Communities - Harefield

Harefield Hospital denies 'military change' rumours

2009-11-12T14:56:33Z

HAREFIELD Hospital has 'categorically denied' rumours that its future could be as a designated military hospital.

Rumours had been abound that plans were being made behind the scenes for part of the hospital to become a base for soldiers returning injured from war.

Currently, soldiers are treated at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, although concerns have been made that the hospital cannot cope with the recent rise in casualties and rumoured suggestions were that Harefield would be a more suitable base and the changes may begin in 2012.

However, a spokesperson from the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can categorically state that there have been absolutely no discussions at any point about turning Harefield Hospital into a military hospital in 2012."

Harefield Hospital, in Hill End Road, is forever entwined with military history, and indeed may never have existed had it not been for the need to set up medical support for injured ANZAC soldiers during the First World War.

Neighbourhood news letter online

2009-11-12T14:22:06Z

The latest neighbourhood news letter is available to view online.

It can be viewed on the following link http://www.hillingdonnhw.co.uk/

Give Harefield a tree for Christmas

2009-11-11T08:15:46Z

THE Gazette is this week launching a campaign to save Harefield's Christmas by calling for a tree to be installed on the Village Green.

The wheels are already in motion for the festive treat, and it has already secured the backing of several Harefield villagers.

In recent years the village has lacked any substantial Christmas decorations, while in contrast, nearby Ickenham has a large lighted tree every year.

Harefield Councillor Henry Higgins has already pledged his support and says he is the man who can help make it happen.

Speaking to the Gazette last week he said: "Let's do it, its a good idea, it should not be too much of a problem to get a tree, we just have to look at how to decorate it."

Funding for the tree would be available through Harefield's new annual ward budget, which funded the hanging baskets in the High Street.

The plan has also backing the support of the Harefield Academy, based in Northwood Way, Harefield, with senior teaching staff discussing the plan and offering support.

Pauline Crawley, chair of the Harefield Tenants and Residents Association, said: "It would be a lovely idea, we have discussed it in previous years but nothing was done about it.

"Obviously we would not want it to be vandalised so it should be sited in view of CCTV cameras."

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Councillor Higgins added that he was looking into securing a permanent fixture to hold the tree, meaning it would not just be a one off, but could be re-introduced every Christmas.

Atul Sodha, who runs Londis, in Moorhall Road, Harefield, said: "I think it is a brilliant idea, I'm up for it we need to get as much support for the idea as possible.

"In truth I'd like to see two trees, one in the south of the village as well, I don't know how possible that would be."

The biggest threat to the tree going up would be in the form of Health and Safety 'Grinches' who may scupper the plans if any lighting is deemed to be unsafe, but inventive ways of decorating the tree are being looked into.

To show your support for the campaign leave your messages below.

Police appeal High Street Halloween assault

2009-11-11T08:00:21Z

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward to a violent attack which took place on Halloween.

In the attack- opposite The Harefield pub,in High Street, Harefield, a man in his 30s suffered head injuries and cuts and bruises to his face and is believed to have been hit with a metallic object.

The apparently unprovoked assault happened at 11.15pm on 31 October and police are hunting two suspects.

During the incident a woman appeared at the scene, grabbing one of the suspects and tried to get him to stop the confrontation, and police are very keen to trace her.

It is believed the suspects were seen at the Princes Lodge car park later that night.
The suspects are both white, and the first aged between 20 and 30, six foot, and was wearing a black top and blue jeans.

The second, who hit the man with a weapon, is estimated to be aged between 18 and 25, five foot 10 inches tall, and was wearing a white shirt.

The witness the police are keen to trace is described as white, five foot six with shoulder length brown hair.

DC Adrian Back, said: "This was an unprovoked attack on the victim who had been walking in the area of Harefield High Street.

"At the time of the attack there would have been drivers in the vicinity, busy local public houses and many pedestrians in the main thoroughfare.

"In particular we would like to speak to the female who appeared to be the peacemaker just before the attack.

"It may have appeared to some people that they were witnessing a domestic argument between a man and a woman.

"This assault has left the victim badly shaken and he is still recovering from his injuries."
Anyone with information should call Hillingdon CID on 020 8246 1447 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

2010 Harefield calendar on sale now

2009-11-05T14:32:19Z

SNOW scenes, canal side views, and dogs and horses make up a colourful selction of photos for the 2010 Harefield Calendar.

Originally put together as a memento for the Millennium in 2000, the calendar has become a mainstay of village life ever since, with 1,000 copies on sale this year.

The calendar is made up of photographs around Harefield, from a number of talented local photographers, and put together by Gordon Isaacs, of Lovett Road, Harefield.

Mr Isaacs, a former football referee, said: "We have been lucky the last couple of years to have snowfall, which obviously makes for nice photographs.

"The challenge is trying to get different photos every year, but we have some fantastic ones this year.

"I would say my favourite this year is the one taken at Black Jacks earlier this year when they had an open day.

