Hillingdon People March/April 2013 by Hillingdon Council

Vote yes or no to Heathrow expansion

March/April 2013

Find out about Hillingdonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oscar winner

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Hillingdon jobs At 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

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon contents March/April 2013

elcome 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.

19 Cover feature

Heathrow expansion – Have your say on any future plans for expansion

10 High speed rail update

Residents met to hear councillors commit to the continued fight against plans

11 Council tax frozen

Residents 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 winner

Former Northwood Hills resident wins three film awards, including a BAFTA and an Oscar for his work on Les Miserables

25 Sports survey

How active are you? Have your say for your chance to win prizes to keep you active this year

29 Mayoral year round-up

What has Cllr Michael Markham been doing in his year as Mayor of Hillingdon? hillingdon care

fe Regulars

li Fostering for

hillingdon care

e and life e in your hom a home on Do you have spac or young pers to offer a child r? as a foster care

Cllr Ray Puddifoot Leader of the Council hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

orma and Roy Hoppe have been fostering for for Hillingdon more than 15 years, happily would and in continue taking children and young people for as long to as they are able do so. Hillingdon People spoke to some them about g of their fosterin experiences. t, At the momen for they are caring a teenager and a two toddlers sister brother and - and in the past they have looked after mostly older children for a range of longand short-term placements. They have eight grandchildren, ranging in age from eight to 23,

tion, a planned us Carers’ Associa and a genero s they are having break when needed about problem e up to £388 their grandchildren financial packag child. with schools or experiences. per week per foster Roy and with their own they have Despite their ages,continue Over the years, all ages, from to keen of are n Norma fostered childre ounds and with long as they can, fostering for as all types of backgrand they are would foster they both agreeing s all sorts of issues, many of them. once the toddler more children still in touch with to foster three ly looking after ed they are current They are approv Norma is always from birth to 17. have moved on. children, aged can’t get enough that anyone keen to ensure They said: “We but it’s very table with comfor is they foster of it; it’s hard work,one young lady that the family their family and and enjoyable. We had still comes back them, with she is comfortable for 11 years and feel like they are they weren’t sure would say no if to see us. We still is like a daughter to would work. the placement call our children; she mature people they can always Increasingly, more to learn me. They know if they want to.” us are coming forward g. There is no or come to see e so much a more about fosterin um age to Fostering has becom when they that m or maxim lives minimu their of part need to be in good don’t know what foster, you just have time off, they talk about. in your home space have to what health, to do and y to look after done a 12and have the capacit Norma has recentlyed by a dedicated and responsible children in a safe placed to deal week course, facilitat ogist, child’s needs. so they are well psychol way to meet the all ages. fostering clinical carers to help them onds, with children of Norma’s children Cllr David Simmfor Education designed for foster er When Roy and out, they behaviour of children Cabinet Memb Services, said: understand the - something she grew up and moved and Children’s family home, and young people had done sooner, looking for foster both felt that the been full of always she are “We says she wishes the don children. which had alwaystheir friends, explain some of carers for Hilling limits on who as it had helped past. age the children and empty. They ur in the sly There are no and children’s behavio you have previou was very quiet been fostering moving and can foster, so if Even though they’vethey are still it and not come were talking about Roy went to meet time, thought about of your age, please for such a long after the toddlers e downsizing, when and saw he had forward becaus we learning; looking contact us. All . someone for work g around. moment has taught reconsider and they have at the first placement are fit and healthy a young child runnin “I said I didn’t ask is that you le them a lot. Their eating disorders support availab Roy explained: children, and There is lots of you teenager with young if a so had was been he carers, know so they have and explained for all our foster home and who self-harmed, start how to make he said he didn’t, have space in your about it.” carer. I went home learning from the think he was a foster improve young that was what your life, please connections and say that fostering and said to Norma I always wanted people’s lives. They I wanted to do. grandchildren contacts n, but I am has helped their they are. about to work with childre ted me from To find out more 0800 783 preven realise how lucky “I wouldn’t swap dyslexic, which ng, phone ity.” ed: fosteri univers or conclud illingdon. Roy I going to college “I said you’ve got regret is that 1298, visit www.h or come anything. My onlying like this sooner. Norma added: just gov.uk/fostering evening at kids have only didn’t do someth to become a and to be joking, our along to an open. The next time Roy phoned up Centre Now is a good team Civic the the moved out, but don, and g Hilling Tuesday 16 the meetin foster carer in it.” sessions are on y 14 May, then we were at ng the training and you can feel ional Tuesda attendi and positive soon is April, profess we were . To foster carers.” Foster carers receive from 6.30 to 8.30pm for prospective email fostsupervising g, their their please fosterin r, from t registe r suppor Since they started supportive. don.gov.uk. additional 24-hou very adopt@hilling social workers, full training, g family have been think that fosterin telephone advice, don Foster Roy and Norma them young, and n access to the Hilling has helped keep talk to their childre means they can

