Forum Topic

Christmas Lights in Brentford High Street  2012

Can anyone tell me if Brentford High  Street be haveing Christmas Lights this year 2012 and when is the switched on.

Diane Newman ● 4898d26 Comments

Hmm, interesting.  Access through Holland Gardens is actually unrestricted to pedestrians and cyclists, and the original planning permission requires Chapel Lane to remain 'public'.Being totally honest I am one of the residents here who has a big issue with leaflet distributers trying to gain access to the actual buildings, which are private property.  On the very rare occasions I have caught such people in the buildings I have removed them from the private parts immediately and I was glad to see one of our relatively new concierges direct a pizza leaflet distributor away from the site the other week.Call it posh, call it snobbish, but for me part of the reason I live here is for the relative security of CCTV around the development, a 24h concierge and access to the private parts being by a securely programmed key fob.  I don't want random people who don't live here (and regardless of the reasons for their visit) walking around the communal cores, like the stairs/lift which serve my front door, in the same way any house owner wouldn't want random strangers wandering around in their private front garden.

Adam Beamish ● 4870d

Adam:Holland Gardens is unique for me.. it's so posh and very gated!During my time tramping every street in Brentford Ward with leaflets promoting the fabulous Mary Macleod (now MP), visiting all 5500 doorsteps, Holland Gardens was the only place that I was not able to get access!  So it's unique in my book.I visited every letter box on that Haverfield Estate, including the six tower blocks of 22/23 stories each..and even managed to get to the top of the Police Station (roof) to take pictures. But Holland Gardens..oh no no no! They don't want riff raff like me in there!! ;0)That's why I highlighted it!

Jim Lawes ● 4870d

Well said Julia and cheer up Ian !

Richard Smith ● 4870d

Hopefully the short films will inspire everyone to love Brentford.Can I just add that I am here on the High Street and come into contact with many people through my work in estate agency, community projects, friends etc, etc and know that Brentford really does have something special.  Where else so close to London is there such a strong community?I am from Liverpool, grew up in Manchester, moved to Hannover, Germany when I was 18, then off to Jeddah to fly for Saudi Arabian Airlines, lived there for a year before being based in New York for five years and travelled extensively.  On my return to the UK I lived and worked in Osterley, Hampton Wick, Hampton, Putney, Sheen, Richmond and Teddington before discovering Brentford, starting the business and moving here a couple of years later.  Brentford does have something special and some of us give our time to help make it a little more special by way of community events, Christmas lights etc.  When we refurbished and relocated the St Lawrence's War Memorial we had the most amazing turn out of people who came to show their respect.  I was very proud to be part of the project and continue to be proud of the various events etc we carry out through the High Street Steering Group.Currently Brentford Football Club and some local businesses are working on a special Christmas Lunch for ninety local pensioners.  Brentford FC and the businesses have all donated their time and money to put on a great lunch with entertainment, just because they wanted to do something for the community.We are working on some great projects which will hopefully be successful and only time will tell but they are all being carried out to make Brentford a better place to live and to bring our community together.'Brentford is Brilliant' a little bit of tongue in cheek, lots of optimism for South Side of the High Street, but a bit of fun so don't knock it, go with it and look a little bit deeper and you might just see what we are seeing.

Julia Quilliam ● 4870d

Granted Andrew there is much to be happy and proud of in Brentford,not least the friendliness of the local people and the absence of petty borgouis snobbery that exists in ,say,Chiswick.My observations are more to do with the state of the high street and the river frontage and the way it looks rather than what is actually going on in different parts of the town or the people.It seems that with the over the top proposals for re-development that Brentford exixts in a 'feast or famine' reality when it comes to development.

Keith Iddon ● 4870d

Not wishing to stoke more controversy, but to answer this question of 'why' is Brentford Brilliant a recent graduate from the University of West London produced seven short films last year:Brentford - The Peoplehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QaFGAqdlKE&feature=plcpBrentford - Staying healthyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCzlj4ym32U&feature=plcpBrentford - Events all year roundhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3UkkePNGn4&feature=plcpBrentford - A thriving culturehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZCuurkYPI&feature=plcpBrentford - A thriving place for businesshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo_jyyV58YE&feature=plcpBrentford - A green waterside, communityhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZR3Qd072tk&feature=plcpBrentford - A close knit communityhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9KsGBpRnT0&feature=plcpHave a quick view and see what you think. Best, Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 4870d

