Communities - Uxbridge

Hard working council staff acknowledged at Employee Recognition Awards

2009-11-06T13:54:38Z

STAFF at Hillingdon Council who went above and beyond the call of duty have been acknowledged for their efforts.

The council hosts quarterly Employee Recognition Awards to thank staff for their dedication and hard work.

Nominations came from colleagues and members of the public, with Dorothy Tilbury named as employee of the quarter.

Mrs Tilbury, who works in the special education needs transport team, was nominated by a resident for being a great ambassador in her role, keeping everyone calm and treating passengers with respect.

The team of the quarter title was shared between the joint commissioning team, which was instrumental in providing a survey of disabled residents and helping the council shape services in the future; and the traffic management team, which was nominated by a resident for delivering 'pure gold' customer service.

Councillor Ray Puddifoot, leader of the council, said: "I am proud to be the leader of a council where so many hard working and dedicated staff so willingly go out of their way to help our residents.

"The contributions and attitudes of the winners are an inspiration to everyone working for or with Hillingdon Council and I personally thank each of them."

Find out more by visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonstars.

Uxbridge: Better than it sounds?

2009-11-06T10:12:33Z

TWO enterprising musicians have opened a shop selling what they say is the 'perfect Christmas present' as well as a boost to local pride.

T-shirts emblazoned with witty slogans promoting Uxbridge, Hayes and West Drayton, among others, are for sale, as well as hoodies.

Balcony Shirts opened on Saturday in Windsor Street, Uxbridge, and is the latest step in a T-shirt selling venture inspired by controversial rocker Pete Doherty.

Scott Raison, one half of a partnership with Chris Taylor, said: "It all started five years ago when Pete Doherty was in court and we made a T-shirt saying Free Pete Doherty.

"We were deluged with orders, so we started making different shirts and realised there was a market for it."

Mr Taylor said: "The idea of shirts promoting towns and cities came from America. Whoever made the I Love New York T-shirt must have made millions.

"We had the idea of doing an ironic take on that: the 'Hayes - Wake Up and Smell The Coffee' shirt was created because of the big Nestlé fac-tory in Hayes.

"We came up with the 'Uxbridge - it's better than it sounds' shirt because of the puzzled look you sometimes get from people when you say you are from Uxbridge."

The pair both live in Uxbridge and have been working from a factory on Uxbridge

Industrial Estate. When the chance to move into a shop came up, they jumped at it.

Mr Raison, who played guitar when the pair were in a band, said: "The rents weren't much higher than what we were paying anyway so we thought it would be ideal, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

"It's a good challenge for us. We launched shirts for Milton Keynes online and were successful - the local mayor and councillors were seen wearing them."

Frank Harris, the chairman of Windsor Street Traders' Association, said: "It's good to see two young people taking initiative, and good news to see somebody opening up despite the recession.

"It's good for the street - it's another specialist shop. They work hard and have done really well to get it open so quickly."

T-shirts, at £15, and hooded sweatshirts, at £25, can be customised with the colour and slogan of your choice.

X Factor and Britain's Got Talent stars to switch on Uxbridge's lights

2009-11-05T16:19:05Z

THE stars who will switch on Uxbridge's Christmas lights have been revealed, but have you heard of them?

Fans of this year's X Factor can rejoice that Ethan Boroian, the American singer who made it as far as Cheryl Cole's top six for the show before being eliminated.

Joining him will be Britain's Got Talent finalist Shawn Smith, who is known as 'the singing rugby player'.

In addition to them will be one of the country's newest girlbands, The Dolly Rockers.

You can join the stars on Sunday November 15 outside The Chimes Shopping Centre, from 3.45pm before the big switch on at 5pm.

What do you think of the line up? Leave your comments below

Four teens face trial for ABH

2009-11-05T15:25:01Z

FOUR teenage girls are going to trial after pleading not guilty to allegedly assaulting two girls causing them actual bodily harm (ABH).

All four of the girls, who cannot be named because of their ages, were charged with two counts of committing ABH in Barrowhall Road, Hayes, on February 16.

Two of the girls are from Uxbridge, one is from Hayes and the other is from Ruislip.
They will face trial on November 30.

Reports of UFO sightings are quashed by astronomical society

2009-11-05T14:56:55Z

SUGGESTIONS that orange lights seen hovering in the sky could be UFOs have quickly been quashed by a chairman of an astronomical society.

This week the Gazette featured a story on page 2 about a Ruislip man who had seen four orange lights near his house in Park Avenue on Saturday (31).

However, Robin Scagell, chairman of West of London Astronomical Society, emailed the Gazette to say the lights were probably sky lanterns.

He said: "I didn't see them, but the description matches them exactly. These paper hot-air balloons are very popular these days, and can float around for several minutes with the flame illuminating the balloon, which is visible over quite a wide area.

"People often report them as UFOs, and I've even had someone believing they were fireflies, when seen in the distance.

"The planet Jupiter is also in the southern sky in the evening at the moment, and anyone who gets up at around 6am might also see Venus apparently hovering low in the east.

Both planets are also good sources of UFO scares."

