Communities - Pinner & Hatch End

Mitzvah Day

2009-11-12T09:34:10Z

I AM writing to urge all your readers, of any faith and of none, to consider giving just a few hours of their time to support a local charity.
November 15 is Mitzvah Day, literally meaning good deed day. It is a day when Jews up and down the country will give not their money, but instead a little bit of their time to help those less fortunate than themselves.

]]> I AM writing to urge all your readers, of any faith and of none, to consider giving just a few hours of their time to support a local charity.
November 15 is Mitzvah Day, literally meaning good deed day. It is a day when Jews up and down the country will give not their money, but instead a little bit of their time to help those less fortunate than themselves.
This Mitzvah Day, up to 15,000 volunteers will support the homeless, clean up a local park, repaint a local charity office, visit an old people's home, collect food for those in need or do one of 250 other good deed projects.
At Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, we will collect food for the Northwod Live at Home scheme and help to clean Maxwell Park in Borehamwood.
As it happens, this year's Mitzvah Day coincides with the UK's first ever national Interfaith week. That's why we are working on our projects with Christian Aid, St Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in
Northwood and the Hindu temple in Watford.
So, whatever their faith, in these difficult times, I hope all of your readers will enter into the spirit of the day and 'do a mitzvah' for someone less fortunate than themselves.
More information can be found at www.npls.org.uk or www.mitzvahday.org.uk.
RABBI HILLEL ATHIAS-ROBLES Northwood and Pinner Liberal
Synagogue Oaklands Gate
Northwood

Harrow Muslim Council's bid to run Muslim section of Harrow Weald Cemetery

2009-11-10T16:16:40Z

HARROW Muslim Council is prepared to run the "underused" Muslim section of Harrow Weald cemetery in order to provide a seven-day-a-week burial service there.
The idea was put forward after Harrow Council attracted criticism for not providing families with the ability to inter their relatives at weekends at a different cemetery - the Brent Council-managed Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Oxhey Lane, Watford, where Harrow has had its own graveyard area since May 2008.
Nizam Ismail (Labour), chairman of Harrow Muslim Council and a ward councillor for Queensbury, has been lobbying for Saturday and Sunday burials at Carpenders Park and recently attended a meeting between faith representatives and Harrow Council bosses to resolve the matter.
Afterwards, a Labour statement said: "The meeting was very positive and constructive. It was agreed to look into this matter very seriously and an undertaking was given that burial facilities would be provided on Saturdays at Carpenders Park as from April 1 2010."
Mr Ismail added: "At last someone has listened to us. Having burials on Saturdays is an important step forward and we will wish to see this extended to Sundays as well."
Aside from talks about Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery, he said there was "a very productive discussion" about the future management of the Muslim section of Harrow Weald Cemetery in Clamp Hill, Stanmore, which is, according to Labour, is "currently underused due to the restricted services offered by the council".
The Harrow Muslim Council suggested to Michael Lockwood, chief executive of Harrow Council, that the borough's Islamic community manage the section itself with public funding to ensure burials could take place every day.
It is understood that the replacement Harrow Central Mosque in Station Road, Harrow, will employ an undertaker to run its morgue in order to make this practicable.
Mr Ismail said: "The council has promised to look at this innovative proposal very seriously and to respond in the very near future."
XXX COUNCIL COMMENT XXX

Thieves try to steal BMW's alloy wheels in Winchester Drive

2009-11-10T15:49:41Z

Thieves tried to remove the alloy wheels of a BMW sitting in the driveway of a house in Winchester Drive, Pinner, between 10pm on Tuesday (03/11) and 4.30am the following day.
The vehicle's 37 year old owner told police the wheel nuts had been loosened and eight paving bricks were missing from his drive.

French Circle comes to Harrow

2009-11-09T11:46:46Z

"Chantecler, the French Circle of Harrow, presents a talk - in French - on Sarah Bernhardt, Queen of the French stage, by David King, whose talks are already lively.
On Saturday 14th November, from 7pm in the Parish Hall of St. Anselms Church, Westfield Park, Hatch End, HA5 4JL.

