HP Jul-Aug 2014 - London Borough of Hillingdon

Transcription

HP Jul-Aug 2014 - London Borough of Hillingdon
July/August 2014
Free summer events
for all the family
Commemorating the
World War One centenary
Making it easier
for you to recycle
advertisements
hillingdon contents
July/August 2014
them…
ember War 1914-18
em during the First Wougrldh of Hillingdon
ill r
on Boro
eir lives
We W
o lost th ated in the Lond
those wh
or
I
A record
of
and are
commem
have always said
that we put our
18 Cover feature
residents first in
Find out more about our summer
everything we do
events and activities.
and in this edition
of Hillingdon
People you will
9 Older people’s page
find many examples of just that.
Uxbridge’s newly refurbished library
Since the introduction of
hosts the Older People’s Assembly.
HillingdonFirst, our innovative
privilege card for residents, over
10 million transactions have been
11 New school
recorded. If you have just moved
Abbotsfield School will be
into Hillingdon or haven’t signed
redeveloped as part of the council’s
up yet, you can find details of the
school building programme.
special benefits on page 27.
There is also a focus on our
12 World War One centenary
improved recycling services. Last year
Commemorative events to be held in
we increased the frequency of our free
Hillingdon’s libraries.
garden waste collections to weekly
and over 20,000 households have
signed up for our food waste collection
15 Have you considered fostering?
service. Our new clothing and textile
Hillingdon People catches up with a
collection is also proving popular,
couple who have fostered more than
with the value of the items collected
100 children.
being donated to local charities.
As part of our civic pride initiative,
we are commemorating the
21 Making recycling easier
centenary of the outbreak of the
Weekly garden waste and textile
World War One by publishing a unique
collections one year on.
book recording the names and many
profiles of the Hillingdon residents
who lost their lives serving overseas.
27 HillingdonFirst Card
I hope that We Will Remember
A look at the special benefits
Them helps readers understand the
of the scheme.
sacrifices they made. We have also
organised a range of commemorative
ents
mmer evRegulars
su
events for you in our libraries.
ily
m
fa
f
o
st
Staying with events, you will find A ho
information on a host of activities for
4 News
all ages over the next few months.
29 Hillingdon volunteers
These include the hugely popular
family fishing days being held in July
31 What’s on?
and August at Little Britain Lake, the
35 Hillingdon contact numbers
medieval festival at historic Manor
Farm in Ruislip and our FIESTA
programme, which again is packed
full of diverse activities for young
Deadline for advertising in the September/
people over the summer months. I
C o v e r p h o t o: B i g F e s t 2 013
October 2014 edition is 15 August.
hope you get an opportunity to enjoy
some of the events taking place and
Editorial and advertising enquiries Published by London Borough of Hillingdon
are able to spend time in our top
© 2014
quality parks across the borough.
Design Phil Burton 01895 250670
Emma
Gilbertson
01895
250828
Finally, in June along with the HS2
Printed by Warners Midlands PLC
[email protected]
Action Alliance we launched a new legal
Hillingdon People
challenge against the government’s
3E/07 Civic Centre
flawed high speed rail project which
High Street
will severely damage our environment.
Uxbridge
Despite the government telling us
UB8 1UW.
resistance is futile we will continue
After reading, please
Products and services advertised in
the fight, however long it takes.
this magazine are not necessarily
© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2009. Copyright in the content, design and typographical arrangement rests with the Crown. Published by London Borough of Hillingdon
Landlords
Do you have a good quality
property for rent in the
borough of Hillingdon?
To learn more about our landlord rental schemes:
please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/privatelandlords
or contact the Landlord Engagement team:
[email protected]
01895 558619
ry
uk/histo
ngdon.gov.
www.hilli
feature
hillingdon cover
feature
hillingdon cover
returns
BigFest
for
festival returns
mer of free
gs you a sum BigFest and
Hillingdon brin
events from
open-air familyFamily Fishing Fun Days.
Medfest to the ng for everyone to keep
holidays.
There’s somethi
ed during the
you entertain
Fun Day
try fishing
Family Fishing
Anyone keen to
two
Take a step
through time
loved
Hillingdon’s muchwill
l
Medieval Festiva
return to the historic
Ruislip
Manor Farm site,
August.
on Sunday 17 free
The well loved,
a packed
event will offer
historical
programme of
including
re-enactments, , a
horseback jousting knights
and
medieval jester
medieval
in combat. The
the orchard
in
ment
encamp
of the
offers members nity to
public the opportu al style
experience a mediev
with a wise
village first hand, ’s tent and
surgeon
a
,
woman
.
medieval style cooking
include a hog
Other highlights medieval
of
roast and displays . The historic
music and dancing a range of
offer
will
Barn
Great
s courtesy
arts and crafts activitiel’s Adult
Counci
of Hillingdon
additional food,
Education, with and artisan
a farmer’s market the site’s
stalls provided by Market.
regular Duck Pond ation visit
For more inform /medfest.
www.hillingdon.gov.uk
to one of
can come along fun days on
free family fishing Sunday 3
and
Sunday 20 July 9.30am and
n
August, betwee
Britain Lake,
3.30pm at Little Cowley.
Packet Boat Lane,
ction to
There will be introdu
river dipping,
fishing sessions,
face painting
a bouncy castle,
You will also
and a craft tent. experts about
to
talk
be able to
h.
fishing in the boroug
fishing is on the
Registration for
their popularity,
day and, due to
es are offered
places for all activiti served basis.
first
on a first come,
d.
will be provide
All equipment
another
This is set to be
day out so
enjoyable family there early.
get
make sure you
July/August 2014
hillingdon people
magazine
hillingdon people
magazine
This street
all the curiosities
2014, bringing travelling
a
and delights of
the magic
show, alongside ance.
of street perform will be held
This free event Street
on Uxbridge High
September
28
on Sunday
and 4pm.
between 12 noon visit the
Festival goers can a unique
y,
Travelling Treasur nce that
storytelling experie
transformed
takes place in a
can explore
caravan. Here you of Mr E, who
World
the Wonderful
strange new
has travelled to
special caravan
lands in his very weird
and collected some s. You
and wonderful artefact in the
show
a
can even watch
theatre which is
world’s smallest
ike sidecar.
mounted on a motorb alike
Children and adults s,
juggler
will marvel at the and stilt
ers
swallow
sword
entertain as
walkers who will
the crowds
they weave through
Literature
while the pop up
last year Salon - a big success vultures and
will entertain cultureattractions
bookworms. Otherrist, fairground
include a caricatu
market.
games and an Italian
the flower stall
For music lovers,
will once again
outside the station Stall Stage,
become the Flower an eclectic
with
entertaining you acts performing
mix of live music
afternoon.
throughout the
Cllr Douglas Mills,
er for
Cabinet Memb
erce and
Community, Comm
, said: “BigFest
Regeneration Hillingdon’s
of
is a celebration
scene and
rich arts and leisure
vibrantly to life.
brings Uxbridge
performances
“The range of
the family
will entertain all
residents
and I hope as many
go along to
as possible will
and enjoy
the High Street
inment that
the magical entertahas to offer.”
this unique festival ation view
inform
more
For
/bigfest.
www.hillingdon.gov.uk
contacts
about events
To find out more
visit: www.
this summer,
isure
hillingdon.gov.uk/le
18
recycle this magazine
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/privatelandlords
2
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
19
July/August 2014
Cllr Ray Puddifoot
Leader of the Council
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
endorsed by the council.
For a copy in large print or as an
audio version, call 01895 250828
3
hillingdon news
4
The council is seeking
14-18 year-old
volunteers to help run
the Summer Reading
Challenge during July
and August across all of
the borough’s libraries.
You might be based at
a specific library or asked
to promote the challenge
at various venues across
the borough including
schools, fetes, fun days
and shopping centres.
You would need to
commit to a minimum
of four hours per week.
Last year over 7,000
primary school children
in Hillingdon joined
the challenge and our
libraries are running
many activities and events
to support it during
the holiday period.
For further details
on volunteering and
the challenge visit
www.hillingdon.gov.
uk/summerreading.
Independents’ Day
Northwood Hills will
hold its second annual
Independents’ Day on
Saturday 13 September
between 11am and
4.30pm in Joel Street.
For one day, local
independent retailers are
providing special offers,
discounts and promoting
goods outside their
shops. There will also
be street entertainment
and a range of stalls.
The day will be run
by the independent
businesses in conjunction
with Northwood Hills
Residents’ Association.
The event will
also showcase the
area’s refurbished
shopping centre.
Cllr Douglas Mills,
Cabinet Member
for Community,
Commerce and
Regeneration, said:
“Independents’ Day is a
great opportunity to show
the value of independent
shops to our community
and encourage footfall
to local shops.”
by Hillingdon Council.
Michael Aslam of
Reading pleaded guilty
to two offences of
breaching planning
enforcement notices.
The matter was referred
to Isleworth Crown
Court for sentencing
and a confiscation
hearing under the
Proceeds of Crime Act.
Aslam had been
ordered to demolish an
outbuilding at the rear
of a property he owns
in Sipson Road, Sipson,
which had been used
as a bed in shed. He
also illegally used the
house and neighbouring
property as a hotel and
had been ordered to stop
but failed to comply.
He was fined £7,500 for
each offence. Under the
Proceeds of Crime Act, the
judge ordered that Aslam
must pay back £170,000
in full within six months,
or serve 30 months
imprisonment in default.
This money will be divided
between the council, HM
Treasury and the Courts
and Tribunals Service.
Cllr Keith Burrows,
Cabinet Member
for Planning,
Transportation and
Recycling, said: “It is
totally unacceptable for
rogue landlords to line
their pockets with illgotten gains and allow
families to live in poor
conditions. I hope this
sends out a clear message
that Hillingdon Council
will take action against
those who do not comply
with planning laws.”
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
Hillingdon war veterans
made a final trip to
France to commemorate
the 70th anniversary of
D-Day and the Battle
of Normandy thanks
to council funding.
Members of the West
Middlesex Normandy
Veterans Association
(NVA) Branch no.77
travelled to Normandy
to revisit the beaches
where some of them
once fought.
Fourteen members also
attended an international
ceremony on 6 June,
D-Day, at Sword
Beach, Normandy.
Former Councillor,
Shirley Harper-O’Neill
laid a wreath for the
council during the
visit on behalf of
veteran Walter Hart.
Council Leader, Ray
Puddifoot, offered to
help fund the trip, as
without financial aid
the group would have
been unable to go.
Bill Crier, Vice
chairman of the West
Middlesex NVA, said:
“It was such a nice trip.
The support we have had
Council Cabinet
from the council over the
years has been wonderful.
The funding meant a lot
to us. We couldn’t have
gone without their help.”
There will be a civic
lunch for the veterans
hosted by the Mayor
and Leader of the
Council on 16 July.
Hillingdon supports carers work
Over 30 organisations
were on hand to offer
help and advice at a
special Carers’ Fair
organised by the council
and Hillingdon Carers.
People looking after
the elderly, sick and
disabled visited the stalls
at the Pavilions Shopping
Centre in Uxbridge to
learn about the support
available to them and
those they care for.
Music was provided
by Singability and
Phyllis Nash, President of the Ruislip
Lions, Hugh Randall and Phil Stowell
with their best dressed stall
hillingdon people magazine
Following the elections,
there will be no change
to the Hillingdon Council
Cabinet, which is:
•Cllr Ray Puddifoot MBE
(Chairman)
Leader of the Council
•Cllr David Simmonds
(Vice-Chairman)
Deputy Leader of
the Council and
Cabinet Member
for Education and
Children’s Services
•Cllr Jonathan Bianco
Cabinet Member for
Finance, Property and
Business Services
P h o t o s u p p l i e d b y Wa lt e r H a r t
You can now register to
vote by providing your
name, address, date
of birth and national
insurance number online.
This is part of the move
to Individual Electoral
Registration (IER) where
everyone now has to take
individual responsibility
for ensuring they are
on the electoral register.
