Communities - Northwood

Croxley Green pub joins community toilet scheme to offer free facilities

2009-11-13T16:24:19Z

A CROXLEY Green pub is the latest venue to sign up for a community toilet scheme offering free facilities to the public.

The Fox and Hounds, in New Road, joined the Three Rivers District Council-run scheme on November 4, following a successful two-month pilot.

The popular project provides free toilet facilities at existing venues, with no purchase is necessary to take advantage.

The Harvester pub in Watford Road, Croxley Green, has also joined the scheme, plus public toilets are also available at the district council's Three Rivers House, in Northway, Rickmansworth, and next to the Cafe in the Park, at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, in Frogmoor Lane.

Kate McHale, 48, manager of the Fox and Hounds, said: "The pilot was very successful and we are pleased to permanently provide this service for the community, as there are not many public toilets in the area and not all pubs have disabled facilities.

"If anyone wanted to use the toilets here we would let them, just out of common decency. We have all been caught short before."

Mark Lancaster, manager of The Harvester in Croxley Green, "Our doors have always been open and I'm more than happy for local people in the village to use the toilets when they need to.

"We're happy to work with the council and support the village in this small way. And if people pop in to use the facilities and stay for a bite to eat or a drink afterwards, then all the better for us."

The scheme, which costs less than £4,000 per year, follows the phasing out of the unpopular Automatic Public Convenience units, which cost around £37,000 in 2007.

The district council will also save money on repairing vandalism, as scheme venues are staffed constantly during open hours.

Organisations interested in joining the scheme can call the council on 01923 727 255.

Parents 'numb' following death of two children in less than two months

2009-11-12T10:21:19Z

THE devastated parents of Chris Puddifoot, who died in a car crash just weeks after his sister drowned on round-the-world-tour, have described him as 'a model son, brother and friend.'

Michael and Mai Puddifoot, of Northwood, said they feel 'numb' after losing two children in less than two months.

Chris, 22, was killed instantly when he was a passenger in a car hit by an oncoming vehicle in Hampermill Lane, Watford, on Tuesday evening.

His sister, Karen, died on September 24, when the boat she and Tim Roney, 21, were travelling on sank in the South China Sea, off the coast of Vietnam.

Chris accompanied the pair as they journeyed through Europe and Scandinavia as part of a round-the-world charity bike ride to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.

He was a pupil at Eastbury Farm JMI School, in Bishops Avenue, Northwood, before completing three A Levels at Rickmansworth School, in Scots Hill, Rickmansworth.

Mr and Mrs Puddifoot said: "No one should ever have to outlive a child but losing two of our children in less than two months has left us numb and at a loss for words.

"Chris was a model son, brother and friend. He was warm and caring and was loved by all who met him.

"He had a particular connection and affection with elderly people and loved working as assistant manager at St Luke's Hospice shop in Pinner, where he was really well thought of and held in high regard by people.

"He was very athletic and excelled at sports as a youngster but he never dedicated enough time to any one sport, as he enjoyed all of them.

"Chris was a tower of strength to us after we lost Karen and, of course, Tim, who was such a close family friend.

"All of their friends were, and continue to be so supportive after Karen died and now he are having to cope with losing Chris too. He was so strong for us. Words cannot describe the shock of our loss of such a beautiful son and how we will cope without them both.

Chris' girlfriend, Abigail Bains, has also paid tribute to 'her favourite person'. She said: "He had lots of friends, whom he adored, and who supported him after the deaths of Karen and Tim.

"He was my best friend and I loved him the most - he was my favourite person. He meant everything to me."

Double tragedy for family as brother of girl drowned in Vietnam is killed in horrific crash

2009-11-11T17:41:21Z

THE heartbroken parents of a young woman who drowned on a world trip six weeks ago have suffered another tragedy, after their only son was killed in a horrific car crash.

Chris Puddifoot, 22, of Northwood, was the front-seat passenger of a BMW which collided head-on with a Vauxhall Astra in Hampermill Lane, Watford at about 5.20pm yesterday (November 10).

Chris was the brother of Karen Puddifoot, 27, who died alongside Tim Roney, 21, when the tourist boat they were travelling on capsized in the South China Sea, off the coast of Vietnam at the end of September.

The emergency services rushed to the incident but Chris was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the BMW, a man in his 20s, was taken to Watford General hospital for treatment, while the driver of the Astra, a man in his 60s, was released from hospital following treatment for his injuries.

