November 2008 Archives

AN UXBRIDGE pub is showing support to family owned farms by becoming one of the first in the country to add a new speciality to it's menu.

The Coach and Horses, on High Road Uxbridge, is launching a new Gourmet burger range produced to make sure British farmers get a fair deal.

The new menu is part of a partnership between brewers, Ember Inn and food company Mey Selections in a bid to keep farming communities sustainable, particularly family businesses.

Karl Johnson, manager of the Coach and Horses, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to be part of the first pub group to sample such a special product. We believe our guests will love it."

The burger menus start at £5.95 for more information visit www.emberinns.co.uk

COWLEY has been named as a wildlife hotspot following a survey by British waterways.

This year's survey focused on dragonflies and damselflies with hundreds sighted nationwide, with Cowley named as a popular location.

British Waterways' ecologists say that the presence of the colourful insects is a key indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem.

Also spotted on the Grand Union Canal were rare watervoles, otters, bats, and terrapins.
Stunning photographs were taken as part of a Waterways photography competiton with £150 claimed in prize money by adults and children.

Leela O'Dea, ecologist for British Waterways London, said: "Over the last year we have carried out a number of projects to conserve and enhance the waterway environment for wildlife. To our delight there has been a wide variety spotted across the capital, even an otter spotting."

PLANS to build two houses at the back of a garden in Uxbridge has been dismissed following an appeal.

The first application for the land to the rear of Manor Waye was refused in April and developers believed they had a good chance of overturning the appeal.

However, it was judged by the planning inspector that to allow the building of two properties on the large garden would damage the character of the area, which is known for houses with long rear gardens which back onto open space.

It was also feared that more proposals on surrounding spaces would soon follow if this building on this site was permitted.

There was also concern raised over effects that there would be on nearby trees, and that the family houses could result in increased pressure on nearby school places, where there is already a shortfall.

A BIRD which migrated all the way from Siberia only to be found injured outside an Uxbridge pub has been reunited with his mate.

The bird was discovered on November 10 at the Abrook Arms, Harefield Road, by barman Mark Baber who took it to a vets in Cowley Road, Uxbridge.

There were fears that the bird could perish as Siberian Moorhen's partner for life and without them they die but Mr Baber phoned the Gazette to tell of his delight to see them reunited.

He said: "It's marvellous, the bird is back outside the pub now with its partner.

"The vet released it half a mile away at the Swan and Bottle so it has come all the way back here by the river. It's been here all morning.

"I saw it last week when I went outside for a smoke, both his legs were damaged, I can't stand by and see an animal injured, I had to take it to the vets."

At the time, Mr Baber's identity was unknown, as Daniel Doherty from My Vet 24/7 in Cowley who treated the injured animal was unable to contact him to thank him and let him know of the bird's condition.

Mr Baber said he has now contacted Mr Doherty and personally told him the good news that the bird has been reunited with his feathered friend.

AN UXBRIDGE man is to stand trial for attempted rape and robbery.

Yakub Aziz, 23, of New Road, Uxbridge, is accused of attacking a woman, aged in her 20s, at her Camden flat on March 17.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard how Aziz stood accused of sexually assaulting the woman before demanding cash and leaving the flat.

He is charged with one count of attempted rape, four of sexual assault and one of robbery.

He was remanded in custody until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on January 14.

UXBRIDGE past and present will be the topic of discussion at Hillingdon Family History Society this month.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, November 20 at Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon.

Anybody looking to find out more about their family tree should arrive in time for the start at 7.30pm where guest speaker Philip Sherwood will speak.

For more information visit www.hfhs.co.uk or call club secretary Patricia Reynolds on 01895 444442.

AN UXBRIDGE pub is appealing for its customers to donate toys for sick children who will be in Hillingdon Hospital over Christmas.

The Swan and Bottle pub, in Oxford Road, Uxbridge, would like customers to donate a toy when they go in for a drink or meal.

Prizes from local businesses have also been donated for a raffle to raise funds for the children's ward at Hillingdon Hospital in Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge.

Christmas coordinator at the pub, Stephanie Lockwood, said: "My daughter's doctor is the head of paediatrics at the hospital and when I was there I asked him whether many children stayed over Christmas and he said unfortunately many did. That's how we chose the charity."

Donated toys can be left at the pub during opening hours.

THE Nadina Quartet will be performing pieces from Bach to Beethoven to raise money for charity.

A Little Night Music, will be performed by the quartet at Christ Church in Redford Way, Uxbridge, at 7.30pm on November 15.

There will also be a talk by Pam Pearce, who made some of the instruments, and a chance for the audience to chooses songs to be played.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children with all proceeds going to charity, Sightsavers.
To book call 01895 258956 or visit www.musicunderthepyramid.org.uk