skppra newsletter summer 2014
DESCRIPTION
Newsletter from the South Kenton and Preston Park Residents AssociationTRANSCRIPT
N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
4SuccessfulAGM and Summer party
4WaterSAFE
4Fireworks - a frighteningincident
4Fly-tippinghotline
4Recyclinginformation
SKPPRASo
uth
Kent
on a
nd P
rest
on P
ark
Resid
ents
Ass
ocia
tion
On 20th May we held our very well
attended AGM at The Church of the
Annunciation. Michael, our Chairman
reported on the previous 12 months’
activities and how we dealt with, sorted
or solved the problems that affected
our area. Julia, our Treasurer told us
about our financial situation and
pointed out that the various activities
raised valuable funds for the
Association. We were, therefore, able
to keep the annual membership
subscription at £3.00.
The newsletter and website
generated sufficient income to keep the
residents informed. We were pleased
to advise the residents that we are now
able to offer a specific benefit to
members of SKPPRA. Make sure you
avail yourself of that special offer!
(more on page 3)
In this issue
For all the latest news visit
www.skppra.co.uk
Successful, profitableand
very enjoyable!
Happy
75th Birthday
to
The
WindermerePub
Free no obligation valuation of your home��
Fully qualified Estate Agents with technicalawards in residential sales
��Full double page colour advertising in the
area’s leading local newspapers��
Prominent high street location ensures vastamounts of walk-in clients
��Long opening hours
����We will not be beaten on fees��
188 Preston Road, Wembley HA9 8PA tel: 020 8904 8904 fax: 020 8904 8984
email: [email protected]
Bryan Maher& Co
ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
More Committee News We are delighted that Sean Mendis who had joined the committee as a co-opted
member a year ago was voted in to be our Hon. Secretary. Great news!
If you were not able to attend the AGM, you can get copies of the chairman’s
and treasurer’s reports on request.
More success came our way with the Summer Party on 6th July. It was very
well attended and it was delightful to see so many parents and grandparents
bringing their kids along who had a great time on the bouncy castle. Thank you to
Elise who did the face painting for us raising £41.25. The faces were beautiful.
Dave’s coconut shy was again very well attended and he raised £74.65. Thank
you, Dave, for running the stall and to all who had a go. Thank you to Debbie who
donated all the ingredients for the cupcake decorating stall all which was a great
success with the kids. My thanks go to Jeanine who helped me with the raffle table
which was very busy and very successful, raising £251.00! Lots of items were
donated which made a great difference. Special thanks to THE NEST who donated
a £40 meal voucher and to SCISSorS for their voucher for a free cut and wash.
The magician was very entertaining as he moved among the people with his
tricks and slight of hand. I watched with pleasure the puzzled and smiling faces of
children and adults alike. our thanks to the committee members and residents who
helped making the party such a success. Last, but not least, thank you to Jackie for
the organisation and Noel for the food, music and large garden. In the evening we
celebrated the 75th birthday of The Windermere thriving and active as never before!
Roll on next year!
3
HOPKINS ELECTRICAL SERVICES
t Complete rewiring t Garden lighting t Fault finding t Certification
t Extra points, sockets, lights, phone, aerial t Free Advice
Please call now for free quotation
Iain Hopkins 95 Bromfield Stanmore Middx HA7 1AG
Tel: 01923 591673 Mobile: 07905 205 124
e m a i l : i a i n h o p k i n s @ h o t m a i l . c o m
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
4
Fireworks
Whether you are celebrating Eid, Diwali, Guy Fawkes or a
special birthday, please be especially careful when letting off
fireworks in your garden.
Recently we had a very unpleasant incident when a firework
from a neighbouring garden fell into an elderly lady's garden
setting fire to a tree which was very close to her house almost
setting the house on fire. Apart from destroying the tree and all
the surrounding shrubs, it almost set light to her conservatory.
Due to very quick acting neighbour, the fire mercifully did not
spread to her house. The lady in question was in bed at the time
and was unaware of what was taking place until the neighbour
knocked on her door. This could have been fatal!
