Celebrating Church Street: Past and Present
13 July 2025 | 66 Church Street & Church Street Triangle
On 13 July 2025, Mosaic Community Trust (MCT) hosted a community celebration across 66 Church Street and the Church Street Triangle, bringing residents together to honour the neighbourhood’s past and present. The event created space for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, reflect on local history, and celebrate what we share as a community.
MCT staff, friends, and supporters prepared the venue and welcomed residents from 11:00am. Our CEO, Lena Choudary-Salter, welcomed Westminster City Council’s Lord Mayor, Paul Dimoldenberg, and introduced the Mosaic team. Local residents Glenys Arthur and Hamza Taouzzale spoke powerfully about their lived experiences of Church Street across generations, emphasising the importance of caring for and investing in our neighbourhood.
The Lord Mayor shared reflections on Church Street’s rich history, from its role in early social housing and public health reform to its cultural legacy — including the West London Theatre, where Charlie Chaplin once performed. He highlighted influential figures such as Cllr Jean Merriton and Dr Elizabeth Jacobs, and historic moments that shaped national change. Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, also addressed guests, recognising the relevance of Mosaic’s work to her portfolio.
Inside 66 Church Street, guests explored an exhibition of 50 historical photographs from Church Street Library and ten short films capturing the neighbourhood’s life, past and present — some created by young people. Many visitors were visibly moved by the memories these stories brought back.
Outside, the celebration continued with music, dance, arts and crafts, children’s games, massage therapy provided by trained Church Street Mothers, food, cake, and tea. For over three hours, residents from across the community came together in a shared spirit of joy, pride, and connection.
Voices from the Day
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster:
“It was a pleasure and an honour to visit Church Street and meet you and the Mosaic Community Team. The Team has done an amazing job in giving confidence to more women in the Church Street area to get involved in local community affairs and contribute fully to the life of the community. I wish you every success in the future and look forward to hearing more about the work of the Mosaic Team.”
Alderman Barbara Grahame, long-time former Church Street ward councillor:
“Thank you so much for inviting me to such a lovely celebration. I’ve never seen the Triangle so happy, everyone enjoying themselves. Glenys and the Lord Mayor and Hamza spoke so interestingly. Well done for this and for everything you do for Church Street.”
H:
“The event that Mosaic held on Sunday 13th July felt that it was an inclusive event for the community. My children saw the bunting and said ‘Ah this is something for us’. They loved looking at the old videos and pictures in the studio and playing the simple games. It felt like it was an event that everyone was welcome at.”
J's mum:
“I really enjoyed my time out at the event on Sunday and I am grateful to Mosaic for organising such a wonderful event. Hearing stories of the past and present from our guest speakers brought back memories to me. I loved my massage and enjoyed spending time with my family and community.”
