Following in the footsteps of Haroon Lukka and Juhi Kumra, Callum Wills, 14, received the top award after winning the Brian Clark Young Leader of the Year 2018. The award was presented by Brian's daughter Deborah Siminson​ and son Darrell Clark at the Big Local Community Volunteer Awards Evening on Friday 30th November 2018, held at Cranford Community College. In an audience of 200 people, the award’s celebration was held in memory of our dear friend and supporter Maria Pedro (Former Deputy Lieutenant of London Borough of Hounslow) who passed away earlier in the month. 

​The evening was led by presenters Serena Lola, Rhys Jones, Anjali Parmar and Samhita Damerashetti. Meanwhile. We welcomed Dr Ranvir Singh from SACRE to hand Anjali Kumar, Juhi Kumra, Abbie McFerran, Harpreet Kaur, Serena Lola, Shariq Ahmed, Simran Bangar and Megha Dahdrai the Big Local Work Experience Star Award 2018 for supporting our Bounce Theatre Summer School and Big Local Research Project.

​For a list of all our award winners, please click here to download our programme guide.

​Sharnjeet Bhalla of Sunshine of Hounslow took home the Mayor of Heston West Award 2018/19, meanwhile Heston Action Group received the Community Group of the Year Award. 
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Mar Peláez-Muñoz collected the award on behalf of the group. Heston Action Group, or known as HAGS; have been instrumental this year since its formation in February 2018. The group have been responsible for a number of community clean ups and also veered towards beautifying the area by planting trees and bulbs.

Heston Residents Association were given the Honorary Community Group Award in recognition and tribute to all the HRA volunteers over the last 90 years (1928-2018) and awarded for outstanding contribution to all residents living in Heston. Rachel Doherty was given the Big Local Partnership Award for her fantastic work for Bounce Theatre and support for our community group. ​

Volunteer Huzayma Khamis performed a beautiful song which was well received by the audience, we also had performances from Rajveer Singh and Kapil Lund on the drums.

​We also showcased our Heston West Big Local documentary called ‘Bringing It All Together’ created by our young people involved with the MADE in HESTON WEST Film Club led by Blaise Singh at MADE. 

Dr Ranvir Singh, said: “I was overwhelmed by the hard work of the adult volunteers in setting up and running a diverse range of local projects to develop the local community. The fruit of their labour was apparent as young person after young person came onto stage and spoke with confidence and passion about the skills they had developed and what being part of the Big Local meant to them. Many of them described it as a family and this feeling was evident and apparent throughout the evening. Kudos to Taz for inspiring and bringing people together into this inclusive family.”

​Young people from our Big Local Youth Action Team spoke of their journey into volunteering and how working for the community has helped them develop their confidence and key life skills. 

​We had a series of fantastic, uplifting and inspiring speeches from 24 young people and 4 adults; including Debbie Noad’s wonderful poem about our community. ​The evening started with 2 presentations – Summer School and Research Project. The young people recapped the work they had done during the summer period and what they had accomplished being involved with the community projects.
 
Vijay Lund, 10 and Sanjay Suresh, 12, brought joy and smiles to the audience as they spoke of how participating in activities inspired them to volunteer. Layba Nisar, 14 and Iman Jaura, 14, highlighted the success of the Youth Debates Club and how young people have been able to improve their English language speaking and debating skills by removing ‘filler’ words. Callum Wills, 14, spoke about how he got involved with the Big Local and how he has seen himself develop in the last 3 years and the pride he has in our local community. 

James Rose, 14, delivered a powerful and personal account of how through volunteering for the Big Local and getting involved with the Youth Debates Club has enabled him to improve his self-confidence and restore his faith after the trauma of bullying. Sharanjit Kaur, 14, hailed the MADE in HESTON WEST Film Club and how her involvement helped her develop new media skills and also inspired her to start her own YouTube channel. 

​Becoming Juliet in our ‘Big Local’s Romeo and Juliet Summer Production’ was one of Emaan Saleem’s, 14, proudest moment. She mentioned her utter shock and surprise after being casted as the lead actress and how the support, care and guidance from Juhi Kumra and Huzayma Khamis (the directors) enabled her to grow in confidence; self-belief and improve her public speaking and communication skills. In addition, through volunteering; she felt a sense of improved well-being and more connected to the local community. 

Alexandra Montoya’s Kids Fun Club, a project she developed 18 months ago; has since grown in strength and in numbers. Alexandra mentioned how she felt a lack of after school clubs inspired her to kick start this amazing project, now reaching 16 local children each week. Committee Member and Dhol enthusiast Kapil Lund, 21, caused a stir of emotions with his heart-warming story about how volunteering helped him make new friends, of all ages; and how he feels much more happier now because he’s volunteering.  

