Forum Topics

November smile

The Wine taster.. At a wine merchants, the regular taster diedand the director started looking for a new one to hire. A drunkard with a ragged, dirty look came to apply for the position.The director of the warehouse wondered how to send him away. They gave him a glass to drink. He tried it and said, "It's a Muscat , three Years old, grown on a north slope,matured in steel containers". Low grade but acceptable. "That's correct", said the boss. Another glass...."It's a cabernet, eight years old, a south-western slope, oak barrels, matured at 8 degrees.Requires three more years for finest results.." "Correct." A third glass...''It's a pinot blanc champagne, high grade and exclusive'' calmly said the drunk. The director was astonished. He winked at his secretary to suggest something She left the room, and came back in with a glass of urine. The alcoholic tried it. "It's a blonde, 26 years old, three months pregnantand if you don't give me the job, I'll name the father."

Graham Weeks ● 5430d12 Comments ● 5410d

Acton Baths Campaign Update

The online petition is continuing and we have over 2300 signatures (previously 1862).We are now asking AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE to attend the next Ward Forum Public Meeting, taking place this Wednesday, 23 Nov, 7pm onwards.This is your opportunity to raise questions, discuss the concerns you have about the way the council has been handling matters around the baths closure, and talk directly about this with the Elected Councillors who represent South Acton.Ealing’s Mayor: Cllr John Gallagher, is expected to attend, and possibly representatives of the council’s Regeneration and Leisure teams. Full details: South Acton Ward Forum MeetingCentre for Armenian Information and Advice,105a Mill Hill Road, Acton W3 8JFWed, 23 Nov, 7pm – 9pmWe are ALSO strongly recommending as many people as possible write (or email) the key decision maker/s at the council, and other influential people and groups, to express their opinions about the closure. These include:Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of the Councilc/o Labour Group Members’ RoomEaling Town Hall, New Broadway, London, W5 2BYEmail – Julian.bell@ealing.gov.ukEnglish Heritage1 Waterhouse Square, 138 - 142 Holborn, London, EC1N 2STEmail - london@english-heritage.org.uk or customers@english-heritage.org.ukThe Victorian Society1 Priory Gardens, London, W4 1TTEmail – admin@victoriansociety.org.uk  WE HOPE YOU CAN MAKE THE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY! Thank you and best wishes.Petition:  http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/acton-baths-closure-petition.html   Video: http://www.winkball.com/blogs/lqvh9YmK885m/acton-baths-closure   Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acton-Baths-Closure/232013403518724?sk=wall   Ealing Gazette Letter (20 Oct): http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/2011/10/20/letters-it-s-time-to-fight-to-save-the-pool-64767-29637633/   Ealing Gazette Article (18 Oct): http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/local-ealing-news/2011/10/18/council-handed-petition-against-acton-baths-closure-64767-29616137/

S Bradford ● 5422d2 Comments ● 5411d

Dentist recommendations in Broadway area?

Hi, I am new to the area and was wondering if anyone had any dentist recommendations in the Ealing Broadway area? I've had some "fun" experiences when I've moved before and now I generally try and get some personal recommendations first!Thanks.

Chris Goff ● 5414d4 Comments ● 5412d

OPEN STUDIO - 4 Christmas

4 local artists are holding an open studio this weekend. JOANNA BRENDON - paintings, drawings and prints: BOBBIE KOCIEJOWSKI i- hand-woven textiles; ANNETTE O'SULLIVAN - jewellery; DANIEL SMITH - simple, elegant ceramic tableward.Friday 2 December - 6-9pmSaturday 3 and Sunday 4 - 11am - 6pm59 Emlyn Road, London W12 9TG.tel: 020 8743 5030.  email: 4christmas@joannabrendon.netALL ARE WELCOME

Joanna Brendon ● 5412d0 Comments ● 5412d

Memorial Mass

Memorial Mass 9th December 12.30 for Mary Waters, Mother of Deirdre and Debbie formerly of Coldershaw Road, West Ealing W13.At Our Lady Of Grace & St Edward   247 Chiswick High Road   Chiswick   W4Any friends of the late Mary Waters welcome!

deirdre waters ● 5412d0 Comments ● 5412d

Over £120K from Ealing Council to the Hanwell School of Boxing - Why?