This replaces the old
system where one person
in a household would
submit a registration for
everyone living there.
Once a person
is registered, this is
continuous until they move
to a different address.
Most people registered
before June 2014
should be automatically
transferred to the new
register and will not
need to do anything
else. If this is the case,
you will receive a letter
from us by the end of
July confirming that
you are registered.
Some people, however,
will need to provide
additional information
in order to stay on
the register and those
will receive a letter
telling them that they
need to re-register.
If you are in any way
unsure, contact the local
Electoral Registration
Office on 01895 250251
or you can register
online at www.gov.
uk/register-to-vote.
When you apply, your
details will be checked
against government
records to make sure that
registrations are genuine.
Veterans have commemorated D-Day inbrief
P h o t o s u p p l i e d b y Wa lt e r H a r t
Young volunteers needed Rogue
landlord
hit with
Registering
hefty fine
to vote has
A rogue landlord has
been ordered to pay
just got
more than £200,000
easier
following an investigation
July/August 2014
the best dressed stall
winners, Ruislip Lions
Club, were awarded
a gift voucher by the
Mayor of Hillingdon,
Cllr Catherine Dann.
Cllr Philip
Corthorne, Cabinet
Member for Social
Services, Health and
Housing, said: “Carers
perform a valuable
role in Hillingdon and
it’s important they
are made aware of
the help and support
available to them.”
More information
and support for carers
is available at www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/carers.
•Cllr Keith Burrows
Cabinet Member
for Planning,
Transportation
and Recycling
•Cllr Philip Corthorne
Cabinet Member
for Social Services,
Health and Housing
•Cllr Douglas Mills
Cabinet Member
for Community,
Commerce and
Regeneration
•Cllr Scott
Seaman-Digby
Cabinet Member for
Central Services.
Benefit
fraud shift
From 1 July 2014,
benefit fraud will be
investigated centrally by
the Department for Work
and Pensions (DWP).
You should now
report incidents to the
DWP on 0800 854440
or visit www.gov.uk/
report-benefit-fraud.
All other fraud, such
as council tax, blue
badge and housing
tenancy should be
reported to the council’s
corporate fraud team
on its normal number
0800 3898313
For details on reporting
fraud see www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/reportfraud.
5
hillingdon news
hillingdon news
Council tax reduction
scheme consultation
During August and
September details of
the proposed changes
to the council tax
reduction scheme will
be available online for
you to have your say.
On 1 April 2013,
council tax benefit was
replaced by a local council
tax reduction scheme.
The scheme was put
in place for an initial two
year period with its impact
assessed during this time.
The council tax
reduction scheme means
that most people of
working age have to
contribute towards their
council tax. Pensioners
were transferred to
the local scheme, but
their support was
protected at the same
level as the benefit they
received previously.
Following a full review,
a new scheme is being
proposed with effect
from 1 April 2015 and
we want to make sure
that all residents have a
chance to have their say.
You can provide feedback
by completing a short
online survey at www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/counciltax.
You can also request
information and a
paper survey by calling
01895 277038.
Waste Authority closes
its site in South Ruislip
The West London Waste
Authority (WLWA) has
closed its civic amenity
site in South Ruislip
despite Hillingdon
Council offering to take
over the full financial
responsibility and
running of the site.
The regrettable move
by the WLWA to shut the
facility in Victoria Road
on 31 May comes after
the council offered to
fund the operation until
the end of June to give
the waste authority time
to reconsider its initial
decision to close the site.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot,
Leader of the Council,
said: “We wanted this
facility to remain open and
have put in a concerted
effort to make that happen.
I have for many years
questioned the financial
and operating competency
of the WLWA. This closure
is indicative of the ability
of an organisation which
really is an unnecessary
layer of bureaucracy in
local government.”
Hillingdon residents can
use the Harefield Civic
Amenity Site in New
Years Green Lane free
of charge on production
of their HillingdonFirst
card or proof of address
such as a utility bill.
Harefield Civic Amenity Site can
be used by Hillingdon residents
6
Fraudster
ordered
to repay
money
New legal
action over
HS2
Keeping
dogs and
cats cosy
Dogs and cats that are
being cared for by local
animal charities will sleep
soundly thanks to a special
delivery from the council’s
waste and recycling team.
At the end of the
academic year, the
council collects unwanted
student duvets from
Brunel University and
takes them to the Dogs
Trust in Harefield and
Battersea Dogs and
Cats Home, where they
are used for bedding.
If they were not donated
to charity, the duvets
would end up in landfill.
Cllr Keith Burrows,
Cabinet Member for
Planning, Transport
and Recycling, said: “The
council is thinking creatively
to reduce the amount of
waste that goes to landfill,
helping Brunel University
and deserving local
charities at the same time.
“This year, our waste
and recycling team
collected over 800 duvets –
300 for Battersea Dogs and
Cats Home, Old Windsor
site, and the rest for the
Dogs Trust in Harefield.
The duvet donation will
help to cut the charities’
overheads as well as giving
vulnerable pets in their
care a cosy place to sleep.”
Richard Moore, from
the Dogs Trust, added:
“We all enjoy the comfort
of a comfy bed and the
dogs in our care are no
different. Thanks to the
kind donation all of the 90
dogs currently calling Dogs
Trust Harefield home
will sleep all the better.”
For more information
about recycling in the
borough, visit www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling.
Review of polling
arrangements starts
Ahead of next year's
General Election, we
would like to hear your
views on our current
polling arrangements.
The council has started
a review of all its polling
stations and districts
which will run until
the end of September
2014 and will look at,
amongst other things,
accessibility and facilities.
Whether you were
happy, or not, with
where you voted at the
last election, we would
like to hear your views.
Details of the existing
arrangements and polling
stations are at www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/elections.
You can take part
in the consultation on
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/
haveyoursay. Alternatively,
email electoralservices@
hillingdon.gov.uk or write to
Electoral Services, London
Borough of Hillingdon,
Civic Centre, High Street,
Uxbridge, UB8 1UW.
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
Hillingdon Council and
HS2Action Alliance
have launched a new
legal challenge against
the government’s high
speed rail project.
The High Court heard
a fresh judicial review
at a one day hearing on
June 10. Judgement was
reserved for a later date.
They are challenging the
decision by the Secretary
of State for Transport
to issue safeguarding
directions without first
undertaking a Strategic
Environmental Assessment.
If the High Court
hearing on safeguarding
is successful, the current
ban on developing land
identified for the route
of Phase 1 of HS2
would be lifted and
could not be reinstated
until the Government
has completed a valid
environmental assessment.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot,
Leader of the Council,
said: “Despite the
Government telling us
that resistance is futile,
we will continue our
fight against this flawed
plan, however long
it takes. This is not a
done deal and we will
continue to challenge
the Government.
“We also remain
committed to assisting
residents’ groups and
local businesses and
will continue to help
wherever possible
with the resources and
support people need.”
Health and social
services discussed
The Hillingdon
Assembly for People
with Disabilities is an
opportunity for people
with disabilities to hear
and have their say about
issues and services that
may affect them.
At the last assembly
in June attendees took
part in group discussions
about health and
social care services.
Representatives from
Hillingdon Hospital,
Healthwatch Hillingdon,
Pillbox Pharmacies
and the council’s
Disability Service spent
time with each group,
discussing issues and
gathering feedback.
Health and social
care is a key issue for
people with disabilities in
Hillingdon and attendees
hillingdon people magazine
made the most of the
opportunity to feed back
about their experiences in
Hillingdon of hospitals,
GPs, pharmacies and
the Disability Service.
For more information
about the Assembly for
People with Disabilities
visit www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/disabilities.
July/August 2014
An investigation by
our corporate fraud
investigations team
has resulted in the
council obtaining a
Confiscation Order in
the sum of £75,536.77.
The Proceeds of Crime
Act was used to recover
the money which was
fraudulently gained and
costs of £14,463.23 at
a confiscation hearing
at the Old Bailey.
Fifty per cent of the
money will go to the
Treasury, 37.5 per cent
will be received by the
council and 12.5 per cent
will go to the HM Courts
and Tribunal Service.
This case follows a hearing
in March last year where
a former project manager
for Hillingdon Grid for
Learning, Azam Magre,
who provided IT equipment
and broadband for schools
from 2001-2010 was found
guilty of fraud and sent
to prison for two years.
Magre has six months
to pay the £75,536.77.
If he fails to do so,
he will be given a 21
month prison sentence.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot,
Leader of the Council,
said: “This is a good result
for the council. Anyone
who commits fraud on
or within Hillingdon
Council will be pursued
through the courts and
we will, where possible,
pursue their personal
assets for recovery of any
loss to the council.”
If you have any
suspicions about anyone
committing fraud, you
can call the hotline on
08003898313 or email
[email protected].
All information will be
dealt with confidentially.
inbrief
Calling all
volunteers
Mini-museum the Pram
Shed at Manor Farm,
Ruislip, is looking for
volunteers so it can stay
open for longer each day.
The Pram Shed exhibits
historical farming tools. If
you have free time and are
interested in becoming a
volunteer at the farm, email
artsvenues@hillingdon.
gov.uk or register on the
volunteers section of www.
compasstheatre.co.uk.
Care for a tree?
Trees help to make
Hillingdon one of the
greenest boroughs in
London and you can now
get involved in helping
to look after them.
To register your interest,
visit www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/parkevents and
click on ‘Care for a
tree’, where there is a
short form to fill in.
Cycle lane work
Carriage widening to
provide a safe cycle lane as
part of the Hillingdon cycle
safety scheme in Holloway
Lane and Harmondsworth
Road is taking place.
Work started on Monday
16 June and is expected to
continue for eight weeks.
There are temporary
traffic lights on weekdays
between 9am and 3.30pm.
Is your biz eligible
for rate relief?
The council will grant
business rates relief
of up to £1,000 to all
occupied retail properties
with a rateable value
of £50,000 or less that
meet qualifying criteria.
Properties should
mainly be used as shops,
restaurants, cafes or
drinking establishments.
Think you might be
entitled? Complete the
retail relief application form
which is online on www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/retailrelief.
7
hillingdon news
hillingdon older people
Trip down memory lane for Oak Farm School
Oak Farm School,
Hillingdon, has
reached a special 80th
anniversary this year.
The infant and junior
schools, together with the
Friends of Oak Farm Parent
Teacher Association (PTA),
has been celebrating this
special birthday with a range
of reminiscent activities.
A history club assembly
was held for all current
pupils which featured past
pupils from the 1930s and
40s.The former students
spoke to the infant children
sharing their memories of
the Second World War.
Two oak tree saplings,
donated by a local neighbour,
and commemorative plaques
were unveiled by former
Mayor Cllr Allan Kauffman
and Leader of the Council,
Cllr Ray Puddifoot.
Two local vintage car
owners also brought in a
1922 Talbot and 1940s
Class 9 with the vintage cars
black taxis for the children
to learn about history, sit
in and honk their horns.
The schools also held a
celebration party day on
23 May. Staff, pupils and
the PTA dressed up in
1930s clothes with classes
structured in a 1930s style.
Cllr David
Simmonds, Cabinet
Member for Education
and Children’s Services,
said: “This is a milestone
for Oak Farm. The schools
have played an important
part in the community
since 1934 and this is a
very special anniversary.
“This year’s events
will have provided the
children with a range of
special memories and
most importantly, they
will have gained a rich
historical understanding
which is an essential part
of the curriculum.”
Nabil from the juniors
and Cllr Ray Puddifoot
helping former Mayor Cllr
Kauffman to cut the ribbon
You can now report planning breaches online
The council has introduced
a new online facility to
report breaches of planning
and building regulations.
You can report
unauthorised:
•building works
•changes of use
•breaches of
planning conditions
•works carried out to
a listed building
•demolition within a
conservation area
•adverts
Unauthorised building
works are extensions,
outbuildings, roof shape
changes, porches, drives,
skylights, boundary fences,
raised platforms, solar panels
that exceed size restrictions
or do not comply with
the associated conditions
allowed under permitted
development rights.
