Forum Topic

Flower market Queue

Huge queue from Devonshire Road to Zizis. Absolutely zero social distancing in the queue from what I can see. Sounding like a killjoy perhaps but looks all set to fuel that W4 spike in Covid cases!  So many people in such an enclosed space.

Nick Mander ● 2246d53 Comments

NickThanks for the heads up, I was about to head up to the Flower Market but if there's no social distancing and with the published spike in Covid-19 cases in Chiswick, I'll have to wait until October.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2246d

Flower Market. Blimey. Absolutely knocked it out of the park.Best thing in Chiswick since Tommy Cooper.

Ken Munn ● 2246d

Brilliantly done. A massive success IMO. Everyone wearing masks and buying flowers. It’s a thumbs up from me.

Gordon McDonald ● 2246d

Agreed it’s a great success, Chiswick is buzzing. Lots of people sitting outside cafes spending money. Walked along Devonshire and headed east past outsider tart lots of people having a nice time in the sunshine. Hope a lot of local businesses have done well with this.

Alex McDevitt ● 2246d

It’s lovely to see Chiswick so lively and the surrounding businesses so busy.  I think that it is fantastic.

Sandra Jones ● 2246d

Utterly fabulous. Chiswick is buzzing. It is a privilege to be a small part of the best thing that has happened in W4 in the 20 years I have been here. Kudos to Ollie, Karen, Bridget and the rest of the team who have put Chiswick on the map.

Paul Campbell ● 2246d

Oh wow. Absolutely brilliant.Marshalled and Face masks mandatory.Plastic barriers being moved when there were too many people.Distanced  queues along the High Road and Linden Gardens.Astonishing choice of wonderful plants.Planet Organic serving coffee and teas outside. All shops and restaurants supplying  sanitisers all the way along the High Road.Police joining in and laughing at the number of people using the pedestrian crossings.Fudges supplying cargo bikes for delivering plants.A fantastic community effort with everyone happy and enjoying.

Rima Jones ● 2246d

I am sure a boost for all the retailers in the area.  My only gripe about this "flower market" was there was not a single stall selling cut flowers (unless they had sold out by the time of my visit around 1pm) so had to resort to my regular stall across the road near Waterstones

Philip Coe ● 2246d

I loved it..great choice of plants.  Something for everyone. Well done to all the organisers.

Lucy Chambers ● 2246d

I was there first thing and picked up a bunch of flowers at the west end of the market (second-to-last stall). Hand-picked in Somerset last night from all accounts. They said they'll be bringing more next time!

Gordon McDonald ● 2246d

we waled to the flower market and then just turned around and lefttoo many people - zero distancing.  despite wearing masks - saw a group of people spraying themselves - entire bodies - before gating into their cars . Disinfecting .....unsafe event .

John Dorn ● 2246d

I was in the queue at the peak time. 20 minutes to get from Linden Gardens.  Great to see so many people out and about in Chiswick.  There was some social distancing in the queue but it tended to bunch at the end.  Most people wearing masks. Although I'm cautious about infection, as I'm over retirement age, outdoor events are inherently safer than indoor ones.  Everyone has to make their own risk-assessment. The marshals we're doing a great job and most people were cooperative. Hats off to the organisers and marshals.

David McLoughlin ● 2246d

Don't  know how to post it on here, but it's a graphic photo showing zero social distancing. If anyone wants it PM me. But delighted it appears to have been  a success and hope to go to the October market, assuming there hasn't been another upturn in Covid-19 in Chiswick

Loraine Pemberton ● 2246d

Thought the flower market would go well and was in favour of it, although like you Loraine will wait a little longer before visiting.

Janice Evans ● 2246d

If the one posted on social media is the photo you are referring to don't bother posting it. It uses the trick of perspective to suggest people weren't socially distancing. I was there and can assure you that it was no worse that you would currently experience in Sainsbury's.Both Chiswick's pavements and roads were noticeably busier today which has to be something that most people can welcome. I met friends who drove over from Roehampton and we ate at a local cafe afterward and it certainly seemed more full than usual.

Felicity Caborn ● 2246d

There were two stalls selling cut flowers. I bought mine from the Chiswick House stall but that was at about 10.00. They may have sold out

Tim English ● 2246d

Well said.

Tim English ● 2246d

Oh come on, Felicity, who doesn't love an Armageddon-esque tangent? It's not really like the truth matters on here. It'll be all the cyclists' fault, anyway.