Is anyone other than me surprised that Ealing Council has given over £120,000 to the Hanwell School of Boxing? Especially in light of the 700 planned job cuts, the cuts in libraries and library refurbishment, and the closure of the Albert Dane and Links centres for the disabled and the mentally ill.

William J Malmet ● 5417d8 Comments ● 5412d

Lido Junction Improvements - WEN Public Meeting Dec 6th from 7.30pm

West Ealing Neighbours is holding a public meeting on Tuesday 6th December at OPEN Ealing as part of the public consultation about the Council's planned changes to the Lido Junction. The changes include an all-red stop phase to allow pedestrians to cross all four arms in safety.This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make crucial pedestrian safety changes at the notorious junction. Please do come along to hear the details of the Council's plans and why there are some concerns about the possible impact on north-south traffic flow.The meeting is at OPEN Ealing, 113 Uxbridge Road - opposite the fire station and on the corner with Culmington Road.

Diane Gill ● 5417d1 Comments ● 5412d

has anyone slipped over on damp pavements in Ealing and claimed against the Council

Just after some advice.I slipped over last year and tore an expensive suit quite badly (as well as cuts and grazes but they've all healed!).Just wondered if anyone else had any experience of slipping/falling on the local pavements and then trying to obtain some recompense from the Council.All advice / thoughts gratefully received.thanksmark

mark hodson ● 5419d18 Comments ● 5413d

Government talk of High Performance Computing and Schools

BBC Radio 4 news reports that large well known organisations including Google and Microsoft are saying that schools should be teaching Computer Science and High Performance Computing, something I have been saying for some time.Apple now provides a computer operating system based largely on Unix-compatible Free Open Source Software (BSD) together with a few bits of restricted proprietary software.I hear that Microsoft current versions are basically Windows NT with a few tweaks, and they are not planning to introduce any totally new Operating System, although they have been playing with software compatible with Unix compatible Free Open Source Operating Systems.Unix compatible Free Open Source Software is available now, yet I find that most people in the UK are unwilling or even scared to look at it, while those who have are keen to learn more.http://www.chrisbell.org.uk

Chris Bell ● 5416d9 Comments ● 5414d

Garden tax petition

In order to get the Labour Council's plans for the recycling system debated properly at the next full council meeting on 13th December the Conservatives have launched a petition:"We support waste reduction and recycling; and believe it should be kept free and weekly. Therefore we demand that Ealing's Labour Council abandons its plans: •  to impose an annual £40 garden waste tax and to collect garden waste fortnightly•  to withdraw the white sacks for plastics recycling collection•  for the option in the contract to collect waste and recyclables fortnightlyWe believe that these changes will increase fly tipping, reduce the rates of recycling and alienate the very people whose support is needed."If you want to sign follow this link:  http://ealing-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/petitions/keep_recycling_free__weekly_2

Phil Taylor ● 5443d74 Comments ● 5414d

Digital UK London switchover roadshow events announced

Digital UK, the organisation responsible for overseeing the UK's switch to digital television,  has today announced its list of London switchover roadshow events for those requiring help and advice with the switchover ahead of the switch from analogue to digital TV taking place in April 2012.In the borough of Ealing there are currently three planned events (at this early stage I don't personally know if any more will be added to the list):* Greenford Outside Barclays Bank, Greenford Road, UB6 8QX 13-14 March 2012 9am-5pm* Northolt Outside Co-Op, Church Road, UB5 5AB 25 Feb 2012 9am-5pm* Southall Outside Inspire Dental Care, South Road, UB1 1RQ 10-11 Feb 2012 9am-5pm For more information, or to see details of events in neighbouring boroughs, go here: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/london/Londonevents

James Vertigan ● 5414d0 Comments ● 5414d

Refuse collection on Wednesday

I've checked the Council website and all I can see about Wednesday's strike action is a list of schools which are closed.  There isn't any information about refuse collection.Does anyone know if this service is suspended?  As refuse collection is something that is outsourced, those workers will probably not be out on strike but I cannot find any guidance on the Council website.

Allison Franklin ● 5415d2 Comments ● 5415d

Petition to save last free legal advice: Ealing Equality Council

Our funding has been withdrawn and we are no longer able to provide a free legal advice session.As the last remaining legal advice centre in Ealing, we are petitioning to obtain further funding which will allow us to continue assisting the local community.Please use, or cut and paste, the link below to register your vote.http://ealing-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/petitions/ealing_equality_councilThank you in advance!!Barbara

Barbara Karayi ● 5419d8 Comments ● 5415d

New computer advice/accessories shop at Northfields

Just had my printer ink refilled at the new business at the entrance to Northfields station, I'd highly recommend them as very helpful and pleasant, reasonably priced, happy to sort out problems.

