Forum Topics

Andy wants to know how everyone here defines the word "Racist"

So how do you?

Ash Parks ● 5996d96 Comments ● 5972d

Possible changes to the British electoral system.

With the latest general election decided it would appear that the first-past-the-post (FPP) system may possibly be on its way out.With the coalition between the Lib. Dems. and Conservative parties it would seem inevitable that some form of proportional representation will eventually be adopted. Now is the time to give serious thought as to which form of PR will best suit Britain.Having been born in London and raised in Hanwell I now reside in New Zealand and have experienced both election systems. Most will know that some years ago New Zealand opted to go the PR route having abandoned FPP.We were offered a system called Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) which was adopted by referendum. MMP is by no means ideal as it led to anomalies which are undesirable in a democratic country. I hope we will change this at some point in the future.MMP inevitably meant that some members were returned at the whim of their parties as they are on the unelected "list" and do not represent constituencies. A fairer system in my opinion is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system in which the "list" members are voted in by the people and are not just "vote fodder" at the convenience of the parties. I believe a similar system is used by some EU countries.The other main fault, as you will shortly discover, is that coalitions invariably lead to compromise. On some issues the minority tail will frequently wag the majority dog. Such decisions are usually anathema to the majority of voters. This is happening in New Zealand today mainly with respect to Maori issues where we appear to be happy to give away the family silver.After the "Dave and Nick Show" honeymoon period ends the sparks will surely fly.Good luck for the future.

John Chant ● 5973d1 Comments ● 5973d

New Council Cabinet Members - NEWS

I heard a rumour that the Labour party won the Council. Does Ealing Today or anyone else know names of the new Cabinet Members? Does the process normally take so long?

George Knox ● 5976d4 Comments ● 5975d

Hanwell Carnival 2010 - Procession

The 2010 Hanwell Carnival procession will assemble at Hanwell Community Centre in Westcott Crescent at 11:00 am and leaving at 11:30 am, Saturday 19th June 2010. The procession will begin from Westcott Crescent travel along Bordars Road and onto Greenford Avenue. The procession will then follow Greenford Avenue and Church Road all the way down to the Uxbridge Road where it will turn right at St.Mellitus Church. From there it will travel along Hanwell Broadway before turning down Boston Road at the Hanwell Clock. The procession will finish at Elthorne Park on Boston Road. So far, the following groups and individuals have confirmed or expressed an interest in taking part in the procession -The Hanwell Carnival Queen & Princess (C) Brentford Army CadetsBrentside Art College (C)EASE The Feltham & Bedfont Carnival AssociationThe Ladies Creature CentreThe Little Art Shop (C) The Mayor of Ealing (C) The West London Boys Brigade Band (New this year!) (C) St.Mark's Primary School St. John's Ambulance (C) St. Mellitus Church Yours Space (Summer School)Plus many more...If you want to take part in the procession, please contact the procession organiser James Wong on 07956-26-00-32 or email: jim_wong@hotmail.com

Jim Wong ● 5975d0 Comments ● 5975d

Man Swears at Football Match Shock

I see one of the tabloids is running a story about local MP Steve Pound, a sometime contributor to this forum. He used bad language at a football match recently. He has admitted to doing so but categorically denied calling Sol Campbell a 'fairy'. What I fail to understand is why anyone who attended a football match would see fit to complain about bad language. I go quite a lot and don't tend to swear but a large proportion of the people around me do. If you are offended by swearing you shouldn't go near a football ground. It's part of the enjoyment for many people to let off steam like this and I think we are lucky to have an MP in the area who shares the likes, interests and habits of a significant proportion of the people he represents unlike most people elected to the House of Commons.

Paul Cavanagh ● 5982d6 Comments ● 5976d

Local Orchestras

Does anyone know of a local orchestra that is needing an oboist? I've been living in the area for just over two years now and would like to join a local orchestra.For information purposes, I do not require a room to rehearse as am able to practise where I live (and definately not for 12 jours a day!)I am of Grade VIII standard and have a degree in music.

J Smith ● 5984d16 Comments ● 5976d

Scientology Cult

An interesting new exposay on Scientologyhttp://www.popeater.com/2010/05/13/amy-scobee-scientology-book-tom-cruise/

Steve Chilcott ● 5977d1 Comments ● 5976d

Check out Stewed! next time you're in Sainsburys...