Please also bear in mind that babies, small children, the
elderly and pets get quite scared and upset at the explosive
types of fireworks. Please try to keep these to a minimum.
Better to be safe than sorry! Jeanine
Rats Someone asked how I killed the rats I caught in Logan Road.
Well, the traps do the job for me. The type I use are like giant
mouse traps which usually snap the rats necks which hopefully
results in instant death. I hate the killing of any living thing but
rats are such a threat to our health. Those in the building trade
need to be especially careful as several diseases can be caught
from rats especially where water is concerned. My only
consolation is that I leave the dead rats for the foxes at the end
of my garden. Once left they usually disappear within 15 mins. I
keep the traps permanently loaded with peanut butter and have
not seen or caught a rat for the last year. Frank Treviss
D & H HantmanThe Optometrists
n'First for Eyecare in Preston Rd"
206 Preston RoadWembley HA9 8PA
fel: 420 8904 9214
email: [email protected]
Caring for the eyes ofSouth Kenton & Preston Road
for over thirty years
NHS Eye examinations - SpectaclesContact Lenses - Ghildren's Eyecare
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
6
ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL ORGAN
For many people their only acquaintance with an organ happens
in church, as an accompaniment to hymns. Often the organ is a
simple affair, with not many pipes and it is tucked away in a
corner. Organs are essential in cathedrals and are large
instruments with three or four keyboards in addition to pedals.
The pipes may be placed unobtrusively or, as in Exeter
Cathedral, planted in the centre of the choir; a lumpen intrusion
into a sublime architectural space.
In concert halls the organ will have been planned as part of
the design. And so it is with the huge organ, built in 1954, at the
Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank. The massive array of
pipes, 7,866 in all, has been constructed behind the full width of
the concert platform, with a motif of dummy pipes in the centre to
make it look more dramatic.
In 2005 when the hall was closed for refurbishment the entire
organ was dismantled and taken back to the builders Harrison
and Harrison in Durham. After a complete restoration it was
finally welcomed back in March with two whole weekends of free
events. Every aspect of the instrument: the original design,
construction and its relation to the acoustics of the hall, was
discussed. At one of these three-quarter-hour presentations,
craftsmen from the builders had brought along a sample pipe to
show how it could be trimmed to alter the sound, demonstrated
by blowing through it. Then the pipe was passed around so that
we could all feel really involved. Typically it was made of spotted
metal, a relatively soft alloy of lead and tin, favoured by English
organ builders.
There were several recitals and concerts in the celebratory
period. The music ranged from Bach to a prejudice-confounding
piece composed by the modernist artist and composer Martin
Creed whose exhibition ‘What's the Point of it?’ was on view in
the adjacent Hayward Gallery. (cont. on page 8)
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S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
8
(cont. from page 6) ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL ORGAN
There are differing views as to whether an organ can blend
well with an orchestra.
I went to a performance of Saint-Saens Symphony No 3,
‘The Organ'. To begin with, the organ came in as a low rumble,
as sound that could not really have been produced by the
double-basses. Gradually it played a bigger part until suddenly
bursting forth, almost drowning out the full ensemble of the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra. Then, reigned back slightly, the organ
joined in a boisterous finale. The audience loved it.
The organ features five times in the season beginning in
September and there will be a series of free lunchtime recitals.
DMP 9/6/14
The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the
pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides!
Artur Schnabel (1882 - 1951)
Preston Library UpdateWe are now actively making plans for a new library in Carlton Avenue East,
and we need your support (not to mention your money) more than ever.
I hope to be writing about this in more detail in the near future, but if you
want to be involved in shaping the new library, we'd really like to hear from you.
We've been looking at what other volunteer-run libraries are already doing in
Bucks, in Barnet, in Lewisham and elsewhere, and thinking about what the new
Preston Library should look like, and how it will be funded.
If you want to help in the creation of an important new community space,
please do get in touch. Philip Bromberg
I received this email as I am on their mailing list. The Friends of Preston
Library are working very hard to establish a local library for our area. If you
would like to be on their mailing list or can help, please email
[email protected]. Trixi
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
9
Goodbye to all my neighbours and friends. I am sorry
I was not able to say goodbye to you all personally.
