Your News, Your Views
July 9, 2008
Support Our Small Businesses
by Shujaul Azam
It's time to stop talking the economy down and do something positive.
That's why Gazette has launched a campaign to back small businesses across the borough.
Ealing boasts a variety of small and interesting shops as well as the major retail stores.
Some of the small businesses have been long established and some are still in their fledgling stage.
It's imperative that in the present gloomy economic climate, these businesses are not tipped over the edge into liquidation, bankruptcy etc.
Many say the parking and traffic restrictions are having an adverse effect on trading and there has to be a overhaul of these enforcements particularly near
local shop parades.
The town hall says there are a number of initiatives being introduced to help the business community and urge local traders to become involved.
The local chamber of commerce and business leaders in the community must now work in partnership and really understand the problems confronting them.
We'll highlight the plight and the problems facing small firms and urge local people to support local shops.
However, we also need the business community , the town hall, Transport for London to come together and devise a supportive strategy.
Are you a small business - let's us know how you are surviving the current economic downturn.
Posted by gspence at 3:25 PM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2008
Pride in our people
It was a night which celebrated the unsung heroes of our community and gave recognition to their amazing achievements.
A night which also demonstrated all the positives that bind our community together.
The overall winner and the star of west London was Jackie Sear, who has achieved so much on her council estate - enriching the lives of all living there - she is an example to us all.
The feedback we have received confirms last Thursday, was a fantastic and most enjoyable event.
As always there's a whole load of people to thank for their work in helping to organise it.
Particular thanks goes to the Gazette community reporter Jane Harrison and Thames Valley events co-ordinator Imelda South.
Our special guest former BBC correspondent John Sergeant, who now regularly appears on a variety of show topped off the evening with a witty speech - thanks John.
But the real stars were the finalist themselves who you can read about in Friday's Gazette. Don't miss it.
Here are the finalists and winners
YOUTH
Milton Wacha (winner)
Latiya Williams
The Red Caps
MY HERO
Peter Ive (winner)
Stephen French
Sally Cummings
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Jackie Sear (winner)
Kathy Dolan
Tracy Gleeson
TOP OF THE CLASS
Diane Gholam (winner)
Maura Blackburn
Pam Southey
BUSINESS
Loop (winner)
The Owl and the Pussycat
Debt Doc, Donald Findley
Star of West London
Jackie Sear
Posted by sazam at 4:56 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2008
Speeding up change
THERE'S no doubt about it Boris has made a blistering start to his new job as London mayor.
Just a few of the things he's done includes; banning booze on public transport as from June 1, getting rid of the Londoner, dubbed as Ken Livingstone's 'propaganda paper', moved back towards a policy of zero tolerance on crime, met the mayor of New York to forge stronger links between the two great cities - and he's is now even looking to cap the London mayorship to two terms which is probably a very good idea to stop cronyism.
Yes, the pace of change has certainly been upped in London.
On a more local basis let's hope this pace is also kept up by his deputy Mr Richard Barnes, who is the Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon.
Having recently met Mr Barnes at an election hustings which I chaired, he spoke passionately about the dire facilities at Ealing Broadway station and a determination to make the changes to improve this important transport hub.
So far, the changes have been very slow - still no sign of a lift at Ealing Broadway - so let's hope Mr Barnes can speed up the process by using his new influence.
It's essential for him to keep Ealing in the spotlight if it's top thrive as a business centre.
This takes on particular urgency with the planned opening of the Westfield Shopping Centre in White City, just around the corner.
Ealing must have excellent transport and parking facilities if it's to retain it's position as a major centre in the capital.
If it's traders, shoppers, commuters are hampered by inadequate transport facilities the consequences will be unbearable.
Posted by sazam at 5:26 PM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2008
D-DAY for London
D-Day for London is here.
Make sure you vote and have a say in who will run London, for the next four years.
Weigh up the arguments carefully before you put your mark against your preferred choices.
There's been a lot of focus on personalities but try to delve beyond that, and see if all the policies add up and are realistic.
Remember, whoever moves into city hall they'll be in charge of a huge budget and will be running one of the top capital cities in the world.
It's difficult, but also try to assess which candidate will be best for your local borough - Ealing must have its share of the London pie.Decide who'll favour and support this borough.
The most important thing is that you vote.
Also let's us know what you think of the outcome of the election result for the both the London Mayor and the Lonodn Assembly.
Remember to post your views on our website message board and we'll publish them in the Gazette next week
Good luck
Posted by sazam at 4:47 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2008
Plea to London mayoral candidates - please inspire us us
Wherever you turn, you’re not too far away from the mugs of Boris Johnson or Ken Livingstone wooing us for the London Mayor poll vote on May 1.
Improved public transport, tougher anti-crime measures, green politics - you name it they’ll continue to promise it in between taking swipes at each other.