Pat Munn emailed the Gazette to say she saw five orange lights on October 17 while in Dean Close, Uxbridge, and Charlie Balch also saw them on Saturday (31).

Coronation Street star to open Poundland

2009-11-03T16:30:49Z

A CORONATION Street star will open Uxbridge's new Poundland store on Saturday.

Katherine Kelly, who plays 'Becky' in the long-running soap, will be giving out 50 money off vouchers to celebrate the launch from 10am.

The store takes the place of the former Woolworth's store which closed last December, filling the largest empty retail unit in Uxbridge.

The store is believed to have created around 30 new jobs.

Money back win for Hercies Road woman

2009-11-03T16:25:17Z

ONE lucky shopper won all of her money back leaving her with extra funds to put towards her family's Christmas shopping.

Hayley McGang, of Hercies Road, Uxbridge, won back £68 she had spent at The Chimes in Uxbridge after entering The Chimes' 'Big Giveaway' competition, which is running throughout the month.

Mrs McGang said: "I wish I had shopped even more before I won my money back."

Arrests made over Cleveland Road assaults

2009-11-03T12:14:05Z

TWO men were taken to hospital after two separate assaults at the same spot in just over 24 hours.

The attacks took place on Cleveland Road, Cowley, last week, but police maintain they are not linked.

The first took place on Tuesday at 4am, and a man was taken to hospital by paramedics.

A 21 year old man was arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice for anti-social behaviour but no further action was brought because it was believed the victim made no allegation of assault.

The second attack happened at busy rush hour at 5.45pm where paramedics discovered 19 year old man unconscious suffering from head injuries.

He was taken to hospital, given treatment and later released.

Two teenagers aged 18 and 17 have been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed pending further investigation.

The attacks have concerned those living in the area, and those involved with the Cowley Community Association have met with Brunel University's pro-vice chancellor to discuss the escalation in violence.

Founder of autistic school wins radio comp for fab over-40's

2009-11-02T18:05:53Z

THE founder of a special autistic school has been crowned the winner of a radio competition for fabulous over-40s.

Anna Kennedy, 50, director of Hillingdon Manor School in Harlington Road, Uxbridge, received the highest number of public votes for the Smooth Radio Live Life Award.

More than 280 women entered the competition, with a panel including 60s supermodel, Twiggy, selecting the six female finalists.

Anna's prize includes a pamper day followed by a night in a London hotel, and a double-page spread with Twiggy's stylist for Observer Woman magazine next year.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to win - I was driving down the A40 when the radio station called me live on air to tell me the good news.

"I never expected to win, there was a lady who was ahead of me in the voting right up until the last couple of days.

"I have received so many messages saying congratulations and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me, I couldn't have won without everyone's support.

"I feel this is a victory not only for me, but also for mothers of autistic children."

Two assaults at Brunel University

2009-10-30T14:08:36Z

TWO assaults have took place outside the grounds of Brunel University this week.

The first took place on Tuesday at 4am, with a man taken to hospital by paramedics.

The second occured during busy rush hour on Wednesday at 5.45pm, where a man in his 20s was left unconscious and taken to hospital after being set upon by a group of attackers.

It is unclear at this stage whether or not the attacks are linked, but the escalation in violence has shocked those living in the area.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "There's a bad underlying feeling around here, things have been building up and it is spiralling out of control."

What do you know? Did you witness either attack? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk or leave a comment

Unsung heroes invited to step into the spotlight once more

2009-10-30T10:27:57Z

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.

Meet your Uxbridge Gazette team

2009-10-28T21:44:16Z

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

Teens given community orders for assaulting a man at a pub

2009-10-27T14:19:41Z

TWO teenagers have been handed community orders and made to pay compensation after they pleaded guilty to assaulting a man at a pub.

Brandon Doubleday, 18, of Falling Lane, West Drayton, and Jack Page, 18, of Dellfield Crescent, Uxbridge, were charged with assaulting a man causing him actual bodily harm (ABH) at The Fig Tree pub, in Windsor Street, Uxbridge.

Yesterday (26) at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, Doubleday was given a community order with a four month curfew and 200 hours unpaid work and was also ordered to pay £350 compensation and £330 court costs.

Page was also given a community order with a three month curfew, 200 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £70 court costs.

Man charged with possession of cocaine and cannabis

2009-10-27T11:37:21Z

AN UXBRIDGE man has been charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine.

Dean Richard Ransom, 35, of Midhurst Gardens, allegedly had 1.6 grams of cannabis and 28.5 grams of cocaine in his possession in Station Road, West Drayton, on August 21.

He was also charged with driving without insurance and a licence.

He is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Thursday (29).

Fitness club holds fundraising week

2009-10-27T08:50:04Z

A WOMEN'S only fitness club held a week of fundraising events in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Curves, in Redford Way, Uxbridge, raised more than £600 in a jam packed week of fun activities for the members to take advantage of.

These included beauty treatments, reflexology, a raffle and a tea and coffee morning.

In addition to this the franchise froze their one time service fee for the whole week, allowing new members to sign up for free.

The week ended on a high note, celebrating Pink Friday where all the members wore pink.

The club would like to thank all the members who contributed to this fantastic cause, as well as local businesses who donated a range of gifts.