Ealing Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed on why community is so important to us all.
“The reason I mention community is because it is so desirable and I believe we are fortunate to have such a community in our area. I can travel ten or fifteen minutes in different directions and find myself in Ealing, Hounslow or Hammersmith & Fulham.
“Such administrative lines on a map are important and mean aspects of our lives can differ. But we will have other interests that counteract these differences.
“Recently I attended the exhibition at St Michaels and All Angels Church, titled The Community at Bedford Park 1875-2025 ‘Ahead of the World in Everything’.
“The nine panels illustrate the changing fortunes of Bedford Park and focus on the residents and their individual stories. Over the years the area was home to various communities, be they artists or writers. The curator of the exhibition also made the point that many people contributed time to research information and produce the panels and information booklet. It was another example of a community in action.
“Last week I also attended the official opening of the Warple Way Mural. This rather unloved stretch of road connects Woodstock Road to the Uxbridge Road passing the Acton Storm Tanks. One individual – who happens to live in Hammersmith and Fulham – galvanised other residents and secured funding from Thames Water amongst others, to brighten and improve the daily route taken by pedestrians and cyclists. The repainted wall is in Ealing but the artwork was by a small company Studio Twenty7 based in The Factory Quarter.
“Closer to home an example concerned a missing dog. The alert went out on the local street WhatsApp group with the result that various neighbours were walking up and down the local streets trying to locate a missing Jack Russell. Thankfully he is back home with his owner, who thanked the local community for looking.
“These are all recent cases, where local people have given their time and expertise. The idea for the mural was originally conceived five years ago. In addition, local companies have helped provide necessary funds: the Bedford Park Society exhibition was sponsored by a number of local estate agents, Chiswick Auctions and Hounslow Council. You need time and usually money.
“But we all benefit from individuals and companies who are prepared to spend time, expertise and money for the sake of the community.”
