November 2009 Archives

THE recession has butchered many industries over the past year, but one local trader has been keen to help students gain valuable work experience.

Anton Takacs, a butcher on Byron Parade, Hillingdon, has been taking on students from Abbotsfield School over the past couple of weeks to help them boost their catering and customer service skills.

Mr Takacs, whose family business Byron Butchers has existed for over 70 years, said: "I know from starting as a Saturday boy when I was at school, how important it is to have hands on experience and it also gives me the chance to pass on my skills and maybe train up the butchers of tomorrow.

A DRIVER who was charged with two counts relating to the death of Simmone Hedges has been found guilty on both.

Rati Suladze, 35, a Georgian national from The Larches, Hillingdon, was charged with two offences of failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and failing to report an accident.

Magistrate's at Hendon found him guilty on both counts today (Mon) after a trial which took place last Monday (9) and he will be sentenced on December 9.

Simmone Hedges, of Brampton Road, Hillingdon, died two weeks short of her 20th birthday, when she was run over on November 21 last year.

Leave your reaction to the verdict below...

GET ready to don your skates and do your best impressions of Torvill and Dean as Hillingdon's very own ice rink opens to the public for a second year.

The rink, outside the civic centre in High Street, Uxbridge, will open from next Friday (27) until January 3, 2010.

Last year, more than 13,000 people of all ages visited the rink during the festive period.

Councillor Henry Higgins, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: "The ice was a great success last year and proved popular with residents and visitors alike.

"People came from across the borough and beyond to enjoy the ice rink and we look forward to hopefully welcoming even more people this year to enjoy it again."

Bookings for the ice rink can be made from today (16) through the Beck Theatre box office on 020 8561 8371.

On the day sales will be available at the ice rink from November 27.

For further information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk.

SANTA will make an appearance at a Christmas Fair which will be held next Saturday. (21/11)

He will be popping into the extravaganza at St John's Church, Royal Lane, Hillingdon.

The event will last from 11am to 3pm, and in addition to Father Christmas, stalls, games, refreshments will provide entertainment for all the family.

THE family of Simmone Hedges is anxiously awaiting a court's decision.

Magistrates in Hendon heard the evidence for and against Rati Suladze, of The Larches, Hillingdon, who is charged on two counts relating to the death of Simmone - known as Minnie - in the road where he lived last November.

A GLITZY fundraising bash for a young boy suffering from Cerebral Palsy raised over £9,000 to pay towards his treatment.

Donations came thick and fast for Kai Phillips, three, after his parents and their friends organised the event, held at Dragon's Health Club, in Northolt.

DESPITE over 630 assaults on staff at Hillingdon Hospital over the last three years, security officers are expected to work alone.

It has been exposed that 'on a significant number of occasions only one security officer is on duty throughout the hospital for a 12 hour shift' according to a Health and Safety Executive report.

A GRIEVING woman whose husband died after a three year battle with gastric cancer completed a daring skydive to raise awareness for the disease.

Rakhee Desoura, of Hillingdon Hill, Uxbridge, decided to do the challenge while husband Bharat was still alive, but he sadly passed away in September aged 37, before he could see his wife do the jump.

THE founder of a special autistic school has been crowned the winner of a radio competition for fabulous over-40s.

Anna Kennedy, 50, director of Hillingdon Manor School in Harlington Road, Uxbridge, received the highest number of public votes for the Smooth Radio Live Life Award.

More than 280 women entered the competition, with a panel including 60s supermodel, Twiggy, selecting the six female finalists.

Anna's prize includes a pamper day followed by a night in a London hotel, and a double-page spread with Twiggy's stylist for Observer Woman magazine next year.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to win - I was driving down the A40 when the radio station called me live on air to tell me the good news.

"I never expected to win, there was a lady who was ahead of me in the voting right up until the last couple of days.

"I have received so many messages saying congratulations and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me, I couldn't have won without everyone's support.

"I feel this is a victory not only for me, but also for mothers of autistic children."

CARING members of a motorbike club raised money for an animal sanctuary at their fourth anniversary bike show and party.

Doggs Bollocks MCC, who meet every Wednesday at The Breakspear Arms, in Breakspear Road South, Ruislip, have been raising money for charity for the past four years at their show.

This year Pets Corner, in Petworth Gardens, Hillingdon, was lucky enough to be the chosen charity and on October 25 the bikers presented a £500 cheque to the owner, Stan Atkin.

The club's president, Del Pratt, said the club's members had decided to raise money for the animal sanctuary and petting zoo after hearing it had been repeatedly vandalised.

Club member Peter Murrar, known as 'Fly', of Raynton Drive, Hayes, said: "This year it was my turn to chose the charity. I chose Pets Corner because it gets vandalised a lot and we are all animal lovers.

"I have just been diagnosed with a terminal illness but I will raise money for charity as long as I am still on my feet."

About 200 people attended the anniversary day, which was held at The Breakspear Arms.

The club's profit of £250 was then generously matched with a further £250 by Darren Morgan, landlord of the pub.

The club's chosen charity for next year is Help for Heroes.

For more information visit www.doggsbollocksmcc.com or contact Mr Pratt on 07889 852428.