Arthurs Community Magazine Summer 2020 by Tony Johnson

“Produced with local residents, for a safer community”

EMERGENCY NUMBER: 999 NON-EMERGENCY: 101

CONTENTS Summer 2020 Editorial ................... 4 Thank you ...................................... 8 Policing—Lockdown and Beyond 12 Autumn 500 Word Challenge ....... 16 Surprise visitor in Northolt............ 20

EDITORIAL DETAILS Editor: Susanna Redgrave Originator of Magazine; PCSO Arthur Gray 7372WA Email: arthur.gray2@met.police.uk

Policing—Important ..................... 24 Nature Reserve ............................ 28 Bereavement Suite Appeal........... 30

Greenford History......................... 34

Address: Greenford Green SNT c/o MetPolice Ealing Police Stn., 67 Uxbridge Rd., W5 5SJ

Our MP ......................................... 40

Disclaimer:

Coroner’s Office ........................... 43

"Arthur's Community Magazine" is produced by local residents with cooperation and assistance from both Safer Neighbourhood Teams & Councillors from Greenford Green, North Greenford, & Northolt Mandeville Wards.

Useful telephone numbers ........... 44

All adverts are placed independently and the magazine takes no responsibility for their accuracy.

SUMMER 2020 EDITORIAL

SUMMER 2020 EDITORIAL (cont)

Wow, where has this year gone?

battling this menace, as it created havoc to so many people desperately fighting for breath.

The last Editorial I submitted was at the end of February. Christmas, a faded memory. Easter, Passover and Eid Mubarak were the celebrations many were eagerly awaiting. Spring was still erupting everywhere, colourful croci pushing towards the light, snowdrops carpeting the undergrowth, lambs bleating, prancing, turning somersaults, showing off their gymnastic ability to the ewes, the farmers were happy.

Places of worship, traditionally open to all, locked their historical doors as did the Doctor surgeries, Outpatient Clinics stringently sterile, shops, Leisure Centres, the children’s playgrounds taped, Libraries banged shut, the list was unceasing…

The Prime Minister was appearing on our news media every hour..why?

Probably, the only constant was Arthur, our PCSO on his bike - ‘the bike,’ always to be seen in Greenford Green with Arthur still trundling around, calming agro outside food shops, encouraging the youngsters to go home, reporting on yet more catalytic converter thefts, even fetching bread and milk for residents in Penifather Lane and Community Road, preparing yet more reports concerning endless mattresses seeking resting bays in our streets.

Then the announcement came;

Now let’s look at some of the right things we all achieved;

Half the school year was almost complete and the world was already starting to consider summer breaks, holidays, visiting families but, what was this?

The Big Clap...I did it religiously, did you?

‘We must turn the key to the rest of the world, Great Britain is officially in lockdown!’

I even ended up using a frying pan with a wooden spoon, daring or what?!

Silence all but covered the land, like a pastry pie crust, schools closed, cars remained on drives with petrol prices dropping to under £1! The A40 almost empty, shops shuttered and not a toilet roll to be found. Everything stopped and not just here on our tiny island already isolated from the European Community but on every continent within our planet, this drama was occurring across the universe, it was a Pandemic... The world’s axis creaked to a shattering halt. Time froze, as the uninvited guest arrived heralding his dictatorial ability to control every country, every land. ‘The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic’. An apocalyptic explosion descended and silence ensued…’ Our ever faithful London Underground system was eerily silent, leaving the mice free access to roam. By-and-large the tube system was redundant, save for a few ghost trains allowing free travel to keyworkers who were trying to keep the country’s cogs turning and also to ferry our dedicated NHS staff, continuously

We were all saying ‘Hi, how are you?’ to the neighbours and sincerely meaning it. To the couple living at number 45 who arrived in Greenford Green even before me, yet somehow we had never spoken, always the obligatory smile, but why?

Now, everyone had time, 2 metres apart of course, but people stopped and spoke, knocked on doors, offered to shop or walk the dog for those in their comfortable temporary prisons, shielding on strict instructions from the NHS together with the Government. Many kept in touch with grandchildren and relatives using ZOOM. Children were home-school by thwarted parents, the word ‘Furloughed’ was in our vocabulary, some folk joined online classes; many walked; some chatted stoically to anyone they met, masks on, one standing by the hedgerow the other almost in the gutter. Those three words, ‘we are fine…’ an easy well used phrase, now had a sincere meaning. Many relearnt how to cook and some cleaned and even found the ironing board!!

SUMMER 2020 EDITORIAL (cont) Just how many homes have landscaped their gardens?

