January 2010 Archives

ARMED police stormed Northwood Headquarters yesterday amid reports that 'men with guns' were lurking within the grounds.

Police were called to the scene at 11.53am, after two men were spotted by a member of the public, carrying an air rifle and acting suspiciously.

However, upon their arrival, officers only found a pair of keen outdoor enthusiasts - a man aged 43 and a boy aged 16 - cooking a meal of grilled squirrel and potatoes.

TWO friends are bracing themselves for altitude sickness, subzero temperatures and extreme exhaustion as they climb one of the world's most formidable mountains for charity.

David Stern and Clive Newman, both of Moor Park, will tackle Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, to raise money for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood.

WOMEN across Northwood and Rickmansworth are being urged to protect themselves against cervical cancer by having a smear test.

Around 900 people die every year from the disease - which can be largely prevented thanks to screening and vaccination programmes. All women aged between 25 and 64 are eligible for free cervical screening every three to five years.

Sue Marsden, screening manager for East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, said: "Following Jade Goody's sad struggle with cervical cancer last year we saw an increase in the number of women coming forward who had never had a test before, or who weren't tested regularly.

"Regular testing can help to detect any abnormalities early so they can be monitored or treated and can help to prevent cervical cancer developing in the future."

SURVIVORS of the Holocaust will once again share their experiences as part of events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), in the hope that such a horrific atrocity will never repeat itself.

More than six million Jews were persecuted at the hands of the Nazi regime and today (27) is exactly 65 years since the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated in 1945.

About 2,000 children from 33 schools across Hillingdon, Harrow and Hertfordshire will commemorate the anniversary at HMD events in Northwood - the largest in the UK - organised by Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, in Oaklands Gate, and Northwood United Synagogue, in Murray Road.

CHILDREN from a Rickmansworth primary school will help to raise the roof at the Royal Albert Hall for a special gala concert.

Pupils at Rickmansworth Park JMI, in Park Road, Rickmansworth, will join more than 2,500 students from 98 schools across the county to perform alongside Hertfordshire Music Service.

Two concerts will take place on at 1.30pm and 7.15pm on Sunday, March 7, accompanied by the Hertfordshire Schools Symphony Orchestra.

CHILDREN from a Rickmansworth primary school will help to raise the roof at the Royal Albert Hall for a special gala concert.

Pupils at Rickmansworth Park JMI, in Park Road, Rickmansworth, will join more than 2,500 students from 98 schools across the county to perform alongside Hertfordshire Music Service.

Two concerts will take place on at 1.30pm and 7.15pm on Sunday, March 7, accompanied by the Hertfordshire Schools Symphony Orchestra.

A SPECIAL concert to celebrate Mozart's birthday will take place at St Edmund's Church in Pinner Road, Northwood Hills this Sunday (31).

The event, which starts at 3.30pm, will feature The Edmund Wind Ensemble, who will perform masterpieces including Serenade No.11 in E Flat and Serenade No.12 in C Minor.

Tickets cost £6 including refreshments. Call 01923 821869 for more information and to book.

A THIEF targeted a newsagent in Tudor Parade, Rickmansworth last Wednesday (20).

A man wearing a white hooded jacket with the hood up walked around Martin McColls putting items in his pocket between 6.25pm and 6.50pm.

He is about 5ft 9 and was wearing a woolly hat and jeans.

PC Chris Gottman is investigating - anyone with information should call 0845 33 00 222.

A MOBILE police station will come to Eastbury on a monthly basis to encourage residents to voice their concerns.

Next Thursday, February 4, PC Sharon Hill and PCSO Chris Bignell will visit Westbury Road from 11am - 11.45am, and Eastbury Road from 2pm - 2.45pm.

A RESTAURANT run by a former protégé of Gordon Ramsay has scooped one of the most prestigious awards in the catering world.

Colette's at The Grove, in New Road, Croxley Green, won three AA rosettes after head chef Russell Bateman impressed judges by cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Russell, 30, said: "Everyone here is absolutely delighted, it is a real honour for the restaurant to be recognised.

"We have one of the largest walled gardens in the country where we grow
our own fresh herbs and vegetables, including cabbages and Jerusalem artichokes at the moment. I think that gives us an edge.

"I grew up in Hayes so my cooking has an Asian influence - my dishes include mussels sag aloo stuffed into a samosa, and brill with coconut milk."

Russell, of Watford, says he is now longer in contact with his notoriously foul-mouthed mentor - but admires his success.

"I could never expect to go as far as he has but as long as the customers enjoy my food then I am happy."