Forum Topic

New Valentine festival

Sounds nice but where? It's cold and dark in February so it's going to have to be where one can park or get to easily in lousy weather.But please get the facts right. Sidney James was Not born in Ealing.James was born Solomon Joel Cohen on 8 May 1913 to Jewish parents in South Africa, later changing his name to Sidney Joel Cohen, and then Sidney James.[2] His family lived on Hancock Street in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.Creating myths to trump up Ealing is a disservice to those who are from Ealing and distorts things.There's plenty to go with but please get the facts right.

Michael Brandt ● 4916d8 Comments

There's a blue plaque on Sid James's old house.

Susan Kelly ● 4914d

Ronnie Barkers son used to live in Ealing.  Currently residing somehwere else for the next year.

Bernadette Clover ● 4914d

I thought Ronnie Barker used to live in Ealing.I saw him once on Ealing Broadway donkey's ago.

Keith Iddon ● 4914d

That's correct. Phil Collins also lived in South Ealing with his first wife, Airedale Road I think, not absolutely sure though.Freddie Mercury went to Ealing Tech Art school as did a lot of well known artists and photographersThe Rolling Stones Performing at the Ealing Club and The Who being local. and I think Simon Townshend who has a very good band of his own as well as playing in The Who now went to Ealing Grammar school and still lives in Ealing.

Michael Brandt ● 4914d

I thought Dusty Springfield went to St Anns Convent School which was near The Plough Northfields Avenue. I believe her name was Mary O'Brien.

Pat Kingham ● 4914d

We lived a few doors away from him and knew him well. He used to sound far more South African in real life.I note it has been corrected  Thanks

Michael Brandt ● 4915d

Chris - Michael wasn't seeing things - it has been corrected.RegardsAnnemarie

Editor ● 4915d

Not wishing to be pendantic, but it does say Sid James lived (not born) in Ealing. He used to live in Gunnersbury Avenue, just north of the bridge over the underground railway. Was close to school sportsground Popefield, and think poor Sid was plagued by kids knocking on his door asking for his autograph. Don't recall anyone getting autograph, usual response was p*** off.

Chris Edwards ● 4915d