Rachel Sanger ● 5417d1 Comments ● 5416d

Afghan rioter.

I refer to the story on the homepage if you would care to read it.Funny old world isn't it?We have our own lads and lasses fighting and being maimed and killed in Afghanistan so that a democratic order can be established there.And matey boy over here rioting for God only knows what purpose.Why can't we send him back there so he can do the fighting and mayhem he seems so intent on,in his own country.No benefits there though and prison there would be a nightmare.Poor lamb.

Keith Iddon ● 5417d2 Comments ● 5417d

EMPIRE CINEMA

THE OLD EMPIRE CINEMAHi there, I know were you are coming from as I have lived in Ealing since 1969.I suspect that that Ealing Council knew all along that the plans for The Empire were flawed because I think building a Car Park was the plan that Empire had all along.The old Ealing has slowly been nibbled away over the years for money.Graham Goodallgeegeestables@hotmail.com

Graham Goodall ● 5419d0 Comments ● 5419d

Can you spare an hour in West Ealing on Monday? Your reward – as many books as you can carry!

We’re all about sharing books, and we now have a huge opportunity to share a whole lot more. Peter Owen Publishers had made 14,000 books available to West Ealing Neighbours, and in collaboration with Book Swaps for London (http://londonbookswap.wordpress.com/), we will be receiving 14 pallets worth on Monday at midday. These are being delivered to OPEN Ealing, where we’re going to store them while we work out a distribution strategy.As we’ve never unloaded an 18 tonne truck before, we need people to help us load the boxes of books into a lift and then taken them up one set of stairs to where they’re going to be stored. Waitrose West Ealing is also very kindly loaning us a pallet truck to help with the unloading as well.Where: 113 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 5TLIf you can spare an hour or two from midday on Monday to help, please contact me by email at chris.hj.gilson@gmail.com, or tweet us @weneighbours.Your reward for helping will be – as many books as you can carry home!

Chris Gilson ● 5419d0 Comments ● 5419d

Watermans 'Bliss' Evening this Saturday £12 Tickets

Just received an email about their charity event this Saturday evening, sounds really nice and just what one needs before Christmas .. This is a charity fundraising event for children’s charity Tree of Hope. We just want to give you a Wonderful EveningBliss@Watermans                                                Saturday 26 November - doors open 7.15pm7.30pm to 8.00pm - Meaning and Mysteries of LifeA colourful show from James Parker- Magician and Philosophical Illusionist 8.00pm to 8.30pm - Healing AngelsPurify Your Body, Mind, Heart and Soul from Stress and Negativity with the help of Angels - an Angel Healing Session by World Famous Angel Therapist Sabi Hilmi (www.purely-angels.com)8.45pm to 9.30pm - Comedy with Ray CrawfordCome and Kill Your Stress through Laughter (Fair Minded Aussie Bloke Fighting for a Fair Go)Ticket Price £12 (Early Bird Offer £10 if you book before 14 November) Friends discounts do NOT applyShow your tickets to Guru Tandoori Restaurant at the Venue and grab a mouth watering Indian meal for only £5THE TREE OF HOPE CHILDREN’S CHARITY offers ‘HOPE’ to the families of Sick UK Children who need Specialist Medical Surgery, Treatment and Therapy in order to free them from suffering, giving a better Quality to their Young Lives.Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1043092Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC042611www.treeofhope.org.uk

Ann Ryan ● 5419d0 Comments ● 5419d

What is happening to Ealing ?

For the love of god, what is happening to Ealing ? My heart breaks to read the latest horror happening in our beloved Ealing - the brutal killing of a second wallaby in Brent Lodge Animal Park (article link http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=eawallabies001.htm).What is happening to Ealing ? Riots / muggings / stabbings / rape / police attacks / animal killings. Where and why has it all gone so wrong ?I really despair.....

Guy Edema ● 5420d9 Comments ● 5419d

Cleaner Recommendation

Can anyone recommend a good cleaner in Ealing? Thanks

Samantha Irvine ● 5420d1 Comments ● 5420d