Tube Strike Still Planned for Wednesday July 8

Shepherd's Bush Market Tube - closed?

Tube bosses and ASLEF are meeting to try to avert a Tube strike starting at 9.30pm on Wednesday July 8, continuing into Thursday July 9. If the strike goes ahead, it will likely bring the whole of London Underground (and the rest of the city) to a halt. Time to plan for the worst - but hope for the best.

End of An Era - Cooke's Pie & Mash to Close on 25 July

Cooke's Pie and Mash, on the Goldhawk Rd. Last Chance for Pie and Mash

An era comes to an end in the Bush as Cooke's Pie and Mash is set to close its doors on 25 July. Cooke's has been a feature of the the Goldhawk Road for over a century - but this long tradition of authentic local food will soon come to an end, once the redevelopment of Shepherd's Bush Market begins. If you would like to sample the flavour of Old Shepherd's Bush - fast disappearing beneath the bulldozers of modern development and gentrification - hurry along before they close for good.

Night Tube Launches On 12 September

The London Underground will soon run 24 hours a day on the weekends - just like the Subway does in New York City.  The Night Tube, as it's officially called, will soon be running all night on Fridays and Saturdays. The new extended service will launch on Saturday 12 September, allowing Bush residents to get home from the West End on the Central Line at any time of day or night.

Tube Strike Planned for Wednesday 8 July at 9.30pm

Tube Strike Planned for 8 July. Photo: Wikipedia

ASLEF have called for a Tube strike starting at 9.30pm on Wednesday July 8, continuing into Thursday July 9. If the strike goes ahead, it will likely bring the whole of London Underground (and the rest of the city) to a halt. Luckily for us in Shepherd's Bush, we still have plenty of buses and also access to the Overground network, which will not be affected. And, of course, there are Boris Bikes.

Shepherd's Bush Charity "Only Connect" Seeks a Crime-Free Life

Shepherd's Bush is not so much a community as a collection of communities. Our diversity makes us an interesting place to live, but how and where do the distinct groups that make up our neighbourhood actually engage with one another?

One place where many people of very different backgrounds come together regularly is at St Stephen's church on the Uxbridge road, where a diverse congregation is welcomed under its broad tent.  Local speakers are encouraged to talk about their work, and this sunday local resident Danny Kruger took the microphone, to introduce his charity Only Connect, which aims to help local kids choose a crime-free life.

Uxbridge Road Flooded as Contractors Puncture Water Pipes AGAIN

Don't forget your canoe

Unbelievably, the contractors who have been digging up the Uxbridge Road lately have managed to puncture and break open the water supply to much of Shepherd's Bush - for the second time in six weeks, once again turning our neighbourhood into a shallow lake.  Perhaps they can't tell the difference between a gas line and a water pipe? If so, whoever is doing the work should be out on their ear and looking for a new job.

"Race For Life" at Hammersmith Academy on 19th June

Race for Life on Friday 19 June

Hammersmith Academy is hosting their annual Race for Life event. The event takes place on 19th June between 12 – 4pm and is being held to support Cancer Research. Highlights include a large fête with many stalls, a stage with performances and music, a prize giving ceremony and of course a 5K race around the grounds of the school.

John Humphries to Chair Debate on June 18 on Hammersmith Flyunder

Broadcaster John Humphrys. Photo: Wikipedia

A debate on the future of the proposed Hammersmith Flyunder - to replace the current flyover - is to be chaired by broadcaster and journalist John Humphrys on June 18 at Lyric Studio Theatre in Hammersmith.  The Flyunder is a hugely ambitious scheme that, if it goes ahead, has the potential to alter permanently the face of Hammersmith.

Lonely Shed on Shepherd's Bush Green Faces Demolition

Disused Electrical Sub-station - to be demolished

The Bush Telegraph has been trying to find out what the Council plans to do with the derelict shed (apparently a former electrical sub-station) on Shepherd's Bush Green. Despite extensive landscaping of the Green in 2013, this dilapidated building has been left to decay and even has plants growing out the roof.  We recently wrote to Ian Ross, head of Parks at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and asked him if he knew what the Council's plans are for what could be - if renovated - an attractive and useful building.  Ice cream in summer, anyone?

BBC Says Farewell to Shepherd's Bush

BBC White City - no longer. Photo: Wikipedia

The BBC is leaving the Bush.  In 2013 the BBC vacated their historic home at TV Centre on Wood Lane, and now they have announced the sale of their Media Village site. The latter is the big shiny office block (see photo above) located at the north end of Wood Lane, right next to The Westway. The building is to be re-branded White City Place, and will become a brand new "commercial hub", that is to say a collection of offices and - you guessed it - luxury flats.

