hillingdon people march/april 2013

March/April 2013Vote yes or no to Heathrow expansion

Find out about Hillingdon’s

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hillingdon people magazineMarch/April 20132

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www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs

Hillingdon jobsAt the London Borough of Hillingdon we are dedicated to putting our residents first and our staff play a key role in delivering on this commitment.

We are regularly looking for talented people to join us, so if you’re interested in working for one of the largest employers in the borough please visit the dedicated jobs section on our website. Here you’ll be able to see our current vacancies and you will be able to register for job alerts to notify you of future positions you might be interested in.

For more information, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs

contactsTo find out more about

fostering, phone 0800 783

1298, visit www.hillingdon.

gov.uk/fostering or come

along to an open evening at

the Civic Centre. The next

sessions are on Tuesday 16

April, and Tuesday 14 May,

from 6.30 to 8.30pm. To

register, please email fost-

[email protected].

hillingdon people magazine hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

March/April 2013

20

21

hillingdon care

hillingdon care

Fostering for lifeDo you have space in your home and life

to offer a child or young person a home

as a foster carer?

Carers’ Association, a planned

break when needed and a generous

financial package up to £388

per week per foster child.

Despite their ages, Roy and

Norma are keen to continue

fostering for as long as they can,

both agreeing they would foster

more children once the toddlers

they are currently looking after

have moved on. Norma is always

keen to ensure that anyone

they foster is comfortable with

their family and that the family

is comfortable with them, and

would say no if they weren’t sure

the placement would work.

Increasingly, more mature people

are coming forward to learn

more about fostering. There is no

minimum or maximum age to

foster, you just need to be in good

health, have space in your home

and have the capacity to look after

children in a safe and responsible

way to meet the child’s needs.

Cllr David Simmonds,

Cabinet Member for Education

and Children’s Services, said:

“We are always looking for foster

carers for Hillingdon children.

There are no age limits on who

can foster, so if you have previously

thought about it and not come

forward because of your age, please

reconsider and contact us. All we

ask is that you are fit and healthy.

There is lots of support available

for all our foster carers, so if you

have space in your home and

your life, please think about it.”

so they are well placed to deal

with children of all ages.

When Roy and Norma’s children

grew up and moved out, they

both felt that the family home,

which had always been full of

the children and their friends,

was very quiet and empty. They

were talking about moving and

downsizing, when Roy went to meet

someone for work and saw he had

a young child running around.

Roy explained: “I said I didn’t

know he had young children, and

he said he didn’t, and explained

he was a foster carer. I went home

and said to Norma that was what

I wanted to do. I always wanted

to work with children, but I am

dyslexic, which prevented me from

going to college or university.”

Norma added: “I said you’ve got

to be joking, our kids have only just

moved out, but Roy phoned up and

then we were at the meeting and

we were soon attending the training

for prospective foster carers.”

Since they started fostering, their

family have been very supportive.

Roy and Norma think that fostering

has helped keep them young, and

means they can talk to their children

about problems they are having

with schools or their grandchildren

with their own experiences.

Over the years, they have

fostered children of all ages, from

all types of backgrounds and with

all sorts of issues, and they are

still in touch with many of them.

They are approved to foster three

children, aged from birth to 17.

They said: “We can’t get enough

of it; it’s hard work, but it’s very

enjoyable. We had one young lady

for 11 years and she still comes back

to see us. We still feel like they are

our children; she is like a daughter to

me. They know they can always call

or come to see us if they want to.”

Fostering has become so much a

part of their lives that when they

have time off, they don’t know what

to do and what to talk about.

Norma has recently done a 12-

week course, facilitated by a dedicated

fostering clinical psychologist,

designed for foster carers to help them

understand the behaviour of children

and young people - something she

says she wishes she had done sooner,

as it had helped explain some of the

children’s behaviour in the past.

Even though they’ve been fostering

for such a long time, they are still

learning; looking after the toddlers

they have at the moment has taught

them a lot. Their first placement

was a teenager with eating disorders

who self-harmed, so they have been

learning from the start how to make

connections and improve young

people’s lives. They say that fostering

has helped their grandchildren

realise how lucky they are.

Roy concluded: “I wouldn’t swap

anything. My only regret is that I

didn’t do something like this sooner.

Now is a good time to become a

foster carer in Hillingdon, the team

is positive and you can feel it.”

Foster carers receive professional

support from their supervising

social workers, additional 24-hour

telephone advice, full training,

access to the Hillingdon Foster

Norma and Roy

Hoppe have

been fostering

for Hillingdon for

more than 15 years,

and would happily

continue taking in

children and young

people for as long

as they are able to

do so. Hillingdon

People spoke to

them about some

of their fostering

experiences.At the moment,

they are caring for

a teenager and

two toddlers - a

brother and sister

- and in the past

they have looked

after mostly older

children for a

range of long-

and short-term

placements.

They have eight

grandchildren,

ranging in age from eight to 23,

hillingdon people magazine March/April 2013 3

hillingdon contentsMarch/April 2013

Editorial and advertising enquiriesHannah Collins 01895 250828

[email protected]

For a copy in large print or on tape, call 01895 250828

Published by London Borough of Hillingdon © 2013Design Phil Burton 01895 250670 Printed by Warners Midlands PLCHillingdon People, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW.

Products and services advertised in this magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the council.

Cllr Ray PuddifootLeader of the Council

Welcome to the March/

April edition of Hillingdon People.

As this edition was printed, we were still waiting to hear the results of our judicial review against the government around HS2. Whatever the outcome we will continue to fight the development; there are many different options open to us. We remain confident that we will defeat these plans, working with you, our residents, to ensure we protect your homes and land.

We want your thoughts on any future development at Heathrow; we will be holding a referendum from 21 April to 16 May to find out what you think about expansion there. Please make sure you have your say as this is something that would have a huge impact on the whole borough, not just the areas immediately around the airport.

We have announced a two year freeze in the council tax, meaning no increase for everyone for a total of six years, and no increase for over 65s for eight years. Alongside this we will be investing an additional £2.5m (£5m in total) on maintaining our roads and pavements. We will also invest in the services we know you value, including libraries and the environment. Fees for parking, library service charges, TeleCareLine, home care, early years centre nursery fees and fees and charges for using our leisure centres and arts venues have also been frozen for the coming year.

We will also continue our support for the borough’s older people, with our brown badge parking scheme, winter heater loans and free swimming. We are also going to introduce free pest control for over 65s.

Hillingdon has the largest school building programme in London; we are investing nearly £150m on this to ensure every child has a school place to go to, close to their home, across the whole borough.

We will continue to put residents first, working around our four main priorities - our people, our natural environment, our built environment and strong financial management. After reading, please

recycle this magazine

Deadline for advertising in the May/June edition is 28 March.

19 Cover featureHeathrow expansion – Have your say on any future plans for expansion

10 High speed rail updateResidents met to hear councillors commit to the continued fight against plans

11 Council tax frozenResidents will pay no increase in their council tax for the next two years but investment in services and facilities will continue

17 Hillingdon’s Oscar winnerFormer Northwood Hills resident wins three film awards, including a BAFTA and an Oscar for his work on Les Miserables

25 Sports surveyHow active are you? Have your say for your chance to win prizes to keep you active this year

29 Mayoral year round-upWhat has Cllr Michael Markham been doing in his year as Mayor of Hillingdon?

Regulars4 News33 Hillingdon volunteers35 What’s on?39 Hillingdon contact numbers

Photo courtesy of Dan Smith

Photo courtesy of Uxbridge Gazette newspaper


Air Ambulance relocates

Signs on Cowley Road have been updated to show that the number of accidents have fallen by almost 20 per cent. Accidents have dropped from 66 (in the 36 months leading up to March 2006) to 59 (36 months to the end of 2008) and most recently to 50.

The distinctive yellow signs, similar to ones in Eastcote and Ruislip Manor, indicate accidents recorded by the police involving personal injury over a three year period. Cowley Road also features a pair of speed indicator devices (SIDs), which flash up the speed of approaching traffic, reminding drivers that the speed limit is 30mph.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport

and Recycling, said: “The signs and SIDs are just a small aspect of our road safety work and although it is very encouraging to see this drop in accidents we will continue to look at ways of reducing this even further. Keeping to the limit and reducing your speed by just a little bit can have a life saving impact.

“People are often in a rush to get from A to B but it’s not worth having an accident over, so please just take a moment to think about your speed and drive carefully.”

We welcome feedback from residents with concerns, or ideas where road safety improvements could be considered. Email [email protected].

Road safety improving in Hillingdon

Three lucky local artists have been recreating their work on a series of junction boxes to brighten up the borough after winning a competition run by the council.

Artists were invited to submit bold and striking designs that could be turned into a permanent work of art on some of the junction boxes in Uxbridge. They then had the opportunity to paint their designs on to the junction

boxes with expert assistance from professional urban mural artist Morganico.

The winners were Christine Turnbull, of Northwood (top photo); Alan Judge, from Ruislip (bottom); and Felicity Lambert, of Ickenham.

Because of its floral connection, Christine’s design has been painted on the junction box outside Uxbridge Station, near the flower stall.

London’s Air Ambulance has relocated its overnight airbase to RAF Northolt from Denham. This will reduce flight time from the base to The Royal London Hospital at Whitechapel, and will also therefore save fuel costs. As RAF Northolt is closer to sea level, there is also less chance of adverse weather conditions affecting the helicopter flying.

Junction Art winners announced

inbrief


hillingdon news

Interested in the performing arts?The 360 Youth Theatre based at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham is looking for members. They run a variety of evening workshops in drama, film, music, singing and photography. Come and experience what it’s like to perform in a real theatre with opportunities to take part in productions and showcases each term. Trips to West End theatres and cinemas at reduced rates are also organised. You need to be between 12 and 19 years old and live or go to school in Hillingdon. Fees for the workshops are £20 a term or £50 a year, and the first three sessions are free. For more information call Matt Bateman on 01895 465572 or email [email protected].

Be aware of council tax refund lettersThe council is advising residents to be cautious of letters claiming they might be entitled to a refund on their council tax. Several householders have received letters from various companies saying they can appeal the council tax band and then reclaim money from the council if the appeal is successful. In many cases, the company would then take a fee, either a percentage of the refund or a flat fee, for doing the work.

