February 2011 Archives

THREE leafy streets in Northwood can boast some of the most expensive homes in the country, according to a survey published today.

Astons Road came top in the east of England region for the highest average house prices, in a list compiled by property website, Mouseprice.com.

The survey, based on Land Registry sale price statistics, shows homes in the road, which has been nick-named 'Millionaires Row for Indians', cost £2,228,900 on average.

CHILDREN were given a backstage pass into the glamorous life of a pop singer after five reality TV stars hosted a music masterclass in Northwood.

The famous five - Rikki Loney, Anthony Kavanagh, Shaun Smith, Stacey McLean and Emma Beard, all familiar faces from the X-Factor, Britain's Got Talent, Grease is the Word and Pop stars: The Rivals - performed songs from hit television series, Glee, delighting dozens of excited youngsters.

THE 2011 census and recycling will be on the agenda at the next Rickmansworth local area forum on Wednesday night (2).

The meeting takes place at 7.30pm at St John's School in Berry Lane.

County and ward district councillors have been invited to attend. Call committee manager, Janet Ide, on 01923 727250 or email janet.ide@threerivers.gov.uk

A CHARITY book sale will take place in Croxley Green this Saturday (5).

Dozens of second-hand titles will be available at the Sportsman pub in Scots Hill from noon - 3pm.

Coffee and refreshments will be on offer at the event, which has been organised by the Sportsman Book Club, together with Croxley Green Parish Council (CGPC).

Proceeds will go to Harefield Dogs' Trust, CGPC chairman Marion Birch's chosen charity.

Any good quality book donations will be accepted between 11am and noon.

To find out more call 01923 710 250 or email info@croxleygreen-pc.gov.uk

A WHOLE host of relaxing and revitalising beauty treatments will be on offer at a pampering event in aid of Michael Sobell House hospice.

The annual Feel Good and Look Good therapy day, which takes place on March 20, will raise vital funds for the hospice, based at Mount Vernon Hospital, which needs £1.2million every year to maintain its vital palliative care services.

Professional therapists will be on hand to help visitors relax and unwind with massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, reflexology and more.

A TEENAGER will stand trial over causing the death of his friend in a car crash in Cuckoo Hill.

Jack Guinchard, 18, of Cuckoo Hill Drive, denied the charge of death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Harrow Crown Court on February 24.

Guinchard was behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta on May 29 last year when it was in a collision with another vehicle, killing front-seat passenger James Whybrow (pictured), 18, from Pinner.

The trial will last seven days and begins on July 25, at the same court.

A DECISION has been delayed on whether a Northwood Hills school must axe 25 staff and reduce pupil numbers, after breaching the conditions of a planning agreement.

St John's School was granted permission in 2001 to build a single-storey extension for an extra classroom and assembly area with a library for the prep school, together with a first-aid room and staff toilet.

As part of the agreement, the school, in Potter Street Hill, which sits on the Green Belt, was told it could accommodate a maximum of 350 students and 40 full time staff.

COUNCILLORS in Three Rivers have approved a budget in which they aim to save £1.8million over the next three years.

Council tax will effectively be frozen for 2011/12, with the rate actually reduced by 0.265 per cent.

This means residents across the district will pay £155.33 instead of £155.74, for an average band D property.

Including the parish council component, this will equate to £192.32.

A WORKSHOP to empower women seeking an alternative to the daily 9-5 grind, after having children, takes place in Northwood next month.

Entitled Women Into Business, the event will feature a discussion on topics including finding your passion and making money from it, time management and practical issues, such as marketing and finance.

The workshop takes place at Hillside Children's Centre, in Northwood Way, next Thursday (10) from 11.30am - 1pm. Babies welcome. Advance booking is essential.

Call administrator Jan Crick on 01895 671 995 or email jcrick1@hillingdongrid.org

A PRESTIGIOUS national art exhibition in London will feature stone-carvings produced by a Northwood artist.

Linda Zelin, 70, a member of Pinner Sketch Club, was selected from almost 1,000 entries to display her semi-abstract figures at The Royal Society of British Artists' annual exhibition next month.

The show will take place at the Mall Galleries, near Trafalgar Square, from March 2 - 12.
Mrs Zelin, of Batchworth Lane, said it was the best achievement in 25 years of being an artist.

"Some of the sketch club's members do these exhibitions from time to time but when they told me I would be showing three of my sculptures, I was thrilled," she told the Gazette.