Welsh Guards Military Tattoo

I went along to the Welsh Guards Military Tattoo at London Welsh, Old Deer Park yesterday.  Councillor Lynch was there representing the Mayor.  The event kicked off London Welsh RFC’s 125th Anniversary.

Various pictures of the band, the London Welsh Squad (coached by Englishman Phil Greening) and the Chelsea Pensioners watching the band:

Reference was made to the Welsh Guards transferring to the Barracks in Hounslow.  I am really excited about this.

As for London Welsh RFC, I hope to get to some games for the coming season and to future events celebrating 125 years.  The club serves Brains (and London Pride) which is a big bonus.

Heston House Launch

I went to the above in Vicarage Farm Road during lunchtime today.  One other building has been vacated and works have been carried out here.  I was impressed with the fresh look of the place.  I went along with Councillor Pam Fisher, a trusted friend and colleague.  She can look back at the past four years with a great deal of pride.  A real Champion of those needing Adult Social Care whilst at the same time being very business like and never shirking the decisions needed to cater for future needs whilst striving for value for money.  Without exception, when she has been asked questions in the Chamber, she has been outstanding.

Even today, she took the time to speak with residents and listened carefully to both positive and negative feedback.  One gentleman was less positive and I know that Pam took note and has already followed through by taking these concerns to the right people.

Here are some pictures.  The first couple are of facilities for a hairdresser who comes in regularly to see clients:

One of the communal restrooms, which not only looked clean but is designed in a way that will make it easier to keep clean:

A communal area and small kitchen:

Outside:

The following captures the extension:

I did not visit the following:

Here is Councillor Fisher about to say a few words to residents, staff and guests – the Mayor went afterwards:

One of the unplanned elements of the visit was a walk around the part of the building where the majority of former Eldridge House (formerly off Hounslow Road) residents now live.  I did not take many pictures but was pleased to see that everyone was happy and settled.  I took a picture of the planned activities:

I am thoroughly glad that I went along and hope to visit again in the future.  I was very impressed and continue to admire the people who work in this area.

Meadowbank Adult Community Education Centre

Over lunch yesterday, I went to Cranford to attend the official opening of the above.  This new facility is going to benefit a lot of people in Cranford and the areas around them.  I feel a lot of pride about this mainly about the outcomes but also because I have seen the likes of Cllrs Thompson, Andrews, Lynch, Paul Fisher & Lin Davies investing time int making this a success – it proves that this administration has worked for all parts of the Borough, irrespective of how those areas vote at elections.

Here are some pictures, beginning with the pleasant looking exterior:

A well equipped interior:

Very impressive training rooms:

Lovely landscaping at the side:

And, some pictures of the Mayor performing his duties, in typically brilliant fashion – another top notch speech with no notes:

I wish this Centre every success and it will be interesting to see how things are progressing in six months time.

Freedom of the Borough

This was granted not just once but three times on Thursday.  Possibly one of the most memorable Council occasions I have ever been part of.  I was amongst the bravest and most decent people in this Country.

Very few things are more moving than hearing read out the names  of those who have lost their lives.  It is also worth remembering (as many of us did on the day), that there are others who are not killed but are maimed and can bear very serious physical and/or mental scars.  In accepting the Freedom on behalf of the regiment, the Major referred to these people and he said that as a family those people would be looked after – those words meant a lot to us all.

I was also proud of the speeches that were made by various people, especially the Leader of the Council (Peter Thompson) and the Mayor (Paul Lynch).  Well done to Councillor Jagdish Sharma who seconded the various reports.

A bit like the Freddie Mercury event, we had an example of the boat being pushed out and I am really glad that it was.

I was obviously unable to take pictures in the Chamber but took a few later on.  How wonderful it was to see so many Union Flags being flown by those who came to cheer:

Here is the band setting up:

Fullers were big supporters and put on drinks for the boys (one of the pleasures they missed whilst in Afghanistan).  I have tried to keep away from alcohol this week because I have had some bad mouth ulcers but I was determined to toast the Regiment and the two VCs.  Well done to Fullers for this extremely kind gift:

An amazing week in a brilliant Borough!

Update: Here are some more pictures.

Neither Feltham or Freddie were forgotten

Yesterday was a day I will not forget for a very long time.  I think that a number of fellow Feltham residents will feel the same for yesterday we met in Feltham Town Centre to pay tribute to the memory of Freddie Mercury and to welcome back his family and Brian May to Feltham.

The event surpassed expectations and everyone seemed to enjoy.  Great to see Feltham also getting such positive coverage on the box.  The day was really well organised and the weather behaved also!

This was the brainchild of Councillor Peter Hills and all of the acknowledgements that he has received are well deserved.  Councillor Paul Jabbal gave a really good speech when he welcomed everyone.  Freddie’s mother, aswell as Brian, gave a very moving tribute to their son and friend respectively.

