Hillingdon People Jan-Feb by Hillingdon Council

January/February 2013

Libraries investment continues HS2 fight change4life in 2013

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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

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon contents January/February 2013

t has been confirmed by the Government that the squeeze on public sector funding looks set to remain for another five years and we will have to make further reductions in the cost of running the council. Over the past three years we have reduced the operating cost of the council by £60m enabling us to carry on delivering services and facilities that residents tell us they value. Whilst we are not complacent we are well placed to deal with the effects of the financial cutbacks. As I have said before, sound financial management is our strength. So what does 2013 hold for Hillingdon and its residents? Once again, council tax will be frozen for the next two years, giving six years of no rise in Hillingdon (eight years for over 65s). With very few exceptions, fees and charges paid by residents, including for parking, will be frozen again. An additional £2.5m will be spent on road and pavement maintenance. We will set aside enough funding to complete our library rebuild/ refurbishment programme (the only programme in the UK with most councils closing libraries). We will continue to invest in parks and open spaces, which are now recognised as among the best in London. We will continue to deliver the largest primary school building programme in London to deal with the rise in the birth rate. Every childY in every area of Hillingdon deserves the best start we can provide. It is an extremely challenging programme in time and cost as well as providing the school places in the right areas. Finally, as this edition of Hillingdon People goes to print we are waiting to hear the outcome of our Judicial Review into the Government’s consultation of HS2. Win or lose this is only the first round of this fight and we continue to support residents opposed to this scheme as well as any attempt to resurrect the third runway issue.

16 Cover feature

Love your library - The library improvement programme continues; what can you do at your local library?

9 Older people’s page

Hillingdon dementia service launched

10 change4life in 2013

Use the new year to start your health kick

13 High speed rail update

Have your say on HS2 consultations

18 Town centre improvements continue

Winner of shop competition opens her doors

23 Personal budgets

Helping vulnerable residents live more independently

24 Could you foster?

One man’s story about his fostering experiences feature hillingdon cover

ies brarRegulars i l r u o n i Investing 4 News

feature hillingdon cover

invest in continuing to The council isdespite other boroughs our libraries, branches. The multiclosing local investment programme million pound rebuild all our libraries to refurbish orher refreshed library has seen anots, with another due to open its door ng. All the libraries open in the sprirefurbished or rebuilt that have been or numbers increase. have seen visit needs replacing, If your battery of the

to any , in Yeading take your old ones where you eading Library above completely libraries listed Lane, has been a new set. are will be issued withto bring your refurbished. There ters, more Please remember you and when now more compu cks coffee old batteries with the old books and Starbu the new ones, put er visitors can enjoy get you where s facilitie g contain book. ones in the recyclinshould also a coffee with their Farm You Oak library. at the Uxbridge and aid book with for refurbishment bring your hearingin order for libraries are due plans are still and you (brown book) updated. in spring 2013 for Harlington. to be records red your conside being traditional Alongside the more by the offered contacts services being ation, talk also now access For more inform libraries, you can services. or contact to library staff Centre at: a range of other South Ruislip the Hearing Aid At Ickenham and visitors al on 01895 buy Hillingdon Hospit Vernon libraries you can if you live in a rs vouche 279343 or Mount 844475. parking within ement scheme Hospital on 01923 parking manag Ruislip. South or either Ickenham so successful, The trial has beenced at Eastcote it is being introdu who lives in a anyone for library in ement scheme parking manag this year. Eastcote from early visit one of You can also now borough to in the several libraries battery, in addition get a hearing aid pick these up at to being able to Mount Vernon and don Hilling get a replacement hospitals. You can g libraries: battery at the followin • Harlington Library Library • Manor Farm • Mobile Library Library • South Ruislip Library n • West Drayto • Yiewsley Library

Mills, Cabinet Cllr Douglas unity, , Member for Comm Regeneration Commerce and proud of our said: “We are very me hment program to library refurbis ing we are continu in Hillingdon - councils across the other when . invest library services country are cutting visitor that show “Figures libraries that we numbers in the

28 What’s on? 31 Hillingdon contact numbers have increased have refurbished per cent, so 30 on average by something we must be doing mme is due to right. The progra and will mean complete in 2014, ate libraries we have 17 up-to-d of services range offering a wide meaning the to our residents e to serve libraries can continufuture.” the your needs into

art with Love yournhe braries Hillingdo Li or 80, the r you are 18 monthsa whole range will be Month, and whethe February is Heart s have something for you. There e to enjoy – give borough’s librarieand activities available for everyon activities. s out some of these of taster session ne’s treat and try your heart a Valenti life your te Activa e class or Try out an exercis walk. join in on a healthy

ude:

Activities incl

Deadline for advertising in the March/April edition is 28 January 2013

s Health check be and can either

Cover photo courtesy of S t e wa r t T u r k in g t o n people magazine

in. These are free you can just drop pre-booked or

contacts

ation For more inform s being on all the servicedon’s offered at Hilling www. libraries, visit raries hillingdon.gov.uk/lib hillingdon people

magazine

Eat well

advice sessions Free healthy eating available. are and workshops

Relax

sessions, Enjoy pamper readings. poetry and play

Take controlfull by taking Live life to the life. control of your

2013 January/February

Editorial and advertising enquiries Hannah Collins 01895 250828 hillingdonpeople@hillingdon.gov.uk January/February

2013 hillingdon

After reading, please recycle this magazine Cllr Ray Puddifoot Leader of the Council hillingdon people magazine

January/February 2013

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

Hillingdon renews agreement for waste weekends

There will be more waste weekends for residents to dispose of their household waste and recycling. The weekends will be 26 and 27 January; 23 and 24 February and 30 and 31 March. The site, in Tavistock Road, West Drayton, will be open from 9am to 4pm. Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: “Hillingdon Council recognises the contribution the waste weekends make in our efforts to manage the borough’s waste in a cost effective and environmentally responsible way, helping us to put less rubbish in landfill. “We are very pleased to have renewed the agreement and to be able to continue to provide this valuable service to our residents. “The weekends continue to be very popular with an ever increasing range of materials sent for recycling.” There is no admission to commercial vehicles and vans and trade waste will not be accepted. For further dates and information, visit www.hillingdon. gov.uk/recycling

C o u r t e s y o f Pa u l R o s e P h o t o g r a p h y

Natasha granted Freedom

Paralympic double gold medalist Natasha Baker was officially granted the Freedom of the Borough at special council meeting in December. Natasha is the first woman to be given the Freedom, and was awarded it in recognition of the pride her sporting achievements had brought to the people of Hillingdon. She won golds and achieved record scores in the Grade II individual championship

and freestyle dressage events at the Games in September. The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Michael Markham, formally unveiled a commemorative pavement plaque in Uxbridge town centre, close to her gold postbox, as a permanent reminder of her success. The plaque was funded through the council’s ward budget scheme, which gives each area a pot of money

to spend on projects suggested by residents or ward councillors. The gold postbox to commemorate her success sits in High Street, Uxbridge, with a second in Cowley, where she lives. Royal Mail recently announced that the postboxes would remain gold as a permanent reminder of her success at the games. They will also install plaques naming the athlete and their achievement.