Yep, the same old yah boo politics has yet again surfaced and for us Londoners, this is a crying shame.
We are in danger of being sold short, if we don’t demand the candidates step up their act and address the issues that really matter and come up with some inspirational ideas.
We are living in one of the most forward-thinking , richest and diverse capital cities in the world and yet we are being dished up a lot of old, boring and staid politics.
So far, I’ve not seen one initiative which has had the wow factor – come on Boris, Ken, Brian (Brian who?) let’s see some of the political magic, which for example, has lit up the race for the presidential nomination in the USA.
Otherwise we are in danger of dying from the ‘Who Cares’ factor never mind the X factor – do something before we totally switch off. Please.
Yes, we know there should more trees, less violent crimes and cheaper public transport –that doesn’t require the title of London mayor. We can all say that.
What we want from our candidates is something more. Something that will propel London to the fore again.
Othewise, if it's not too late, I’ll stand – or perhaps my old friend The Monkey.
Posted by sazam at 4:58 PM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2008
Post Office Closures
THE demise of the local post office continues to gather apace.
Inspite of the protest from the local community, the Post Office is intent on going ahead with the closures.
Now many say the Post Office protest is only attracting the OAPs, but that’s not the case. A whole swathe of the community is fighting for the facilities to remain.
For many up and down the country , the post office is a meeting point particularly in the rural areas. However, even in the well-heeled suburbs of west London many see the Post Office as an essential component in the fabric of its community.
So the announcement that eight of Ealing’s Post Offices are to be taken out is a crushing blow to many in the borough.
It’s not because of sentiment that the Gazette is backing the fight against the closures..
It’s because of the downright inconvenience it will cause to those living in just about every part of the borough.
That’s why we are asking you to fill in the coupon in the Gazette on page 2, opposing the closure so we can forward them on to the Post Office.
Hopefully, it will at least make them aware of the anger and strength of feeling against the closures.
Posted by sazam at 4:41 PM | Comments (1)
February 15, 2008
Pride in our People launched
Don’t forget to get nominating as the Ealing Gazette launches its annual local heroes campaign, Pride in Our People.
Now in its fifth year, the campaign run jointly with Thames Valley University, has already recognised some of the most deserving individuals and groups within the area.
So if you know anyone who deserves a pat on the back, just fill in the nomination form in the Gazette, the Ealing Leader on our website.
And this year to get us off the block , the campaign has received the backing of Olympic champ and west Londoner, Linford Christie.
Posted by sazam at 1:05 PM | Comments (0)
February 1, 2008
New monthly police column
It’s good to see the launch of the monthly column in the Gazette by Ealing Police commander Sultan Taylor.
Hopefully this will be the start of a more constructive partnership between the police and the Gazette.
Just before Christmas, the chief reporter Lucy Proctor and I, visited the new commander and his press liaison officer at the Ealing HQ
It was full and frank meeting with the commander. He highlighted his concerns about coverage of crime in the Gazette, and in turn we raised several of our concerns re: access to information etc.
There was a robust exchange of views about perception of crime, actual crime and crime prevention.
However after the frosty start some good ideas started to surface – ideas which would be of mutual benefit – the column being one..
And now hopefully we can bring some of the other ideas discussed to the fore too.
Posted by sazam at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2008
Recycling rubbish - easy or confusing?
I’d really like to know how you’re coping with the initiaitive launched by Ealing Council to persuade householders to recycle more of their rubbish.
A raft of measures were introduced at the end of 2007, to make collection of waste disposal within the borough more environmentally friendly. This included for the first time the collection of plastic and taking all of the rubbish on the same day.
I believe there were some complaints but the the town hall has been quick to point out it was a tiny percentage and no more than usual.
Council leader Jason Stacey said the some of the problems in December were down to new bin crews who did not know the ‘nooks and crannies’ of the borough’s geography.
And apparently Cllr Stacey make sercret visits to 10 roads each week to get an idea of of the progress being made in his bid to clean up the borough.
So, let me know if you’re getting the help you need to recycle rubbish or are you confused?
As you can see by the comments made on my previous blogs re: major stores leaving Ealing Broadway, there is a big debateto be had on how to keep the quality shops in the borough.
Obviously this all ties in with the proposed Leaf development by Glenkerrin, which has sparked strong feelings on both sides.
And it all points to 2008 being quite a pivotal year for the borough.
Posted by sazam at 11:26 AM | Comments (2)
January 9, 2008
Save Our Shopping Centre
HOW ironic that in the midst of the sale season, we learn that some of the best stores in Ealing Broadway are due to move out in 2008.
And the reasons being mooted for this shock decision includes higher rents and the competition from the up coming White City shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush.
The stores due to leave are all under the umbrella of the Arcadia Group, owned by retail billionaire Sir Phililip Green. They include Burtons, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Evans – Miss Selfridges having already closed.
