What's on at the Bush Theatre?

The word from our local temple of culture, The Bush Theatre on the Uxbridge Road, is that the next few plays are going to be good 'uns.

So beat the rush and book your tickets now to see West End quality acting at bargain prices - barely more than the cost of a movie ticket.

So, what is the inside scoop? Which plays are going to be winners?

Special Needs Carol Service at St Stephen's by The Reverend Bob Mayo

In this guest post, Reverend Bob Mayo, Vicar of St Stephen's Uxbridge Road, writes about the recent carol service for children with special needs at St Stephen's, which took place on Sunday 6th December.

The service was part of the excellent community work done at St Stephen's a church with a diverse congregation, and one of the few places in Shepherd's Bush where different communities come together on equal terms.

What is The Shepherd's Bush Conservation Area?

Shepherd's Bush Conservation Area

Shepherd's Bush Green may be a "a windswept traffic island ringed by kebab joints and mobile phone shops" - as the Financial Times memorably put it in May 2014 - but it is also, perhaps slightly improbably, a Conservation Area. Which is odd, given that Shepherd's Bush is also part of the White City Opportunity Area - a area considered part of the masterplan for development in London.  So, our Council has a duty both to protect our neighbourhood, and also to develop it.  Confused? You're not the only one.

Humans of Shepherd's Bush - No 8

"Since I was 16 I've been dressing as my idol Michael Jackson. My cousin was Michael's secretary so I have a link to him!

Everyone calls me Michael.  I listen to Michael all day long every day and I dance to his music. People see me and they dance with me on the streets too.  My favourite song is I Wanna Be Where You Are. I like it because its very bouncy - it's great to dance to.  

I never make any money out of Michael. I do it because I love him and his music. 

What's Going On At Imperial College White City?

Imperial College White City - as proposed at their website

Drive up Wood Lane past the A40 and you can hardly miss the massive new towers thrusting upwards, part of the new Imperial College White City Campus.  Imperial College is expanding its empire, and White City is a big part of the vision.  The style is unabashedly modernist, with concrete, steel and glass being the chief ingredients.  It's all part of the White City Opportunity Area, a redevelopment project set in motion a few years ago by our Council, The Mayor of London, and central government.  Imperial College's goal is to create "create a culture of research and innovation, electric with ideas".

Why is Shepherd's Bush Public Housing To Be Privatised By Our Local Council?

Public housing in Shepherd's Bush. Not for long?

Sometimes politics can be very confusing.  LBHF is about to give council housing tenants a vote on whether or not to "pass the ownership of all of its 17,000 homes to council housing residents by setting up a new housing organisation".

But what does this mean, exactly? And why is a Labour-controlled council wanting to privatise public housing?

Christmas Carols at St Stephen's Uxbridge Road on Sunday December 13 at 5pm

On Sunday 13th December at 5pm St Stephen's Church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting a traditional Christmas Carol concert.  It's a very inclusive event; there is no charge, no need to book ahead and all are welcome. 

The event is part of the excellent community work done by St Stephen's; a church with a commendably broad and diverse congregation.  

Roof Collapses at 220 Uxbridge Rd

Photo: London Fire Brigade

Anyone trying to get home on Saturday night in Shepherd's Bush will have found the roads around the Uxbridge Rd blocked off, as police and the fire brigade worked to clear the debris from a collapsed roof.

The upper stories of a local pawnbroker at 220 Uxbridge Rd were affected when the roof gave way, covering the pavement with debris, and injuring a pedestrian.

What is The White City Opportunity Area?

White City Opportunity Area. LBH&F

The White City Opportunity Area is the bit of Shepherd's Bush and White City that is currently the focus of a number of huge regeneration plans, encompassing new developments up and down Wood Lane, and West from Shepherd's Bush Green into Uxbridge Road.

Taken together, these developments will change the face of Shepherd's Bush completely over the next decade.

According to the Council's official site, the Opportunity Area "covers 110 hectares, including Shepherd’s Bush Town Centre, the BBC and Queens Park Rangers Football Club".