Gordon McDonald ● 2245d

Felicity, you obviously didn't see the BBC London news then. They showed a total lack of social distancing within the market and interviewed the lady who I think was one of the organisers who said on camera that the stewards couldn't cope with it and they sought police help. She also said that people were pushing others out of the way to get at the stalls. The lady (Bridget I think) said that they were trying to operate a one way system but it was ignored.I am in favour of the flower market but I'm glad I didn't go this first week.

Bob Guyett ● 2245d

I’m very pleased that I went to the market early, arriving at 9.15 with my mask and waving to the organisers.A lovely sunny day. Not too hot, cold, wet or windy.So well organised with wonderful stalls and all the shops and pub there taking part.Toddlers and baby’s in buggies. Local press there videoing and interviewing.Everyone following distancing and really happy.Decided to buy an extraordinary cactus which I hadn’t seen before then cross the road to see how Wheelers were getting on with their stalls on the other side of the road.Spencer very busy dashing backwards and forwards between his stalls.Decided to sit down in the sunshine at a table outside Costa and view the scene.More people rapidly arriving and forming distanced queues along the pavement and round the corner. Police standing there and observing.Lots of people walking along with garlands of hops wrapped round their necks and loaded up with big grasses and palm trees.Stopping to pick up coffees and find spaces at tables whilst wearing masks.Lots of dogs out for walks.Decided to walk home with my cactus and look up its requirements.Euphorbia Lactea with potential to grow 5 metres high indoors!It’s still on the kitchen table whilst I’m considering it’s placement.We weren’t to know that at least half of West London were going to arrive were we?This is one for me to add to my memoirs.

Rima Jones ● 2245d

Can’t find this on BBC London news. Is there a link?

Rima Jones ● 2245d

RJ > "Can’t find this on BBC London news. Is there a link?"Here you go, at about 2min 25sec in:https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000mgnl/bbc-london-late-news-06092020

John Whitworth ● 2245d

JW > "Link"PS. The programme expires from the BBC iPlayer at 10:35pm tonight.

John Whitworth ● 2245d

Why would I need to watch the BBC news when I was there?Perhaps it was busier at peak times but I saw no pushing and no police.

Felicity Caborn ● 2245d

I just wanted to comment further as I started this thread and it doesn't look like I am in favour of a flower market. I absolutely am and I think it will be a great addition to the area BUT anyone who thinks that everyone was obeying social distancing rules and all were wearing masks is deluded. Clearly the organisers did a great job setting it up and advertising widely with features in national press, but they were (in just my opinion) completely swamped at times on the day and it became something of a free for all. The space is too small for those kind of numbers and the queuing system didn't work for social distancing. The photos of the Mayor and Ealing MP standing cheek to jowl with organisers where there were no masks in sight summed it up really. If Wheelers have regular visits from Council Enforcement officers who count the number of people on their site (which is largely outdoors) then how can it be ok for 7000+ people to descend on a small enclosed space where its impossible to keep your distance? Yes to the market but I hope some lessons are learned from the weekend and perhaps numbers will drop off as the months go by and winter approaches.

Nick Mander ● 2245d

Hounslow council you need the biggest boot up the a**e, total idiots, would they explain how they think opening a flower market in a small high street which(quote from front page) was attended by 7 thousand whilst we are,still fighting a killer virus, I am appalled at their stupidity and also reported huge queues shoulder to shoulder hardly any wearing masks, bloody shameful,whilst on the other hand BY reporting on raised cases in Chiswick area?, they are total fools,playing roulette with our lives how dare they well I for one will be,looking into this and if cases rise further then LBH you have blood on your hands, do you seriously think we shielded for 6 months,to protect ourselves for twats like you to then give permission for a market that was attended by thousands, if after all my shielding I catch this virus i will be holding LBH entirely responsible and look at avenues for representation to take the matter further.

Julie Greenjam ● 2245d

Good Lord - was it really that bad Julia?    Under "normal" (pre Covid pandemic) it seems a wonderful idea and a real boost for Chiswick.  I am highly vulnerable and living south of the A4 could not risk attempting to drive and park close by.  Pre Covid I would most certainly gone and enjoyed the day.  I am interested to know if any of the newly infected "Coviders" suffer more than mild heavy cold symptoms not requiring a visit to hospital or even needing a phone call to their GP.  Of more concern, have they passed on the virus and infected any elderly or vulnerable person, do they even know or care?  I'm afraid it is up to us, the vulnerable, to look out for our own protection.  The World moves on and the future is the young and able!  It would be good if they turnout to be compassionate, kind, unselfish and resourceful.  Much required to grow our future.