If you believe your house is in the incorrect council tax band, you can appeal this yourself free of charge and claim any refund directly from the council without paying any fee. For full information on how to appeal, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/counciltax and click bands. If you don’t have access to the internet you can call 0300 123 1384.

Hayes Carnival back for 2013Put the date in your diary – Hayes Carnival, organised by the council, is back on Saturday 13 July, in Barra Hall Park, Hayes. If you are interested in having a charity or business stall at the carnival, or your community group wants to perform in the parade or the main event in the park, please email [email protected] or call 01895 558199 for information.

Keep control of your dog this springIf you are out with your dog this spring, please remember that it should be on a lead if it is on a pavement by a road. Many residents are alarmed at the behaviour of dogs which are not adequately controlled in public places, and roads are potentially dangerous places for road users and the dogs themselves. No-one wants to see an accident caused by an unrestrained dog, or for a dog to come to harm by running into the path of traffic.

Since 2008, three dog control orders have been in place in Hillingdon, one of which is a requirement to keep dogs on leads within three metres of any road where there is passage of vehicles. Committing an offence under any of these could result in a £1,000 fine or an on the spot £80 fixed penalty notice.

The other orders cover dog fouling on any land where the public has access; and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer of the council, which applies to all public land in the borough, such as parks.

As well as serving as a councillor in Hillingdon he has a long association with the work of Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub at Harefield Hospital, starting as a trustee on the Harefield Transplant Trust and currently as Chief Executive of the Magdi Yacoub Institute.

He is a foundation governor at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust and has also served as a Chairman of School Governors at Vyners School, as a Commissioner of HM Revenue and Customs and Chairman of an NHS Complaints Panel.

Cllr Puddifoot said: “Whilst I am both pleased and delighted to receive this award I have been fortunate over the years to work, both as a councillor and in the community, with so many talented and committed people many of whom deserve this more than I do.”

Natasha Baker was among several of the country’s sporting stars to be recognised this year for her success at last summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. She received her MBE in February at Buckingham Palace.

The Leader of Hillingdon Council has been appointed MBE in the New Year honours list, alongside Paralympic double gold medallist Natasha Baker.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot has been honoured for his services to the community in Hillingdon.

He has been Leader of the council for 12 years and among his achievements during that time he helped to defeat the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport that would have destroyed Sipson and Harmondsworth, and much of the surrounding area. Prior to becoming a councillor he led a successful campaign to prevent Warner Brothers building at Hillingdon House Farm.

His financial management has resulted in savings of more than £110m over the last eight years, with services maintained and council tax frozen for the last five years. As a result of this sound financial management the council has been able to build two superb new sports and leisure centres, and to embark on the largest school expansion programme in London, and the only library rebuild and refurbishment programme in the country.

Cllr Puddifoot is also the council’s Older People’s Champion and is a passionate supporter of the local Armed Forces and the veterans’ community.

MBEs for Hillingdon residents


hillingdon news

please visit www.raf.mod.uk/battleofbritainbunker.

Waste weekends continueIf you live in the south of the borough, you can take household waste items to a waste and recycling site throughout the year.

Dates have been arranged for the site at Railway Sidings, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, to open on 30 and 31 March, and 27 and 28 April, from 9am to 4pm. There will be more weekends arranged for the rest of the year - these dates will be on our website.

You can dispose of most items at the site, including cardboard and paper, car batteries, car engine oil, low energy light bulbs, glass bottles and jars, hard plastics, household batteries, large electrical appliances, mattresses, metal food and drinks cans, rubble and stone, small electrical items, televisions and computer screens and textiles. No commercial vehicles or vans will be admitted.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: “These weekends offer residents in the south of the borough a chance to get rid of rubbish and waste we wouldn’t usually collect in their weekly collections. Please remember to recycle and reuse as much as you can; in Hillingdon we have a good record for recycling which saves us money and saves the environment, but we need your help to keep this up.”

For more information on recycling and waste in Hillingdon, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling.

visitors can simply turn up and view the Bunker’s museum areas and original operations room. Pre-booked guided tours will continue as normal during the week and bookings can be made by contacting the Bunker on 01895 238154.

For further information

The Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge will be open over the weekends from 23/24 March for three months.

The Bunker is on the site from which most of the Battle of Britain was planned and controlled during the summer of 1940, and it was the work carried out there that allowed the Royal Air Force’s fighter squadrons to defend the nation so successfully.

Admission to the Bunker will be between 10am – 4pm and will be free of charge, although visitors are encouraged to make a minimum donation of £3 per person. There is no need to book in advance;

Library closes for refurbishment

Reuniting people with stolen property Around 1,200 people attended an event to reunite stolen items with their rightful owners, with more than 50 identifying property that belonged to them.

The event, held at the Civic Centre by the police and the council, also included crime prevention advice, property marking and free security items.

Items recovered by the police but not reclaimed

were on display and people who had been the victim of burglary were invited to attend and see if they could identify any of their belongings. At the end of the event, the police had received 51 identifications from victims who believed they had recognised their stolen property. Among the possible reunions is someone helping police identify a bride in some

stolen wedding photos.Vishal Mistry identified

some Asian gold bangles. He said: “The bangles were a precious gift to my wife. Police have been helpful and I am very pleased that they have held this event. The bangles were stolen from our house at 1.30pm last year. They have a sentimental value and I can only thank the police for their efforts.”

As part of the council’s multi-million pound library rebuild and refurbishment programme, another two libraries will be closed for works to be completed.

Oak Farm Library, in Sutton Court Road, Hillingdon, closed in early March for refurbishment for around 22 weeks. The mobile library will be stopping in the car park at Tommy Flynns

public house, Snowden Avenue, every Monday 2.50pm-3.50pm and Friday 9.30am-10.30am. The nearest library is in Long Lane, Ickenham.

Uxbridge Library will be closing at the end of March, and is expected to reopen next spring. Details on replacement library facilities will be available at Uxbridge Library before the closure and online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries.

Meanwhile, Hayes End Library will have its official re-opening following refurbishment on 23 April.

Hillingdon is the only London council to be investing in its libraries, providing modern, inviting facilities for all our residents.

You can check the opening times of the borough’s other libraries by visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries.

Bunker to open weekends


hillingdon news

Spring has sprung at Rural Activities Garden CentreDid you know that the council runs a garden centre? As well as selling plants, fruit and vegetables and crafts, the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) offers employment for residents with additional needs. They grow the produce sold by the centre, as well as learning life skills and gaining independence.

Now spring is here, why not pop down and see what’s on offer at the centre to brighten up your garden? All the plants are grown on-site in West Drayton Road, Hillingdon. It is open for shoppers from 9am to 4pm during the week, excluding public holidays, and from Saturday 4 May, it will be open 9am to 1pm on Saturdays until the end of the bedding season.

Prices start from £1 a strip of lobelia, marigolds,

dahlia, begonia, and many others. It’s £4 a box for early spring season pansies and violas and a full hanging basket is from £10. Tomato plants are 75p each or three for £2, and you can also pick up your compost or bark chippings at the same time.

The centre also works with other council departments to provide plants for events, and a location to host them at. The launch of Adult Learners’ Week 2013 will be held at the centre in May. The

plants at the front of the Civic Centre are also maintained by RAGC.

The centre is also due to open a cafe in the spring, so you will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and a cake at the same time as having a browse through the plants. The cafe will be run by volunteers through a partnership with a local charity and will also offer employment opportunities for local people through adult and community learning at the council.

Survey shows high satisfactionSatisfaction with the council and its services remains high – despite another year of significant funding pressures for local authorities.

The latest residents’ survey, which was carried out in December 2012, also shows strong support for the council’s older people initiatives such as additional support for victims of crime and the long-standing council tax freeze.

Services scoring top marks include the borough’s refurbished libraries, parks and weekly doorstep recycling and waste collections – confirming the council is putting residents first.

The survey also shows the council is making the right

decisions for residents in a tough economic climate, with a majority of those who responded saying the council is providing good value for money.

Staff are helpful when residents get in touch with the council, respondents also said.

They are satisfied with services for children and believe the council is doing its best to maintain the borough’s heritage.

More than 900 local people took part in the online survey, which helps the council stay on track and respond to emerging issues.

According to residents, the council could do much better in tackling pavement and road repairs – a service

due to receive significant investment this year.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “This snapshot shows that despite the funding pressures the council faces we are performing well for residents in many key areas.

“This is because we are putting residents’ views first by continuing to invest in services they tell us need improving.

“This year is no exception and through sound financial management we have been able to commit additional millions of pounds to road and pavement repairs.”

Read the full survey results at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/residentssurvey.

Fraudsters sentencedTwo more people have been sent to prison for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

Sarah-Jane Bonner, real name Sarah Weller, of Royal Lane, Yiewsley, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for claiming more than £100,000 in benefits. She had failed to declare that she was living with her husband who was working full time and earning more than £30,000. Bonner had claimed income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit from 1994 as a lone parent in relation to the property she rented from the council. She was sentenced in January at Isleworth Crown Court.

A Ruislip man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for claiming more than £14,500 in benefits from the council, using a fraudulently obtained UK passport. The council worked with the Department for Work and Pensions, Identity and Passport Service, UK Border Agency and Met Police, and found that the man, whose real identity is unknown, used a UK Passport in an assumed name. The man is believed to be Nigerian.

He then made false declarations to claim housing benefit totalling £12,698.76 and council tax benefit totalling £1,835.32 between April 2011 and June 2012. He was sentenced in January.

He is currently on bail in relation to his extradition to Poland to serve prison a sentence for forgery committed before moving to Ruislip. He will be extradited after serving the prison sentence.

inbrief


hillingdon news

Events are being held throughout the year, to celebrate play, with everyone being encouraged to get involved. Already there have been events held, with children from Yeading Infants School joining in as they celebrated their literacy week in January. The children wrote wishes down, and were visited by the Year of Play mascots, Play bot and Play tree, before they went outside to fasten their wishes to fences, bushes and trees. They then played in the snow, building snowmen, castles and having snowball fights.

