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Home , County of London, Eastcote House Gardens, Harmondsworth, Middlesex, Uxbridge Rural District

Ruislip Residents’ Association TOWN CRIER May 2015 www.ruislipresidents.org.uk

Eastcote House Gardens News on the re-opening and Summer Picnic - lost but not forgotten by Eileen Bowlt RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Founded 1919 PRESIDENT CONTENTS Brian Cowley

VICE-PRESIDENTS Joan Davis Peter Lansdown 3 Editorial

CHAIRMAN 4 Community Noticeboard Graham Bartram 5 Chairman's Message VICE-CHAIRMAN Mike Hodge 6 Committee Vacancies TREASURER John Hawley 7 A Cornucopia of Culture

SECRETARY 8 Middlesex Lost But Not Forgotten Pamela Edwards

CHIEF ROAD STEWARD 11 Annual General Meeting - Agenda Jack Greiller 12 Education News DEPUTY CHIEF ROAD STEWARD Alan Jones 14 Police Points EXECUTIVE Vivien Alcorn 16 Health Matters John Swindells Jaqueline Bolton 18 Councillors' Comments John Williams Susan Midgley 20 Planning Update EDITOR Graham Bartram 22 House Gardens ✎ [email protected] ✆ 01895 673310 24 Annual General Meeting - Notice CONTACT US Pamela Edwards Honorary Secretary Ruislip Residents’ Association 98 Eastcote Road Ruislip Middlesex HA4 8DT ✆ 01895 674148 You may notice that we do not have articles from Nick Hurd MP, MP ✎ [email protected] for West & East Ruislip Wards, nor from Sir John Randall’s successor, www.ruislipresidents.org.uk Boris Johnson MP, the new MP for Manor Ward - we asked both but the election got in the way of copy deadlines. Hopefully they will be contributing to the next edition of Town Crier - Editor

2 Ruislip TOWN CRIER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Editorial Jaqueline Bolton POLICE LIAISON Vacant

CONSERVATION Vacant 2015 Subscriptions - Too Pretty To Cut Up? PUBLIC TRANSPORT Graham Bartram Firstly, thanks to those residents who have already paid their subscriptions, especially to those who EDUCATION Susan Midgley included a donation. However, our decision to put the application form on the inside back page of RAF LIAISON Peter Lansdown the February Town Crier, rather than include it as an insert, has turned out to be a mistake, as the re- ENVIRONMENT Vacant sponse was only half that of last year. Maybe peo- ple were reluctant to cut up their Town Crier? So we Peter Lansdown have included a separate insert with this edition. If you live in a road where we have a Road Steward HEALTH Joan Davis who is able to collect your subscription at the door, the insert may not be present. If you have any que- RUISLIP RETAIL AREA ries, you can contact Brian Cowley at: Pamela Edwards ✎ [email protected] MANOR RETAIL AREA Joan Davis

A prospective new editor has volunteered to work SOCIAL ACTIVITIES on the next edition of the Town Crier, with a view to Vivien Alcorn taking it over longer term, so in the meantime I am MEMBERSHIP staying on for another issue. Brian Cowley TRAFFIC & PARKING Brian Cowley

MINUTES SECRETARY Graham Bartram Patricia Wardle Graham Bartram, Editor Pro Tem WEBSITE John Swindells

PLANNING Mike Hodge Please note that the views expressed in articles in the Town Crier are those of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Ruislip WOODLANDS Residents’ Association. Vacant

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 3 FRIENDS OF EASTCOTE HOUSE GARDEN www.eastcotehousegardens.weebly.com Eastcote House Volunteer Gardeners meet on the 1st Friday, 2nd Friday and 3rd Thursday of every month, at 9.30am. Everyone welcome - tools and refreshments provided - no experience necessary. Meet in the car park at . Gardening dates: May 1st, 8th, 14th; June 5th, 12th, 18th; July 3rd, 10th, 16th; August 7th, 14th, 20th; September 4th, 11th, 17th.

Summer Picnic June 6th 11am - 4pm

HILLINGDON DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Lecture Programme Mid 2015 Wednesdays at 2.00pm, Hall - admission £6 to non-members 13 May The Treasures and Palaces of St Petersburg Edward Saunders 10 June Tangled Lives: Admiral Lord Nelson, Anthea Bryant Emma Lady Hamilton and Sir William Hamilton - collector of the Portland Vase 8 July Wright of Derby: Painter of Light Eveline Eaton 12 August The Art of Waterloo Peter Warwick 9 September AGM & The Art of the American Civil War Tricha Passes

RUISLIP, NORTHWOOD & EASTCOTE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Lecture Programme 2015 Meetings held in St Martin’s Church Hall, 8.15pm. Visitors welcome.