I’m not sure we should count the wine bottles in the recycle bins though, Shhh... don't say the answer too loud, I won’t tell the doctor! I must add a short codicil here. There are residents within our community, who have suffered pain, deep pain, directly or indirectly from the horror of the COVID-19 virus. Please let’s keep these families in our thoughts. In our hearts, especially as now most of us have had our freedom restored. I know from within my immediate circle the agony of loss, the unnecessary ending to life of those we loved and still do. Let’s continue to be kind, embrace those neighbours who have become our new families with a different name, hold the door open, don’t get cross, let’s continue to be thoughtful to all, thank you.

So, the Summer magazine’s almost ready now and the team is asking the BIG question, ‘How many magazines are we intending to deliver for this edition?’ The answer:- ‘how long is a piece of string? How much money do we have?’ The number of magazines we can have printed and thus deliver is always reliant on funding, adverts placed and donations. All other modules of production are offered on a voluntary basis, no-one receives a wage. Our Spring Issue was successfully delivered to some 16,500 homes by volunteers using their 1hr allocated exercise time, donned in gloves and masks. I would seriously be delighted to achieve the same (or more) again with this next issue but that is in the hands of the universe. Now, put the kettle and enjoy our Summer Edition and I particularly ask that you read the article explaining.

Arthur’s 500 Word Challenge! 6

THANK YOU! (cont)

THANK YOU! And now some much needed ‘Thank Yous’

Please, DO NOT DESERT THEM, YOU KNOW THEY ARE GOOD!

Following the HUGELY successful ‘Rainbow in the Window Competition,’ to support our amazing NHS staff, we knew another involvement for the children had to be planned for the future. Last time we had copious boxes of eggs, bunnies, ducks, even a Chocolate Teapot, donated as prizes for the younger members of our community. The chocolate avalanche came from Messers;

To the staff and many volunteers working for Ealing Council involved with the COVID-Response Teams and ALL the volunteer groups. To Our NHS, our generous, genuinely amazing, diligent, faithful, reliable, courageous the world envied NHS, OUR NHS!! Allow me to add here, our local chemists too.

MARKS & SPENCER - Westway Cross

So many forget our local Pharmacies, sometimes quite small, who are a vital part of our community. The hours they have worked wearing many hats, they have given us advice, dispensed pills & potions, sometimes just offer a cup of tea and an ear, free delivery of essential medication to the shielded community, all for no extra reward.

TESCO Express - Greenford Station.

‘The Meadows’

This time the prizes will be …...no….you haven’t read that page yet...have you? However, I promise even more children may enter and have opportunities to be a winner.

I think we need a super dooper ‘thank you’ here for our local ‘Meadows Nursing Home’. This is a small Residential Unit perched on the corner of Oldfield Lane North opposite William Perkin High school. I am not pushing in an unpaid advert here but am stating a fact.

WAITROSE - South Harrow.

To continue our thank yous; We include all shop staff who worked tirelessly, the overstretched delivery teams, the shelf fillers, the Home Delivery services, now just tell me how many of you still have more than one extra pack of toilet rolls in the cupboard?

This small, popular, multicultural Nursing Home, had NO CASES of COVID-19 in either Residents or Staff throughout the crisis:

WELL DONE EVERYONE!! We are all Totally Proud of You!!

Hmmm, why did that happen??

I can think of many, many more areas in need of thanks but space denies it, so the last organisation I am going to name is the ROYAL MAIL.

To our ever faithful local neighbourhood shops, so essential, including; Crawfords the Butchers, Golden Crust - the bakery, Maja Polski Deli and the Cod Father to name but a few here on Oldfield Circus.

The little red vans, the larger trucks continuously in and out of Westway Cross and our own dear ‘Posties’...mine is Maurice, he always has a smile, always says ‘good morning and how are you?’ Totally faithful with his endeavour and I KNOW there

THANK YOU! (cont)

are dozens of ‘Maurices’ out there too.

Definitely not forgotten are those shops and organisations who have continued to provide skeletal rotas of staff, like the Main Post Office on Mandeville Rd. Jay the manager and some of his employees were shielded for their own health needs but they tried their hardest to offer the public, you and me, a way to send cards or small gifts to grandchildren and relatives who no longer live around the corner. So many thanks needed

Councillor, Miriam and her husband Aaron, they walked miles...hours and hours all over the Cluster, together with Simon our Store Keeper, he has the energy of an athlete. All homes in Greenford Green, North Greenford, Northolt Mandeville PLUS about 500 more over in Northolt West End, where we concentrated on the Sheltered Housing Communities all received the magazine. YOU totally selfless people, made this happen, thank you,