Jennifer Selig ● 2245d

Sorry Julie, not Julia.

Jennifer Selig ● 2245d

I took one look at the looooooong queue of people standing bang next to each other patiently waiting to enter the market .....and went home.  The Flower Market is a great idea and a welcome addition to the area, but with so many people jostling each other I am afraid there are quite a few people like myself who have reservations of going there again.

Caroline MacMillan ● 2245d

Just to put this into some kind of context, a football club in the Sunderland area has had to apologise for letting a charity match go ahead at the end of August as up to 300 people who attended the match are now being told to self-isolate after 28 people tested positive for Covid-19. Clearly there is a good chance that nobody will catch Covid from the Flower Market event so I'm not saying that anyone will, but the Charity soccer match was outdoors and attended by just 300 people so I am lost as to how an event attended by 7000 people, with hundreds in attendance at any one time could have been deemed to be a great idea at this time. Anyway, enough from me on this. There are clearly many who don't see what happened as a problem so ill shut up now and to reiterate, I think a flower market would be great at an appropriate time. x

Nick Mander ● 2245d

In the meantime, the government is considering fining Ext Rebellion participants in recent events £10,000 each for breaking the rules on gatherings.  None of course for BLM gatherings, flower markets etc. Same rules but oh, so different for different groups. I agree that a flower market is a great idea but the clip on the BBC was worrying.

Claire Moran ● 2245d

If you are 'at risk' group then best stay away from any gatherings at the moment, I'm not tempted to join in yet as so few people take the trouble to social distance.

Janice Evans ● 2245d

Totally irresponsible to have a flower market when the second wave fast approaches.

Steve Taylor ● 2245d

What a great event - congratulations to all those who made it happen - thank you!I went about 1330 and it was a pleasure to be there. My friend and I didn't have to queue at all, plenty of hand gel provided, most people (>80%) were wearing masks including myself and overall a very civilised affair. Although we missed the fresh flowers due to high demand early in the day, there were still a number of items for sale and never felt uncomfortable. I am in the high risk category wrt Covid19 and have been shielding  but by taking adequate precautions I don't feel I put myself at risk yesterday. The High Road was buzzing with energy after months of lockdown and by being careful where I walked it felt pretty safe. Can't wait for next month's event and hopefully it can expand to few more surrounding roads such as Devonshire Road to provide more space. PS - I must mention also the brilliant idea to offer delivery service by bike to the surrounding area so does not prevent you buying if you walk there like I did. Very impressed with all the thought that went into this event.

Chrys Watson ● 2245d

To keep a sense of perspective can we look at this initiative which was set up to revive our failing high street and bring more customers to the area.As it happens with the pandemic apart from physical health there is also mental heath and MIND has been inundated with cries for help from people who have been shielding and suffering from isolation. Also from those who are suffering from bankruptcy..Many people taking to gardening whilst they’ve been stuck at home so a lot of people arriving at the flower market. No violence, crime or anything harmful. Just a lot of people, most of them wearing masks, distancing as far as possible and using sanitisers. If we weren’t suffering so decided to stay away that’s ok and we can go another time when the weather might not be so good but we will be able to manage alright locally and contribute towards saving our local shops.

Rima Jones ● 2245d

One reason the queue was so long when I was in it  at any rate was because we were all social distancing and because the organisers limited the number of people in the market area.

Lucy Chambers ● 2244d

I think it is a great idea and something that should bring more footfall but I thought I'd see how it went first before going.

Philippa Bond ● 2244d

Glad you liked it Chrys. Yes everybody please take note of the free bike delivery service. Come and buy the lovely plants on foot for those who can, leave them in the safety of the creche, book a delivery slot for later in the day and then go and enjoy shopping, eating, grabbing a coffee on the High Road, Devonshire Road, Turnham Green Terrace at your leisure without carrying your purchases around.Thanks to the organisers Chiswick has the only flower market with a free bike delivery service in London.

Paul Campbell ● 2244d

"As it happens with the pandemic apart from physical health there is also mental heath and MIND has been inundated with cries for help from people who have been shielding and suffering from isolation. Also from those who are suffering from bankruptcy.."Yep and sod it to the millions of people around the world who are REALLY suffering and starving because of Covid-19.  But hey, so long as those in the Chiswick bubble can buy flowers to help with their mental state, it doesn't really matter if the risk of spreading the virus is increased.I'm alright, Jack.  Yet they blame the millennials for being the selfish I,I,I, me,me,me brigade!