The road was closed for a number of hours while police probed the scene for clues to establish how the tragic smash happened.

Karen and Chris had both been former students of Eastbury Farm School, in Bishops Avenue, Northwood. Devastated parents, Mei and Michael, are being consoled by family members along with their only surviving child, Catherine.

Inspector Andy Piper from Hertfordshire's Strategic Roads Policing Unit, said: "Our thoughts are with Chris's family; understandably they are devastated. Specially trained family liaison officers are with them at this time.

"Investigations continue and I would like to appeal to anyone who saw what happened or saw either vehicle prior to the collision to contact the investigating team."

Anyone with information should contact PC Bob Hauxwell in the road death investigation unit at HQ on 0845 33 00 222.

Rickmansworth dental specialist hosts charity open evening next Thursday

2009-11-11T09:35:22Z

A dental and facial aesthetics specialist is hosting its annual charity open evening next Thursday (19) from 6pm-9pm to raise money for the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

Dentists at Qualidental, in High Street, will be discussing tooth whitening and smile makeovers at the event, which is being held as part of Mouth Cancer Week.

A team of local beauty experts including a permanent make-up artist, nail technician and eyelash extension specialist will also be offering treatments and advice.

Call 01923 710600 or visit www.qualidental.co.uk. Find out more about the Mouth Cancer Foundation at www.rdoc.org.uk.

Christmas Fayre for all

2009-11-09T15:44:10Z

Christmas Fayre at Northwood Methodist Church, Oaklands Gate on Saturday 14th November from 10am-1pm. Entrance 30p. For further information call 0208 866 3745.

International children's author visits St Helen's School

2009-11-08T13:30:45Z

AN INTERNATIONAL children's author visited a Northwood school last week to run student workshops and hold a book signing.

Rosie Rushton, the brains behind more than 40 books, spoke to year seven, eight and nine pupils at St Helen's School, in Eastbury Road, about her latest project adapting
Jane Austen classics to modern day fiction.

Ms Rushton, who started her career working for a local newspaper before her first title, Staying Cool, Surviving School, was published in 1993, shared her secrets about how to succeed as an author.

She also explained the various processes she has gone through, from pen hitting paper to seeing the finished product in print.

Elizabeth Howard, head librarian at the school, said: "Rosie gave an informative and entertaining talk, from which all the girls will be able to take valuable advice."

Rickmansworth butchers sizzles with success

2009-11-06T14:56:14Z

A BUTCHER from Rickmansworth has been crowned the London regional winner of a competition searching for Britain's Magical Bangers.

Steve Blake, who runs Chris Blake Butchers in High Street, impressed judges including magician Paul Daniels and wife Debbie McGee to win a cook-off at S&M (Sausage and Mash) café in Smithfield Market, east London, on Monday (2).

Mr Blake, 51, also received praise from discerning meat trade critics with his Old Victorian Sausage, which saw him lift the best banger award and win a place in the national finals, held to celebrate British Sausage Week 2009.

He also received £150 to donate to his preferred charity, Macmillan nurses.

The butchers is part of a small chain established for more than 20 years, with other shops in Uxbridge and Greenford.

Mr Blake said: "I was really surprised but absolutely delighted to have won, I never imagined I would get this far.

"This is the first time I have entered, although we took part in a different competition last year and came third nationally with a Cumberland sausage.

"The Old Victorian Sausage is made with pork and plenty of herbs and spices, including nutmeg and white pepper, plus a few secret ingredients!

"It's quite a simple recipe - we don't think sausages should be made from bizarre things like apricots or chocolate - but it has a very unique taste and that's what counts.

"Choosing good quality meat is the secret with all our sausages and I hope this will help us to win the national final."

Paul Daniels added: "The standard of entries has been so high this year that it was truly difficult to pick just one winner.

"Having said that, the Old Victorian Sausage was absolutely delicious and truly is the Magical Banger for London."

British Sausage Week celebrates the taste, quality and diversity of the sausage, of which there are some 400 individually named varieties in Britain alone.

Butchers from across the country will be opening their doors to the public as part of the event, and Chris Blake will be taking part in Rickmansworth Victorian Evening on Friday, November 27, to raise money for Help The Heroes.

For more information and recipes, visit www.britishsausageweek.com.