Arthur and the Team

39 OLDFIELD CIRCUS NORTHOLT, UB5 4RR tele: 020 8422 4922

Thank you sincerely from us all Lastly, on behalf of us, the Editorial Team and our very own main man, PCSO Arthur Gray, I offer the biggest, most humble; CONGRATULATIONS to all our volunteer delivery crews. You are MARVELLOUS, each and every one of you, we must also include the retired Police Officer Volunteers and we’re sorry, no I am sorry I sent you out on an exceptionally hot day. Included in that walk was a certain Northolt Mandeville 10

SELLERS OF ONLY THE FINEST QUALITY MEATS, FROM SCOTCH 'T' BONES TO FRENCH TRIMMED RACKS OF LAMB Email: SIMONMAGUIRE4@GMAIL.COM 11

POLICING

Lockdown and beyond…

There’s one word police officers don’t like to use, refer to it as the ‘Q’ word... Saying the word aloud will see an end to tranquillity and bring about immediate chaos and disorder. After the Prime Minister instructed the population to Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives, the first few weeks after lockdown felt somewhat like being in a movie. People were told to go out only if they were buying food or taking their permitted hour of daily exercise. Schools closed, most shops were shut, skies were quiet and the roads were all but empty. The Daily Briefing brought fear of the virus with increasing tolls to our TV screens. People stayed at home, most crimes fell.

Things were indeed ‘Q’... Your local Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams were out working: • We made sure empty premises were safe and secure.

• We helped to maintain the lockdown, not so much by issuing fines but rather by Engaging, Explaining and Encouraging cooperation. Only Enforcing on those few occasions where the first three “E”s had failed. • We checked on vulnerable residents and helped bring supplies to the needy. • We patrolled the streets, the parks, the estates. With fewer calls to attend, we could devote more time to the drugs trade. With fewer calls to attend, we could devote more time to the drugs trade. We saw that the dealers had taken advantage of the closure of schools to prey on vulnerable youngsters. Many of our known dealers had persuaded children of 13 and 14 to do their work for them. Sometimes by fear, sometimes times by reward, other times by that strange admiration that some young teenagers have for older, wannabe gangsters. Whatever the reason for getting involved, we were arresting children who were in possession of weapons and large amounts of class ‘A’ drugs. Safeguarding of children is one of our highest priorities. We work closely with social services and other agencies to try to divert under 18s away from crime. 12

The weeks rolled into May. The slogan changed to Stay Alert, Control the virus and Save lives. • We continued our work. • Intelligence was gathered and researched. • Information came in from local residents, from the NCA, our own observations and many other places. • Warrants were applied for over an internet video link rather than inside a courtroom. These warrants were executed across the local wards, usually very early in the morning with an extremely loud bang as the big red key helps catch the occupants unaware. Large amounts of Heroin, Crack cocaine and MDMA were found, several thousand pounds and various weapons were seized and twelve people were arrested. Subsequently a Closure Order was issued on one of the addresses owing to the nuisance that had been caused to neighbours. Away from their wards, your officers have more recently been part of the Met’s response to potential disorder across London. As such they have been deployed not only to the three West Area Boroughs (Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow) but also to other Boroughs including Brent, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster. I’m not sure if somebody said the ‘Q’ word, but things are gradually returning to a sort of normal. Doubtless there will be further local lockdowns, perhaps, God forbid, a second spike. Who knows?

Whatever happens I have no doubt that your local teams will be doing all they can to ensure you, our residents, our Borough and our City remain as safe as possible. Matthew Slaney PS 361WA Aged 12 and 3/4

VOGUE LADIES & CITY GENTS HAIRDRESSERS 25 Oldfield Circus Northolt UB5 4RR

*Established since 1978* Family run business Refurbished & fully air conditioned salon All aspects of hairdressing carried out by experienced senior stylists.

ALL WELCOME Complimentary tea/coffees/soft drinks and free consultations *Appointments not always necessary* Call us onLadies: 02084225408 Gents: 02088642372 Facebook: Chriss Vogueladiescitygents *Ask for latest offers in salon*

AUTUMN 500 WORD CHALLENGE

AUTUMN 500 WORD CHALLENGE (cont)

Calling all children & teachers attending schools in postcodes UB5 & UB6.

Special rewards for all;

 The team of Arthur’s Community Magazine have launched a challenge to Primary School Children.

→ Every school taking part will receive books for their library from World of Books.

 Do you attend one of the 22 Primary Schools in the Greenford or Northolt Wards?

→ We have managed to confirm a ‘seriously important guest’ who will make school visits….shhh.

 Are you in Reception through to year 6?