4 News 33 Hillingdon volunteers 35 What’s on? 39 Hillingdon contact numbers Deadline for advertising in the May/June edition is 28 March.

hillingdon people

magazine

March/April 2013

Editorial and advertising enquiries Hannah Collins 01895 250828 hillingdonpeople@hillingdon.gov.uk March/April 2013

hillingdon people

magazine

After reading, please recycle this magazine

Published by London Borough of Hillingdon © 2013 Design Phil Burton 01895 250670 Printed by Warners Midlands PLC Hillingdon People, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Products and services advertised in this magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the council.

For a copy in large print or on tape, call 01895 250828 3

Air Ambulance relocates 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.

Photo courtesy of Dan Smith

Junction Art winners announced 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.

Road safety improving in Hillingdon

Photo courtesy of Uxbridge Gazette newspaper

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 roadsafety@ hillingdon.gov.uk.

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon news

MBEs for Hillingdon residents 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. hillingdon people magazine

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.

March/April 2013

inbrief Interested in the performing arts?

Hayes Carnival back for 2013

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 360@hillingdongrid.net.

Put 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 hayescarnival@hillingdon. gov.uk or call 01895 558199 for information.

Be aware of council tax refund letters The 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.

Keep control of your dog this spring If 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.

hillingdon news

Waste weekends continue

If 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.

Bunker to open weekends 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;

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

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

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.”

Library closes for refurbishment 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.

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon news

Spring has sprung at Rural Activities Garden Centre

Fraudsters sentenced

Did 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 onsite 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,

Two 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.

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 satisfaction Satisfaction 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 hillingdon people magazine

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

March/April 2013

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.

hillingdon news

Celebrating play Celebrate learning with us Learners’ Week floristry competition and in Hillingdon Adult is held every year in take a look at the showcase

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.

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.

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 flytipping online at www. hillingdon.gov.uk/reportit.

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

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.

inbrief Aim higher

Fake booze fine

Are 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 mditchburn@ hillingdon.gov.uk.

The 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.

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon older people

Keep active and change4life

f 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. hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

• 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.”

inbrief Directory lists trusted traders

An 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 pensioners

If 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.

contacts

For 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 campaign

Continuing the

fight

n 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,

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.

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.”

STOP HS2

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

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.”

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon finance

Council tax frozen for next two years A 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.

he 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

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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

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.

contacts

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

hillingdon health

change4life in 2013 One lucky resident has scooped a year’s free membership to Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex for pledging their commitment to be more active.

iedr˙e Kupliauskien˙e, 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. Giedr˙e 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.

! n i w to Volunteering in our parks and green spaces If 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.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “I’m pleased to see that our first winner, Giedr˙e, is keen to start 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. March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon health

Get Walking Week The 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.

Cycling Ranger scheme We 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 hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

can find out more online at www. cyclingrangers.org.uk/hillingdon or by calling the Cycle Ranger Coordinator on 01895 558391 or email cycle-rangers@hillingdon.gov.uk.

contacts

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

hillingdon proud

You said… we did

Continuing to tackle empty shops

Following 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 lights

so we are replacing existing pavements and installing better lighting;

Fewer vacant properties and a better range of shops

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

MD 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.”

so 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 centres so 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 events

so we are working with shop owners to plan events and special promotions.

contacts

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

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon campaign

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

he 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.

