The Goodlet diaries: Week 26
“We had a coffee in Lyons for old times’ sake and strolled back,” writes Alexander Goodlet in an unusually jolly mood (Lyon’s cafe is pictured, to the left of Barrett’s in Ealing Broadway). Week 26 is not, however, an uncharacteristically happy one for our hero. He is even ‘swindled at the tobacconists’ – for which he ‘curses’ […]
Working their way back by volunteering
Ealing Council is funding a project helping people with long-term health conditions improve their lives through volunteering. You may be surprised by some of the lesser known benefits it can bring. Volunteers play a crucial and often under-appreciated role in our local communities. All of us have at some point benefited from those who give […]
Help shoppers spend a penny
Several businesses in Greenford and Hanwell are paid to allow shoppers to use their toilets – and now the council wants the idea to spread to every town in the borough. Ealing Council’s community toilet scheme has been operating in Hanwell and Greenford since 2011 and has proved a hit with customers. Those businesses taking […]
Hidden haven in Hanwell
Brent Lodge Animal Centre, often called the Bunny Park, is tucked away in Brent River Park, Hanwell. Home to more than 40 species of animals, birds and insects, it is west London’s only official, free zoo. Have you been recently? The animal centre has more creatures than ever, ranging from rare red crowned cranes and […]
The Goodlet diaries: Week 25
The serialisation of Alexander Goodlet’s diaries from 80 years ago continues. Week 25 includes hot weather, a reply to his application for a job at the BBC, disgust at Britain’s apparent appeasement of Mussolini, several visits to Acton and a solar eclipse. All of the previous weeks are available to read in our history section. June 1936 […]
Out of isolation
Loneliness can have a huge impact on a person’s health, which is why Ealing Council has pledged to work with the NHS and other local organisations to tackle isolation. We visited a centre in Southall making a real difference. A new Loneliness and Isolation Charter was unveiled at a special seminar held at Ealing Town […]
Win comedy tickets
Andy Parsons takes his biting satire to the stage at the Ealing Comedy Festival in July – and you could win tickets to one of the five nights of entertainment. The festival takes place on 14 -15 July and 20-22 July in Walpole Park and Parsons is just one of a host of well-known comedians […]
‘Why wouldn’t you want to have an apprentice?’
“It has worked so nicely and it was almost like having a personalised service come in and help,” said Matt Blair, whose company has taken on its first apprentice with Ealing Council’s help. Liam Barber, 20 (pictured above), was taken on by Matt’s company, Innov8 Training and Development, as a learning and development apprentice as […]
Footgolf: A hole lot of fun
There is a good chance you have played football before; and you may have had a go at golf. But have you ever heard of footgolf? No? Well, that could be about to change. The fun sport has been introduced at three of the golf courses owned by Ealing Council: Gunnersbury Park, Hanger Hill and […]
The Goodlet diaries: Week 24
Week 24 has a recurring phrase, which pops up regularly in Goodlet’s world: ‘Walked to Horn Lane as usual’ (pictured). It appears to be his way of clearing his mind and getting some fresh air in troubled moments. The family’s financial troubles weigh heavily this week. You can read all previous weeks of this serialisation in […]
Sport in the fast lane
Sport in the borough should have a bright future thanks to investment of more than £65million in new facilities. In the last four years Ealing Council has spent more than £30million in new sports facilities; with plans to invest more than £35million over the next three years, providing a lasting and sustainable legacy for residents […]
Spaces of worship
Following a talk given at Ealing Central Library, an exhibition there has been showcasing designs by local school pupils of how they imagine a multi-faith place for worship might look in the future after looking at sites from the past and the present. The creative work by the students from Brentside High School in Hanwell […]