Strapped for cash or ideas? Here are five things to do in Hounslow this weekend and in the week ahead, from unleashing your inner artist to discovering footage of historic Hounslow.
Hounslow Older People’s Festival continues next week with events including a tour of Gunnersbury Park Museum, a classic film screening and a lesson on designing your own website.
The annual festival, now in its 21st year, began on October 1 and runs until October 30, with fun and practical activities taking place across the borough.
Next Wednesday (October 15) alone, there is a website design class, at Kingsley Academy, in Hounslow; a film screening of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, at Paul Robeson Theatre, also in Hounslow; and a talk about black history, also at the Paul Robeson Theatre.
The following day, people can enjoy a tour of Gunnersbury Park Museum before sitting down for tea and cake.
What? Hounslow Older People’s Festival
Where? Various venues
When? Until October 30
Cost? Prices vary (many events are free)
Call? 020 8560 8108 (you can pick up a brochure with the full listings from libraries across the borough)
Former Blue Peter presenter and Dancing on Ice contestant Anthea Turner will open St Nocholas Church’s Harvest Fair next Saturday (October 11).
Peppa Pig will also make an appearance on the day, when the entertainment will include face-painting, pig racing and sock golf, plus various stalls and a raffle. Proceeds from the day will go to Chiswick School Breakfast Club.
What? Harvest Fair
Where? St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Chiswick
When? Saturday, October 11, 12pm-3pm
Cost? Free
See? www.stnicholaschiswick.org
You can leaf through the history of Osterley Park during a guided walk exploring its rare and interesting trees.
A park ranger will lead visitors through the ground, giving them the chance to explore the riot of autumn colour on the branches above their heads while learning about the park’s trees.
What? Autumn secrets of trees walk
Where? Osterley Park and House
When? Sunday, October 19, 2pm
Cost? £6 (children £3)
See? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park
You can unleash your inner artist and create a masterpiece inspired by the historic engines and other objects at the London Museum of Water & Steam.
The museum is celebrating The Big Draw, the world’s largest drawing festival, by encouraging visitors of all ages to get in touch with their creative side.
What? The Big Draw
Where? London Museum of Water & Steam, Green Dragon Lane, Brentford
When? Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12
Cost? Free with entry (£11.50 adults, £5 children)
See? www.waterandsteam.org.uk
Get a glimpse into Hounslow’s past at a free screening, which is part of efforts to preserve the borough’s heritage.
London’s Screen Archives and Hounslow Library Local Studies are launching The Bigger Picture with a screening of films about the area’s past.
London’s Screen Archives is searching for new film and video donations to fill the gaps in the borough’s film archives.
What? A Bigger Picture
Where? Paul Robeson Theatre, Treaty Centre, High Street, Hounslow
When? Friday, October 17, 2pm
Cost? Free
See? www.londonsscreenarchives.org.uk/content/a-bigger-picture-begins