After more than 30 years as a resident of Grasmere Avenue
and member of SKPPRA, I moved to Scotland in
May enjoying living in Edinburgh near my family. I had
expected to rent for a few months whilst I looked for
something to buy, but I found just what I wanted to
buy straight away.
Best wishes to everyone. Jane Rickman
n Gas Central Heating Maintenance,
Installation & Repair
n Landlord’s Gas Safety Inspections
n All Plumbing Works undertaken
Free Estimates
83 Montpelier RiseWembley, Middlesex HA9 8RQTel: 020 8904 0265 Mobile 07956 651 044
EDWARDS GAS SERVICESEGS
To Flush or not to Flush
A little while ago we received a leaflet from Thames Water
reminding us what not to flush away as it can damage or clog
up your sewer system. One of the obvious ones is NOT to pour
fat down the toilet or the sink. Horrible!
I do like their suggestion to cool the fat which you can then
put in the landfill bin (but not in the hot summer, I would
suggest!) I prefer to mix bird seeds into the cooling mixture.
I put my fat and seeds into an old margarine tub and freeze it. I
learnt a lesson the other day, though, when my square “fatball”
had melted onto the grass below! I blame the hot summer...
More information on www.thameswater.co.uk/binit Trixi
Useful information when you need to employ a
Gas Engineer or Plumber
Please note that in addition to the GasSAFE scheme for
competent gas engineers there is now a WaterSAFE scheme for
registered plumbers. Most of the properties on our estate have
two types of drainage, rainwater and soil. An incorrect connection
to the wrong drain can result in a substantial fine being imposed
on the householder by the local water board. Householders are
advised to only use trades people who are registered members
of aforementioned schemes. This would avoid the connection of
things like washing machines to the incorrect drain. Contact the
local water board to obtain the details of a registered plumber in
your area or the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating
Engineers. Frank Treviss 28/7/14
10
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
To all residentsBy now you may have renewed your 2014/15 membership.
Don’t forget to use your new card to get 25% off any meal
at OASIS.
Please let’s us know how you feel about this special
offer because we would like to introduce more benefits for
our SKPPRA members - and to make the non-members
jealous!!!
Fly-tipping is a great nuisance making any area ugly and
potentially dangerous. Brent Council has a fly-tipping hotline.
They say: If you see somebody fly-tipping, please alert us
by phoning
020 8937 5050 or report any fly-tipping at
www. brent.co.uk/flytipping.
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
11
Recycling...... for a good cause
Have you got old clothes, scraps of material which are not good enough to sell in
the charity shop? The St Luke’s Shop in Preston Road will take them as rags and
also raise money for them. The more we recycle, the less goes in the expensive
(landfill tax, you know) grey bin.
... collection reminder
We now have a new calendar reminding us of the recycling dates and which bin to
put out during which week. No doubt you know that plastic bags cannot be placed
in the green or blue bins. Keep them and when you next shop at the supermarket,
put them in their recycling bin. If you also do a quick check on the plastic bags in
which you buy some of the greens, they, too, will tell you which one you can put in
the “supermarket” recycling bin. It is important that we recycle every item that can
be recycled.
... using biodegradable bags
If you prefer to keep food scraps and vegetable peelings in a container (or the
caddy box) to put them in the green bin later (especially in the winter!!), you must
use biodegradable bags. Make sure they are identified as such. You can get a free
supply from Brent Council ([email protected]), or 020 8937 5050.
Alternatively, wrap them in newspaper, or, as find found useful, put them in
envelopes which drop through your door with everyday advertising. Make sure they
are paper only, not with see-through windows.
... information
There is more recycling information in the leaflet we received with the collection
calendar. Especially what not to do! Let’s make sure we increase our recycling
percentage and definitely starve the grey bin!
