January 2012 Archives

SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the borough and beyond paid their respects to Holocaust victims at an event hosted by Northwood's synagogues.

More than 30 schools signed up to take part in four days worth of Holocaust Memorial sessions

Among them were Bishop Ramsey, Douay Martyrs, Guru Nanak, Harefield Acedemy, Northwood College and St Helen's School.

The Mayors of Hillingdon and Harrow, as well as dignitaries from Hertfordshire, joined some of the children for the launch on Monday at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS), Oaklands Gate.

They heard from Holocaust survivor Steven Frank (pictured with two of the schoolchildren) who told his family's story of persecution.

TRAFFIC planners have recommended installing a diagonal crossing and countdown timer at a busy Northwood junction but said lights, which residents had campaigned to remove, should stay.

A report carried out by consultants Steer Davies Gleave on behalf of Hillingdon Council says the crossing, which would incorporate the Green Lane, Station Approach and Eastbury Road junction, could improve safety.

The firm was contracted by the council to carry out a review of the existing pedestrian crossing and traffic lights in Green Lane, after a petition from residents who said it was causing chaos.

BodyStudio, the Northwood Hills fitness centre, welcomed guests to a party to celebrate its bigger premises.

The extension to the gym and health and beauty centre in Joel Street was officially opened by the mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Mary O'Connor, who then took a tour of the new workout room, yoga and pilates areas and treatment rooms.

SUPPORTERS of a bid which would have seen a 'substantial sum' of money pumped into Northwood Hills were dealt a disappointing blow, when the area was not named on a list of winners.

But backers of the application to the Outer London Fund, run by the Greater London Authority, remain hopeful that some extra cash may still be forthcoming.

A list of 23 winners was announced by Mayor Boris Johnson this month, sharing £32million between them.

More than 80 projects had submitted proposals for why they should get the money.

THE TOP secret cast of a school's pantomime will be unveiled when it is performed on Friday.

Teachers and other workers at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, in Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, have made the scenery, found the costumes and even re-written the script of popular panto Cinderella.

But the cast of the staff-only performance has been kept a secret from pupils and parents, who will gather to watch the show on Friday (January 27) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (January 28) at 7.30 p.m at nearby Holy Trinity Church hall.

A HOME for blind children has been rated outstanding by inspectors.

Sunshine House, Dene Road, Northwood, which is also a school, was given the top-of-the-rankings score following a surprise visit by Ofsted.

Sixteen children use the residential home, staying either occasionally or up to four nights a week.

Children have a visual impairment as well as significant learning difficulties and disabilities.

A HOUSING firm delighted staff and volunteers at a Northwood hospice when it handed over a cheque for £1,000.

Workers from Thrive Homes visited Michael Sobell House, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, on Wednesday (18) to make their donation.

A CHARITY got a much-needed makeover thanks to a donation of paint and the goodwill of a decorator.

The relaxation room at the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre (LJMC), Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, was re-painted by Dave Wiggins, who runs a painting and decorating firm.

Materials were supplied by Hillingdon's Dulux Decorator Centre.

PLANS for two new phone masts in Ruislip and Northwood have been thrown out by councillors.

Vodafone and O2 had hoped to install one 14.8m high mast on the roundabout at the junction of Kings College Road and Park Avenue.

Radio equipment was also needed and the installation was supposed to nestle between trees.

But councillors on the north area planning committee followed recommendations by officers who said the mast should be refused because it would be unsightly.

And the two phone companies were disappointed again when an application for a mast outside car dealership Autocentre, in Pinner Road, was also turned down for a similar reason.

SCOUTS from Ruislip, Eastcote and Northwood carried out their most successful Christmas card collection scheme to date.

Explorer Scouts, aged 14 to 18, hand delivered Christmas cards in the area throughout December.

They charged 20 pence a card and picked them up from various shops and outlets.