Ready for snow

At the start of the winter, we had 3,500 tonnes of salt available, with extra on order as a contingency, in case the weather is worse than we expected it to be. There are eight gritting lorries ready to be deployed when they are needed. We have to prioritise the roads we grit, with seven major routes, including main roads and bus routes targeted first. Details of the routes can be found online at www. hillingdon.gov.uk/roads. Footpaths and narrower

roads can be gritted using a special, smaller gritter. Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: “The council has been monitoring weather forecasts since October, so we can be prepared and grit where necessary. We are wellprepared with stocks of salt, and our gritters are ready to go when they are needed.” For more information about our winter preparations, visit www. hillingdon.gov.uk/winter

With temperatures hitting freezing point, the council’s Highways team is on standby and monitoring the weather so we are best prepared for the big chill. From October through to the spring, the team receive weather forecasts several times a day so they are able to grit the borough’s roads at the right time.

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon news

Skaters enjoy ice rink

inbrief Highgrove Pool update The refurbishment of Highgrove Pool is now due to be completed at the end of March. It is anticipated that the pool will reopen in April following the works, which have included extending and improving the front entrance and changing rooms, providing improved disability access, improving the main pool halls and creating more parking spaces.

Hundreds of skaters enjoyed the council’s outdoor ice rink during December. The rink was officially opened by Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Michael Markham, with Paralympic double gold medalist Natasha Baker making a surprise appearance. Natasha chatted to guests at the opening event, who also included Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council. Performances were given by ice dancers from Slough and the brass band from Hillingdon Music Service, conducted by Matt Thomas.

Make childcare child’s play Did you know that childcare funding is changing from September? Over the next two years, there will be more funding for childcare available for two year olds through a Government plan to help parents go back to work. At the moment, all three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare a week, and the parents of two year olds who are classed as disadvantaged can also have some free childcare in a nursery, a pre-school or with a childminder. From September, 20 per cent of two year olds will be eligible for 15 hours of hillingdon people magazine

Fundraising for Royal British Legion Two veterans have raised £11,800 for the Royal British Legion by selling poppies in Waitrose in Ruislip. Walter Hart and Tom Weatherall raised the money during November and wanted to thank the staff of Waitrose and the public for their donations.

free childcare, and from September 2014, 40 per cent of them will be eligible. Whatever type of childcare you choose for your child, they will learn to socialise with other children and will engage in activities and experiences which are suitable for their age and stage of development and will promote their learning. In addition to your 15 hours of free entitlement, many childcare providers, including childminders, accept employer’s childcare vouchers to help you pay for their care. Hillingdon has around 400 registered childminders all across the borough. They are registered with Ofsted and can each look after up to three children under five and also up to three older

January/February 2013

children while you are at work. Many parents may think that childminders will be more expensive than sending your children to nursery, but this is not always the case. Costs vary across the borough, but the Families Information Service will be able to help advise you on how to find a childminder to suit you and your family. To help us meet the demand for new places following the change of Government funding, we are also looking for more childminders. If you are thinking about a change of career, or are interested in becoming a registered childminder, please get in touch by contacting the Families Information Service on 0800 073 4800 and select option 3.

Sheltered housing scheme wins award Triscott House, a new flagship sheltered housing scheme, has been named the Most Outstanding Extra Care Project in the UK 2012 in the UK Over 50 Housing Awards. The extra care scheme is made up of 47 residential units and is the first in the country to achieve level 5 of the code for Sustainable Homes. Particular attention has been paid to designing for dementia sufferers who may find it difficult to orientate themselves. Each floor is colour coded and each doorway allows for a personal picture or photograph to be displayed as an aide memoire.

hillingdon news

Young people selected for MYP elections

Six young people have been shortlisted to stand as the borough’s Members of Youth Parliament for 2013/14. They were selected by other teenagers at the council’s Youth Conference in November. The election will take place in early February 2013. The candidates are: Jade Ayino, 15, Bishopshalt School; Mufaro Mutaura, 17, Hewens College; Serife Gunal, 16, Swakeleys School; Yassine Benlamkadem, 15, Queensmead School; Sumana Rehmatullah, 17, Haydon School; Ashna Luchmun, 18, Haydon School. The elections will take place from 11 to 15 February. All Hillingdon’s secondary schools will be sent voting slips, which will also be available at each of the young people’s centres in Hillingdon. You can then log on to a website to cast your vote. For more information on services for young people, visit young. hillingdon.gov.uk

Show off your hidden talents Do you have a hidden talent you are desperate to showcase? If you’re a budding Beyonce or can juggle while unicycling, now is your chance to shine. Hillingdon’s Hidden Talent is back again for 2013, putting your hidden talents into the spotlight - have you got what it takes to be a star? It’s free to register, and there are three categories: groups; individuals aged 16 and under; individuals aged over 16. If you have an unusual talent, you could win our special prize. Register your talent before 16 February visit www.hillingdon. gov.uk/talent. Last year’s winners were local band Indigo High. Carlo Bardoli,

Indigo High, winners of Hillingdon’s Hidden talent 2012

lead guitarist, said: “Hillingdon’s Hidden Talent was a brilliant opportunity for us. We have entered for a few years running now and never did make that top spot until this year. It just goes to show that hard work pays off and is recognised. “Hearing that we were the most outstanding overall entry was an

overwhelming feeling, one that can’t be described by words. I hope the future is as bright for us.” This year’s competition will take place at the Compass Theatre on Sunday 24 February at 3pm. Audience tickets will cost £3.50. To book please contact Compass Theatre Box Office on 01895 673200.

Hillingdon Training receives ‘Outstanding Provider’ accolade Hillingdon Training Ltd (HTL) has been named as an ‘Outstanding Provider’ following a recent inspection by Ofsted. The watchdog’s report recognised HTL as a very well managed and outstanding provider with a high level of performance in its apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship programmes for young

people across the borough and beyond. HTL also received praise for its promotion of equality and diversity, exceptional leadership and strong track record in securing employment and further training opportunities for its apprentices. Learners reported that they enjoyed their time with HTL and that they

recognised the benefits of the qualifications they were gaining, as well as the value they add to their employment or promotion prospects. To find out more about developing your skills with Hillingdon Training, please call: 01895 671976, email info@hillingdontraining. co.uk, or visit www. hillingdontraining.co.uk

Help support homeless men We need your help to ensure our regular night shelter for single, homeless men is a success. The council and Trinity Homeless Projects are teaming up to run the shelter from 21 January to 3 March, and need volunteers to man the shelter while it is open.

Last year more than 20 men used the shelter facilities and many of them were found permanent accommodation in the process. Many people have said that volunteering at the shelter has been a lifechanging experience for them, and it has certainly

changed the lives of some of the rough sleepers who have stayed there. It is often hard for people sleeping rough to engage in services that can help to provide safe sustainable accommodation and support and the shelter often opens up access to these services, improving their quality of life.