You will no doubt have read in the local paper that Brent Councilhas voted to get rid of the green bin. A decision, I am sure, manyof us find impossible to understand. The issue will be discussedat the next committee meeting to which we have invited the threecouncillors.
Brook in Preston Park
I received your newsletter courtesy of my brother who wrote an
article about being at Preston Park School during the war. I, too,
was there. My memories concern the park. We spent many
hours there, particularly jumping the brook. We had set jumps
along the brook and went backwards and forwards along it. If
your foot went in the water that was a 'bootie'. However, I had a
worse fate. One jump was to run down the side of the brook,
jump across and then run up the other side. I, unfortunately,
tripped and fell headlong into the brook. I was soaked all down
one side. In those days we did not have a wardrobe of clothes,
just the one school dress. Consequently, I did not have a dress
to wear the next day and had to go to school in one of my
sister's old dresses. I hid in shame most of the day I believe. The
park was just allotments and the brook, although there were
tennis courts and a bowling green, although they were for the
'richer' members of the community. We were so surprised when
we went back many years later and found a landscape park,
delightful, and we have visited many times since. I was talking to
another old pupil last night, Monica Rogers we are still friends
and see each other whenever we are in England, and her
brother John. I did return to the school a few years ago to
explain about life during the war and was made very welcome.
We had a great childhood in Preston Road, despite the war, our
parents always spoke about when we win the war and we did not
even realise until we grew up how close we were to losing it.
Olive Waldron (nee Jackson)
Thank you, Olive, for sending us your memories. Beryl, a local
resident, also remembers the brook - see opposite page. Trixi
12
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
By a very happy coincidence, Dr. Lesley P. Stagg, too, recalls
her time spent in our area, even THAT brook is mentioned!
Check her memories on our website skppra.co.uk.
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
13
It can happenA burst pipe, a leaking radiator, it can happen. Do you know what to do? Do you
know where your stopcock is? Do you know who to call when this happens? Be
prepared for the winter.
Locked yourself out?I locked my car and house keys into the boot of my car - silly, but it happened. My
neighbour has a spare key to my house and indoors I have a specific place for any
spare keys, including the spare car key. Panic over.
I also checked with the AA. They would have come out but say that forcing the
car door or boot open can cause scratching.
How would you deal with something like this?
Cleaning the green wayI like to be friendly to the environment and found an interesting website which tells
you about using lemon juice, vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to create the perfect
environmentally friendly cleaning products. www.makingyourown.co.uk
That brook again....Beryl, a local resident remembers: “In the 1930’s when I was an infant there was a
lovely children’s playground situated where it is now with a high slide, a
roundabout, see-saw, and two sets of swings, one closed in for the younger
children. We used to put candle grease on the slide so we could come down at
speed. The playground was well used in the 1940’s and later I used to take my
nephews and nieces there.
When we came out of Preston Park School our favourite pastime was to jump
the brook, which at that time ran through the park. I don’t know when it was
tunnelled underground.”
Recycled Art at WembleyHave a look at the fabulous way artist Faith Bebbington has used recycled
materials to create two new Wembley Lions.
www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/three-lions-wembley-stadium-venue-
7635705.
It must look even more stunning seeing it at Wembley!
S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
14
SKPPRA Committee for 2014/15 - Officers
Chairman, Michael 020 8904 1750, [email protected], Julia 020 8908 0094, [email protected] Mendis, Hon. Secretary, [email protected]
Chief Road Steward, Sagar 020 3371 0259, [email protected] Editor, Trixi 020 8904 4795, [email protected]
Website Manager, David 020 8904 2387, [email protected] Secretary, Clare, 020 8904 9699, [email protected]
Social Secretary, Noel 07791 620219, [email protected] members Linda Green, 020 8908 0173, [email protected]
Alfred Tyndale, 07984 160588, 020 8904 3264
Mediation
The SKPPRA committee recently had the benefit of a talk from David Ellis of
Peaceful Solutions. Peaceful Solutions is a charitably funded mediation service
which has had experience of working with residents across the Brent Area. David
informed us that they had previously worked with the Council to alleviate violence
on estates. This was done by training ordinary residents as ‘Gatekeepers’, that is,
mediators who could intervene and find solutions to disputes on the estate.