"It was taken by Denis Hughes, and the red acer tree really stands out."
Mr Isaacs added that captioning the photos this year had been educational, learning that collectively, ducks in a pond are 'a paddling of ducks' as opposed to 'a flight of ducks' when in the air.

"So far already this year the calendars have sold very well, I sell them outside the Village Bakery every Saturday at 10am and they are in the Post Office."

Man appears in charged with sexual offences

2009-11-03T16:27:36Z

A MAN has appeared in court charged with 22 counts of alleged rape and sexual assault of a girl under 16.

Antony Hawkins, 33, of Barden Close, Harefield, appeared before Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Monday.

He has been released on bail, and is scheduled to appear before Isleworth Crown Court next Tuesday (10/11) for a preliminary hearing.

New play areas to be built in Harefield

2009-11-03T16:26:42Z

THREE new play areas for children will be built in Harefield thanks to a new Government investment.

Hillingdon Council approved the plans to build the sites at Mount Pleasant, Ash Grove, and Taylors Meadow.

The areas are part of a £1.2 million investment programme in facilities in Hillingdon over the next two years.

Meet your Uxbridge Gazette team

2009-11-03T14:19:13Z

Shujaul Azam: I am the multi-media content manager for the Uxbridge Gazette, Harrow Observer, the Bucks Examiner and Buckinghamshire Advertiser newspapers and websites. I've been a journalist most of my working life and have covered areas as diverse as the rural idylls of Shropshire, to the gritty hard news areas of south London. My aim is to provide a comprehensive news service and ensure our news is relevant to the communities we serve. So, if you wish to discuss anything concerning the above titles please contact me on 01895 451000 or Email me

Charlene Mitchell: I cover Ruislip and Eastcote and have lived in the area my whole life so I know my patch very well. I studied journalism at the London College of Communication and this is my first reporting job. I have been at the Gazette since January 2008. If you have a story - little or large - call me on 07795 811367/01895 451 047 or email

Dan Coombs: My patch covers the Heathrow Villages, West Drayton, Yiewsley, Cowley, Uxbridge, Hillingdon and Ickenham, and since April 2008 I have been the reporter for Harefield too. I am a sports fan and write a football blog for the Gazette website and take pictures too, so feel free to contact me with any news, big or small, serious or light-hearted. Email me

Siba Matti: I am a senior reporter dedicated to covering the recently launched Northwood and Rickmansworth Gazette. I joined the company almost three years ago but was working in the central features unit in Surrey until about a month ago. I am getting to grips with my new patch but I can't be everywhere at once so if you have a story in the area, I look forward to hearing from you. Call me on 07788 567259 or
Email me

Jack Griffith: I am the reporter for the Hayes and Harlington area. I graduated from Sussex University in 2006, and have worked in media planning and PR before pursuing a career in journalism. I am new to Hayes but I look forward to hearing from you all about the things that matter in you area. Please feel free to email me or call 01895 451 000.

Other Useful contacts:

Steve Bax, websites contact
Paul Bishop, Sports Editor
Chris Berry, Photographic

Party for Harefield Hospital will go ahead despite yobs lighting bonfire two weeks early

2009-11-02T17:50:05Z

A PARTY in aid of Harefield Hospital will go ahead despite intruders maliciously lighting the bonfire two weeks early.

The event will take place at the Horse & Barge Pub in Moor Hall Road, Harefield, this Saturday, November 7, not Monday 9 as reported in last week's Gazette.

Landlord Don McCallion, 76, said: "The bonfire is now even larger than its original height of 12ft, thanks to the help of all the kind people who heard about our plight."

Motorbikers raise cash for animal sanctuary

2009-11-02T12:41:45Z

CARING members of a motorbike club raised money for an animal sanctuary at their fourth anniversary bike show and party.

Doggs Bollocks MCC, who meet every Wednesday at The Breakspear Arms, in Breakspear Road South, Ruislip, have been raising money for charity for the past four years at their show.

This year Pets Corner, in Petworth Gardens, Hillingdon, was lucky enough to be the chosen charity and on October 25 the bikers presented a £500 cheque to the owner, Stan Atkin.

The club's president, Del Pratt, said the club's members had decided to raise money for the animal sanctuary and petting zoo after hearing it had been repeatedly vandalised.

Club member Peter Murrar, known as 'Fly', of Raynton Drive, Hayes, said: "This year it was my turn to chose the charity. I chose Pets Corner because it gets vandalised a lot and we are all animal lovers.

"I have just been diagnosed with a terminal illness but I will raise money for charity as long as I am still on my feet."

About 200 people attended the anniversary day, which was held at The Breakspear Arms.

The club's profit of £250 was then generously matched with a further £250 by Darren Morgan, landlord of the pub.

The club's chosen charity for next year is Help for Heroes.

For more information visit www.doggsbollocksmcc.com or contact Mr Pratt on 07889 852428.

Unsung heroes invited to step into the spotlight once more

2009-10-30T10:15:30Z

UNSUNG heroes are invited to step into the spotlight as the Uxbridge Gazette and Leader series, together with Uxbridge College, is once again seeking inspirational people who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

The eighth annual Local Heroes awards, which launches today (28), acknowledges the hard work, dedication and courage shown by ordinary people from Hillingdon borough who have put others first or overcome adversity.

