Freddie Mercury Close

Feltham, where Freddie Mercury resided with his Bulsara family when they migrated from Zanzibar, conferred its third honor on the legendary lead singer of Queen by naming a short, secluded section of Hanworth Road starting outside World Zoroastrian House as Freddie Mercury Close. Earlier a blue plaque had been placed at the house on Gladstone Avenue where he once lived. Additionally, Friends of Feltham Pond maintain a memorial space in his honor around the tree on Feltham High Street planted by Freddie’s mother Jer Bulsara.

"I must thank the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) for organizing today’s event and salute its now most appropriate and unique address of 1 Freddie Mercury Close, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 5DF,” stated councilor Tony Louki, mayor of Hounslow at the unveiling ceremony on February 24, 2020. Also in attendance on that damp morning was Freddie’s sister Kashmira Bulsara, with family, friends, residents and fans of the legendary singer plus the committee members and supporters of WZO, according to a press release issued by WZO joint honorary secretary Darayus Motivala.
The need to name this road had been first expressed last July at an interfaith event hosted by the WZO when several guests arrived late as they could not find the venue. When discussing this issue with the mayor, Motivala had asked him whether this private section of the road could be given a unique name and postcode. What name should be used? enquired the mayor, making Motivala promptly suggest Freddie Mercury Close.
Thanking Louki and the staff working in the various departments who had helped to name this street in a very short time, WZO chairman Shahpur Captain noted, "It is therefore very fitting that the mayor and Freddie’s sister Kashmira are unveiling the street sign today in the presence of so many dignitaries including Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea and the local MP Seema Malhotra… WZO set up its headquarters and community center in Feltham a few years ago and we have been made very welcome by the local councilors, the interfaith and other local groups and associations. WZO will play its part in working with the local community.”
After the unveiling of the street name, the guests were led to the WZO community hall. Ervad Jimmy Madon, WZO’s youth coordinator, started the proceedings with a minute’s silence for Ervad Rustom Bhedwar and Ervad Marazban Dastur, followed by a short prayer with three other young priests. He then briefly outlined the principles of Zoroastrianism and gave an introduction to WZO that was founded in 1980 and has been funded by donations from individuals and charitable trusts in the UK and abroad to pursue its three principal objectives: support medical, educational and poverty-relief causes; disseminate information on Zoroastrianism and preserve Zoroastrian heritage; uphold the rights of Zoroastrians to practice their faith.
Bilimoria referred to the remarkable achievements of Zoroastrians in India, Britain and around the world and mentioned that it is in the spirit of Zoroastrianism to work hard and be at the top of their game despite being such a minuscule community. Commending WZO for its work, he remarked, "Wow! What an address to have for a Zoroastrian organization” and proceeded to quote from two of Mercury’s songs, We are the champions and Don’t stop me now.
Councilor Samia Chaudhary, cabinet member for Parks and Leisure, commented that the unveiling of Freddie Mercury Close ensures "that Freddie’s legacy lives on… (It) just adds to the wonderful, cultural aspects of Feltham and the borough as a whole. I have always been a huge fan of Queen. Who can forget their powerful performance at Live Aid in July 1985, six years before he died?” Jacky Smith who manages the Queen Fan Club described Mercury as a warm and funny man.
Born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, Mercury first studied at St Peter’s School in Panchgani, then pursued art at Isleworth Polytechnic (now West Thames College), before earning a diploma in graphic art and design in 1969 from the Ealing Art College (currently a part of University of West London). The following year he had formed the band Queen with which his name continues to be associated.
WZO president Sammy Bhiwandiwalla presented an audiovisual on notable Zoroastrians in the performing arts who were influenced by western culture. His presentation included composer-pianist Kaikhosru Shahpurji Sorabji, conductor Zubin Mehta, contemporary dancer Astad Deboo, and upcoming stars sponsored by WZO – coloratura soprano Farah Ghadiali, modern dancers Pia and Tara Sutaria and bansuri (Indian flute) player Jessica Mistry who has performed at a number of WZO events. Captain then presented medallions depicting the World Zoroastrian House to all the speakers and to Angela Parton who has been striving to preserve Mercury’s memory in Feltham with plans to turn the Mercury Memorial into a garden with a bust of the singer.
The guests then proceeded to the Setayash Gah (prayer room) to witness the boi ceremony performed by WZO’s resident priest Fali Madon and his brother Jimmy.