The shelter provides beds for eight single men. Volunteers can serve dinner, stay overnight, or have a chat or play games over a cup of tea. If you feel that you could contribute or would like to know more, please contact Trinity on 020 8797 9500.

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon news

Continuing to fight beds in sheds The council is continuing its fight against beds in sheds by taking firm action against rogue landlords. Mr Xuhua Chen, of Hunters Grove, Hayes was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of £1,885.95 for failing to demolish an illegal outbuilding in his back garden when he appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 4 December. He pleaded guilty to an offence of failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice requiring him to demolish the outbuilding. The council has advised him that if the outbuilding is not demolished direct action will be considered, which means the council may take it upon themselves to do the work and recover the costs. The council’s planning and housing departments have also taken swift action against the owner

of a property in Wheatley Crescent, Hayes. An emergency prohibition notice and planning enforcement notice have been served on Mr Gurial Singh, ordering him to stop anyone from living in the outbuilding and to remove all internal facilities to prevent it being used as a bed in a shed. Until recently it had been occupied and was in extremely poor condition. Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: “Some of the conditions that our officers have seen beggar belief. It’s outrageous that some of these rogue landlords are lining their pockets and allowing others to live in squalor. It’s totally irresponsible and above all it’s illegal.” Residents who suspect someone of breaching planning or housing regulations can report it to the council on 01895 250230.

Could you give your time to help protect children? Volunteers are needed to join the Hillingdon Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) as lay members. The LSCB is the statutory body responsible for child protection and safeguarding work in Hillingdon. Board members agree and oversee how agencies in the area cooperate to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The LSCB is also responsible for developing local policies and procedures for safeguarding and is looking for volunteers who can act as the voice of the community hillingdon people magazine

and represent local people in fulfilling its duties to protect Hillingdon’s children. As a volunteer, you will need to attend and contribute to quarterly LSCB board meetings as well as an annual London regional development day, and two stakeholder events a year. You do not need to have any experience of childcare. If you have an interest in children’s issues, an understanding of the local community, and basic knowledge of the importance of safeguarding, you can apply.

January/February 2013

The appointment is for a three year period and is on a voluntary basis, but travel and training expenses will be covered. Relevant checks will be undertaken prior to appointment and full induction, training and support will be provided. Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Safeguarding children is everyone’s business and so it’s important that members of the community are given the opportunity to get involved in the

development of policies to protect our children and young people in the borough. “Board members play an important role in ensuring the welfare of Hillingdon’s children and this is a challenging, yet very rewarding opportunity. We encourage anyone with an interest in this important work to apply.” For more information on the LSCB visit www. hillingdon.gov.uk/lscb, call 01895 277930 or email jgosling@hillingdon. gov.uk. The deadline for applications is Monday 31 January.

hillingdon news

Jubilee university scholarship awarded What you The council and Brunel said about University have awarded a Jubilee scholarship to a Hillingdon local student to help fund People them through university. The council funded scholarship was awarded to Parveen Bhambra, of Eastcote, and will cover the fees of her threeyear undergraduate degree in English with Film Studies at Brunel. Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “In Hillingdon we believe in supporting our young people throughout their education and I am delighted that we are able to help Parveen through her university course. I wish her well in her studies and for the future. “The scholarship follows on from the successful Festival of Education last summer, which brought together staff in education to share their thoughts and ideas.” Parveen said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I was really surprised when I heard

Plans approved for Old Vinyl Factory

The council’s planning committee has approved two major planning applications which will have a significant positive impact on Hayes and its residents. The Old Vinyl Factory in Blyth Road will provide 600 housing units and hopes are that it will play host to to up to 4,000 jobs over the coming years.

Left to right: Cllr David Simmonds, Parveen and Andrew Ward

I had been awarded the scholarship and I’m really happy about it. I chose the course because I really enjoyed the subjects when I was at college, so I thought I’d take that on to university.” Andrew Ward, Brunel’s Director of Corporate Relations,

added: “The university is very grateful to the London Borough of Hillingdon for instituting this generous scholarship. This is a great way to mark the Queen’s Jubilee as well as the everstrengthening relationship between the council and the university.”

The complex in the centre of Hayes will also provide a multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants and community facilities. Permission was also granted for two new office developments (185,000sq ft) on the Hyde Park business park. This agreement sees the next phase in the creation of the business park and hopefully serves to secure the future of the park’s current tenants Rackspace. The two developments demonstrate that the future for Hayes is positive and that it is delivering employment,

housing and a range of facilities that local people have wanted for years. Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “It was a great night for Hayes, and a real example of the council and partners working together for the benefit of local residents. “The planning approvals present a great opportunity for Hayes and should act as a catalyst for further developments.” For more information visit www. theoldvinylfactory.com

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the readers’ survey in the September/ October edition of the magazine. We received more than 300 responses, and are in the process of analysing them and seeing where we can make any improvements to the magazine. Eighty-nine per cent of you say you are informed about the work the council does, which is great. We aim in Hillingdon People to give you the information you need as a resident to get the most of living in the borough. Seventy-eight per cent say they read the magazine every edition. Seventy-three per cent of you say that council news, such as new initiatives, is one of the features you find most interesting, followed by What’s On and events and then information on how we spend your money. Sixty-four per cent of you would like to see features on local history in the magazine. Almost half of you (44 per cent) said that your favourite front cover was the one covering the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. In the meantime, please remember that if you have any comments on the magazine, you can email these to hillingdonpeople@ hillingdon.gov.uk or write to us at Hillingdon People, Corporate Communications, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Congratulations to Jackie Blade, who won the £25 Chimes Shopping Centre vouchers.

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon older people

New dementia service launched

Left to right: Cllr Philip Corthorne; David McCullough, Chief Executive of WRVS; Linda Sanders, Corporate Director of Social Care and Health and Cllr Ray Puddifoot.

he council, in partnership with WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service), has launched a community based dementia support service that will identify people in the early stages of dementia and provide practical and emotional support to residents affected by the illness. Hillingdon WRVS Dementia Service will provide flexible support to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their family and carers. The service aims to reduce hospital admissions and promote independent living by ensuring regular medical check ups, supporting people in hospital and after hospital discharge, offering financial planning advice and working in partnership with service providers to promote independent living. A team of advisors will also help identify dementia sufferers in their early stages and offer support through the diagnosis process and beyond. The service is available to anyone living in the borough who has been diagnosed with, or who is suspected to have, dementia and will be funded from the Leader’s Older People’s Initiative. Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council and Older People’s Champion, said: “Dementia can be an

hillingdon people magazine

isolating illness without the right understanding and support. By launching this service we aim to help all of our residents suffering from the illness to receive the best possible care to enable them to live independently for as long as possible. Whether you are a dementia sufferer, family member or carer we hope anyone affected by the illness will contact WRVS and find out what help is available to them.” David McCullough, Chief Executive of WRVS, said: “Hospital is not always the best place for people with dementia so this new service should help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and support those people living with the illness, and their families, to allow them to stay happy, independent and in their own homes. Dementia can be a devastating condition, not only for those who suffer with the illness, but for their families and friends. We hope that this new service will provide vital practical and emotional support to those living with dementia and their families.” The scheme is looking for volunteers, if you could offer your time, please get in touch. If you would like more information on the scheme contact Natalie on 020 8589 0060 or email Natalie.blassius@wrvs.org.uk