You can find out more about events near you at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/yearofplay.

Celebrating play in Hillingdon

This is the Year of Play, and we are encouraging everyone to get involved - play counts as exercise and is a great way to get active.

To mark the start of the year, the borough’s young people were encouraged to design mascots to represent the Year of Play. The winners and their mascots were unveiled at a ceremony by the Mayor of Hillingdon. The mascots will be appearing at Year of Play events throughout 2013, at schools, children’s centres, nurseries and parks.

Brandon Hook, nine, and Larissa Herbert, 18, claimed joint first prize for their Play bot and Play tree designs. Ishaaq Nanhuck, five, and Saffiyah Wasaym, 12, were also rewarded for their efforts as runners up.

Celebrate learning with usAdult Learners’ Week is held every year in May, and this year we will be holding an event at the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) to launch the week.

The week will be themed Our Community and the event will run from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 18 May, at the RAGC, West Drayton Road, Hillingdon. Everyone is welcome.

There will be free fun activities for all the family; refreshments will be served, including a barbecue and cream teas, with music from Hillingdon Music Service.

Residents will be able to browse the floristry designs made by competitors in our

floristry competition and take a look at the showcase of work completed by learners throughout the last year. Staff will be on hand to discuss upcoming courses and the merits of Adult Learning.

Venues across the borough will be holding events throughout Adult Learners’ Week to promote learning, with free taster sessions. Choose from a wide range of bite size courses including: downloading your pictures and shopping online to perfect pedicures and manicures. More information will be available on www.hillingdon.gov.uk/adultlearning.

Aim higherAre you 13 to 19 (or 25 with additional needs) and wondering if college or university is for you? Then come along to our Aim Higher event to find out more on Tuesday 16 April, 2-5pm at Harlington Young People’s Centre. You will be able to meet with representatives from local colleges and universities; find the course you want to do; get information about student finance; get one-to-one support with your CV, application, personal statement and interviews; and access other advice and young people’s services. For more information contact Maggie Ditchburn on 01895 558160 or email [email protected].

Fake booze fineThe owners of an off-licence have been fined more than £10,000 for selling counterfeit booze following a council investigation. Karamjit Singh Aujla and Barinder Jit Aujla, who trade as Aujla Cash and Carry, pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in January to six counts of offering counterfeit wines for sale. They were fined £6,000 plus a £100 victim surcharge. Full legal costs of £4,760 were awarded to the council. Three shops were raided in June 2011 and 195 bottles of counterfeit bottles of Jacobs Creek and Blossom Hill wine were discovered. For more information about the work of the council’s Trading Standards team visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/tradingstandards.

Paying the price for fly-tip A shop owner has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 for a fly-tipping related offence, following an investigation by the council.

Martin Moran, 44, of Long Lane, Hillingdon pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in January for failing in his duty of care regarding waste which had been illegally dumped. He was caught in a joint investigation by officers from Hillingdon and Buckinghamshire County Council after a waste was found dumped in woodland in Buckinghamshire. It was

traced to his butchers shop.He admitted that he had

carried out refurbishment work and had paid a man with a van £200 to remove the waste as he converted the old butchers shop into a new unrelated business. Moran failed to check that the carrier was authorised to remove the waste from his premises and prevent it from being fly-tipped. Mr Moran was fined £250, ordered to pay £1,918 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

You can report fly-tipping online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportit.

inbrief

contactsFor more on change4life Hillingdon, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/change4life. To find out more about services for older people, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/olderpeople.


hillingdon older people

Directory lists trusted tradersAn online directory specifically designed for older people, their carers, families and friends is now available.

The Age UK London Business Directory provides free and easy access to a selection of vetted local companies, helping to reduce the risk of cowboy traders. Website users can gain peace of mind knowing they have been checked by Age UK.

A recent review of one of the traders listed said: “This is a friendly and efficient service, helpful, flexible and he explains everything fully. He put my elderly neighbour’s mind at rest with his pleasant manner...and was quick to see the problem. I thoroughly recommend him.”

You can find the directory at www.aubdlondon.co.uk

If you aren’t online you can call free on 0800 334 5056 and an Age UK staff member will carry out a search for you.

Free pest control for pensionersIf you have a problem with mice or rats in your property and are over 65, you will no longer have to pay for the council’s pest control team to come and solve the problem.

Any resident over the age of 65 will be eligible for free pest control from 1 April.

You don’t need to do anything different, just contact the team on 01895 250155 and book an appointment in the usual way, you just won’t be asked to pay for it. To confirm you are eligible, you might be asked for your national insurance number, or we will check council tax or pension records.

•Thursday 9 May, meet at Eastcote Library for a ride around Eastcote – steady.

•Tuesday 25 June, meet at Uxbridge Station for a ride to Black Park – steady.

Botwell Green Leisure Centre has a Young at Heart programme, with classes Monday to Thursday and a concession membership for the over 55s at £22.40, including classes, use of the pools, sauna and fitness rooms during off-peak hours. Ask at the centre for more information or call on 020 8561 0956.

Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex runs a range of classes specially designed for the over 50s, coordinated by 62-year-old Alan Storer who had a major heart attack in 2011 and has since lost lots of weight, got really fit and qualified as a fitness instructor. These are 1-3pm on Wednesdays. They are informal, social gatherings with fitness activities. There are also other Young at Heart sessions, call 0845 130 7324 for more.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council and Older People’s Champion, said: “Leading a healthy life is important whatever age you are. There are lots of ways that you can keep fit and be more active within Hillingdon. These classes and activities are a good way to get out of the house, keep fit and meet new people.”

Keep active and change4life

If you’re looking for ways to stay fit and active there are lots of options. All kinds of

things will help contribute to getting fitter, including gardening, dancing, walking and playing with the grandchildren.

Any resident who is over-65 can swim for free in council swimming pools when they are open to the public. Take along proof of age, such as a passport or driving licence together with your HillingdonFirst card. Then present your card at reception and ask for a free swim. You can also get cheaper swimming lessons via the LeisureLink scheme.

If you enjoy socialising and wearing your dancing shoes, the council hosts a monthly tea dance at the Middlesex Suite in the Civic Centre. There are free tea/coffee and biscuits and a suggested donation of £1 per session. You need to book. Call 01895 556688 or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/events. The next dates will be Monday 22 April and Monday 20 May, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Age Well on Wheels is a series of led cycle rides, taken by a trained leader, starting at 10am. They are graded according to difficulty, and are cycled at the speed of the slowest rider.•Tuesday 9 April, meet at

Fassnidge Park bandstand for a ride along the canal – easy.

David and Gail Wakefield, of Bridgewater Road, Ruislip, were at the meeting. The proposed route cuts through their road.

“It’s a rubbish idea. What a waste of money. If we want to go to Birmingham, we might as well get on the train at West Ruislip and get the Chiltern Line, rather than go into London and back out again.

“They are going to have to build new roads, and the area is so compact it’s going to cause chaos. If they have money for this, they have got money for other things that would be better.”

Lottie Jones, from Hillingdon Against HS2, said: “We are having masses of interest from people in the north asking about action groups. We were all ready for them with information packs and advice. There are lots of MPs getting involved from the north too. We are just looking to keep it in the minds of local people; put pressure on the MPs and keeping everyone informed about what’s going on.”

Hubert Ballatine has lived in Ruislip for ten years. He said: “We’ve spent a lot of money on the house in the last five years and it looks like we are going to be in the safeguarded area. I’m not very happy. The whole of the road is blighted at the moment. Property values will fall as well. It isn’t very pleasant for residents.”


hillingdon campaign

As Hillingdon People went to print, we are still waiting to hear the outcome of our judicial review into the government’s approval of a high speed rail link through the borough, but remain committed to defeating the plans.

In February, some of the residents who would be affected by proposals for high speed rail

through the borough attended a public meeting to listen to the council’s plans to continue fighting the development.

The invited audience heard Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, commit to continuing the council’s opposition to the plans.

The meeting also heard from the Borough Solicitor and Head of Transportation, Planning Policy and Community Engagement, who spoke about the responses the council has sent to the two HS2 consultations on safeguarding and property compensation.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning,

Transportation and Recycling, talked about the announcement of phase two of the route, from Birmingham north, which was made in early February, but did not include any details of a Heathrow spur, which had previously been mentioned.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “We will continue to support our residents who are opposed to these plans. There are a range of options open to us to take further legal action, dependent on the result of the judicial review.

“There remains no business case for this environmental disaster and frankly it beggars belief that the government chose a route to link into Heathrow which they promised in 2010 would not be expanded.”

fight

Continuing the

STOP HS2Cllr Keith Burrows being interviewed at Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre in Harefield, which would be destroyed if HS2 went ahead.

contactsFor more information on council tax, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/counciltax.


hillingdon finance

Council tax frozen for next two yearsA freeze in council tax for a further two years will mean that all residents in Hillingdon will have seen no increase in their council tax for six years.

weekly rubbish and recycling collections, and the Chrysalis environmental improvements programme, alongside completing our enhancements project at Ruislip Lido.

We will also continue to support our residents who are opposed to HS2 and any future proposed development at Heathrow.

The freeze also means residents over-65 will have had no council tax increase for eight years.

All council fees and charges will be frozen for a further year, including parking, library service charges, TeleCareLine, home care charges, early years centre nursery fees and the fees and charges for using Hillingdon’s leisure centres and arts venues.

In addition, the council will continue to invest in improvements across the borough, including an extra £2.5m to be spent on road and pavement maintenance. The funding to complete the borough’s library rebuild and refurbishment programme has also been set aside.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “We have made savings of about £60m over the last three years and thanks to our sound financial management we have still been able to freeze council tax and protect frontline services.

“There are likely to be more financial government cutbacks to come but we have planned for tough

times and we will continue to invest in services and deliver value for money.

“We will continue to work to put residents first, focussing on our four main priorities - our people, our environment, our heritage and sound financial management.”

To safeguard the future of our young people, almost £150m is being spent to ensure that all borough children have a local primary school place to go to. This is the largest investment of its kind in London. For more information on this, please see page 18.