]]> Free to members; visitors welcomed, £3 contribution.
More information www.chanteclerharrow.info or ring Nicole 020 8866 8731 or John 020 8428 8739

The Oddfellows have arrived in Harrow

2009-11-06T10:05:00Z

Come and join our international friendly society for it's second event for the resident's of Harrow. To be held on Tuesday 10th November from 2pm - 4pm at Harrow Arts Centre.

]]> At the November event, guests will be treated to afternoon tea and cakes, discover how they can trace their family history and take part in fun activities.

The events are a good way of meeting new people and finding out what is on offer to them in their area.

Whether you come on your own, or with a partner or friend, you will be assured of a warm welcome.

To book please call 0800 028 1810 quoting HARR 1246. If we are not available, leave a message and we will return your call. For more information visit www.oddfellows.co.uk

Honeybee exhibition being held in an attempt to halt their decline

2009-11-03T12:38:36Z

HONEYBEES are vanishing at an alarming rate all over the world and if the decline continues it could lead to a devastating impact on the world's food supply.

About one-third of human food is derived from insect-pollinated plants and the honeybee alone is responsible for 80 per cent of this pollination.

The value of honeybee pollination to UK agricultural economy is more than £160m every year.

At an attempt to halt this decline, Pinner & Ruislip Beekeepers' Association are putting on an exhibition for people to learn about honeybees and what they can do to help them and other pollinators.

The association exists to foster the art and science of beekeeping. It was formed in 1954 and in 1986 it was granted charitable status.

Penny Perry, the show secretary, said: "We encourage new people to take up beekeeping and give advice on how to manage colonies efficiently.

"Truly feral honeybees have died out in the UK so beekeepers play an important role in tending to the health and well-being of this valuable pollinator.

"Apart from acting as a social and educational group, we also provide services to the community ranging from advice to individuals, through to talks and demonstrations to interested societies, at shows and in schools.

"We are also frequently called upon to retrieve swarms from some very difficult locations."

Last year the UK's beekeepers reported colony losses averaging 30 to 50 per cent.

This decline is due to varroa mite parasites, urban development, changes in agricultural practices, use of pesticides and unseasonal bad weather.

Now a new phenomenon called 'colony collapse disorder' has recently hit hives in Europe and North America. Whole colonies of bees are simply disappearing and this has highlighted the crucial role that honeybees play in the food chain that brings fruit, vegetables and even meats to our dinner tables. Most of the world's crops depend on pollination by bees.

As bees travel from blossom to blossom in search of nectar, they transfer pollen from plant to plant. This fertilises the plants, enabling them to bear fruit or seeds and ensure that they can continue to multiply and survive thus contributing to 'biodiversity
conservation'.

The Honeybee Exhibition is being held at the Cow Byre gallery, in the Manor Farm complex, Bury Street, Ruislip, from November 15 to 21.

During this week the public will be able to attend various talks, learn all about bees and children can have fun making beeswax candles and colouring.

BBC news presenter Bill Turnbull, who is president of the beekeepers' association, will be attending the last day of the exhibition.

Uxbridge MP John Randall and the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Shirley Harper-O'Neill, will also be attending.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm on November 15, 17 and 21 and from 10am to 9pm on November 18, 19 and 20.

The free one-hour talks on November 18 and 19 at 2pm and 7pm need to be booked by calling 01895 255 834.

Afternoon Tea Dance at Elliott Hall

2009-10-29T11:04:09Z

Are you a fan of traditional ballroom dancing, would you like to spend your afternoon dancing the waltz, tango, quickstep plus the cha cha cha.

Then look no further. Harrow Arts Centre is holding an afternoon tea dance hosted by Philip Wylie on Friday 20th November at 2pm.