“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.

contacts

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

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hillingdon care

Award-winning housing

open

Cllr Philip Corthorn and Linda Sanders, Corporate Director of Social Care and Health, at Triscott House with a resident and the home manager.

riscott 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,

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.

contacts

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

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon stars

P h o t o c o u r t se y o f R i ch a r d K e n d a l

Hillingdon’s triple award winner BAFTA

Mark and his sound team with their BAFTAS

s 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 hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

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 diehard 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

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.”

contacts

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

hillingdon education

School expansion plan unveiled Almost £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.

ive 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

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. March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon cover feature

he 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 people magazine

March/April 2013

Have your say on Heathrow expansion Everyone in the borough is being encouraged to have their say on whether they want to see expansion at Heathrow Airport or not.

contacts

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

hillingdon care

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

orma 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 longand short-term placements. They have eight grandchildren, ranging in age from eight to 23,

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon care

for life 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 hillingdon people magazine

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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 12week 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

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.”

contacts

To 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 fostadopt@hillingdon.gov.uk.

hillingdon environment

Recycling your empty food cans 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.

he 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.”

contacts

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

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon young people

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

he 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.

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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.”

contacts

For 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 sport

Get golfing this spring Get 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.

or 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

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 cheng.loo@dsl.pipex.com.

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.

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon sport

Sport in Hillingdon

questionnaire

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.

his 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 upto-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 address You

Person 1

Person 2

Person 3

Person 4

Name Male or female Date of birth In full-time education? Please specify which school, college or university etc Registered disabled? (please tick if yes) Ethnicity* (See options below)

*Ethnicity options: A : White

E: Chinese

B: Mixed C: Asian or Asian British D: Black or Black British 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 membersâ&#x20AC;Ś

done 30 minutes or more continuous cycling?

done 30 minutes or more continuous walking?

participated in other sport or physical exercise?

You

Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

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 Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex Botwell Green Sports & Leisure Centre Queensmead Sports Centre Highgrove Pool William Byrd Pool Active Lifestyles Gym (Minet) Other

You

Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

To 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’

oung People’s Y pledge (5-18)

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 Example: Hillingdon FC

Pledge

You

Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 3 3

‘I commit to doing at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day’

arents’ and P guardians’ pledge ‘I will encourage my child(ren) to be more active each week’ Address:_______________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

4. What activities would you like to hear more about? Tick all that apply Activity Archery Athletics Badminton Basketball Children’s play Climbing Cricket Cycling Dance Diving Fencing Free running/parkour Football Golf Gym/fitness Gymnastics Handball Hockey Jogging Judo Kayaking Netball Rugby Sailing Squash Swimming Table tennis Tennis Trampolining Triathlon Walking Water polo Other:

You

Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

_____________________________ _____________________________ Email:_________________________ _____________________________ Tel:___________________________ (mobiles will be registered for free sport and fitness alerts from Hillingdon Council. You can opt out at anytime)

Return to You 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 Centre High Street Uxbridge, UB8 1UW

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon sport

Sports successes

d e t a r celeb

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. 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. hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

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.”

hillingdon mayor

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

“T

he 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 hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

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”.

Are you looking for a Job in a School? Then visit our website: www.SchoolsHRCooperative.co.uk/jobs Employment opportunities exist for:

• Headteachers • Administrators • HLTAs • Cleaners

• Teachers • NQTs • Learning Support Assistants • SMSAs • Clerks to Governors

The Schools HR Co-operative provides HR Services to Schools in Hillingdon, West London, Slough and Bucks 30

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

advertisements

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

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

Continuing to support the Voluntary Sector H

illingdon 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. hillingdon people magazine

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

March/April 2013

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).

Collaborating for change Voluntary 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 easyto-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 c4c@havs.org.uk.

Do you have good quality unwanted furniture or electricals?

Refuse and Recycling Easter 2013 bank holiday Normal collection day

Revised collection day

Monday 25 March

(blue)

Tuesday 26 March

(blue)

Wednesday 27 March

Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 March

(blue)

Thursday 28 March

Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March

(blue)

Friday 29 March

Thursday 28 March

(blue)

Monday 1 April

Tuesday 2 April

(red)

Tuesday 2 April

Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 April

(red)

Wednesday 3 April

Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 April

(red)

Thursday 4 April

Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April

(red)

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.