January/February 2013

inbrief Brown Badges go on-street

Six new Brown Badge on-street parking bays are now open for use. The bays are located in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes; Belmont Road, Uxbridge; and High Street, Ruislip, for residents over-65 who have a Brown Badge. The on-street bays are a national first, and the scheme has proved very popular with the borough’s older residents, with more than 7,000 holding a Brown Badge. A pay and display ticket must still be obtained, but these bays are located nearer to amenities. Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council and Older People’s Champion, said: “Our Brown Badge parking scheme was the first in the country, and it has proved so popular other councils have taken our lead and introduced similar schemes. It is one way we are supporting our older residents to lead active and full lives and make the most of the borough’s many amenities, including leisure facilities, shopping centres and now, with the onstreet bays, we can introduce these spaces into our towns.” To apply, please call 01895 250926 or email parkingenforcement@ hillingdon.gov.uk

Treat your heart

Get active this Valentine’s day (14 February) at a Healthy Heart event in the Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre, from 10am to 4pm. There will be a range of activities, including a chair dance from 10.30am to noon and a tea dance from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. A buffet lunch will also be available. The event is free for the over 55s. To book, call Sarah on 01895 277137 or email sdurner@hillingdon.gov.uk

Heater loan scheme

The council is once again running a heater loan scheme for older people whose heating has broken. The scheme, funded through the Leader’s Older People’s Initative, provides the short-term loan of electric heaters to the over 65s living in their own home if they have a heating breakdown. You can also apply for a one-off grant of up to £45 to cover electricity costs during the loan. Please call 01895 556633 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, or 01895 250111 out-of-hours.

hillingdon change4life

Make 2013 the With the new year comes a renewed energy and the promise of dedicating more time to exercise and to completing all the DIY you’ve been meaning to do since the summer. change4life Hillingdon can help you get more active, and remember that DIY also burns calories, so every little helps! Join your leisure centre

If you want to kick-start 2013, you can take advantage of cheaper gym and leisure centre memberships at our council leisure facilities. The Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex are offering no joining fee and free trials. Memberships start from £9.61 per week. Visit fusion-lifestyle.com/ location to view all 66 centres. Call 0845 130 7324 or visit Hillingdon

Get active this winter

Of course, you don’t need to spend any money to get active. Why not wrap up warm while the weather is cold and go for a walk with your family. You could also get on your bike, and see more of the borough on one of our many cycle routes. These go through some of the borough’s best countryside, so make the most of the sunshine and see what Hillingdon has to offer.

Jog it off!

Now that the festive period is behind us, the time has arrived to gently burn some excess calories, begin to get fitter and meet new people. The council offers a perfect solution – jog it off sessions. We hold various free adult jog/walk sessions for all abilities led by qualified and experienced leaders who have great knowledge of the best routes in the local area. We have five sessions in Hillingdon. For further details please visit our website - www. hillingdon.gov.uk/back2. Start the New Year at a pace that suits you.

Sports and Leisure Complex, in Gatting Way, Uxbridge, to find out more. Botwell Green Sport and Leisure Centre, Highgrove Leisure Centre and Queensmead Sports Centre, are offering no joining fees and no contract on their memberships. Hillingdon residents can save up to £20 with the no joining fee offer, which ends on 31 January 2013. To find out more, visit www.better.org.uk or visit your nearest Better leisure centre.

Golf for all ages

If golf is more your thing, there are also offers running at the council’s three golf courses. Haste Hill and Ruislip golf courses are offering 18 holes of golf with coffee/ tea and a bacon roll on arrival for £15 per person on weekdays and £20 per person on weekends and bank holidays. At Uxbridge Golf Course, you can get 18 holes with coffee/tea or a bacon roll for £8 per

person on weekdays and £13 at weekends and bank holidays. These offers are available from 9am at Uxbridge and Haste Hill, and from 10am at Ruislip. It applies to three and four balls only and is not available on dusk golf. Deposits are required for more than eight golfers. Please contact the golf courses for more information: Haste Hill – 01895 250777 or email hastehillgc@hillingdon.gov.uk Ruislip – 01895 277777 or email ruislipgc@ hillingdon.gov.uk Uxbridge – 01895 256750 or email uxbridgegc@hillingdon.gov.uk

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

year you... Active fun for the over 55s

Healthy eating

Year of Play

or grandchildren. If you don’t have children of your own, but want to get involved in the Year of Play, HPA are looking for volunteers to help with a wide range of events throughout the year. Get in touch with them on info@hillingdonplay.org.uk or call 020 8573 8868 to find out more and how you can help. Throughout the year, play opportunities and events will be featured in Hillingdon People and on the council website, so check each issue for more ways you can play. Posters and information will be also available at the borough’s children’s centres.

We are continuing to hold tea dances this year, where you can meet new people and try a new skill. There will be a dance on Thursday 14 February from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with music from Terry’s dance music. There will be free tea and coffee, and a voluntary donation of £1 is suggested. The dances are held in the Middlesex Suite at the Civic Centre. Places must be booked, please call Sarah on 01895 277137 or email sdurner@hillingdon. gov.uk. For more events for older people, visit www.hillingdon.gov. uk/olderpeople

Children aren’t being forgotten either - 2013 is the Year of Play and throughout there are going to be lots of activities and events for you and your family to get involved in. The council is working with Hillingdon Play Association (HPA) to provide fun activities and opportunities for everyone to get involved in play. It doesn’t seem like exercise, but turning a cardboard box into a ship in your lounge or visiting your nearest park for a go on the swings is a way to get active, and it’s a perfect way to spend some quality time with your children hillingdon people magazine

To help you eat more healthily, a recipe booklet is being produced by change4life. Copies of the booklet will be available in libraries and children’s centres this month.

January/February 2013

hillingdon change4life

Get involved for a chance to win prizes

Throughout 2013, change4life Hillingdon is offering great prizes in exchange for you pledging your commitment and then sharing your experiences of being active in the borough. It might be a Facebook or Twitter post about enjoying a yoga class or a photo posted to the council’s website of you and your family enjoying a walk. Just sign a 2013 pledge and use #C4LHillingdon on Twitter. You don’t have to be online to share your experiences though. Forms will be available at activity sessions and events across the borough, as well as leisure centres and libraries. Visit the change4life Hillingdon website or pick up a hard copy form today and get sharing for your chance to win!

contacts

For more information on change4life Hillingdon, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ change4life. You can also send your walking and cycling stories through www. hillingdon.gov.uk/active, where you will also find some recommended walks.

hillingdon learning

Learn something new this new year

f your new year’s resolution is to learn something new, then you need to get in touch with Hillingdon Adult and Community Learning. There is a huge range of courses and activities starting in January and throughout the new year, at centres across the borough for residents of all ages. Courses on offer include support to help you get into work or gain promotion, start your own business or turn your hobby into an employment opportunity. Also on offer are courses for you and your family’s interest and development across a wide range of subjects, all taught by subject specialist teachers. The council is also working with Bucks New University to offer a Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice for 2013, with the first course starting on 1 February. Contact your local centre to find out more.