Yes but every place has it's pockets of interest because every place has it's own history - however that in itself doesn't make every place 'brilliant'.  Ever been to Stamford Bridge in East Yorkshire, the place which marked the end of the Viking era in Britain ? - it's a tiny village, but it's historical significance is much greater than any Battle of Brentford, yet I've never seen any signs describing Stamford Bridge as being "stupendously brilliant". Why is Brentford a magnet for you Jim ?.  Could I say Brentford High Street is a magnet for me because my route to work usually takes me along the High Street a day ?.  I doubt there's many people living within 1-3 miles of the High Street would would say that Brentford is a magnet for them, and that is a major problem because that is the key catchment area for the town.You'll have to explain to me the relevance/point of raising where I live within Brentford, because I don't 'get you'.

Adam Beamish ● 4870d

I know as much as many about the history of Brentford as I have made an effort to find out since I moved here in 2002.It certainly was brilliant many years ago and a centre of industry,commerce and 'entertainment'(ahem!) and had a lot more going for it than it has at present.Exactly what justifies the description'brilliant' now I wonder and how do you define 'varied fascination' Jim?. I would love to know. I am not having a pop at Brentford as I love living here,but we need to take of the rose tinteds.

Keith Iddon ● 4870d

Hear hear Richard.IMO,so many people know so little about "Brentford" it's history and more and are not tuned in to it's varied fascinations. It extends over a much larger area than most realise and there are pockets of interest everywhere.I have lived just outside Brentford for yonks: to the east for 32 years and to the west for 41 years and and I suppose I could have avoided the area like a plague...but NO! it's a magnet enough to be en route every day.Perhaps if I lived in Holland Gardens I might think differently!

Jim Lawes ● 4870d

Totally agree.It is silly to say "Brentford is Brilliant" when it isn't.In many respects it's a bit of a dump. The High Street is horrible and has been for 15 years plus. The south side and beyond, down to the river, is a disgrace.I fail to see what commends it.

Ian Silver ● 4870d

Oh Adam! Talk about tempting fate....... I await the first stirrings of the 'Chiswick is chic' campaign, you know what they're like there!!!!!!

Vanessa Smith ● 4870d

I think taking pride in Brentford would be better expressed by opposing the huge monolithic and over the top developments being proposed and getting them to seriously tone it down than by bandying about a platitude.I am on Adam's side on this one although my wife and I love living here.Calling somewhere 'Brilliant' invites others from anywhere nearby that is better served with amenities(Ealing,Twickenham,Chiswick)to ask what is so great that it and what have you that we do not have? Brentford is in need of serious enhancement as we all know.It may be that after that improvement we can think of a slogan to take it forward.

Keith Iddon ● 4870d

Brentford is Brilliant is all about takling pride in Brentford. Superb idea and all involved should be congratulated for their efforts to actually do something about the area rather than sitting back, doing nothing and sniping from the sidelines.There are many positives to be found round here and all the local businesses involved should be lauded for their attempts to brighten up Brentford....so there

Richard Smith ● 4871d

I detest the 'brilliant' branding, not only is the general notion of labelling any town as being 'brilliant' extremely cringeworthy (what next, Hounslow is Heaven, Isleworth is Idyllic, Feltham is Fantastic, Chiswick is Chic !?!), but it is laughable to suggest that Brentford is either brilliant or aspires to be brilliant.Once expectation is lowered to a more realistic level I might start making some positive comments !.

Adam Beamish ● 4871d

I think that is a bit mean Angela! As a recent resident in Brentford I think the 'Brilliant' branding works well. It recognises the good that exists and the potential to be achieved. Yes the deleliction is an eyesore but it will be there until Ballymore develop the land they own. The 'Brilliant' campaign shows the local community and business are working hard to make sure that 'Brilliant' becomes reality. Surely better than the status quo.... and worthy of support rather than cynicism... Christmas lights on show look good IMHO...

Iain Muir ● 4871d

Thank god the 'Brentford is Brilliant' lights aren't going up again.  They made a lot of people cringe in embarrassment.  At best you can say Brentford is Mundane, and that's being kind.  The biggest joke is the huge Brentford is Brilliant banner on the old Wilson & Kyle derelect building.  Maybe that should be the picture for a fundraising Christmas Card, a light sprinking of snow surrounding the broken windows and maybe a bit of tinsel and a half dead Christmas tree should set the scene.  If nothing else it will give people a laugh.