The council has also committed to continuing


hillingdon health

to win!One lucky resident has scooped a year’s free membership to Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex for pledging their commitment to be more active.

Volunteering in our parks and green spacesIf you want to get more active, but don’t like exercise in the most traditional sense of the word, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in our parks and green spaces - many of them have groups of people who meet regularly to carry out maintenance. This can include planting, pruning, weeding, and other general work. For more information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/greenspaces.

GiedreKupliauskiene,33,of West Drayton, was among hundreds of residents who

signed the council’s change4life Hillingdon pledge online before the end of last year, and was entered into the free prize draw. The council’s campaign supports the national NHS change4life initiative, to encourage people to lead healthier lives.Giedre said: “I’m so happy

to have won the membership; one of my resolutions for 2013 was to start leading a healthier way of life so a leisure centre membership is a great addition to my plans. Plus, this will keep me motivated with no more excuses.

“I take my four-year-old son to the swimming school at Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex and I’m looking forward to using the gym, going to the swimming pool and joining Zumba or other classes. “

For those that missed out on the 2012 draw, there are still plenty of opportunities to pledge your commitment and be in with a chance of winning more prizes throughout 2013. Just share your change4life Hillingdon experiences throughout the year and every time you do you’ll gain entry into the monthly draws. For example, you can post on the council’s Facebook page about a class you’ve enjoyed at one of the borough’s leisure centres, or tweet a picture to @Hillingdon of you enjoying a walk in one of Hillingdon’s parks, quoting #C4LHillingdon.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “I’m pleased to see that our first winner,Giedre,iskeentostart her membership and try out all the different activities on offer at the leisure complex. There are more great prizes to be won this year and I’m sure people will enjoy sharing their experiences too. There’s so much to enjoy in the borough, so I hope it gives others a bit of inspiration to take part.”

There will be prizes every month throughout 2013. The prizes include golf lessons, pamper sessions, gym memberships, and much more.

change4life in 2013change4life in 2013

contactsThere are lots more of ways to get involved and get active - full details can be found at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/change4life


hillingdon health

Cycling Ranger schemeWe are looking for cyclists to join our Cycling Ranger scheme. Similar to our Street Champions, these rangers act as the eyes and ears of the council, spotting problems or making suggestions on how we make improvements to the borough’s cycling facilities.

Suggestions made by cycle rangers are currently being looked at before they are implemented. It is completely voluntary and you can opt out at any time. You

can find out more online at www.cyclingrangers.org.uk/hillingdon or by calling the Cycle Ranger Coordinator on 01895 558391 or email [email protected].

to win!Get Walking WeekThe first week in May is the Ramblers’ Get Walking Week (4-11 May) and is a great time to start walking. Hillingdon will be hosting a walk on Saturday 4 May at Barra Hall Park, Freemans Lane, Hayes. The walk will be free, suitable for all ages, starting at 11am from the bandstand in the park.

For more information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/walking and register online. You can register on the day, but we’d like to know in advance how many people to expect. Hillingdon is one of three sites to host a flagship walk as part of this GB-wide walking festival.

contactsFor more information about the work the council is doing to improve the borough’s town centres visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/towncentres. Anna-Marina’s work can be viewed at www.amdphotography.co.uk. Like her Facebook page www.facebook.com/amdphotographyuk or follow her on Twitter @AMDearsley.


hillingdon proud

You said…we didFollowing consultations on what you would like to see in Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills town centres we are looking at your comments and ways we can put these into place.

The improvements coming this year are being funded by the council and the Mayor of London.

You said you wanted:More on-street parking so we are introducing additional pay and display parking in both town centres in increasing the width of existing angled bays in Northwood Hills;

Better pavements and street lightsso we are replacing existing pavements and installing better lighting;

Fewer vacant properties and a better range of shopsso we are encouraging new businesses to come into the towns by providing grants for businesses to improve their shop fronts and bringing empty shops back into use;

More attractive town centresso we are creating a central boulevard with trees in Joel Street with new seating and landscaping. A greater variety of trees will be planted in Ruislip Manor;

More town centre eventsso we are working with shop owners to plan events and special promotions.

A new photography business has launched in Ruislip Manor as part of the council’s commitment to rejuvenate high streets and fill vacant shops.

AMD Photography opened its doors in Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, in February.

The premises will be used as a pop up photography studio for 12 weeks and is located next door to The Shed which opened in December as part of a competition run by the council and experts in town centre regeneration Meanwhile Space. This scheme is part of a wider town centre improvement programme, supported by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund.

The photography shop will be run by Anna-Marina Dearsley, who was runner-up in the council’s Dragons’ Den style competition in November. She started her photographer career working as a press photographer in Ruislip 20 years ago.

Anna-Marina said: “I’m so thrilled to be able to use the space in Ruislip Manor and offer an affordable wedding and portrait photography service to the local residents and hopefully work and support the other retailers in bringing more footfall to Victoria Road.”

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, added: “Filling vacant shops is one of many improvements we are bringing to our town centres and it’s very encouraging to see independent local traders making their mark back on the high street. Residents and businesses are welcoming it and I think it’s the boost that new businesses need to set up something longer term.”

Continuing to tackle empty shops

contactsFor more information about the work the council is doing to improve the borough’s town centres visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/towncentres. Anna-Marina’s work can be viewed at www.amdphotography.co.uk. Like her Facebook page www.facebook.com/amdphotographyuk or follow her on Twitter @AMDearsley.

contactsYou can find out more about the council’s continued opposition to Heathrow expansion at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/heathrow.


hillingdon campaign

The council is continuing to oppose any plans for expansion at Heathrow Airport, supporting residents in the south of the borough who will lose their homes, and others who

will be negatively impacted if a third runway is built.Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said:

“As a council we remain opposed to the building of a third and possibly a fourth runway at Heathrow.

Continuing to oppose Heathrow expansionAs a council we have committed to putting our residents first, and part of this includes fighting against any future plans to expand Heathrow Airport.

“We believe that the case against expansion is stronger now than when the government abandoned the expansion plans in 2010 and that there are more suitable alternatives for expanding runway capacity or siting a four runway national hub airport.

“Dithering on the issue is also seeing vast sums of money wasted on an HS2 route predicated on a link to the national hub airport which, if not at Heathrow, is simply the wrong route.”

Hillingdon People contacted Heathrow to see if they wanted to put their reasons for wanting expansion across, but they declined, saying there was no specific proposal for expansion at Heathrow at this time.

The map (right) shows indicative aircraft departure routes for one of the third runway use options in the government’s consultation into Heathrow expansion in 2007.

The yellow areas show departure routes when there is a westerly wind, when aircraft would take off in a westerly direction from the third runway and the existing northern runway.

The brown areas show departure routes when there is an easterly wind, when aircraft would take off in an easterly direction from the third runway and the existing northern runway.

The green areas show where aircraft can be directed off these departure routes when they are more than 4,000 ft high.

Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

contactsFor more on extra care housing, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk and search extra care housing.

Cllr Philip Corthorn and Linda Sanders,

Corporate Director of Social Care and Health,

at Triscott House with a resident and the home manager.


hillingdon care

Triscott House, in Hayes, opened to residents last October and has already

been commended in the London Planning Awards and in November 2012 it also won The Most Outstanding Extra Care Project in the UK 2012 award in the UK Over 50 Housing category.

The development is open to over 55s who have a variety of care and support needs. There are 47 one and two bedroom flats, and a range of on-site facilities, including a kiosk, restaurant, hairdressers, fitness suite, hydrotherapy suite, IT access and facilities, as well as communal gardens and terrace. It is fully accessible for people with mobility issues.

Residents in the development are encouraged to live independently but they will continue to receive the appropriate level of support to their needs. There are staff on-call 24 hours a day, and it caters for people with a range of support needs, including people with disabilities, mental health, difficulties or dementia. As the needs of people living there change,

Award-winning housing open

The council’s latest supported housing scheme is now open and housing residents.their personal care package can also be changed accordingly.

A manager and support worker are also be on-site to help with housing related tasks such as paying bills and organising activities on and off site.

It is the first extra care sheltered housing scheme in the country to achieve level 5 of the code for Sustainable Homes, meaning it is very energy efficient and has environmentally friendly features, including: a green sedum roof which enhances air quality by lowering CO2 levels; photovoltaic panels on the roof converting the sun’s light into electricity; rainwater harvesting; and energy efficient windows and extra thick insulated walls.

Cllr Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “We are delighted that the work we have put into developing Triscott

House has been recognised by these awards. We know that extra care developments are very popular with older residents and we are keen to have more facilities like this for them. I hope the residents enjoy their time in Triscott House and using the amenities available there.”

When the building was being designed, particular attention was paid to the needs of people with dementia who may need support finding their way around. Each floor is colour coded and each doorway has space for a photo or picture to be displayed as a memory aid.

The flats at Triscott House are allocated by the council.

contactsFor more on extra care housing, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk and search extra care housing.

contactsFor more from Mark, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonpeople

BAFTAMark and his sound team with their BAFTAS

Hillingdon’s triple award winner


hillingdon stars

normally happens is they would rehearse and mime to the lines and then be re-recorded and that would be used in the film. We wanted to use the live recordings, we didn’t know until we had started whether it would work, but we knew quickly that it was going to come together once we started.”

Speaking about Hillingdon, Mark said he didn’t often have a chance to come back, but he does have fond memories of the borough: “When we moved out of Northwood Hills, we moved to Ickenham, and went to the Coach and Horses.

“I’d love to go back there, we used to hang out there quite a lot.”

As Hillingdon People revealed in 2009, the BAFTAs are made in an industrial

estate in Yiewsley. Last month, one was handed to a former resident of Northwood, who has now won three film awards for his work on Les Miserables.

Mark Paterson, 32, went to school at Haydon and lived in Northwood Hills and Ickenham before his sparkling sound career took him out of the borough. Hillingdon People spoke to him after his success at the BAFTAs as he prepared to fly out to Los Angeles for the Oscars. Following our conversation, he also won the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing, and the same category at the Cinema Audio Society awards, which is voted for by sound engineers.

After telling Mark that the BAFTAs were made here, he said: “I was surprised how heavy it was! I woke up the next morning wondering why my arm hurt. The first thing they do when you get off the stage is give you your own one.

