What's On

CHILDREN across Three Rivers can send their Christmas present wishes to Santa Claus from a special post box in Rickmansworth.

The post box, which is a free to use, is located in the downstairs foyer at Watersmeet Theatre in the High Street. All letters will be personally answered by Santa himself.

Venue manager, Stuart Warren, said: "We thought this was a lovely service to offer the community.

"This festive holiday is all about children, they love coming here to see our annual panto and we hope this really captures their imagination."

AN INDULGENCE evening will take place at a Maple Cross school tomorrow (18).

The event, at Maple Cross JMI School, in Denham Way, will feature stalls with Christmas gifts and treats, including handmade wooden crafts, beauty products and items from the Body Shop @ Home range.

A number of pampering treatments will also be available, plus a raffle and refreshments.

A CONSULTATION has today (12) been launched asking residents for their views about five potential sites for a new secondary school in Three Rivers.

The Gazette reported in February how Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), which is responsible for education across the county, had earmarked £82.5million to increase school places where pupil numbers had risen.

Parents protest group, the WD3 School Action Group, has led an 18-month campaign for a new secondary school in Three Rivers, to plug a projected deficit of 259 places by 2014/2015.

HCC recently commissioned a report looking into the expansion of existing schools and a total of 30 possible sites for a new school.

SANTAS of all shapes and sizes will take to the streets of Northwood for a charity fun run in aid of a local hospice.

Hundreds of men and women are expected to take part in a Santa Dash organised to raise cash for Michael Sobell House (MSH), based at Mount Vernon Hospital, in Rickmansworth Road.

RESIDENTS can enjoy free mulled wine and mince pies at a Christmas fun day in Northwood Hills.

The event, to be held on Saturday, November 27 from 12.30pm, will see the lights on the town's Christmas tree, outside the Namaste Lounge in Joel Street, officially switched on by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor David Yarrow, at 4pm.

There will also be music, dance and poetry performances, stalls, a children's funfair and face painting, plus refreshments will be served outside the William Jolle pub.

Everyone is welcome and Santa Claus has already confirmed his attendance.

RESIDENTS can voice their concerns about issues in the community at a local forum hosted by the Northwood Residents' Association.

The meeting will be attended by all three Northwood ward councillors and Police Chief Inspector Alison Dollery, who will give a speech. It is also hoped that Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner MP, Nick Hurd, will be present.

The forum takes place at 7.30pm next Tuesday (16) at Northwood Methodist Church in Oaklands Gate, Northwood. For further information visit www.northwoodresidents.co.uk

A SCOUT group will host a firework display in Rickmansworth to mark Bonfire Night.

The event, organised by the 6th Rickmansworth Sea Scouts, will be held on Friday (5) at the scout hut behind Our Lady Help of Christians Roman Catholic Church in Park Road, Rickmansworth. For further information, see www.6thrickyseascouts.co.uk or email 6thrickyseascouts@googlemail.com

A second display will also be held on Friday at Yorke Mead Primary School in Dulwich Way, Croxley Green. Gates open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Refreshments will be served. Tickets cost £4.50 (children £3.50) and must be purchased from the school in advance. Call 01923 778420.

COMMUNITY safety and an update on the comprehensive spending review and local council services will be discussed at the next Rickmansworth local area forum tomorrow (4).

Residents will also be given a brief overview on the local development framework and invited to discuss topical issues and make suggestions for use of a £2,000 grant.

A WORLD-famous London store will be celebrated at a talk hosted by the Rickmansworth Decorative and Fine Arts Society.

Guest speaker Anna Buruma will lead a discussion on The Art of Liberty: Branding an Artistic Lifestyle, next Tuesday (9).

Liberty of London, in Regent Street, was at the forefront of design at the turn of the 19th century.

The event will take place at Sarratt village hall at 11am. For further information, contact membership secretary, Diana Jefkins, on 01494 874 507.

A YOUNG ballerina from Northwood is set to pirouette and plié in front of thousands of people this week, as part of a production by the English Youth Ballet.

Saira Mashru (pictured), 12, of The Fairway, will take to the stage with aspiring dancers from across the capital, joined by professionals, to perform traditional ballet, The Nutcracker.

The show, famed for its musical score by classical composer, Tchaikovsky, will open the first autumn season at the newly-built Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, this Friday (5) and Saturday (6).