December 2008 Archives

THE Queen's Head pub in the centre of Uxbridge has been forced to close its doors at one of the busiest times of year.
The pub, in Windsor Street, went into liquidation on Saturday (20/12) and has been closed since, missing out on potential festive season trade.

Punch Taverns Brewery are taking over the premises and plan to re-open the pub in the new year, but any changes which may take place are unclear.

Frank Harris, who owns Uxbridge Collectibles next door but one to the Queen's Head, said: "It feels like my right arm has been cut off, I can't believe it has had to close.

"I was in there Friday night and it was heaving, busier than it's been all year.

"Then I was going to pop in on Saturday for lunch and found out I couldn't because it wasn't opening."

WOULD-BE burglars rammed an entrance to Hillingdon Golf Club on Tuesday (16/12).

Police are looking for four white males who caused a substantial amount of damage to the main entrance to Hillingdon Golf Club, on Dorset Way, Uxbridge.

An alarm disturbed the thieves who then fled empty handed.

They were driving a red hatchback and the attempted burglary occurred between 6.45pm and 10.20pm.

NEARLY 100 elderly residents attended the Hillingdon Older People's Forum which took place last night (Monday 16/12).

The attendees were given a chance to voice their views and concerns over the issues affecting them most, were shown a video warning them of distraction burgalries, and took part in a question and answer session.

Constance Evans, chairwoman of the Oak Farm Residents Association, who went to the meeting at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge said the meeting was a success.

"The agenda was very good, we really talked about what actually affects elderly people in the borough.

"We were given forms to fill out listing our major concerns, I said domestic burglaries, drug dealing, and people riding mini-motorbikes on pavements were worries of mine.

"I also think not enough fly-tippers are being caught, at the underpass near Oak Farm whenever litter is removed it re-appears days later.

"The meeting was a huge success and very informative, there were very few seats left, the speeches were very good and the question and answer session was very good too."

CHILDREN found a novel way of entertaining visitors to Uxbridge Library last Friday by singing Christmas songs all afternoon.

The loud singing of the 46-strong St Andrew's School Choir could be heard clearly against the library's silent backdrop as an audience gathered to listen.

The choir have been busy this year with performing at the BBC 3 choir of the year competition being a notable highlight.

In recent weeks they have performed at the Pavilions Carol Concert, at St Margaret's Church for the Rotarian Carol Concert and at Brunel University.

CHILDREN found a novel way of entertaining visitors to Uxbridge Library by singing Christmas songs all afternoon.

The loud singing of the 46-strong St Andrew's School Choir could be heard clearly against the library's silent backdrop as an audience gathered to listen.

The choir have been busy this year with performing at the BBC 3 choir of the year competition being a notable highlight.

In recent weeks they have performed at the Pavilions Carol Concert, at St Margaret's Church for the Rotarian Carol Concert and at Brunel University.

UNSUNG heroes from Uxbridge are invited into the spotlight as the Gazette and Uxbridge College seek people who have made their mark in the community.

If you know anyone who deserves credit for what they have done in your area - or anywhere in the borough - put them forward now.

Entry is open to all people who live, volunteer, or work here.

Hillingdon's top hero will win £750 on top of the £250 which all category winners receive.
All you have to do is complete a coupon in The Gazette or Leader and return it to: Barbara Fisher, Local Heroes, Gazette, 28 Bakers Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1RG.

Alternatively email barbarafisher@trinitysouth.co.uk Entries must be received by January 23 and shortlisted candidates will be invited to a gala night on February 26.
For more information: phone Barbara Fisher on 01895 451020 Monday-Wednesday only.

Choose from these categories:

• *

Community Hero-someone who has helped the community, perhaps with a project or campaign.

• *

Fundraising Hero- any individual or group which has raised money for charity.

• *

Young Hero- a youngster aged 16 or under who deserves recognition in the community.

• *

Citizen of Courage-someone who has shown bravery in a difficult situation or achieved a goal against the odds.

• *

Carer Hero -anyone who has selflessly looked after others.

The overall title Hero of Hillingdon will be chosen from any of the above
category winners.

If you are e-mailing do not forget to name the category and give contact details for both nominee and the person who is nominating.

A tree outside the Civic Centre in Uxbridge was the first to be decorated as part of a new 'family tree' campaign.

Several trees in the borough are about to get a facelift as part of a new campaign to encourage fostering.

Leaves with faces on them will be used to decorate trees to represent the family.

Louise Hocking, service manager, fostering and adoption said: "Fostering can offer so much, not only to the child that needs a home, but also to the family that looks after them.

"We would urge anyone who has thought about fostering or feels they have a home or the love to offer a child to get in touch and see what they can do."

Training and advice is offered to anyone who becomes a carer and the council works to ensure families and children are suited.

This campaign coincides with National Tree Dressing Day, which is about celebrating trees in public areas and took place on the first weekend of December.

AN OFFICER who has been tackling youth boredom by organising football tournaments has been chosen as PCSO of the Year.

Kevin Walsh, who is part of the Brunel Safer Neighbourhood Team, has been working to improve relations in the ward by giving youngsters something to do.

He said: "We ran football tournaments over half-term, and have more coming up over Christmas, it works really well and we expect over 40 young people to attend.

"Before, problems down here were quite bad, but we seem to have helped turn things around, the youngsters deserve our support."

He received his award at the Borough commander's ceremony held on Monday (8/12) at Stockley Park.

ROAD signs, clay pots, and a small statue of an Indian God were some of the more bizarre items discovered in the River Frays by a dredging team.

It was the first stage of a project to cover The Lynch side of the river with coir matting, which is pre-seeded and will decorate the river bank in the summer, as well as keeping down unwanted weeds.

Local residents are interested in setting up a management group but are appealing for funds to help them on their way.

Possible names for the group have been suggested as Friends of the Frays, and The Lynch Mob.

Councillor Judith Cooper, who represents South Uxbridge, said: "We had a good crowd out, including some youngsters from Uxbridge College and Brunel, and of course local people.

"We cleared up the river from the Rockingham Road Bridge down to Fassnidge Park and we were very lucky to have bright a sunny day."

In addition to the odd findings the team pulled out six black sacks of rubbish and weed as well as plenty of fishing equipment.

STAFF at an Uxbridge garden centre are hoping to boost the spirits of their customers over the next few days by hosting a special Christmas Shopping Weekend.

The team at Wyevale Garden Centre, on Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge, want to spread joy to shoppers, while also assisting with charity projects in the community, by holding the event on December 6 and 7.

Garden centre Manager, Bharat Dhiman explained: "The weekend is all about creating a festive fun atmosphere for visitors to the store to help fill them with glad tidings.

"There's a lot of 'bah humbug' about at the moment and we want to spread some Christmas cheer and help lift people's spirits. We're also offering special discounts and offers on all sorts of items to help customers get more for their money during the current economic climate.

"To add to the fun and savings we're helping raise money for Cash for Kids, which will go towards helping sick and underprivileged local children.

"We will be offering lots of free help and advice to customers on how to get the best from their Christmas house plants and what plants to use to create winter hanging baskets.

We will also be giving complimentary tips on selecting a real Christmas tree and choosing Christmas decorations."

There will also be special offers on selected festive goods throughout the store including Christmas trees.

Children can visit Santa who will be in his grotto during the weekend and he will also be hosting breakfast parties, which must be pre-booked.