→ Winning stories will be illustrated and printed as an additional prize for each winner. (Extra copies will be available to purchase by the participant).

 If you have answered YES then how would you like a pile, a HUGE pile of books? The principle of the competition is to assist youngsters to refocus their literacy skills, to engage in something completely different, with no restrictions, work will not be marked, the story can be straight from the heart, just to have some fun.

Arthur’s 500 Word Challenge Competition is supported with funding from Greenford Quay together with the generous donation of additional books supplied by World of Books. We are sincerely grateful to both companies for their enthusiasm and support Thank you.

Here are the PLUS POINTS  The children will be able to win prizes.  Lots of books for themselves and their school’s library.

Arthur’s Community Magazine has a motto which is also our philosophy;

We have invited all 22 Primary Schools, including both Mandeville and John Chilton.

‘EVERYONE IS EQUAL’

There are 3 groups of entry We hope our initiative is seen as a small gesture to embrace diversity of any kind, here in the Greenford/Northolt area.

❖ Reception and Year 1 (these children may draw/paint a story or make an object depicting their topic). ❖ Years 2, 3 & 4 to write a story of their choice.

➢ Greater London’s knife crime figures are still unacceptably high.

❖ Years 5 & 6 to write a 500 word story demonstrating their skill.

➢ Our politicians together with many community groups, work tirelessly to discourage tragedies these crimes incur.

❖ The winning child in each group will receive their height in books.

➢ From our Safer Neighbourhood Teams’ perspective, the competition will introduce an additional opportunity to chat with any child in the area.

❖ The child whose story is judged overall ’BEST’ in the competition, will win Arthur’s height in books for their school as an additional prize.

➢ To visit and meet children in the school playground, their ‘safe environment.’

➢ To plant seeds and expectations of essential basic relationships at impressionable ages.

❖ There will also be an extra special prize for the entry judged ‘BEST FOR EFFORT’.

➢ To re-establish confidence and enjoyment, the feeling of security should be for 16

AUTUMN 500 WORD CHALLENGE (cont)

t: 020 8830 7416 m: 07831 317298

all the children. ➢ To restore the balance of faith in our local police and moving forward this bond should perpetuate into the next generation.

Specialists in Electrical Test, Inspection & Installation The increased presence of available officers may also be valuable to those who are or have been victims of, or witness to, domestic violence or neglect in their own family unit. This initiative couldn’t be more apt given the much-publicised mental health issues many of us are suffering and the increased awareness the public have today of unequal aggravation in our society. We believe……... EVERYONE is EQUAL!

KEVIN BROSNAN 07956 372059 The Complete Carpentry & Joinery Service Wardrobe Specialist

We specialise in electrical test & inspection services for all commercial, industrial and domestic fixed & portable equipment and wiring installations as well as covering all the usual services you’d expect from an experienced, qualified, professional Electrician.

Our Test and Inspection Services include:

Fast Professional Service covering North and West London

• Landlords Certificates

• NICEIC approved contractor

• Fixed Wiring Tests

• No call out fee

• Homebuyers Reports

• Free estimates

• Portable Appliance Testing

• No hidden extras

• Fire Alarm Tests

• One hour response time

• Emergency Lighting Testing

• Fully guaranteed

• NICEIC Periodic Inspections

• Insured workmanship • 24 Hour emergency call out service

• Friendly, professional, specialist

Book Cases Fitted Kitchens

Doors & Locks Under Stairs Storage Units kevin@goodwithwoodlondon.co.uk

18 www.goodwithwoodlondon.co.uk

Experts in testing and installing both Commercial and Domestic Systems

Telephone: 020 8830 7416 - Mobile: 07831 317298 19

POLICING The tiger didn’t come to tea in Northolt - but Dame Commissioner Cressida Dick did…

From Councillor Dr Aysha Raza: Delighted that our Arthur met with Commissioner

Cressida Dick today to tell her all about his neighbourhood policing in Greenford Green & his magazine for all those not online. We are blessed with a great team in our ward & it’s wonderful to get recognition for all their hard work!

POLICING

An Important Announcement from the Cluster Sergeant Matthew Slaney

NORTHOLT & GREENFORD DESIGNATED WARD OFFICERS.

GREENFORD GREEN - 020 8721 2915/greenfordgreen.snt@met.police.uk

Child Criminal Exploitation

PC JACK DOUGLASS PC HENRY BECKLY PCSO ARTHUR GRAY

In recent years there has been much talk of Child Sexual Exploitation and the grooming and use of children for sexual purposes.

There is also an issue of increased Child Criminal Exploitation. This is where adult criminals will use children for criminal purposes. In particular we are finding increasing numbers of youngsters, aged 12 and upwards, involved in the supply of drugs.