This year you can enrol online, so when you have found the course for you, you can complete the enrolment details at the same time and also pay course fees.

contacts

Visit www.hillingdon.gov. uk/adultlearning for more information. You can also drop into any of the adult learning centres, Civic Centre or libraries to pick up a copy of the latest brochure, or call 01895 676690.

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January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon campaign

Plans for a high speed rail link between London and Birmingham were approved last year, but as a council we are opposing the decision.

s Hillingdon People went to print, we were waiting to hear the official judgement on the Judicial Review into the way the Government consulted on HS2. The case was heard at the High Court in London in December before Mr Justice Ouseley. Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “Whatever the result of this Judicial Review, it is only the first stage of our fight against HS2. We will continue to support our residents who are opposed to the proposals and work to protect our environment which would be destroyed if these proposals go ahead. “We are not opposed to high speed rail in principle, we just do not think the proposed route is the best one. Money would be better spent investing in current railways until the issue of where the national hub airport is going to be situated.” There are also two consultations underway around HS2 - one into compensation for people affected by HS2 and the second on safeguarding (setting aside an area of land around the proposed route that may be needed for the building of HS2. Before councils approve any development in safeguarded areas, they will have to refer the plans to HS2). We are encouraging everyone to respond to the consultations. Here are some suggestions for how you could respond if you want to have your say. hillingdon people magazine

The fight continues

Questions being asked and our suggested responses: Safeguarding Consultation

Q1. Do you agree with the proposal to safeguard and the content of the proposed safeguarding directions [Annex A]? If not, please explain why?

• we agree there is a need to safeguard land around the proposed line but this should not be done until final routes and the construction sites are agreed.

Q2. Do you agree with the content of the guidance for Local Planning Authorities on the directions [Annex B]? If not, please explain why? • Government should consult on withdrawing or restricting these rights if it is concerned about this, and if it wants to withdraw existing but unimplemented planning permissions and should have examined the impact of existing planning permission on the viability of the proposed high speed rail link before proceeding.

Q3. Do you agree with the geographical coverage of the land to be safeguarded (see map overleaf)? • safeguarding should not be done until final routes and construction sites are agreed; • the area should be more extensive and not bisect individual properties.

Q4. Do you consider that the draft Impact Assessment [Annex C] is a fair reflection of the costs and benefits of the safeguarding proposals

January/February 2013

on the operation and outcomes of the planning application process? If not, please explain why. • there is a lack of detail to fully understand; • it is highly optimistic in assuming there will be minimal effects on local authorities; • it focuses largely on the direct cost to planning authorities who have to review the applications and there is no assessment of indirect effects, such as planning for land uses that were to be allocated in the safeguarded zones; • councils will also have to plan for lost services such as waste management sites, or important community recreational facilities.

Compensation consultation Q1. What are your views on the proposed advanced purchase process?

• it unfairly excludes large businesses and landlords of properties - residential landlords may need to sell properties but be unable to do so as it is within a safeguarded area; • cap on the home-loss payment of £47,000 for residential owner-occupiers seems not based on any principle, and it is unfair to cap, particularly in London where average property prices are high; • it should be fair and flexible in the amount of payment and take circumstances of each residential owneroccupier into account. Continued on next page...

hillingdon campaign

The fight continues

The map below shows the area affected by the proposals for HS2. The pink area is the land that might be needed for the building of the railway.

South Harefield

Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre West Ruislip

The pink area in the background map shows the area that it is proposed will be safeguarded (land that may be needed for the building of the railway).

ÂŠ Crown copyright and database rights 2012 Ordnance Survey 100019283

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon campaign Q2. What are your views on the proposed voluntary purchase zone (VPZ) for rural areas?

• it is unfair to restrict to rural areas and the proposal that the VPZ will extend up to 120m either side of the line, where the land has not already been safeguarded is arbitrary; • the argument for not extending to more urban areas is weak and not based on any appraisal or study – there are likely to be a number of residential home owners within London area whose properties do not fall within the safeguarding area but are significantly affected by HS2 proposals; • the consultation fails to explain how applications will be assessed, what criteria will be used and how applied? • it is unfair that additional compensation payments to property owners is excluded. Government should be responsible for meeting the costs of moving house.

Q3. What are your views on the proposals for a sale and rent back scheme?

• it is unfair that businesses and landlords are excluded; • there is no explanation on rent – should be significantly discounted

as will be adversely affected by HS2 proposals, or what type of tenancy and what protection and rights the tenants will have; • proposed “value for money test” potentially penalises the poorest homes; • there is no point in spending money on repairs to property which will be demolished in the future.

Q4. What are your views on the proposed approach to the application of hardship criterion for the long term hardship scheme?

• it is unfair to exclude landlords and businesses as they may have a pressing need to sell/relocate; • the criteria that the panel would consider is very subjective. There is no fixed outer distance from the line within which a property must be situated is being set so it may be inconsistently applied; • it is unjustified that applicants are expected to have been aware of proposals for HS2, especially from as early as March 2010.

Q5. What are your views on the proposed process for the operation of the long term hardship scheme? • the proposed process is convoluted; • the panel should be wholly

independent and should be appeal process for unsuccessful applicants; • the criteria used to assess reapplications should be fliexible otherwise applicants may be put off from reapplying; • purchase offers should not be limited to six months; should be extended to at least 12 months; • aerial photographs may be useful but undue weight should not be placed on them and equal consideration should be given to all other information available before the panel; • the proposal to introduce detailed guidance for applicants should be produced in an understandable format and a helpline should be provided.

Q6. What are your views on the Government’s proposals to restore confidence in properties above tunnels?

• it is not set out clearly how to identify “at risk” properties. Should offer the scheme within a defined distance from the tunnel - no less an area than the safeguarded area.

Q7. What are your views on how the Government should work with local authorities, housing associations and affected tenants to agree a joint strategy to replace any lost social rented housing?

• the Government should work with councils to ensure tenants are properly protected. How will the compensation process be applied? • the proposed home-loss payment of £4,700 is insulting. Why is there such a difference between the £47,000 payable to owner occupiers and others who may not own their homes but have tenancies which give them very significant rights and security of tenure, sometimes for life?

