June 2008 Archives

Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England had a large turnout on Sunday, June 22 at their dog show at the Middlesex Showground in Uxbridge.

Dogs of all sizes, character and some of indeterminate breed brought their owners along to parade in the showring which left behind the airs and graces of Crufts, and emphasized family fun and entry for all. Classes including Fastest Bonio Eater and Dog with Waggiest Tail had the crowd laughing and barking at the same time.

Of course being run by Labrador Rescue, the category of Best Rescue Dog was eagerly anticipated and had no fewer than 22 entrys over the two days of the Show, many of whom had a sad tale in their past.

The judges found this category very difficult, but after deliberation, the red rosette went to Senga, a beautiful white lurcher/saluki.

Senga's owner, Annie, was delighted. Whilst some rescue owners may not always know the exact breed of their pet (likewise its age too), they do know the moment when that dog was meant to be part of their family. When Senga was found on the roadside four years ago, she was in a very bad way, and Annie admits she took her home that evening "to die".

To much surprise, Senga's condition improved over the course of the night and by 5am she had a glint of hope in her eyes. Annie says together she and Senga have never looked back and Senga, who is probably about five years old, now lives a happy and much loved life with seven other dogs, including four lively Dachshunds.

Now with such an elegant and sweet natured air about her, and the obvious joy she's brought to Annie as well, Senga looks like she's found her rightful place in the world.

For more details on the next LRRSE Dog Show, see their website www.labrador-rescue.org.uk

THE public will get to have their say over plans for the massive redevelopment of RAF Uxbridge after the council agreed a wish list of features.

The cabinet of Hillingdon Council met last week to formally approve its vision of the future for the former air base in Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge.

Among the possible candidates are a museum, several restaurants, a new theatre and around 1,620 homes of which under half would be affordable housing.

This plan will now be put out to public consultation during the summer and the responses collected for the council to analyze later in the year.

Councillor Keith Burrows (Con), the cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "We have had many meetings with the agents for the owners of the site and they are well aware of what our aspirations are.

"This is our vision and as we want to get it just right we now want the public to have a look and tell us what they think and what ideas could be added or changed.

"This stands to be the biggest development in Uxbridge in many years as RAF Uxbridge is a huge site and the potential to develop it is almost limitless.

"We are trying to keep the amount of housing to a minimum, and the recent change of London mayor helps us to do that, but we do have a responsibility to provide places for people to live."

The consultation will be sent out around the local area and will also be placed in various public buildings, including libraries, for as many people as possible to view it.

It's Paris or bust for Uxbridge woman Christine Barker, who is undertaking a London to Paris cycle ride in aid of two different charities - Arthritis Research and the British Lung Foundation.

The ride is due to start from London on Friday, June 27 and will finish 300KM and three gruelling days later at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital.

Christine said: "I have previously only been a fair weather cyclist. However, having spent the last few months cycling in all sorts of conditions I am really excited about completing the challenge, although a little apprehensive."

Christine is participating in this event in memory of her husband Terry who in died in August 2006 from pulmonary fibrosis but suffered terribly with arthritis in the latter part of his life.

Christine explained: "Although many people will know the debilitating effects and pain that is caused by arthritis not many know about pulmonary fibrosis and how severely it affects the lungs. Currently there is no known cure for either of these conditions. Having seen at first hand the suffering these conditions can cause, it is really important to me to help raise as much as money as possible to help find a cure."

Currently Christine has raised over £3,000 pounds for her chosen charities but says more would be fantastic as every single penny really counts. So, if you would like to support one or both of these causes please visits:

British Lung Foundation: http://www.justgiving.com/ourpalterry

Arthritis Research Campaign: http://www.justgiving.com/4terrybarker

THIEVES stole a fish tank equipment and a laptop after breaking into a shop.

WANNABE supermodels have the opportunity to strut their stuff in Destination Catwalk - The Chimes Model Search 08, which launches next Saturday, June 28.

AN RSPCA shop was damaged after a storage shed near the premises was set a light.

Thieves stole a fish tank equipment and a laptop after breaking into a shop.

Chris Longhurst
A STRIKE by teachers which is set to disrupt schools in a row over pay has been criticised by parents and former staff.

By John Hugill
AN ISLAMIC group has been refused permission to build two prayer rooms after residents vented fears of potential religious "frictions" with a nearby Sikh group.

By Libby Jones
A POPULAR grandmother whose colleagues raised cash to send her on a dream holiday has died.