December 2010 Archives

ANTI-war demonstrators assembled outside Northwood Headquarters to demand an end to the current conflict in Afghanistan.

More than 20 members of the London Catholic Worker movement gathered at the gates of the NATO military base, in Sandy Lane, to hold a vigil and read out the names of the British soldiers and Afghan civilians who have perished in the war.

The peaceful protest, which took place on Wednesday (29), saw many carrying placards with anti-war slogans and images of those who have lost their lives.

A WORLD-RENOWNED trombonist from Northwood is among those named in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Grandmother Maisie Ringham-Wiggins was awarded an MBE for services to music.

The 86-year-old was principal trombone of the Hallé Orchestra, Britain's longest-running professional symphony orchestra, for 10 years, during a time when female brass musicians were unheard of.

A TREE-lined street in Northwood could soon turn a shade of grey if a bid to build on garden land is approved.

Plans were submitted to construct a block of flats in Frithwood Avenue, involving the demolition of an existing property, number 41.

More than 20 residents signed a petition against the scheme, comprising four three-bedroom and two four-bedroom homes, arguing the 'massive construction' would in no way complement the surrounding area.

A MAN who allegedly allowed his dog to become dangerously out of control and cause injury is due to face trial.

Karan Singh, 40, of High Street, Northwood, is charged with the offence after his black and tanned doberman, named Jules, is said to have wounded a male victim in an alley way joining the High Street on June 28 last year.

Singh, who has yet to enter a plea, is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on January 28 this year to be committed to crown court for trial.

The dog must be muzzled when out in public while the case continues.

CHILDREN escaped the snow and sub-zero temperatures to embark on an exotic Arabian adventure, as part of an Aladdin-inspired drama workshop.

Four to eight-year-olds jumped on a magic carpet to travel over wind-swept deserts and help Aladdin and Princess Jasmine rescue the magic lamp from the clutches of evil villain, Jafar.

PARENTS, carers and community groups can have their say on school admission arrangements in Hertfordshire for 2012/2013.

The county council will open a public consultation next Tuesday (4) seeking feedback on admissions for all community and voluntary-controlled schools, sixth forms, nursery over-subscription criteria and schemes in operation.

Executive member for education and skills and Hertfordshire County Council, Richard Thake, said: "I hope as many people as possible will respond to this consultation as we really want to hear what they think. All views will be taken into consideration."

The consultation runs until February 28, 2011. Further details can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/csfconsultations

A MUSEUM in Rickmansworth which represents local history, art and culture has received a £600 cash boost to attract new visitors.

Three Rivers Museum, situated in Basing House, a unique 18th century building in the High Street, will use the money to produce a new brochure, to promote itself to a wider audience.

A DELIGHTED cat owner has been reunited with his missing moggy in time for Christmas - more than a year after he mysteriously disappeared.

Daniel Broadbent, of Aspen Grove, Northwood Hills, was left distraught after his beloved pet, Lister, failed to return home in November last year.

But he was overjoyed to receive a letter last week saying his two-year-old cat was being cared for by a kind-hearted lady in Bushey, near Watford.

AS MOST people unwrap presents and feast on turkey, one kind-hearted dentist plans to spend Christmas Day transforming the smiles of homeless people in London.

Dr Souraya Kasenally (pictured) is volunteering her services to Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, by removing decay and repairing broken teeth.

DEVOTED members of a charity which has improved the lives of thousands of hospital patients gathered in Northwood to celebrate 75 years of service.

About 100 volunteers attended a special anniversary party for the Mount Vernon Comfort Fund, which has been raising money to provide extra equipment at the Rickmansworth Road hospital since 1935.

The Comfort Fund has collected about £70,000 every year - adding up to more than £5million in total - to meet the cost of items which cannot be purchased within NHS budgets, such as wheelchairs, electronic beds, emergency resuscitation kits and water fountains for 10 different areas in the hospital.