Tug of War at Queen's Park Day

I've heard that Queen's Park Day will host a Tug Of War competition between local residents' Associations.

Kensal Rise Resident's association Team is making a certain amount of noise on twitter: http://twitter.com/KensalRRATugWar or @KensalRRATugWar

I understand it's effectively 2 teams per area, x 1 men's team of 10 and x 1 women's team of 10 from:

Kensal Rise Residents' Association (KRRA)

Queens Park Area Residents' Association (QPARA)

Kensal Triangle Residents' Association (KTRA)

Queens' Park Wardens - men only

Queen's Park Womens' Institute - ladies only

Queen's Park day is Sunday 15th September - those who live / work in the area are encouraged to sign up by contacting your local Residents' Association! - or contact me and i'll help put you in touch!

Kensal - international stations?!

A couple of weeks ago I passed some UK Border Agency staff at Kensal Rise station stopping 'random' people.

They didn't stop me - a white guy in a suit - but it was clear they weren't stopping people  matching my description.

The same happened last week at Kensal Green - and this attracted more attention and suggestions of racial profiling. I also saw BBC news reporting from outside the station more recently.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/31/immigration-searches-kensal-green-tube_n_3681463.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

Madame Gautier - open!

I noticed that Madame Gautier was open earlier this week, so i couldn't resist having a look so went for a coffee on Saturday.

Half is restaurant, half is wine bar / cafe style and the garden has some comfortable looking booths / seating. The Diner's children's area at the back has been retained. The menu is French cuisine and looks moderately priced - I can only assume it will vary more than The Chamberlayne's  (still the same 5 years on)

The manager (authentically French) said they were fully booked for dinner this weekend after a 'soft launch' last weekend - but admitted (like any new establishment) they were still building consistency.

A great addition to The Rise - a proper French restaurant / bistro / wine bar. Queen's park will be jealous.

Shops on the Rise - and fall

Not sure if I'm slow on the uptake but, it looks like Howie & Belle have / are closing down. I haven't seen them open for some time and the sign above says 'shop to let'. Maybe not a surprise with Niche, and Circus just next door?

The Diner is shut - bring on Madame Gautier! Has anyone seen or been to their shop in Barnes?

The shop that seems to change tenants annually, previously 'puf up' (next to Essential Beauty and the Just Barking) is now a nail bar - a surprising choice considering their neighbours. How many beauty parlours can the ladies of Kendal Rise support?

What did we make of the 'Sun Riser' event? - worth doing it again in September?

Kensal Rise artist open studio

We went along to this today. It's four artists displaying their works - work a visit if you are in the area. It's a normal house so look out for the bunting. 

Chamberlayne Road 20mph Scheme

Just this morning got sight of the public consultation being done for the "Local Safety Scheme - Chamberlayne Road. Between Okehampton Road and Harvist Road junctions"

Looks like the following:

• 20mph Okehampton to Harvis road
• Raised table / bump at exisiting pedestrian crossing near Okehmpton road
• New Zebra crossing outside the church
• Raised table / bump at Kemp Road
• Moving give way line further forward on side roads
• 9 new Trees
• Remove ugly fencing / railings

Did I miss anything? Looks great, I think it'll make a real difference - hopefully discouraging people driving dangerously / at speed.

I'll try to add a legible picture here:

Buses on the Rise

An interesting article on the Brent & Kilburn Times website about 'Ghost Buses' on Chamberlayne Road - primarily identifying the 302 as being under used - perhaps only interesting to me and my transport fetish.

A consultation will be launched on plans to change route 302 from Kensal Rise to Queen’s Park which could result in fewer buses using Chamberlayne Road. It is suggested that the 302 (which follows the 52 to Willesden) is under utilised and a 'waste of public funding'

Apparently bus companies are paid £4.70 / mile irrespective of the passenger numbers.

http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/residents_in_kensal_rise_claim_area_is_overrun_with_ghost_buses_1_2218458