February 2012 Archives

PARAGLIDING might be a wish too far for one person at Whitby Dene Care Home, but you can't fault the enthusiasm.
The pensioners were taking part in the Dignity in Action Day last week a chance for them to take back responsibility of normal daily tasks such as washing up and preparing food.

The Middlesex branch of the Inland Waterways Association has cancelled its meeting scheduled for Tuesday of next week (February 14) at the Canal Club off Waterloo Road because it was unable to book a guest speaker.

FOR A SCHOOL where 66 different languages are spoken, pupils are not afraid to perform spontaneous drama on a Tube train packed with commuters, and which has been selected as the borough's first ever Nike Training Club, this has been a memorable fortnight.

And Uxbridge High School, The Greenway, Uxbridge, is hoping there will be many more like it.

The school recently featured in The Independent newspaper as an example of an institution bucking the trend when it came to teaching children from disadvantaged homes.

A boys brigade division will be celebrating its 60th anniversary at the weekend.

The 1st Uxbridge Company will be holding a coffee morning at 10am on Saturday (February 11), followed by a special exhibition of old photos and mementos at Christ Church, in Redford Way, Uxbridge, opening at 2pm.

On Sunday, February 12, there will be a 11am parade before a commemorative plaque is unveiled.

If you are a former member and would like to attend, contact Graham Hinton by calling 01895 674 536, or email graham.hinton@gmail.com

A CHURCH hopes to run sessions teaching English to foreign language speakers.
St Laurence Church, Shepherds Close, Cowley, is hosting a meeting to find out what demand there is for the lessons.

The course will be aimed solely at women and is particulary targeted at the Somali community in response to the rising population in the area.
Claire George - who is a trained TEFL tutor (Teaching English as a foreign language) - decided to set up the course after volunteering for similar schemes elswhere.

Multi-lingual volunteers will also be needed to help lead the sessions.
Anyone who wants to attend can visit the church hall on February 9, between 1pm and 2pm.
Translators and English speaking friends will also be welcomed.

WHEN pianist Joe Frankel uploaded some of his performances to YouTube as a favour to a friend, he expected to pick up a couple of views.
But a month later he was astounded to see his collection of melodies had racked up 25,000 views.
The 19-year-old, of Norton Road, Uxbridge, who plays piano in his spare time, has developed a knack for being able to pick up a tune when he hears it on the radio, and can often produce a piano version in less than an hour.
He said: "I've had to cheat and use sheet music a couple of times, but only when a song has been requested by someone and is quite difficult.
"I would say 90 per cent of my covers are from ear."
Joe first uploaded some performances to share them with friends.
Since then, he has had people viewing his videos from as far away as Mongolia, and gets dozens of comments a day.
He said: "Some mornings I wake up and I have about 40 messages, all saying someone has commented on a video.
"I was really surprised, I didn't expect it at all."
Joe, who works for an events company, said a few people have asked him to collaborate.
He said: "At the moment I will just carry on doing what I'm doing but I'll see where it takes me. I just really enjoy playing music. To be able to play stuff that people enjoy is great."

HILLINGDON Freeman Society expects up to 100 people to protest outside Uxbridge police station on Friday, February 3, in an assertion of their right to be above the law.

Freemen say the Magna Carta grants them lawful rebellion against the government and British judiciary. Members will meet at 9am outside Uxbridge Civic Centre, before marching to the police station and magistrates' court in Harefield Road.