Schools/colleges

DO Outer London schools still have a sense of community which keeps families returning for generations?

The answer at a school currently celebrating it's 50th birthday is certainly 'yes'. DAN COOMBS finds out why...

Pupils at Ryefield Primary launched balloons last Friday to mark a special anniversary in the history of their school.

The school, in Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon, opened on June 4 1960, meeting the needs of the burgeoning community in North Hillingdon at the time.

But back then, the school was not a singular entity, but two separate schools, operating as an Infants and Junior School.

AN INVESTIGATIVE journalist notorious for going undercover with football thugs took in far more friendly surroundings when he presented a school with a new bus.

Donal MacIntyre was chosen to present Hillingdon Manor School, in Harlington Road, Hillingdon, with their new 'Sunshine Bus' courtesy of DeVere Hotels.

As well as appearing on Dancing on Ice, MacIntyre also conducted a series of documentaries on learning disabilities.

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.

IT IS the time of year which sets parents nerves jangling, with the seemingly crucial decision to make of choosing a Secondary School for their children. Reporter DAN COOMBS spoke to Robert Lobatto, headteacher at Barnhill Community High School, in Yeading Lane, Hayes, about the process.

THE Hillingdon Foodbank made their first visit to a school this week and are making a second on Wednesday.

A SCHOOL reunion was held to raise money for two former pupils who died separately but equally as tragically over the past year.

Sarah Snelling attended Bishopshalt School, in Royal Lane, Hillingdon, leaving in 1989, but died from cancer aged 35 last July.

A MOTHER who was nominated for a prestigious 'Woman of Substance Awards' may have secured a royal visit to Hillingdon.

Anna Kennedy, who set up the highly successful Hillingdon Manor School, was one of eight women invited to The Dorchester Hotel in central London in recognition of her tireless work.

A CONFECTIONER from Hillingdon has won a medal of excellence at the largest skills based competition in the world.

Alistair Birt, 21, from Croft Close, Hillingdon, flew to Calgary, Canada, as part of the UK's team at the WorldSkills competition.

A MEMORIAL mass is to be held for a well loved school caretaker who died of a brain tumour.

Mick McNamara worked at St Bernadette's School, in Long Lane, Hillingdon, for over 25 years, starting work in July 1984.

A MOTHER who has fought for the majority of the last 20 years to help children with autism has been nominated for a national award.

Anna Kennedy, is the director of Hillingdon Manor School, in Harlington Road, Hillingdon, and has been nominated for the Daily Express's 'Women of Substance' awards.