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E ditorial
Contents Editorial................................................ 2
Welcome to the Autumn 2020 issue of ‘Neighbours Paper’. For only the second time in our history this is an exclusively web-based version. Covid-19 is still with us and and we still have business interruption across Ealing, which impacts our advertisers and our distribution outlets. Lockdown has been challenging for all of us but it has been especially difficult for the thousands of Ealing residents with mental health problems. Because of this we have devoted two pages to reviewing mental health services in Ealing. Having a roof above our heads is one of life’s basic necessities. Housing Associations (HAs) sprang up in the 19th century to help house the needy. Now they provide a whole range of housing services. We explore the why, what and how of HAs operating in Ealing. In 2019 Ealing Council declared a Climate Emergency and we explore exactly what this means. With many of participating sports venues in Ealing closed, we turn to one that isn’t – the Olympic Weightlifting Club in Perivale – for our sports feature. The Government response to Covid-19 has given Local Authorities Emergency/Experimental powers. We examine whether Ealing Council is using these powers in such a way as to undermine basic democracy in the town. Finally we have an overview of the history of Southall. Let’s hope as we all prepare for Winter, some kind of normality returns to our everyday lives. Eric Leach Editor
Poems.................................................. 2 Ealing Climate Emergency............... 3 Ealing Notes.................................... 4-5 Mental Health Crisis........................6-7 Ealing Housing Associations..........8-9 A History of Southall......................... 10 Is Democracy Dying in Ealing........ 11 Weightlifting in Ealing...................... 12
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Covid-19 Poems by Valerie Rudd
MAKE WAY FOR AUTUMN Make way for Autumn When Summer speaks to all And sets the scene For Glowing Autumn sprawl. Autumn leaves of red and gold Line the paths that now I tread Slowly moving through the woods Driving force to Log and Shred. Breath the Air Smell the Earth Loves Natures gathering Harvest And so enjoy the foretaste of Autumn And the journey through to the Tempest.
facebook.com/NeighboursPaper Editor: Eric Leach Email: eric.alan.leach@gmail.com Treasurer: Judy Breens Writers: Denise Colliver, Nic Ferriday, Roger Green, Simon Hayes, Michael Holmes, Eric Leach, Oliver New, Valerie Rudd, Louise Sinnock
A Period of Time
Designer: Jamie Anson
Time has stood still on Lockdown For us to focus and to dwell On worldly functions and to notice Things that nature does provide.
Advert Designer: Sandy Anson
What do we miss of life but life itself This Lockdown gave us time To reflect on things we say and do And find the truth within us
Team Digital: Jamie Anson, Sonia Nimley, Ron Nicholls
This Virus which did creep upon the land And covered spread a wider Pain Yet still we need to Lockdown And find a Cure to Heal to Mend to Live
Photography: Ealing Friends of the Earth, Dave Randles and Will French
Printer: Pollyprint Ltd, 263 Northfield Avenue, Ealing W5 4UA, 0208 579 1441, www.pollyprint.co.uk Advertisement rates: Single Box £25, Double Box £45, Triple Box £70 Next copy deadline: 30th October 2020
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Putting the People of Ealing First