Here are some pictures:

Here is the tribute band playing (they are really good):

Before the unveiling:

Here is Freddie’s mother preparing to speak, alongside her daughter and Paul Jabbal:

This was taken at the beginning of Brian May’s speech.  He turned to Freddie’s mother and made reference to what a lovely speech she made (one of so many nice touches on the day):

After the unveiling – this is something to be really proud of:

The Lead Singer of the tribute band with me.  He and his fellow Members had come down from Nottingham tp participate:

My ward colleague, Councillor Gill Hutchison getting her Queen Calendar signed by Brian May:

Me with other members of the tribute band:

I was thrilled to see residents I know – who lived near the family in Gladstone Avenue – at the event:

Freddie’s mother and I:

Karline (my wife) and Freddie’s mother:

Brian May and the Mayor, Councillor Paul Lynch:

Neither Feltham or Freddie were forgotten yesterday!

Meeting great people over the weekend

Earlier this morning, I addressed the congregation at the Havelock Road Gudwara.  It was my first time there and it truly is a stunning building – it even has underground parking.  I was given a lovely welcome and I was very impressed by many of the activities taking place there outside of the Halls.

Last night, my family and I attended the Celebration of Nepalese Festival (Dashain).  Again, we were given a wonderful welcome and I was able to take pictures (I did not think doing so was appropriate in the Gudwara for me to do so).

There were lots of people present and the gentleman sitting next to the Mayor is the Nepalese Ambassador:

The Mayor gave a typically brilliant addressed which went down really well with everyone.  The fact the Union Flag is displayed with pride should tell us much about the Gurkhas.

The following was a presentation to a number of people who have achieved something significant.  I know that the young gentleman receiving a certificate in the picture below lives in my ward so I was especially pleased for him:

We also received a Tai Kwondo display, which my son really enjoyed:

I am really proud of the following picture with Tul Bahadur Pun VC and his wife.  Mr Pun, just like Lachhiman Gurung VC who was also present last night, is a hero for so many people and clearly one of the bravest we have living in the  Borough.  When my children are older, I hope that they understand how honoured they should be to have been near him last night:

Statement from LBH over weekend deaths of four soldiers

Hounslow flag flies at half mast for Fusiliers

The London Borough of Hounslow is flying its flag at half mast as a sign of respect and in tribute to the four soldiers from the Second Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who died at the weekend.

Three of the soldiers were killed while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Sunday morning. The fourth died while on foot patrol in Sangin on Saturday.

The Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Paul Lynch said today:

“We are flying the Civic Centre flag at half mast as a tribute to four brave young men, and we pray for the safety of their comrades.

This is a tragic reminder to us all of the several thousand men and women putting their lives on the line every day in Afghanistan to help keep our country safe.

“I speak on behalf of all the borough’s communities when I say we are mourning the loss of these brave soldiers. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this very sad time, and we share in their grief”

Notes to editors

In March this year, 300 soldiers from the Second Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, based at Hounslow Barracks, paraded through Hounslow prior to their deployment in Afghanistan in April. Borough residents turned out in force to display their support and pride for the men and women putting their lives on the line to help keep the country safe.

The deaths of these soldiers, who have not yet been named, takes the UK death toll in Afghanistan since operations began eight years ago to 204, including five in the past weekend alone.

Bedfont Road Foot/Cycle Bridge

I attended the Official opening of the above yesterday morning.   There has long been a need for such a facility as there there was no pavement on the road bridge.  I know that the West Area committee tried for many years to get funding for a new foot/cycle bridge, before suceeding two years ago. The new bridge has been build by the contractors Skanska Ltd, with funding from Transport for London and Hounslow Council.

Here are some pictures:

The spech, after the official opening, from the Mayor was brilliant.

We salute you Brentford FC

On Friday evening, Councillor Paul Lynch, the Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, held a Civic Reception for Brentford Football Club to celebrate their Double Achievement of winning League 2 and in being vote the Community Club of the Year.  It was my immense pleasure & privilege to be asked to deputise for the Leader and say a few words, in between those of the Mayor and Councillor Phil Andrews.  The contribution of this club to our Borough is so much more than pure football.

Here is a picture of me with the Club Captain, Kevin O’Connor:

It was brilliant chatting with him.  He has played over 350 games for Brentford and that loyalty to one club is increasingly rare in football.  A great role model and really nice guy.  I will him all the best.

Here is a picture of me with the manager, Andy Scott:

Another very inspirational character who had to finish his playing career early for health reasons, which must have been a terrible shock, but has adjusted since and been a huge success.  I really do get a kick out of good people getting the success that they deserve!

I will remember this night for a long time and only wish even more people could have been there to celebrate with us!

Last night’s Executive

A good agenda.

Agenda item 5 was presented by me.  Before that, my ward colleague, Allan Wilson, presented a report (item 4) and his passion for the subject and personal imprint on the work came through.  Most residents would not see or hear about work like this, but it is terribly important to me!

Also, there were three new Executive Members – Councillors Jon Hardy (Housing), Rebecca Stewart (Leisure) & Robert Oulds (Education).  Each of them presented a report and did a great job and they are great additions.  Notwithstanding that, I will miss the contributions at Executive of three really good friends – Councillors Adrian Lee, Paul Lynch & Phil Andrews.  Each of them are different and offered heck of a lot!