 📅 Thursday 20th March 2025
⏰ 4:15 – 7:00 pm 📍 Cranford Community College Are you aged 60 or over, or do you know someone who is—a parent, grandparent, friend, or neighbour? Join us for a FREE community event designed to help you stay active, steady on your feet, and connected with others. Hosted by the London Borough of Hounslow, this special event will include: ✅ Strength & Balance (OTAGO) Exercises – Improve stability and prevent falls ✅ Mindfulness Session – Relax and boost mental well-being ✅ A Free Hot Meal – Enjoy a warm and nutritious meal ✅ Creative Activities for Grandchildren – Fun for the little ones too! ✅ Have Your Say – Share your views on local support services ✅ Information for Carers – Find out about community wellbeing resources ✅ Meet Your Neighbours – Learn about local volunteering opportunities In partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow, C-Change West London, Stay Steady and Active, Let's Go Outside and Learn, Heston Action Group and Creative Spaces London. No booking required—just turn up on the day! For more details, contact Taz at 07840047771 or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!
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 On Saturday 18th January, the Heston West Big Local board came together with David Ahlquist from Locality for an inspiring and reflective workshop. As we approach the 10th anniversary of Heston West Big Local, this session offered an invaluable opportunity to celebrate past achievements, assess the current landscape, and set goals for the future.
The workshop focused on identifying our proudest moments from the past decade, the "big wins" that have shaped the community, and the ongoing impact of our projects. It was encouraging to see board members speak passionately about their contributions and the broader successes of the Big Local programme, including the strong partnerships developed with organisations like C-Change West London. In addition to reflection, discussions turned towards the future, exploring how the board and community could enhance their influence in local decision-making. A key theme of the day was community power, highlighting the vital role of grassroots initiatives in shaping policies and building resilience. David also guided participants through an engaging session on individual skillsets, inviting board members to consider their strengths and areas for development. This was part of a broader conversation about recruiting and expanding the team, ensuring we have the talent and diversity needed to grow our operations and impact even further. The workshop proved to be an excellent platform for both reflection and forward-thinking, leaving attendees energised and ready to build on the incredible progress of the past decade. A detailed report capturing insights and outcomes from the day will be published soon. A big thank you to David Ahlquist, Locality, and all who participated for their invaluable contributions to shaping the future of Heston West Big Local. The Big Local Youth Film and Creative Drama Group has brought the spirit of Christmas to life with a heartwarming short video centred around kindness, giving, and gratitude. This festive project reflects the creativity and compassion of the young participants, who collaborated to craft a story that reminds us of the true meaning of the season.
Big thanks to the London Borough of Hounslow's Thriving Communities programme for their support of our club and project. Their backing has enabled us to provide young people with opportunities to express themselves creatively and engage with their community in meaningful ways.  On Thursday 19th December 2024, the community came together for a heartwarming Christmas Meal Party at Cranford Community College, marking the last major event of the year. This festive gathering, supported by the London Borough of Hounslow, was a resounding success, drawing a large turnout from across the local area. The event brought together participants and volunteers from a variety of community programmes supported by Heston West Big Local, held at the college throughout the year, including the Creative Social Club, children’s multi-sports sessions, filmmaking and drama groups, and the free hot community meals initiative. Adding to the festive cheer, Santa Claus made a special appearance, delighting children and adults alike. Guests were also treated to a lively and festive atmosphere, made possible by the incredible dedication of volunteers and Cranford Community College staff.
The day was a true celebration of the community's hard work, generosity, and togetherness. A special thanks goes to Alan Fraser, Chair of C-Change West London and Deputy Head of Cranford Community College, whose leadership, alongside a committed team of volunteers, made this event possible.
The event was a fitting conclusion to an incredible year, and we look forward to building on these successes in the year ahead. A Royal Honour: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh Visits C-Change West London and Heston West Big Local22/11/2024  Credit: Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images On Monday 18th November 2024, we were honoured to welcome Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to our community project, the Feel Good Inside and Out Project. The visit highlighted our impactful initiatives, run by C-Change West London and Heston West Big Local, alongside legacy projects such as Elevate Community Productions and Creative Spaces London. The Duchess was greeted at Cranford Community College, where the event was hosted, with the visit proposed by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London. She was welcomed by several distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Karen Smith; MP for Feltham and Heston, Seema Malhotra; Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hillingdon, Manju Malhi BEM; and Rosie Prescott, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hounslow, who organised the visit. C-Change West London’s CEO, Taz Virdee, who has overseen the Heston West Big Local programme for over 9 years, and Alan Fraser, Chair of the charity and Deputy Head at Cranford Community College, also warmly received the Duchess.
The visit showcased our diverse range of community projects, including the Ukraine film project, "Unbroken Cities," in partnership with One World Strong Foundation. Ukrainian students shared their experiences and premiered their heartfelt short film, which left a lasting impression on all present.
The event marked our first-ever royal visit, a truly momentous occasion. We are incredibly grateful to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, for taking the time to recognise and celebrate the incredible community work being done in Heston West. Her visit not only inspired our young participants but also brought widespread attention to the collaborative and inclusive spirit of the programmes we have built over the last decade.