Theology talk at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue

2009-11-06T12:35:15Z

THE president of the International Council of Christians and Jews will be speaking at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue in Oaklands Gate on Tuesday, November 24.

Dr Debbie Weissman, who has a PhD in Jewish Education, has journeyed from Israel to talk about A Jewish Theology of Other Religions.

The event starts at 8pm. For more information, visit www.npls.org.uk or call 01923 822 592.

Charity auction in Northwood Hills tomorrow

2009-11-06T12:21:06Z

Northwood Missionary Auctions will be holding its next charity auction tomorrow (7) at Fairfield, Windsor Close, Northwood Hills.

NMA has been supporting Christian Charities for 40 years and holds twice yearly sales of donated items with the full hammer price being sent to donors' nominated Christian charities. Many valuable antique and collectible items are offered for sale and the full catalogue with pictures can be viewed on the NMA website - www.nmauctions.org.uk.

The viewing of lots will take place between 10.00am and 12.15pm with the sale starting at 2.15pm. Also in the morning between 10.00am and 12 noon there is a grand sale of bric-a-brac and books, with many bargains to be had.

Pumpkin breaks the scales at school gardening competition

2009-11-05T17:33:01Z

GREEN-FINGERED pupils at Harlyn School in Northwood took part in a pumpkin growing competition, with the winner weighing a staggering 13.5kg.

The contest saw classes plant three seeds in a pot and choose the healthiest, which was transplanted into the school garden and cared for by the children.

The winning pumpkin, which broke the scales during a tense weighing session, was produced by class RJ, with help from teacher Miss Meadows and teaching assistant Mrs MacDonald.

Runners up classes 3P and 4M grew significantly smaller pumpkins by comparison, weighing 3.8kg and 2.75kg respectively.

They were all rewarded with prizes including sweets and seeds at a special assembly at the school, in Tolcarne Drive, this morning.

Headteacher, Jackie Lack, said: "Our school garden has been established for six years and we hold popular competitions every year, which have included hanging baskets and potato growing.

"The children always enjoy themselves and are very dedicated. Everyone was amazed by the size of the winning pumpkin - it dwarfed the others and some teachers even joked that it had been genetically modified!

"We will begin growing more fruit, vegetables and plants in the spring."

Multiple Sclerosis sufferer calls for change in UK euthanasia laws

2009-11-05T13:38:54Z

A MULTIPLE Sclerosis sufferer is calling for a change in UK euthanasia laws so he can die with dignity in his own home.

Chris Handley, 55, of Links Way, Croxley Green, has lived with the degenerative disease for the past 15 years.

He said: "Out of the blue one morning, I woke up blind. My eyesight slowly came back but I went to hospital for a scan which discovered I had a mild form of MS.

"Then about six years ago, I collapsed when I was walking the dog, and my condition has steadily worsened. Now, my hip muscles have gone and I'm in an electric wheelchair."

Mr Handley, a former self-employed mechanic and keen motorcyclist, says his days are now mundane and routine: "My carers usually get me out of bed about 9am, then I sit in a nearby café and have a couple of drinks, before I am collected and back in bed again by 2pm. That pretty much sums up my life now.

"I have lost my independence and feel extremely frustrated and helpless, I can't do anything for myself any more."

"However, I can make decisions, and I think I should have the right to say when I am ready to go, while I am still of sound mind."

Euthanasia is illegal in Britain but not in some European countries, such as Sweden and Finland, where doctors are not prosecuted for assisted suicide.

Earlier this year, MS sufferer Debbie Purdy received legal clarification that her husband would not be prosecuted if he accompanied her to the Dignitas Clinic, in Switzerland.

One of four siblings, Mr Handley is married to wife, Janet, with three children between them.

He said: "I don't want them to have any part in it. They understand how I feel but there is never a right time to go.

"I have enjoyed my life and I want to end it at home. A lot of people might disagree but they are not in my situation."

Chris Bentley, spokesman for the MS Society, said: "The MS Society has a neutral stance on assisted suicide.

"We have argued for more resources for palliative care and better training for health and social care professionals around caring for someone nearing the end of their life.

"There is a big difference between someone with MS deciding they no longer want to live, having explored all care options, and someone wishing to die because they aren't being offered the right support.

Mr Bentley added: "There is still a long way to go before palliative care offered to people with MS is the best it can be; this can lead to people with MS believing they are a burden on family, friends and society in general."

