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February 28, 2007
BRUSH WITH FAME
Have you ever spotted anyone famous – how did you react?
Did you play it cool? Or did you try to approach them and make a complete fool of yourself. Or perhaps you received a reaction you’ll never forget?
I met the Atomic Kittens once (sorry to name drop!) – they popped down to open a new cinema in Greenwich – I got along famously with them. That was just after Kerry Katona had left the band.
In fact, I think one of them might have even developed a soft spot for me (come on Jenny Frost admit it!) – I hasten to say that was several years ago. Unfortunately, my bumbling colleague who was stuffing himself with free canapés and trying to chat up the waitress at the event wrecked my chances. But nevertheless, it was a promising evening.
I’d like to hear from anyone who’s experienced a brush with fame – however briefly. And if you’ve got any pictures – even better.
Glad to see Monkey is back – he had a bit of a tough weekend by the sounds of it (comment to blog Stop A&E Abuse). Squirrell is proving to be a bit of a nuisance.
I’m celebrating today, as the Blog has reached its half a century in terms of comments received since its launch at the end of December – and that does not include the Polish ones (we don’t have translation facilities here at Ealing) or the more lewd comments. So many thanks and keep them coming.
Paper is shaping up nicely as we start approaching deadline.
Posted by sazam at 1:48 PM | Comments (4)
February 27, 2007
Are you living abroad now ?
Today I had a letter from Granada, Spain.
It was from an ex Ealing Common resident, Fatima Zaman.
She attended Harvington and St Anne’s Convent and then Thames Valley University. She is now running a very successful English language School.
After her father sold the Taj Mahal Restaurant in Ealing Common, she decided to move out and set up The English Chat Café, which combines Indian cuisine with English conversational classes.
Judging by the cuttings she’s sent me, she’s very much a local celebrity. She wants the Gazette to do a lifestyle feature on her and promote her business.
She’s one of the many who’ve moved abroad – and I would love to hear from any other ex Ealing residents. I’d like to know why they moved and how they are finding their new surroundings.
Today in the office, we’ve been looking at picture reproduction quality after a few mishaps last week It’s always interesting and entertaining listening to our chief photographer Stan James, who’s been with the paper for 27-years. He does have a wealth of experience not only in photography, but is also very knowledgeable about the area.
I was also chatting to the sports editor Yann – don’t forget you can send him your views about any of the matches you’ve attended. You can use the website, e mail or just send in a letter.
Posted by sazam at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2007
STOP THE A&E ABUSE
AS you know the Gazette has been campaigning against the abuse of the A&E department at Ealing Hospital.
We want to stop people rushing to the overworked department in Ealing. More than 103,000 people attended the department last year – more than four times what it was designed to cope with. It transpired that 30 per cent of these visits were unnecessary.
But abuse of the department comes in many form, including those who attack staff on duty.
Many who turn up to demand medical attention become irate for various reason (including often being under the influence of drink and drugs), lose control and attack those who are trying to help them.
Following the Gazette’s lead , both national newspapers and a BBC’s Panorama investigation, has given prominence to this issue today.
There can be no excuses for the perpetrators who commit such attacks on medical staff, and the courts must deal with them robustly.
As you know the future of the Dominion Arts Centre sparked strong feeling at a meeting last week resulting in a mass walkout.
Jagga, comments (see comment to Friday’s Dominion Arts Centre blog) blames the present political leadership, for the demise of Southall. Do you agree with him? He certainly has strong views on the subject.
Posted by sazam at 1:09 PM | Comments (1)
February 23, 2007
DOMINION
THE Dominion Arts Centre, based in The Green, Southall, is an extremely valuable resource for that community.
The possible threat to its future, prompted a mass walkout after a meeting was organised by the council, to allay fears on Wednesday
The centre, was originally opened as an asylum to treat 10 wealthy women. It then became the Dominion Cinema, the legendary Gracie Fields was a regular visitor and performed the opening ceremony in 1935.
Now it’s a valuable meeting place, where community and youth programmes are also run from – whatever the decision on its future, it must be done in full consultation with the community.
Let me know what you think – remember you can use the message board on our website to express you views on any issue.
It’s been an odd day in the office, particularly as one of our ad reps was the victim of a trickster losing £20. Staff have been warned to be on their guard against this type of crime – particularly prevalent in our area.
The news editor is back after his trip to Barcelona to watch his beloved Liverpool triumph. Thought I’d mention it as Monkey was asking about him the other day.
Have a good weekend.
Posted by sazam at 2:10 PM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2007
GOOD NEWS
I’ve got some good news to report.
