December 2008 Archives

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."

ALMOST 100 employees are being made redundant from the John Guest manufacturing firm in West Drayton.

The company, in Horton Road, will lose 95 members of staff - the equivalent of just under 10 per cent of its work force - within the next few weeks.

The family-run business, which produces push-in fittings, pipe and plastic plumbing systems for automobile and domestic industries across the globe, has suffered financial losses as a result of the economic downturn.

Robert Guest, commercial director, said: "We are in the middle of an on-going process to make 95 members of staff redundant, which is expected to be finalised imminently.

"We, like many other companies, have been affected by the credit crunch and the effects of the economy, but the number of staff leaving is less than 10 per cent of our UK work force.

"We have also reduced staff numbers in our US work force, although I am not at liberty to comment further due to US law.

"We certainly hope the action we have taken will be sufficient to secure the company's future and, at this point in time, we believe no further action is necessary.

"However, the global economy is extremely volatile and because we manufacture a lot for the automotive industry, which has been hit very hard by the credit crisis, we in turn have also suffered as a company. Our priority is simply to do whatever is in the best interests of the company."

West Drayton Councillor John Horn said: "I think it's very sad that the company is shedding staff, especially as the area is already suffering from a high level of unemployment and social deprivation, and it can only be attributed to the credit crunch.

"Unfortunately, redundancies have a knock-on effect - those who are now unemployed will have less disposable income, which in turn means shop keepers will not be selling as much, and therefore not purchasing as much from manufacturers.

"It's like cannon in billiards and sadly there are no easy solutions, especially since, on a global economic scale, the UK seems to suffering more than most."

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RESIDENTS have described watching smoke billowing from a West Drayton house completely gutted by fire.

Giant flames were seen roaring from the front door of the semi-detached house in Swan Road, West Drayton at 2.05am on Wednesday, December 10.

A man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s were both taken to Hillingdon Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation but were not believed to be in a serious condition.

The blaze took 20 firefighters just under an hour to get under control.

One neighbour who wished to remain anonymous said: "We were woken up by all the goings on and the lights flashing. There was grey smoke billowing out of the house. I was very concerned for the family next door because they have young children.

"It's very sad with it coming up to Christmas."

Crews from Hayes, Hillingdon and Heathrow fire stations were all called to extinguish the blaze which completely destroyed the ground and first floor of the house.

A spokeswoman from the London Ambulance Service said an ambulance and duty officer were sent to the scene.

The Gazette visited the site and saw the charred remains of furniture and clothes stacked up outside the now boarded up home.

Another neighbour added: "It was pretty scary. The flames were coming out the front door and reached up to the upstairs windows. It's lucky that no-one was injured."

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Contact the Gazette if you saw anything or were affected by the fire on 01895 451 033 or post your comments below.

UNSUNG heroes from West Drayton 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:

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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.

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

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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.