Comments ● 7336d

An Inconvenient Truth - what's your verdict?

Hi all, come and share your thoughts about the new feature film documentary An Inconvenient Truth tomorrow night (8 Oct).The film explores misconceptions about climate change by following former US vice president Al Gore on his personal crusade to tackle the problem. It was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival.Friends of the Earth (Ealing and Hounslow local groups) will lead a discussion about the film and brainstorm climate change solutions after the 6.15pm screening at Watermans arts centre.The discussion will take place in the bar at Watermans (40 Brentford High Street, TW8 0DS). We'll also invite people to make a green pledge, however big or small, to show their commitment to being part of the solution.Tickets to the film cost ₤6.50 or ₤5 (concession). The discussion is free.If you miss tomorrow night's screening, you can catch it at various times until 15 October. Call 020 8232 1010 or visit www.watermans.org.uk.For more information about the FOE event contact: Virginia Fassnidge on 07810 292 361 or visit www.ealingfoe.org.uk. Hope to see you there!Sandra

Sandra Jeffreys ● 7336d0 Comments ● 7336d

Skydive for Local Girl? (Charlotte Robinson Trust)

We are looking for a further 5 people to skydive for the Charlotte Robinson trust on Saturday 28th October 2006 in Bicester, Oxfordshire.www.charlotterobinson.orgwww.charlotte-robinson.blogspot.comThe jump costs £200 and a £65 deposit will be needed by Fri 29th payable by direct debit to Helen on 0113 250 5600 referring to 'Rachels Jump Group' when you call.All additional monies raised will be donated to Charlotte's Trust Fund.We are making great headway towwards our £100k target, having secured almost 10% of that in the past 7 weeks :))))))))))Come on you daredevils :)))))))))))

Account closed ● 7351d6 Comments ● 7337d

New Handy Helpers website

Hi, we have a new blog website about Handy Helpers for Charlotte Robinson Trust.Please feel free to have a look at it, we will try to update it! The address is: http://handy-helpers.blogspot.comBelow is the article from Stephen Abbott from the Brentford, Chiswick and Islewoth Times!Handy helpers do their bit for Charlotte fundBy Stephen AbbottTwo Chiswick brothers have set out to raise thousands of pounds to help buy prosthetic legs for a 14-year-old girl infected with a toxic blood disease.Charlotte Robinson, of The Avenue, Chiswick, has been in intensive care since May 29 after developing meningococcal septicaemia following a trip to Alton Towers.When she first reached hospital, Charlotte, a pupil at Brentford High School for Girls, had to be put on a life support machine for two weeks after suffering multiple organ failure.To prevent the infection spreading, both of Charlotte's legs then had to be amputated.She also lost several fingers on her right hand. Recently, she has had several operations and is still in a critical condition.Now Steven and James Smith, both scriptwriters, are looking to help do their bit towards raising the £100,000 Charlotte's family and friends need to pay for her future operations and care.They are advertising themselves out as "handy helpers" wishing to do small jobs for a small fee.In an online advert, they said: "We are happy to do baby sitting, gardening, cleaning, house-sitting or other domestic duties."The brothers said they are also happy to look after pets and have already raised £513 for the fund.All the money they raise will go to The Charlotte Robinson Trust.To contact the brothers, call 07980 693 106 or 07813 754207.They can also be reached by email at handyhelpers8410@yahoo.co.uk Further donations can be given to help Charlotte by visiting the Charlotte Robinson website: http://charlotte-robinson.blogspot.comThanksHandy Helpers 24/7

Account suspended ● 7345d1 Comments ● 7337d

Do you need help with your domestic duties? Then do it while raising money for charlotte!...

Hi,Please help us raise money for The Charlotte Robinson Trust by calling us out to do any domestic work.We are happy to baby-sit, gardening, cleaning, house-sit, wait in for deliveries, gas, water, electric men and painters, deliver parcels to local addresses, dog-sit, cat-sit, videoing events, designing anything and any other domestic duties.Please have a look at Sophie Robinson's (Charlotte's sister) blog, the link is below.Thanks in advance,Steve & JamesCharlotte's blog

Account suspended ● 7359d4 Comments ● 7337d

South West Trains remove seats to ease overcrowding

Referring to the story on the front page, this seems like bad news for people who commute from Isleworth, Brentford, Kew Bridge and Chiswick into Waterloo.Is there a Hounslow public transport action group similar to the Ealing Passenger Transport User Group ( http://www.eptug.org.uk )who would be able to lobby SWT on this issue?If such a group doesn't currently exist, should we form one?

