Mayor of Hounslow Visits Isleworth Advent Windows

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Cllr Amy Croft, Mayor of Hounslow arrived in the HYCS van
Cllr Amy Croft, Mayor of Hounslow arrived in the HYCS van

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December 18, 2025

The streets of Isleworth lit up with festive cheer and community spirit this week as Amy Croft, Mayor of Hounslow, visited the annual Advent Windows fundraiser in support of Hounslow Youth Counselling Service (HYCS).

On 17 December, residents of Castle Road, Grainger Road and Nottingham Road welcomed the Mayor, who arrived in a Christmas-themed camper van to join the popular Advent trail. The event, streamed live on BBC London News, showcased the neighbourhood’s “living Advent calendar,” with a new illuminated window revealed each evening throughout December.

The Advent Windows tradition has already drawn hundreds of visitors this year, raising more than £1,200 to date. Organisers hope to surpass their £2,000 target by Christmas Eve, with all proceeds going to HYCS — a local charity offering free, confidential counselling to 11–25-year-olds across Hounslow.

With demand for youth mental health services rising, the fundraiser is helping ensure vital support remains accessible. HYCS operates just steps away from the TW7 streets hosting the event, making the connection between residents and the charity especially close.

During her visit, Mayor Croft toured the latest displays and thanked organisers for their commitment. “It was a joy to visit the Advent Windows and see the creativity, kindness and community spirit shining across these Isleworth streets,” she said. “HYCS provides a lifeline to young people in our borough, and I am hugely grateful to residents for choosing to support the Mayor’s Charity this year. Their efforts embody the very best of Hounslow — people coming together to make a real difference.”

Local organiser Donna Gutteridge of Castle Road described the Mayor’s presence as a welcome boost saying, “It means a lot to have the Mayor come and see what our community is doing.

“We are a normal street but have extra special people living on and around it which makes for an extraordinary community. Each year we want to make a difference, and this year we are supporting HYCS because they are helping vulnerable young people in our neighbourhoods.”

Local people turned out in large numbers for the fundraising festive event
Local people turned out in large numbers for the fundraising festive event

Patricia David, Head of Service at HYCS, said the support has been both encouraging and uplifting. “We are deeply grateful for the warmth and generosity shown by the residents of Castle, Grainger and Nottingham Roads,” she said. “As a local charity serving 11–25-year-olds across Hounslow, community support truly makes a difference. The Mayor’s visit has added to the sense of celebration, and the funds raised will help us continue offering vital counselling to young people who need someone to listen.”

How to donate

Supporters can contribute to the fundraising drive through:

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