Forum Topics

I have a question about the lake in Chiswick house grounds

Why does the lake level fluctuate so much?Including sometimes flooding the path?What controls the lake level?

Simon Pedley ● 20d21 Comments ● 11h

Has anyone lost a black & white cat ?

A cat has been hanging a round my garden since last week. She’s doesn’t look like a stray but I’ve tried a paper collar and I’ve taken her to check for a microchip and she doesn’t have one.  

Katy Foreman ● 1d2 Comments ● 12h

Chiswick RLNI helmsman sacked

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/27/rnli-boatman-sacked-after-calling-sadiq-khan-a-terrorist/I would normally summarise  but you need to read the whole article to get some perspective.

Adrian Irving ● 20h5 Comments ● 15h

Katherine Dunne fails (again)

I was bemused by the puff piece on Katherine done by Chiswick Calendar. Bit surprised they didn't ask her favorite color and if she believed in unicorns. Did we need glamor shots?? Also chuckled at the coverage of the recent area forum with feedback from Katherine's colleague, Alexandra Crush.  So many issues: "Element of competition" In order for there to be competition the competitors must provide the same service. They do not. Per the article, Voi services Ealing. That's it. Forest doesn't. This necessitates needing two different suppliers that can charge whatever they like because their competitor cannot provide the same service. The concept of checks and balances does not exist. Simple economics. "truncated journeys weren't a key issue" Surely Katherine should have choked on these words. "50% less Voi than promised" and "Forest immediately increases fees after getting contract" Is it me, or have the suppliers failed to comply with the terms of the contract? If so, what's the escape clause? If a painter fails to provide the works promised in a contract, the owner would have a court case in their favor. The contract becomes null and void. "no incentive for Lime to comply" False. Wandsworth dealt with this issue by rounding up non-compliant bikes and held them ransom. When I asked Katherine about this her response was "there is no regulation." Apparently she can't do what others clearly can. "commercially sensitive information" With spending public money, how is the public not made aware of any expenditure value? There is talk about competition on an open market yet oddly the market is secret. "I wasn't there but I'm sure it was raised" Why wasn't she there and simply how could she not know??? This begs the question can a petition be started for her removal? She fails repeatedly and there is no reason anyone should endure another two years of this dreadful and unnecessary policy she has put in place. She is clearly out of her league. As for any e-bike/scooter being left where it doesn't belong, what is the line item value for Hounslow Highways to remove them? Has it exceeded it's allowance? My bet is any increase in fees Katherine dreamt of by awarding Voi and Forest is erased (and then some) by the increase in costs for HH to remove illegal vehicles now dumped by three different vendors. Not to mention, the public can't use any Lime bike found in Hounslow. So those cost of removing them is wholly borne by Hounslow. To wit on Glebe Street this AM:


David Lesniak ● 11d43 Comments ● 19h

sea of Lime bikes outside Turham green

Wow So many of them people can’t get to their own bikes

John Kennedy ● 2d11 Comments ● 19h

Labour tax and spend

they have learnt nothing for being in the wilderness, Tax & spend so they claimed the Tories left a 20 Billion so they raised 40 billion killing off many small businesses and hospitality with the employer NI increase. So having spent out 40 billion they need to raise even more money, blame everyone else. When if ever are they going to take responsibility for their own actions? What about controlling spending? Welfare bill is outrageous there are no checks so I dread to think about the fraud going on using our taxes. I heard a statistics on Politics live that 1 in 4 new cars on the road is funded by the government including BMW and Mercedes is this right? Shocking. They have killed the housing market with all the rumours. People taking out their 25% tax free element on pensions again due to rumours and Labour pulling pensions into IHT. They have no clue how to handle the economy, it should be illegal for any government to meddle with tax respectively on items like pensions. Of course Labour are support working people and the only definition I can work out who are working people is those on benefits so much for going for economic growth they do it by spending our money! That does not work. Now they are blaming Brexit they seem to forget we had a referendum and it was the people’s choice. When will they ever take any responsibility? We have the highest energy bills in the world how’s on earth do they think business can compete? Rant over 😂