Sorted

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.

Get in touch 01895 250721 sbishop@hillingdon.gov.uk Fountains Mill Young People’s Centre 81 High Street Uxbridge, UB8 1JR

young.hillingdon.gov.uk/life 34

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

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 hillingdonpeople@ hillingdon.gov.uk or submit online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/events.

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

Deathtrap

a comedy thriller by Ira Levin Magic 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 22 - Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinee on Saturday Where: Compass Theatre, Grange Road, Ickenham, UB10 8PD Cost: £12, with concessions £10 Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200

Ruislip Dramatic Society presents Alan Ayckbourn’s

How the other half loves

Three 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. When: Wednesday 24 – Saturday 27 April, 7.45pm Where: Compass Theatre, Grange Road, Ickenham, UB10 8PD Cost: £11, £10 concessions on Wednesday and Thursday Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.org. uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200. hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

Stretch-a-cise

Exercise Zumba Fitness Class

Mondays, 6pm and Wednesdays, 8pm No dance experience necessary. Classes are fun and friendly. Come join the party!!! Cost: £5 Contact: Ann-Marie on 07701 012927, email zumbathatbody@ gmail.com or Facebook zumbathatbody Mondays Walter Pomeroy Hall; Wednesdays St Edmund of Canterbury Church

Ceroc Dancing

Mondays, 8pm to 11pm and Thursdays, 8pm to 11.30pm Ceroc 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 4350 Mondays at West Drayton Community Centre, Thursdays at Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre

Insanity work out

Mondays, 8.15pm to 9pm All Saints Church

Linedance

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

LBT challenge

Tuesday 6.30 pm to 7.30pm Legs, bum and tums work out. All Saints Church

Keep Fit

Tuesdays, 7.45pm to 8.45pm Fun hour dance routine, arm workouts and floor. All Saints Church

Keep Fit

Taekwondo Classes

Every Saturday, 12pm to 1pm Classes 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: £5 Contact: 020 8930 3587, or email BrianMRobinson@aol.com for more information www. TitanTaekwondo.com Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre

Deane Park Bowls Club Saturday 27 April, 2pm to 4.30pm Come 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 information Bessingby Park

Bessingby Park Bowls Club

Saturday 4 May, 2.30pm to 3pm Please bring flat shoes to this open day. Contact: Mr Gallagher on 01895 676624 for more information Bessingby Park

Theatre Step in Time

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

Wednesdays, 7.15pm to 8.15pm Fun dance, cardio, arms, floor. All Saints Church

Music

Boxercise

Thursdays, 8pm to 11pm Including: 28 March - Crownstreet: Lively traditional and modern songs, with support from

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

Thursdays, 11am to 12pm A 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: £4 Contact: Sally on 020 8842 0547, contact@ southruislip.org

Uxbridge Folk Club

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 uxbridgefolk@ blueyonder.co.uk Uxbridge RNA

Pastiche Musical Theatre presents Salad Days

Wednesday 20 March - Saturday 23 March, 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee on Saturday A 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 673200 Compass Theatre

Hillingdon Choral Society and Orchestra

Saturday 23 March, 7.30pm The spring concert performance will include Beethoven’s Mass in C and music by Delius, Elgar, Stanley and Rutter. Contact: Tickets available from hillingdonchoralsociety@ gmail.com, or from Pro Music International, 19 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, and on the door. For enquires call 07941 601966 St Paul’s Church

360: Showcase

Thursday 28 March, 7.30pm Another 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.uk Cost: £5 in advance, £3 in advance concessions, £7 on the door Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre. org.uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200. Compass Theatre

Steeleye Span

Sat 30 March, 7.30pm Steeleye 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: £19.50 Contact: Book online at www.becktheatre. org.uk or call the Box Office on 020 8561 8371 Beck Theatre

Evita

Friday 12 - Saturday 13 April, various times Celebrating 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 8371 Beck Theatre

Eastcote Choral Society Spring Concert

Saturday 13 April, 7.30pm Stainer – Crucifixion and Pergolesi – Stabat Mater. The choir meets every Tuesday, 8pm to 10pm Cost: £10 Contact: Tickets from Northwood Cards & Gifts, on the door, or from 01895 904556. For more on the society, visit www. eastcotechoralsociety.org.uk St. Edmund’s Church