“It was a really nice night. It was kind of nerve wracking as

well. We had designated speakers so I knew that if we won I wasn’t going to have to speak on stage, so I could just enjoy it.

“It wasn’t until about 2am when we made the Universal after party we all said ‘cheers’ and held up our glasses and it started to sink in. I didn’t think we would win, I was thinking ‘it’s 50 years of Bond’; I thought it was going to be their year.”

He continued that there had been a huge amount of press around the sound in Les Miserables being done in a new way and how that had increased the thought that they could win. Mark and his sound colleagues worked with the theatre production crew of Les Miserables to mix the sound for the film, as they were using a new technique which involved live recording the dialogue. He added that feedback from die-hard theatre fans had been mostly positive around the film version.

He said: “We didn’t know that this live recording would work; recording the dialogue live had never been done before. What

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hillingdon education

School expansion plan unveiledAlmost £150m will be invested to improve and expand the borough’s primary schools, the largest investment in London. This will provide our children with school places near their homes to cope with an increasing birth rate.

to plan effectively for the rise in demand for school places.

“In doing this we want to ensure that we are providing the very best education for Hillingdon’s children. That means building schools and extra classrooms of the right quality, in the right place.

“Some schools simply don’t have the capacity to take extra classrooms so we are looking at all options including investing in new schools and working with other education providers so that the borough’s children get a good education close to where they live.”

With pressure for places moving into secondary schools by September 2017, the Cabinet will be considering proposals to deal with this demand in the autumn.

Five new primary schools could be built and two others expanded under plans announced by

the council’s Cabinet in February.The proposals include:•four new primary schools

in the south of the borough in the areas suffering greatest immediate pressure for school places;

•one on the RAF Uxbridge site to meet the forecasted need;

•expansion of one primary school in Yiewsley and one in north Ruislip to tackle the shortage of classroom space.

It is predicted that the borough will need 15 new reception classrooms over the next six years, with a sustained increase in the demand for places

because of rising birth rates and people moving into the area.

We are already investing almost £150m on school building, the largest amount in London. Last summer 15 schools were given extra facilities to ensure all children had a place to go to in September. This was against a backdrop of a 10 per cent increase in demand for primary school places over the last five years.

Future options to bridge the gap include working with potential providers of free schools and other partners.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “We are firmly putting families first by ensuring we continue


hillingdon cover feature

contactsFind out more about Heathrow at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/heathrow

Everyone in the borough is being encouraged to have their say on whether they want

to see expansion at Heathrow

Airport or not.

Have your say on Heathrow expansionThe council is holding a

referendum on expansion from 21 April to 16 May,

and is asking for your views on two questions. These are:

1. Should a third runway be built at Heathrow? Yes/No

2. Are you in favour of more flights into and out of Heathrow? Yes/No

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “As a council we are opposed to Heathrow expansion, but we want to know what you think. I’d ask everyone to have their say on this, so we have a representative view of what the whole borough thinks. Heathrow affects everyone who lives here, whether you live in the villages surrounding it, or further north, so please have your say. Voting online is the easiest way to vote.”

Every resident in the borough will be sent a referendum voting card from 21 April with the two questions on it, and a unique reference number which you need to use to vote online at the website address on the card (will insert website here if it is confirmed). Voting online will be as simple as visiting the site, putting in your unique reference number, and then voting on the two questions. Each number can only be used once.

If you do not have access to the internet, you just need to complete the card and return it in the envelope provided or drop your completed card to any library or council reception in the borough where it will be forwarded to the Civic Centre.

Remember to have your say by Thursday 16 May for your vote to count.

The London Borough of Richmond is also holding a referendum and we will be announcing both sets of results on the same date. They will be included in the July/August edition of Hillingdon People and online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk.


hillingdon care

Fostering for lifeDo you have space in your home and life to offer a child or young person a home as a foster carer?

Norma and Roy Hoppe have been fostering

for Hillingdon for more than 15 years, and would happily continue taking in children and young people for as long as they are able to do so. Hillingdon People spoke to them about some of their fostering experiences.

At the moment, they are caring for a teenager and two toddlers - a brother and sister - and in the past they have looked after mostly older children for a range of long- and short-term placements. They have eight grandchildren, ranging in age from eight to 23,

contactsTo find out more about fostering, phone 0800 783 1298, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering or come along to an open evening at the Civic Centre. The next sessions are on Tuesday 16 April, and Tuesday 14 May, from 6.30 to 8.30pm. To register, please email [email protected].


hillingdon care

Fostering for lifeCarers’ Association, a planned break when needed and a generous financial package up to £388 per week per foster child.

Despite their ages, Roy and Norma are keen to continue fostering for as long as they can, both agreeing they would foster more children once the toddlers they are currently looking after have moved on. Norma is always keen to ensure that anyone they foster is comfortable with their family and that the family is comfortable with them, and would say no if they weren’t sure the placement would work.

Increasingly, more mature people are coming forward to learn more about fostering. There is no minimum or maximum age to foster, you just need to be in good health, have space in your home and have the capacity to look after children in a safe and responsible way to meet the child’s needs.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “We are always looking for foster carers for Hillingdon children. There are no age limits on who can foster, so if you have previously thought about it and not come forward because of your age, please reconsider and contact us. All we ask is that you are fit and healthy. There is lots of support available for all our foster carers, so if you have space in your home and your life, please think about it.”

so they are well placed to deal with children of all ages.

When Roy and Norma’s children grew up and moved out, they both felt that the family home, which had always been full of the children and their friends, was very quiet and empty. They were talking about moving and downsizing, when Roy went to meet someone for work and saw he had a young child running around.

Roy explained: “I said I didn’t know he had young children, and he said he didn’t, and explained he was a foster carer. I went home and said to Norma that was what I wanted to do. I always wanted to work with children, but I am dyslexic, which prevented me from going to college or university.”

Norma added: “I said you’ve got to be joking, our kids have only just moved out, but Roy phoned up and then we were at the meeting and we were soon attending the training for prospective foster carers.”

Since they started fostering, their family have been very supportive. Roy and Norma think that fostering has helped keep them young, and means they can talk to their children

about problems they are having with schools or their grandchildren with their own experiences.

Over the years, they have fostered children of all ages, from all types of backgrounds and with all sorts of issues, and they are still in touch with many of them. They are approved to foster three children, aged from birth to 17.

They said: “We can’t get enough of it; it’s hard work, but it’s very enjoyable. We had one young lady for 11 years and she still comes back to see us. We still feel like they are our children; she is like a daughter to me. They know they can always call or come to see us if they want to.”

Fostering has become so much a part of their lives that when they have time off, they don’t know what to do and what to talk about.

Norma has recently done a 12-week course, facilitated by a dedicated fostering clinical psychologist, designed for foster carers to help them understand the behaviour of children and young people - something she says she wishes she had done sooner, as it had helped explain some of the children’s behaviour in the past.

Even though they’ve been fostering for such a long time, they are still learning; looking after the toddlers they have at the moment has taught them a lot. Their first placement was a teenager with eating disorders who self-harmed, so they have been learning from the start how to make connections and improve young people’s lives. They say that fostering has helped their grandchildren realise how lucky they are.

Roy concluded: “I wouldn’t swap anything. My only regret is that I didn’t do something like this sooner. Now is a good time to become a foster carer in Hillingdon, the team is positive and you can feel it.”

Foster carers receive professional support from their supervising social workers, additional 24-hour telephone advice, full training, access to the Hillingdon Foster

contactsFor more information on recycling in Hillingdon, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling


hillingdon environment

With Heinz based in Hillingdon, we thought we would look at what happens to used bean cans when you put them in your recycling sack.

The food can was invented by Nicolas Appert in 1810 to preserve food for

Napoleon’s armies. The basic idea of keeping food well in an airtight container out of direct sunlight remains, but the design has changed over 200 years.

Food cans now use much less steel than 30 years ago to save resources, but they are still covered in a very thin layer of tin plating. Steel is magnetic so can very easily be separated from the other recycling sorted by Grundons at their Colnbrook factory. Last year most of the steel food cans were then sent to a re-opened steel factory in Redcar, in Teesside. This helped create jobs in the UK manufacturing.

The steel factory firstly extracts the tin plating from the cans, and then uses the steel cans along with the raw ingredients of new steel, iron ore, coal and limestone to create a molten new steel mix. This is cooled into very large slabs that then go to be rolled into thinner steel that can be used to make new cars, steel girders or even cans.

Steel can be recycled time and again without loss of quality. In addition recycling one tonne of steel saves one and half tonnes of iron ore, half a tonne of coal and 40 per cent of the water. Using recycled steel to make new steel only uses half the energy, which helps reduce harmful greenhouse gases produced.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: “Overall in Hillingdon, our recycling rate is good, but we could always do more. Soup and beans cans, animal food cans and even biscuit tins can all be recycled into new steel. This stops useful metal going to landfill and saves resources for the future.”

Recycling your empty food cans

contactsFor more information on recycling in Hillingdon, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling

contactsFor more information, including a map of where each young people’s centre is, visit young.hillingdon.gov.uk. For more on DASH visit www.dash.org.uk, and for more information on HACS visit www.hacs.org.uk


hillingdon young people

Young people with disabilities can now join a series of programmes designed specifically to help them live independently and reach their full potential.

The clubs are being organised by the council, working with two local charities;

Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS) and Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH).

The programmes are designed to be fun but also support young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to lead independent lives using sports, arts and crafts, offsite and residential activities, music production, dance and drama, cooking workshops, and issue-based projects.

Sparks Clubs focus on the support and development needs of young people aged 11 – 25 who have learning difficulties and disabilities. They are co-ordinated so young people receive seamless support and engagement as they graduate from the junior clubs, through the inters clubs, and eventually onto the senior Sparks club.

Sparks Juniors for school years 7, 8, and 9, at Charville Young People’s Centre on Wednesdays between 3.30pm and 6pm, and at Northwood Young People’s Centre on Mondays between 3.30pm and 6pm.

