Current Issues
For stories and events prior to this date, please refer to Past Stories & Events
Ruislip Lions Charity Concerts, August and September 2010
An open-air performance of 'Robin Hood' by the
Cambridge Touring Theatre,
to be held on Saturday 7th August 2010 in the Manor Farm Courtyard, Ruislip.
The performance will commence at 7.00 pm but gates open at 5.30 pm for you to
bring along your picnics.
Box Office: 07806 766993. Tickets: £14.50 (children under 16 £8.00)
if purchased in advance or £15.50 (children £8.00) if purchased after
24th July. Family tickets £40.00 (2 adults & 3 children) rising to £45.00 after
24th July.
Ruislip Lions presents 'Last Night of the Proms' featuring The Friary Guildford
Brass Band and Soloist Singer Caroline Clark.
To be held on Saturday 4th September 2010 in the Winston Churchill Theatre at
7.30 pm.
Box Office: 07806 766993. Tickets: £10.00 (children under 16 £5.00).
Manor Farm Medieval Festival, Sat 14 and Sun 15 August 2010
11 am – 4pm, Manor Farm Site, Ruislip, HA4 8BD
Tube: Ruislip, Train: West Ruislip, Bus: 331, H13, U1
Following last year’s record breaking MedFest we have teamed up with the Duck Pond Markets to present the 2010 Medieval Festival and Banquet.
Main attractions include: Combat and Jousting on Horseback from Destrier, one of the UK’s foremost re-enactment groups, Living history in the medieval village, fun activities for families and children, a wide range of local produce and craft from the renowned Duck Pond Market and the on Saturday evening, the famous Medieval Banquet in the Great Barn.
Entry to the festival is free on both days. Tickets for the Medieval Banquet will be available in advance from the arts service box office. For more information call 01895 678800 or e-mail manorfarmsite@hillingdon.gov.uk
click here to download a flyer MedFest Advert
French Market returns to Manor Farm Ruislip on Sunday July 25th from 10am until 4pm
Stalls include : Fresh bread, Charcuterie, Paris handbags, Cheeses, Cold
Sausages, Garlic prawnies, Basketwork, Wooden Toys, Provencal soaps, Table
linen, Sweets, Pancakes, Music CDs, Biscuits, Fruit and Veg, Olives, spices
and dried fruit.
www.france-at-home.com
Sustainable Communities Act Report for AGM 28th June 2010
Ruislip Residents’ Association has taken the lead in starting a group of RAs from the North of the Borough whose aim is to promote the use of the Sustainable Communities Act in Hillingdon.
The Act was passed in October 2007 and was sponsored by one of our local MPs, Nick Hurd. In a nutshell, it aims to give local democracy a boost and some teeth. How? It introduces a new process whereby communities and Local Authorities and then Local Authorities and Central Government have to reach agreement on proposals for government action to promote sustainable communities.
Sustainable is widely defined and could cover e.g. Environmental sustainability, Planning, Transport, Housing, etc. The proposals have to be made by either local councils to Central Government or by panels of local representatives to the Council. The Council, if it chooses to use the Act, must introduce these panels of local representatives. The requirement to reach agreement means proposals must be treated seriously and cannot be ignored.
Local Authorities can choose whether they want to use the Act; Hillingdon did not opt in to the first round ; Harrow on the other hand did make one proposal. We want Hillingdon to opt in to the second round now there is the opportunity to do so.
This would mean that the local panel could make suggestions for action to Hillingdon, and the Council would have a duty to try to reach agreement with the panel. Similarly the Council could make proposals to Central Government. In our view this would be a good thing for local democracy.
We have written to the Council to urge them to use the Act. They say they may use the Act but they feel the organisations they already have like Street Champions, Streets Ahead etc already give Hillingdon residents opportunities to have input to the democratic process . RAs do not agree. We like the idea of local panels which Hillingdon HAVE to take notice of. There are benefits for the Council too as local communities will often make innovative and constructive suggestions. There is also a provision for money that is centrally administered to be devolved to a more local level to implement a proposal under the Act so that is another potential benefit for Hillingdon.
The Chairman of Northwood RA is to ask a question a about Hillingdon implementing the Act at the next Council meeting and I plan to ask one at the subsequent one. Through our regular meetings we aim to keep pressure on the Council to implement the Act and we hope those who agree with our objective of getting Hillingdon fully involved will let their councillors know their views.
Penny Rutherford
General Election : Boundary Changes Mean the Association Will Have 2 MPs
From this election the area covered by this Association will fall into two separate electoral consituencies :
The old Ruislip Northwood constituency has now become Ruislip Northwood and Pinner whilst the Manor Ward has now moved to become part of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Boundary changes for upcoming General Election
Plans to Refurbish Highgrove Pool, March 2010
Having heard Ray Pudifoot talk about plans to refurbish Highgrove Pool, the Association was keen to clarify the scope of this project. We have received this information from Nicky McDermott, Leisure Facilities Manager LBH.
'There are plans to refurbish the swimming pool aspect of the facility during 2010/11, this project is currently being developed in conjunction with the Councils Major Projects Team, Sport & Leisure and the Council's management operator, Greenwich Leisure Ltd.