Classic Concerts at St Edmund’s

Sunday 21 April, 3.30pm A 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 821869 St. Edmund’s Church

Spring concert by Sine Nomine Singers

Saturday 27 April, 7.30pm Including Vivaldi Gloria and Handel Chandos Anthem O Sing Unto The Lord. Contact: Jess Luscombe on 07766 314282, email mail@sinenomine.org.uk or visit www.sinenomine.org.uk St Lawrence Church

March/April 2013 hillingdon people magazine

Argosy Players present Madness: Our House by Tim Firth; Music and lyrics by Madness

Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 May, 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee on Saturday A 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 concessions Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre. org.uk or call the Box Office on 01895 673200. Winston Churchill Hall

Uxbridge Choral Society Saturday 18 May, 7.30pm Conducted by Jeff Stewart: Faure Requiem and Gounod St. Cecilia Mass Cost: £10 on the door or from 01895 847083 St Paul’s Church

Leisure

First Thursday of the month, 7.30pm Have 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 ruislipeveningwi@ gmail.com or call 07989 558925 or 01895 632760 Upper Room, GAA Sports and Social Club

Venues All Saints Church Hall

Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon

Beck Theatre

Bessingby Park

Bessingby Road, Ruislip Manor, HA4 9BT.

Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre

Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG.

Compass Theatre

Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD.

Deane Park Hall

Clan Social Club

Third Wednesday of the month A 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 313217 Middlesex Arms Pub

Third Sunday of the month An 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.uk Great Barn, Manor Farm Site

The English Patient

Tuesday 2 April, 2pm Another 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: £5 Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre. co.uk or call 01895 673200 Compass Theatre

Uxbridge and Ickenham Floral Art Society Thursday 11 April, doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start Demonstration by Glenis Smith Area demonstrator, entitled ‘Anything Goes.’ Cost: £3 for visitors Contact: 01895 850943 Ickenham Village

Hall Louis Pearl - The amazing Bubble Man

Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April Four fabulous and funny bubble shows Contact: Call 01628 675800 or freephone 08435 079473 or email northwoodarts@artreach. biz for more information. Cost: £7.50 per person adult/child and family of four will be £28 St Johns Church

Cost: Free entry Contact: Geraint Hughes on 01923 844550 or email ghughes@ michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Michael Sobell Hospice

On yer bike for care

Sunday 19 May A 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 ochambers-henry@ michaelsobellhospice. co.uk or visit www. michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Michael Sobell Hospice

Advice Hillingdon Brain Tumour Group

Saturday 11 May, 10am Organised by the awardwinning team of volunteer gardeners. Bedding and exotic plants, vegetable and fruit patch favourites are available. Refreshments will also be available at reasonable prices.

Second Thursday of the month, 12.30pm to 2.30pm Meeting 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: haggarc@sky.com or Facebook hillingdon brain tumour group Hillingdon Park Baptist

The Fairway

Middlesex Suite

St Martins Church Hall

GAA Sports & Social Club

Ruislip and Eastcote Hockey Club

St Paul’s Church

Hillingdon Park

Ruislip Methodist

Ickenham Village Hall

St Edmund’s Church

Ruislip Golf Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip, HA4 7DQ. West End Road, South Ruislip, HA4 6QX.

Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2UE.

Cavendish Pavilion

Regular meetings A 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 socialbuddies@ gmail.com for more information

Duck Pond Artisan Food and Craft Market

Ruislip Evening Women’s Institute

East Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2HW.

Social Buddies

Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon, UB10 9LS Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8DG

Manor 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

Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HS

Annual plant sale

Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Kings College Road, Ruislip, HA4 7JZ Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ.

Pinner Road, Northwood Hills, HA6 1QS

St Edmund of Canterbury Church (off Yeading Lane), Edmund Close, Hayes.UB4 0HA

St Johns Church

Hallowell Road Northwood, HA6 1DN.

Eastcote Road, Ruislip, HA4 8DG.