Angela Parker ● 4871d

Gosh I have just returned from a week in Spain to see the front page of the Chronicle.  I did speak to the reporter before I went on holiday but I think the story is a little misleading.Of course we are having lights in Brentford and they are being installed tomorrow (Tuesday) ready for the switch on event at Waterman's on Friday.  Brentford High Street Steering Group has four Trustees, Andrew Dakers (Chair), Tim Luckett, Joanne Lavery and myself.  This year we were kept busy with the markets early in the year followed by the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Torch events.  Our time is given on a totally voluntary basis and we also have our own businesses to look after.  One of Trustees and valued Accountant, Tim Luckett had to have some surgery which unfortunately has not been routine and poor Tim been in hospital with complications for weeks.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.As a result of the above we haven't arranged any fundraising this year.  Our fundraising gala events have been so well attended and enjoyed by both businesses and residents.  We have raised enough funds to have some brilliant Christmas displays which really cheer up Brentford and have some funds in reserve for the lights this year.  We are also planning a very special fundraising gala next year which will be bigger than ever.Last year we received funding from The Mayor's Outer London Fund which enabled us to purchase new lights and this year we are delighted to report that Brentford Football Club have kindly offered to sponsor some lights so we are going to have a great display.Out of respect for Jean Farrar and her family and friends, we have decided not to erect the Brentford is Brilliant motifs. 

Julia Quilliam ● 4886d

Just to add to Leigh's posting there is more info here:http://www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=info&page=evwatermans009.htmAs the article says we would welcome any donations towards the Christmas lights fund.  Following a search for contractors we can now get each light put up and taken down for £88+VAT.  Brentford FC are kindly making a significant contribution this year.  Cheques can be made out to 'Brentford High Street Steering Group' and either brought along next Friday or dropped off at Quilliam Property Services.Best, Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 4889d

The Star lights  are more appropriate for Christmas.

Diane Newman ● 4893d

As the High Street has no money this year, Watermans is planning to repeat the light switch on event of previous years on Friday 23 November. Children from Green Dragon School will sing Seasonal songs, RASPO have just been confirmed to entertain with a Caribbean Christmas medley and there will be mulled wine etc and mince pies for the grown up children.Everyone welcome from 5-7pm

Leigh Stops ● 4893d

Come on Brentford!

Jim Lawes ● 4894d

Please not 'Brentford is Brilliant' - it is way too ironic.  Maybe if LBH were to improve its street cleaning in the area, improve the road frontages of the dilapidated buildings on the high street, and pay some attention to were it puts dropped kerbs (with the studs for visually impaired pedestrians - see on Ealing Road opposite Princess Royal) lights could be put up to say 'Brentford is not bad'. Until then, put up the others - at least if Brentford is in the gutter we can look up at the stars.

Andrea Hall ● 4896d

The Star lights are more appropriate for Christmas and the Season.But I love the Brentford is Brilliant signs. But probably better for Town events or festivals etc.Other jealous towns are now on the uptake unfortunately for them we've coined the "Brilliant" line.Chiswick is C**p and Hounslow is Horrible was all that was left!!

Anthony Waller ● 4897d

If we need a celebrity, I can ask Dean Gaffney if he is free to ceremonially switch the Brentford High Street Christmas light on.As long as its a weekday, he should be OK.He is busy on Sundays watching Downton Abbey and on call to be a "jungle expert" on Saturday's for Ant and Dec.

Richard Smith ● 4897d

I feel the star lights would be more appropriate than putting up signs saying Brentford is Brilliant! The jubilee and Olympic events were brilliant and brought local residents together ,however with the recent events going on locally to put these signs up would be missleading. Crime locally is increasing and with the sad news this week that the toy library which many local children use every week is facing closure Brentford is far from Brilliant !! I feel the people who are suffering due to crime or the closure of the toy library will not find these signs sympathetic and in fact slightly insulting !!

Sharon Allen ● 4897d

We are planning to put some lights up but as we haven't done any fund raising this year there will be just a few.  Its been a busy year for the Brentford High Street Steering Group organising the markets earlier in the year along with the Queen's Jubilee and Olympic Torch Procession. One of our four trustees, Tim Luckett, is still very ill in hospital and we are all hoping and praying for a full recovery.Hopefully next year we will be able to do some fund raising and really light up Brentford.We are aiming to switch the lights on Friday 23 November but not sure if there is funding to have a switch on event.It's all about money unfortunately but it does cost such a lot to get the lights taken out of storage, checked, installed, taken down and put back into storage.Just wondering if to light up the High street with stars or get out the Brentford is Brilliant logo lights?

Julia Quilliam ● 4898d