But what do the words "Opportunity Area" really mean in practice?

What Happens if You Park in a Disabled Parking Spot in Brazil. Should We Try This in Shepherd's Bush?

Here in Shepherd's Bush the abuse of Blue Badge parking permits can be a problem.  In my street, parking is free for Blue Badge holders, but in the five years that I have lived here, I have never seen anyone with a visible disability get out of a blue-badged car.  That isn't to say that there are no legitimate Blue Badge users, since many people with disabilities have no visible impairment, but it does suggest there might be more than the odd person using a Blue Badge who isn't necessarily entitled to do so.

New Pavements and a Better Road Surface In Shepherd's Bush

New raised pavements! Yay!

Who says local democracy doesn't work? Our local resident's group, the Macfarlane Road Residents' Association, has spent many years working with the Council to improve our streets, usually in small ways, but always helping incrementally to make life a little bit better.

The latest improvement to come our way is a new raised pavement, built by LBH&F as part of the Shepherd's Bush West Regeneration Scheme, and a genuinely meaningful improvement to our neighbourhood. It will slow down traffic into residential streets, and help create a better balance between road users and pedestrians.

Carol Concert for Children with Special Needs at St Stephen's on Sunday

On Sunday 6th December St Stephen's Church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting a carol concert for children with special needs.  It's a very inclusive event; there is no need to book ahead and all are welcome. 

The event is part of the excellent community work done by St Stephen's; a church with a commendably broad and diverse congregation.  Full details of Sunday's event - which includes mulled wine and mice pies - are at the flyer below.

Meeting to Discuss TV Centre Development on Wednesday 2 December at 7pm

TV Centre - how it will look

Stanhope PLC, the developer who is re-developing TV Centre on Wood Lane, is organising a local neighbourhood meeting on Wednesday 2 December at 7pm. 

If you have questions about the future of this massive new development, which will change the face of our neighbourhood, or about nearby Hammersmith Park, then come along and make your voice heard.

For example, how do you feel about the massive skyscraper on screen left, which looks like it will replace the current car park structure on Wood Lane?

Will Heathrow Get a Third Runway? Protest on Friday 4th December at 10am outside Hammersmith & Fulham Town Hall

Don't let this be Shepherd's Bush. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

What will the Government decide? Will there be a third runway at Heathrow?

If you'd like to voice your opinion on this proposed blight on West London, join the protest on Friday 4th December at 10am outside Hammersmith & Fulham Town Hall.

An "Advan" with an entourage of cars will follow the likely new flight path created by a third runway, starting at the Town Hall in Hammersmith.  The Advan will carry the message "no ifs no buts" - the Prime Minister's promise not to permit a third runway.

What's (Not) Happening to Hammersmith Park? - Find Out on Monday 23 November at 7pm

Hammersmith Park

In September we reported that there was good news for Hammersmith Park, but expressed some skepticism that the proposed works would begin on October 5th, as promised by the Council.  Sadly our pessimistic view has proved right, and nothing much seems to be happening to get the project underway - no construction work has yet started.  Anyone who has an interest in the future of Hammersmith Park should attend the Community Advisory Board meeting on Monday Monday 23 November at 7pm.

Calling all Voters - Register to Vote By Friday!

Hammersmith Constituency on left

This Friday 20 November is an important deadline for voter registration. The electoral roll as it stands on 1 December 2015 will determine the size and shape of the new revised boundaries of our local constituency of Hammersmith.

Our government is reducing the total number of MPs and changing the boundaries of local constituencies, basing the size of the new revised constituencies on how many people are registered to vote. The new system is called Individual Electoral Registration (IER).

If voters in our Borough don't register, then the size of our local constituency will likely be reduced.  It all sounds a bit complicated - and does it all really matter?