Thurlestone Road, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, HA4 OBP

St Paul’s Church Hall Tiverton Road, Ruislip, HA4 0BP.

Uxbridge RNA

388a Long Lane, UB10 9PG.

Walter Pomeroy Hall Royal Lane, HIllingdon, UB8 3QU

West Drayton Community Centre

Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton, UB7 9JL.

Winston Churchill Theatre Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL

St Lawrence Church

Bridle Road, Eastcote, HA5 2SJ.

If you wish to publicise an event, please email details to hillingdonpeople@hillingdon.gov.uk or send to Hillingdon People, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Events are selected at the editor’s discretion. hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2013

Golden numbers Do it online 24/7 at www.hillingdon.gov.uk Environment and Anti-Social Behaviour 01895 556000 Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm Council Tax 0300 123 1384 Mon – Fri, 5am to 5pm Housing 01895 556666 Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm School Admissions, Childcare and Early Years 01895 556644 Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm Families’ Information Service 0800 073 4800 Council Main Switchboard and out-of-hour service 01895 250111 Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm Fraud Hotline 0800 389 8313 Hillingdon Social Care Direct 01895 556633 Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm HillingdonFirst 01895 556677 Electoral Services and Registrars 01895 558250 Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm

Local democracy Councillors’ names, addresses and advice surgeries 01895 250600 Council meeting dates and agendas 01895 250636 Conservative group office 01895 250316/250728 Electoral registration 01895 250251 electoralservices@ hillingdon.gov.uk Labour group office 01895 250780/250271 Mayor’s Office 01895 250763

hillingdon people magazine

Advice and support

Age UK Hillingdon 020 8756 3040 Communicare Counselling Service 01895 256056 Consumer advice 08454 040506 Citizens’ advice Bureau 0844 848 7903 Hayes One Stop Shop 01895 556004 hayesonestop@ hillingdon.gov.uk Healthwatch Hillingdon 01895 272997 Hillingdon Action Group for Addiction Management (HAGAM) 01895 207788 www.hagam.com Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support 020 8606 6780 enquiries@hacs.org.uk www.hacs.org.uk 9am to 5pm Hillingdon Carers 01895 811206 Hillingdon Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service 020 8246 1745 Hillingdon Mind 01895 271559 Hillingdon Women’s Centre 01895 259578 NHS Wellbeing Centre Boots, High Street, Uxbridge 020 3214 5699 P3 Jobshop – Employment Services 020 8581 1056 P3 Navigator Hayes Housing Advice and Support Centre 020 8581 1054/5 navigatorhousing@ p3charity.org Victim Support Hillingdon 020 7259 2424

Care services

Adoption and fostering 01895 277850 Drugs or sexual health advice for young people up to 21 years 01895 257285

March/April 2013

Community information

Hillingdon Fire Station Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0PH 020 8555 1200 ext 38228 hillingdongroup@ london-fire.gov.uk Samaritans 01895 253355 Social Security (Benefits Agency) 020 8426 3000 Affinity Water 0845 782 3333

Learning

Library information desk 01895 250600 Advice and guidance (young people) 01895 257855 Enquiries about school transport 01895 250008 Truancy hotline 01895 250858

Planning

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

Leisure

sportsdev@ hillingdon.gov.uk Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre 020 8561 0956 Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex, Uxbridge 0845 130 7324 Highgrove Pool, Ruislip 01895 630753 Queensmead Sports Centre, South Ruislip 020 8845 6010 Active Lifestyles Gym, Minet 020 8573 2956

Environment and street scene

Current and proposed roadworks in Hillingdon www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ roadworks Environmental Protection 01895 250190 Food, Health and Safety 01895 250190 Animal welfare 01895 250190 Pest Control 01895 250155 Parks Officers 01895 239241 Pavement issues 01895 556000 Trading Standards 01895 250164

Hospitals

Harefield Hospital 01895 823737 Hillingdon Hospital 01895 238282 Mount Vernon Hospital 01923 826111 Northwick Park Hospital 020 8864 3232 Watford General Hospital 01923 244366 NHS: 111

Police

Metropolitan Police nonemergency number. 101 Textphone 18001 101 hillingdon.enquiries@ met.police.uk Community Safety Unit (to report race crime) 020 8246 1766