Unauthorised development
or alterations to a business
premises is also included.
8
Changes to property
or land without
planning permission
can be the residential
use of an outbuilding,
the subdivision of a
property, houses in
multiple occupation,
a change of use of
commercial or retail site.
Buildings not in
accordance with
approved plans and
failure to submit a
detailed application or to
meet planning conditions
are also possible breaches.
For the council to be
able to properly investigate
complaints, you must
have all of the correct
information and facts
relating to the breach
before making your report.
For further details on
the incidents that can be
investigated and to report a
breach go to www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/planningenforcement.
Demolition of a structure which was unauthorised
Unuthorised change of use of green belt land
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
Assembly held in
brand new library
U
xbridge’s newly
refurbished library was
the venue for the Older
People’s Assembly in June.
The popular event is usually
held in the Middlesex Suite in the
Civic Centre but as a celebration
of the re-opening of Uxbridge
Library following a multi-million
facelift by the council, it was
decided that it would be fitting
to host the assembly there.
Attendees took part in a variety
of activities including free starter
IT sessions and tours of the stateof-the-art facilities at the library,
which includes an expanded Local
Studies and Archives service, more
computers with free wi-fi access
and an attractive new layout
The re-opening of Uxbridge
Library in April completed the
council’s £10m libraries investment
programme. All 17 libraries in the
borough have now seen substantial
improvements as part of the only
library rebuilding and refurbishment
programme in the country.
A history and World War One
commemorative remembrance
session was also held in the
revamped archives section.
The groups were shown items
from the museum collection
and the upcoming World
War One exhibition.
Vera Cook, 70, of Hillingdon,
said: “It’s a lovely building and
so light. It’s the first time I’ve
been here. I’m really impressed.
It’s nice that the assembly has
been held here today.”
There were talks from the
Northwood Live at Home Scheme
which supports older people in
retaining their independence.
Visiting speakers are often
invited to the meetings to
explain what services they offer
for older people, for example,
Age UK and Healthwatch.
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
Connie Evans, 92, of North
Hillingdon, said: “It’s different
holding the assembly in the
library. I think personally that the
assembly brings people together
from all over the borough.”
The usual question and answer
session will return at the next
assembly on 23 September at the
Civic Centre giving residents an
opportunity to have their say on
Hillingdon services for older people.
You can pre-submit a question
if you are unable to attend. If
you would like to suggest a topic
to be discussed, please email
customerengagement@hillingdon.
gov.uk or call 01895 277446.
If you don’t want to ask
your question in front of other
attendees you can raise questions
to be asked, either on the day,
or by pre-submitting them.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader
of the Council and Older
People’s Champion, said: “The
transformation of Uxbridge Library
is nothing short of spectacular and
hosting the Older People’s Assembly
was a perfect opportunity for
residents to take a tour of and see for
themselves the excellent new facilities.
“The assembly is your chance
to learn more about the services
provided by the council and our
partners and for us to listen to your
comments. Your views really do
matter and can lead to change so I
would encourage you to come to the
assembly if you haven’t been before.”
contacts
For more information on older
people’s services, visit: www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/opassembly
9
hillingdon care
hillingdon schools
Children’s Centres
delivering key
services for families
A
Parents are able to enjoy a wealth of
family-oriented services at 18 children’s
centres across the borough. Are you
aware of everything that they offer?
Hillingdon People asks managers to share
information on their programmes with you.
A
ll centres offer daily a
variety of free children’s and
family services including
stay and play sessions, health
advice and parenting support.
They work in partnership with
each other to ensure local needs
are met and they tailor services
where needed. Skilled staff run
the centres alongside employees
from different disciplines, such as
health visitors and midwives.
Zoe Chinery, Centre Manager
of Oak Farm, says health services
are the most popular at her centre
and that working closely with health
visitors and midwives is important.
“We have a baby wellbeing
clinic every Thursday morning
where parents can get advice
from a health visitor and have
their babies weighed. Our
postnatal and antenatal sessions
are also very popular.”
On a lesser known service, she adds:
“We have an Early Bird group, this
is for parents with autistic children
and it is run by Portage (homevisiting edulational service) and the
Senior Early Years Practitioner.”
Lorraine Penson, who has
overall responsibility for
council managed children’s
centres, says: “Our main priority is
to make sure that we are meeting the
needs of the community. We always
need parents to be active and let us
know if we are meeting their needs.”
She highlights the importance of
transition programmes. “We run
10
these in most of the centres. They
prepare children for nursery or
school. It is a two week intensive
programme that helps children
to get used to separation. It also
makes parents aware of the
expectations of them and their
children before they go to school.”
Six of the 18 children’s centres
are run directly by the council,
one by Uxbridge College, another
by the local charity Cornerstone
and 10 by local schools.
Paul Mathers, Head of
Yiewsley Cornerstone Children’s
Centre, explains how his centre
is different to those in the borough
and how it offers more services.
He said: “Our centre is an all age
service and offers older people’s
and community services, as well
support for children and families.
“Our stay and play sessions
are the most popular activity.
This is probably because we
have use of the church hall.”
He says that these are held four
times a week with between 20
and 25 children for each session.
Hillingdon investing
in secondary schools
The range of
services on offer at
children’s centres:
• Health services including
baby clinics, speech and
language support for young
children, dental health and
stop smoking services
• Advice on benefits rights,
employment and housing
• Stay and play sessions
• Support to access adult
learning and training
opportunities
• Advice on breastfeeding
and child nutrition
• Crèche facilities which
free up parents for adultbased activities
contacts
For a list of centres and their
services visit: www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/childrenscentres
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
bbotsfield School will
be rebuilt with excellent
modern facilities as part
of the council’s programme to
ensure every child in the borough
has a quality school place.
The announcement follows
recent news of a £28m facelift for
Northwood School by the council
to be completed by September
2016, increasing capacity to 900
pupils in an area where demand
for school places is on the rise.
Abbotsfield School for boys in
Hillingdon was originally built
in 1953 and will also benefit
from significant investment
from the council and the
government’s Priority Schools
Building Programme fund.
Swakeleys, which is a
girls’ school in Hillingdon,
will also be redeveloped as
part of the programme.
All three schemes will
complement and add to the
council’s ambitious £150m
primary school building
programme – already the
largest of its kind in London.
The council is adding
classrooms, rebuilding facilities
and boosting school premises
across the borough as part of its
ambitious building programme.
Two new primary schools
at St Andrew’s Park and Lake
Farm are on track to open
in September this year.
The council is also planning
a new primary-age school in
the West Drayton area with
capacity for three forms of entry
to open in September 2015.
Cllr David Simmonds,
Deputy Leader and Cabinet
Member for Education and
Children’s Services, said:
“The announcement of two
further brand new schools shows
once again that we are putting
families first by investing in the
very best educational facilities
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
Abbotsfield School, Hillingdon, as it is now
for our children where they are
most needed in the borough.”
Headteacher of Abbotsfield,
Mr Mark Bland, said: “We
are very excited to be working
in partnership with Hillingdon
Council to redevelop the site. We
want to make it into a flagship
school for the 20th century.
“It’s fantastic news and we
can’t wait to move our boys in.”
contacts
For more information on
the school improvements
programme, visit: www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/sip
11
hillingdon heroes
hillingdon heroes
Events in Hillingdon to commemorate
World War One Centenary
T
his year marks the centenary
of the start of World War
One. Between July and
December, Hillingdon libraries
will be running a series of events
in the borough to commemorate
those who fought and lost their
lives during the Great War.
These events are intended to
help local people learn about the
contribution their area, or their
family, made to World War One.
The main event will be the Home
Fires and Foreign Fields exhibition
in Uxbridge Library, which will
be launched on 4 August and run
until the end of December. The
exhibits will show the effects of
the war on the people at home
and the soldiers abroad. Many of
the items on display have been
donated by local people which
underlines how the war is still
remembered by family members.
There will also be a number of
talks by experts, including historians
and authors, on various subjects
ranging from the contribution of
Sikhs in the war to the history of
local Victoria Cross winners, Robert
Ryder and Cecil Kinross, and the
beliefs of conscientious objectors.
Many of the libraries will be
holding sessions on how to trace
your own World War One ancestors
using online resources. There
will also be meetings where you
can share your memories and
memorabilia of the war and
your family’s involvement in it.
Reading groups will be looking at
books dealing with aspects of the
war and there will be a number of
poetry reading and drama sessions.
There are a number of children’s
activities, particularly during holidays
and half term which includes making
a World War One fighter plane
Sign up to receive council’s
commemorative book
The council has put together
a book to commemorate the
young men of Hillingdon who
lost their lives during the war.
This has been achieved by
taking names from memorials in
the borough, adding details from
official records, works from local
history, a gazetteer of the soldiers,
their ranks, medals, regiments
and date and place of death.
The book, We Will Remember
Them, will be given to the
borough’s schools and libraries
and also to the families of
those soldiers whose names
appear on the memorials.
If you are a relative of one of
these soldiers you can register to
12
from paper. Children will also enjoy
story times and poppy collage craft
sessions. West Drayton Library is
hosting a free interactive drama
workshop entitled Quest for the First
World War for children aged 7 to 11.
There will also be community
fêtes, afternoon tea gatherings
and coffee mornings.
The council’s library service was
awarded a grant by the Heritage
Lottery Fund to run the events.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot,
Leader of the Council, said:
“Remembering those who fought
and lost their lives in World War
One is extremely important.
“There are a range of events
happening in the borough over
the next few months and I would
encourage people to go and find
out more about our nation’s history
and the sacrifice made by so many
young people of that generation.”
Event
Northwood community arts
exhibition. St. John’s VAD Hospital.
The British Postal Museum
and Archive display of the Last
Post exhibition.
World War One sing-a-long
and coffee morning.
‘Coffee and Conversation’. A guest
speaker from SSAFA will be talking
about how the charity provides
lifelong support for our forces and
their families. Booking essentail.
‘The Post Office in the Great War’.
Duncan Campbell-Smith, author
and historian.
Family memories session.
receive up to a
maximum of
two copies per
family free of
charge - additional
copies can be
requested at a cost
of £8 each which
includes postage
and packing (UK
Mainland only).
Online forms
can be found at
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/history or
if you would prefer to receive
and fill out a hard copy of the
form, please contact Charmian
Baker, on 01895 558107 or
email [email protected].
Lo
ry
n.gov.uk/histo
www.hillingdo
Northwood 21 June – 4 July
Charville
1July – 31July
Uxbridge
4 July
10am to 12pm
Ickenham 17 July
10am to 11.30am
Charville
South
Ruislip
Creative writing or art competition Uxbridge
for adults and children.
Displays on Hayes and Harlington Harlington
during World War One. War poetry
and the changing role of women.
‘Harefield’s VCs, Ryder and Kinross’ Harefield
by Harefield History Society.
Harefield
Harefield Village History Day.
Bring in items to do with World
War One. Refreshments.
‘Home Fires and Foreign Fields’ Uxbridge
exhibition’.
Sgt. Bristow, RAF Northolt.
Manor
Northolt and World War One.
Farm
Community fête. Activities for families Botwell
from the period including: train to be Green
a Tommy with Greenwich leisure,
maypole dancing, games and songs.
Great War animal crafts.
Ruislip
Children's craft session.
Manor
Great War trench building.
Ruislip
Children's craft session.
Manor
Children’s poetry event. Using poetry Hayes End
from that era as a basis for the event.
World War One sing-a-long tea party. Harlington
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and are comm
Library/venue When
21 July
11am to 12pm
28 July
3pm to 4pm
August –
December
August –
December
2 August
11am to 12pm
2 August
9am to 5pm
4 August –
31 December
5 August
2pm to 4pm
6 August
1pm to 5pm
6 August
3pm to 5pm
7 August
2pm to 4pm
11 August
2pm to 3pm
8 August
2pm to 4pm
Children's craft event.