21 September From Shillibeer to Borismaster: The Story of the Bus John Wagstaff 19 October Rogers of Eastcote House: London HA An 18th Century Lady of Property Eileen Bowlt RNELHS

4 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Chairman’s Message RRA

It’s Spring already! The of minimising traffic disruption and the blossom has been diversions seemed to have worked, both and gone, but there for traffic and the buses, but neverthe- is a reminder of it less trade has suffered very badly. Now on the front cover. that the work is done, I am sure that they would welcome you back to your old fa- This is the second vorite haunts. Over the next few weeks edition of the Town Crier in the new look, we will be working with Ruislip Chamber and so far feedback from residents is that of Commerce to come up with ideas to they like the new style. Our only downside boost trade on the High Street. has been that people do not like cutting up the newsletter, and so our subscription HS2 rumbles on, with the Select Commit- renewals have fallen. Hopefully you may tee members visiting Denham, , see the separate form with this edition and Ruislip in January and I that will solve the problem. believe they were impressed, not only by the beautiful landscape of the Colne Valley, Months after the Post Office moved we but by the level of support for the StopHS2 have finally persuaded the to campaign. Ickenham residents made a spe- install a lovely new red postbox outside cial effort to be visible with their banners, the new Post Office. Hopefully the new and on a couple of occasions the Commit- one is also more disabled-friendly, being tee's bus stopped so that they could talk at a normal height. Sainsbury's have to the protestors. The Transport Secretary bought the lease of the old Post Office also announced that the Spur and plan to open a Sainsbury's Local. has now been dropped. Local people who They are also going to redo the shop front, petitioned against HS2 are likely to have replacing the metal cladding. their appearance before the Select Com- mittee in the next couple of months. The postponed roadworks on Ruislip High Street arrived in March and will hopefully I hope to see as many of you as possible at have finished by the time you read this. It our meeting in June (see the back page), has been a painful process, especially for but in the meantime if you see me on the the shops and restaurants on the High High Street feel free to stop me for a chat! Street. The council have made a good job Graham Bartram, Chairman, ✆ 01895 673310

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 5 6 The RuislipResidents’ Association Ex Association isableto represent theviews Can youCan offer your services? Committee Some ofO'Hara'sSome Team ontheRoadworks contacts, MPs, councillors, council officers, to theresidentscuss issuesofimportance and concerns ofRuislipresidents, andis Wednesday evening of each month to dis often abletooften influence thedecision-mak the services, groups andlocaltransport of Ruislip. isnon-politicalandthrough It ecutive Committee meets on the first High StreetHigh roadworks Christmas. until after For example, theExecutive Committee ing processes. worked withRuislipChamberofCom the police, health services, ‘Friends of’ merce to persuadethecouncil to delay the links with a wide range of community

Ruislip RRA TOWN CRIER

Vacancies - - - - ✎

vidual. Maybe you have recently retired currently vacancies ontheExecutive for ceives from itsmembersto reports keep concern. The Executive Committee re you? This could bethesolution! and interest to fulfill oneofthese roles, forand are somethingto looking occupy er achievements asanindi than working or you canusethe ‘contact us’ on facility or ifyou would more, liketo know then If youIf believe that you have theenergy Being part oftheExecutive, part Being enablesyou Each memberoftheExecutive Commit Bartram: it upto date with local issues. There are http://www.ruislipresidents.org.uk. working as part ofagroup enables great aspart working to contribute to and the community tee is responsible for a specificarea of the website: residents withastrong interest inthefol please contact our Chairman, Graham ourChairman, please contact lowing areas: [email protected] Police Liaison Environment Conservation Woodlands