NORTH GREENFORD - 020 8721 2914/northgreenford.snt@met.police.uk PC DEAN MacWILLIAMS PC SONNY MORDIN PCSO GALJIT MAHEY

NORTHOLT MANDEVILLE - 020 8721 2945/northoltmandeville.snt@met.police.uk

I cannot over emphasise the serious dangers posed by these adults who are exploiting and criminalising children.

PC JAMES HALLAM PC EDWARD HANNA PCSO SEEMA LUDDU

To all parents:

‘DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILD IS NOW?’ and ‘WHO IS HE/SHE TALKING TO ONLINE?’ If you suspect your child is at risk, for example suddenly having an unexplained large amount of cash or unexplained gifts such as trainers or a “burner” mobile phone you are unaware of? If so, please contact the police immediately.

Your local ward team’s contact details are opposite, thank you for reading this vital alert:

STAY SAFE and BE AWARE!

www.autocity.co.uk

Online Retailer of premium, craft and award winning Gin, Vodka, Rum, Single Malt Whisky, Blended Whisky, Whiskey, Bourbon, Mixers, Beers and many others. Exclusive brands and special offers updated regularly.

Please enjoy 10% off your order at www.thedropstore.com with promo code ARTHUR10 *

Belvue House, Belvue Road, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 5QJ

Our Services Accident Repairs | Additional Service Alloy Wheel Repair | Breakdown Service Clutch & Brakes | Computer Diagnosis Exhaust & Catalytic Converters Hunter Wheel Alignment Rapid Fit Service | Tyres Vehicle Servicing | Window Tinting FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE VISIT...WWW.AUTOCITY.CO.UK

CALL US NOW

020 8839 9999

* Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be used in conjunction with any other discount codes

website: thedropstore.com 26

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 27

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS (cont)

Costons Lane Nature Reserve

opposite side together with a pond dipping platform to allow curious kids of all ages to explore what lurks below the water surface. The bird hide will allow viewing of the wet meadow, pond and a woodland bird feeding station. There’s a lot of work to do, and it’s already started! All ages and abilities are welcome, but under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. To learn more visit; www.spacehive.com/ealing-wildlife-group-nature-reserve

Dr. Sean McCormack BSc (Hons), MVB, MRCVS

Here are our plans for the derelict and often flooded allotments site at Costons Lane.

Founder, Ealing Wildlife Group

Our aim is to turn the current site into a refuge for nature and people alike. The front section will be a landscaped utilities area, perfect for showcasing ideas for wildlife gardening. The recycled storage container and decking surround will act as the centrepiece for this space, it will also house our supplies and act as an education hub for events and open days. Passing under a natural wood pergola you’ll enter the nature reserve proper, with winding wood chip pathways to explore.

Much of the space will be left as is, already an absolute haven for wildlife of all kinds, but we will carry out some management tasks to include pushing back some brambles to allow space for other woodland edge plants to establish. This will provide a pond on one side of the path, plus a wetland scrape in a mosaic of diverse habitats to support more species of plants and animals. The southeast corner of the site holds most water and has some aquatic/wetland plant species clinging on. Here, we will create a large centre of wet meadow on the 28

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS (cont)

Rotary Club Bereavement Suite Appeal

This distressing day was endured not here in our Health Authority but down on the South Coast in West Sussex.

This article is written by the editor, Susanna Redgrave.

However, the difference in her experience was that the hospital she attended did

In the Spring Magazine, we included an article written by Malcolm Cantwell, chair of the Greenford Rotary Club regarding their new Annual Appeal.

have a most splendid Bereavement Suite.

Greenford Rotary have traditionally supported Maternity Services in various capacities locally, within the Borough of Ealing, this began when our babies were, by and large, delivered in Perivale Maternity Hospital on the A40. Today, our pregnancy service is offered at one of six hospitals, Chelsea and Westminster, Hillingdon, Northwick Park, Queen Charlottes, St Mary’s and West Middlesex. To this end, the Rotary Club launched their appeal to provide a ‘Specialist Bereavement Suite’ as an addition to the Maternity wing at Hillingdon Hospital. This unit would be exclusive for families who suffer the devastation of a failed pregnancy and sadly deliver a stillborn baby, which still happens sadly in the UK. The causes are varied and normally complex but the devastation remains the same.

At present, our young mothers who find themselves in this situation, deliver their infants and are returned to the main Post Natal Ward alongside other recently delivered mothers, all of whom are happily nursing their own perfect, precious bundles. I’m sure many of you will agree when I say this practice is totally inappropriate and psychologically devastating for these distressed parents.