Sparks Inters for school years 10, 11, and 12, at West Drayton Young People’s Centre on Wednesdays between 7pm and 9.30pm, and at Ruislip Young People’s Centre on Thursdays between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Sparks Seniors, for 20-25 year olds, meets at Fountain’s Mill Young People’s Centre in Uxbridge on Tuesdays between 7pm and 9.30pm.

HACS Clubs are provided by the council and HACS, and focus on the support and development needs of young people aged between 13 and 25 who have autistic spectrum disorders.

HACS Club South is at Harlington Young People’s Centre on Wednesdays between 4pm and 6pm.

HACS Club North is at South Ruislip Young People’s Centre on Thursdays between 7pm and 9.30pm.

DASH Clubs are provided by the council and DASH, and focus on the support and development needs of young people aged between 13 and 25 who have physical and learning disabilities. This is held at Ruislip Young People’s Centre, on Sundays between 1pm and 3.30pm.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “We recognise the need to offer specific services for young people with disabilities, to help support them as they grow up. These clubs will help them meet new people and hopefully give them some of the skills they need to live independent lives once they reach adulthood.”

Offering extra support to young disabled people


hillingdon sport

Get golfing this springGet into golf this spring at the council’s three golf courses. Golf is a great way to get active without working too hard and women and younger people are being encouraged to think about the sport as a good way to exercise.

For women, golf offers a chance to meet with friends or make new friends, and there is

plenty of time for conversation for a few hours without your partner or kids around. It’s also a good way to exercise, with a combination of walking and swinging the club, which can help you tone up. You can burn more than 1,400 calories playing 18 holes with a trolley.

Golfing with Hillingdon Council is also affordable - green fees start from £7, and an Access3 golf pass which gives unlimited golf from £399.

Beginners group sessions are available at Ruislip Golf Course with PGA Professional Paul Glozier, call 01895 277777. Half price individual lessons are available at Haste Hill throughout March with PGA Professional Gary Bothwell, call 07748 287504. If you want to meet socially, the ladies club sections at Haste Hill and Ruislip welcome all ages and abilities.

Ruislip ladies section welcome any new or experienced lady golfers to join them. Their friendly group of ladies have varied handicaps and meet each Tuesday morning. They usually gather in the conservatory area at 1pm after playing for a drink so if you’re thinking of enrolling then you could always meet them first. The Fairway restaurant has just been revamped and the choices of meals/drinks

There is plenty on offer for younger people keen to try golf for the first time, too. It can help teach focus, and help them work towards specific goals. Golf can also be played by the whole family, so it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.

The junior club section at Ruislip welcomes kids of all abilities from just £15. They meet every Tuesday at 7pm and Thursday at 6:30pm. These sessions include play on the course, range use, putting competitions, short and long game practise, golf quizzes, social evenings and the occasional pool night. The first three meetings are free. Please contact Andy Roseboom, Junior Organiser, on 07903 180711 or telephone the Golf Shop on 01895 277777.

Junior golf group sessions are available at Ruislip Golf Course with PGA Professional Paul Glozier, call 01895 277777.

are very extensive. You can contact the Captain through the Pro Shop on 01895 277777.

The ladies at Haste Hill enjoy playing various friendly, county and national competitions. New members are always welcome. Golf is fun and Haste Hill provides a friendly environment to improve your game. New members are encouraged to participate in competitions, learning the rules and gaining confidence as they progress. There are also social and fun events – Golf is not all about winning competitions! Ladies meet on Thursday or Sunday mornings. If you would like to join the club or meet a member to find out more about it, please contact Cheng Loo, Honorary Secretary on 020 8864 1931 or email [email protected].


hillingdon sport

questionnairequestionnaire

Sport in HillingdonSport in Hillingdon

We all know how important it is to lead a healthy and active life and as part of our change4life campaign we would like to find out how much sport and physical activity residents currently do and would like to do in the future.

This important study will help to shape local services in the future. By completing the

survey, you will be entered into a draw to win equipment and activity vouchers to help keep active. You can enter again by pledging to undertake

regular physical activity, and by sharing your photos and experiences of being active through Twitter or Facebook, using #c4lHillingdon.

We can also keep you up-to-date with opportunities for you and your family, which will

only be sent from the council or its leisure providers and you can unsubscribe at any time.

This questionnaire can also be completed via the change4life Hillingdon website by visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/change4life.

About you and other family members iving at your addressyou Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

NameMale or femaleDate of birthIn full-time education?Please specify which school, college or university etcRegistered disabled? (please tick if yes)Ethnicity*(See options below)

*Ethnicity options: A: White B: Mixed C: Asian or Asian British D: Black or Black British E: Chinese F: Other Ethnic Group (please write above) G: Prefer not to state

Physical activity questions

1. thinking about the last four weeks, on how many days have you or any of the other household members…

done 30 minutes or more continuous walking?you Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

done 30 minutes or more continuous cycling?you Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

participated in other sport or physical exercise?you Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4


hillingdon sport

2. thinking about the last four weeks, on how many days have you or any of the other household members participated in sport or physical activity at one or more of the following Hillingdon leisure centres? (tick all that apply)

Leisure centre you Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4Hillingdon Sports & Leisure ComplexBotwell Green Sports & Leisure CentreQueensmead Sports CentreHighgrove PoolWilliam Byrd PoolActive Lifestyles Gym (Minet)Other

3. are you, or any of the other members of the household, active members of any sports clubs in Hillingdon? if yes, which one(s)

Sports club you Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4Example: Hillingdon FC 3 3

4. What activities would you like to hear more about? Tick all that applyactivity you Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4ArcheryAthleticsBadmintonBasketball Children’s playClimbingCricketCyclingDanceDivingFencingFree running/parkour FootballGolfGym/fitnessGymnasticsHandball HockeyJoggingJudoKayakingNetballRugby SailingSquashSwimmingTable tennis Tennis TrampoliningTriathlonWalkingWater polo Other:

PledgeTo enter the free prize draw, please complete the following pledge

adults’ pledge (19+)‘I commit to doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week’

Young People’s pledge (5-18)‘I commit to doing at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day’

Parents’ and guardians’ pledge‘I will encourage my child(ren) to be more active each week’

Address: ______________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________Email: ________________________ ____________________________Tel: __________________________(mobiles will be registered for free sport and fitness alerts from Hillingdon Council. You can opt out at anytime)

Return toYou can complete the survey for free online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/change4life.

If you don’t have access to the internet, you can complete the survey and return a paper copy for free to any of the borough’s libraries or leisure centres, or drop it into main reception at the Civic Centre for delivery.

You can also post it to:Sport and Leisure Service,4W/08 Civic CentreHigh StreetUxbridge, UB8 1UW

Pledge

Sports successes

celebrated


The winners were:Clive Hamilton award for outstanding volunteer Paul Nugent, football. Paul has been coaching in the Hayes and Harlington area for more than 10 years

Coach of the Year Dave Hemmings, Hillingdon Swimming Club

Club of the Year Hillingdon Archery Club

Team of the Year Hillingdon U14’s Cricket Club

Disability Sports Person of the Year Sophie Grey, swimming

Young Volunteer of the Year Namutallah Ahmadi (Barnhill Community High)

Mayor’s Cup for Sports Person of the Year Matt Fayers, athletics.

Paul Stewart, who joined Hillingdon Archery Club after completing a Back to Sport beginners’ course hosted by the council in the summer, said: “It's great to have become part of such a friendly, fun and welcoming club. This award is well deserved recognition for all the members and especially for the tireless work of the club president Simeon Keenan.”

Successful teams from the London Youth Games were also awarded with a prize.

This year’s Gold Bursary winners are:•Sky Draper, triathlete;•Peter Whelan, ski cross racer;•Natasha Baker, Paralympic

dressage champion;•Matt Fayers, athletics;•Luke Spain, swimmer;•Jack Kirby, athletics.

The Gold Bursary is designed to provide support to athletes with huge sporting potential to represent Great Britain in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, sports specific World Championships or similar international events.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “Hillingdon is proud to be the home of a number of extremely talented young people and we continue to produce top class athletes with the potential to compete at the highest level.

“In previous years we’ve funded some fantastic athletes two of whom medalled at the London 2012 Paralympics in September, Natasha Baker and Andrew Lapthorne.”

Sporting achievements were rewarded at the annual Mayor’s Sports Awards, along with the winners of the council’s Gold Bursary scheme for sports stars with huge potential for the future.

hillingdon sport


hillingdon mayor

leaflet which has been produced and sent to libraries and schools, giving more history and information about the role of the mayor in Hillingdon.

On advice for the incoming Mayor, he said: “Be ready to really enjoy yourself and discover so much more about the borough and its residents. Remember there are 266,000 people living here, who speak more than 100 different languages. It’s a very diverse community, home to many cultures, it’s one of the most stable communities in London.”

He said he would miss meeting so many residents and seeing the hard work of so many of the borough’s volunteers, who he described as “the glue that holds Hillingdon together”.

In a year with such historic events, Hillingdon People spoke to Cllr Michael Markham, the outgoing Mayor of Hillingdon, to find out his highlights.

“The first high spot was the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Thousands of residents

took part in hundreds of celebratory events across the borough. Myself and my wife, Rosemary, went to more than 65 street parties, and the Deputy Mayor and five past Mayors went to another 65 parties between them. We had to turn down lots of cupcakes! It was a most amazing weekend.”

He continued: “The other major highlight was the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Hillingdon. It was probably the hottest day of the year, and I was there in full Mayoral regalia, including hat and gloves, and the only thing that seemed to keep me cool was walking up and down the high street talking to the hundreds of people lining the street. The wait was worth

the few seconds you got to see the torch as it whooshed past.”

Cllr Markham continued that he was honoured to have been able to visit so many people in so many different parts of the borough throughout the year, with his wife adding it had been the best year.

He said: “The year has helped the realisation of what a terrific place Hillingdon is to live and work.”

He also added his thanks to the many volunteers the borough has, from individuals helping one another to groups of people working together the help others.

One of his projects this year has been to help residents learn more about the mayoralty, including a

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To advertise in this magazine telephone Hannah Collins on 01895 250828Please mention Hillingdon People when responding to adverts


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Continuing to support the Voluntary Sector


Collaborating for changeVoluntary and community groups in Hillingdon are set to benefit from new services thanks to the Collaborating for Change (C4C) programme. Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS) has successfully launched the programme, which will provide eight new services to support the sector in the borough.

