I started off cycling down to Southall through the cycle paths in the Brent River Park – a lovely rural part of the Borough only a few hundred metres from both the Western Avenue and Uxbridge Road. Reminded of John Betjeman’s poem ‘Middlesex’ which local MP Steve Pound quotes on every occasion he can :
“Gentle Brent, I used to know you
Wandering Wembley-wards at will …
Parish of enormous hayfields
Perivale stood all alone,
And from Greenford scent of mayfields
Most enticingly was blown”
The Mayor gets to play engine driver
I’d been invited to the open day at the GWR railway society in Southall, where I joined the Mayor and Mayoress – Cllrs Mike Elliott and Julie Clements-Elliott – and Deputy leader Cllr Ranjit Dheer. The GWR are the only operation of their kind in Greater London, and were providing short train rides and displaying much of their stock and memorabilia. The engine providing the rides was a former AEC diesel shunter, which operated at the AEC factory in Southall next door to GWR (and upon part of which the PCT headquarters now stands). This is apparently a unique vehicle, built in 1938, and used in the past by the GWR to haul steam trains on the branch time from Southall to Brentford.
John Beeston, a leading member of the society, approached Ranjit Dheer and I with an interesting idea. Next year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel on 9th April 1806. Particularly as the Chief Engineer of the Great Western Railway, Brunel has had a major impact on the history and built environment of this Borough - the Wharncliffe viaduct in Hanwell and his famous Three Bridges in Southall remain as impressive monuments to his work. Ranjit and I agreed to see what the Council is planning to recognise the bi-centenary, and what more could be done.
“IKB” is recognised in East Acton ward in the naming of Brunel Road off Old Oak Common Lane. However, Brunel Road’s most prominent role was probably playing the exterior of ‘Sunshine Desserts” – Reginald Perrin’s workplace in the great comedy series.
I cycled through Brunel’s Three Bridges, and down the Canal towpath to Brentford, then through Syon Park to Isleworth, and along the Thames and through Old Deer Park to Richmond. Wonderful ride.
The Thames at low tide at Isleworth
I ended up at the Triple Crown pub in Richmond to meet mates before Ealing Rugby Club’s biggest game of the season – away at Richmond. Our informal ‘civic delegation' was me, former Acton Cllr Steve Donnelly, and Nigel Williams who is Chair of Governors at East Acton Primary School. Sadly Ealing lost, all be it to a Richmond team playing with two South African international players. I’m starting to feel like a jinx, having now watched three losing local sides in the last couple of weeks. We drowned our sorrows talking with Ealing supporters over pints of Deuchars in the Richmond clubhouse. We came up with the idea for a mayoral and civic visit to one of the big home games – probably London Scottish in January
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