 On Saturday 26th October 2024, National Trust hosted a Creative Workshop in partnership with Osterley House and Gardens. This unique session explored the themes of community, culture, and nature through the use of traditional fabrics, creatively inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Osterley Park. Participants experimented with form, colour, and movement in activities that were both playful and reflective. The event, beautifully documented by the National Trust, aims to inspire a creative commission launch event in the near future. “It’s been an amazing day. I’ve loved Osterley for years and to come back with friends from the Art Club made it really special.” - Richard Evans
Big thanks to Neena and Rinku from AVSAR, and staff members Matthew Butler and Devanshi Rungta from Osterley House for their support. 15 participants attended, with overwhelming feedback. Richard said, “It’s been an amazing day. I’ve loved Osterley for years and to come back with friends from the Art Club made it really special.” Sam added, “I’ve learnt so much today. The facilitator was brilliant, and it’s been a joy to reconnect with this space creatively.” We’re looking forward to showcasing the final pieces at a new year exhibition—watch this space!   Elevate Community Productions CIC (ECP), a legacy organisation of Heston West Big Local, is delighted to announce its success in securing a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support an ambitious new project titled From Shadows to Spotlight: London’s Hidden Queer Histories. This initiative will illuminate the untold stories of queer, trans, and intersex people of colour (QTIPOC) and migrant communities in London, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. The project is set to transform inclusion, participation, and accessibility in the cultural sector. Preserving an Overlooked Heritage The histories of London’s queer global majority and migrant communities are rich and diverse but have long been overshadowed or neglected. From Shadows to Spotlight will preserve these vital narratives, capturing experiences of migration, identity, community, and cultural creativity. It will explore key aspects of QTIPOC life, from the significance of Black and Brown queer house parties to their influence in spaces of fashion, dance, and music. These stories form an integral but often underrepresented part of London’s cultural fabric. Without this funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, many of these memories could have remained untold, particularly as older generations pass away. This project ensures that these vibrant legacies are preserved and celebrated for future generations. Empowering Communities through Storytelling This National Lottery-funded project will offer numerous opportunities for participants to engage in the preservation and celebration of their heritage. A variety of activities have been planned, including storytelling workshops, oral history interviews, and media production training. More than 100 personal interviews will be conducted, documenting the lived experiences of QTIPOC individuals. The project will culminate in a high-profile public exhibition at Chiswick House & Gardens in 2026 and the establishment of a digital archive at the Bishopsgate Institute, ensuring that these stories are accessible long-term. Key elements of the project include:
This project will break down socio-economic barriers that have often prevented marginalised communities from engaging with their heritage, creating safe, inclusive spaces where diverse stories can thrive." -  Blaise Singh, CEO of Elevate Community Productions, expressed his gratitude:
"We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we will be able to document and share the rich cultural heritage of London’s QTIPOC communities. This project will break down socio-economic barriers that have often prevented marginalised communities from engaging with their heritage, creating safe, inclusive spaces where diverse stories can thrive." This initiative is aligned with The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s mission of safeguarding heritage, promoting diversity, and fostering organisational sustainability. For more information on Elevate Community Productions and their work, visit Elevate Community Productions. We’re excited to announce the release of Between Us, our first-ever feature film, created by the community and showcasing a talented, diverse cast. This remarkable project was brought to life under the creative vision of writer-director Kulbir Singh Maras, an emerging filmmaker from Hounslow. The film is now available to buy or rent on Amazon and promises an emotional journey you won’t want to miss.
Set in London, Between Us explores themes of young love and human connection through three intertwined short stories. Each chapter delves into moments that shape the lives of its characters: an unresolved past, a complex confession, and a serendipitous encounter that has the potential to change everything. Through its heartfelt storytelling, the film offers a touching portrayal of modern relationships and the challenges that come with them. Directed by Kulbir Maras, the film features an impressive cast, including Zohra Khan, Aqil Ghani, Daphne Hillier-Davis, Nicholas Lillesoe, Bradina Chisambo, and Andy Basquiat. It is further enhanced by the poignant musical score of composer Zsótér Zita. The production was a collaborative effort, co-produced by Kulbir Maras and Taz Virdee, in partnership with our Big Local legacy Elevate Community Productions, an organisation dedicated to empowering local talent. This film highlights the creative potential of communities when united by storytelling and passion. Between Us is available to stream on Amazon Prime here, and you can find more details about the film on its IMDB page.  On Thursday 26th September 2024, we proudly hosted our inaugural Community Arts Exhibition at the London Museum of Water & Steam in partnership with Certitude. The event celebrated the outstanding artwork created by talented local artists from our Art Social Club, which meets every Tuesday at the Brabazon Community Centre.
The exhibition was a wonderful success, with attendees including the Deputy Mayor of Hounslow, who offered remarkable support for this fully inclusive project. A big thank you to everyone involved, especially our inspiring artists—Narendra, Tim, Surinder, Nabila, Vidya, Richard, Kapil, and many more—whose creativity continues to evolve. The Art Social Club welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, including young people seeking employment, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities. If you’d like to join our group, sessions take place every Tuesday from 10.30am to 1pm at the Brabazon Community Centre.
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