There are five categories in this year's awards: Outstanding Young Person, Star Carer, Community Champion, Courageous Citizen and Fabulous Fundraiser.

Entry is open to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in the borough, so if you know someone who deserves credit for doing a good deed, nominate them now!

The closing date for entries is Monday, December 14, and the judging panel will make its decision on the following day.

Short listed nominees are invited to attend a gala awards night with music from Perry Parsons MBE and The Vyners Swing Band, held on Thursday, January 28 at Hayes Community Campus in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes.

Category winners will each receive a trophy and £250 cash, and the person named overall Hero of Hillingdon will pick up an extra £500. Runners up will each receive £50.

Last year's awards saw Multiple Sclerosis sufferer, Nimira Patel, crowned a Hero of Hillingdon, after voluntarily running Little Angels playgroup at Harlington Baptist Church in High Street, Harlington.

She was also recognised for her efforts to support others in the community by offering a listening ear and giving helpful advice, as well as looking after people's children and making sure they get something to eat.

Choose from the following categories:

Outstanding Young Person: Anyone aged 16 or under who has made an outstanding achievement or impressive effort, supported others or enthusiastically taken part in sports or an event.

Star Carer: Someone who has selflessly looked after a friend, relative, neighbour, or others.

Community Champion: An individual, group or organisation which has helped or supported the community.

Courageous Citizen: Someone who has triumphed over adversity, achieved something against the odds, or shown courage or determination.

Fabulous Fundraiser: An individual, group, organisation or business which has raised money for a deserving cause.

Email Gazette reporter Siba Matti at sibamatti@trinitysouth.co.uk with the name of the category and contact details for both the nominee and the person who is nominating. Alternatively, see the Gazette each week for a nomination form.

*Please note that, under competition rules, staff from the Uxbridge Gazette and Leader series, and students and staff from Uxbridge College, cannot be nominated.

Victory for residents after refusal of development on Grade I listed conservation site

2009-10-28T18:12:32Z

DELIGHTED residents are celebrating after planning permission to build nine three- and four-bedroom homes on a Grade I listed nature conservation site was refused.

More than 700 residents signed a petition opposing the development, on land west of Woodfield Terrace and Dovedale Close, Harefield, which is made up of dense woodland surrounded by the Green Belt, allotment gardens, a public footpath and the village
conservation area.

The site's fate was sealed yesterday (Tuesday) at a Hillingdon Council planning meeting, when the committee expressed concerns about destroying open land and access to the proposed development.

If successful, the developer had intended to create a new road leading from an existing private driveway between 69c and 69d Dovedale Close.

But the committee, along with petitioners, said there would also be insufficient space for two-way traffic and for refuse vehicles to turn around, which would result in a 'people versus vehicles situation'.

They also said that, as the site is also on a steep slope, it could cause potential problems for elderly and disabled residents.

Melissa Loosemore, of Dovedale Close, attended the meeting to speak on behalf of the petitioners.

She said it was important that the wildlife in the area was preserved: "The development would be at the bottom of my garden and the area surrounding it has a high population of bats, badgers, grass snakes and stag beetles.

"We are in a world of consumerism and greed and this is an opportunity to ensure this land is protected for future generations.

"The development also goes against government policies on sustainability and preservation of ecology."

After the result was announced, she added: "I am absolutely thrilled. The application was never suitable for the area and this shows that the voice of Harefield residents has been heard."

Members of Harefield Residents and Tenants Association, Harefield Village Conservation Panel and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust were also against the development.

Pauline Crawley, chair of the Harefield Residents and Tenants Association, said: "This is brilliant news although I was confident the application would be refused, because it was a completely inappropriate development.

"Obviously the Greenbelt and the wildlife needed to be protected, and that is a victory in itself, but the access to the site was totally unacceptable, and I'm glad the committee agreed."

Boy arrested after Denham Green fire

2009-10-14T07:47:48Z

A 12 year old boy from Harefield has been arrested in connection with a fire in Denham.

He was arrested on Sunday afternoon (11/10) after the fire which took place on the edge of a BMX track and public footpath on Denham Green on September 30.

Tenants and Residents monthly meeting

2009-10-14T07:46:43Z

THE monthly meeting of the Harefield Tenants and Residents Association will take place tomorrow.

The residents group will meet at 8pm at Harefield Library, in Park Lane, Harefield.

The meeting is expected to last until 10pm, and will discuss all planning, and social and disorder issues affecting the village.

Only Fools and Horses filming at The Oaks

2009-10-14T07:40:20Z

THE latest instalment of a hit television show is to be filmed at a pub on the edge of the village.

The latest episode of Only Fools and Horses, set in the sixties when Del Boy was in his teens, is being filmed at the moment.

Today (Wednesday), the show is being filmed at The Oaks pub, located a short walk from the Coppermil Quay on Old Uxbridge Road.

For pictures see next week's Gazette.