For ticket information call 020 8416 8989 or email harrowartscentre@harrow.gov.uk

Calling all gifted young artists! Cinderella Art competition

2009-10-29T10:28:21Z

Harrow Arts Centre are looking for all budding young artists aged between 4 and 19 to create an art piece with the theme 'Your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them'.

]]> The winner will have their artwork displayed at Harrow Arts Centre along with all competition entries, and a VIP family ticket for this year's pantomime Cinderella.

To enter and competition rules/further information please visit www.harrowarts.com

Closing date: Friday 13th November 5pm

See a doctor without an appointment at officially opened Pinn Medical Centre

2009-10-28T13:24:40Z

A 'PIONEERING' Pinner health centre where patients can see a doctor without a prior appointment was officially opened by public health minister Gillian Merron.
The Pinn Medical Centre, located in Love Lane, Pinner, is open between 8am and 8pm and hosts clinics for cardiology, dermatology and gynaecology, as well as providing X-ray and ultrasound services.
Under a network called a 'polysystem', the clinic is linked to local GP practices which can refer the ill to the medical centre to receive the kind of specialist medical attention and procedures that can normally open be obtained at hospital.
Ms Merron cut the ribbon at a ceremony on Wednesday last week (21/10) alongside the chief executive of NHS Harrow, Dr Sarah Crowther, and Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas.
Dr Crowther said: "It is a pioneering project that has found its perfect setting in a clean, spacious, modern, comfortable and accessible building. These are the qualities that our patients have told us they want in local healthcare and that's exactly what we're delivering.
"We're taking the NHS in a new direction, which, now more than ever, is about what patients want and how they can get involved in making choices about their own care, backed by the expertise of and relationships with superb clinicians. That's what The Pinn is about."
Mr Thomas said: "I was delighted to play a small part in helping to get the Pinn Medical Centre its current location.
"I think Dr Amol Kelshiker and his staff have done a fantastic job."

Proposed upgrades at Hatch End Station include more CCTV and induction loop

2009-10-27T12:03:44Z

PASSENGERS using Hatch End Station in Station Approach, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, could see improvements if Harrow Council approves plans.
London Overground has applied to install two more security cameras, new light fittings and a new 'customer information system in the ticket hall, as well, as an induction hoop for the hard of hearing and changes to signs in the building.

Planning in the pipeline again for Pinner Starbucks

2009-10-14T12:53:11Z

COFFEE giants Starbucks has applied yet again to legitimise its branch in Pinner - this time with a mammoth 138-page dossier of evidence to support its case.

]]> There has been an ongoing saga with the planning status of the café, in High Street, which lies in a conservative area and has attracted a loyal following.
When the multi-national chain originally opened the store in 2007, it considered the shop a takeaway and so believed it did not need to apply for a 'change of use' for the premises from retail to coffee shop.
However, Harrow Council contested this description and told Starbucks it would need retrospective planning permission after all.
The business did apply for a certificate of lawful use - and was refused permission in February 2008, and again in June of that year because, the council's planning committee, agreed the proposal would result in an "unacceptable loss of retail frontage, leading to a loss of vitality of the shopping parade and Pinner District Centre as a whole".
Coffee lovers even set up a 'Save Pinner Starbucks' group on the popular social networking site Facebook in support of the company against the council's stance.
Now Starbucks has applied for retrospective continued use of the premises as a mixed use coffee shop that has part retail (A1 use) and part coffee shop (A3 use).
Statistics provided to support the chain's application shows that 65 per cent of the sales are for food and drinks consumed on the premises and 35 per cent are taken away.
"The coffee shop retains a significant element of Class A1 (retail) use, both through the retail display, the sale of merchandise and the sale of coffee and sandwiches for take-away purposes," Starbucks' documents said.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton (Conservative), Harrow Council's portfolio holder for planning, development and enterprise, said: "Starbucks has made a number of attempts to route around the proper planning process for this store.
"It seems clear they believe that the longer they can drag this out, the more likely it is the council will just give in at some point.
"They should be aware we are not in the business of being intimidated by large corporations and will take enforcement action if we believe it necessary."
The council served an enforcement notice against Starbucks' unauthorised use of the shop and that expires on October 23 but the current planning application is only likely to be decided by November 26.