Neha Soni, 23, volunteering for HWBL for nearly 2 years, mentioned how through the Big Local she landed an opportunity to work as an intern for our local MP Seema Malhotra and has since secured a job with Seema’s office. In addition, how proud she was seeing the young people develop in the past few years and the importance of taking opportunities on your doorstep. 

​​Brothers Daniyal, 9, and Haris Sethi, 13, spoke about how their mum’s consistent encouragement to get involved with the Big Local inspired them both to make time to help others. Meanwhile, Lerin Bajaj, 14, spoke of leading her own community project and how she developed not just confidence; but also how to create interactive session plans to engage her peer group. She also praised her parents who’ve supported her throughout her journey so far. 

Youth Knife Crime was on the agenda, Adewole Agboola, 15, spoke of his personal story about how others his age are becoming lured into the dark world of knife crime. Adewole produced statistics and stories to demonstrate his point. His message was simple, young people should reroute their energies into something positive; like volunteering. Through the support from the Big Local, Adewole has been assisting with our Multi-Sports sessions and also has helped with a number of community clean up days.

Mario Zapata, 13, spoke of his rise from being a participant at the Creative Club to becoming the lead volunteer for the Kids Fun Club. In addition, Mario shared a personal story about how he made a local resident happy after giving her a Valentines rose during one of our community clean up’s earlier in the year. Mario also mentioned his pride playing the Apothecary in last summer’s Romeo and Juliet production. 

Attending Multi-Sports to leading a Community Choir project, Amadeus, 13, spoke of the importance of getting involved with the Film Club and how he has developed his leadership skills whilst volunteering for the Big Local. ​From Croydon to Cranford, ‘Together We Are Stars’ singer and Youth Action Team volunteer Lovell Nanditta, 15, concluded the evening of speeches when she spoke of her challenging journey and how she suddenly found the Big Local when she needed it the most.  

David Blackett, from Heston Residents Association added: “Not forgetting the older generation, the event was a tribute to the younger age groups and the adoption of the opportunities and skills that the "scheme" has made available. Put quite simply it has enabled character building and development opportunities which would not normally have been available to them.”

Fiona Felton, from Hounslow Adult and Community Education said: “It was really heartwarming to see the good work of so many volunteers, and the positive impact that the Big Local is having on the community. It was clear to see the passion of the volunteers to make a difference, and the sense of community was amazing.”

​Alan Fraser, the Chairperson for HWBL concluded: “It was truly inspirational to hear the stories of all the volunteers.  The skills they have gained and their personal development are an example to all of the power of volunteering in transforming the person.  I was particularly pleased with the two recipients of the Brian Clark Community Leader Award and it was great to have Brian’s son and daughter there again to present the award.  The evening also gave us the chance to remember the remarkable life of Maria Pedro, Deputy Lieutenant of London Borough of Hounslow who has always been so supportive of the Heston West Big Local.  It is great that we are going to produce a living legacy of Maria through a documentary of her life with the kind support of her husband Philip.  Together with an educational resource we hope Maria’s life story will inspire generations to come.”

​For a list of all our award winners, please click here to download our programme guide.
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We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to our HWBL Committee and Youth Action Team, Brian Clark’s family, Deborah Siminson​ and Darrell Clark. David Blackett from Heston Residents Association, Rachel Doherty from Bounce Theatre, Blaise Singh from Make A Difference Entertainment, Former Deputy Mayor of Hounslow Mukesh Malhotra, Councillor Bishnu Gurung and our special guest Dr Ranvir Singh.

We would also like to thank Sharnjeet Bhalla from Sunshine of Hounslow, Mar Peláez-Muñoz and Navdeep Deol from HAGS, Andy Kee from Certitude, Steven and Isa Kasamba from Bantu Arts, Jean Forster from The Welcome Club, Fiona Felton from Hounslow Council, Chris McGuckin, Sharon Khroad from Brentford FC CST, Tobias Guyett and Fola Adesanmi from Cranford Community College and Paul Upward Photography.
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Also big thanks to Local Trust, Berkeley Academy, Cranford Community College, Masala Creations and all our wonderful and dedicated volunteers, parents, partners, participants and supporters, everyone together has enabled us to bring success to our Big Local and local community. 

​The world of journalism: ever-changing and ever so exciting. Thanks to Hounslow Promise I was able to get a deeper insight into its world from BBC’s Jasmin Buttar and The Financial Times’ Peter Campbell. I was able to embark on their journeys with them as they told their stories about their experiences, it was particularly fascinating to see how they’d both stumbled into the journalist world unintentionally. 