James de Vivenot ● 7338d1 Comments ● 7338d

Another New Website

Has anyone else come across the (unintentionally) hilarious new website that has just been created by the New Labour Party in Brentford & Isleworth?It is at: www.bandi.labour.co.ukEvery page simply oozes desperation - and it has clearly been hastily set up to try and save poor Ann Keen from the electoral hammering that the rest of her party suffered in the May Council elections.What is most striking is the absolutely appalling grammar and spelling - ironic as it comes from the mob who gave us Education, Education, Education - and the reports of their recent meetings and activities read like a Ricky Gervais comedy, except I think that they're trying to be taken seriously!An interesting web site really isn't that hard to set up these days, but our comrades in Brentford & Isleworth have sadly failed yet again.And who came up with the catchy name BANDI?

Leo Newman ● 7355d41 Comments ● 7338d

NEW Pilates - Casual Class Pass

W4 Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic are now offering a 'Casual Pass Class'.This pass is purchased in advance for £50. It is valid for two months from the date of purchase and allows you flexibility to attend Pilates classes at days and times that suit.We cannot guarantee your place more than 48 hours in advance but will do our best to fit you into the classes you want.Currently we run classes on:Tuesday 2.00-3.00pm (*NEW CLASS), 5.30 - 6.30pm, 7.00 - 8.00pm & 8.00 - 9.00pmWednesday 7.00-8.00pm, 8.00-9.00pmThursday 6.30 - 7.30pm (Ante /Postnatal), 7.30 - 8.30pm (Ante /Postnatal) Saturday 9.00-10.00am** We begin new classes as the demand arises so contact us and let us know you are interested and your preferences for class days/times **A new weekday Morning class will begin next week - contact us for more details:pilates@w4physio.co.uk / 0208 994 8328Class Prices:Introductory Deal - £37.50 Five Week BlockRegular Price - £45.00 Five Week BlockCasual Class Pass - £50.00 valid for 2 months241 Acton Lane, Chiswick W4 5DD

Kerry Rixon ● 7338d0 Comments ● 7338d

5pm Friday..43 people visiting the website ..a record?

Something must be up...probably that fire on the South Ealing Road..but I don't ever recall seeing even half that number of visitors to the TW8 website.Could be something in the Personal ads section!

Jim Lawes ● 7344d3 Comments ● 7338d

What next?

Absolutely appalled to read of the attempted robbery in Redlees Park, and well done to the young victim who lamped both of his attackers. Aren't they brave though? - two of them on to one schoolboy - what utter, snivelling cowards they are.

Vanessa Smith ● 7339d7 Comments ● 7339d

Clean up success by Brentford SNT

The Brentford Safer Neighbourhood team have had a success in getting the bridge at Brook lane off Leyton road cleaned up, the next step is to get better lighting and CCTV supplied by Network Rail.

Edward Fitzgerald ● 7340d9 Comments ● 7339d

Last night's Area Meeting,Police, then Jazz at the Brewery Tap!

It was like a family gathering at the likeable Brentford Free Church Hall last night..with so many familiar faces..all working hard for the local community. It was the Isleworth and Brentford Area Meeting (monitoring)Chairman Paul Fisher has certainly opened up the meeting for audience participation..with opportunities for asking questions all night...just put up your hand..no questions in writing 14 days before the event!As you may know there are 4 wards under this Committee Umbrella, Isleworth, Osterley and Spring Grove, Syon and Brentford..3 Councillors for each..and together with two Civic Centre administrators, the Brentford Police chief, her 4 Ward Sergeants, three officers from the Council to give reports..and 15 of us in the audience..there was a enough to make it all worthwhile.Each of the Police Officers introduced themselves..several with 19 years experience..and their communications skills were excellent. It was most re-assuring to hear of their plans to explore each ward in detail, to chat to residents, traders and to attend to key problems.Each Safer Neighbourhood team had identified their own three priorities and some success stories were told.One ward aimed to get rid of drug dealers and related crimes  like theft from motor vehicles.  Motor vehicle theft,pinching number plates,and general burglary was prevailent in my ward...and graffiti,nicked bicycles,and more was another ward's concern.I came away thinking that our local Police are making a big effort to  get down to the local detail of crime and that they were very accessible at places like this meeting...even if contact by phone or e-mail was a little more problematical. I have respect for them.Trees, S106 money, giant advertisements on the GWR were also discussed..and I'll report later..not that I took many notes.It was tea only ..no biscuits!There are 4 political parties represented on the Committee  but you wouldn't have realised..they were all so friendly!

Jim Lawes ● 7344d16 Comments ● 7340d