It is anticipated that the Project will include (subject to approval from the Cabinet as part of the Council's overall capital programme) the following:-
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Refurbish pool surrounds and tank. |
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Changing rooms - Modernise the pool changing rooms, making them accessible for wheelchair users. |
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Reception and seating - modernise reception and provide a more integrated and accessible building for all users. |
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Replace outdated mechanical and electrical equipment. |
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Water Treatment Installation - replace water treatment plant installation including pipework, controls, filtration system, calorifiers etc. |
Once further information and plans are available users will be consulted on the proposals.'
Manor Farm Library to Open on Market Sundays from April 2010
Manor Farm Library Ruislip will be open on the following market Sundays 10.30am-3.00pm :
April 18th, May 2nd, May 16th, June 6th, June 20th, July 4th, July 18th, August 1st, August 15th, September 5th and September 19th
Pedestrian Crossing on Windmill Hill, February 2010
Over the past year Warrender School have been developing a school travel plan. This is a document that outlines how the safety of children travelling to and from school can be improved. It also particularly encourages children to come to school on foot. As part of this the school introduced 'Walk on Wednesday' and have consistently had more than 90% coming to school on foot on Wednesdays since its introduction.
The school carried out a consultation on traffic problems around the school, which identified the crossing at Windmill Hill as causing particular problems. Many parents voiced their concerns about the speed and frequency of traffic as they try to cross at the island.
As a result the school decided to petition the council to install a pedestrian crossing on either side of the grassed island on Windmill Hill between Old Hatch Manor and West Hatch Manor.
Click here to download the minutes General Meeting Minutes Feb 2010
Please take a moment to nominate any local buildings that you cherish. According to the council website, these could be 'buildings or structures, and could include houses, churches, schools, and also non habitable features, such as milestones, bridges, and boundary walls'. 'The inclusion of a property on the Local List does mean, however, that the Council will take into account the building's special local architectural or historic interest when considering planning applications for alterations and extensions. Applications involving the demolition of buildings on the Local List will normally be refused, unless such works can be fully justified and a replacement building of suitable quality provided.'
One local resident has said that ' it would be nice to get as many structures as possible (at least slightly) protected, and thus the more people who know about it and therefore submit a suggestion, the better'
Click on this link to go to the council's website : Local list of buildings of architectural and historical significance consultation
Great Barn Licence Granted, November 2009
The 5 hour hearing of the Council's Licensing Sub Committee was held on
November 13. Ivor John made representations for this association Residents put forward a strong and well argued
case. Questions were raised about the noise, lack of toilets, whether this use
complies with the lottery funding, etc. Eventually a licence was granted for
alcohol, entertainment and music for Fridays and Saturdays until 11pm and
Sundays until 4pm, less than was originally asked for. It has been agreed that
appropriate numbers of Security Industry Approved staff will be present at
functions
Alcohol decision on Great Barn infuriates residents - click here to see the report of the hearing in the Gazette.
Green Flags Galore July 2009
Several local parks were successful this year in gaining the
Green Flag Award
Warrender Park gained the Green Flag Award for the first time this year.
Churchfield Gardens got the Green Flag Award for the second year running - this is no mean feat as the judges re-visit annually and each year you have to show and improvement since the year before.
Ruislip Woods gained both the green flag award and green heritage award.
Congratulations are due for all the hard work put in by the council's green spaces team, notably by Damien Searle, Stuart Hunt and Richard Hutton. But also to the various public groups particularly the Friends of Churchfield Gardens and Ruislip Woods Management and Advisary Group.
Petition Regarding the Use of the Stables, Manor Farm Complex heard on 16th July 2009
This petition which had been signed by approximately 800 people was heard by Cllr Jonathan Bianco. The petition was rejected. The question as to where the children who currently attend the school will now go, still remains unanswered. When asked this question, Cllr Bianco replied : 'This petition must be determined on property grounds as I am not an educational representative. The council has no duty of care to private businesses, it happens that this is a school, it could be anything else'.
Click here to see a full report of the petition hearing http://ruislip.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/2009/07/council-refuse-plea-of-pre-sch.html
Ruislip Manor Fun Day Saturday 4th July 2009 11am- 5pm Bigger and Better than Ever
| Fairground rides |
| Charity and trade stalls |
| Speciality foods by local Restaurants |
| Kid zone - shows and activities |
| Bouncy castle and slides |
| Live Music and dancing |
| Science fiction fancy dress |
| Tombolas |
| Face painting |
| Activities at Windmill Studios |
| Fun Day Queen and princess |
| Street entertainers, clowns |
Come and join in the fun. Click here to download a flyer with a full timetable of the days events RuislipManorFundayA5 RuislipManorFundayA3
Organised by Ruislip Manor Chamber of Commerce
Manor Farm – The Stables – Montessori
School, July 2009
The school principal is
surrendering the licence for use of The Stables at the end of this term. The
Council have decided to use The Stables, after building refurbishment probably
in excess of £50,000, as a catering facility for the Great Barn, which
unfortunately leads to closure of the school. This has caused considerable
concern among parents and residents, who have not been consulted about the
proposed change of use. A petition was initially lodged with the Council in
early May – now with over 800 signatures. A date has yet to be announced for
the petition hearing.