​Within this some hard truths were told such as the struggle to even enter the world in the first place but it allowed for an honest and eye opening experience about what it means to be a journalist, especially when it comes to morals and what is actually ‘crossing the line’ of morality. 

​However, some positives were shared as well such as the fact Jasmin has been able to travel almost all over the world and Peter has had some crazy experiences like drag racing a Tesla and a Nissan which made their journeys just that bit more intriguing. 

​After the Q&A/interview section we enjoyed some pizza and who doesn’t love pizza? During this we had some time to network and talk with others- It was great as we got to learn a bit more about each other as well as Peter. I found this time to be the most fun as it was less professional and helped gain a greater understanding of the amazing experiences you can have as a journalist as well as the hardships that come with it. It also enabled me to get some advice about how to begin my own journey into the world of journalism which was extremely helpful.

Overall, it was a great event and I cannot give enough thanks to Hounslow Promise for giving me this opportunity.

For more information about Hounslow Promise please click here (external link)

MADE in HESTON WEST Episode 5: Rhys Jones Does Filmmaking

Welcome to our new series focusing on local talent and residents getting involved with the Heston West Big Local.

Our fifth episode focuses on Big Local Youth Action Volunteer & Film Club member Rhys Jones, 15yrs old, keen photographer & will be co-presenting our Awards Evening next week! 

Heston West Big Local teamed up with Heston Action Group to clean up the Brabazon Estate, Henley’s Alley, Redwood Estate and Harlech Gardens on Sunday 18th November 2018. Around 55 enthusiastic volunteers joined us on the day, with many families and children helping make a real positive and profound difference to the community. The volunteer met up at Cranford Community College at 11am and after a brief safety and introduction talk by Taz Virdee, we headed towards the estates. We returned around 1pm, feeling proud of our efforts and enjoyed an amazing lunch prepared by the Big Local volunteers.

​Juhi Kumra, 17, involved with the Big Local for over 3 years said: "The clean up day was truly a success! Watching all the participants clean up the community with such dedication, regardless of their age or background, was truly inspiring! Everyone bonded over their drive and passion to make their own little change. We can only go upwards from here and have the ENTIRE community clean up with us - make our small change a big one.”

In addition, committee member Debbie Noad added: “There was a sense of pride with the clean-up, everyone was united to make the area look better, this task provided a feel good factor, fresh air, exercise and a wonderful community spirit.”

Mar Peláez-Muñoz, from Heston Action Group (HAGS) said: “Fly tipping and littering is a serious problem in many communities. It was fantastic to see so many people join together to tackle these problems in Heston with over 55 volunteers clearing up 60+ bags of rubbish. It's a strong message to the community that we do care.”
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Youth Action Team and MADE in HESTON WEST Member Serena Lola, 16, added: “Our clean day up day yesterday was a fun and exciting way to meet new people whilst helping the community! We picked up large amounts of litter and as gross as it sounds it was actually a great time! I hope we can do it again.”

​A massive thanks to all our incredible volunteers, without their support and love we couldn't have achieved so much. We would also like to thank Hounslow Highways for providing the litter pickers, bags and gloves. We would also like to thanks everyone at HAGS for helping organise a successful community clean up. Their enthusiasm, dedication and passion to help the community is awe-inspiring. 

For more information about Heston Action Group and to get involved please click here to visit their Facebook page or contact Mar Peláez-Muñoz on hestonactiongroup@gmail.com

Taz Virdee from Heston West shares what his area has learned from community research, and how a new toolkit from ARVAC can help your area get started.
Read more on the Local Trust Blog by clicking here. 

In April 2017, Maria got involved with the Big Local and soon after delivered an inspiring and educational presentation on the Queen’s 90th Birthday at the Brabazon Community Centre to local residents, which was well received. 

Maria said after the event: “I was honoured to attend the Birthday Tea and appreciated the warm reception of my short talk about The Queen and the Greater London Lieutenancy. But none of this would have been possible without the drive and energy of incomparable Taz Virdee. Happy Birthday Your Majesty.”

In addition, Maria was interviewed by our Big Local Youth Action and Film Club members Serena Lola and Anjali Parmar (above) about her role and future ambitions. In May 2018, Maria supported and helped organise our Big Local Commonwealth Community Event held at Cranford Community College. Around 350 local residents attended the function to celebrate.

Maria said after the event: “I was honoured to be part of such a memorable occasion in which everyone felt valued and welcomed. The volunteers and residents I met provide impressive examples of how they can make a difference to their community.  Their energy and commitment clearly brings a new focus to the lives of the residents of Heston West.”