Hayes End 16 August
Make a toy from that era.
11pm to 12pm
Find your World War One ancestors Yeading
16 August
online. Booking essential.
10am to 12pm
‘The Road to War’. An overview of Charville 18 August
11am to 12pm
some of the major social, political
and economic changes before 1914.
Louise Henshaw, historian.
Event
Harefield World War One
Harefield
Poetry Group.
World War One poets.
Eastcote
Talk by Clive Room, Royal British
Legion. Booking essential.
Coffee Morning. Share your stories Hayes End
of relatives from World War One and
find your World War One ancestors
online. Booking essential.
‘What Would Soldiers Want?’.
Uxbridge
Children’s craft session.
Uxbridge
‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’.
An evening of World War One
entertainment from Curtain Up! The
Uxbridge Library Playreading Group.
‘My Father’s War’ by Mr. Stanley,
Yeading
a Yeading resident.
Share your memories of your World Uxbridge
War I ancestors. We invite those who
have lent material for ‘Home Fires
and Foreign Fields’ and anyone else
who has memorabilia to come
together to talk about their ancestors.
Sgt. Mark Bristow ‘Life in the
Ruislip
Trenches’, followed by coffee and cake Manor
sale. Proceeds to the British Legion.
Ancestry silver surfer I.T. session. Ruislip
Manor
‘Britain in 1914’. Author Nigel Jones. Uxbridge
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
18 August
Check with Home
Library Service for
venues and times
19 August
3pm to 4.30pm
22 August
2pm to 4pm
26 August
7pm to 9pm
27 August
2pm to 3pm
27 August
10.30am to 11.30am
1 September
10.30am to 12pm
5 September
7.30pm to 10pm
5 September
11am to 12 noon
6 September
10.30am to 12pm
9 September
2pm to 3.30pm
10 September
2pm to 4pm
10 September
8.15pm to 10pm
Coffee morning. Share the memories; Oak Farm 12 September
remembrance of family World War One.
11am to 12pm
Creative writing group. Write about Yeading
15 September
your thoughts on World War One.
10am to 12pm
‘Coffee and Conversation’. Kathleen Ickenham 16 September
10am to 11.30am
Pearce's Family album. Local historian
Ken Pearce will be talking about Kathleen
Pearce who served in the RAF during
the World War One. Booking essential.
Continued on next page...
Please note that some events may be subject to change or require tickets so
please check with the library or on the council website for up to date information.
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
Library/venue When
First World War show-and-tell
Mobile
session. Bring along photos and
Library
objects from 1914–18 and share
your family stories.
World War One afternoon tea. Come West
and join us for a World War One
Drayton
themed afternoon tea. Winners will be
announced for the children's poetry
and colouring competitions. Simple
crafts session available for children.
Family craft event. Making a toy.
Harlington
contacts
For more information on the
planned events visit: www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/history
13
hillingdon heroes
hillingdon care
Events in Hillingdon to commemorate World War One Centenary
...continued from previous page
Event
Library/venue When
Coffee morning. Bring in World War Northwood
One memorabilia to share.
Hills
Community day to celebrate the
Hayes End
commemorations. Songs, dances, Community
activities for adults/children.
Centre
‘Hillingdon in the First World War’. St. John’s
Talk by C. Cotton.
Church,
Hillingdon
The valuable work of the homing Charville
pigeons during World War One.
World War One commemorative tea Yiewsley
party. Launch event for Yiewsley’s
autumn remembrance program.
Find your World War One ancestors Eastcote
online. Booking essential.
Northolt and World War One, Sgt. South
Bristow, RAF Northolt.
Ruislip
West
World War One poetry evening.
Come along and listen to or read Drayton
your favourite World War One
poem. Take the opportunity to read
your own poetry on this theme.
Refreshments provided.
Reading Group. ‘Bird Song’
Yeading
by Sebastian Faulks.
Find your World War One ancestors Yiewsley
online. Booking essential.
Find your World War One ancestors Eastcote
online. Booking essential.
‘Handy Craft’. Create your own
Yeading
poppy in crochet.
‘Bless 'Em All’. Trace your World Ickenham
War One ancestors using online
resources including military records.
‘Soldiers of Providence’.
Uxbridge
Talk by Paul Davidson.
18 September
10.30am to 12pm
19 September
10am to 3pm
20 September
tbc
25 September
11am to 12pm
27 September
1pm to 3pm
6 and 8 October
9.30am to 11.30am
9 October
2pm to 4pm
9 October
7pm to 9pm
9 October
10.30am to 11.30am
9 October
10am to 11.30am
10 October
9.30am to 11.30am
15 October
1.30pm to 3pm
16 October
10am to 11.30am
17 October
7pm to 10pm
Centenary Fields Programme
Hillingdon Council has completed an application
to take part in the Centenary Fields Programme.
The Royal British Legion and Fields in Trust (which
is supported by HRH The Duke of Cambridge) are
leading a nationwide initiative aimed at securing
recreational space in honour of the memory of millions
of people who lost their lives in World War One.
The objective of the programme is to encourage
every local authority to nominate at least one
recreational space as a centenary field.
Hillingdon has nominated Harefield Village Green.
The hope is that this will create a tangible local legacy
that will be valued by the community for generations
to come. It will also protect the green space.
The initiative is also in keeping with the spirit of the
Armed Forces Covenant that our borough is committed to.
Honouring VC Heroes
As part of a national commemoration of the anniversary,
councils across the country will receive pavement plaques
to install in honour of Victoria Cross recipients.
Two plaques will be unveiled at the Harefield
War Memorial in memory of Robert Ryder VC
and Cecil Kinross VC on 4 November 2014.
14
Event
Library/venue When
‘Dogs in the Great War’
Charville
by library staff.
Find your World War One ancestors Northwood
online. Booking essential.
Hills
‘We Need You’. Create a
Oak Farm
recruitment poster for World
War One as part of a workshop
exploring art and advertising
during the period.
‘Glory Days’. Computer game for Charville
children age 6 to 11 years.
‘Quest for the First World War’.
West
Free interactive drama workshop. Drayton
Suitable for children aged 7 to 11
years. Booking required.
‘Empire, Faith and War: The Sikhs Botwell
and World War One’. An illustrated Green
talk by Parmjit Singh, UK Punjab
Heritage Association.
Animal stories from the web.
Charville
Children age 6 to 11 years.
Children’s session. World War One South
poem plus M. Morpurgo.
Ruislip
‘Biggles Flies Again’. Children’s
Uxbridge
craft session on the RAF.
‘Glory Days’. Football in times of Ickenham
War. Children's activity suitable for
age 7+ years. Booking essential.
Find your World War One ancestors Harlington
online. Booking essential.
‘Life in the Trenches’.
Uxbridge
Author Peter Hart.
Read aloud session for adults.
Hayes End
Reading poetry from World War One.
Mother and child making a large Charville
poppy. Rhyme Time pre-school.
Poetry event. Remembrance.
Manor
Farm
Poppy collage. Children's
Yiewsley
storytime event.
Charity quiz night with all proceeds Ickenham
going to the Royal British Legion.
Kathyrn McCord member of staff Yeading
will help you find your World War
One ancestors online.
‘Then and Now 1914’. Reflection
Yeading
of changes since World War One. Junior
Booking essential.
School
Ben Copsey of the Peace Pledge Uxbridge
Union. Conscription and conscience.
‘An Army Chaplain’s Work During Charville
the Great War’. Rev Dr Peter
Howson a former army chaplin
and author.
‘Coffee and Conversation’. The
Ickenham
History of RAF Northolt with guest
speaker Sgt. Mark Bristow.
Booking essential.
Coffee morning. Read World
Northwood
War One poems.
Hills
Find your World War One ancestors Oak Farm
online. Booking essential.
Reading Aloud. Poetry from
Yiewsley
World War One.
‘We Will Remember Them’.
Uxbridge
Researching those who died from
Hillingdon. Talk on the work of Tanya
Britton, historian.
Anzac Centenary Celebration.
Harefield
23 October
11am to 12pm
23 October
10.30am to 12pm
27 October
2pm to 3pm
28 October
2pm
28 October
10.30am to
11.30am
30 October
6pm
30 October
2pm
30 October
2pm to 3pm
30 October
10.30am to 12pm
30 October
3pm to 4pm
31 October
10am to 12pm
31 October
7.30pm to 10pm
6 November
10am to 11am
7 November
10am to 10.30am
7 November
7pm to 10pm
7 November
10am to 11am
7 November
7pm for a 7.30pm
8 November
1pm to 3pm
11 November
1pm to 3pm
14 November
7pm to 10pm
17 November
11am to 12pm
18 November
10am to 11.30am
20 November
10.30am to 12pm
21 November
10am to 12pm
29 November
10am to 11am
5 December
7pm to 10pm
25 April 2015
10am to 11am
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
V
iennetta and Simon Basterfield
have fostered more than
100 children for Hillingdon
Council over a 13 year period.
Hillingdon People caught up with
them to find out more about the
role and their motivation to foster.
Having raised seven children
and their youngest son home
regularly from university,
Viennetta and Simon are at ease
with a house full of children.
The couple also work full time
- Viennetta as a housing support
officer and Simon a freight handler
at Heathrow Airport. Alongside their
work schedules, they manage to find
time in their lives to foster children
and young people of all ages.
Asked how they fit it all in, Viennetta
says it helps they work shifts. “There’s
always someone to take the children
to and from school. It’s about juggling
everything and it works well for us.”
People who work full-time or
have busy social lives may think
that they wouldn’t be able to foster.
But Viennetta says otherwise: “To
those who think they wouldn’t
have enough time, I would say try
it…you definitely can foster even
if you have busy social lives.”
Viennetta and Simon have
fostered children of all ages, from
toddlers to teenagers, as well as
brothers and sisters and emergency
placements. Some of the children
live in the UK, but others arrive
through Heathrow seeking asylum.
What age group do the couple
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
prefer caring for? Viennetta says
she enjoys looking after all children,
but adds: “I like teenagers. I don’t
mind the challenging behaviour
some bring. It can be hard work!”
She says teens are often used to
doing what they want – it’s part of
growing up – and they don’t always
have the same ground rules. She
knows that her job as a foster carer
is caring for them, making time to
listen, providing encouragement
and a loving home, at the same
time managing the boundaries and
giving them an opportunity to grow
and move on to independence.
On brothers and sisters, the
couple say this doesn’t necessarily
create more of a challenge. “We
have got two children at the
moment. They’ve been with us since
September last year. When there
are two children they don’t feel left
out in certain social situations. It
makes it easier for them to have a
companion and it is less scary.”
The previous set of siblings that
they fostered are still in touch. They
have moved away, but Viennetta
says she had promised to buy one
a prom dress, so when she visited
recently, they went shopping
together. Because they build up
a strong and caring relationship
with the children they see a lot of
them after they have moved on.
What made the couple decide to
foster? Viennetta says her mother died
when she was born and her husband
never knew his father. Her stepmother
brought her up and she says: “She
made me the person I am today.
“My husband and I wanted to
give something back because of they
way we were brought up. There was
always someone there for me and I
want that for the children I foster.”
Viennetta says that if someone out
there thinks that they are too busy to
foster or couldn’t look after teenagers
or brothers and sisters, they should
really re-consider. Fostering offers
stability for any child or young
person and Simon adds: “As long
as you are part of something
stable in life, you will do well.”
Vienetta says: “In many
aspects of our lives we face the
unknown. This can be worrying
or frightening. It’s taking that
first step that is important.”
The council is calling for
more prospective carers to
come forward, particularly
those from black and Asian
communities, and people able
to foster teenagers, parent
and child and sibling groups.