So why should this appeal be personal to me? During the Covid Pandemic, one of my own granddaughter’s, a 20yr old young woman, was a victim of such a tragedy when she lost her much wanted baby girl, whom she named ‘Arora’ which has a Latin origin meaning ‘DAWN’, today of course it is more often recognised from a Disney film as the name of the sleeping princess in Sleeping Beauty. 30

My granddaughter described the day as ‘overwhelming but beautiful’ and then apologised as she cried because all she wanted was her baby.

How could three rooms in an NHS hospital make her grief easier? From the start of that fateful day, she and her partner, together with her mother, were isolated in a beautiful unit with soft music lilting in the background, the aroma of sweetly scented candles filling the suite, an exceptionally deep bathtub with bubbles and huge fluffy towels waited to envelop her in warmth, all there to help her relax, but the pinnacle was the fact that they had provided a ‘chilled bassinet’ for the baby. The kindly midwife had dressed her in a charming outfit, and a matching matinee jacket with bonnet and mittens. She and her partner were able to hold their tiny Baby Girl of 19 almost 20 Weeks gestation, who looked perfect just tiny, so tiny whom she cradled in her hand. Her grief was lessened because this forward thinking hospital had a Specialist Bereavement Suite, available that day for just her partner, her Mum and their tiny angel, for as long as she needed to help her say good-bye…. Thankfully today, most women enjoy healthy pregnancies but for those who don't, we need to support them. I now personally ask you to support what Greenford Rotary has pledged to do for Mothers like my granddaughter and baby Arora. Maybe hold a garden sale, a coffee morning, a monthly raffle with the neighbours in your street for a donated home made cake but more importantly hug your children in memory of our ‘little angel’ Arora. Rotary Club of Greenford Benevolent Thank you, Fund No 2 A/C Account Number. 11407392 Susanna ~ Editor Sort Code: 40-01-01 31

FREE ADVICE!!! HUGE RANGE OF SUPPLEMENTS BEST PRICES IN LONDON

OPENING TIME: Monday 11-18 Tuesday 11-20 Wednesday 11-17 Thursday 11-20 Friday 11-19 Saturday 11-18 Sunday 11-17

1292 GREENFORD ROAD UB6 0HH LONDON

Tel: 07498996509

Find us on: Body Hero Supplements Shop London bodyherosupplement

HISTORY

HISTORY (cont)

Horse Racing in the Cluster by PCSO Arthur Gray 7372WA DWO When l started the journey of the history of the Greenford/Northolt Cluster I had no idea how many gems I would discover. This time I am looking at Racecourses, yes plural, I didn't know either, so let’s start with the racecourse we all know about. Northolt Park Racecourse. A seriously famous Pony Trekking one-andhalf- mile track constructed by Sir William Bass and Viscount Lascelles, was opened by The Honourable Henry George Charles Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood together with his wife, HRH Mary the Princess Royal, only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. (That lengthier fact was added by our editor, Susanna, who is probably Downton Abbey’s most adamant fan! She says ‘just look at the beauty, the hair, the architecture...!)

war continued at the reception, where they were celebrating their special day with friends and family in the mess room of the Fire Station, (Fred was working on the Fire Boats). The siren wailed and suddenly all Daisy had in her arms was Fred’s best (only) double breasted jacket, his shoes at her feet. Conscription took away many young men and women from the area including Fred and his siblings early in 1940’s, sadly the life of the Racecourse went into a deep sleep.

During the war, the course was actively made use of, being requisitioned by the War Office following the invasion of France. In a contemporaneous account ‘the racecourse was used as an emplacement for anti-aircraft guns.’ Later, an Italian P.O.W camp was built on some parts of the site. The report goes on to state the Racecourse buildings ‘were put to good use and not neglected, while the track area was also kept in reasonable condition…’ hopeful of a resurgence of race goers.

All this made reusing the track and restoring it to its’ former prime feasible and certainly appeared on the cards.

I think most people living in our neighbourhood now think only of Northolt Racecourse Estate as the much needed post war housing estate. However, I feel homage should be paid to the old Pony Trekking & Horse racing track much enjoyed by many local residents, our parents and grandparents. (A second personal point of interest from our editor; her parents Fred & Daisy Palmer, became engaged at one such meeting when Fred won a fiver! A huge amount of money at that time, they married later that year just two days before Christmas 1939 in the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, Northolt, Fred and his family lived at 33 Belvue Road, Northolt Village. War of course had been declared three months earlier in September. The talk of 34

HISTORY (cont)

However, dreams were soon shattered.