Ruislip Manor

Ruislip Gardens

contacts

To complete the consultations online visit highspeedrail.dft. gov.uk, and for more on HS2 including the safeguarding map, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hs2

hillingdon people magazine

January/February 2013

hillingdon cover feature

o n i g n i t s e Inv The council is continuing to invest in our libraries, despite other boroughs closing local branches. The multimillion pound investment programme to refurbish or rebuild all our libraries has seen another refreshed library open its doors, with another due to open in the spring. All the libraries that have been refurbished or rebuilt have seen visitor numbers increase.

eading Library, in Yeading Lane, has been completely refurbished. There are now more computers, more books and Starbucks coffee facilities where visitors can enjoy a coffee with their book. Uxbridge and Oak Farm libraries are due for refurbishment in spring 2013 and plans are still being considered for Harlington. Alongside the more traditional services being offered by the libraries, you can also now access a range of other services. At Ickenham and South Ruislip libraries you can buy visitor parking vouchers if you live in a parking management scheme within either Ickenham or South Ruislip. The trial has been so successful, it is being introduced at Eastcote library for anyone who lives in a parking management scheme in Eastcote from early this year. You can also now visit one of several libraries in the borough to get a hearing aid battery, in addition to being able to pick these up at Hillingdon and Mount Vernon hospitals. You can get a replacement battery at the following libraries: • Harlington Library • Manor Farm Library • Mobile Library • South Ruislip Library • West Drayton Library • Yiewsley Library

If your battery needs replacing, take your old ones to any of the libraries listed above where you will be issued with a new set. Please remember to bring your old batteries with you and when you get the new ones, put the old ones in the recycling container at the library. You should also bring your hearing aid book with you (brown book) in order for your records to be updated.

contacts

For more information, talk to library staff or contact the Hearing Aid Centre at: Hillingdon Hospital on 01895 279343 or Mount Vernon Hospital on 01923 844475.

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon cover feature

our libraries

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “We are very proud of our library refurbishment programme in Hillingdon - we are continuing to invest when other councils across the country are cutting library services. “Figures show that visitor numbers in the libraries that we

have refurbished have increased on average by 30 per cent, so we must be doing something right. The programme is due to complete in 2014, and will mean we have 17 up-to-date libraries offering a wide range of services to our residents meaning the libraries can continue to serve your needs into the future.”

Love your heart with Hillingdon Libraries February is Heart Month, and whether you are 18 months or 80, the borough’s libraries have something for you. There will be a whole range of taster sessions and activities available for everyone to enjoy – give your heart a Valentine’s treat and try out some of these activities.

Activities include: Health checks

contacts

These are free and can either be pre-booked or you can just drop in.

For more information on all the services being offered at Hillingdon’s libraries, visit www. hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries

hillingdon people magazine

Eat well

Free healthy eating advice sessions and workshops are available.

January/February 2013

Activate your life

Try out an exercise class or join in on a healthy walk.

Relax

Enjoy pamper sessions, poetry and play readings.

Take control

Live life to the full by taking control of your life.

hillingdon proud

aris Oxley, of Hayes, launched her restyled, revamped and recycled furniture store in Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, in December. She won the shop space at 93 Victoria Road after entering a competition launched by the council and retail specialists Meanwhile Space. As part of the competition, she won’t have to pay any rent or rates for three months. A number of start-up businesses applied to the competition, which sought to secure a new tenant for the premises and bring life to empty shops. Paris’ pitch sealed the deal and the pop-up shop, Meanwhile in the Manor, has opened its doors as The Shed. Speaking just after her win, Paris said: “I was over the moon when I heard I’d won, it was a lovely surprise and I’m very excited about opening the shop. I had a stall at the fun day in November and am still fulfilling orders now so I hope the new shop will do just as well. “I source my materials from car boot sales, charity shops anywhere really, and then take them away to fix up, decorate and sell. I love what I do, if you stood still long enough I’d decorate you. I’ve been doing this for my enjoyment for more than 30 years but I only registered as a sole trader making this my full time business earlier this year.” Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “These are tough times for any business so I’m delighted that the council is able to offer a helping hand to Paris and I’m sure The Shed will do well in its new premises. With this competition we hoped to bring new life and new trade to Ruislip Manor and I am confident that we will achieve this.

Drag winn

A new furniture shop has opened in Ruislip Manor, as part of work to improve the town centre.

“I hope this will inspire others to take part in a similar scheme we are running in Northwood Hills. There are some great business ideas and a lot of talent in Hillingdon waiting to be showcased.”

contacts

For more information about work the council is doing to improve the borough’s town centres visit www.hillingdon. gov.uk/towncentres. You can find Paris on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ AtTheShed or follow her on Twitter @_theshed

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon proud

gons’ Den ner opens shop Hayes town centre funding given go ahead F our and a half million pounds will be invested in the regeneration of Hayes town centre to make it a better place for people to live, work and visit. The money, from Transport for London (TfL), along with financial support from council budget and section 106 planning funds, will help deliver a three-year improvement programme in Hayes that is hoped to start later this year. The £4.5m is in additional to our regular funding from TfL, and came after we made a bid for money to help transform the town centre. Almost 700 people responded to a consultation during September and October last year, asking how the town centre could be improved. More than two thirds of the responses were in favour of changing the existing layout. People mainly wanted to see improvements to traffic, lighting and better access to parking. Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling,

hillingdon people magazine

said: “This funding announcement is a huge coup for Hayes and will see some much needed improvements being made. The consultation we recently held was very successful and this £4.5m investment will help to revitalise the whole town centre and build on what we have already achieved there.” The council has been working with traders to implement a number of improvements already in Hayes, as well as Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills, to boost trade. It has run a visual merchandising scheme offering free advice and help on refreshing window displays to make the shop more enticing to shoppers. A special grant scheme, as part of the Mayor’s Outer London Fund grants was also offered to businesses to improve shopfronts in the town, which has already paid dividends which have been warmly welcomed by local people. Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration,

January/February 2013

added: “Our town centre regeneration programme is underway and people will start to notice the changes over the next few weeks.”

Other funding announcements made include: £120,000 for bus stop accessibility improvements, such as raising kerb height, relocating the bus flag and bus shelter, footway and carriageway resurfacing; £320,000 to implement school safety measures such as the introduction of 20mph speed limits, enhancing existing traffic calming and school crossing patrols; £60,000 to deliver pedestrian way-finding signs in Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills; £134,000 for the Grand Union Canal, to complete works to the towpath over the whole length including Paddington Arm to encourage more cycling and walking.

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January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon care

Helping you be more T

t n e d n e p e ind

he way social care is delivered has changed, to provide more independence and choice for everyone who receives care from the council. Self-directed support allows you to choose the services you need and arrange to have them at times which best help you to remain independent. The new way of providing support means everyone who is eligible will be given a personal budget, which covers the cost of the care you require. You can spend this budget in ways that are right for you to meet your support needs. So if you want to employ a personal support worker to help you remain in your own home you can do this, or if you want someone to help you attend adult education classes, or leisure activities to help you develop your skills and interests, it’s your choice. You can either manage the budget yourself, or ask a trusted member of your family, or the council to do it. Cllr Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said: “Personalised budgets are helping some of our most vulnerable residents live more independent lives with more choice about the services they want and will benefit from the most. Residents have told us that they are happier with more individualised services.” Sheila Peters, who lives in Hillingdon, has a daughter, Debra, who is receiving a personal budget. Sheila said: “Debra now goes out to a range of places – she goes to the library where they read stories to her, she goes to play boccia, which she loves, and she always comes home exhausted and happy. She is experiencing things

hillingdon people magazine

Personal budgets allow residents more choice over the type of care they receive and when they receive it (photos posed by models)

she hasn’t experienced before now she has her personal budget; it gives her one to one care that she hasn’t had before. She has taken to it like a duck to water. She is happy, so we are happy.”