What is mediation? Mediation is an informal alternative to legal resolution of
disputes. It can be used in all areas of life. Personal relationships, such as
marriage and family disputes, neighbourhood disputes and commercial disputes
can all benefit from mediation. In a formal legal dispute each side will appoint a
lawyer to protect each other’s interests; in mediation a mediator will work with both
parties to find a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation seeks to repair differences
and build relationships. This can be very important when neighbours still need to
live near each other.
David explained that the process worked by the mediator first contacting both
parties and arrange a meeting. He said that even this first meeting can take a lot of
time and patience. It is a difficult process as it demands that people change long-
term fixed habits and behaviours. However, it is the role of the mediator to stay
with the problem until it is fixed. The mediator stays impartial at all times and does
not advise but ensures that the conversation is balanced.
Although Peaceful Solutions are a charity there is a fee for using the service. If
you would like to find out more about Peaceful Solutions visit their website:
www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk or you can call them on 020 8453 0086. Clare
S K P P R A R o a d S t e w a r d s S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
15
1. Allonby Gdns 1 - 16
2. Ambleside Gdns 1 - 47
3. Ambleside Gdns 2 - 48
4. Arnside Gdns 1 - 28
5. Carlton Ave East 131 - 173, 160 - 200
6. Carlton Ave East 175 - 213, 202 - 252
7. Carlton Ave East 215 - 233, 254 - 314
8. College Rd 1 - 22
9. College Rd 23 - 64
10. Coniston Gdns 1 - 25, 2 - 26
11. Coniston Gdns 27 - 51, 28 - 56
12. Conway Gdns 1 - 35
13. Derwent Gdns 1 - 39
14. Ennerdale Gdns 1 - 27
15. Fernleigh Court 1 - 10
16. First Avenue 1 - 32
17. Glendale Gdns 39 - 69, 44 - 56
18. Glendale Gdns 1 - 37, 2 - 42
19. Grasmere Ave 1 - 37, 2 - 50
20. Grasmere Ave 39 - 67, 52 - 100
21. Grasmere Ave 69 - 111, 102 - 140
22. Grasmere Ave 129 -137, 212 - 284
23. Grasmere Ave 113 -127, 142 - 210
24. Logan Rd 1 - 67
25. Logan Rd 2 - 56
26. Longfield Ave 1 - 18
27. Lulworth Ave 1 - 24
28. Montpelier Rise 1 - 21, 2 - 22
29. Montpelier Rise 23 - 47, 24 - 36
30. Montpelier Rise 38 - 92, 49 - 85
31. Rydal Gdns 1 - 37, 2 - 42
32. Rydal Gdns 39 - 69, 50 - 74
33. Second Avenue 1 - 23
34. Third Avenue 1 - 31, 2 - 40
35. Thirlmere Gdns 1 - 41, 2 - 40
36. Thirlmere Gdns 41 - 63, 42 -100A
37. Thirlmere Gdns 65 - 101, 102 - 136
38. Warren Close 1 - 4
39. Windermere Ave 1 - 27, 2 - 52
40. Windermere Ave 54 - 102
41. Windermere Ave 29 - 67, 146 - 194
42. Windermere Ave Flats & Shops
43. Windermere Ct 1 - 24, 25 - 48
44. Woodford Place 1 - 30
CHIEF ROAD STEWARD
8904 1748
8904 5482
8904 5482
07854 150609
8908 0586
02033710259
07712006962
8904 3571
8904 7840
8904 1344
8904 2627
8904 5778
8930 0727
8933 9169
8904 7076
8723 6420
07725 859804
8248 3645
8904 7047
8904 4795
07984 160588
8904 8056
8904 3656
8930 2103
8908 0442
07725 859804
07791 620219
8908 0094
8930 2103
8930 2103
8930 2103
8904 7047
8908 6303
8908 6993
8908 6303
8904 1748
8908 6993
8908 0546
02033710259