Faith, Community and Local Action

Chiswick Gunnersbury councillor Ron Mushiso reports back

Cllr Mushiso chairing a Chiswick Area Forum meeting
Cllr Mushiso chairing a Chiswick Area Forum meeting

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April 27, 2025

I hope you and your families enjoyed a peaceful Easter, filled with rest, renewal, and hope. As life resumes its familiar rhythm this spring, we reflect not only on new beginnings but also on endings—particularly the passing of Pope Francis, a global figure whose message reached far beyond the Vatican.

His legacy—rooted in humility, compassion and care for the planet—was perhaps most powerfully captured in Laudato si’ , his 2015 letter to the world urging us to cherish and protect our environment. It inspired action from world leaders and continues to shape how we teach young people about justice, responsibility, and community.

Closer to home, that spirit lives on. Many of us in Chiswick have taken Pope Francis’ words to heart—through local efforts like the Chiswick Litter Picking Team. This Sunday 27th April, we meet again at 2:30pm outside Christ Church on Turnham Green . For an hour, we’ll tend to our local verges, paths, and High Road—followed by a well-earned slice of cake and tea back at the church, thanks to the ever-talented Jill Spencer. It’s a gentle way to connect with neighbours, get some fresh air, and honour a message of care in action.

This moment of reflection also marks the end of my tenure as Chair of the Chiswick Area Forum. Over the past year, the Forum has served as a vital platform where residents and councillors came together—not just to talk, but to make things happen.

We’ve tackled pressing issues: crime, youth safety, tree maintenance, planning, and more. One standout example? A police-led operation targeting street robberies against young people resulted in a 90% drop in incidents—proof of what can be achieved when the community speaks up and works together.

We’ve also shone a light on local heroes. Groups like W4Youth and Riana Development Network , led by remarkable people like Sally Chacatte and Rodgers Orero, are transforming lives through sport, creativity, and mentoring. Their work reminds us that grassroots efforts matter—and they deserve our full support.

And we’ve heard directly from senior borough officers, including Public Health and Social Care leaders. While Chiswick benefits from low welfare dependency and excellent green space access, we’re also facing growing concerns: adult social care, mental health services, and persistent crime remain key challenges.

As Councillor Gerald McGregor rightly pointed out recently in his article on ChiswickW4 , many residents are now struggling to navigate care systems—for elderly parents, vulnerable children, or their own wellbeing. It’s something we must continue to raise, improve, and resolve together.

Chairing the Forum has been a privilege. I’m proud that it’s remained a space where community voices are not only heard—but shape action.

So, as we enter a new season, I invite you to keep engaging—whether by joining a local litter pick, attending your parish, speaking at a Forum, or simply checking in on a neighbour. These small acts, when taken together, build the Chiswick we all love.

Let’s continue to lead with humility, act with compassion, and care for each other—and our common home.

Cllr Ron Mushiso

ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk

07976 702887

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2025

Anyone can attend public meetings of the council at Hounslow House which is fully accessible. Most meetings take place on the 6th floor of Hounslow House which is at 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB.

Council Meetings - Borough Council

There is public access for these meetings via a direct lift from the ground floor to the Council Meeting Room

6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB

Council Meetings – Overview and Scrutiny Committee

6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB

Council Meetings – Audit and Governance Committee

6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB

Important Current Local Issues

During weekends and regular Public Holidays, residents can still access council services on-line or via emergency numbers:

To inform the council of an emergency, please call 020 8583 2222

CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

Chiswick: Every Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am at Chiswick Library (the eight Conservative councillors take this surgery in turn).

Gunnersbury: First Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am at The Gunnersbury Triangle Club, Triangle Way, off The Ridgeway, W3 8LU (at least one of the Chiswick Gunnersbury ward councillors takes this surgery). 

CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS and CONTACTS

Chiswick Gunnersbury ward

Cllr Joanna Biddolph joanna.biddolph@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 703446

Cllr Ranjit Gill ranjit.gill@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702956

Cllr Ron Mushiso ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702887

Chiswick Homefields ward

Cllr Jack Emsley jack.emsley@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 396017

Cllr Gerald McGregor gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784821

Cllr John Todd john.todd@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784651

Chiswick Riverside ward

Cllr Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823

Cllr Peter Thompson peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 395810  

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