- - - - - Activities A Cornucopia of Culture Graham Bartram

Ruislip really is blessed when it comes to Stoller including Jailhouse Rock, Stand cultural facilities. We have an excellent By Me, Pearl's a Singer, Hound Dog, I Who theatre in Winston Churchill Hall, and of Have Nothing and more. Book at: course the in Ickenham. http://starlightytc.ticketsource.co.uk. You can find out what is on at the two the- atres at the Theatres website: Bugsy Malone http://www.hillingdontheatres.uk. Compass Theatre, 7.30pm Friday and Sat- Many of the productions are put on by the urday, 19th and 20th June area's thriving amateur dramatics groups, Tickets £5.00/£3.00 in advance, £7 on the door and the ticket prices tend to be very reason- Members of 360 Youth Theatre perform able. So why not take advantage of all these their summer show. facilities and go and see a show or concert? Junior Encore Concert Society of Ruislip Artists 70th Sacred Heart Primary, 7.00pm Friday, 3rd July Anniversary Outdoor Exhibition Tickets £6.00/£3.00 in advance/on the door Manor Farm, 10am Saturday, 30th May A concert showcasing our ‘Stars of the The society celebrates its 70th anniversa- Future’ performing a wide and varied pro- ry with an exhibition of paintings of differ- gramme of music. The groups taking part ent media and subjects by members who are Junior Band, Junior Strings, Fiddle- are all local artists. sticks, Repertoire Strings and Orchestra.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe Medieval Festival Winston Churchill Theatre, 7.45pm Thurs- Manor Farm, Sunday, 16th August day, Friday and Saturday, 11th, 12th and Featuring an authentic programme of me- 13th June; 2.30pm Saturday, 13th June dieval entertainments, from horseback Tickets £14.00/£10.00 in advance jousting to living history re-enactments The classic Broadway revue Smokey Joe’s provided by professional re-enactors, the Café is a fantastic, highly energetic compi- festival offers the chance to step back in lation show, using the songs of Leiber and history.

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 7 8 The county was smallinextent, but The county was boundedontheeast, Eileen Bowlt Eileen Middlesex 50 years agoMiddlesex and . When theDomesday was Book vills bearing thenamesofplaces,vills bearing familiar south andwest by theRiversLee, Thames charter of 704, being land of the Middle of704,beinglandtheMiddle charter Ossulstone, Spelthorne, and Elthorne and Colne and on the north by theproperand Colne andonthenorth Middlesex appearsforMiddlesex thefirsttimeina , bothinOssulstone Hundred. London North andLondonLondon North-West. North Even Pevsner’s merged to become , each containing manors and into theHundreds ofEdmonton, Gore, has beensupersededby volumes entitled the word hasbeeneradicated Middlesex the Council, since when ties ofSt Alban’s that Abbey (thehillyridge the ancient county as does the Liberty of the ancient county as does the Liberty to ustoday. The ofLondon City lieswithin written in1086itwas acounty, divided from official records andlargely forgotten. now divides Middlesex fromnow dividesMiddlesex ). populous, andfrom medieval times on

Ruislip History TOWN CRIER Buildings of Middlesex LostButNotForgotten (1950) - - The andsmallholdersinouter farmers (Bishopshalt School isnow(Bishopshalt School onthesite), (Northwood &Eastcote(Northwood ofRuis were part sex Magistrates, someofwhomlived in century rural Middlesex suppliedLondon rural Middlesex century allowed themtrading space. the19th In ofKing's and peoplegoingto theCourts and tradesmen passingthrough theru Middlesex villagestook theirgoodstoMiddlesex Worcester hadarest house at Hillingdon Westminster onbothcom andserved Westminster was inthehandsofMiddle gate, Gracechurch andLeadenhall -that only localneeds. Parliamentary sessions. and CommonBench Pleas that were Local Government and outsidetheCity andtilesbeingmadelocallymet Bricks held in Westminster Hall. The Bishopof kindlewood and bricks andtiles. andbricks kindlewood Ruislip those London –Cheapside, markets New where hecould stay onhisjourneys to wards, constantly busywithmerchants with hay, produce, market-garden milk, ral to fringes attend businessintheCity missions. They sat at Petty and Sessions lip) specialisedinhay andkindlewood. - - - - - supervised the work of the ves- become the Supreme Court of the United tries. Middlesex Sessions records survive Kingdom. from 1549 and the county built a sessions house at the bottom of St John’s Street in in 1612. It was named after Sir Baptist Hicks who paid for it. It was replaced in 1782 by the rather heavy, but handsome building designed by John Rogers, which stands at the west- ern end of Clerkenwell Green today, now a centre for corporate events.

Two regiments of Foot, the 57th and 77th were formed in the 18th century, repre- senting West Middlesex and East Mid- dlesex respectively. They merged in 1881 becoming the Duke of Cambridge’s own (Middlesex Regiment). The year after the GLC came into being, the Middlesex Reg- iment was amalgamated with other regi- ments associated with and to The Arms of Ruislip-Northwood Urban become part of The Queen’s Regiment. District Council (the motto means "Not to go forward is to go backwards") The formation of the (LCC) in 1889, removed a large urban area Ruislip Vestry continued to be the local au- from Middlesex, leaving the rest to be thority here and became a Parish Council the new of Mid- within the in 1895. dlesex. The Clerkenwell Sessions House Its limited powers were particularly irk- was handed over to the LCC in return for some to the newcomers who had settled use of a former Westminster Guildhall in the Northwood part of the parish after in Little Sanctuary. A new beautiful and the opening of Northwood Station and the highly decorative building designed by J laying out of the Eastbury Estate for de- S Gibson was erected in 1911-13 in Par- velopment in 1887. 2,500 people, mainly liament Square and named the Middle- drawn from the business and professional sex Guildhall. Quarter Sessions were held class, were living in Northwood by 1901, there until 1972. The building has recently while the other 1000 inhabitants, divided