Westfield Sparkles This Christmas, But No Street Decorations For Shepherd's Bush Again This Year

Westfield Christmas Lights

Love it or hate it, the Westfield shopping centre knows how to put on a good show. Their Christmas lights are impressive, their Shrek-themed Santa's grotto will surely pull in thousands of wide-eyed children, and they also host an ice rink and a Christmas Choir Competition.  But the sparkle at Westfield just underscores how dowdy the shopping streets in Shepherd's Bush have become by comparison.  Where are the lights and decorations on the streets of Shepherd's Bush, and why can't our Council put up a few sprigs of mistletoe?

Shepherd's Bush Likely To Become a 20mph Zone on Most Roads

30mph no more?

LBH&F began a consultation in June with local residents on plans for a 20mph speed limit throughout our borough.  The results are now in, and the answer, according to the Council, is a resounding yes, with a "staggering" 71% voting for a reduced speed limit on "most roads".

Our council originally proposed the lower borough-wide speed limit to "reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads, while improving the health of local communities and reducing delays".

Not everyone however is happy. A quick glance at the comments section of the story suggests that this is a very controversial move, with many residents strongly opposed. And the numbers are, frankly, a bit confusing.

Council Says Weekly Bin Collections Will Continue

Fly tipping in Shepherd's Bush

LBH&F have contacted The Bush Telegraph to say that Monday's story about rubbish collection being reduced to just once a week in our neighbourhood is just that - rubbish - and that there was never any intention to cut the service.  To read the full story, see this post from the Council.

In any event, the consultation on the subject is now closed, so that seems to be an end to it, for now at least.

Still, we would like to know more about the Council's plans to crack down on littering and fly-tipping. Anyone walking across Shepherd's Bush Green in the morning is greeted by a sea of detritus. Given the Council's enthusiasm for cracking down on parking offences, why not hand out a few tickets for littering as well?

Rubbish Collection: Should It Be Fortnightly? Have Your Say, But Hurry, Consultation Closes On November 12th

Fly-tipping in Shepherd's Bush

Our local Council is having a public - but not widely publicised- consultation on a new proposal to change our weekly rubbish collections to once a fortnight.  It's been a well-kept secret, and the deadline is 12 November - just three days away.

What do you think? If you live in a big house with large bins you may have plenty of space to store rubbish, but what if you live in a small flat where storage is a real problem? 

Surely weekly bin collections are the least we can expect our council to give us in return for the taxes we pay?

Humans of Shepherd's Bush - No7

I decided I would be a nurse at a very young age. My brother was killed in the [Second World] war, and my father was badly wounded at the Battle of the Somme.  My husband Selwyn, worked on the Arctic convoys during the Second World War, making the crossing eight times.

After the war, I became a midwife, working at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital when it was based in Goldhawk Road, Hammersmith.

I first sold poppies in 1921 when I was just six years old, on Twickenham Bridge with my mother.  I will go on as long as I can.  I’ll be 101 in January.  I do it because I’m able to do it. Someone has got to do it, why not me? I’m perfectly capable as long as I can sit. 

Fireworks!

Where can you see fireworks on Bonfire Night? Bishop's Park is hosting a fireworks display on Friday 6th November, and Ravenscourt Park is having fireworks on Saturday 7th November.  Both events are family-friendly, including children's fireworks at 7.15pm, and also "food, funfairs" and music. Tickets cost £6 in advance or £8 on the day.  To buy tickets, go to www.lyric.co.uk or call 020 8741 6850.

Will The Goldhawk Tavern Re-Open?

Goldhawk Tavern, Goldhawk Road. Photo: Google Maps

Recently a reader contacted us to ask "I'm wondering if you had any information on the Goldhawk Tavern which is still derelict after many years. It's a shame because this used to be one of my favourite pubs in the area." Sadly, we don't know the answer to this.  What is clear however is that pub closures are a sad feature of our times.  The streets of West London are full of ex-pubs - now converted into houses, nail bars, business premises, in short - anything but a pub.  The only ones that seem to survive are those on busy high streets that have effectively become restaurants.  So, is there hope then for the Goldhawk Tavern?

