What's On

Allan Sutherland, an author, scriptwriter and performance poet who specialises in articulating the lives of disabled people has been appointed Artist-in-Residence at the Centre for Citizen Participation, at Brunel University, in Uxbridge, West London.

Mr Sutherland, who has grand mal epilepsy, is a leading figure in the Disability Arts movement, and is the author of the multi-award-winning book "Disabled We Stand," (1981) and co-writer of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 drama "Inmates" (1997), about a group of disabled people in a long-stay institution.

He is currently working on transcription poetry based on interviews with disabled people, an area that will be extended at Brunel to include other social and health care service users.

ARE you short of inspiration for decorating Christmas cakes? Look no further because the perfect class is waiting.

A 'Cake Decorating Class' for children and adults is to be held at Christ Church, in Redford Way, Uxbridge, on Tuesday 22 December.

There will be two sessions, from 11am to 1pm and then from 3pm to 5pm.

Described as 'a perfect activity for the family to do for the festive season' visitors are advised to bake their cakes at home and bring them along to the session to decorate.

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

For more information contact Margaret Donovan on 07962 392358.

THIS is the final week for entries into the Uxbridge Gazette's eighth annual Local Heroes awards, which recognises ordinary people who deserve credit for doing good deeds.

The competition, held in association with Uxbridge College, acknowledges the hard work, dedication and courage shown by people who live or work in Hillingdon and have put others first, overcome adversity, or made an outstanding contribution to the community.

This week, Janice Andrews was nominated for her commitment towards Ruislip skate park, as well as many other projects in the area for young people and the elderly.

If you know someone who fits the bill, this is your last chance to nominate them and help them win up to £1,000!

DRIVERS are being warned of the dangers of alcohol over the Christmas period in an initiative to prevent road deaths.

Hillingdon Council is supporting the national 'Think Campaign', which warns that drink driving has the potential to ruin lives.

Do you want to perform Christmas music in The Chimes? Here is your chance...

The search is on for choirs, singers or musicians to show off their talents and perform Christmas music in The Chimes Shopping Centre to get shoppers in the festive spirit!

GET ready to don your skates and do your best impressions of Torvill and Dean as Hillingdon's very own ice rink opens to the public for a second year.

The rink, outside the civic centre in High Street, Uxbridge, will open from next Friday (27) until January 3, 2010.

Last year, more than 13,000 people of all ages visited the rink during the festive period.

Councillor Henry Higgins, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: "The ice was a great success last year and proved popular with residents and visitors alike.

"People came from across the borough and beyond to enjoy the ice rink and we look forward to hopefully welcoming even more people this year to enjoy it again."

Bookings for the ice rink can be made from today (16) through the Beck Theatre box office on 020 8561 8371.

On the day sales will be available at the ice rink from November 27.

For further information and prices, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk.

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour will be the topic of discussion at this month's Cowley Community Residents Association meeting.

THE stars who will switch on Uxbridge's Christmas lights have been revealed, but have you heard of them?

A CORONATION Street star will open Uxbridge's new Poundland store on Saturday.

Katherine Kelly, who plays 'Becky' in the long-running soap, will be giving out 50 money off vouchers to celebrate the launch from 10am.

The store takes the place of the former Woolworth's store which closed last December, filling the largest empty retail unit in Uxbridge.

The store is believed to have created around 30 new jobs.

YOUNG people across Hillingdon are being encouraged to make the most of this half term and get involved in a whole range of youth activities.

Hillingdon Council's Point youth bus will be offering a free half term programme for 11-19 year olds with activities to suit everyone, including basketball, football, cheerleading workshops, DJ skills and urban art.

The bus will be located in Mandarin Way, Hayes, UB4 9TU from 11am-4pm for the duration of half term.

This is in addition to all of the activities that will be held in the borough's four youth centres in Ruislip, West Drayton, Uxbridge and Harlington.

The youth centres have loads of facilities including music studios, internet cafes, dance studios, computer consoles, table tennis and pool.

Tom Murphy, head of Youth and Connexions said: "There is no need for young people to be bored this half term when there is so much on offer in Hillingdon.

"I would encourage all young people to find out what is going on in their local area and get involved in these activities, meet new people and most importantly have fun."

For more information call 01895 671 983 or go to young.hillingdon.gov.uk