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 9 roughly equally between Ruislip and East- – a Saxon crown above three Saxon – cote, still worked on the land or serviced reminding us that Middlesex sprang from the gentry houses. Largely due to pressure the kingdom of the East Saxons. from Northwood the Ruislip-Northwood Urban District Council came into being on The new , which 30 September 1904, three months after was replaced in 1986 by the Greater the opening of Ruislip Station. London Authority, was composed of London . The provided many services, including schools, librar- The old Hundred of Elthorne in 1086 ies and child welfare clinics, often on the comprised Ruislip, Harefield, Ickenham, same site. Lady Bankes School in Ruislip Northolt, Cowley, Colham, Hillingdon, Manor is a very good example of the type , Hayes, , Dawley, of school being erected by the Education , Cranford, and Committee. It was designed in a modern Harlington. Readers will notice that most style by W.T. Curtis and H. W. Burchett. The of Elthorne, except Northolt, Greenford, smaller building beside the school origi- and Hanwell, makes up the London Bor- nally housed a clinic on the ground floor ough of Hillingdon that came into being and a public library upstairs. on 1 April 1965. It would perhaps have been more appropriate to call it the Bor- ough of Elthorne, rather than give it the name of just one of the manors.

It is surprising to find by reading old Town Criers, that members of the Ruislip Residents’ Association in the early 1960s (apparently with no sense or knowledge of history) wanted the Ruislip-Northwood Urban District to be joined with Har- row (which had been in the Hundred of Gore) because they believed that Ruislip- The Arms of Middlesex County Council Northwood shared more characteristics (as granted in 1910) with Harrow than with Uxbridge and sur- The MCC promoted pride in the county, em- rounding area. Their dream has been par- bellishing buildings, official documents and tially realised with the recent redrawing of school exercise books with the County Arms the Parliamentary Constituencies!

10 Ruislip TOWN CRIER RRA Annual General Meeting 7.45pm, Wednesday, 17th June 2015 Winston Churchill Hall, Pinn Way, Ruislip HA4 7QL

AGENDA 1. Welcome and Apologies 2. Talk on “The Hillingdon Hospitals - Now and in the Future” 3. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2014 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and Annual Accounts 6. Election of Chairman and Executive Committee 2015-2016 7. Open Forum - with questions to a panel of RRA representatives (Items to the Secretary by Wednesday, 10th June) 8. Any Other Business 9. Close of Business Followed by informal discussions Wine, fruit juices and snacks will be served The meeting will end at 10pm Next Meeting: 7.45pm, Thursday, 22nd October 2015, Winston Churchill Hall

The Winston Churchill Hall The Foyer

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 11 Schools Education News Susan Midgley

PRESENTATION OF THE MEMORIAL After some short speeches, two students ALBUM TO THE MAYOR presented the album to the Mayor who On Friday, January 16th the completed received it on behalf of the local residents. photograph album to commemorate the Refreshments were then served by the li- centenary of the outbreak of WW1 was brary manager, Christine Etherington and presented to the Mayor, Cllr Catherine her staff. Dann, at Manor Farm Library, Ruislip. The album was a joint project funded by The album will be on display at Manor the Ruislip Residents’ Association and Farm Library for several months. Hopeful- compiled by gifted and talented students ly local residents will take the opportunity from Bishop Ramsey C of E Secondary to view it. School led by Mr Andy Jeffries supported by Miss Elaine Neal, the school’s senior BISHOP WINNINGTON INGRAM C OF E librarian and Mrs Susan Midgley from RRA. JUNIOR SCHOOL’S CHOIR PERFORM AT O2 ARENA On Monday, January 26th the school’s choir was among 7,386 primary school children singing in The Young Voices Concert at the O2 Arena. This concert series is the largest of its kind in the world. The London ven- ue had performances for five consecutive days to accommodate all the schools in the south of who wished to take The Presentation part. Concerts are also performed in Bir- The ceremony was also attended by mingham, Sheffield and Manchester. the Mayoress, Mrs Rita Kilroy, Cllr Becky Haggar, Graham Bartram, Chairman of It was a truly amazing experience to RRA, Joan Davis, Vice-President of RRA see so many children performing in uni- and other members of the committee. son. BWI’s choir had been rehearsing for

12 Ruislip TOWN CRIER weeks and on the day of the concert all The three or five pupils are chosen each the choirs involved arrived at the O2 Are- week by their class teacher and spend na in the morning so they could rehearse about one and a half hours with the tod- together under the direction of the con- dlers. The pupils are escorted to and from ductor, Mr David Lawrence. school and supervised at the group by Mrs Dawn Braithwaite.