BUT - The Receiver was now in charge and despite a valiant effort by the Management Committee, volunteers and the Pony Trekking Committee together with an independent offer of £240,000 from a wealthy racing enthusiast, a Mr Neal Christey, President of the Eccentric Club, the Racecourse lost in favour of the L.C.C (London County Council) who were proposing the erection of a much needed housing estate. The L.C.C later decided this prospect was too expensive.

Racecourse, one of which was even written by our very own Councillor Chris Summers. • Most of this information was found on; https://northoltparkracecourse.wordpress.com/2017/07/06—feel free to visit the website for more information. Thank you.

BUT - In 1945, the Government changed its colours and with Labour back in power, our then MP James Hudson, a Quaker, who B.T.W. was vehemently opposed to gambling, directly approached Lewis Silkin Minister Esq. of Town and Country Planning and permission was granted to build 900-1000 properties. There was an appeal but Ealing Council stood firm and despite further substantial efforts plus an offer for the use of another site on Mandeville Road personally owned by Mr Christey, racing was evicted from Northolt Park. BUT - For our Cluster area, there was already another option.

BP Greenford Roundabout

Pop down today to Londis - Greenford, your local Londis convenience store for a wide range of everyday essentials including confectionery, beers, wines and spirits, top up grocery items, fresh produce and food to go. With flexible opening hours, friendly independent Retailers and great deals on big brand products in Greenford, we have everything you need conveniently on your doorstep.

BUT - You will have to wait until next time to read that article, it is a winner I promise, with a serious side to the story involving Cops & Robbers. Just a final word: • George Formby, the singer/actor was also a jockey and various YouTube videos endorse this. • The original Grandstand, the TOTE STAND, retired to its’ new home - BRANDS HATCH. Demolition of the stand began in early 1950 and it was reassembled, minus some of the concrete in 1955.

• Both Ealing & Harrow Council were responsible for the house building of the Racecourse Estate.

Paypoint, Payzone, Collect Plus Parcel service Save money today and make your local Londis corner shop in Greenford your home for convenience grocery shopping. Open 24 hours BP-Londis, Western Avenue, Greenford, UB6 8ST 0208 5666999

• There are quite a few amazing articles concerning the history of the 36

PATRICK RYAN & DAUGHTER

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Ryan, Esq.,1934 - 2019 R.I.P.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS INDEPENDENT FAMILY BUSINESS

This is a tribute to the man who brought quality funerals to West London. The excerpts below are taken from a tribute first seen in The Irish Times prepared by Catrina, Paddy’s granddaughter, who is now a full member of Patrick Ryan & Daughter Funeral Directors.

Paddy was born in Cappamore, County Limerick in 1934 and passed away peacefully on 18th June, 2019 aged 85. In common with many young Irishmen in the mid 1950’s he settled in northwest London, Cricklewood, so often affectionately referred to as ‘County’ Kilburn. He paid his bills working in a variety of trades, before arriving in Greenford and opening ‘Ryan’s School of Motoring,’ Paddy was indeed responsible for teaching many of our Irish Community to drive and more importantly, passing first time! Greenford became his new home, it is where he met and married his beautiful Marge, their courtship culminating with a wedding in the church of Our lady of the Visitation, continuing to live and raise their own family here too. In1977, their second partnership together was the founding of PATRICK RYAN Funeral Director’s, in South Ealing Road,W5. The business now boasts a second office back here in their hometown Greenford Green and the company in Oldfield Lane South is called PATRICK RYAN & DAUGHTER, owned and managed by Paddy’s family, his daughter Lynn and her husband Paul, together with his grandchildren Catrina & Rob.

Paddy was an amazing man, a philanthropist and kind ear, listening and supporting many. Rob, his grandson says;

“Paddy was truly a one-off and the biggest character I have ever met, he will be sorely missed not just by his loving family but by his wide circle of friends, both here in the UK and back in his native Ireland.” 38

6 South Ealing Road, Ealing W5 4QA Tel: 020 8567 1664 Also 49 Oldfield Lane South, Greenford UB6 9LB Tel: 020 8813 1449 Pre-paid funeral plans available Email: office@pryanfunerals.com

www.patrick-ryan.co.uk 39

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS (cont) Prime Minister to take responsibility for reducing overcrowding on the Central line at Northolt and Greenford stations, as construction workers and others began to go back to work.