For more information on accessing palliative care and independent living, call the MS Society's freephone helpline on 0808 800 8000 or visit www.mssociety.org.uk.

Digital greetings card company encourages people to dig deep for charity

2009-11-05T13:35:26Z

A DIGITAL greetings card company in Northwood is encouraging people to dig deep into their pockets when they send messages to their loved ones.

CharityGreetings.com has developed an identical copy of the traditional paper card, with one fundamental difference - every card sent will raise a minimum of £1 for a charity of the sender's choice.

More than 100 charities have signed up to the scheme, including the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre in Northwood, the Lee Smith Foundation in Wembley, and the National Animal Welfare Trust, based in Watford.

Jeremy Davis, 30, who co-founded the company along with brothers Craig and Miles Hartzel, said: "We came up with the idea five years ago, after Miles received more than 100 cards on his 30th birthday, and we realised how much money could have gone to charity, but it has only just come to fruition.

"The designs are very tasteful, not like most animated e-cards which can be quite tacky. They cost £1.99 with £1 going to charity - although the sender can donate more if they wish. Most people have been giving between £2 and £50.

"If the charity of the sender's choice is not yet on board, we send them a message saying that someone would like to donate some cash, which encourages them to sign up for the scheme.

"Our business is based on sales and we plan to take a small percentage eventually, although none of us are getting paid at the moment."

Cards received can be displayed on an innovative virtual mantelpiece, which can be personalised and shared with friends online.

Mr Davis, who grew up in Northwood, added: "After doing some research we found that charitable donations are down by £1.3billion this year, the equivalent of 11 per cent.

"The company makes giving fun and easy so charity can fit into everyone's lifestyles.

"Christmas is just around the corner and the season of good-will is the perfect time to put a good cause at the heart of a holiday message, and connect with friends and family in a more meaningful way.

"Being paper-free, the cards are also a great way to help the environment and also help to avoid the postal strikes."

For more information, visit www.charitygreetings.com.

Design a new set of bloomers for Dame Dolly Dumpling

2009-11-05T13:32:42Z

A PANTOMIME dame is asking young people to design a new set of bloomers for her to wear in an upcoming theatre production.

Dame Dolly Dumpling will star in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth this Christmas.

More than 1,000 children took part in the Big Pants Panto Competition last year, with entries coming from as far as Amsterdam.

The competition is open to anyone aged from four to 14 and ends on Friday, November 20, when Dame Dolly will decide on the best bloomers.

The winning design will be worn during the pantomime, which runs from December 11 to January 3.

A design template for entries can be downloaded from www.watersmeet.co.uk or call 01923 711063 to request it via post.

Northwood nurses host Clean Team Day to raise importance of hygiene

2009-11-05T13:26:41Z

NURSES at a Northwood hospital held a Clean Team Day to raise awareness of the importance of hand washing as one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce infection.

Staff, consultants and visitors of BMI Bishops Wood Hospital, in Rickmansworth Road, were asked to take a hand-washing test using a special gel that mimics germs and a UV light box, known as a glo box.

After applying the gel and washing their hands with soap, participants used the glo box to see which areas were not thoroughly cleaned.

The hospital was one of several BMI Healthcare venues across the country to host events this month, to launch the BMI Clean Team infection awareness campaign.

From now until September next year, Bishops Wood Hospital will conduct free hand washing and hygiene training sessions in schools and businesses.

This follows the results from a recent survey conducted by The Patients Association, where more than 70 per cent of people said local hospitals should do more to teach children about proper hygeine.

More than 85 per cent also believed businesses should do more to educate employees about hand washing and other infection prevention.

Rob Love, executive director of the hospital, said: "Due to our robust cleaning and hygiene practices, we maintain very low infection rates at our hospitals.

"We think it's very important to continually reinforce the importance of careful hand washing, not only with our staff, but also with visitors as we all have a role to play in preventing infection and ensuring the health and safety of patients."

Schools or businesses interested in free hand-washing and hygiene training sessions from BMI Clean Team nurses can email bmicleanteam@bmihealthcare.co.uk.

Missing man from Rickmansworth found safe and well

2009-11-03T16:19:19Z

POLICE have confirmed that a man from Rickmansworth who was reported missing has been found safe and well.

Christopher Lyons, 27, of Tudor Way, returned home this afternoon.

He was last seen at his home address around 8.30am yesterday.