December 2008 Archives

VANDALS opened the pen doors at Hillingdon animal shelter, Pets Corner, allowing foxes to run amok killing three birds.

Pets Corner in Petworth Gardens, Hillingdon, was targeted last Saturday night (13/12).

Yobs opened several pen doors allowing foxes to kill one turkey and two ducks.

This week Nestle have paid for gates to be installed making the shelter, which provides a haven for nearby residents' pets and unwanted animals to live, more secure.

Julia Fitzgerald, who is coordinating a volunteer programme through Hillingdon Business Forum to give the shelter a face-lift, said: "It was horrible. It's totally mindless."

What do you think? Post your comments bellow.

A CARE home in Hillingdon has been praised for its improvements in a new report.

Merrimans House, in West Drayton Road, Hillingon, has recently been awarded a two star rating in its latest inspection from the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

The home provides short term care for up to nine people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities, giving full time care workers a well deserved break.

Councillor Philip Corthorne, cabinet member for adult social care, health and housing, said: "I am very pleased the CSCI recognised all of the hard work that Merrimens staff have put in since the last visit to improve the star rating.

"It is extremely important that carers can take a break from their duties and feel happy that the person they care for is looked after in a safe, comfortable and friendly environment."

The inspection noticed that the previously one star establishment was now spacious and well maintained, had improved safety and security facilities and provides

NEARLY 100 elderly residents attended the Hillingdon Older People's Forum which took place last night (Monday 16/12).

The attendees were given a chance to voice their views and concerns over the issues affecting them most, were shown a video warning them of distraction burgalries, and took part in a question and answer session.

Constance Evans, chairwoman of the Oak Farm Residents Association, who went to the meeting at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge said the meeting was a success.

"The agenda was very good, we really talked about what actually affects elderly people in the borough.

"We were given forms to fill out listing our major concerns, I said domestic burglaries, drug dealing, and people riding mini-motorbikes on pavements were worries of mine.

"I also think not enough fly-tippers are being caught, at the underpass near Oak Farm whenever litter is removed it re-appears days later.

"The meeting was a huge success and very informative, there were very few seats left, the speeches were very good and the question and answer session was very good too."

A POPULAR Church in Hillingdon is preparing for it's Christmas services with a number of carol services for all ages.

Young and old alike are invited to a Carols For All service at 4pm at St. John's Church, Royal Lane, Hillingdon on Sunday (21/12), and on Christmas Eve there will be two Carols For Children services, at 3.30pm and 5pm.

There will also be a Jazz Carols service at 10pm and 11.30pm there will be a Midnight Communion service for gatherers to see in Christmas Day.

TWO volunteers from the Hillingdon division of St John Ambulance Service have received awards for their commitment to the service.

Keith Saunders, of Tavistock Road, West Drayton, has been a member of St John Ambulance for almost 26 years, having first joined after undertaking an extremely enjoyable first aid course for work.

Mr Saunders is the Superintendant of the South Hillingdon Division and was on duty to issue first aid assistance during the 7/7 bombings.

He said: "I feel honoured and proud to be promoted within the order to officer."

Carol Bartlett, a nursing officer at the South Hillingdon Division was also presented with an Order's insignia at the special ceremony on December 11.
She said: "I never expeceted tor eceive such an honour but it makes me all the mroe determined to continue my community as much as I can."

UNSUNG heroes from Hillingdon are invited into the spotlight as the Gazette and Uxbridge College seek people who have made their mark in the community.

If you know anyone who deserves credit for what they have done in your area - or anywhere in the borough - put them forward now.

Entry is open to all people who live, volunteer, or work here.

Hillingdon's top hero will win £750 on top of the £250 which all category winners receive.
All you have to do is complete a coupon in The Gazette or Leader and return it to: Barbara Fisher, Local Heroes, Gazette, 28 Bakers Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1RG.