At last there’s some good news on the transport front – the number of attacks at trains stations in Ealing, are significantly down this year.
But we must never get complacent, because even one attack is too many.
However, credit where credit is due, so a big well done to all involved in helping to bring the figures down.
Also a big well done to Gerry Curran, the headteacher of Featherstone Primary School, in Southall, whose 25 year campaign to get a new school was finally realised with the unveiling of an £8m building.
And even Ealing Council has got on to the good news act, they were awarded three out of four stars in the Comperehensive Performance Assessment by the Audit Commission. This represent a significant improvement from last year. So well done to them too.
The reason why I’m going big on good news, is that everytime I attend a function, I’m always asked, why there’s no good news being reported. Well hopefully this will keep you going for a while. I hasten to say the paper is usually well balanced when it comes to good news.
I told you in my last blog, (sorry too busy news editing yesterday), I was off to the West London Business 9th Annual Dinner on Tuesday. Well, it was a most enjoyable evening. I met several very interesting people who make a major contribution to Ealing life and also play a wider role across West London. I must thank my hosts, Thames Valley University for their kind invitation.
The highlight of the evening was listening to Lord Karan of Bilimoria of Chelsea, who’s the founder and chief executive of Cobra Beer. To many of those young entrepreneurs present, he must have been an inspiration, as to how he started his Indian beer business from a cellar in West London.
Yes, I even managed to get a peek at Chelsea’s football ground which was very impressive. One day I might get the chance to see the team play.
So there you go, good news all round. Monkey, however, is having trouble with his obesity campaign. His monkey nuts have been stolen.
Posted by sazam at 3:03 PM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
Getting down to business
I’M off to Stamford Bridge tonight – no , not to watch football, but attend the West London Business Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Dinner.
I’ve got to put on my glad rags (dress code is black tie), and wind my way down to Fulham Broadway from Ealing on the Underground. That won’t be fun as I’ll be looking like a right penguin.
Anyway I’m looking forward to getting to know some of our business fraternity.
Today’s been a busy day, I’m standing in for the news editor, he’s flown off to Barcelona to watch his beloved Liverpool play tomorrow night in a crunch match.
So it’s been interesting listening to the moans and groans of the reporters and photographers as they go about their business. I always find it much more fun being amongst them.
The paper’s shaping up nicely – although we’re still looking for that all important front page story.
Don’t forget we’re still looking for the Gazette vendor of the week, so get nominating.
Monkey’s been up to his naughty business again and as for Sten 14103 – please can someone inspire him to make a more lively comment. He’s always in a fog.
Posted by sazam at 5:29 PM | Comments (1)
February 19, 2007
Best Gazette Vendor
BEST GAZETTE VENDOR
I want to find the best Ealing Gazette vendor each week.
It'll be the person who sells you a copy of your favourite paper with a smile and a welcoming chat.
Someone, who is both polite and caring, and generally offers you a warm welcome when you step into their shop/store.
If you e mail me and tell me who deserves recognition, then I'll put their name and shop on the Gazette website/paper honouring them as the star vendor of the week.
There must be hundreds out there, so just e mail or post their details to edit@ealinggazette.co.uk or pop it in the post to Ealing Gazette and Leader Series. 134-136 Broadway, West Ealing, London, W13 OTL.
Just write: "I bought my Gazette from....... I nominate him/her as vendor of the week because she/he is........."
And if the vendor has a special story to tell we’re more than happy to listen.
So start nominating.
Posted by sazam at 2:51 PM | Comments (1)
February 16, 2007
IT'S A LOTTERY
Each Friday with 12 other members of staff, I offer up £1.50 to our office Lottery – with the feint hope that by Monday we’ll all be millionaires.
Recently, we have been having a particularly lean period, not even winning the customary odd few quid.
Last year between the lot of us we won a grand total of £120, if my my maths is correct, that is a tenner each. The cash went towards the Christmas booze.
That was after a total office contribution of £900 (we calculated that figure taking into consideration holidays etc).
But as one of the reporters said, once you’re in it you daren’t leave . In case the big one comes up.
Apparently we play the European Lottery game (don’t know why), although Rick who organises it, says he’s willing to change the game. The fear factor has certainly kicked in.
Talking about fear, Monkey is getting worried as he now has a rival, in the guise of Mole. Monkey has already commented saying that I was building up a proper old zoo. But he shouldn’t worry because he was the original.
Today’s Gazette is packed with excellent content – ourfeature on the staggering amount of cash collected by Ealing Council through parking charges, the latest on the A&E campaign, drugs usage by our kids, political fury over the all women’s shortlist in Southall, the dramatic Greenford fire and the first royal visit to Ealing Hospital are some of the highlights.