The pupils help the toddlers with a vari- ety of activities including: crafts, puzzles, playing with toys and reading stories. There has been very good feedback from parents who report that their toddlers re- ally enjoy interacting with the older chil- dren. The experience is also beneficial to The Choirs in the O2 Arena the pupils as it improves their communi- The concerts have supported a variety of cation skills and builds their confidence. charities over the years. The 2015 concerts were raising money for Save the Children.

A concert on such a large scale does not come together without a great deal of hard work. Special congratulations should go to the pupils of the choir and to the adults from the school who worked tirelessly to make the occasion such a success; Mrs A Wright, Deputy Head, Mrs E Kimsey, HLTA, Mrs F Allen, Mrs M Cleary The Mother & Toddler Group and Mrs J Evans. This is certainly an excellent way for pu- pils to develop outside the classroom en- BWI PUPILS HELP OUT AT A MOTHER vironment. AND TODDLER GROUP As part of their community links Year 5 Residents may read fuller reports on the pupils help out at St Martin’s Mother and above by visiting the Education section Toddler Group. The group is run by Mrs. on the RRA website. Birch and is held in the church hall every Friday morning. ✎ [email protected]

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 13 Police Police Points Inspector Rob Bryan

CRIME PREVENTION MET TRACE REGISTER Police in Hillingdon will soon Dear readers, I want be distributing free kits containing invis- to encourage you ible traceable liquid to over 8,500 homes. all to join the Hill- Known as Met Trace, this is thelocally world's ingdon Police Crime largest roll-out of an innovative 'tracea- Prevention Register. ble liquid' to reduce burglary rates across The register contains details of local res- London. The programme, which will run idents and businesses who want to re- over three years, will provide homes in ceive regular crime prevention messages burglary hotspots with a free kit contain- directly from the police. To get on the reg- ing an invisible traceable liquid, allowing ister is really simple. Just send your name owners to mark their possessions with and contact e-mail address to: a unique forensic code and to display ✎ [email protected] warning stickers to deter burglars. Police can then use this code to trace the items You will then be e-mailed a link to register should they ever be stolen and to link sus- in full, which takes about three minutes. pects to crime scenes. Once registered, your details will be in- cluded on the register and specific crime prevention messages will be e-mailed to you. The messages range from gen- eral crime prevention advice to specific information about particular problems. At present, about 5,000 people across Hillingdon are signed up. Not many com- pared to the size of the population so the system is under utilised. If readers of the The Met Trace Kit Town Crier signed up we could see a very The liquid is virtually impossible to re- big uplift in those numbers. move and can only be viewed under UV

14 Ruislip TOWN CRIER light and has already been proven to re- being tasked with rolling his methods out duce burglary rates. across Hillingdon to ensure those reduc- tions occur elsewhere. The technology has a significant deter- rent effect and it is predicted the roll-out AGGRESSIVE MOPED could prevent over 7,000 residential bur- There is a growing problem with moped rid- glaries across London, saving the Met al- ers who ride aggressively, often in groups. most £5 million and freeing up 140,000 In recent months we have had incidents police hours (equivalent to 17,400 police of these riders running down elderly pe- working days). Burglary is a horrible crime destrians and riding off. Someone will get and we will do all we can to reduce offenc- badly hurt one day. These youngsters ride es including utilising Met Trace to create a around full of bravado but if they were to hostile environment for burglars. The roll- be convicted for seriously hurting someone, out will begin in July so watch the local it would impact on the rest of their lives. press for more details. If your child has a moped and you know CAR CRIME REDUCTIONS they ride around in these small gangs, Sgt Jonno Shard who looks after Caven- then step up and take that moped from dish and Manor wards has just run a suc- them. They will hurt someone and they cessful initiative to reduce motor vehicle will be convicted. Stop them before that crime in the north of the Borough. becomes a reality.