Alternatively email barbarafisher@trinitysouth.co.uk Entries must be received by January 23 and shortlisted candidates will be invited to a gala night on February 26.
For more information: phone Barbara Fisher on 01895 451020 Monday-Wednesday only.

Choose from these categories:

• *

Community Hero-someone who has helped the community, perhaps with a project or campaign.

• *

Fundraising Hero- any individual or group which has raised money for charity.

• *

Young Hero- a youngster aged 16 or under who deserves recognition in the community.

• *

Citizen of Courage-someone who has shown bravery in a difficult situation or achieved a goal against the odds.

• *

Carer Hero -anyone who has selflessly looked after others.

The overall title Hero of Hillingdon will be chosen from any of the above
category winners.

If you are e-mailing do not forget to name the category and give contact details for both nominee and the person who is nominating.

A THIRD arrest over murdered Hillingdon teen Simmone Hedges has been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton, of the homicide and serious crime command, is heading the investigation into the death of Simmone Hedges, 19, known as Minnie, of Brampton Road, Hillingdon.

Speaking to the Gazette, DCI Sutton said: "We are pretty sure we have got the vehicle responsible and we have arrested someone who we believe was driving the car at the time."

The former Uxbridge High pupil, who would have turned 20 last Saturday, was mowed down and left for dead in the middle of the Larches, Hillingdon, on November 21.

A passer-by discovered Miss Hedges shortly before 2am.

Despite being transferred to the Royal Free hospital in Hampstead she died five days later.

Tributes to the former Uxbridge High pupil have been posted on this website.

Headteacher Peter Lang posted on behalf of staff and pupils: "What a tragic end to such a young life with so much potential. Our thoughts at this very sad time are with your family and friends."

Brother, Elliot Hedges, added: "Minnie, My ickle sister may you watch over us all and be our guardian angel. Thinking of you and loving you always. Lost but never forgotten, Sorry, Elliot. Lets hope these people are caught before anyone else gets hurt."

An inquest is due to be opened at Fulham Coroners' Court on Wednesday (10/12).

Two men arrested at the time of incident were bailed to return on Thursday (11/12).

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 020
8785 8224 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Post your tributes to Minnie below.

A hotly anticipated dramatic performance by youngsters in Hillingdon will take place over the coming days.

Bishopshalt School's production of 'Hot Mikado' begins on Thursday,December 4 and continues nightly until Saturday, December 6.

The performances will take place at the school in Royal Lane, Hillingdon, at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The musical, organised by Bishopshalt Operatic and Dramatic Society is a mixture of jazz, blues, and swing music and is set in the 1940s.

Tickets are £9 for adults and £6 for concessions for the evening performances and £7 for adults and £4 for concessions for the matinee.

Last week 300 pupils from nearby primary schools - Hillingdon Primary, Oak Farm Junior School, Whitehall Junior School and Hillingdon Manor School- all attended a dress rehearsal and saw the students fine tune their performances.

Tickets can be booked via the Box Office which is open lunchtime during the week (12.30 - 1pm) in the main foyer of the school.  Alternatively tickets can be purchased by phoning the school or emailing charvell@hillingdongrid.org.

TRIBUTES to murdered Hillingdon teen Simmone Hedges have flooded in.

Family, friends and colleagues have told of their shock and grief at hearing Miss Hedges, 19, of Brampton Road, Hillingdon, had died at 2.06am last Wednesday, November 26.

The popular teen was discovered in the middle of the road at The Larches in Hillingdon on November 21 suffering injuries consistent with being hit by a car.

She was taken to Hillingdon Hospital but later transferred to the Royal Free in Hampstead where she died five days later.

Peter Lang, headteacher of Uxbridge High School where Simmone was a pupil, said: "Simmone Hedges was a student at Uxbridge High School from 2000 to 2005. She is remembered as a strong personality and character with a real sense of fun and humour. This is a tragic end to such a young life. Our thoughts at his sad time are with her family and friends."

Post your tributes to Simmone in thbe comments box below.