As part of the London-wide initiative by Soul InTheCity during the summer of 2004, a team of 60 young Christian volunteers worked alongside local organisations and local police officers to make Chiswick a more green and pleasant place. From 26 to 30 July, teams spent every afternoon clearing litter and removing graffiti from Dukes Meadows, Alexandra Gardens, Stamford Brook and Homefields South.

Soul InTheCity is supported nationally by all political and church leaders. Locally support has been provided by Hounslow Council (Community Environment Team), Community in Partnership, local churches ( Christ Church, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Chiswick Christian Centre, Methodist Church, Seventh Day Adventists and Baptist Church), Friends of Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Police.

Inspector Ged Boyer, Chiswick Police Station said, “By working together on these projects, cross-community ties between all sections of the community, including residents, young people, businesses, the police and local churches have been improved. Through getting involved, people feel a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their community and not least the work we undertook made real improvements to the environment and that in itself will help to reduce the fear of crime for all.”

It wasn't all hard work however as young and old alike were treated to three evenings of free entertainment this week. Organised by the Chiswick Soul in the City team, the events were designed to provide an opportunity for the young delegates to unwind after their hard work doing community projects during the day as well as an opportunity for local people to come and join in the fun.

In Christ Church Turnham Green on Monday evening, over 100 people listened to the Gospel Choir from Chiswick Seventh Day Adventists and watched their Mime Group. For over 90 minutes, the audience were treated to a lively and uplifting performance and joined in with several of the numbers.

After the intermission, the audience enjoyed an excerpt from the Passion play written and performed by a group of 10 young people from Christ Church that was first performed earlier this year at Easter.

Tuesday evening saw an evening of family sports and activities on Turnham Green. Lively games of football, volley ball, parachutes, Frisbee and ten pin bowling were just some of the events enjoyed by all on a lovely warm summers evening. The Tuck Shop did a roaring trade selling soft drinks and snacks.

The hot barmy weather of Wednesday evening was perfect for enjoying the BBQ provided by Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and listen to the jazz provided by the Connaught Village Jazz Quartet. Over 100 local residents and delegates attended, many bringing picnics, and there was a real festival atmosphere.

This programme of entertainment is part of the Chiswick programme for SoulInTheCity during which some 60 Christian young volunteers will be working alongside local organisations on a variety projects to bring about permanent improvement to our community.  Further details are available on the July magazine page on www.christchurch-tg.org.uk

Endorsements for Soul in the City from leading public figures, including Prime Minister Tony Blair, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev Rowan Williams, and Rev Joel Edwards of the Evangelical Alliance can be found at: www.soulinthecity.co.uk.