If you know who owns these mopeds, let us know. The mopeds have to display registration plates. If you are in a posi- tion to safely record the number plates of these bikes, please let us have them. You can drop me a line or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We will Don't Make It Easy For Them! then work to seize them before they can do any harm. If we all work together on The initiative, which involved crime pre- this, maybe we can make a difference. vention as well as targeting known of- fenders led to a reduction of 56% against As always, if you want to contact me di- the same period last year. This is great rectly, the quickest way is at: news for us locally and Sgt Shard is now ✎ [email protected]

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 15 Health Health Matters Joan Davis

NATIONAL ISSUES Monitor’s Foundation Trusts’ Review: : Too few The sector failed to meet many targets. A&E paramedics and slow hospital handover attendances were up by 8% on last year and times contribute to the LAS failing to bed occupancy by 2%. Of small and medi- reach callers within target times. um acute FTs, 78% are in deficit, most over- spending on agency staff. Our local hospi- NHS 111 Telephone Service: Call back tals are not alone in finding the world tough! problems have caused concern. A recruit- ment programme is in place to recruit Victory in Campaign to Cancel Diabetic more clinicians to the service. Fines: Poor communication led many dia- betics without a valid medical exemption HILLINGDON CLINICAL COMMISSIONING certificate to claim free prescriptions for GROUP years without any problems, but since Sep- Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund: Wave 1 tember 2014 thousands were suddenly fined funding was used in Hillingdon to estab- up to £100! They are now to be reimbursed. lish six GP networks, two in each locality and to fund electronic prescribing and IT REGIONAL ISSUES work to allow patients to see their records. Development of NW London Excellence Now work is underway so that, with pa- Centre: The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS FT tient’s consent, GPs can view records from will work with The National Skills Academy other practices in their network, to assist for Health to develop this regional hub. It evening or weekend access when needed. will develop training for healthcare support workers including community care, demen- Finances: With help from NHS North West tia support, medicine management, recog- London, Hillingdon CCG now forecasts a nition of abuse, and clinical skills courses. It £3.3m surplus at year end but the under- will link education and training providers lying position appears to be a deficit of with employers from the public, independ- £7.7m – instead of the recurrent balance ent and voluntary healthcare sectors. originally planned.

16 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Budget 2015-16: Hillingdon CCG re- Accident and Emergency Department ceived 7.7% below its target allocation for issues: In February there was a marked de- 2014-15, so it will get a higher than aver- crease in total attendances, although still age increase of 7.6% for 2015-16. 3% higher than last year, but patient flows were compromised by an outbreak of noro- Better Care Fund: Hillingdon Council and virus which closed four wards for 8 days. The Hillingdon CCG are now developing finan- majority of target breaches were due to lack cial arrangements for their pooled fund of of bed availability, partially due to an unex- £17.991K. The aim is to improve communi- plained increase in patients’ length of stay. ty care and reduce emergency admissions to hospital and long term residential care. Finances: The end of February financial The plan’s focus is on seven day working, position remained on course for a deficit dementia care, social isolation, avoiding of £1m at year end. The Continuity of Ser- falls, rapid response and intermediate care, vices Risk Rating was still 3. and end of life care. It will support telecare, third sector providers in the community - Car parking: From 1st April at both Hilling- including care homes, GP Networks, and don and Mount Vernon sites the charge is increased support for carers. It will work £1.50 per hour. It is intended that all car with Public Health, the Library Service, parking sites will become “pay on exit”, and the Sports and Leisure Service to keep but this will take some time to implement. people active mentally and physically. Staffing issues: The THH staff turnover at HILLINGDON HOSPITAL NHS FT 11% is lower than any of the surrounding Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspec- hospitals. Recruitment continues both in tion report: The CQC’s 2014 inspection UK and abroad. of THH led to an overall rating “Requires Improvement”, which was disappointing, Integrated Care: From April or May social but many other trust’s have had similar workers will be on site seven days a week ratings. THH is dealing with its main short- and a social worker will be based in the comings swiftly, but some factors are out- new acute medical unit (AMU) working side its control such as old buildings for alongside THH discharge coordinators and which it has no money, and recruitment therapists to identify on admission the an- of permanent staff instead of using agen- ticipated patient’s discharge needs. cy staff, which it has been trying to do for many months.

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 17 Politics Councillors’ Comments Cllr John Riley

Eastcote and East Ruislip Ward – Catherine Dann, Nick Denys, Becky Haggar Manor Ward – Michael Markham, Douglas Mills, Susan O’Brien West Ruislip Ward – Philip Corthorne, Brian Crowe, John Riley

THE 2015 ELECTION shock to some or a great relief to others. It I apologise for men- may herald a time of great change or even, tioning this but you for some, great dismay. In this sense wait- will quickly see why. ing for Thursday 7th May is, for a politician, I am writing this very exciting. What will the people decide? very late at night with one day to go before the election. Over the past several weeks I and my colleagues have visited many oth- er constituencies and seen many diverse communities. We have met hundreds of voters and residents, delivered thousands of leaflets in certain areas, canvassed and

generally been out and about. And now it © GetWestLondon.co.uk is down to one day with even more fran- Candidates for Ruislip, Northwood and tic activity, doing everything we can to do attend a Husting at the Pinner Liberal Synagogue (the Labour candi- what we believe is politically best and right. date was unable to attend due to illness)