So make sure you pick up a copy.
Posted by sazam at 4:44 PM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2007
What...no football
MY eye lit up, when I was asked to attend a prestigious event at Chelsea Football Ground.
Smelling the possibility of a freebie top Premiership match with the likes of Drogba and Shevchenko on display, I asked who Chelsea was playing. However, I was told very nicely there was no football match on that evening...but the key speaker would be the guy who founded Cobra Beer.
Disappointment apart about the football, I am actually looking forward to attending the West London Business 9th Annual Dinner (honest).
And I extend my sincere thanks to Thames Valley University for their kind invitation.
The Cobra guy, is actually Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE DL, founder and chief executive of Cobra Beer. He is one of the youngest members of the House of Lords; his focus is on entrepreneurship, enterprise, business, trade and investment, higher education and India.
I suppose if you can’t have football then beer is not a bad substitute (that’s if you like Cobra, off course).
Deadline went fairly smoothly and tomorrow’s Gazette is an impressive read dealing with some real weighty issues.
Even Mole, thanks for your comment re: parking charges, will not be disappointed.
Posted by sazam at 2:36 PM | Comments (1)
February 14, 2007
Day of lurve
Well, it St Valentine's Day - the day for the romantics.
Here in the newsroom they're a sceptical bunch, and most are pretending to ignore it - although I did spy one or two looking eagerly at their phones.
Off course we get all sorts of press releases linked to this day of lurve.
Here's a few which I've edited down:
HANDSOME HUGHIE LOOKING FOR LOVE THIS VALENTINES DAY
He may be missing a leg but heÃs certainly not missing a heart
Meet Hughie, a three year old black and white Collie who is desperate to find a new home. Hughie arrived at Dogs Trust West London Rehoming Centre shortly before Christmas and the staff soon noticed that he had something wrong with his leg as he’d often hold it up at an angle. A visit to the vet confirmed some nerve damage which may have been the result of a road traffic accident but the staff at the Centre can’t be sure.
On 10 January Hughie had his injured leg amputated and has been safely tucked up in recovery since, getting lots of TLC.
The food of love
Not only are avocados loaded with vitamins (A, B, C, E, folate) and minerals (potassium, magnesium), they also provide dietary fibre, omega 3 and monounsaturated fats, all of which promote healthy cholesterol levels and heart health. What's more, they are the richest source of beta-sitosterol, which also has an anti-cholesterol action. Although high in calories, avocados are very filling and just half an avocado counts as one of your five-a-day.
1929 : St. Valentine's Day Massacre
In Chicago, gunmen in the suspected employment of organized-crime boss
Al Capone murder seven members of the George "Bugs" Moran North Siders
gang in a garage on North Clark Street. The so-called St. Valentine's
Day Massacre stirred a media storm centered on Capone and his illegal
Prohibition-era activities and motivated federal authorities to
redouble their efforts to find evidence incriminating enough to take
him off the streets.
Alphonse Capone was born in Brooklyn in 1899, the son of Italian
immigrants from Naples. The fourth of nine children, he quit school
after the sixth grade and joined a street gang. He became acquainted
with Johnny Torrio, a crime boss who operated in Chicago and New York,
and at the age of 18 Capone was employed at a Coney Island club owned
by gangster Frankie Yale. It was while working there that his face was
slashed in a brawl, earning him the nickname "Scarface."
Posted by sazam at 1:05 PM | Comments (1)
February 13, 2007
Why is there so much violence and vandalism on our buses these days?
An accidental nudge, an innocent look or even an attempt to be courteous can spark a nasty or even a violent exchange.
Yesterday, a man who boarded an Ealing bus, was furious at the driver for not stopping exactly by the bus stop. There was a moment, when I thought the vitriolic exchange would explode into an attack.
Fortunately this time, that was not the case. Although both were seething.
Virtually each week in the newsroom, we get police reports of attacks on buses. Both drivers and passengers are the victims, of these often brutal attacks.
This is in contrast to 30 years ago, when my father travelled into central London early each morning to work. He loved the journey, which would start at 6am, and finish about 7.15am.
The top deck of the bus - you could smoke there then - would almost be like a social club. Regular passengers would exchange news about their families, holidays etc and generally have a good old natter. Off course, in those days there were conductors.
Very rarely, were there any reports of any nasty attacks. I think the presence of the bus conductors made a huge difference.
Accuse me of looking at the past with rose coloured tinted glasses, but I think we should value the good things. And in my view there was certainly less tension on the public transport then.
What do you think?