Families are needed for
children of all ages and
backgrounds, some will be
part of sibling groups and
others may have special,
additional or complex needs.
contacts
To find out more about becoming
a Hillingdon foster carer, visit:
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering
15
hillingdon environment
hillingdon environment
Youth Council
younger
members play
their part in
London in Bloom
Hillingdon in Bloom, London in Bloom
and Britain in Bloom judging is taking place
throughout the summer with residents of all ages hard
at work ensuring the borough is attractive for everyone.
H
illingdon in Bloom was
launched in April at the Rural
Activities Garden Centre and
the winners will be announced at
the Autumn Show in September.
Efforts to keep the borough looking
tidy, green and vibrant will also play
a part in our entry for the London
and Britain in Bloom competitions.
Judges from the Royal
Horticultural Society (RHS)
will tour the borough from
28 July – 8 August to assess
the area’s achievements.
Picturesque
places on the
judge’s list to visit
include conservation
areas, natural habitats, and
our many award-winning
parks and open spaces. They
will also consider civic pride,
enthusiasm and overall cleanliness.
Winners are announced at
the Britain in Bloom UK Finals
Awards Ceremony in Bristol
on Thursday 16 October.
Get growing for the Autumn Show
Hillingdon is set to hold its
second Autumn Show on
Saturday 20 September at
the Civic Centre in Uxbridge
following last year’s success.
The fruit and vegetable growing
competition is free to enter and
open to everyone, regardless
of gardening experience.
There are competition classes for a
variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs –
so plenty of opportunity to win prizes,
which include gardening equipment
and garden centre gift vouchers.
There is also an art competition
where you can paint, draw,
sculpt or photograph an exhibit
with a vegetable theme.
A dedicated children’s section
for the under-15s is split into
three age group categories and
focuses on cress, ornamental
gardens and vegetable art.
Judging at the exhibition takes
place in the morning with the event
open to the public from 12 noon.
16
You can pick up application
forms from the borough’s libraries
or apply online at www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/bloom. Applications close
at 5pm on 10 September.
Once registered, you will receive
an information pack detailing the
rules and more information.
Capture
the summer
Remember to send us
your photographs of the
borough’s parks and open
spaces as part of our annual
photography competition.
Capture your favourite
spots to be in with a chance
of winning a canvass of your
photo, courtesy of Kodak
Express, High Street, Ruislip.
There are two categories:
under-16s and adults.
You’ll have to be quick
as the closing date is the
end of July. Winners will be
announced at the Hillingdon
in Bloom prize giving
ceremony in September.
View terms and
conditions online at www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/bloom.
Helping to keep the borough tidy
Ruislip Eastcote Northwood
District Explorer Scouts have
been out across the borough
in June litter picking for
Scout Community Week.
Scouts aged between 14 and
18 took part in various clean-up
sessions at a number of the area’s
parks and green spaces including,
Eastcote House Gardens, Warrender
Park, Eastcote, Ruislip Lido
and Hogs Back, Northwood.
Fifteen young people and adults
filled eight bags of rubbish in 90
minutes at Ruislip Lido, drawing
numerous positive comments from
the public for their good work.
Young people from Green
Corridor, Canon corporate
volunteers, local Scouts and
Guides, River Pinn volunteers and
Yeading Brook volunteers, have also
been helping the council’s green
spaces team to clear Himalayan
Balsam in Hillingdon this year
by pulling it out by hand.
Himalayan Balsam is a non-native
plant that is classed as a weed because
it grows quickly and smothers other
flowers and grasses. It also blocks
the flow of rivers in the summer.
Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet
Member for Finance, Property
and Business Services, said: “I
would like to thank the volunteers
for their great efforts in helping
us tidy up the borough and weed
the Himalayan Balsam. Their
help makes such a difference to
residents and visitors who enjoy
spending time in our green spaces.”
To take part in Himalayan
Balsam removal and other
volunteering events in the borough’s
parks and green spaces, visit
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/greenspaces.
Youth Council younger members
have been learning how to cultivate
gardens for London in Bloom by
planting tomatoes, French beans
and beetroot from Hillingdon
Council’s Rural Activities Garden
Centre in planters at the front
of the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.
When the fruit and vegetables
are fully grown, people passing
by can pick the healthy
produce and take it home.
Cllr David Simmonds,
Deputy Leader of Hillingdon
Council and Cabinet Member
for Education and Children’s
Services, said: “Our Youth
Council younger members are
always happy to participate in
rewarding community projects and
I look forward to seeing the fruits
of their labours flourishing in the
planters around the Civic Centre.”
Youth Council younger members
planting fruit and veg
Girl Guides
removing
Himalayan
Balsam from
Yeading Brook
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
17
hillingdon cover feature
hillingdon cover feature
A host of family summer events
Hillingdon brings you a summer of free
open-air family events from BigFest and
Medfest to the Family Fishing Fun Days.
There’s something for everyone to keep
you entertained during the holidays.
BigFest returns
Take a step
through time
Hillingdon’s much loved
Medieval Festival will
return to the historic
Manor Farm site, Ruislip
on Sunday 17 August.
The well loved, free
event will offer a packed
programme of historical
re-enactments, including
horseback jousting, a
medieval jester and knights
in combat. The medieval
encampment in the orchard
offers members of the
public the opportunity to
experience a medieval style
village first hand, with a wise
woman, a surgeon’s tent and
medieval style cooking.
Other highlights include a hog
roast and displays of medieval
music and dancing. The historic
Great Barn will offer a range of
arts and crafts activities courtesy
of Hillingdon Council’s Adult
Education, with additional food,
a farmer’s market and artisan
stalls provided by the site’s
regular Duck Pond Market.
For more information visit
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/medfest.
Family Fishing Fun Day
Anyone keen to try fishing
can come along to one of two
free family fishing fun days on
Sunday 20 July and Sunday 3
August, between 9.30am and
3.30pm at Little Britain Lake,
Packet Boat Lane, Cowley.
There will be introduction to
fishing sessions, river dipping,
a bouncy castle, face painting
and a craft tent. You will also
be able to talk to experts about
fishing in the borough.
Registration for fishing is on the
day and, due to their popularity,
places for all activities are offered
on a first come, first served basis.
All equipment will be provided.
This is set to be another
enjoyable family day out so
make sure you get there early.
18
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
This street festival returns for
2014, bringing all the curiosities
and delights of a travelling
show, alongside the magic
of street performance.
This free event will be held
on Uxbridge High Street
on Sunday 28 September
between 12 noon and 4pm.
Festival goers can visit the
Travelling Treasury, a unique
storytelling experience that
takes place in a transformed
caravan. Here you can explore
the Wonderful World of Mr E, who
has travelled to strange new
lands in his very special caravan
and collected some weird
and wonderful artefacts. You
can even watch a show in the
world’s smallest theatre which is
mounted on a motorbike sidecar.
Children and adults alike
will marvel at the jugglers,
sword swallowers and stilt
walkers who will entertain as
they weave through the crowds
while the pop up Literature
Salon - a big success last year will entertain culture vultures and
bookworms. Other attractions
include a caricaturist, fairground
games and an Italian market.
For music lovers, the flower stall
outside the station will once again
become the Flower Stall Stage,
entertaining you with an eclectic
mix of live music acts performing
throughout the afternoon.
Cllr Douglas Mills,
Cabinet Member for
Community, Commerce and
Regeneration, said: “BigFest
is a celebration of Hillingdon’s
rich arts and leisure scene and
brings Uxbridge vibrantly to life.
“The range of performances
will entertain all the family
and I hope as many residents
as possible will go along to
the High Street and enjoy
the magical entertainment that
this unique festival has to offer.”
For more information view
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/bigfest.
contacts
To find out more about events
this summer, visit: www.
hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure
19
hillingdon mayor
hillingdon environment
Introducing Hillingdon’s
new
T
Mayor
his will be an exciting year for Cllr
Catherine Dann, who was elected Mayor of
Hillingdon for a third time for 2014-15 at Hillingdon
Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday 5 June.
Cllr Dann will undertake a number of visits, participate
in a range of events and meet a variety of residents
from around the borough during her year in office.
She comes to office with a wealth of experience.
She is a councillor in Eastcote and East Ruislip
Ward and has lived in Eastcote for 37 years,
serving as a councillor for 24 of these.
She was Mayor in 2001-2002 and 2007-2008 and
has been Chairman of several council committees
and is a Governor of Bishop Ramsey Church of
England School and Newnham Junior School.
She is also President of the Eastcote branch of the
Royal British Legion, President of Eastcote Horticultural
Society, President of the ACORN Youth Club (for
young people with learning difficulties) and Trustee
of the Ruislip-Northwood Old Folks Association.
The Mayoress is Mrs Rita Kilroy. The
Deputy Mayor is Cllr George Cooper and the
Deputy Mayoress, Cllr Judith Cooper.
Organisations gain from
Mayor’s Charity Appeal
Former Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Allan and Lynne Kauffman gave
seven charities money at a special gathering in the Mayor’s parlour.
The presentation followed a year of fundraising during their time in office.
The couple would like to thank everyone for helping them to far exceed
their fundraising target. The mayoralty covered 973 events and raised a
grand total of £88,276 which will go to their seven chosen charities.
They will also support Hillingdon Hospital neo-natal unit by buying an incubator.
While other councils cut back, Hillingdon
Council has been putting its residents first by
introducing new and improved weekly recycling
collections. Hillingdon People reports on the
services making it easier for you to recycle.
Cllr Dann, said: “It is an honour
to be the Mayor of Hillingdon. I am
looking forward to meeting many
people who visit, live and work in the
borough during my year in office.”
Cllr Dann will raise money for
Michael Sobell Hospice as part
of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.
Both the Mayor and Mayoress
have personal experience of the
services Michael Sobell Hospice
offers and the comfort, help and
support they provide both for
patients and their families.
Michael Sobell Hospice will
be providing the Mayor with
a list of items and services
they wish to purchase for the
benefit of local people, their
families, friends and carers.
contacts
You can donate to the Mayor’s
Charity by sending a cheque
made payable to Mayor’s
Charity Appeal 2014/15
to Mayor’s Parlour, Civic
Centre, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW.
20
Making it easier
for you to recycle
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
Textile recycling Garden waste
Food waste
It’s nearly a year since the
council introduced doorstep
textile collections. Thousands
of you have been putting your
unwanted clothes and other
textiles into the purple tinted
bags which are delivered to you.
You can recycle all unsoiled
clothes, shoes, curtains, towels,
handbags and soft toys. Please
firmly tie the bags and leave them
for collection alongside your other
recycling. They are separated
from the other dry recycling when
the lorry deposits its load. It is
then sent to a textile merchant.
In the first nine months of this
service, £29,000 has been raised
which will be donated to charity.
Remember you can order
purple bags online or pick them
up from your local library.
Since October 2013, you’ve
also had the option to recycle
your food waste for free with
your regular weekly collections.
About 20,000 households
have signed up to the food waste
scheme, helping reduce the amount
of rubbish going to landfill.
You can recycle bread, pastries,
cakes, fruit, vegetables, cereals,
rice, pasta, tea bags and leaves,
coffee grounds, dairy produce,
small amounts of butter and
lard, food scrapings, pet food,
paper and kitchen towels.
You can order a kitchen caddy
to dispose your waste in your
kitchen, rolls of biodegradable
corn starch bags to line your caddy
and a 23 litre external food storage
bin (with self locking lid) online.
Food waste is collected
each week by the same crew
who collect garden waste.
As well as introducing textile
recycling, we’ve also been collecting
garden waste weekly for a year.
Just place items - including
dead flowers, fruit and vegetable
peelings, grass cuttings, leaves,
hedge clippings and weeds – in
your garden waste sacks and leave
out on your regular collection day.
Every residential property
with gardens should have three
heavy duty canvass bags. Worn or
damaged sacks will be replaced for
free, which you can order online.
Did you know? If you have a
large garden and find that three
bags are not enough, you can
purchase up to three additional
sacks at a cost of £5 each.
Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation
and Recycling, said: “To help protect the environment it’s
important that we make recycling as easy as possible and
the new services we have introduced are doing just that.”
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
contacts
For more on recycling
visit: www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/recycling
21
hillingdon health
Get fit this summer
T
here’s no better time to start
walking, jogging or running,
the weather is beautiful
and the borough’s green spaces
are waiting to be explored.
Our back to sport sessions will help
you to try a new sport or re-acquaint
you with a former favourite activity.
The sessions are inexpensive
and you’ll get a range of health
benefits both physical and mental.
O
ur borough has close links to
the Armed Forces with large
numbers of serving personnel
living in Hillingdon, alongside
numerous ex-service personnel,
war veterans and their families.
RAF Northolt in South
Ruislip has a long tradition of
holding events for the public.
More than 20,000 people flocked
to see the Hawker Hurricane
aircraft at the 1938 Empire Air Day.
The base still attracts crowds,
with 8,000 people attending its
open day on 14 June this year.
The council and RAF Northolt
received £24,000 from the Ministry of
Defence’s Armed Forces Community
Jog it off is part of this programme.
We run free adult jogging and
walking sessions for all abilities
led by experienced runners.
You will begin at an appropriate
level and if you need to adjust the pace
the leader will adapt the session to suit.
Details of sessions are below.
A 3km run, jog and walk loop
has been recently installed on
Hillingdon House Farm.
The 321 Loop, at the back of
Hillingdon Athletic Stadium,
is a jogging circuit divided
into 3, 2 and 1km sections as a
guide for runners or walkers.
The surface is a mix of gravel
and grass and you can run past
Park Wood and the River Pinn.
The loop is free and can be
used at any time of the day.
Cllr Philip Corthorne,
Cabinet Member for
Social Services, Health
and Housing, said: “By
being more active and trying
a new form of exercise,
you will start to lead a
healthier lifestyle. It’s
not important how
much you do or how
good you are, every
little helps to improve
your fitness. The back to
sport sessions don’t just
Jog it off sessions
22
Supporting our
Armed Forces
June was a special month for honouring
and supporting the Forces in Hillingdon.
Jog it off
Introducing the new
Jog it off 321 Loop
hillingdon community
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
Hillingdon
Athletic
Stadium,
Gatting Way,
UB8 1ES
5.45pm
Meet near
the athletics
track (session
45 mins)
Contact:
Sports
Development
sportsdev
@hillingdon.
gov.uk
Civic Centre,
High Street,
Uxbridge,
UB8 1UW
12.30pm
Meet on
Cricketfield
Road, outside
the Civic
Centre back
steps.
Contact:
Thomas
Peters
tpeters
@hillingdon.
gov.uk
Hillingdon
Athletics
Stadium,
Gatting Way,
UB8 1ES
5.45pm
Meet near the
athletics track
(session
45-60 mins)
Contact:
Sports
Development
sportsdev
@hillingdon.
gov.uk
Stockley Park,
UB8 3LL
(car park), just
off the Colham
roundabout
9.30am
Free eight
week course
in partnership
with Hayes
and Harlington
Road Runners.
Contact:
Jack Nisbet
jack.nisbet
@talk21.com
www.hhroad
runners.com
Ruislip Lido
car park,
Reservoir
Road,
Ruislip,
HA4 7TY
9.45am
Contact:
John Doyle or
Tony Bennit
j.doyle
@mail.com
Covenant Grant Scheme to provide
2,000 free community tickets to
young people and force veterans.
The open day kicked off in style
with the Queen’s Birthday Flypast,
which included a range of in-service
aircraft plus the Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet
Member for Community,
Commerce and Regeneration,
said: “The RAF open day was a
fantastic occasion which showcased
Northolt and enabled residents,
visitors, serving personnel, exservice personnel and their families
to come together as a community
to view the exciting displays.”
Flag raised
for Armed
Forces Week
A special flag raising ceremony
was held at the Civic Centre,
Uxbridge on Monday 23 June
to mark Armed Forces Week.
This is a national event which
raises public awareness of the
contribution made to our country
by those who serve and have served
in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
focus on jogging, a range of sports
are there to cater to your taste.”
You can take part in a number
of back to sport activities,
including badminton, fencing, golf,
netball, swimming and tennis.
contacts
If you’re interested in
participating in back to sport
sessions you can fill in a
registration form online. For
other sports, further details
and session information, visit:
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/back2
Pledge online to be more
active: www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/change4life
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
contacts
For more information, help
and support for people who
serve or have served in
the armed forces and their
families, visit: www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/servicepersonnel
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
23
hillingdon cuture
hillingdon culture
What’s on offer at Manor Farm
Manor Farm, Hillingdon’s flagship
heritage and culture site, set in 22 acres
of beautiful grounds with a unique
collection of community spaces, historic
buildings, and landscape features, is
well worth exploring this summer.
Where is it?
It is located at the north end of
Ruislip High Street, close to public
transport links with those visiting
by car able to park in St Martin’s
car park, adjacent to the site.
Restoration took place on the
site between 2007 and 2008 with
funding from the council and the
Heritage Lottery Fund. Events
are regularly held at various
locations on the site and is open
to the public all year round.
The Manor
Farm House
This is a Grade II listed building
built between 1506 and 1511.
Admission to the house is free and
here you will find an interactive
display illustrating the history of
the entire site. It also contains
a range of artefacts that were
uncovered during the restoration.
24
Winston Churchill
Theatre and Hall
This building was refurbished in
March 2011 thanks to a grant
from the council. The theatre
can seat up to 350 people and
includes a kitchen and lounge
area, which increases the scope
of its use by the community.
The Cow Byre Tea
Room and Art Gallery
Great Barn
The Little Barn: The
Manor Farm Library
The Great Barn is a unique and
exclusive venue and is believed to
be the oldest timber frame building
of its type in Greater London.
It is also Grade II listed and was
built between 1280 and 1300
from trees felled in Ruislip Woods.
Over 36m long and 9m wide, the
barn is used for functions and can
be privately hired for weddings,
conferences, concerts and shows.
This barn dates from the 16th century
and was renovated as part of the
borough-wide library refurbishment
programme. A copy of the Domesday
Book can be viewed here. There are a
number of PCs, a children and adult’s
library, an online library, photocopying
facilities, wi-fi access, a study area
and newspapers and magazines.
Details can be found on our website
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/manorfarm.
The Arts and Crafts
Workshop Sheds
Motte and Bailey
castle remains
The Pram Shed Museum is a small
building near to the Manor Farm
House which exhibits farming tools.
The motte (mound) is a scheduled
monument which means it is a
nationally important archaeological
site. You can view the remains of
the motte and bailey castle which is
believed to date from shortly after
the Norman Conquest of England.
Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet
Member of Community.
Commerce and Regeneration,
said: “Manor Farm is a venue which
is steeped in history and I would
encourage residents and visitors
to go and see what it has to offer.
“At the Manor Farm House you will
find out about the site’s rich history,
the Great Barn is a beautiful venue
for weddings and other events and the
refurbished library offers an excellent
service and space for the community.”
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
hillingdon people magazine
These were also renovated and
are now fully operating workshops
used by local craftspeople,
who welcome visitors.
The Pram Shed
This building dates back to the
19th century. It houses a tea room
and art gallery, used by many local
arts societies to exhibit their work.
July/August 2014
Markets
The Manor Farm site hosts the
Duck Pond Farmers’ Market on
the first Sunday of each month and
the Duck Pond Artisan Food and
Craft Market on the third Sunday
of the month. The markets are a
popular meeting place for families
and friends, with over 100 stalls to
browse from contemporary crafts
and vintage clothes to handcrafted
jewellery and organic foods
from 10am to 3pm. Admission is
free. Visit www.duckpondmarket.
co.uk to find out more.
Ruislip Country Markets are
held on Friday mornings in the
Manor Farm Community Hut,
next to St Martin’s car park. There
you’ll find fresh local produce;
vegetables, fruit, eggs, cakes, plants,
hand-made cards, knitted items,
jams, chutneys, pickles and more.
contacts
For more information
visit: www.hillingdon.
gov.uk/manorfarm
If you would like to hold an
event at Manor Farm email:
[email protected].
uk or call 01895 277643
The Great
Barn hosts
its first opera
The opera rehearsal
An acclaimed production of
Mozart’s tragicomic opera Don
Giovanni came to the barn on
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June.
Classically trained singers
from touring company Opera
Vera performed at the 12th
century building fresh from its
Covent Garden premiere.
Visitors picnicked in the
grounds of the farm before
settling down to watch as a tale
of skullduggery was brought to
life in the atmospheric barn.
Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet
Member for Community,
Commerce and Regeneration,
said: “It’s great that the Great
Barn is also being used as a
musical arts venue. We would
like to welcome more acts to
perform here and hopefully
this was the first of many.”
25
hillingdon social care
hillingdon first
Have your say on...
H
health and social
care services
ealthwatch Hillingdon, the
borough’s independent
consumer champion for
health and social care has published
its Annual Report for 2013-14,
The report, ‘Telling Your Story to
Influence Change’, which is available
on their website, outlines the first year
of local Healthwatch in Hillingdon
and shows how it has been building
its capacity and capability, while
also achieving changes which
are improving service quality.
Healthwatch works closely
with the council and NHS to
ensure the borough’s adults,
young people, children and
communities have a greater say
This unique card scheme puts residents
first by offering a range of special rates for
council parking, leisure facilities, access
to libraries and a variety of discounts at
participating businesses. Have you got yours?
on how health and social care
services are run in Hillingdon.
Working with the council is an
important part of this. Healthwatch
is involved in the Older People’s
and the Disability Assemblies,
and through these has recently
been able to improve access to
GP’s for the deaf community, by
ensuring British Sign Language
interpreters are available.
If you would like to comment
on your experience of health or
social care in the borough, you
can call 01895 272 997, email
[email protected].
uk or visit their website www.
healthwatchhillingdon.org.uk.
Assembly for
Older People
Have your say about the
services for older people
provided by Hillingdon
Council and its partners.
Tuesday 23 September 2014
2pm to 4.30pm
Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre,
Uxbridge UB8 1UW
For further information, please call
01895 250427
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/olderpeople
26
Make the most
of discounts this
summer with your
HillingdonFirst card
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
Comments by residents
about the card:
“I feel the council is looking after its residents.”
T
here are now 162,490 current
active card holders in Hillingdon
with over 10 million transactions
recorded since the HillingdonFirst
card was introduced six years ago.
If you are a new resident or
don’t yet have a card why not
apply for one now, and benefit
from the privileges it brings.
The HillingdonFirst card can be
used in a variety of ways and gives
holders a number of advantages
and discounts. It works as a library
membership card. It can also be used
as a leisure card which gives the holder
preferential rates at participating
leisure centres such as Hillingdon
Sports and Leisure, Highgrove Pool
and Fitness, Queensmead Sports and
Botwell Green Sports and Leisure.
Other benefits include discounted
parking rates across the borough
and access to the Harefield Waste
and Recycling Centre. You also
get a wide range of discounts and
rewards from the local businesses
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
“It’s truly visionary and putting something back.”
who participate
in the scheme.
“Gives residents incentives to stay local.”
You must present
your card at libraries,
Commerce and Regeneration,
shops, car parks and leisure centres
said: “This is a unique and
every time you wish to benefit from
successful scheme which not only
the facilities and preferential rates.
provides those who live in the
If you don’t already have a card,
borough with so many services at
you can order one online and
preferential rates but at the same
start to reap the benefits. You can
time is a real boost for businesses
then use your card straight away.
by encouraging residents to shop
To find out which local businesses
locally. I would recommend those
and shops are participating you
who are new to the borough
can view the online directory. Over
and those who have yet signed
350 businesses participate in the
up to do so now to benefit from
discount loyalty scheme offering
everything it has to offer.”
a range of exciting discounts.
