West London Story Forums Summaries: History of West London (18th Feb, Compass Theatre)
Leader: David Leaback, PhD, MSc
LeabackBiolink@hotmail.com
Key points of discussion:
There was considerable scepticism in the discussions, that the Western Wedge was different, attractive or interesting enough to attract many from the main Olympic site in East London.
It was agreed that the Western Wedge was generally more pleasant to live or work in than the East. One discussant disagreed – he lives where the proposed new Heathrow runway is planned to be. I referred to a project I did some years ago and mentioned briefly earlier in the morning session, which showed how geographical and legislative factors had given rise to noxious industrial trades had been squeezed out of West & Central London to the Eastern, poorer, unhealthy areas which have been & are being cleaned up environmentally for the main Olympic site. I had also described London’s first Science Park developing environmentally cleaner firms near that site which later led to really clean Hi-tech enterprises in the more attractive Western parts of London. We thought t hose transitions of London could be made a focus for both the arts and sciences and subjects for coach tours from the main Olympic site to pleasant places like Ickenham.
Key Actions
Our discussant from near Heathrow declared that he and his colleagues would ensure that the proposed new runway would not further the air and noise pollution where he lives.
I am exploring possible outlines for half- and whole-day coach trips from the main Stratford Olympic site to the theme, ‘The environmental Olympic/ West London Science Story’.
This will draw heavily upon my publications and work mentioned above. It is envisaged that the coaches involved could call at relevant sites on the way west, which would illustrate the above theme –and then fetch up in somewhere like the Compass Theatre Ickenham, where participants could relax, refresh and/or perhaps hear relevant talks, or see art exhibitions and dramas aimed at various kinds and ages of Olympic visitor.
I already have researched, written and produced many London science dramas for children – but now I wan tot focus on the romantic story of a Victorian youth whose life & work do touch on many aspects of the above theme. I would write his story to include particularly the environmental impact of his work on West London, as well as the influences of a financial downturn, remarkably similar to the present one today. I plan to submit a request for support to research and write this important West London story, and to do this in conjunction with a local Ealing school. This work could lend itself to the production of both a play and/ or a guide booklet of interest to Olympic Games visitors.
Who? Myself, the school & other associates
What? The above
When? About a year, dependent on financial support