Grandfather walks 900 miles for charity

2009-09-24T16:18:13Z

A GRANDFATHER is in his eighth week of walking about 900 miles from one end of the country to the other to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).

Derek Parsons, of East Towers, Pinner, started his trek from Poole, in Dorset, to the Shetland Islands on August 1 and plans to complete his journey in the second week of October.

]]> Speaking today (24) the 70-year-old said: "I am currently in the Highlands, not far from Inverness.

"I've been walking about 15 to 18 miles a day. I got bitten on my leg in the second week though so I ended up in hospital on a drip for two days and then I had to rest for three days. Apart from that I am right on target.

"It's been a lot easier than I thought it would be. I was having nightmares the fortnight before I left. I just couldn't sleep, but I was committed to it so there was no turning back.

"Considering the miles I have done I don't have a sore spot or a blister on me.

"I am thoroughly enjoying it and I have met so many wonderful people
"One of my daughters has got engaged since I left as well. Her boyfriend phoned me to ask if he could propose to her so that was a very emotional evening for me."

Mr Parsons owns his own yacht and has since become aware of the courageous and worthwhile work of the RNLI. He is aiming to raise £10,000 for them.

He said: "I have spent a lot of time on the sea over the last few years. I lived abroad for three years in the Mediterranean when I retired as well.

"I decided to do this walk because everyone walks from John O'Groats to Land's End so I wanted to do something different.

"I know £10,000 is a very ambitious target but when I finish that won't be the end. I will be collecting money all the way back and I have got lots of wonderful helpers around me who are urging people to donate."

His wife, Gerry, said: "I think what he's doing is quite wonderful because he is very determined. When he sets his mind to something he does it.

"We are all very proud of him."

To sponsor Mr Parsons go to www.justgiving.com/derekparsons or for more information go to http://derekswalk.rnli.name/index.html

Postman pleads guilty to indecent exposure

2009-07-20T08:18:33Z

A postman has pleaded guilty to masturbating in front of a girl in broad daylight.

Married stepfather-of-three Dean Richens, 38, of Greenway, Pinner, indecently exposed himself in Copse Wood, Northwood, on April 1 at 2.40pm, Uxbridge Magistrates' Court heard on Friday (17).

]]> The victim was walking her dog at the time when Mr Richens, who was wearing a ladies thong, pleasured himself under a pile of porno magazines while looking at her.

The frightened girl feared for her safety and fled, before finding two other women who raised the alarm, according to Surita Maharaj, prosecuting.

Mr Richens claimed he found the magazines, and wore his wife's underwear regularly for jogging because he found it more comfortable.

The defence said the defendant deeply regretted his actions, which were totally out of character.

Magistrate Diana Hepburn-Park branded the offence serious medium, and granted unconditional bail before sentencing on August 7.

Pinner and Hatch End walks part of the 'Story of London' festival

2009-06-02T11:45:38Z

SIX historic walks arranged by the Harrow Heritage Trust are taking place this weekend as part of the Mayor of London's 'Story of London' Festival.

Meet at 10.30am on Saturday, June 6, at one of the following stations: Pinner, Hatch End (for both the Grimsdyke and Hatch End trails), Stanmore or Harrow-on-the-Hill.

New hall for Hatch End's Harrow Arts Centre?

2009-06-01T09:00:25Z

A MULTIPURPOSE hall that would host community events and adult learning classes could be added to Harrow Arts Centre.

Harrow Council, which runs the centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, has applied to itself to demolish a storage shed and put up a 240 sq m brick building of almost identical dimensions.