Local Democracy Briefing - How To Question Your Council

Hammersmith and Fulham Town Hall

Most residents of Shepherd's Bush probably don't know that it is possible to pose direct questions to our local councillors during council meetings. The system is called Public Questions to Full Council, and allows members of the public to bring their questions to our elected representatives for a full, democratic airing. So, what is it and how does it actually work in practice?

Hammersmith & Fulham Arts Fest 8-14 June

Arts Fest

ArtsFest 2015 is coming to the Bush from 8th-14th June. To find out what events are planned in our neighbourhood, follow this link to the official Arts Fest page. Highlights include Bugsy Malone at The Lyric, Hammersmith, and The Angry Brigade at the Bush Theatre.  On 12 June at Westfield's large open Atrium, The Bhavan Dance Troupe will present Classical Indian dance in full regalia during the course of the day.

Shepherd's Bush Palladium Saved from Demolition - For Now

Shepherd's Bush Palladium, originally the Cinematograph Theatre, in 1910

The Shepherd's Bush Palladium, more recently known as the Walkabout Pub, has been saved from demolition - for now.  In a decision on 28 May, our Council rejected Dorsett Regency's plan to demolish the historic cinema and turn it into a 16 storey block of flats. Built in 1910 as the Shepherd's Bush Cinematograph Theatre, The Palladium stopped showing films in 1981, and was eventually converted into a pub, owned and operated for many years by the Walkabout chain. Its future remains uncertain and the owners can appeal this decision and/or submit new plans.

High Tech Autos - Best Garage in The Bush?

High Tech Autos - best garage in the Bush?

Where do you take your car to get fixed in Shepherd's Bush? When I first moved to the area in 2011, I had no local knowledge and no idea where to go - until I stumbled across a post written by Chris Underwood, author of the original Shepherd's Bush Blog.  Chris recommended High Tech Autos, a small garage run by Keith, under the arches next to Shepherd's Bush market tube station. And guess what? Chris is absolutely right - Keith's garage is exactly what everyone with a car to fix is looking for.

Should Shepherd's Bush Be a 20 mph Zone?

30mph - but for how much longer?

LBH&F is consulting with local residents on plans for a 20mph speed limit in our borough. Do you have a strong opinion on this? If so, the council is urging you to come to a public meeting on Tuesday, June 9, at Hammersmith Town Hall.

St James' Development on Wood Lane Gets Planning Approval

St James's Development on Wood Lane - How it will look

Developers St James have won planning permission for their new development on Wood Lane, including a 28 storey tower block, which we first reported on last October.  Last week the Planning Applications Committee at LBH&F approved the application, despite much local opposition including from our constituency MP, Andy Slaughter.

Kidzania to Open on June 25th!

Kidzania opens 25th June

Something big is coming to the Bush. Imagine a 75,000sq.ft child-size city where kids are in charge. No, it's not Lord of The Flies, it's Kidzania - have your kids ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, a firefighter, or an award-winning singer? Kidzania offers the chance for kids to try out more than 60 real life role-play activities, while you do your shopping.

Polish BBQ in Shepherd's Bush on Saturday 30th May

A traditional Polish BBQ is being held on 30th May from 1pm to 5pm in Two Wheels Only Workshop 206 Wells Road, Shepherds Bush, W12 8DB. There will be free polish sausage & beer, 1960's music, test rides on Junak Vintage Scooters and other attractions.

What Is The Shepherd's Bush Saturation Zone?

Cumulative Impact Saturation Zone

What is the Shepherd's Bush Saturation Zone? Most residents of Shepherd's Bush have probably never heard of it, or have the faintest idea what it means. But it is important, and it does matter.  The Shepherd's Bush Saturation Zone is a special licensing policy which was created by the Council in 2010 to restrict the expansion of licensed premises in an area which was already "saturated" with places to drink. In short, it was an attempt by the Council to keep booze in the Bush under control. So how does it actually work?

Free Stuff To Do Near Shepherd's Bush - Bishop's Park

Bishop's Park - kid heaven

Bishop's Park is one of West London's well-kept secrets, tucked away in a sleepy corner of Fulham - and one of the loveliest parks in and around our neighbourhood.  It is also one of the best-designed parks for children I have ever come across.  The playground is excellent, full of swings and climbing frames, and it even has a special spraying fountain for kids to play in when the weather is nice. It's pretty much a perfect place to take children in London, especially since it sits just next door to the river Thames, and fabulous Fulham Palace.