Alan Fraser, Chair of HWBL said: "Maria will be a great loss not only to Heston West Big Local but to the whole of the Hounslow community.  She carried out her role with great dignity and passion.
She loved our events and we loved her."

Committee and Youth Action Team Member, Layba Nisar added: "When someone you love becomes a memory it becomes treasure, Maria's support was such a blessing to have, we thank her so much for all the help she gave and her enthusiasm."

On behalf of everyone at Heston West Big Local, we send our sincere condolences.

​Maria Pedro was a true inspiration, a champion and will be greatly missed by all. Her passion, energy and drive to make a real difference to our community will never be forgotten. Her legacy shall live on in all the people she helped and supported over the years.

​Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to Maria’s family and friends during this most difficult time. Thank you Maria for your fantastic support you’ve given us over the past few years. Maria's kindness and friendship shall be remembered. We will miss you. 

Maria’s funeral will take place in the chapel at Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth on Tuesday 20th November at 11am. The address is 60 Grove End Road, London NW8 9NH. Anyone who knew her is warmly welcome to attend, there will be food and drinks throughout the day at the Warrington Hotel, at the junction of Randolph Ave and Sutherland Ave (on the street where she lived). Those who wish to go to the crematorium after the funeral are most welcome.

Those who go straight to the pub afterwards are kindly asked to wait for us.

No hats and no flowers please. Maria’s charity is STOLL www.stoll.org.uk.

MADE in HESTON WEST Episode 2: NCS Does Volunteering

Welcome to our new series focusing on local talent and residents getting involved with the Heston West Big Local.

Our second episode focuses on NCS The Challenge volunteering for the Big Local during Summer 2018. 

This film was created by young people involved with the Big Local Youth Action Team and MADE in HESTON WEST participants.

A few months ago, I organised and developed a series of Crime and Punishment educational workshops aimed at my peers. Crime and punishment is an ongoing issue affecting the world, therefore I wanted to create awareness of the issues people face globally, as well as, to contribute in making a positive impact in other young people’s lives. 

In week one, I was lucky enough to have a few people attend my workshop, as well as, some individuals from the Hounslow Youth Council. Everyone was split into groups. I started with brainstorming activities involving people to think about certain issues, such as: sharing their opinions on crime, their understanding about the topic and their knowledge in relation to crimes happening in society. Thereafter, I explained the classifications of crime followed by a group discussion on the ways to tackle crime, in addition to, a role-play activity. Overall, this session made me feel more confident and positive about the following weeks ahead and assured me that I could do this!

After intensive discussion with the participants during the first week about different crime related topics, I chose the topic Sexual Harassment because it is an ongoing issue affecting many people worldwide. I started by verbally explaining what Sexual Harassment is and I played an educational video for additional information. Not many people knew the statistics of Sexual Harassment around the world, so I developed a guessing game where the class guessed statistics on sexual harassment. The statistics left everyone shocked. Are you aware that 120 million girls have experienced forced sex or other sexual acts? I shared stories about different cases of harassment and asked for their opinions on the scenarios. In addition, I asked what they would have done in that case. Since many people do not feel very comfortable talking about a sensitive topic like this, I was not sure what feedback I was going to get. However, everyone was extremely mature and expressed their opinions in a very respectful manor. 

Week four was aimed at the history of crime from the middle ages to the 20th century. The group were informed about different crimes committed in different era’s, as well as the cruel punishments people endured and how the punishment system has evolved over the years. The session ended with a debate on a considerate issue: Capital Punishment. This debate challenged the participants to think whether capital punishment should be re- introduced in the UK.
 
The final week was dedicated to fun activities surrounding the issues of crime. My first activity was The Justice Court game whereby the whole room was transformed into a Court. The young people were challenged to play different roles, such as, the judge, witness and the jury. I gave the class different scenarios which challenged them and made them think. Another game played was murder mystery: every person was given a new identity and different alphabet rhymes were hidden around the room to solve the mystery. In the end, the letters equalled to the name of the murderer. I pre-planned this with one of the participants and asked them to hide so that when everyone had found out who the murderer was they would try to find them. This session was an absolute fun!

Overall, I believe these sessions have made me more confident and responsible. I learnt leadership skills and how to work effectively with other young people. These workshop sessions have accounted for my overall personal development. I would like to thank everyone for attending the sessions. My special gratitude goes to Taz for believing in my abilities and for giving me a responsible role and the opportunity to learn!
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By Lerin Bajaj, 14 yrs. ​