Lost Shepherd's Bush - The Great White City

The postcard above, printed around 1908, shows what Wood Lane used to look like. The postcard shows the entrance to "The Great White City", an exhibition space which hosted many extravagant exhibitions until the outbreak of war in 1914.  Today, Wood lane is an unappealing hodgepodge of Victorian terraces (mostly budget hotels), car parks (soon to be demolished), shopping centres (Westfield), bus stops, offices, and building sites.  It's not a street that invites pedestrians, though this may change as new development changes the landscape over the next few years.  Still, however things turn out, it's hard to imagine Wood Lane ever looking as good as it did over a hundred years ago.

Story Stock Starts Today At The Bush Theatre

From today Wednesday October 28 until Friday October 30, StoryStock returns to the Bush Theatre, bringing art and culture to children of all ages.

Children are invited to learn about stories, drawing, films - even animation.

The event takes place over three days - each day has a special focus. One day has an emphasis on story telling, another is all about drawing and visual arts.

Why is Our Council Downgrading the Uxbridge Road?

Bush residents are no doubt aware of the improvements to the Uxbridge Road which have been going on all year - the pavements have been blocked off for months and the disruption has been considerable.

That said, we put up with this because we know things will get better, right?

So why is the Council pulling up the nice York stone paving and replacing it with crappy poured concrete? Surely the whole point is to upgrade the street surface, not make it worse?

Is Shepherd's Bush Post Office Really "The Portal Between Earth and Hades"?

The Worst Place on Earth?

I was recently forced to actually go in to Shepherd's Bush Post Office, and was quickly reminded why I avoid it. Richard Herring memorably described our local post office as "the portal between Earth and Hades".

Last Saturday, as my toddler and her grandmother waited patiently outside (well, one of them waited patiently, the other one shrieked her head off), my twenty minute wait in line to buy a stamp felt like an eternity.

So is Herring right? Is Shepherd's Bush Post Office really the worst place on Earth?

Lost Shepherd's Bush - Classicism On The Uxbridge Road

Uxbridge Road c1978. Photo: Myles Hewitt

A reader recently contacted us for help to identify the classical-style building with columns on the left in this photo.

The picture came to light during a clear-out of old photos.  On the back of the photo he had written: "Uxbridge Road Winter 1978".

The building looks to be opposite the big BT Telephone Exchange on the south side of the street.

Are You a Pushy Parent? Find Out at The Bush Theatre on October 28

Which are you? Honestly? Tom Hodgkinson knows which he is – he wrote The Idle Parent – and Toby Young – author of What Every Parent Should Know – is so sure that he co-founded the West London Free School so he would be able to send his children to a pushy school.  Come and see these two battle out this modern obsession with parenting and decide whose corner you are in.  Chaired by ITV newsreader Mary Nightingale.

Christmas Comes Early to Help Save St Stephens Church Roof. Come to the Market on Saturday 24 October 11am - 3pm

Kick yourself into early Christmas cheer by going to the wonderful fair this weekend at St Stephen's Church on the Uxbridge Road (opposite the old Shepherds Bush Police Station).

There will be stalls with everything from scarves to jewellery and lots of Bucks Fizz to get you in the shopping mood.

Shepherd's Bush is the New Notting Hill, Says Tom Hodgkinson

Shepherd's Bush - Plenty of Chicken Shops. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Shepherd's Bush is the New Notting Hill, says Tom Hodgkinson, in a recent article for The Spectator. Hodgkinson is editor of The Idler magazine, and a recent addition to what he describes as "The Bush-eoisie".

He is also a prolific writer, the far-from-idle author of books on everything from "How to be Idle" to "How to be Free".  So is he right? Is Notting Hill dead, and Shepherd's Bush truly alive?

LBH&F Cycling Strategy Launched - But Will Our Council Actually Deliver?

Cycling in London - is it safe? Image: Wikimedia Commons

Our Council have launched a new cycling strategy that "aims to start safe cycling revolution" in our neighbourhood.