The programme is funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Opportunities include links between local businesses and charities, an online bank of easy-to-use borough statistics

helpful for funding bids, an online forum, help with payroll, ICT and human resources to advice on sharing staff, premises and equipment. The aim is to improve services for residents if they come to a voluntary group or charity in the borough.

HAVS, who support charities and voluntary sector organisations in Hillingdon, will be the contact point for local charities or groups. If you would like further information or to get involved, please contact them on 01895 442722 or email [email protected].

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “In Hillingdon we recognise the importance of our voluntary sector, and the work that the thousands of Hillingdon volunteers do to support our vulnerable residents. We feel it is important to keep supporting them financially so they can continue to offer these services. Volunteers in Hillingdon are very dedicated, and we value their efforts and commitment to the causes they support.”

We will be following some of the groups who will be receiving funding throughout the year in Hillingdon People, to find out more about what they do and the people they support.

Some of the groups to benefit from funding

Hillingdon Council has once again committed

to supporting our voluntary sector, with the funding for 2013-14 announced recently.

We are continuing to invest in the borough’s voluntary organisations, with almost £1.7m allocated so far, with other funds available throughout the year, including a small grants scheme for specific projects.

The scheme will expand its criteria to enable town centre partnership groups to apply. This is intended to support local town centre groups and chambers of commerce in their work to improve town centres.

There will also be funding available for some of the borough’s smaller charities to pay for the transport costs of group members.

are: Age UK Hillingdon; Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH); Heathrow Travel Care; Hillingdon Carers; Hillingdon MIND; WRVS;

Bell Farm Christian Centre; Hillingdon Federation of Community Associations - play schemes and town centre partnerships (Uxbridge Forward).

Refuse and RecyclingEaster 2013 bank holiday

Normal collection day Revised collection day Monday 25 March Monday 25 March (blue)Tuesday 26 March Tuesday 26 March (blue)Wednesday 27 March Tuesday 26 and (blue)

Wednesday 27 MarchThursday 28 March Wednesday 27 and (blue)

Thursday 28 MarchFriday 29 March Thursday 28 March (blue)Monday 1 April Tuesday 2 April (red)Tuesday 2 April Tuesday 2 and (red)

Wednesday 3 AprilWednesday 3 April Wednesday 3 and (red)

Thursday 4 AprilThursday 4 April Thursday 4 and (red)

Friday 5 AprilFriday 5 April Friday 5 April (red)

Refuse and recycling should be left near your front gate, but not on the pavement, by 6am on the revised collection day.

For any queries regarding refuse or recycling collections, please visit hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling.

Do you havegood quality unwanted

furniture or electricals?

We offer a confidential appointment service to 13-25 year olds experiencing, or being affected by someone with, a drug or alcohol related problem.

Support and treatment options, including:• one-to-one confidential support to discuss current

problems with or past effects of drugs or alcohol relapse prevention and general health care

•support and advice to family members or friends.

Sorted

young.hillingdon.gov.uk/life

Get in touch 01895 250721

[email protected] Mill young People’s Centre

81 High Street Uxbridge, UB8 1Jr


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When: Friday 12 April, 8pmWhere: Ickenham Village Hall, 33 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8DG.Cost: £8, over 65s £6, Children (under 14) £4Contact: For more information and to buy tickets online visit www.singing4fun.com

Singing 4 Fun Big Band NightEnjoy an evening with the Singing 4 Fun Singers and live band “That Big Band Sound” as we sing songs from the Big Band era.

For a chance to win two free tickets, follow us on Twitter @singing_4fun and tweet us your favourite Big Band song.

When: Wednesday 22 - Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinee on SaturdayWhere: Compass Theatre, Grange Road, Ickenham, UB10 8PDCost: £12, with concessions £10Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200

Deathtrapa comedy thriller by Ira LevinMagic Hat present this play, set in the home of thriller playwright Sidney Bruhl, the action is set around the play Deathtrap, a new thriller by unknown dramatist Clifford Anderson which he has sent to Bruhl for comments - or has he?

Without a success to his credit for years, Sidney plots, with his reluctant wife Myra, about how best to plagiarize Deathtrap and when Clifford turns up to discuss the play, events take a sinister turn.

When: Wednesday 24 – Saturday 27 April, 7.45pmWhere: Compass Theatre, Grange Road, Ickenham, UB10 8PDCost: £11, £10 concessions on Wednesday and ThursdayContact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200.

Ruislip Dramatic Society presents Alan Ayckbourn’sHow the other half lovesThree couples, two houses and one affair share the stage for this hilarious comedy considered one of Alan Ayckbourn’s best. Bob’s liaison with his boss’ wife is in danger of being discovered. To prevent this they both attempt to divert suspicions elsewhere via an innocent unsuspecting couple at the office.

Two hilarious dinner parties are the result presented simultaneously in a scene recognised as one of the classic comedy moments of British theatre.


Following feedback in the readers’ survey last year, we have increased the What’s On listings to three pages, so we are able to include more events. If you have an event you’d like including, please email [email protected] or submit online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/events.


Steeleye SpanSat 30 March, 7.30pmSteeleye Span are now a six piece again; see them revisit the classics that have made them one of the most successful British folk rock bands ever.Cost: £19.50Contact: Book online at www.becktheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 020 8561 8371Beck Theatre

EvitaFriday 12 - Saturday 13 April, various timesCelebrating Beck Youth Theatre’s 25th anniversary with a very special amateur production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita. Eva Peron used her intelligence and charisma to rise from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world – while her greed, unnerving ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. Cost: £14, Saturday Matinee £10, Concessions £2 off (evenings only)Contact: Book online at www.becktheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 020 8561 8371Beck Theatre

Eastcote Choral Society Spring ConcertSaturday 13 April, 7.30pmStainer – Crucifixion and Pergolesi – Stabat Mater.The choir meets every Tuesday, 8pm to 10pmCost: £10Contact: Tickets from Northwood Cards & Gifts, on the door, or from 01895 904556. For more on the society, visit www.eastcotechoralsociety.org.ukSt. Edmund’s Church

Classic Concerts at St Edmund’sSunday 21 April, 3.30pmA concert for St George. An English recital featuring music by Walton, Elgar and Delius, performed by Mark Hammond (organ and piano).Cost: £6 to include refreshments at the door or on 01923 821869St. Edmund’s Church

Spring concert by Sine Nomine SingersSaturday 27 April, 7.30pmIncluding Vivaldi Gloria and Handel Chandos Anthem O Sing Unto The Lord.Contact: Jess Luscombe on 07766 314282, email [email protected] or visit www.sinenomine.org.ukSt Lawrence Church

ExerciseZumba Fitness ClassMondays, 6pm and Wednesdays, 8pmNo dance experience necessary. Classes are fun and friendly. Come join the party!!!Cost: £5Contact: Ann-Marie on 07701 012927, email [email protected] or Facebook zumbathatbodyMondays Walter Pomeroy Hall; Wednesdays St Edmund of Canterbury Church

Ceroc DancingMondays, 8pm to 11pm and Thursdays, 8pm to 11.30pmCeroc is a fusion of jive and salsa which is easy to learn and great fun. It’s a fantastic way to keep fit while having fun and a very sociable way to spend an evening. You don’t need to bring a partner and beginners are welcome.Cost: £8. Bring this advert and get free membership and free first night entry for new members.Contact: www.clubceroc.com or 020 8933 4350Mondays at West Drayton Community Centre, Thursdays at Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre

Insanity work outMondays, 8.15pm to 9pmAll Saints Church

LinedanceMonday to Thursdays, various timesFor absolute beginners/improvers/intermediate. Have fun and keep fit. Contact: Stephanie 07958 643307 or www.1ststepslinedance.com

LBT challengeTuesday 6.30 pm to 7.30pmLegs, bum and tums work out.All Saints Church

Keep FitTuesdays, 7.45pm to 8.45pmFun hour dance routine, arm workouts and floor.All Saints Church

Keep FitWednesdays, 7.15pm to 8.15pmFun dance, cardio, arms, floor.All Saints Church

BoxerciseWednesdays, 8.15pm to 9.15pmBox yourself outta the ring! Great fun workout.All Saints Church

Stretch-a-ciseThursdays, 11am to 12pmA gentle routine for over 60s, in a friendly and supportive environment. Work at your own pace (there are also classes on Tuesdays for less able and disabled people, please phone).Cost: £4Contact: Sally on 020 8842 0547, [email protected]

Taekwondo ClassesEvery Saturday, 12pm to 1pmClasses are starting, thanks to a grant from Hillingdon Community Trust for residents in their catchment area. All levels of ability and ages from five upwards are welcome. There are also special offers for new students. Please get in touch or just come along and meet us. Cost: normal cost per class: £5Contact: 020 8930 3587, or email [email protected] for more information www.TitanTaekwondo.comBotwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre

Deane Park Bowls ClubSaturday 27 April, 2pm to 4.30pmCome along to meet new people and find out more about the bowls club. Please bring flat shoes. Use the Bessingby Road entrance to the park.Contact: 020 8866 5736 or 020 8845 4287 for more informationBessingby Park

Bessingby Park Bowls ClubSaturday 4 May, 2.30pm to 3pmPlease bring flat shoes to this open day.Contact: Mr Gallagher on 01895 676624 for more informationBessingby Park

TheatreStep in TimeWednesday 3 to Thursday 4 April, 10am to 4pmA two-day Easter Holiday workshop for 7 to 14 year olds, working with songs from the greatest British musicals of all time. Cost: £35Contact: Call the Box Office on 01895 673200Compass Theatre

MusicUxbridge Folk Club Thursdays, 8pm to 11pmIncluding: 28 March - Crownstreet: Lively traditional and modern songs, with support from

Russell Swallow and the Wolf + Kimberley Anne; 11 April – Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts: (£10) with support from Garry Smith; 25 April : Edwina Hayes: One of the most beautiful of voices with support from Piefinger.Cost: £8 on the door, students £5 with first gig free (includes temporary membership to Uxbridge RNA)Contact: Book online at www.wegottickets.com (search uxbridge). For more visit www.tinyurl.com/uxfolk, call 07985 018317 or email [email protected] RNA

Pastiche Musical Theatre presents Salad DaysWednesday 20 March - Saturday 23 March, 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee on SaturdayA British Summer musical by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade. Jane and Timothy plan to get married but Timothy’s parents urge him to first find employment. In their search for a vocation they meet a tramp with a magic piano and embark on a special journey. A donation from the show will be made to Macmillan Nurses.Cost: £12, concessions £10.Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200Compass Theatre

Hillingdon Choral Society and Orchestra Saturday 23 March, 7.30pmThe spring concert performance will include Beethoven’s Mass in C and music by Delius, Elgar, Stanley and Rutter.Contact: Tickets available from [email protected], or from Pro Music International, 19 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, and on the door. For enquires call 07941 601966St Paul’s Church

360: ShowcaseThursday 28 March, 7.30pmAnother of 360’s showcase events, demonstrating the great progress of 360 members this term in the drama, film, music production, singing and photography workshops. Find out more at young.hillingdon.gov.ukCost: £5 in advance, £3 in advance concessions, £7 on the doorContact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200.Compass Theatre


If you wish to publicise an event, please email details to [email protected] or send to Hillingdon People, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Events are selected at the editor’s discretion.

