January 2009 Archives

A HILLINGDON resident who has written the first-ever Bollywood fiction series will be at the launch at an Uxbridge bookstore.

The launch will be held on Saturday, January 31 at Waterstone's in The Chimes Shopping Centre, beginning at 2pm.

The author Puneet Bhandal, of Oakdene Road, Hillingdon, will be promoting the first book 'Starlet Rivalry' at the event, which will feature dancing and a 'Bollywood-style dress up' competition.

The top three winners of the competition will receive signed copies of all forthcoming books in the series and the winner will be awarded a Bollywood goodie bag with Waterstone's vouchers, DVDs and CDs, as well as a character named after them in the second book.

Ms. Bhandal will be a guest on BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday, January 30 before the launch to talk about the first book, which tells the tale of the rivalry between two top actresses.

The show will also be broadcast on the BBC Asian network and more information on the books can be found at www.puneetbhandal.com.

A GYM club which made a triumphant return to its original home is now ready to see its facilities and membership expand.

Judge Heath Gymnastics Club is back at Hayes Stadium Sports Centre, in Judge Heath Lane, Hayes after moving from Swakeleys School, Hillingdon, where it had spent the last nine years.

Since starting back at the Stadium in November there has been a steady flow of new gymnasts joining, however owner Brian Duley is looking for many more and for the first time is including boys.

In order to help youngsters find out if they would like to join, the gym is holding a number of free sessions this Sunday (25/1).

Each session will last for one hour and will cover all aspects of the club, which is hoping to increase its membership in time for 2010 when it moves to a purpose built site in Botwell Green.

Mr Duley and his team are especially keen to find young gymnasts for their new Thursday evening classes; however, older gymnasts will be welcome to come and try out for the existing Tuesday groups.

Posters and flyers have been sent to all the primary Schools in Hillingdon and the club will welcome requests from teachers who want to know more.

For more information, on the event (first session is at 1pm) and to book a place phone 07904358644 or email info@judgeheathgc.org

POLICE are appealing for a missing teenager who may have runaway to the Hillingdon area.

Amy Bowden, 15, from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was last seen 10 days ago in long Buckby, Northamptonshire, on Sunday, January 4.

Detective Chief Inspector Yvette Hitch, of Thames Valley Police, said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for Amy's welfare and I appeal for anyone who may know of her whereabouts.

"We believe Amy may be in the Hillingdon area and anyone who sees a girl matching the description should contact the police immediately."

Amy is described as white, 5ft 1ins tall and of medium build. She has shoulder length brown hair, but may recently have dyed it blonde.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police, said: "We were approached by Thames Valley Police for assistance in finding the missing girl but further enquiries about this should be taken with Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505."

A HOME owner prevented her house from being burgled after she startled the man who was trying to break in.

The 31-year-old woman, of Lynhurst Crescent, Hillingdon, was woken by a noise at 3am on Saturday.

When she went to investigate she saw a man in her front doorway and shouted at him and he ran off and drove away at high speed in a car.

The front door to the house was damaged but nothing was stolen.

The suspect is 17 to 21 years old, 5ft 8ins, wearing a dark and light grey stripy hoodie, faded black skinny jeans and trainers.