My new life as your MP during the Covid crisis By James Murray MP

Throughout the outbreak, I have been raising with the Health Secretary my deep concerns over the situation in care homes. I believe residents and staff in care homes have been neglected during this crisis. I have been speaking directly to local care homes about the situation they face, and I have been working with Ealing Council to make sure they got the personal protective equipment (PPE) they urgently needed. During this crisis, the community in Greenford and Northolt has come together to look out for each other. Local people working in frontline jobs have kept us going through these toughest of times. Local initiatives, like Covid-19 Mutual Aid and Brompton Bikes in Greenford who have been making bike for NHS workers, have been making a huge difference too.

It is a great honour to be your MP, representing the area where I grew up. Since I was elected in December last year, my team and I have been very busy doing everything we can to help people in Ealing North with issues that matter to you, and of course to support you through the Covid-19 outbreak. Life since the lockdown began has been different for everyone, and for many people it has been very difficult indeed. Across Greenford and Northolt, I have been helping people get whatever help we can from the Government schemes. There are still many gaps in the help that is available though, so I’ve also been pushing the Government to do more. Although I haven’t been in Parliament physically for medical reasons, I have been using video links to raise local issues with Ministers. I questioned the Chancellor about help for transport workers and their families after the very sad death from Covid-19 of Ranjith Chandrapala who used to drive the 92 bus. I also asked the 40

Although lockdown measures have begun to be eased, we still face huge challenges. My priorities as we enter the autumn include making sure we have an effective ‘test, track, and trace’ system to keep infections as low as possible, and making sure the national Government helps people who have already lost or now face losing their jobs.

If you would like to let me know about any issues that matter to you or any problems you are facing, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Although we haven’t been holding face-to-face surgeries during lockdown, we hope to introduce appointments soon at my new office in North Greenford in line with the Covid-19 guidelines. I hope we get the chance to meet up before too long, and in the meanwhile, I hope you are keeping safe and well. My email is james.murray.mp@parliament.uk and my office number is 0207 219 3931.

COMMUNITY NEWS HOW TO DEAL WITH THE CORONER'S OFFICE FOLLOWING SUDDEN DEATH.

I am sure death, the sudden death of a loved one, is probably one of everyone’s fear as unassailable fears.

www.cjlangspropertymaintenance.co.uk Email: info@cjlangspropertymaintenance.co.uk

It was mine almost 25 years ago, when my family lost our dearest Mum, the week before Christmas.

Roofing Services Tarmac Extensions Patio’s & Paths Heating Kitchen Installations

Paving & Resin Plastering Bathrooms Turfing Plumbing Sandstone Paving

Painting Services Refurbishment Block Paving Damp Proofing Decorating Concreting

Loft Conversions

Landscaping

UPVC

During the Covid-19 lockdown I was faced with all these questions again, however this time, I was not principal mourner, just an executor, I was able to cope. I have written this synopsis to help anyone who may sadly find themselves or their family, with a similar conundrum. Following the sudden death of a person living on their own, it may become a total whirlwind of procedure and information. No matter their faith, this may help. 1.

Reviews & Portfolios on Request Free Estimates & Advice – All Work Guaranteed No Payment Until Completion Of Work. 14 Day Cooling Off Period

Freephone: 0800 933 0187 Office: 01895 809 782 Direct Line: 07417 401 609

Rye House 161 High Street, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JN

24 HOUR CALL OUT SERVICE AVAILABLE 42

Death cannot be recorded without a death certificate. In this situation, it will be available from the coroner’s office after the cause of death has been

established through autopsy. 2.

All deaths in the London Boroughs of Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Richmond, Kingston, Hammersmith & Fulham are dealt with through the West London Coroner's Office in Fulham.

Main number: 020 8753 6800.

For Ealing, Hillingdon & Hounslow the numbers to the clerks are: 020 8753 then add 4784, 6928, 6519, 6539 or 3753.

I have spoken to two separate clerks, who were particularly helpful.

Should you need entry back into the deceased property and are not the next of kin, it can be granted with a police officer to attend officially.

Good Luck! 43

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS Age UK

020 8567 8017

BEfriend (Befriending Service)

020 8843 3635

Benefits and Council Tax reduction

020 8825 7000

Council Tax (payments only)

020 8825 7050

Crime Prevention

020 8825 5994

Crime Stoppers

020 8555 1111

Ealing Council (including rubbish and recycling)

020 8825 5000

Ealing Social Care Fly Tipping (must now be reported on Love Your Streets app) Ealing Together Local Welfare Assistance (for those selfisolating due to track and trace) Greenford Green SNT

020 8825 8000

SNT Whatsapp (photographs only)

07870 668060

Grime Busters (Roadkill and fouling only)

020 8825 8825

Noise Nuisance

020 8825 8111

Parking Services

020 8825 6677

Silverline

0800 4708090

Stepchange

0300 3037037

020 8825 7170

020 8721 2915