It is of course rather interesting, I have no HS2 idea what the election of 2015 will deliver, On another unknown subject in terms of by the time you read this we will all know. outcome, HS2 continues to provide a sig- The shape of the next five years of politi- nificant aspect in our lives. Many groups, cal direction will be known, probably, and organisations and others are preparing to short term destinies will have been settled. present their petitions to the Parliamen- The election result may be a complete tary Committee and your councillors and

18 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Council will in one form or another be pre- senting powerful petitions to the Com- mittee. Great thanks and tributes must go to our fellow residents who have led the way with the principled and exceptional No Campaign. We can only hope that all this effort, this coming together of many people across our community will have OK I admit it, I made this one up, not the the desired effect and that we can all con- sentiment, just the road sign - Editor tribute to halting this awful project. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Your Councillors continue to deal with a va- riety of issues and concerns raised by resi- dents and we continue to be inspired by the range and variety of the issues brought to us. Some matters are very individual, others have a wider application that we can carry over to other residents’ needs. Parking and traffic related matters are always a constant concern. The ability to balance the volume Cllr Philip Corthorne discussing HS2 of car ownership with the limited space we with Lottie Jones (Stop HS2), Robert have in our wards for domestic and busi- Syms (Chair, HS2 Select Committee) and ness parking is a constant dilemma. Ian Mearns (HS2 Select Committee)

RUISLIP HIGH STREET We are delighted to be able to report that Again by the time you read this the High as Councillors we are once again able to Street may have been finished, I hope look to support a number of projects with so. We recognise that this important and funding from our Ward Budgets. As in the detailed undertaking has been an incon- past we are able to assist local schools, venience to many residents and business scouting, cadet and other youth organisa- people. However there is no doubt that the tions together with as many other groups, work needed doing and the extent of the societies and residents’ smaller concerns. work was there for all to see. Hopefully with It is a great pleasure to be able to help in the extent of the excavation and the quali- this way, using sound financial manage- ty of the new substructure and surface, this ment and Putting Our Residents First. work will last for many years to come.

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 19 Planning Planning Update Mike Hodge & John Williams

PEMBROKE HOUSE, 5-9 PEMBROKE ROAD: THE GEORGE HARVESTER: The efforts of Enforcement notices issued by the local our local counsellors have paid off and a authority in respect of unauthorised works new traditional-style sign showing King whereby without planning permission George has been placed on the front ele- the change of use of the second and third vation. They have also replaced the main floors from business use to residential use sign with a hanging sign. There is still and similarly the erection of railings and work to be done to the front apron of the gates have both been appealed by the ap- building. pellant to the Planning Inspectorate. 48 HIGH STREET: Sainsbury have put in 15 KINGSEND: The proposal to erect a an application to redevelop the old post single storey rear infill extension involv- office premises. The general view appears ing raising roof of existing side/rear ele- to be that almost anything would be pref- ments and conversion of attached garage erable to the present run-down look of to habitable use involving alterations to the building. front elevation has been approved al- though there was some disquiet locally 116-118 HIGH STREET: There is a proposal with the plans. to change the use of these premises from Class A1 (Shops) to Sui Generis - to be used 9 ICKENHAM ROAD: The proposal to as a sunbed salon. raise the roof and install a rear dormer to create a first floor and habitable 5-7 KINGSEND: The two derelict dwellings roofspace so as to construct a 1-bed self are no longer in the ownership of Wait- contained flat was refused on 12 January. rose but have been acquired by a devel- The Association had reservations as to oper who put in a planning application in these changes in a conservation area. June 2014. This was refused on a number The decision has been appealed to the of grounds but could be appealed (which the Planning Inspectorate for a final would have to be by 19 June 2015 the ap- decision. peal deadline). Should this be appealed