The Fairway Ruislip Golf Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip, HA4 7DQ.GAA Sports & Social Club West End Road, South Ruislip, HA4 6QX.Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon, UB10 9LSIckenham Village Hall Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8DGManor Farm Site Ruislip, HA4 7QL.Michael Sobell Hospice Gate 3, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, HA6 2RN.Middlesex Arms Pub Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG

VenuesAll Saints Church Hall Ryefield Avenue, HillingdonBeck Theatre Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2UE.Bessingby Park Bessingby Road, Ruislip Manor, HA4 9BT.Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre East Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2HW.Cavendish Pavilion Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG.Compass Theatre Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD.Deane Park Hall Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HS

Middlesex Suite Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW.Ruislip and Eastcote Hockey Club Kings College Road, Ruislip, HA4 7JZ Ruislip Methodist Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ.St Edmund’s Church Pinner Road, Northwood Hills, HA6 1QSSt Edmund of Canterbury Church (off Yeading Lane), Edmund Close, Hayes.UB4 0HA St Johns Church Hallowell Road Northwood, HA6 1DN.St Lawrence Church Bridle Road, Eastcote, HA5 2SJ.

St Martins Church Hall Eastcote Road, Ruislip, HA4 8DG.St Paul’s Church Thurlestone Road, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, HA4 OBPSt Paul’s Church Hall Tiverton Road, Ruislip, HA4 0BP.Uxbridge RNA 388a Long Lane, UB10 9PG.Walter Pomeroy Hall Royal Lane, HIllingdon, UB8 3QUWest Drayton Community Centre Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton, UB7 9JL.Winston Churchill Theatre Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL

Argosy Players present Madness: Our House by Tim Firth; Music and lyrics by MadnessWednesday 8 to Saturday 11 May, 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee on SaturdayA touching tale of life and love, heartbreak and comedy, bursting with non-stop classic hits from everyone’s favourite 80s pop group, Madness. Telling the story of 16-year-old Joe, who breaks into a building site to impress a girl he loves. Cost: £14, £12 concessionsContact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200.Winston Churchill Hall

Uxbridge Choral SocietySaturday 18 May, 7.30pmConducted by Jeff Stewart: Faure Requiem and Gounod St. Cecilia MassCost: £10 on the door or from 01895 847083St Paul’s Church

LeisureRuislip Evening Women’s InstituteFirst Thursday of the month, 7.30pmHave your children gone off to university? Fancy making new friends, learning something new or just coming for a chat? Great friends, great social events and fundraising. Everyone is welcome. Contact: Kim Murphy on [email protected] or call 07989 558925 or 01895 632760Upper Room, GAA Sports and Social Club

Social BuddiesRegular meetingsA fun and friendly social group for anyone aged 35 – 55. There are a wide range of events every week, including pub nights, live music, quizzes, meals, theatre, cinema, charity fundraisers and sporting events. There is a regular pub social at The Gate, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, on the first Thursday of the month from 8.15pm. Contact: Visit www.meetup.com/SocialBuddies or email Su [email protected] for more information

Clan Social ClubThird Wednesday of the monthA friendly club for unattached people aged 50+. Come and meet the members, make new friends and find out more about the club.Contact: Tony: 020 8230 8680 or Pam: 01895 313217Middlesex Arms Pub

Duck Pond Artisan Food and Craft MarketThird Sunday of the monthAn artisan food and craft market with an eclectic mix of more than100 stalls each month with a focus on handmade, local and ethical products. The market is lively, eclectic, unique and combines farmers market stalls with a selection of local artists and crafters, vintage textiles and homewares, live local musicians and much more!Contact: www.duckpondmarket.co.ukGreat Barn, Manor Farm Site

The English Patient Tuesday 2 April, 2pmAnother classic film screened on the Compass Theatre’s new big screen and high definition projector. This 1996 romantic drama is based on the novel by Michael Ondaatje. Rated 15.Cost: £5Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200Compass Theatre

Uxbridge and Ickenham Floral Art SocietyThursday 11 April, doors open 7pm for 7.30pm startDemonstration by Glenis Smith Area demonstrator, entitled ‘Anything Goes.’ Cost: £3 for visitorsContact: 01895 850943 Ickenham Village

Hall Louis Pearl - The amazing Bubble Man Friday 12 and Saturday 13 AprilFour fabulous and funny bubble showsContact: Call 01628 675800 or freephone 08435 079473 or email [email protected] for more information.Cost: £7.50 per person adult/child and family of four will be £28St Johns Church

Annual plant saleSaturday 11 May, 10amOrganised by the award-winning team of volunteer gardeners. Bedding and exotic plants, vegetable and fruit patch favourites are available. Refreshments will also be available at reasonable prices.

Cost: Free entryContact: Geraint Hughes on 01923 844550 or email [email protected] Sobell Hospice

On yer bike for careSunday 19 MayA Bike Ride of 12, 23 or 42 miles on-road to suit all abilities. Put your stamina to the test and take on this cycling challenge for a very good cause. Registration at the Michael Sobell Hospice Lecture Hall commences at 7am and the ride starts at 8am. Registration closes at 9am.Cost: Adult £15 (£20 after 13.5.13); Children £5 (£10 after 13.5.13) Family of 2 Adults and 2 children £35 (£50 after 13.5.13)Contact: Ophelia on 01923 844829 or email [email protected] or visit www.michaelsobellhospice.co.ukMichael Sobell Hospice

AdviceHillingdon Brain Tumour GroupSecond Thursday of the month, 12.30pm to 2.30pmMeeting for patients and carers. Pop along for advice or a chat to meet other sufferers and carers. There is also a speaker for an hour every session.Contact: [email protected] or Facebook hillingdon brain tumour groupHillingdon Park Baptist

Golden numbersDo it online 24/7 at www.hillingdon.gov.ukEnvironment and anti-Social Behaviour01895 556000Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmCouncil tax0300 123 1384Mon – Fri, 5am to 5pmHousing01895 556666Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmSchool admissions, Childcare and Early years01895 556644Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmfamilies’ information Service0800 073 4800Council Main Switchboard and out-of-hour service01895 250111Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmfraud Hotline0800 389 8313Hillingdon Social Care Direct01895 556633Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmHillingdonfirst01895 556677Electoral Services and registrars01895 558250Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm

Local democracyCouncillors’ names, addresses and advice surgeries01895 250600Council meeting dates and agendas01895 250636Conservative group office01895 250316/250728Electoral registration01895 [email protected] group office01895 250780/250271Mayor’s office01895 250763

Advice and supportage UK Hillingdon020 8756 3040Communicare Counselling Service01895 256056Consumer advice08454 040506Citizens’ advice Bureau0844 848 7903Hayes one Stop Shop01895 [email protected] Hillingdon01895 272997Hillingdon action Group for addiction Management (HaGaM)01895 207788www.hagam.comHillingdon autistic Care and Support020 8606 [email protected] to 5pmHillingdon Carers01895 811206Hillingdon independent Domestic Violence advocacy Service020 8246 1745Hillingdon Mind01895 271559Hillingdon Women’s Centre01895 259578nHS Wellbeing CentreBoots, High Street, Uxbridge020 3214 5699P3 Jobshop – Employment Services020 8581 1056P3 navigator Hayes Housing advice and Support Centre 020 8581 1054/5 [email protected] Support Hillingdon020 7259 2424

Care servicesadoption and fostering01895 277850Drugs or sexual health advice for young people up to 21 years01895 257285

Community informationHillingdon fire StationUxbridge Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0PH020 8555 1200 ext [email protected] 253355Social Security (Benefits agency)020 8426 3000affinity Water0845 782 3333

LearningLibrary information desk01895 250600advice and guidance (young people)01895 257855Enquiries about school transport01895 250008truancy hotline01895 250858

Planning Building control enquiries, inspection requests and dangerous structures01895 250804Dangerous structures (out of hours)01895 250111Land charges enquiries01895 250689Planning, trees and landscapes01895 250230Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm

[email protected] Green Sports and Leisure Centre020 8561 0956Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex, Uxbridge0845 130 7324Highgrove Pool, ruislip01895 630753Queensmead Sports Centre, South ruislip020 8845 6010active Lifestyles Gym, Minet020 8573 2956

Environment and street sceneCurrent and proposed roadworks in Hillingdonwww.hillingdon.gov.uk/roadworksEnvironmental Protection01895 250190food, Health and Safety01895 250190animal welfare01895 250190Pest Control01895 250155Parks officers01895 239241Pavement issues 01895 556000trading Standards01895 250164

HospitalsHarefield Hospital01895 823737Hillingdon Hospital01895 238282Mount Vernon Hospital01923 826111northwick Park Hospital020 8864 3232Watford General Hospital01923 244366nHS: 111

PoliceMetropolitan Police non-emergency number.101Textphone18001 [email protected] Safety Unit (to report race crime)020 8246 1766


hillingdon people march/april 2013

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