For more details see the report in the Ruislip Northwood
Gazette
http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-news/local-uxbridge-news/2009/06/17/parents-in-school-site-fight-113046-23901005/
New Duck Pond Farmers Market
Grand Opening May 3rd
10.00am - 3.00pm
In addition to the monthly Duck Pond Market the
Duck Pond Farmers Market
will be launching in May and continue on the 1st Sunday of each month.
A new and unique large farmers market is launching in May, housed inside Ruislip's
beautiful 13th Century Great Barn, and incorporating true farmers market stalls,
selling produce grown, reared or made by local producer. The market will
incorporate the usual Duck Pond Market features of a children's petting zoo and
live music from local buskers, as well as an exciting and unique farmers market
cafe selling breakfast and lunch made from produce available to buy at the
market. There will be plentiful indoor and outdoor seating, bike racks, and free
parking. Come and meet your local suppliers and buy fresh, seasonal food and
plants from the people that grew, reared or made it.
Report of the Association's General meeting held on 18th Feb 2009 at Ruislip Manor Library
The Association held a General meeting on
18th Feb at Ruislip
Manor Library
see the report in the Gazette
http://ruislip.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/2009/02/residents-debate-shelter-plans.html
Snow and Potholes Feb
2009
Most local children had two days off school and enjoyed
playing in the local parks but the salting of roads has created many potholes
in local roads. Report them to the Council's Contact Centre and get them
fixed, sometimes within hours
Feb 2009
The Shenley Park Project : Jan 09
This is a proposal to create an all weathers shelter and
intergenerational, outdoor physical exercise equipment.
This proposal is by Ruislip High School in their capacity as a Community School. This is what they say in their funding application :
Our project is to provide our local community with an all weathers shelter and exercise equipment that will benefit a wide range of local people. There is very little for young people to do within Ruislip Manor. Although there is a youth club at the other end of Ruislip, this is too far to walk to, and not safe to travel by bike. Local young people need a place where they can safely hang out and meet up with their friends, and we have come up with the idea of creating a shelter and some all-age outdoor exercise equipment that can be enjoyed by everyone who lives in the local community. Shenley Park has a play park for young children, which is situated in a small corner of the park. We would like to build the shelter close to the play park, so that parents and carers could sit under it while their children played. Older children would use the outdoor exercise equipment, and this would mean that the young children wouldn’t feel intimidated by older ones ‘taking over’ or messing about inappropriately. The shelter would have lighting and a clear view roof, and we feel it would be an attractive addition to the park. We think that once erected, local residents would find it unobtrusive, and its design means that it would be erected in a short space of time. The shelter could attract different groups to hold events there, acting like a stage, whilst audiences sat on the large expanse of grass that makes up the rest of the park.A questionnaire was distributed to residents close to the park and was available in Ruislip Manor Library. Although the deadline has passed, if you missed out you can still send your views to Mrs Penny Maas, Director of Community and Partnership Learning office@ruisliphigh.com or contact Councillor Markham or Councillor Mills at mmarkham@hillingdon.gov.uk or dmills@hillingdon.gov.uk phone number: 01895 250316.
Click here to view the questionnaire which also has pictures of the proposed equipment Shenley Park Questionnaire Page 1 Page 2
See also this website which has been set up by local residents http://www.ruislipmanor.com/shenleyshelter/
Duck Pond Market at Manor Farm now held monthly
from January 2009
The Duck Pond Market is a Craft and Community market
which is held on the Manor Farm site
which aims to promote local crafts
and produce. The market is held on the 3rd
Sunday of each month starting January 18th 2009 9.00am -
3.00pm. For more information see
www.duckpondmarket.co.uk
Manor Farm Site : Opening Times of
Buildings November 08
Now that so much lottery money has been spent refurbishing the Manor Farm
site, the question that everyone has been asking is when can we get inside the
buildings ?
So here are some answers :
The Manor Farm House is now open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10-3. Two rooms on the ground floor house the interpretation centre which explains the history of the site from Norman times to the present day, including hands on exhibits accessible to all ages. The Pram Shed is also open at the same time. This is the building to the right of the farm house which contains an exhibition of farm implements.
The Great Barn is open for events and workshops, and will be open at other times once a sufficient number of volunteers have been recruited.
Individual Craft Workshops situated in the courtyard of the Great Barn facing Bury Street
Studio 1:Christine Smith : Artist, open daily from 12.00 to 6.00pm. closed Monday and Thursday
Studio 2:Michael Posner : Potter, open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10.30 to 4.00pm see www.mikeposner.co.uk
Studio 3: Shaun Higgins : Furniture Maker, open daily see www.shaker-maker.com
Studio 4: Toni Richfield
: Mosaics, open daily from 12.00 to 4.00pm. closed Monday and Friday.Studio 5: Mita Samanta
: Leather handbags and accessories, open daily from 11.00 to 5.00pm closed tuesday.If you have any views on the above please let us know see Feedback