Forum Topics

The old Brentford Toffee Factory!

On an old 1935 map of Brentfordthere appears to be a toffee factory near Brentford Bridge.Our brentford historian Neil Chippingdale directed us to a CHELSEA TOFFEE FACTORY which had been first established in Chelsea ...before it moved to Brentford.Lots of local history discussions on local Facebook pages. Years ago it used to be here!Everton FC are called the TOFFEES and they  play in blue .... as do Chelsea FC.

Jim Lawes ● 1380d1 Comments ● 1380d

Mudlarking in the Thames

I was not aware of this pastime. Obviously I did not know you needed a permit either. Are there any participants here? Also if there are I would like to hear their experiences.

Nicholas Beard ● 1382d6 Comments ● 1381d

Monkeypox

Cases in the uk are rising. Should we be worried. Not much is said about it, only number of cases. Would a GP recognise it etc?

Nicholas Beard ● 1575d41 Comments ● 1381d

No eggs by christmas

Has anyone noticed the egg shortage? Lots of stories in the press.

Nicholas Beard ● 1398d26 Comments ● 1385d

Get well soon Guy Lambert ...

What a tough time Guy has been having.Having read his article on the front page it's seems his injuries could have been much worse.Get well soon Guy. Recovery is a wonderful experience.

Jim Lawes ● 1386d5 Comments ● 1385d

Tonight Thursday 24th Rock and Roll Bingo!

At the Six Bells. It’s a great fun evening of three games, shout out the answers, sing along if you know the tune, ask if you don’t! Cash prizes for a line or full house. Arrive for 7pm to get a table.

Karen Morris ● 1386d0 Comments ● 1386d

Reggae and Ska night Sat 27th at The 6 Bells

Resident DJ The Meastro will be playing all the favourites. Get your skank on!

Karen Morris ● 1388d2 Comments ● 1386d

1934 - Father Christmas in Brentford on the canal boats

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158633512881193&set=gm.1097189624324539&idorvanity=894233864620117

Paul Brownlee ● 1386d0 Comments ● 1386d

The saga of 235 bus terminus at Great West Quarter.

When the Great West Quarter was being planned some years ago.and permission for it's new development sought...the illustrations supporting the proposal featured a red London bus.The 235 has been a regular service up till recently. Access to the GWQ has recently ceased because the automated barrier that allows the bus entry has malfunctioned.The 235 bus currently terminates near Morrisons (the County Court)and that is not helpful to those Brentford folk who live on/ or off Ealing Road, on the GWQ, or the vast estate of Green Dragon Lane where several Sheltered Homes exist. Many now have a laden walk they don't wish for.It is said that spare parts are needy from Italy to repair the barrier. Worse still are rumours that the Great  West Quarter bosses no longer want the bus on it's property!!It's a surprise that this serious local issue has not featured on this  Forum before to alert Councillors and others.The story abounds on a local Facebook page.. so why not here?

Jim Lawes ● 1447d22 Comments ● 1387d

Chiswick

Having lived in Brentford for 30 years I was always bemused by the Chiswick elite-set with their smug air of superiority. Well, they're quite cheesed off now with their restricted LTN's, High Street road restrictions, cycle lanes and congestion - particularly with "island" bus stops. What idiot committee thought of those? There's a tragedy about to happen there.Well - they live in Hounslow Borough - so we should have sympathy for them. What happens there will happen here in Brentford for sure. Don't call me a newcomer - I've lived in Osterley, Isleworth and Feltham over the years - since 1980 - so I know all about this local authority. It was a shower then, and it's a shower now. But people obviously vote for them (not me - never!) I've been trying to leave for years, but it's Hotel California!I've been a victim several times of their road fines - suddenly finding that I cannot drive down a particular road due to unexpected changes - but I paid them because the hassle of appealing was too much of an effort. It's only by good fortune that my petrol ICE vehicle is not older than 2006 otherwise I would have to pay a ULEZ charge just to visit the Townmead Road Recycling Centre in Kew. It really is intolerable whats happening in our corner of Middlesex (aka Greater London) and poor old Brentford is losing it's identity day by day. You can blame the government - but the rot festers in the council.

Paul Brownlee ● 1413d32 Comments ● 1387d

How come we get no notification  of a Battle of Brentford WALK

Today ..early Tuesday...one reads that a WALK took place on Sunday LAST concerning the Battle of Brentford... perhaps of much iñterest to localsThe meeting place one reads was in Market Square at 10am ish.No notification of the key event on the Front Page here .... not even in the CALENDAR SECTION.Um. Perhaps this is not the site for historical matters. Just Flat Flats Flats.

Jim Lawes ● 1402d5 Comments ● 1387d

The double standards of the Ivan Toney case

He may have made some bad decisions but there is a good chance that Ivan Toney's career may be over.The rigid enforcement of the rule on betting for players contrasts with the willingness of the sport to accept money from betting companies. I know the Bees have benefitted hugely from this and it is a complex issue but it would be much better if players having a small flutter on games they weren't involved with got a slap on the wrist with the harshest sanctions reserved for those that were actually trying to make gain from compromising matchs.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1392d13 Comments ● 1387d

Any Balleymore shop openings yet?

I plan to visit "south of the HIGH STREET today.We've heard that Sam's Brasserie is moving  in... has it opened yet?Sad to hear that the Verdict is likely to be a casualty.

