The Goodlet diaries: Week 51

Crowded library in Acton

Week 51, the penultimate entry of our serialisation, is dominated by a school play, more concerns about finances and visits to the library (pictured), Acton shops and Woolworth’s in Ealing (where he claims never to have seen such a ‘dense’ crowd). December 1936 Monday, 14.12.36 Woke at 12 to find a card from JM from […]

Home learning: Apprentices on site

Four of the apprentices working on Havelock estate through Catalyst

The first phase of a dramatic overhaul of Havelock estate in Southall is almost complete and it has seen local apprentices taken on to learn a trade on the doorstep of their own homes. “I have always wanted to be working in a trade and am enjoying the opportunity,” said Michael Colliss, one of five […]

Pupils make ‘appy travellers

Brentside High School pupils developed a walking app

Pupils in Hanwell have developed an ‘app’ for mobile phones that has successfully encouraged others to walk to and from school rather than using cars or buses. The Brentside High students (from Years 8 and 9) got funding for the project from Transport for London (TfL) after the school became involved in a programme called […]

Landlords: A licence to rent

New schemes are in place for private sector rental sector

New licensing for privately rented housing comes into force on New Year’s Day; and landlords should embrace the change, not simply because they have to, but because it makes good business sense. That is according to Councillor Ranjit Dheer, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for community services and safety. He said: “Promoting good practice helps ensure […]

Crime concerns? Tell your local ward forum

Police and council safer communities officers

Your local ward forum is the perfect place to share any thoughts on crime or anti-social behaviour – and to find ways to solve problems with police and council officers. Officers attend the forums – which are public meetings led by the ward’s three elected councillors’ and held at least twice a year. They provide […]

Transformed: Wasteland to wonderland

Claire and Marisa in the transformed area in Stephenson Street, thanks to Transform Your Space

A community of railway cottages in an industrial heartland in Acton has transformed an urban space into a green haven, thanks to funding from a council scheme. You, too, could apply for money to improve a neglected corner of your neighbourhood. The Island Triangle Residents’ Association (TITRA) won £75,000 from Ealing Council’s Transform Your Space […]

Over 50? No reason not to stay active

Over 50 table tennis club at Northolt Leisure Centre

Did you know local leisure centres run a wide range of popular sessions for people aged 50 and above? It is a great way to get active and make new friends. You do not have to be ‘sporty’. Even if you have not taken part in any sport or exercise before, it is never too […]

The Goodlet diaries: Week 50

King George during a visit to Perivale

Week 50 of Goodlet’s diaries is swept along by the sensational news of the king’s abdication and that his brother George (pictured above during a visit to Perivale) was to be crowned in his place. December 1936 Monday, 7.12.36 In spite of breakfast in bed did not rise until lunch time, and found my cold was […]

Ealing’s long-awaited cinema is on its way

I wrote recently about how pleased I was that Ealing’s cinema was finally on its way after many twists and turns in the tale. I took another look at the site this week and am looking forward to ‘breaking the ground’ on the project with the council’s development partner St George in the next couple […]

Time to apply for primary school

Primary school classroom

If your child was born between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 he or she will be due to start primary school in September 2017. Applications for pupil places are being received – and will be accepted until the cut-off point of 15 January 2017. Under the London-wide primary school admissions scheme, parents living […]

Gunnersbury Park: Stately progress

Gunnersbury Park: The round pond being restored

Gunnersbury Park and its many historic buildings have been closed to the general public while a large and complex restoration has been taking place. Many people may have been wondering what has been going on. It is a multi-million-pound project that will bring the park grounds to life in a way not seen for years, […]

‘Cold weather won’t stop me cycling’

Cyclist Andy Brathwaite

Cycling in winter brings its own magic: Crisp, clear days; perhaps the occasional snow shower; and the idea of a hot drink waiting for you at the end of your cycle. But some people miss out because they only think of cycling in the summer. There are simple tips for making your winter cycling as […]

Translate »