Northwood

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to 'the nicest policeman in the world' who died from a sudden heart attack.

Malcolm Ruddock, 58, collapsed at his home in Murray Road, Northwood, last Wednesday (20) evening.

The father-of-two was found by close friends who called an ambulance, but he was pronounced dead the following morning.

A CONTROVERSIAL set of traffic lights blamed for causing chaos and confusion in Northwood will be subject to a review.

The lights, in Green Lane at the junction with Eastbury Road and Station Approach, were installed on January 27 last year as a safety measure.

Pensioner William Henry Cox, 87, was killed there as he was crossing the road on September 15, 2008, as reported in the Gazette.

A FAMILY of animal-lovers in Northwood say they are distraught after thieves stole their pet chickens during a night-time raid.

Melanie Hamilton, of Hills Lane, and her sons, Alexander, 15, and 13-year-old Angus, were devastated to discover their four beloved hens had been taken from their pen in the back garden on Tuesday night (April 19).

Mrs Hamilton, who works as a primary school teacher at Northwood College, in Maxwell Road, told the Gazette: "We got up in the morning and went to let our chickens out and didn't hear any clucking. We realised someone must have stolen them.

CHILDREN embarked on a magical journey down the river as part of a Wind in the Willows-style drama workshop in Northwood.

A group of youngsters aged four to eight joined Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger on an adventure inspired by author Kenneth Grahame's book.

Led by a team of experienced stage professionals, the children combined live music, spirited dancing and quick-witted improvisation to produce a colourful performance.

TWO men are due to be sentenced for grievous bodily harm next month after a father-of-two was left for dead in Northwood.

As reported in the Gazette, Kevin Teahan (pictured), 53, was found unconscious with severe head injuries in Hallowell Road at about 11.45pm on September 6 last year.

Mr Teahan, who is believed to live in Northwood, left the Misty Moon pub in Green Lane at about 11.20pm, and was walking towards Northwood tube station.

MOTORISTS and neighbours near a Northwood school have been subjected to a catalogue of road rage attacks during rush hour.

Racial abuse, threats of violence and vandalism are commonplace during pick-up and drop-off times, fed-up residents claim.

Students have also been targeted as school run traffic clogs the streets at the beginning and end of the day.

YOUNG students at a school in Northwood could barely contain their egg-citement when the Easter Bunny paid them a special visit.

Girls aged three to 11 at Northwood College Junior School, in Maxwell Road, were delighted to meet the bunny who delivered chocolate treats on April 8, just before they broke up for the school holidays.

The popular annual visit is organised by the Northwood College Parents Association (NCPA), with chairman, Jayne Cooper, dressing in costume.

School spokesperson, Alison Cameron, said: "It's something the NCPA ladies do every year and the children love it."

More than 80 people took part in a non-stop Bible reading session in Northwood to mark the 400th anniversary of English versions of the holy book.

The 'Biblethon' took place at Holy Trinity Church in Rickmansworth Road for three days and two nights, from 11am on April 8 to 6pm on April 10.

The event was held to celebrate English Bible editions including the King James Authorised Version and more recent translations.

Michael Sobell House hospice in Northwood plays an important role in educating healthcare professionals across the borough and beyond about pioneering palliative care and treatment for life-limiting illnesses. Lecturer practitioner, sister Pamela Wright, told SIBA MATTI about her team's work to ensure patients get the best possible quality of life.

WITH the population continuing to age rapidly and as health services are stretched to the limit, experts predict an increase in people suffering from debilitating diseases, such as cancer, could lead to a surge in demand for nursing care.

A 33-YEAR-OLD woman from Northwood has been fined for racially aggravated behaviour towards a police officer.

Carly Bolton, of Harrison Close, admitted the offence towards PC Sadaf Bhatti at Uxbridge Police Station on March 23 this year.