Jayne Thorburn ● 8d99 Comments ● 20h

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

For the first time for several years there will be poppy sellers at Turnham Green tube station this week for the start of the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. They have been organised by local resident Elisabeth Whittaker with a group of volunteers (myself included) after the RBL’s Chiswick branch fell into limbo in recent years. The Appeal starts this week on Thursday 23 October and there will be poppy sellers at the station every day until Remembrance Sunday 9 November 2025.If you have a couple of hours spare over the next 2 weeks to help raise funds for the Royal British legions activities in support of current and ex-servicemen and women by selling poppies at Turnham Green Station please contact Elisabeth Whittaker on 020 8995 9255 to offer your support.The Royal British Legion provides a wide range of services to support those who have served in the armed forces. Many veterans face challenges transitioning to civilian life, including employment difficulties, financial hardship, housing insecurity, and health issues. The cost-of-living crisis has intensified demand for the Legion’s services.In the past year alone, it has responded to thousands of urgent requests for financial assistance and awarded grants to more than 23,000 veterans and their families.

Tim Porter ● 6d5 Comments ● 1d

Shock News!!!

With all the terrible things going on in the world, they all pale into insignificance with the devastating news that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are leaving Strictly Come Dancing! Yes folks, they really are! How on earth are we all going to carry on without them? I'm so upset and distressed. I've taken a couple of Kalms to hopefully quell the anxiety this has caused me, but I'm probably going to have to take quite a few more to get me through the day. I might also need to take some Rescue Remedy to help me sleep tonight.It would be wonderful if other like-minded folks could meet up and comfort each other. If so, please reach out!

Jill Merrett ● 5d23 Comments ● 1d

Should we relax Sunday trading laws?

Would it not better for the economy if we were allowed to shop in UK stores rather than shop online from merchants around the world?

Chris Lucy ● 2d10 Comments ● 1d

Any interest in an informal meet up for local older lesbians and gay men?

Am thinking of trying to establish an informal group for older (50+) lesbians and gay men to meet up monthly or so to share meals/drinks/films/art galleries/board games etc. So many close friends have left London recently and I'd love some more local gay chums. Please drop me a if you're interested: bigdeadline@yahoo.co.uk :)

Beverly Kemp ● 8d5 Comments ● 1d

Builder for garden wall

Does anyone know a reliable, reasonably priced builder / bricklayer to rebuild part of a garden wall?

Andrzej Kowalski ● 7d4 Comments ● 1d

Decorator/Handyperson recommendations

Hello everyone, I’m looking for the above for a few small retouching/repair jobs please.

Tim English ● 1d0 Comments ● 1d

You could not make it up

This man, who was not only mistakenly released from prison and not sent to a detention centre. But he is now showing up in a video on social media walking around Chelmsford city centre in his prison tracksuit and a clear plastic bag, talking to friends. He then boarded at 12.47 pm a train bound for London.   They may have caught him if they had swiftly notified the media of the mistake. But it was about 6.30pm the media were notified, and by that time, he was in London, found out and went on the run. Q: When did they notice the mistake Utter madness

Julian Pavey ● 4d24 Comments ● 2d

Home of Modern Makers Festive Fayre, 1st Nov, Catholic Centre, 11-5

It’s never too early to promote a Festive Fayre (especially ours!)Home of Modern Makers was formed by 6 Designer friends when the independent gift shop in Ealing, where we all sold our work, closed suddenly in 2023.Sharing our wealth of experience and creativity we have, over the past 24 months, created a series of West London Pop Up Markets.Sadly when we visited Chiswick last December, Storm Darragh battered London that day and although our Traders all made it to the Catholic Centre, footfall was definitely down. But FEAR NOT, we are resilient and are returning to Chiswick on 1st November with our Festive Fayre. We will be bringing you a collection of unique gift ideas from 18 carefully curated Designers including Ceramics, Prints, Jewellery, Textiles, Handknitted Children’s Wear and Vintage Collectibles to name a few.Many of us have sold at Green Days (The Bedford Park Festival) and know, first hand, how wonderful Chiswick folk are in coming along and supporting local events.Your custom is always hugely valued and appreciated and we’d LOVE to see you on the day Chiswick Festive FayreSaturday 1st November, 11-5pmChiswick Catholic Centre2 Duke’s Avenue CHISWICK W4 2AEThank you and any bumps up would be greatly appreciated