20 Ruislip TOWN CRIER and fail it is hoped that acceptable alter- RESIDENTS’ PLANNING FORUM: These native plans could be put forward. meetings between local residents’ as- sociations and council officers are held 44 RESERVOIR ROAD: The Council are to every four months to discuss topical re-open a planning enforcement case, as planning issues and changes in legisla- presented with further evidence that the tion and be updated on major planning unauthorised works carried out to the developments in the borough. Your res- roof are not in fact ‘permitted develop- idents' association attend these meet- ment’. They have still to decide as to the ings so as to keep fully informed of cur- best way to proceed. rent planning policy and be that better positioned to help local residents with 44 HIGH STREET: Proposed change of use any planning concerns. from a former coffee shop and patisserie to a dental clinic. DRAFT LOCAL PLAN PART 2: As reported in the last issue we had some concerns BISHOP RAMSEY SCHOOL: The applica- as to the level of protection council tion for floodlights was withdrawn with officers were proposing for several no plans to resubmit following significant large areas of local green space. Cllr local opposition - including from RRA. Philip Corthorne kindly arranged for However a separate application to extend us, together with a representative of their sports hall was approved. Friends of Pinn Meadows, to meet him and a senior planning officer to 77 EASTCOTE ROAD: The original applica- discuss these concerns. After a further tion to enlarge the existing day care cen- review officers decided their proposals tre for children having been refused by provided adequate protection and the the council was appealed to The Planning draft plan was approved by Cabinet last Inspectorate but they have upheld the March. There will now be a further public original decision and the appeal has been consultation on some minor changes dismissed. The applicant has till 28 August that have been made to the draft since to reinstate the building to its original res- the last consultation and then the Plan idential use. will be ready for submission to the Secretary of State for final approval. Part 8 WINDMILL HILL: The Enforcement Notice of this process will involve consideration requiring the building to be restored to of the Plan by a Planning Inspector at its original condition has expired and the which point there is an opportunity for council has now commenced proceedings. further representations to be made.

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 21 Activities Eastcote House Gardens Lesley Crowcroft, Friends of Eastcote House Gardens

The Friends of Eastcote the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Catherine House Gardens [FEHG] Dann, on 12th May 2015 at 3pm. The Tea formed in 2008 to Rooms will be opening late June/early July. weed the Walled Gar- den. Seven years later As well as Hillingdon Council, the FEHG they are still weeding! have supplied match funding for the res- toration project. £150,000 was asked for RESTORATION PROJECT by the HLF. £125,000 is in volunteer hours, Over and above the weeding, a trans- the remaining £25,000 in cash. The restora- formation of the gardens, buildings and tion fund was launched four years ago and Long Meadow Conservation Area, has £24,615 has been raised, leaving £385 to go. taken place. SUMMER PICNIC The annual Community Picnic will take place on Saturday June 6th 11am 'til 4pm. Admission is free. There will be Classic Cars, The Northwood Royal Naval Vol- unteer Band, St Lawrence Players, a Dog Show run by Eastcote branch RSPCA, Tug of War, Refreshments, plus many more stalls and activities for children. There will not be any parking at the gardens, so Eastcote House Walled Garden before please walk or use public transport. the FEHG got to work The Heritage Lottery Fund [HLF] funded The Picnic will see the launch of the FEHG restoration works are almost finished; 12th Community Archive's first publication.East - June is the latest estimate for completion. cote House and Gardens: The People and the The main works to the listed buildings are Place by local author Andy P. Weller. Andy is complete and will be officially opened by a FEHG volunteer and this is a labour of love.

22 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Andy traced those who have owned, rented, who knows what you will find. Last year worked and volunteered at Eastcote House some flint foundations were uncovered. for 500 years. Contemporary stories from It is believed that these are the founda- the 1950s have been gathered for this book. tions of Hopkyttes, the cottage recorded The second publication, Secret Eastcote, is on the land in 1495, and work in this area currently being researched, by Andy and will continue this year. The Open Day with gathers together some surprising facts con- guided tours, and the finds displayed, will cerning Eastcote’s importance throughout take place on Sunday June 12th. WWII, the Cold War and beyond. It is due to be published in late 2015. Also on sale will We hope to see you at the Picnic and/or be the EHG 2016 calendar. the dig, or just visiting to see the gardens and have a cup of tea. ARCHÆOLOGY The Archæologists are back: June 29th The volunteer gardeners meet on the 1st & until July 12th. This is a community dig 2nd Fridays and 3rd Thursday of each month and all are welcome to take part. If dig- starting at 9.30am (page 4). Countryside ging around in trenches is not your idea Conservation is the 4th Thursday of each of fun there are always many finds to month starting at 9.30am. Tools, refresh- wash. Digging takes place every day ex- ments and good company are provided. cept Mondays, so please come along, www.eastcotehousegardens.weebly.com

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 23 RUIsLIP ReSIDEnTS’ aSSOCIATION annUAL GENERAL MEETING

7.45pm, Wednesday, 17th June 2015 Winston Churchill Hall Pinn Way, Ruislip HA4 7QL Doors open at 7.30pm The talk will be on “The Hillingdon Hospitals - Now and in the Future” followed by an Open Forum, with questions to a panel of RRA representatives. The meeting will end at 10pm Wine, fruit juices and snacks will be served Open Forum items to the Secretary by Wednesday, 10th June 2015 The next meeting is on the 22nd October 2015