January/February 2013

contacts

For more information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ choice or contact your social worker or care manager on 01895 556633.

hillingdon care

Becoming a Have you got space in your life to help a young person in need of a home and love? Fostering could be the turning point in the young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life; could you make that difference?

ildren across the borough are h in need of loving homes, to support them grow and help them reach their potential. As a council we are looking for more people to come forward and become foster carers. The thought of caring for a child who is not yours can be daunting, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Hillingdon People spoke to a recently approved foster carer to find out how they are finding the experience. Daren, known as Major, is a music producer who has worked with Amy Winehouse, Massive Attack, Beverley Knight, and Suggs from Madness. He lives in the south of the borough. Daren said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was inspired to foster mostly because of the way I grew up. I had been thinking about fostering with a previous partner, and when we split up I had the space and the time

January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

hillingdon care

foster carer so I thought I would find out more. Before I knew it I was registered and approved and I had my first placement. I know that if I need some support or advice, I can call the council’s Fostering team and they will always be there. I’ve had great training too, and the process all happened really quickly.” Within days of making his first fostering enquiry, he was visited at his home by a member of the Fostering team to discuss his interest, and within a month he attended the next scheduled preparatory training course for foster carers. Once he had completed this he was put forward for assessment where various checks including a criminal record bureau check, medical check and references were carried out. His assessment was completed within five months. Only a few weeks after he was approved as a foster carer by an independent panel, he fostered his first young person. He continued: “So far I’ve had 14 children with me. I do respite care, and sometimes look after children who have just arrived at Heathrow or who need to go back through the airport. Placements have lasted from 12 hours to eight weeks. You have to make a connection with

them very quickly. I usually find that music helps - I have a music studio in the house, and one of the children I fostered played the guitar so we sat and wrote a song and recorded it, which stopped him running away. He had a history of doing that at previous placements, but he didn’t run away from me. “You have to have a love for kids; you have to be able to bring something positive to their life; you have to remember where they’ve come from – some of them have had very difficult backgrounds. There is often a stigma attached to children in care, but I haven’t had any bad experiences since I started fostering. You have to put aside any pre-conceived ideas you have about the kids. They aren’t bad children; they’ve just had difficult beginnings. I think we need more young foster carers who can understand the language and their experiences so they can work through any problems the young people are having.” He added that being a foster carer was making him a better father to his daughter, and that she is benefiting from experiencing lots of different things.

We are always looking for foster carers to care for teenagers through our teenage fostering programme – for more information on this please see the website.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Fostering can be a hugely rewarding task, and one that many current carers say adds a great deal of satisfaction to their lives. Foster carers are never left to deal with any situation alone – there is continual support from our dedicated team at the council. “The alternative to fostering is to place children in care homes but this is no match for the family setting and personal love and support that fostering offers. Many of our current carers speak of how inspirational their experience has been.”

Respite carer facts:

• Respite foster carers provide a break for children in care, as well as other foster carers. • This can be a one-off instance for a few days or a week, or a regular planned period such as one weekend per month. • We are always in need of more respite foster carers in Hillingdon. • Respite carers receive the same training and support as full-time foster carers

contacts

To register your interest come along to a fostering information evening - these are held at the Civic Centre on Tuesday 12 February or 12 March from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. You can also call 0800 783 1298 or visit www.hillingdon. gov.uk/fostering to find out more and send us your details.

hillingdon people magazine

January/February 2013

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January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

With the winter chill still in the air, warm up with one of these activities, from panto to murder mystery. Visit www.hillingdon. gov.uk/events to find out what else is happening near you.

Argosy Players present Beauty and the Beast

Argosy are back with Beauty and the Beast; a panto which will be magical, hilarious and amazing. Join your favourite panto characters, a cast of over 30, a live band not to mention all the Argosy magic and laughs we know you love. For children from three to 93 you will laugh, cheer, boo, hiss and hopefully all your dreams will come true. When: Thursday 17 to Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm with matinees on 19, 20 and 26 January. Where: Winston Churchill Hall, Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL Cost: £8 for Wednesday and Thursday performances. £12 adults and £9.50 for children and OAPs Contact: Call 0845 838 9058 or go to www.argosyplayers.org.uk

A Magic Hat Production The Hollow by Agatha Christie An unhappy game of romantic follow my leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, the home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Written by Agatha Christie, everyone has a motive but who committed the crime will be a job for Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny.

When: Tuesday 5 – Friday 8 February 2013, 7.30pm, and Saturday 9 February 2013 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm Where: Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD Cost: £12, £10 concessions Contact: Call 01895 673200 or visit www.compasstheatre.co.uk or www.magichat-productions.com

Doctor, doctor there’s a monster in my piano!

Northwood Community Arts play host to another great children’s puppet performance by the exciting Garlic Theatre. The show is suitable for anyone aged four and over (and their parents, grandparents and great grandparents!) The musical piano notes are running away; what or who are they scared of ? The piano doctor may be able to help with his fantastical tool set and collection of ears. When: Saturday 16 February, 3pm Where: St John’s Church, Hallowell Road, Northwood, Cost: £7 per adult/child or £25 for a family of four. Contact: ArtReach on 01628 675800 or email northwoodarts@artreach.biz for information and bookings.

Exercise Ceroc Dancing

Every Monday, 8pm to 11pm; Every Thursday, 8pm to 11.30pm Ceroc is a fusion of jive and salsa which is easy to learn and great fun. You don’t need to bring a partner and beginners are welcome. Cost: Entry £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 – West Drayton Community Centre; Thursdays – Civic Centre

Bums and Tums

Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm Contact: 07979 952277 or visit www. jansdanceandfitness.com St Paul’s Church Hall

Tap Dancing Adults

Tuesdays, 8pm to 9.30pm Contact: 07979 952277 or visit www.jansdance andfitness.com St Martin’s Church Hall

Nifty Fifty active senior fitness

Wednesdays, 1.45pm to 2.45pm Contact: 07979 952277 to visit www.jansdance andfitness.com Ruislip Methodist Church

Standing Pilates Class

Thursdays 1.30pm This class provides Pilates exercises for people unable to move from the floor to standing easily. Cost: £5 Contact: Jo on 07817 018840 or jhroberts@sky.com. Further details visit my website www. pilatesbodymindandsoul.co.uk The Grange

Short Mat Bowls Club

Every Monday and Wednesday, 2 to 4pm This is a very friendly group, with the chance to have a go at bowling. Everyone is welcome, please just come along and meet us. Cost: £2 a session. Contact: 020 8842 0547, or email contact@ southruislip.org Deane Park Hall