Obviously this is a hammer blow for Ealing Broadway but surely it can’t be that much of a surprise as accusations of complacency continue to abound.
The business community and those responsible or involved with the shopping centre management must now be galvanised into action and start protecting the Broadway Shopping Centre from losing any more big names.
It’s now time to wake up from slumber and make sure Ealing does not slip any further down the list of top shopping centres in the country.
Becuae at the end of the day it is in all of our interest to make sure that Ealing remains a thriving economic hub and the Gazette will be fully behind any initiatives that aims to do that.
Let me have your thoughts on what should be done to protect the shopping centre and I'll be happy to pass them on.
.
Posted by sazam at 11:52 AM | Comments (2)
December 24, 2007
EDITOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
CHRISTMAS is a time for peace, goodwill and understanding.
And hopefully that’ll be the case for all during this festive season.
Whatever your background or your faith, it’s a time to share and enjoy the company of family,friends and neighbours.
And off course it’s also a time to thank those who’ve been helpful and played an important role within the workplace too.
I would like to thank all the Ealing Gazette staff who’ve been fantastic through a lot of uncertainty this year.
Despite possible major changes with the company, they stuck to their tasks admirably and produced decent papers. Now the future looks very stable.
I would also like to thank all our contacts and contributors who continue to engage with the Gazette in a friendly and productive way. They’ve also been real stalwarts.
And off course a big thanks to all our readers who continue to robustly provide us with feedback. All the feedback is extremely valued.
We’ve also had a good response to our website and I would like to thanks those who have responded to my blogs – yes Monkey and his mates too – it’s always great to hear from you.
So a big thanks to all.
Merry Christmas to you all and a prosperous New Year.
Shuz
Posted by gspence at 11:31 AM | Comments (2)
December 7, 2007
OFFICE PARTY
The festive season has finally arrived in the office.
The decorations are up and there’s chat about the company Christmas party, due to be held at the Masonic Hall, in Hillingdon, tonight.
For one reason or another, most of Ealing editorial staff have decided not to go!
Main reason is the travelling involved and the difficulty in getting home.
They have organised a Christmas meal for next week at a swish tapas restaurant in Ealing Broadway. Unfortunately I’ll not be able to go as I’ve already a prior booking.
However I’m sure I’ll be able to squeeze in a Christmas drink beforehand.
Why does it get so complicated – it happens every year. Anyway, wherever you are, have a great time.
I’ve just ventured into Ealing Broadway shopping centre and the Christmas rush is now well and truly underway.
The queues are massive but so far I’ve managed to dodge the crowds, and I’ll continue do that in the run up to the big day.
Posted by sazam at 2:24 PM | Comments (0)
November 5, 2007
I hope you all enjoyed the fireworks over the weekend.
I went to Blackheath, to watch the display and it was brilliant.
I also met my friend Sally who I told you all about, you know, the friend I bumped into on the tube after nearly 20 years .
It was very interesting. From almost being kids, without a care in the world to becoming adults with responsibilities - it certainly changes things.
Neverthless, it was a most enjoyable evening as we caught up with the missing 20-years. We combined the spectacular fireworks with alcohol and curry - quite a combination. And we've promised to meet up again before Christmas.
Here at our West Ealing HQ it's been a busy day, I've appoined a new chief reporter.
Well done to Lucy Proctor. She certainly deserves it. Due to the internal promotion there's now a vacancy for a senior reporter which has been advertised.
Oh, just a quick reminder again - if our photographer took a picture of your child in our First Class school initiative, it is in the Gazette now - so make sure you pick up your copy before they sell out.
Posted by sazam at 4:33 PM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2007
Modern Shakespeare
I note regular Independent and Evening Standard columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, is performing at the Watermans Art Centre, in Brentford, this week.
The Ealing Common resident has written Nowhere to Belong: Tales of an Extravagant Stranger, which apparently explores her love of Shakespeare as well as her life before her family’s expulsion from Uganda by Idi Amin in 1972.
In our interview, she talks about the universality of Shakespeare and how the Bard crosses the divide of all nations blah,blah,blah..
Sounds impressive – but not impressive enough.
‘Cos let me tell you Yasmin, when I was 16 (and that was a long time ago), I was also involved in infusing Shakespeare with the whole idea of race and identity, when I belonged to the Greenwich Youth Theatre.
In fact, my infusion was around a rock version of Othello, a black Othello with a white Desdemona, which we took to Czechoslovakia prior to the Velvet revolution. And the directors had the same argument then, how the universality of Shakespeare can touch the lives of those living in the far corners of the world plus the exploration of identitiy...
However, I would respectively suggest it’s time to move on, from what is becoming a bit of cliché - to keep using the works of Shakespeare to highlight modern social issues.
How about the Simpsons?
Posted by sazam at 3:57 PM | Comments (0)