Jim Lawes ● 1388d4 Comments ● 1388d

Local History Conference this Saturday

Tickets still on sale for our online annual local history conference, this time on the unusual theme of sporting history. We have great speakers: Simon Inglis, author of PLayed in London, Rob Jex on Brentford FC, Graeme Robertson on Harlequins, Caitlin Davies on Thames swimming and Philip Boys on cricket and other ball sports on Wandsworth Common. Join us!https://ticketsource.co.uk/west-london-local-history-conference/t-xmdyxpv

Valerie Bott ● 1388d0 Comments ● 1388d

This Thursday 24th Nov Rock & Roll Bingo 6 Bells

We are doing fortnightly Rock & Roll bingo. Starts 7 for 7.30. £3 per person per game. Cash prizes to be won. The more who play, the more we pay! It’s great fun, sing along to the ones you know and if you don’t know you can ask! Win win!!

Karen Morris ● 1388d0 Comments ● 1388d

Consultations on local walking and cycling schemes

Certain direct interest groups are lobbying hard to make sure that they participate in two consultations that have ripple effects and ramifications beyond the areas implemented.Notable is that this is not being circulated to many outside these groups and risks sidelining local people who stand to be affected the most and not have a say.Anyone who has had the indignity of getting soaked from both sides on a bus island really ought to have a say as much as those who are not agile enough to jump out of the way by speeding bikes in two directions and those who cannot stop in the wet.Too many are being frozen out and it is poor that this is not being circulated wider when it is to not so local groups who may or may not fully represent local people but pertain to.C9 Hammersmith ConsultationWe know many of our members have been using the new Cycleway 9 bike lane along King St and around the Gyratory in Hammersmith. Hammersmith and Fulham council have a consultation collecting views on this route - please respond here!https://haveyoursay.lbhf.gov.uk/safer-cycle-pathwayThe consultation will run from Sunday 16 October 2022 until 23:59 on Sunday 27 November 2022.We are accepting all forms of feedback such as in writing and in audio.If you wish to submit any written feedback, please use the following address:Smarter Transport TeamTown HallKing StreetLondonW6 9JUor by email to here:cycling@lbhf.gov.ukThe consultation closes on 27 November so make sure your voice is heard now.C9 Chiswick High Road ConsultationThere is a consultation collecting views on Cycleway 9 along Chiswick High Road. Please respond here! Construction works to upgrade part of the route have started and should be finished by the end of the year. Please respond now to give current views on the route and you can also respond later (up to 3 April 2023) to give views about the upgrade.Please Tell Others about the ConsultationsCycleway 9 along King St and Hammersmith Gyratory (by 27 November)https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/cycleway-9Cycleway 9 along Chiswick High Road - please with comments now.  You can respond again with more comments up until 3 April 2023. If you would rather not complete our survey, please submit your response to us in writing to:  Haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk  (External link); or  by post in writing addressed to: FREEPOSTTFL HAVE YOUR SAY

Raymond Havelock ● 1389d0 Comments ● 1389d

Stray Dog Found - London Road, Isleworth (19 Nov)

Good morning all. The Animal Welfare Team at LBH are currently looking after a small white dog found on London Rd near Teesdale Gardens junction yesterday (Saturday morning). Microchip details are incomplete and we have been unable to identify an owner as yet. If you think that this is your dog then please call 020 8583 2000 when lines open at 9am on Monday or email animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk.

Tony Bull ● 1390d4 Comments ● 1389d

Claypond Ave/ A4 junction pedestrian lights

Earlier this morning my wife was nearly hit by a white van jumping these lights, this is happening every day,I've witnessed these reckless drivers far to often even when children are crossing leaving Lionel School, painting a yellow box is not the answer.I believe camera's have been suggested before but there is always an excuse not to, will we have to wait until there is a fatality before there is something done and TFL or Highways Agency or whoever acts after issuing the usual glib response "lessons will be learned", because like many people I have no faith in any local or government department.There is always a consultation and majority views are always seemly ignored unless they jive with the what ever department is posing the question. So I'll wait without any expectation.

John William Selfe ● 1395d9 Comments ● 1389d

Lithium Batteries

I know electric cars and phones have lithium batteries. However I am now seeing throwaway Lithium AA size batteries on the market. Are we storing up a problem for the environment with these? Also is lithium in short supply?

Nicholas Beard ● 1393d8 Comments ● 1392d

Soup Club?

Might there be interest in beginning a local Soup Club? A friend of mine who lives in the Scottish Borders told me about a venture called Soup Club, which takes place once a week in their village hall. For a small fee, guests receive hot soup, a filled roll and a hot drink. It provides a focal point for the community, companionship and a nourishing lunch. Brentford Library is providing a Warm Space for local residents who are being very careful with their energy consumption. Could this be taken further? Is there a hall or room where a simple lunch of vegetable soup and a roll could be served to those in need, either free or for a small contribution?Does anyone know if this could work? If yes, I would be very happy to devote some time to making it happen. I’d be very appreciative if anyone could suggest who to speak to and how it might be done. Are there any words of wisdom from our councillors or community leaders? Is it possible that the people who run our local foodbank could advise? Perhaps something like this is already arranged or in the planning stages. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t want to tread on anyone’s toes. If not, is it something that could be a positive thing for our community at this difficult time?Thank you for reading. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1415d21 Comments ● 1399d