Zumba Gold

Various days and locations A low impact dance fitness, suitable for active senior adults, beginners to exercise and people with minor joint problems. Zumba toning and Zumba sessions are also available in Eastcote, Northwood Hills and Pinner. Contact: Visit www. zumbawithtrisha. co.uk or email trisha@ zumbawithtrisha.co.uk for further details, or call Trisha on 07919 276539 January/February 2013 hillingdon people magazine

Yoga for pregnancy

Starting Sunday 6 January Contact: Highgrove Pool: 01895 622664 or Ammie Shah:07956 855445. For more, visit www.yogawayoflife.co.uk Highgrove Pool

Yoga Classes – mixed ability Classes commencing Wednesday 9 January Contact: Ammie on 07956 855445 or email ammie@ yogawayoflife.co.uk. For information visit www. yogawayoflife.co.uk St John’s Church

Music

Uxbridge Folk Club

Thursdays, 8pm to 11pm 14 February - Blue Rose Code, invited back by popular demand with support from Soiree; 28 February – Thomas McCarthy with support from Tim Graham. Cost: £8 on the door, students £5 (first gig free) Contact: www.tinyurl.com/ uxfolk, call 07985 018317 or email uxbridgefolk@ blueyonder.co.uk Uxbridge RNA

Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra’s Spring Concert Northern Lights

Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm Featuring Nielsen Overture ‘Helios’ Op 17; Sibelius Symphony No 3 in C major; MacCunn Overture ‘Land of the Mountain and the Flood’; Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela; Mendelssohn Calm Sea and Prosperous Vovage; and Grieg Norwegian Dances. Cost: £10, concessions £8, children 11-16 £5, under 11 free Contact: Tickets available from: Pro Music International, 19 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham or 01895 674223. Also available on the door. Find out more at www. hillingdonphil.btck.co.uk All Saints Church

Tropic at Ruislip

Various dates Acts include The Strange Doors, tribute to the Doors (1 February); The Floyd Effect, two nights of Pink Floyd (22 February is all pre-Dark Side, 23 February from Dark Side and beyond). Cost: Usually £10 Contact: Tickets on 020 8707 2256 or via website www. tropicatruislip.co.uk where there is also more information Ruislip Social Club

Hillingdon Choral Society Come and Sing Saturday 19 January, 10am to 1pm No experience is needed, come along and try out your voice on famous choruses. Free of charge. United Reformed Church hillingdon people magazine

Celebration In Song

Saturday 19 January, 3pm Featuring soloists from the Royal Academy of Music. All proceeds to Different Strokes Charitable Trust and St Mary’s Church. Cost: £10 adults, £5 Children, £20 Family Contact: email office@ stmarys-harefield.org.uk or call 01895 825960. Tickets also available on the door St Mary’s Church

Hillingdon Musical Society presents Annie

Tuesday 12 February to Saturday 16 February, various times The musical story of a spirited young orphan who lives in a miserable orphanage. Her seemingly hopeless situation changes dramatically when she is chosen to spend Christmas with a billionaire. Cost: £13, concessions £10 Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre. co.uk or call 01895 673200 Compass Theatre

Leisure Singing 4 Fun

Every Thursday, 7.45pm to 9.45pm Start the new year with a song. A fun, popular local club for adults who love to sing. All welcome. No auditions. Join us this term as we work towards our big band concert. Your chance to sing with a live band. First session is free, so come and see what we do. Cost: Pay up front for the term (£54) or pay as you go (£6 per session). Contact: www.singing4fun.com email info@singing4fun.com First Ickenham Scout Hut

Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Available throughout 2013 A free, ten week course to help boost self esteem and improve your CV. For women living in postcodes UB3, UB4, UB7, UB8, UB2 5LX/5LU. Contact: Call Jill on 01895 259578 or email hillingdonwomen@aol.com. Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Northwood Craft Market Saturday 2 February, 10am to 3pm Browse and buy beautiful, original crafts, handmade by local crafters. Free Admission Contact: Visit www.north woodcraftmarket.co.uk Northwood Methodist Church Hall

Introduction to Financial Capability

Friday 15 and 22 February, 10 and to 11.30am Free money saving advice for parents. There are

January/February 2013

eight spaces. Run by Hillingdon Citizens Advice. Contact: Please call 01895 259578 to book Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Theatre

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January, various times From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning animation, live on stage for the first time ever. Join Holly, a young Fairy Princess who is still learning to fly, and her best friend, Ben the Elf, as they have fun and adventures. Cost: £12.50 and £14.50, with £2 off for all under 16s. Groups of 10 get 10 per cent off. Family tickets are available Contact: Book online at www. becktheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8561 8371 Beck Theatre

Contact: Book online at www. becktheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8561 8371 Beck Theatre

Little Angel Theatre Company presents Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

Tuesday 19 February, 1pm and 3pm The hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams. Biff is not like ordinary dogs. Biff thinks he’s a ballerina. Based on the book written by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. Suitable for ages two to six, the show runs for around 40 minutes. Cost: £7.50, Compass Theatre members £6.50 Contact: To book, visit www. compasstheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01895 673200 Compass Theatre

Friends of Ickenham Hall presents Murder at The Playhouse

Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 February, various times 2,000 years of tradition explode onto the stage with a spectacular two-hour extravaganza featuring 30 Chinese artistes performing a mixture of acrobatics, martial arts and contortion. Suitable for all ages. Cost: £18, £22 and £26, with concessions and family tickets.

Saturday 23 February, 7.30pm Another Murder Mystery Night from Murder Most Fun. Make sure the culprit is brought to justice – with your own team of up to 8 people, or join a team on the night, and solve the mystery. Profits go to the fund for restoration of Ickenham Hall and Compass Theatre. Cost: All tickets £10 Contact: Book online at www. compasstheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01895 673200 Compass Theatre

Venues

Northwood Methodist Church Hall

The Chinese State Circus

All Saints Church

Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon, UB10 9BT.

Beck Theatre

Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

Civic Centre

High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW

Compass Theatre

Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD

Deane Park Hall Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HS

First Ickenham Scout Hut Community Close, Ickenham, UB10 8RE

The Grange

Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, HA6 2RB

Highgrove Pool Eastcote Road, Ruislip, HA4 8DZ

Hillingdon Women’s Centre 333 Long Lane, Hillingdon, UB10 9JU

Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA

Ruislip Methodist Church Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ

Ruislip Social Club Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JU

St John’s Church

Hallowell Road, Northwood, HA6 1DN

St Martin’s Church Hall Eastcote Road, Ruislip, HA4 8DG

St. Mary’s Church Harefield, UB9 6DU

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

Uxbridge RNA

388a Long Lane, UB10 9PG

United Reformed Church Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8BE

West Drayton Community Centre

Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 9JL

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.

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 Planning, trees and landscapes 01895 250230 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

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

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 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

January/February 2013

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

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

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 /05/06/07/08 Dangerous structures (out of hours) 01895 250111 Land charges enquiries 01895 250689

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 Direct advice line 0845 4647

Police

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

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