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w7emporium – new delicatessen to open in Hanwell on Saturday

A while back I mentioned I’d joined the monthly cheese subscription from Claire Rosser at w7emporium and I’m delighted to say she is now opening her delicatessen on Saturday. It’s in Boston Road in Hanwell on the right hand side almost opposite Wickes (post code is W7 3TR). It opens at 11am and I’m definitely going along, not least because I’m going to collect my next monthly selection of cheeses.  Claire has worked fantasically hard to get this venture up and running and I wish her success and I hope lots of people can drop in and see and taste what’s on offer.

 

 

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Incident in Melbourne Ave West Ealing – alleged assault on a woman

Like many others I’m wondering why the top end of Melbourne Ave is taped off as a crime scene this morning. I’ve asked the police but no comment as yet I’m afraid.

I’ll update this as soon as I find out anything.

Update on Thursday

Police received a report of rape shortly after 03.15hrs today, 25 July, following an alleged attack in the vicinity of Deans Gardens, W13, at around 02.00hrs.

Local road closures were put in place and detectives from Sapphire continue to investigate.

There has been no arrest at this stage.

 

 

 

 

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Rent-to-own retailer taking over Peacock’s in West Ealing shopping centre

There’s been work going on in the old Peacock’s shop in the West Ealing shopping centre for a while but until yesterday I hadn’t been able to find out what is going in there. Now, thanks to a WEN colleague, I’ve found out it’s Brighthouse. To quote their website ‘BrightHouse is the nation’s leading rent-to-own retailer. Providing top brand household goods on low weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments and quick & simple credit.’

It’s yet another interesting reflection on the state of the local economy and how some large national retailers view West Ealing.  Brighthouse clearly sees a local market for rent-to-own rather than outright purchase when money is so tight. It’s good that the shop has been taken as it has left an ugly gap in the high street. What worries me is that the shopping centre is becoming unbalanced with an ever-increasing predominance of budget shopping, money lending shops and betting shops. All are fine but we need to find a way to make our hight street more varied to attract in as wide a range of residents as possible. Any form of ‘monoculture’ is risky and a budget shopping only high street is not good for the long-term health of West Ealing’s shopping centre.

As I’ve said before, WEN would like to work with the Council and landlords to find a way to use empty shops as business incubators or start-ups for small local businesses who want to try to make a go of it but cannot afford the high rents charged by landlords. This would bring back a better balance and a greater variety of shops.

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Local police warn of jewellery thief street scam

Message from local police:

‘We have had several unusual thefts and I wanted to make you aware so that you can pass it on to others and also in case you see the Suspects. 

The circumstances are that 3 Suspects, described as 1 male (40 – 50 years) and 2 females (40 – 50 years) of Romanian origin pull up in car (the latest vehicle used was a silver type estate) and they ask a lone female walking along the street for directions. Having obliged with directions the 2 female suspects get out of the car and keep thanking the lone female for helping them. This appears to be the distraction technique. One of the female suspects then puts a necklace, or ring (gold colour) on the lone female to thank her for helping them. At the same time the other female keeps thanking and thanking the lone female. Whilst the necklace is being put on the lone female (who normally say they don’t want it, but the suspects are very pushy) the lone female is relieved of her own necklace and rings, which have been high value.
I appreciate that people might question how could this happen, but these suspects are obviously professionals are targeting vulnerable people. Please be aware of this latest scam. I was personally very surprised when I spoke to witnesses at just how quick these suspects are at what they do. 
If you have any information at all that you think might be useful, or you see a suspicious vehicle that may fit the bill please contact police on 999. Alternatively, contact Cleveland Safer Neighbourhood team.’

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Vote For Ealing to win £10,000 clean up money

If you vote, Ealing might get a spruce-up for the Olympics…

We seem to have more votes already than all other boroughs – is that because we’re dirtier?

Team Ariel (Ariel detergent and stain remover) are putting up £10,000 to help spruce up five boroughs in time for the Olympics.


