Free Sports on Wednesdays at Hammersmith Park

Our council, LBHF, are organising a free multi-sports & play session at Hammersmith Park.

The event is run in association with the London Sports Trust and takes place weekly, every Wednesday from 4.15pm until 5.15pm, and is timed for kids getting out of local schools.

Sports played include tennis, football, tag rugby, and cricket, and it's all completely free.

To find out more, contact Jake at LBHF on 02087351589 or email at Jake@londonsportstrust.org

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below.

Remembrance Day on Sunday 10th November

It's that time of year again; Remembrance Sunday takes place on Sunday 10th November, and poppies are on sale all over London.

Gone on the days when you could only buy a paper poppy with a plastic stalk and a pin; today poppies are the perfect fashion accessory.

The gentleman manning the stand at Hammersmith station yesterday is a Chelsea pensioner; his medals are for service in Aden, Cyprus and South Africa. He joined the RAF as a young man and then transferred to the army. 

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below.

Ramraid in Shepherd's Bush

Ramraid

Tonight saw a dramatic ramraid in Shepherd's Bush, as the new Uxbridge Road jewellers were the victim of a smash and grab robbery involving what appeared to be a stolen Range Rover, driven at speed into the plate glass window of the shop.

The new shop had only been open a few days, its windows full of sparkling jewellery, its owners no doubt hopeful of making a go of their new venture.

Theatre Party at the Troubadour on 1st November

Outside Edge theatre company is having their 20th birthday party at the Troubadour in White City on Friday 1st November.

The event takes place at 6pm on Friday 1st November, and all are welcome.

Outside Edge Theatre Company describes itself as "the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity focused on substance misuse and addiction."

So, everyone is welcome - but expect soft drinks rather than a full bar. 

Jane Alway's Montessori in Brook Green

The Montessori at Brook Green, also known as "Jane's School" is a wonderful nursery. I know this because both of my children went there, and they could not have been happier. As a parent, I could not have been happier either.

Run by the indefatigable Jane Alway, founder and head teacher, this Montessori has excellent, caring staff who take a keen personal interest in all of the children.

Rich Hall Comedy Hoedown on Fri 18 Oct

Last call for Rich Hall's Comedy Hoedown at the Bush Hall on the Uxbridge Rd on Friday 18th October.

The event is a fundraiser for St Stephen's Church, whose leaky roof is in need of repair.

Rich Hall's Hoedown features American comedian Rich Hall live on stage.

You can buy tickets at the official site here.  For more details, times and tickets, visit: www.bushtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 020 8743 5050.

Music House for Children Celebrates 25 Years

Music House activities

Music House for Children on the Uxbridge Road is celebrating 25 years of bringing music to babies, toddlers and children.

Music House was founded in 1994 by Emma Hutchinson, who also co-owns the Bush Hall and Bush Dining Halls with her husband Charlie.

Music House is a not-for-profit organisation which focuses on making music accessible to all; their pricing for group classes, workshops and events is purposefully kept at affordable rates.

My own children went to Music House when they were very little, and were welcomed by the friendly staff even when they weren't exactly well behaved (which was often).

Music House is also particularly welcoming to children with special needs..

Humans of Shepherd's Bush - No 12

Kamal

"I cut hair at Hamada barber shop on the south side of Shepherd's Bush Green.

I grew up in Libya, where I married young and had a family; that's what was expected of us back then.

I left Libya in 2013, and since then I've been living in North London.  I got re-married in London and I have a four year old son.

I was raised a Muslim but I like to keep an open mind; I visited the Hindu temple in Wembley recently just to see what they are up to.

Most of my family still live in Libya. Things are very bad there; the country is lawless; they will even rob you at the airport.

Trouble at Westfield

On Tuesday I found myself having to call the emergency services for the first time.

As I was walking home through Westfield, I was a witness to a crime - one man assaulted another, in broad daylight, right outside Waitrose.

The victim, pushed violently against a wall, slumped to the ground, and didn't get up again, while his assailant sauntered off.  He lay on the ground groaning, clutching his shoulder.

So I dialled 999 and, initially, asked for the police, but it quickly became clear that an ambulance was needed.  How long do you suppose it takes to get an ambulance to Westfield on a busy Tuesday evening?

What Happened to Our New Park?

Proposed public park. 

Back in 2016 we reported on a new park which was promised for Shepherd's Bush.

It was all part of the new Westfield development, and that of St James to the north - on the old M&S warehouse site east of Wood Lane.

The park was the price which was exacted by our former Conservative Council from the developers, in return for planning permission to redevelop the area.

It was never intended to be a big park; rather it would be a small green space tucked under the redeveloped Hammersmith and City tube line, running through the Westfield redevelopment.

The photo above shows what it was supposed to look like.  So, where is it? And what happened to it?

Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Green Meeting 3rd Sept

Shepherd's Bush Green - can it be improved?

The inaugural meeting of FOSBERG (Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Green) took place on Tuesday 3rd September 2019 in the library of the Bush Theatre on the Uxbridge Road, at 7.30pm.

About a dozen members of our local community came together, including Councillor (and former Mayor) Mercy Umeh, with the goal of trying to make a positive contribution to our neighbourhood.

This first meeting was held to gather ideas on what to do to try and make things better in Shepherd’s Bush. We all know what the problems are; the solutions to those problems are perhaps less obvious.