I'm passionate about food and I'm helping out a friend who's set up a business from scratch selling pots of delicious stew.Alan started off selling his slow cooked stews at London food markets but has now graduated to the shelves of some branches of Sainsburys, Waitrose and Budgens - including the little Sainsbury's in Ealing Broadway.They're like the meat lover's version of the Innocent Veg Pots but a whole lot more satisfying! They're fab for a quick lunch and make a great change from soup. Or they're equally good for dinner matched with some cous cous or rice.Next time you're in the Broadway you should check them out. There's Chorizo, chickpea and porkHungarian GhoulashMorrocan chicken Chickpea, sweet potato and fetaIt's really inspiring to see a fellow foodie friend being bold with a great idea and actually seeing the product on the shelves. You can find out more about Stewed! here www.steweduk.co.uk  Enjoy!

Katie Bryson ● 5977d1 Comments ● 5977d

Health & Safety at Work. Too much? Too Little? Just Right?

What are your views? In the run up to the General Election, David Cameron said safety legislation needs much reform and then proceeded to quote a common health and safety myth about having to drive to his child's school to apply a plaster beacuse teachers were not allowed to.How do you feel about health and safety where you work?

Ash Parks ● 5978d8 Comments ● 5977d

Building Contractor Needed

I am looking to buy a house in Hanwell which may need a substantial amount of building work.Can anyone recommend a good contractor in the area who is able to take on kitchen/bathroom conversions, internal wall removals, loft conversions etc.Quality of work and reliability is more important to me than finding the cheapest quote.Thanks in advance!

Stuart Hughes ● 5979d4 Comments ● 5978d

What happened to Zhi Noo?

My wife and I walked up to South Ealing a few weeks ago to eat at Zhi Noo, only to discover it shuttered up. Since then, nothing much has changed - the signage has (mostly) gone and the windows are whitewashed. There's occasional signs of workmen inside, but nothing actually appears to have happened. It's a great loss to the area. Did it move, or - as seems more likely - was Bijan yet another victim of the economic climate?

Bryan Betts ● 5981d2 Comments ● 5978d

Book Swap

What a great idea, green and literate

Lizzie Saunders, Volunteer Centre Manager ● 5981d4 Comments ● 5978d

FINALLY !

Gordon has gone !!

Andy Wright ● 5984d31 Comments ● 5979d

Lib Dems got 1/4 of the votes & 1/10 of the seats!

The Lib Dems got 1/4 of the votes & 1/10 of the seats! that's a Parliamentary travesty, not an Election!

Colin Clark ● 5987d46 Comments ● 5981d

Possible PO move

It certainly needs something doing; the place is a complete tip and queues are sometimes out of the door. I avoid it like the plague. Madeley Road Haven Green PO should NEVER have been closed down.

Alan Martin ● 5982d0 Comments ● 5982d

POST oFFICE AT W.H..SMITH

This has happened at Torquay, where I now live, they have put the P.O. on the top floor, and we used to grumble about queing for 10-15 mins. at the old p.o, now you que for 20-30 minutes to get served

John Charles Todd ● 5982d1 Comments ● 5982d

Cleaner and dogwalker (or even a dogwalking cleaner) wanted in Pitshanger Village

Hello, We're looking for a cleaner to do 2-3 hours of cleaning a week and maybe do a bit of ironing. We're also looking for a dog walker to take a dog out for a 45 mins walk in the early afternoon on weekdays.Can anyone recommend a cleaner, dog walker or even a cleaning dog walker?Thanks

Peter Jones ● 6143d1 Comments ● 5982d

Cleaner Required

I am looking for a cleaner every other week approximately 3.5 hours preferably someone who can speak reasonable English

Jan White ● 6039d3 Comments ● 5982d

Recommended domestic cleaner?

HiI am looking for a reliable, thorough cleaner who is available to clean our home and iron every week. I would be really grateful if you could make make any recommendations.Thanks

Hayley Spurling ● 6019d3 Comments ● 5982d

How odd!

Nu Labour wanted a 'Rainbow Coalition' but did anyone notice when David Cameron was at Buckngham Palace to see Her Majesty there was a rainbow in the sky!

Jean F Fernandez ● 5984d9 Comments ● 5982d