The HillingdonFirst card doesn’t
just offer benefits to residents but is
contacts
also great for businesses. The card
If you would like to order a
provides retailers with free promotion
card, find out more, view the
through the council’s online
online business directory
directory and enables businesses
or register your business,
to build loyalty with residents.
visit: www.hillingdon.
Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet
gov.uk/hillingdonfirst
Member for Community,
27
y
l
i
m
a
F
FREE ENTRY
AND ACTIVITIES
g
n
i
h
s
F
A
Fun Days
at
Little Britain Lake
and River Colne
Sundays 20 July and
3 August 2014
9.30am to 3.30pm
Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JR
Equipment and bait provided
Catch of the Day prizes
Refreshments
Registration, for fishing, on the day only.
All activities are offered on a first come
first served basis.
Meet top angling professional
Keith Arthur
PL
U
S
al
Speak to representatives from loc
Fishing’
angling clubs and ‘Get Hooked on
Student volunteering
boosts community
For more
information
please contact
Lyn Summers
01895 556640
lsummers@
hillingdon.gov.uk
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fishing
joint initiative
between the Union
of Brunel Students
(UBS) and Hillingdon
Council is increasing
students’ involvement
in the community and
promoting civic pride.
Launched in 2013, the
Community Engagement
Project has seen students
volunteering extensively to
help the local community.
Projects range from
a reading scheme at a
local primary school and
the tidy up of gardens
at a sheltered housing
scheme to running a
workshop with Age UK
to help elderly residents
learn computer skills.
As part of the scheme,
a guide is distributed to
all students packed full
of information about the
university, services provided
by the council and how to
get involved in volunteering.
The project has also
rolled out the Silent
Students, Happy Homes
(SSHH) campaign with
local police to raise
awareness of being good
neighbours in residential
areas, which has reduced
the number of complaints
about students.
Following a successful
trial, a bus will be laid
on every Wednesday
and Saturday evening
during term time to
keep noise levels down
and students’ safe when
travelling home from
Uxbridge town centre.
University students
are also working
hard to boost local
communities through
the Brunel Volunteers
Scheme run by the
university, which also
supports the Community
Engagement Project.
In this academic year,
400 students took part,
contributing 8,777
hours of their time to
projects including a
Good Deed Day on the
streets of Uxbridge,
with funds raised going
to the Mayor’s charity.
Cllr Douglas Mills,
Cabinet Member
for Community,
Commerce and
Regeneration, said:
“These volunteering
schemes are making a
positive contribution
to the borough and
I’m delighted to see so
many Brunel students
are getting involved.”
contacts
For further details
of the Community
Engagement project, visit:
www.brunelstudents.
com/community
The website www.
brunelvolunteers.com
provides details of the
volunteering opportunities
for Brunel students
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
DASH and FIESTA
The Disablement
Association Hillingdon
(DASH) will be working
in partnership with the
council to run a four-day
activity week in August
as part of the council’s
FIESTA programme.
This is the first time
that FIESTA has included
activities for young
people with disabilities.
The programme will
offer sporting activities,
crafts, arts, teamwork
and communication
skills games.
Rob Burton, Deputy
Chief Officer of DASH,
said: “Giving young
people with disabilities
the chance to take
part in our summer
activity week is
something we feel is
important not only for
promoting a healthy
lifestyle but to allow
these young people to
meet new friends.
“Working in
partnership with the
London Borough of
Hillingdon is something
we have been doing for
a number of years and
the relationship with
the FIESTA programme
is something we
want to develop for
years to come.”
29
Fostering and adoption
information events
The school holidays are nearly here
and you’ll need plenty of ideas to
keep your children entertained.
View www.hillingdon.gov.uk/
events to see what’s happening
in the area in July and August.
at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge UB8 1UW
Only One Direction (Midnight Memories Tour)
Book your
place today
The world’s original and best One Direction tribute band
comes to Hayes as part of their 2014 theatre tour.
0800 783 1298
fost-adopt@
k
hillingdon.gov.u
Capturing the charisma, energy and enthusiasm of the famous five, this
show features songs from all three of One Direction’s smash-hit albums.
This is a perfect family friendly pop concert guaranteed to
keep you up all night complete with giveaways, audience
participation and a meet and greet with the boys.
When: Wednesday 6 August at 7pm
Where: Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE
Cost: £16. There is a £1 per ticket booking fee on this performance.
No fees for Premiere Card Members or group bookings.
Contact: Book online on www.becktheatre.org.uk or call 020 8561 8371
Medieval Festival
This popular medieval festival returns in 2014 with the usual mix of
authentic re-enactments, thrilling battles and a range of medieval curiosities.
This event will certainly bring history to life for your whole family.
If you’re interested in fostering
or adopting in Hillingdon, come
along to one of our presentations,
which will include talks from
foster carers and adopters, and
provide the opportunity to ask
questions.
Thursday 24 July
10am to 12pm
Tuesday 12 August
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Tuesday 9 September
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Thursday 25 September
10am to 12pm
Please arrive five minutes
before the start time.
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fost-adopt
When: Sunday 17 August from 11am
Where: Manor Farm Heritage Site, Ruislip
Cost: This is a free event, just turn up on the day!
DK proDuKtions presents
The Stage is Yours 2014
This is a five-day musical theatre workshop for children and
teens aged 7-14 between 25 August and 29 August. You will
rehearse songs and dance routines from hit musicals old and
new, led by skilled tutors and performers of musical theatre.
The final show will be performed on stage at 3pm on
Friday 29 August. This is a great way to learn new skills
and make new friends during the summer break.
When: Monday 25 - Friday 29 August, 10am to 4pm
Where: Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD
Cost: Places are £95 plus a £1.25 fee per booking online or £1.75
offline, unless you pay by cash or if you are a Compass Club Member.
Tickets to the Show are £5 plus a £1.25 fee per booking online or £1.75
offline, unless you pay by cash or are a Compass Club Member.
Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
31
what’s on?
Music
Lee Mead in
concert, 7.30pm
Sunday 20 July, 7.30pm
Lee Mead is best known for
winning the TV programme
Any Dream Will Do and
becoming Joseph in
London’s West End. He also
had star roles in Wicked
and Legally Blonde.
Lee has been taking his
very successful concert
show around the country
over the last three years
touring his albums. Come
and join Lee and his band
for an evening of music.
Cost: £24.50. There is
a £1 per ticket booking
fee on this performance.
No fees for Premiere
Card Members or
group bookings.
Contact: Call the Box
Office on 020 8561 8371
Beck Theatre
An evening of
Dirty Dancing
Friday 25 July, 7.30pm
Now in its fourth smash
hit year, this tribute show
is directed by Paul Spicer
with choreography by
Leanne Harwood. All
the hits from the movie
will be performed.
Cost: £19.50. Concessions
£1.50 off and 10% off
with a Premiere Card.
There is a £1 per ticket
booking fee on this
performance. No fees for
Premiere Card Members
or group bookings.
Contact: www.becktheatre.
org.uk or call the Box
Office on 020 8561 8371
Beck Theatre
Family fun day
in the park
Saturday 6 September,
11am to 4pm
Family fun day stalls, fun
fair, dancing, displays,
dog show, martial arts
display, tug of war. Fun
for all of the family.
Hayes End
Community Centre
Kids
Holiday club
Monday 28 July – Friday
1 August, 1pm to 4pm
Holiday club for children
aged 5 to 11. Activities
include games, keep fit,
crafts, singing, stories and
much more. Places must
be booked in advance.
Contact: Diane Faichney
on 01895 444406
Bell Farm Christian Centre
Summer circus skills
Saturday 13 September,
7.30pm
A Ruislip Lions charity
fundraising concert
featuring the Grimsdyke
Band. Includes licensed
bar and raffle.
Cost: £12 per ticket
Contact: Call 01895 634743
Winston Churchill Hall
Monday 4 – Friday 8 August,
10.30am to 3.30pm
Albert and Friends Instant
Circus will lead a circus
skills course where
participants can try out
stilt walking, Rolla-Bolla,
juggling, Diablo tricks, giant
ball trotting, unicycle and
tight wire walking. On the
last day families are invited
to watch the new skills
the children have learnt
throughout the week.
Cost: £90
Contact: Call 01628
675800 to book. Email
northwoodarts@artreach.
biz with enquiries.
St John’s Church,
Northwood
Family
Urban kickboxing –
junior academy
Hooray for Hollywood
Hillingdon summer
splash
Sunday 27 July, 12pm to 8pm
Hillingdon Summer Splash
is a community event
which aims to raise money
and awareness for Halo
Children’s Foundation and
32
the Chandran Foundation.
Programme includes:
organised children’s
events, steel pan music,
a masquerade fashion
show, children’s bouncy
castle, face painting, tug
of war, a variety of stalls,
Brazilian dance. There will
also be a pop up cinema
showing a Disney film.
Cost: Advance tickets:
Under 5s free, children
50p, adults £1, family
ticket £2 (two adults
and two children)
Contact: Charlotte Barrett
or Grace Nelson on 07944
219186 or 07714 770071
Connaught Recreation
Ground
Every Friday, 6pm to 7pm
Kickboxing is a great way
for children to be active
and develop co-ordination,
strength, self-confidence
and discipline. As well
as learning the art of
kickboxing, children will
also be taught about
their responsibility to use
skills appropriately.
Cost: £6 per child
Contact: Simon Wright
on 07557 645800
Hayes Rugby Club
Stars at Knight
School of Drama
Every week on a Saturday,
10.30am to 11.30am
If you’re interested in
drama and are between
the age of 7 and 11 then
this is an ideal class.
Children will enjoy drama
games, learn mime,
improvisation, stage falls
and take part in voice
and speech exercises.
Contact: For more
information or details
on other classes see
www.starsatknightschoolofdrama.co.uk.
You can also call Judy
Kelly on 020 88418940
or 07956 123626 You can
also email starsatknight@
btinternet.com
Compass Theatre
Ruislip Eagles
junior handball
Every Saturday,
10am to11.30am
Junior handball training,
open to all abilities,
for 11 to15 year olds.
Cost: £2.50 per session
Contact: development@
ruislipeagleshandball.co.uk
Uxbridge College
Sports Hall
Zumba Kids
Every Saturday
9.15am to10am
The Zumba Kids program is
the ultimate dance-fitness
party for young Zumba
fans aged 7 to11. Wear
comfy shoes and clothes.
Don’t forget to bring water.
Parents can come too!
Cost: £4 per child, £7 if you
bring a sibling or a friend.
No need to book in advance.
The Barn, Uxbridge
Summer reading
Challenge
July – September
The Mythical Maze Summer
Reading Challenge runs
between July to September
each year. It’s aimed at
primary school children and
children are encouraged
to sign up at their local
library and read six books.
You will be able to collect
stickers and other awards
along the way. A number
of events and activities
will be running in all of
the borough’s libraries.
Contact: For further
details on the Challenge
visit www.hillingdon.gov.
uk/summerreading
Cost: Free
Crafts
The Austin Sewing Club
Every week on Monday and
Tuesday, 10am to 1pm
Twice weekly sewing club
run by residents living
in Hayes. Sew and chat,
up-cycle, repair and make
your own clothes. Machines
and basic equipment
supplied. Bring your own
cotton and materials.
Biscuits also welcome!
Cost: Free
The Residents’ Meeting
Room, The Austin Estate
Craft bags
Every other week on
every weekend
Pick a craft bag from the
selection provided then
use what you find inside to
make a very special creation
that you can take home.
Suitable for children 3+
Cost: From 50p
Contact: 01895833 375
Colne Valley Park
Visitor Centre
Flower arranging
demonstration
Every second Thursday of
the month, 9.30am to 10am
Talk and demonstration
on flower arranging,
information on plants
and flowers, sales tables,
raffle and refreshments.
Cost: Membership fee
is £18 and visitors can
come along for £3
Contact: 01895 850943
Ickenham Village Hall
Leisure
Singability’s
Quiz & Sing
with chip supper
Thursday 24 July
7.30pm
Come and take part
in a light-hearted
music based quiz.