Lorna Kyle ● 18d3 Comments ● 2d

Bifold door lock

The lock has broken on my bifold doors. The company that installed them has gone bust. I have asked other companies to help, but they won’t as they didn’t install them. Can anyone suggest someone who might help please?

Margot Crowther ● 6d5 Comments ● 2d

Car Parking illegal fines.

Is there anyone on this forum who could advise please.After receiving 2x£100 parking fines in Iceland car park Abertillery they were later scrapped because I proved I was parked legally.Last week I received another £100 fine for again parking legally. A photo they took again showed me going in and going out of the car park but not in the legal parking space. I will be seeing a solicitor to sue the parking company for harassment.In April and May  2025 my local newspaper the South Wales Argus published 4 stories regarding dozens of motorists being fined with the same happening to them as it did to me. We were threatened with enormous costs and bailiffs taking possessions from our property if the fines were not paid. After appealing my 2 fines the firm apologized and sent me a letter of apology. Dozens of motorists weren't so fortunate and paid the fines out of fear. Many more motorists are still now having these illegal fines for parking in 1 of 4 public car parking space which clearly state Public Parking Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. Should I employ a solicitor to take action through the courts or through the small claims court. Below is a link to one of the 4 Argus stories. Please copy and paste.                                   https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/25098515.abertillery-iceland-illegitimate-parking-fine-complaints/

Neil Milkins ● 3d6 Comments ● 2d

Not Christmas already?

🎄 Grove Park Christmas CarolsThe Grove Park Group residents' association warmly invites you to a traditional Christmas event in the Piazza.🎶Join us as we celebrate the joy of the season with music, laughter, and good company!Date: 11 DecemberTime: 6.00-8.00pmLocation: Grove Park Road Piazza, outside the shops.Come and sing along to your favourite Christmas classics, enjoy warm refreshments, and share in the spirit of peace and goodwill. There will be free mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies. Bring your family, friends and holiday cheer — all are welcome to a seasonally lit Piazza. We welcome singers of all abilities (and appreciative listeners!), and particularly encourage your children to come along and join in.

Graham Holley ● 2d0 Comments ● 2d

Illegal e-bikes police enforcement

Have just caught up with the story on the main page about the recent enforcement exercise to take illegal e-bikes off the street. About time! These modified bikes, and the ones that are designed to go at speed and which should really be classed as motorbikes, are a menace to other cyclists, road users and pedestrians. And what a surprise (not) to find that the operation coincidentally snared drug dealers, illegal immigrants and violent offenders. It's well known that there is a similar level of criminality among drivers who drive untaxed and un-MOT'd cars.

Marie Power ● 2d0 Comments ● 2d

Knitting wool/yarn donations requested for Twiddle Muffs for Dementia patients

Hi all, It’s that time of year again so I back on the hunt for knitting wool/yarn of any quality of ply (including unfinished projects) for the knitting group who make 'twiddle muffs' for Dementia patients, they supply various hospitals. Absolutely none will be wasted. Please have a root around to see if you’ve anything to donate. Thank you to all who’ve been able to assist in the past (for my Mum and Mother in law who knitted for children’s items for charity) and to those who may be able to in the future - I look forward to hearing from you via my mobile 07984 802205 as the direct message no longer works from here ie W4 forum. Thank you 😊For those who are not familiar with ‘twiddle muffs' they are knitted tubes decorated inside and out with ribbons, buttons, toggles and beads. They have been found to have a calming effect on people with dementia by keeping their hands busy and warding off anxiety. They are particularly useful in a hospital setting while people are in waiting rooms ahead of treatment.

Joy Griffiths ● 23d4 Comments ● 3d