September 2008 Archives

A HILLINGDON builder has won a top industry award and in doing so laid the foundations for further success.

Michael Richmond of RD Property Maintenance Ltd, based in Hillingdon Hill, Hillingdon, has taken first prize for the Best Commercial Build in London.

Mr Richmond now has the chance to cement his reputation further by winning the nationwide Master Builder of the Year 2008 title, which will be decided in November.

If Mr Richmond wins the coveted national award he will drive away in a brand new light commerical vehicle of his choice provided by the award's sponsors Nissan, and the customer who nominated him will also win a £3,000 holiday of their choice.

Iain McIlwee, director of Federation of Master Builders, said: "RD Property Maintenance Ltd has done a fantastic job to win the London region award and we wish them well in the national competition.

A WORLD cup winner and former England rugby captain will open a recreation ground for wheelchair users next week.

Lawrence Dallaglio is the president of the Middlesex region of Wooden Spoon, the charity which has contributed £80,000 towards the cost of the project.

Rocket Park in Oak Farm, Windsor Avenue, Hillingdon, is an innovative project which has converted a small public recreational ground into a specialist area for disabled children.

Charity Karers 4 Kidz and specialist schools are involved with the project and will now be able to provide the facilities for handicapped children and their families.

Uxbridge MP John Randall (Con) will also be at the launch of the park next Friday, October 10 along with Lawrence Dallaglio, when young people will use the park for the first time.

Mother Katrina Bijowski, who has worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition will also be at the event to see her vision become a reality.

HILLINGDON Park Baptist Church will celebrate the 10th anniversary of it's dining centre on Thursday, September 25.

A special celebratory meal will be served to all attending at midday, and doors open at 11.30am.

The church, located on Hercies Road, Hillingdon, will pay tribute to long standing member Peggy Brown, who is the only surving member of the very first dining club, 10 years ago.

Rev. Reg Craig, said: "I expect we will probably sing happy birthday to her."

PARENTS are being encouraged to drop their children off at a new activity club on Saturday mornings to give themselves a break.

The Little Saints club at All Saints Church, in Long Lane, Hillingdon, is specially geared up for youngsters aged two to six, offering a wide range of fun activities.

Recently youngsters have been making mini-volcanoes, and brushing up on their artistic techniques by creating paintings.

Juice and milk is also provided by staff to satisfy the youngsters cravings.

It is open between 9am and 1pm every Saturday and costs £5 a time, but at the moment there is a special introductory buy one get one free offer available.

If you are interested please call Tammi on 07858764555.

A LIFE-SAVING Hillingdon paramedic has been honoured by the Queen for completing 20 years of service.

Tanya Juett, 43, was awarded the Queen's Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct at a special ceremony in Westminster last Thursday, September 11.

She is based at Hillingdon ambulance station and has worked in a variety of roles, starting her career on the patient transport service before training as an emergency medical technician and then a paramedic.

Mrs Juett said: "It is nice to be recognised with this award. The London Ambulance Service has changed tremendously in the 20 years I have been here.

"It's a completely different job than it used to be, patient care is much better."

Chief Executive Peter Bradley, who presented the awards to a total of 34 staff, said: "Twenty years of service in any organisation is a long time, but in our service, the busiest ambulance service in the world, it is a special achievement.

"I respect all the staff who achieve this very important milestone and I also appreciate the behind the scenes support of their families too."

ARMY knives were looted after thieves ransacked a Hillingdon outdoor clothing shop on Sunday, September 14.

A selection of knives, 20 ski jackets and 20 hand power tools were taken from Active Wear and Outdoor Leisure in Rosslyn Parade, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon.

The thieves used a wheelie bin to climb through a second floor window between 11am Sunday and 9.30am Monday.

Police believe they may have used stolen ski bags to carry the goods in.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A HEADTEACHER has admitted his school is in financial difficulty but ensures standards are constantly rising.

David Henderson, headteacher of Abbotsfield School in Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon, is worried the reputation of the school has been tarnished after the Gazette revealed the school was getting financial help from Hillingdon Council.

He said: "The financial difficulty has been an ongoing thing for the past five or six years.
"This is my fourth year and since I have been in post I have worked very closely with the bursar and with the local authority.

"We worked hard on two different fronts. The first was to improve the standards because the school was in special measures, and the second was to make sure we were being cost affective in what we were doing.

"Whilst we understand that we need to do something about the financial difficulties, and we are getting some good support from the local authority, we must not compromise the education of the boys.

"We still aim to give value for money even though we haven't got any.
"This year we have increased our numbers by over 70 per cent and that is because the standards have risen.

"We do have difficulties balancing the budget, but by 2009/10 we will have a balanced budget and a continual raising of standards means we will move towards being able to resolve the financial issues."