The LBH&F Cycling Strategy was apparently adopted by the council’s cabinet when it met at Hammersmith Town Hall on Monday 12 October.

Take a look at their plans, and it all sounds sincere, worthy and good. But what does it actually mean in practice - and will our roads actually get better - and safer - for cyclists?

Hammersmith County Court to Close?

Hammersmith County Court. Google Maps.

The government's consultation on plans to close ninety one courts and tribunals in England and Wales ended on Thursday 8 October, and it looks like our local County Court in Hammersmith (formerly West London County Court) is to get the axe.

The closure is being fought by our local MP, Andy Slaughter, and has also been criticised by the The Law Society. Anyone who needs access to the Law Courts will now have to travel to Wandsworth County Court instead.

Fireworks on 6th and 7th November

Where can you see fireworks on Bonfire Night? Bishop's Park is hosting a fireworks display on Friday 6th November, and Ravenscourt Park is having fireworks on Saturday 7th November.  No mention sadly of bonfires or guys.  It seems our long national tradition of burning rebellious religious martyrs in effigy is coming to a slow end.

What Will BBC White City Look Like?

To see what the new BBC White City development will look like, read this detailed article at HomesandProperty.com - which gives a full flavour of just how big this new project is.

Financed by Japanese investors and built by Stanhope, BBC White City will feature 5,000 new homes - the biggest new neighbourhood in London.

Christmas Market at St Stephen's on Saturday 24th October 11am to 3pm

St Stephen's

St Stephen's church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting a Christmas Market on Saturday 24th October from 11am to 3pm to continue their efforts to restore the leaky roof of their Victorian home.  The successful Michaelmas Fair a couple of weeks ago raised a good deal - but this is just the beginning.

Events on Saturday 24th include a tombola, a Raffle, Christmas Goodies, home baked cakes (always my favourite), garden plants, and all sorts of stuff for kids.  Entry is free and children are welcome. Come along on Saturday 24th October and bring the family.

Humans of Shepherd's Bush - No 6

I’ve lived in Shepherds Bush for twenty-two years but early this year I left the Uxbridge Road to walk to the North Pole for the Prince's Trust.  

The idea started as a drunken plan after I was given five years to get back into shape after a back operation.  Having done that I felt I should honour the idea. We raised £250K for charity.  And now that I am back in the Bush I have many stories to tell!

The Bush Telegraph offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush.  If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog@gmail.com.

BBC TV Centre Demolished

BBC Tv Centre being demolished. Photo: Eddie Morgan

In this photo by local resident Eddie Morgan, taken a few days ago, you can see the old BBC TV buildings on Wood Lane being demolished.

But wait, you say - aren't they listed? Well, yes and no. The building to your left is listed - that's the donut shaped main building, which is subject to a preservation order and will be saved.

But much of the rest of the site is coming down, to be replaced by posh flats and offices and - so it is said - a Soho House club with a rooftop swimming pool.

Virginia Ironside is Growing Old Disgracefully

Virginia Ironside, local activist, author and performer, is doing a one-woman show, titled Growing Old Disgracefully, at the St. James’ Theatre in Victoria on Sunday October 25th at 2 pm. 

There is also a show on Sunday November 1st at 2 pm. 

The show is one hour long, and tickets cost from just £15. 

Virginia is the main reason why Hammersmith Park has been saved for our community, so come along and support her play!

Excellent News for Hammersmith Park

Hammersmith Park - good news at last

According to a recent email from local Councillor Guy Vincent, there is very good news at last for Hammersmith Park.  After a long battle, and some very protracted negotiations, Play Football and LBH&F have come to a formal agreement on the future of the park. And this future looks a lot better than might have been the case just a few months ago.

F*ck The Polar Bears at The Bush Theatre

The Bush Theatre on Uxbridge Road is currently showing a play titled F*ck The Polar Bears. But must they?  I'd rather go and see the play because it's good, and gets good reviews - not because it has (shock!) naughty words in the title.  Anyway, the play is on until October 24th, and it got 3 stars in a recent review by the Guardian.