Enter a team or join
others to make up a team.
Included in the ticket price
is a tasty chip supper
(choose from fish and chips,
veggie burger and chips
or sausage and chips).
We’ll also be having a good
old fashioned sing-a-long
with performances from the
Singability Singers.
Cost: Tickets £9 (in
advance only)
Contact: Book tickets
online at www.singability.
co.uk, call 07763 912165
or in person at a session
Ickenham Village Hall
Harlington WI annual
produce show
Saturday 6 September,
1.30pm
Exhibits include handicrafts,
floral art, fresh fruit and
vegetables, cookery, james
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
and chutneys, photography
and literacy, Exhibits can
be viewed from 1.30pm and
the winners’ trophies will be
presented at 3.15pm. There
will also be refreshments,
a raffle, numerous
homemade items on sale.
Cost: Free admission
Hayes and Harlington
Community Centre
IT taster sessions
Every first Friday of the
month, 10am to 11am
Computer skills for ultimate
beginners. Learn how to use
a keyboard and a mouse.
Cost: Free
Uxbridge Library
Hillingdon Natural
History Society
Every first Wednesday,
Saturday and Sunday of
the month, 8pm to 10pm
The Society is for anyone
with an interest in natural
history and meets on
the first Wednesday of
the month. Meetings
during summer are local
outdoor evening walks
with varying subjects.
Contact: Enquiries@
hillingdon-naturalhistory
society.org.uk
Scout Headquarters,
Uxbridge and other
locations as specified
on the programme
Bowling
Club days every
Wednesday, 2pm to 8pm
Learn to play bowls,
socialise and make new
friends at Harlington
Bowling Club. You will
need to remember your
Grange Road,
Hayes, UB3 2UE
South Road, West Drayton,
Middlesex, UB7 9LW
61 Swakeleys Road,
Ickenham, UB10 8DQ
Botwell Green
Leisure Centre
Hayes, UB3 2HW
Colne Valley Park
Visitor Centre
Denham Court
Drive, Denham,
Uxbridge, UB9 5PG
Compass Theatre
Glebe Avenue,
Ickenham, UB10 8PD
Every Monday, 7.45pm class
for beginners, slow practice
session 8.30pm to 9pm,
social dancing 9pm to 11pm
Come along to these fun
sessions and learn to jive!
You don’t need to bring a
partner and you don’t need
any experience. These are
drop in classes so you don’t
need to book. These are a
great way to keep fit, meet
new people and have fun.
Contact: therockingrebels@
gmail.com or call
07951 652 083 or view
wwww.facebook.com/
therockingrebels
Cost: £5
Harefield Cricket Club
Exercise
Social bike ride
Every second Sunday
of the month
A fun, free, social bike ride
every second and fourth
Sunday of each month to
a variety of locations.
Contact: email@
bikewisegb.com
Bikewise, Ickenham
support body and mind
throughout pregnancy and
to prepare for birth. From
16 weeks until birth.
Contact: Hillingdon Leisure
Centre on 08451 307324
Hillingdon Leisure Centre
Empowering Yoga
Every week on a Thursday,
9.30am to 10.45am
Empowering yoga
classes are designed
to nourish the soul and
body, strengthen the core
and increase flexibility.
Cost: £9 per class
(Free trial class)
Contact: info@
empoweringyoga.co.uk
St Thomas More
RC Church
Learn to Nordic Walk
Every week on a Sunday,
9.30am to 10.30am
Learn the correct Nordic
Walking technique
in four weeks! Easy
to learn. No previous
experience necessary.
Walking poles provided.
Location may vary so you
can explore the green
spaces in the borough.
Cost: £25 for four sessions
Contact: Call Penny Smith
on 01895 420 409 or
email: learningmoves@
hotmail.co.uk
Stockley Park
Tappenings Tap
Dance group
Every week on a Saturday,
10am to 11.30am
Special yoga postures and
breathing techniques to
Every week on a Monday,
7.30pm to 8pm
Mixed level beginner and
intermediate tap dance
class. This is a sociable
Connaught
Recreation Ground
Hillingdon Sports and
Leisure Complex
Grange Country House
Ickenham Village Hall
Uxbridge Road,
Hillingdon UB10 OPB
Beck Theatre
Bikewise
Beginners Jive
Dance Classes
Pregnancy Yoga
Venues
Bell Farm Christian
Centre
flat shoes. All other
equipment will be provided.
Contact: Call Mrs J Fisher
on 10895 443559 or Mr F
Valentine on 01895 463757
Harlington Bowls
Club, Pinkwell Park
Rickmansworth
Road Northwood
Middlesex HA6 2RB
Gatting Way, Uxbridge,
UB8 1ES
Swakeleys Road,
Ickenham, UB10 8DG
Harefield Cricket Club
Meadows
Community Centre
Hayes and Harlington
Community Centre
Pinkwell Park
Breakspear Road North,
Harefield, UB9 6NE
Albert Road, Hayes,
Middlesex UB3 4HR
Hayes End
Community Centre
Kingsway Hayes End,
Hayes, UB3 2TZ
Hayes Rugby Club
Grosvenor Playing
Fields, Kingshill Avenue,
Hayes, UB4 8BZ
Wise Lane West
Drayton UB7 7EU
Waltham Avenue,
Hayes, UB3 1TF.
Scout Headquarters
Gatting Way,
Uxbridge, UB8 1ES
St Thomas More
RC Church
32 Field End Road,
Eastcote, HA5 2QT
group class with no
exams or a set syllabus.
Cost: £5 per week
Contact: Penny Smith
on 01895 420 409
or 07771872592
Disability multi
sports sessions
Every week on a
Friday, 11am to 1pm
Adapted sports and
exercises for any ability
Cost: £2
Contact: [email protected].
uk or 02088488319
Botwell Green
Leisure Centre
Exercise for people
with Parkinson’s
Every week on a Monday,
10.45am to 11.45am
Exercise classes specifically
designed to aid people with
Parkinson’s. Movement to
music and strength and
conditioning exercises
(seated or standing)
Cost: £3 per class
Contact: Penny Smith
on 01895 420 409
or 07771872592
Hillingdon Sports and
Leisure Complex
Standing Pilates
Every week on Tuesday,
11.15am to12.15pm
The exercises are
performed seated and
standing enabling people
with restricted agility to
gain strength and mobility
through the trusted
Pilates training method.
Beginners welcome.
Cost: £5
Contact: Jo Roberts
on 07817018840
St John’s Church
Hallowell Road,
Northwood, HA6 1DN
Stockley Park
Uxbridge, UB11 1AQ
The Barn
Martyn Lodge, Kingston
Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PN
The Residents’
Meeting Room
The Austin Estate, Silverdale
Road, Hayes, UB3 3BY
Uxbridge College
Sports Hall
Uxbridge College, Park
Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1NQ
Uxbridge Library
High Street, Uxbridge,
UB8 1HD
Winston Churchill Hall
Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL
If you wish to publicise an event, please email details to [email protected] or send to
Hillingdon People, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Events are selected at the editor’s discretion.
hillingdon people magazine
July/August 2014
33
advertisements
Join Our Weekly
Healthy
Walks
Golden numbers
To advertise
in this magazine
telephone
Emma Gilbertson
on 01895 250828
Don’t get stung!
Use a local man!
Please mention
Hillingdon People
when responding
to adverts
Start at our surgery
at noon on Tuesdays
West London Medical Centre
20 Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon
01895 233881
www.londongp.org.uk
Ask at reception for details
Exclusively for our patients only
Volunteers
Urgently
Needed
Royal Voluntary Service
Hillingdon Befriending Service
Are you a friendly person who can support older people
with dementia? Could you do weekly home visits or drive
our clients to activities? We offer training and travel
expenses and the hours are flexible!
Call: 020 8589 0060 or email:
[email protected]
Do you have
good quality unwanted
furniture or electricals?
Do it online 24/7 at
www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Environment and
Anti-Social Behaviour
01895 556000
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
Council Tax and Benefits
0300 123 1384
Mon – Fri, 9am to 5pm
Housing Service
01895 556666
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
School Admissions,
Childcare and
Early Years
01895 556644
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
Families’ Information
Service
0800 073 4800
Council Main
Switchboard and
Out-of-hour Service
01895 250111
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
Fraud Hotline
0800 389 8313
Hillingdon Social
Care Direct
01895 556633
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
HillingdonFirst
01895 556677
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
Electoral Services
and Registrars
01895 558250
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
Local democracy
Councillors’ names,
addresses and
advice surgeries
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/
councillors
Council meeting
dates and agendas
01895 250636
Conservative
Group Office
01895 250316/250728
Electoral registration
01895 250251
electoralservices@
hillingdon.gov.uk
Labour Group Office
01895 250780/250782
Mayor’s Office
01895 250763
34
July/August 2014 hillingdon people magazine
hillingdon people magazine
Advice and
support
Age UK Hillingdon
020 8756 3040
Communicare
Counselling Service
01895 256056
Consumer advice
08454 040506
Citizens’ Advice Bureau
0844 848 7903
Hayes One Stop Shop
01895 556004
hayesonestop@
hillingdon.gov.uk
Healthwatch Hillingdon
01895 272997
Hillingdon Action
Group for Addiction
Management (HAGAM)
01895 207788
www.hagam.com
Hillingdon Autistic
Care and Support
020 8606 6780
[email protected]
www.hacs.org.uk
9am to 5pm
Hillingdon Carers
01895 811206
Hillingdon Independent
Domestic Violence
Advocacy Service
020 8246 1745
Hillingdon Mind
01895 271559
Hillingdon
Women’s Centre
01895 259578
NHS Wellbeing Centre
Boots, High Street,
Uxbridge
020 3214 5699
P3 Jobshop –
Employment Services
020 8581 1056
P3 Navigator Hayes
Housing Advice and
Support Centre
020 8581 1054/5
navigatorhousing@
p3charity.org
Victim Support
Hillingdon
020 7259 2424
Care services
Adoption and fostering
01895 277850
Drugs or sexual health
advice for young
people up to 21 years
01895 257285
July/August 2014
Community
information
Hillingdon Fire Station
Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon,
Middlesex UB10 0PH
020 8555 1200 ext 38228
hillingdongroup@
london-fire.gov.uk
Samaritans
01895 253355
Social Security
(Benefits Agency)
020 8426 3000
Affinity Water
0845 782 3333
Learning
Library information desk
01895 250600
Advice and guidance
(young people)
01895 257855
Enquiries about
school transport
01895 250008
Truancy Hotline
01895 250858
Planning
Planning, trees
and landscapes
01895 250230
Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm
Building control enquiries,
inspection requests and
dangerous structures
01895 250804
Dangerous structures
(out of hours)
01895 250111
Local land
charges enquiries
01895 250624/556115
Leisure
sportsdev@
hillingdon.gov.uk
Botwell Green Sports
and Leisure Centre
020 8561 0956
Hillingdon Sports and
Leisure Complex, Uxbridge
0845 130 7324
Highgrove Pool, Ruislip
01895 630753
Queensmead Sports
Centre, South Ruislip
020 8845 6010
William Byrd Pool,
Harlington
020 8897 9390
Environment
and street scene
Current and proposed
roadworks in Hillingdon
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/
roadworks
Environmental
Protection
01895 250190
Food, Health and Safety
01895 250190
Animal welfare
01895 250190
Pest Control
01895 250155
Parks Officers
01895 239241
Pavement issues
01895 556000
Trading Standards
01895 250164
Hospitals
Harefield Hospital
01895 823737
Hillingdon Hospital
01895 238282
Mount Vernon Hospital
01923 826111
Northwick Park
Hospital
020 8864 3232
Watford General Hospital
01923 244366
NHS: 111
Police
Metropolitan Police nonemergency number.
101
Textphone
18001 101
hillingdon.enquiries@
met.police.uk
Community Safety Unit
(to report race crime)
020 8246 1766
35