Steve Taylor ● 2244d

37 cases in Hounslow per 100,000 people in the latest week 7 Sep-13 Sep. The average area in England had 18.Not doing too well are we but I will wait to see what next week's figures are before making further comment.

Adrian Irving ● 2235d

I think there were 2 flower markets that day. One where according to some, everything Was orderly and everyone wearing masks and the one I walked away from. No social distancing and very few masks and crowded.

Maureen Yakoubi ● 2235d

"Message from Kelly O’Neill Director of Public Health at Hounslow Council. Coronavirus cases in Hounslow and across London are continuing to rise. We must work together to bring these numbers down, control the spread of the virus, and continue to protect people who are vulnerable to severe symptoms of the virus. These vulnerable people will be members of our family, our friends and our neighbours for whom catching the virus could be serious and need hospital care. We must not allow a return to the high numbers of people in hospital we had between April and May – with your help we can avoid this. The rise in numbers has coincided with the easing of lockdown restrictions, the start of the school term, of working-aged people returning to their workplaces and people socialising. Similar to the national picture, the majority of our cases are working age adults aged between 20 and 50. As of Wednesday 16 September, there were 88 people who have had a confirmed positive test in the last seven days, and this number is increasing even though access to testing is proving to be a challenge."

Steve Taylor ● 2235d

The mini surge in the borough appears to be mainly centred on Hounslow with no significant rise in Chiswick where there have been 11 cases in a week according to the most recent figures - this had reached 20 before the flower market. If there has been an increase due to the event we should start seeing it feed through in the next few sets of numbers.

Francis Rowe ● 2235d

Francis, where are these breakdowns available to view on line?

Adrian Irving ● 2235d

"where are these breakdowns available to view on line?"https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/downloads/msoa_data/MSOAs_latest.xlsxTo see a map of the local areas (MSOAs), go to https://visual.parliament.uk/msoanamesand click on "See a map of MSOAs".

Richard Jennings ● 2235d

Francis, don't let facts get in the way of a good forum pile-on

Chris Jenkins ● 2235d

Thank's Richard.

Adrian Irving ● 2234d

Second wave Covid is now full on.

Steve Taylor ● 2234d

Like the overwhelming majority of Chiswick, I wholeheartedly support the Flower Market,  but in the light of the surge of Covid-19 infections both locally and nationally should October's market go ahead ?Hopefully infection rates will start to fall over the next 2 weeks so it will be able to go ahead and be another much needed successful day for Chiswick 🤞

Loraine Pemberton ● 2233d

I have just had an update from the organisers saying, among other things, that they are in consultation with Hounslow if the September event should go ahead or not.This is in the light of the national surge of infections.

Adrian Irving ● 2233d

That should have read October not September of course.Where has this year gone!

Adrian Irving ● 2233d

I'm sorry Adrian, did you just type "consultation" and "Hounslow" in the same sentence?I've just had an eye test recently, but maybe I should have another.

David Lesniak ● 2232d

My apologies David, what was I thinking.Anyway here is an extract form the update."The next market, Sunday 4th OctoberIN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT UPSURGE IN COVID INFECTIONS NATIONALLY WE ARE REVIEWING THE SITUATION. WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE LONDON BOROUGH OF HOUNSLOW AND WE MAY HAVE TO CONSIDER POSTPONING THE OCTOBER MARKET - PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE BEFORE ATTENDING.As our first markets are pilots, we have planned to rotate some of the stallholders, and to give some other new businesses from the local area the chance to come to the market.  However, all the previous and future stallholders are on our website so you can still find them and help support them during this difficult year. We have a growing waiting list of traders from other markets in London and from new businesses keen to come to Chiswick.  We want to keep what the market sells exciting and fresh!  Some changes you will see are:We are changing the layout to improve spacing within the marketWe will marshal the queue outsideWe are introducing an early morning slot for Tender Perennials (see below).We have some exciting new stallsWe will be asking visitors to wear masks from the entrance, and providing masks for anyone who says they don’t have one (Waitrose are kindly providing some masks again, but we need more, so if anyone would like to sponsor more, please get in touch info@chiswickflowermarket.com)We provided an overflow car park (at St Mary’s School) at the last market but not one car was parked there; we are delighted that you generally avoided coming by car.We look forward to seeing you at the Market, clutching your own bags to avoid plastic, keen to scoop up our fabulous flowers, plants, pots, bulbs, succulents, house plants, bouquets and all things floral and horticultural."

Adrian Irving ● 2232d