PS: Further to my political blog yesterday: Monkey has decided to stand as an independent candidate at the next election. See comment to Political Spice, it's quite funny.
Posted by sazam at 2:13 PM | Comments (1)
February 12, 2007
POLITICAL SPICE
THE announcement by veteran Southall MP Mr Piara Khabra not to stand at the next general election, has already triggered off a race between would-be candidates for the parliamentary seat.
Extra spice was thrown into this ‘contest by proxy’ for a prospective MP (featured on the front of last week’s Gazette), when the Labour Party announced it was planning an all women shortlist.
This has led to several letters arriving on my desk, both in support and against this very contentious proposal. I’m sure this issue will gather pace until a final decision is made on whether to have an all women shortlist in March.
So whatever your view on the all women shortlist just keep us informed. In fact, tell us about any issues affecting you. And don’t forget you can also use our website message board ‘Have Your Say’ to comment.
Ealing doesn’t appear to have that loving feeling this Valentine at the moment – don’t forget to use the message board to send your love greetings too.
Posted by sazam at 1:08 PM | Comments (1)
February 9, 2007
SUPPORT GROWS FOR A&E CAMPAIGN
OUR campaign to highlight the abuse of the A&E department is gaining momentum.
More than 30 per cent of the 103,000 patients’ visit to the A&E department last year are estimated to have been unnecessary and are stretching the service to the limit.
This week Ealing North MP Steve Pound backed our campaign and wrote to us saying: “Praise to the Ealing Gazette for a first-class piece of community journalism in its report on Ealing Hospital's A&E department.
“A casualty department built to take 25,000 people a year is struggling with 100,000 patients annually, but the 30,000 who shouldn’t be there at all place a near impossible strain on the system.�
We’ll be continuing in the next two weeks to highlight this problem which is having a knock-on-effect on services across the hospital.
We’re approaching Valentines’ Day fast and don’t forget you can send your message online with the Gazette.
Messages of no more than 20 words will be placed on the website on February 14 – all you have to do is log on to the site any time before midday on Valentine’s Day and click on ‘have your say’.
The office changes to accommodate our new team of eight advertising staff is almost complete and it’s great to have them here.
Have a good weekend
Posted by sazam at 4:57 PM | Comments (0)
February 8, 2007
OFFICE CHANGES
OUR office is undergoing a major change with the arrival of eight new members of the advertising team tomorrow.
Presently desks and computers are being shifted around to accommodate the new staff.
It will mean a complete change in the atmosphere of the office but generally it has been welcomed by the existing editorial team. It’s all very exciting.
However with the snow, meeting press deadline, appraisals for my three trainees and off course with the office restructure in the afternoon, it’s been a very busy day.
Posted by sazam at 5:30 PM | Comments (0)
February 7, 2007
PUBLIC RELATIONS
YESTERDAY I spent the day at Thames Valley University.
I was invited to sit on their interviewing panel to help them recruit a public relations manager - it was an extremely interesting exercise and gave me an insight into the world of PR. The world of managing the truth.
The university, which is our partner in our community campaign Pride in our People, obviously wants to portray a positive and pro-active image.
However, I did begin to wonder when their marketing officer told me the university was arranging a get together for 300 Polish students and planning to give them free booze for two hours. Ooops.
It was then qualified by saying it was part of an exercise to find the needs of the growing number of Polish students enrolling at the university.
Anyway, I’m pleased to say by the end of the day, the University was set to offer the position to a very talented person. No doubt that person will be contacting the Gazette very soon.
Back in the office today. Paper shaping up nicely.
Posted by sazam at 1:18 PM | Comments (2)
February 5, 2007
A&E CRITICAL
Apologies for the lack of blogs last week – was out and about.
Back in the office today with a vengeance and tackling the various issues/problems that have arisen.
We had problems with our Watford printers, an Ealing page got replaced with a Fulham and Hammersmith one. Apologies to our readers, we’re doing everything we can to make sure this does not happen again. All very frustrating.
Anyway on the positive side we launched a new campaign in Friday’s Gazette, highlighting the misuse of the A&E department at Ealing Hospital .
It’s transpired that 30 per cent of the 100,000 people visiting the department are clogging up services unnecessairily. The hospital says the abuse of the A&E department has brought the service to a breaking point.
In the next few weeks we’ll be talking to consultants, frontline staff as well as users, and seeking solutions on how to alleviate the pressure on this vital service.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to continue nominating those deserving individuals and groups. We want them to be recognised in our Pride in Our People community campaign.
Once again thanks for your comments.
Posted by sazam at 10:16 AM | Comments (1)