Today in Feltham, Freddie’s sister Kashmira Bulsara and her son Samuel, were joined by Tony Louki the Mayor of Hounslow and The Lord Bilimoria CBE DL at the unveiling of Freddie Mercury Close.
At a ceremony surrounded by friends, family, residents and fans of Freddie and all the UK Committee members and supporters of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), Kashmira pulled back the special cover to reveal the new street name. The sign is placed outside the WZO’s head office, a Faith Group into which Freddie was born and remained up until his death. The WZO is now housed at 1 Freddie Mercury Close.
‘Councillor Tony Louki, Mayor of Hounslow said: ‘We are delighted to be here today further commemorating this talented star and adopted son, someone who entertained so many people during his lifetime. Although Freddie Mercury died in 1991, his legacy lives on through his wonderful music a blue plaque at Gladstone Avenue as well as his being fondly remembered by fans worldwide that especially visit this town. Freddie is also graciously honoured by the Friends of Feltham Pond, residents led by Angela Parton, who also maintain and tend the recently refurbished memorial space around the now thriving tree on Feltham High Street planted by the late Jer Bulsara, his Mother. I must thank The World Zoroastrian Organisation for organising today’s event and salute its now most appropriate and unique address of 1 Freddie Mercury Close, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 5DF”.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Parks and Leisure said: “I am so pleased to be here today to see the unveiling of Freddie Mercury Close, which just adds to the wonderful cultural aspects of Feltham and the borough as a whole. Personally, I have always been a huge fan of Queen - who can forget their powerful performance at Live Aid in July 1985 just six years before he died. It was also a great pleasure to meet Kashmira, his sister so a big thanks is due to her for coming here today and helping ensure that Freddie’s legacy lives on.”
The Chairman of WZO said: “The World Zoroastrian Organisation offers its sincere thanks to the Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow and the staff working in the various departments who have helped to name this street ‘Freddie Mercury Close’ in a very short time. It is therefore very fitting that the Mayor and Freddie’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, 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. Freddie was born into the Zoroastrian faith and had a home in Feltham. He is one of a number of Zoroastrian who have excelled themselves in the world of arts as in other fields."