The £20m Local Art Collection You'll Never See

Cupid Delivering Pysche (1867) by Burne-Jones.
Not on display.

In a recent post by Councillor Harry Phibbs at the Hammersmith & Fulham Forum, Harry asks why our Council won't showcase the 54 works in the Cecil French Collection, donated to Fulham Borough Council in 1953 and containing important works of pre-Raphaelite art by artists including Sir Edward Burne-Jones, and Frederic Leighton (the only British artist ever to receive a peerage). 

So come on LBH&F - why can't the residents of our Borough see our very own (and very valuable) art collection?

Hammersmith Bridge Closed All Week

Hammersmith Bridge:
Wikimedia Commons

Hammersmith Bridge is closed again, and will be closed southbound from 8am to 4pm every day this week. The latest closure will once again create traffic chaos, forcing drivers over Chiswick Bridge or Putney Bridge instead. 

Prepare for big delays all through this week until works are finished on friday.  And, if that wasn't enough, brace yourself for the closure of the bridge for much of next year, starting in January 2016, as major structural work is done to permit the bridge to take big lorries and double-decker buses once more.

Princess Victoria Wins London County Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide

Princess Victoria

Shepherd’s Bush's venerable pub, The Princess Victoria, has been awarded the London County Dining Pub of the Year in the latest edition of the Good Pub Guide.

The Princess Victoria is an excellent pub.  Located on a rather drab windswept section of the Uxbridge road, this former Victorian gin palace has been transformed in a stunning gastropub which somehow manages to achieve excellent food without the pretension of many pubs-turned-restaurants.

Today is Brook Green Fair Day!

Today is Brook Green Fair Day!  This is a community event which was started by the Friends of Brook Green in 2010 as a way to "bring the whole community together". According to the FBG, "The Western Lawn is transformed into a fairground/fete and the day offers children and adults a host of activities."

Humans of The Bush No 5 - A Tale of Westfield Security

Westfield. Don't mess with us.

"At noon the other day I was stopped by security people in Westfield.  I was pushing a Waitrose cart through the mall to the Westernmost exit near Debenham's.

They said it was a health and safety issue. I caused a big ruckus, asking for the rules in writing.  I pointed out prams, and wondered if they were violating the health and safety of others.

Finally! Wormholt Park To Get a £1m Makeover

According to a recent Council press release, work will soon begin on the £1 million refurbishment of Wormholt Park.

At last! We have been pressing for some time for this long overdue improvement of what has long been a very neglected park.

Free Cycle Marking Today at Shepherd's Bush Green

Free Cycle Marking today!

Today at Shepherd's Bush Green our local police are marking bicycles for free, binding a non-removable marker to your bike and adding it to a national register so that, if stolen, your bike can be returned to you. They are also offering a free tune-up from "Dr Bicycle", and an opportunity to sit in the cab of a heavy goods vehicle to see just how hard it is for them to see you.

Open House London - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September

Open House London takes place this weekend, on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September.

Come along and view the best in contemporary and traditional architecture in our Borough. Best of all, it's all completely free.

House Prices in The Bush Hit a New Record - But Who is Buying?

Yours - for almost £4m

According to a recent story at shepherdsbushw12.com, property prices in the Bush hit a new record this year.  The average property price in Shepherd's Bush reached almost £700,000 in the second quarter of 2015.

But with the price of housing now far out of reach of most Londoners, and Stamp Duty at increasingly ridiculous levels (12.5% over £1.5m), who can afford to buy property in Shepherd's Bush?

Michaelmas Fair at St Stephen's on Sunday 27 September

Michaelmas Fair at St Stephen's on Sunday 27 September at 11.30am

St Stephen's church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting a Michaelmas Fair on Sunday 27 September to launch their roof appeal (repairs to this historic building will cost upwards of £200k).  Events include a bouncy castle, face painting, "beat the Rev" (sounds suspicious), and many stalls. Entry is free and children are welcome. Come along on Sunday 27th September and bring the family.