 Please vote by following the link below

http://www.supersavvyme.co.uk/pgcapitalcleanup/arielevent.aspx

(Thanks to Denise Davies for passing this on…)

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Toe tapping Cajun and soaring folk music – Ealing is getting better and better for live music

I’ve been lucky enough to go to two live music events in Ealing in the last 24 hours and I’ve really enjoyed both. Last night I was at the Ealing Club to see the Creole Brothers play their version of Louisiana Creole music. The Ealing Club has a key place in the history of British Blues Music and these twice monthly music nights are beginning to reestablish the club as an important part of Ealing’s cultural scene.

Back to the music. If you’ve been to the club you’ll know it’s tucked away down the steps by an estate agent opposite Ealing Broadway station.   As we walked down the steps to the entrance I could hear the sound of Cajun music.  It was a great sound to hear and got even better when we went inside.  Sitting in a circle were musicians of all ages thoroughly enjoying playing their music. Their joy spread to everyone listening and before long people were up and dancing.

The main event of the evening was the Creole Brothers. Without realising it we happened to be sitting near them as they waited their turn to play. One played the accordion and the other a fiddle. Cajun music has a powerful driving rhythm that soon has your feet tapping and the singing in French seems to fit the rhythms so well.  A great night out.

This lunchtime at OPEN we had the soaring voice and very skilled cello playing of Laura Victoria. Laura should have been joined by Sarah-Jane Miller but Sarah was ill so Laura played solo. At first the cello seemed an odd choice of instrument to accompany her modern take on folk music but it worked beautifully. Her voice is so expressive and soars and dips, delighting the audience. Laura’s hour long set included many of her own songs interspersed with at least one jazz classic. Whether singing unaccompanied or making the cello fill the air with multiple sounds, Laura was compulsive listening. I thoroughly recommend you give her a listen –    www.lauravictoriamusic.com

 

 

 

 

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West Ealing Jubilee Craft market – musicians and performers wanted

The next West Ealing Craft Market is in St James Avenue on Saturday 2nd June – the Jubilee weekend. With a bit of luck it may even be sunny!  It would be good fun to have some live music and other street performers involved to make a bit of a special occasion.  If you’re interested in volunteering to play or perform between 11am and 3pm do please email us at westealingneighbours@gmail.com .  At the very least I’m sure we can supply you with something to eat and drink.

As we get the market established we’re keen to make music and street performance a regular feature of the market so even if you can’t make it in June do still please email us.

 

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Blues music and more coming up in Ealing soon

As a long-time Blues music fan I’m delighted at the revival of The Ealing Club. The team there have worked so hard to get live blues music back at the home of British Blues Music.  The Ealing Club is still in its original home, now called The Red Room, and is putting on regular music sessions.

This month the Blues nights are the 17th and 31st May:

The Ealing Club

Thursday 17th May

Blues Guitarist ROBIN BIBI + support from the Riotous Brothers. A must for any Blues fan at the Home of British Rhythm and Blues

Thursday 31st May

Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco music arrives to the heart of Ealing with the Creole Brothers.

Tickets at £5. Starts at 8.30pm. Box Office: 07927 965797

In addition, The Drayton Court Hotel continues its regular EELDADDY  music nights with the next session being:

Friday 8th June

S. Townshend, DuBellows and Blushing Bones

DuBellows and Blushing Bones recently appeared at OPEN Ealing so I can recommend them. Go to the Ealing Club website for more information and to buy tickets.

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The Bees have finally arrived at Walmer Gardens!

For those of you who have been keeping up to date with WEN Abundance activities you will know that we have taken the renovation of on a small orchard in Walmer Gardens W13. We cleared it and pruned the trees over January/February (ably managed by The London Orchard Project)  Ealing Transition have the rear part of the orchard where the pond is for their first bee hive and on Saturday around 15,000 bees finally arrived in their new home.  The crew donned suitable clothes before opening the box to let them into their new home.  Needless to say once I had taken a picture of this I scarpered! Pictures of the event below.

Look out for more news when the Elderflower season starts towards June!