What's On

WHAT better way to spend your wedding anniversary than doing something to help others?

A SUPPORT group for stroke survivors that was axed because of funding cuts has been rescued.

PEOPLE will be able to enjoy a packed summer of entertainment and cultural events this year, thanks to the efforts of the Yiewsley and West Drayton Town Centre Action Group.
The group, made up of volunteers who live in both towns, local councillors and members of other community organisations, is putting together a programme of summer attractions.

The centrepiece will be a Jubilee Carnival in the Park at Yiewsley Recreation Ground on Saturday, June 9.
Group chairman John Davies explained how the idea came about:
"I raised it at a meeting of the group in June last year and we started kicking the idea about among us.

"I was very conscious we were one of the few parts of the borough of Hillingdon that didn't put on any kind of summer event. One thing led to another and the plans suddenly started to take shape.
"I have to say that without the amazing efforts of the volunteers, none of this would be going to happen - they have really put a huge amount of effort into pushing things forward."
The carnival, from 2.30pm to 8pm, will feature fairground rides, street dancing, face painting, a children's fancy dress competition, shire horse and cart rides, a reptile stand and a fire eater, along with a host of community stalls and exhibits.

Mr Davies added: "We'd like as many local community groups as possible to get involved and bring along their stands to take part."
Apart from the Jubilee Carnival - so-called because it coincides with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations - the festival will consist of a number of events.
They range from a flower festival, Theatre in the Park and an arts and crafts fair, a celebration of music and dance and an event centred on the Grand Union Canal in Yiewsley, which will offer a chance to try out canoeing skills along with trips aboard the West London Floating Classroom, complete with a jazz band.

Other events are being planned, and the festival is shaping up to be bigger than even the now defunct Middlesex Show, for years the borough's keynote summer event.
Mr Davies estimates the total cost of the festival will be between £10,000 and £12,000, and the action group is keen to find sponsors.

"John Guest, the plumbing specialists, have been very helpful and Tesco have also offered to help us," said Mr Davies. "But it would be great if more local businesses were to offer financial help.
"Although this is the first time we've organised a summer festival, there's clearly a lot of support out there. When we helped to open up Drayton Hall as part of the Open House scheme, 500 people turned up, so hopefully everyone will rally round and get involved."
The organisers want hear from people willing to be a steward during the festival. Call Mr Davies on 07775 728 688 if you can help.

The Gazette will publish details of the events as they become available. Have your say at www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/yiewsley.

A DATE for a proposed Sipson Fete has been pushed back to May 5.

Heathrow Villages community development worker, Kate Birch, has been planning the fete with residents for the past month.

The aim is to inject some cheer and community spirit into an area which suffered the blight of the third runway for more than eight years.

The date was originally pencilled in for March, but because of weather worries and funding concerns it has been moved back to May 5.

Anybody wishing to get involved and help with stalls or entertainment can email kate.birch@groundwork.org.uk.

TIME is running out to nominate outstanding members of the community for a Local Hero award.

This is the final week for entries into the ninth annual competition, run jointly by the Uxbridge Gazette and Leader Series, and Uxbridge College.

The Local Hero campaign acknowledges the hard work, dedication and determination shown by people who live, work or volunteer in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

It celebrates people who have put others first, overcome adversity or made a contribution to their local community.

INSPIRATIONAL people in the community are once again being asked to step into the spotlight, as the Uxbridge Gazette and Leader, together with Uxbridge College, launches the ninth Local Heroes awards.

Our annual competition, which began yesterday (30), recognises the incredible bravery, commitment and dedication shown by unsung heroes across the borough, who have triumphed against the odds or put others' needs before their own.

Anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Hillingdon can be nominated in the five following categories: Outstanding Young Person; Star Carer; Courageous Citizen; Fabulous Fundraiser and Community Champion.

FINAL planning conditions at a major 773 home development have been agreed with the council- and work is scheduled to start this week.

A MAJOR 773 home development on the former NATS site once used for UK air traffic control has finally been given the go ahead.

Construction could begin at the site in Porters Way, West Drayton, with the first phase scheduled to be completed by 2012.

Inland Homes, the property developers behind the scheme, have entitled the site Drayton Garden Village, and say they are aiming to design it like a 1930s village.

After being unanimously endorsed by the planning committee at Hillingdon Council, the scheme was referred to the Greater London Authority, who last week gave the green light for approval.

CANCER patients will be among models strutting their stuff on the catwalk for a charity fashion show at Brunel University.

The Summer Daze Fashion Show will raise money for the Community Cancer Centre in Fairfield Road, Yiewsley, which provides a friendly support service for cancer sufferers, their families and carers.

The event, which takes place on bank holiday Monday (May 31), has been organised by about 25 students at the university, in Kingston Lane, with the aim of increasing cancer awareness and helping the centre to continue and expand its service.

AN EXCITING Supercar workshop left youngsters exhausted as they spent a day learning about motor maintenance.

The Skidz motor workshop was funded by Porsche, and took place on Wednesday (17) at West Drayton Young People's Centre, in Rowhley's Place, in Harmondsworth Road.

Over £110,000 of funding was given to Skidz Hillingdon to carry out motor workshops.