Readers may recall Nikki Summerfield’s story last year in ICN, concerning the donation of one of her kidneys to her close friend, Melanie Cox.  We are thrilled to report the fact that both girls are doing just fine.  Instead of severe pain, lack of mobility and the prospect of endless dialysis, Melanie is now enjoying a normal life and “feels fantastic”. 

Fittingly, Nikki was successfully nominated for the Fenjal Friendship Award which is made annually, in conjunction with Prima magazine, to recognise a truly outstanding gesture of friendship.  The prize was a pampering spa break for two at prestigious Ragdale Hall.  Who else would Nikki take with her but Melanie?  They had a great time and enjoyed a well-deserved treat.  

What causes anyone to make such a sacrifice?  Nikki explains, “Melanie has been my best friend for 23 years and when she told me she needed a new kidney I didn’t have to think twice – she is a wonderful person and I wanted her to be in my life for as long as possible.  I was over the moon when the tests showed that I was a suitable donor.  We went to Hammersmith Hospital for the operation and they couldn’t have been kinder.  Recovery took about two months – a small price to help someone have a new life”.  

Melanie adds, “I’ll never forget what Nikki’s done for me.  I feel so lucky to have a friend like her.  Going through this experience together has made us even closer and we loved our short stay at Ragdale”.

Nikki, who is a busy mum of two and works at British Airways, also finds time to be the much-valued Secretary of the Ickenham Festival team.  She is noted for her bubbly humour and care and concern for everyone around her.  She encourages other would-be donors to register with the National Kidney Foundation, carry donor cards and ensure their family are aware of their wishes.  If, like Nikki, you think you could help someone by being a live donor, you can get more information on 01909 487795 or on www.kidney.org.uk/living-donor.

 

Another brilliant Vyners Swing Band concert, led by Perry Parsons MBE, was held at Vyners School in July.  And there was much to celebrate: 40 years since Perry started teaching at the school, 20 years since he started the swing band there, ten years since the Big Band was formed and 30 days or so since their unforgettable performance (with fireworks!) at Swakeleys House during the Ickenham Festival. 

Of course, the sixteen pupils who formed the original band are now grown up, several with their own families.  Jennie Dell has emigrated to Canada, where she is married to Lee and works for a charity.  She still occasionally plays her tenor saxophone.  Tina England (clarinet) is now Tina Dennis, living in Chalfont St Peter with husband Ian and two children.  She has particularly fond memories of the VSB concert played with the much-loved and much-missed Roy Castle.  Edward Snowden still plays trombone with the Perry Parsons Big Band and works for a reinsurance company in London.  He vividly recalls playing “Moonlight Serenade” in his first VSB concert.  Then there’s Lucy Tate (flute) who trained as a teacher and became Head of German at a school in Bournemouth.  She married Laurent, another teacher, and has two sons to whom she teaches the piano. 

There are hundreds more ex-members with happy memories of their time with the band that is Ickenham’s own.  But there are thousands more who have beaten time whilst attending some 550 VSB performances across the globe, and there are umpteen charities who have benefited from over £100, 000 raised from those concerts.

In ‘Forthcoming Events’ you will see that VSB is holding its Annual Farewell Concert at Vyners School on Saturday, 13th September.  Do go along, and here’s to the next forty years!

 

Two URC fundraising events to note this month: on Saturday 6^th September there’s the Late Summer Forecourt Sale.  From 10am till 12 noon there will be books, boxed games, CDs, DVDs, records and tapes, plus bric-a-brac and the ever popular home-made cakes and preserves.  There will also be a FairTrade stall on site.

Then on Saturday 27^th September there is another of our monster Jumble Sales: clothes and bric-a-brac at this one with toys and a selection of books.  Again the times are 10am till 12 noon.

Admission to both events is FREE.  If you have items to donate please bring them to the Church on the Friday night before the relevant event, in both instances between 6pm and 8pm.  Ring Richard Piper on 01895 634348 for further information, or if you need items to be collected.

 

If you have been inspired by recent Saturday night TV and would like to get involved, two local choirs are keen to encourage new members.  Both have open evenings this month, and you are cordially invited to come along.

The Hillingdon Choral Society rehearses at the URC on Monday evenings.  Come along at 7.45pm on Mon 8^th September.

Uxbridge Choral Society members meanwhile, meet at St Margaret’s Church, Uxbridge on Wednesday evenings.  They would like to see you there at 7.45pm on Wed 10^th September.

 

Abbeyfield held its Open Day at 26 Court Road on 13th August.  Fifty visitors were able to meet the dedicated committee of volunteers and staff as well as the five contented residents, and stroll in the large and well-kept garden.  There are vacancies for three more residents, each bed-sitting room being complete with en-suite facilities.  If you would like to know more or arrange a visit, contact the Housekeeper on 01895 632486 between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

 

Receipt is acknowledged, with grateful thanks, for donations towards the cost of ICN, from:

Ickenham Institute, Anon of Milton Road, West Ruislip Jazz Club, Anon of Rectory Way, Ickenham Festival, Ickenham Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild, Abbeyfield Ickenham Society.

Copy for the October edition of ICN should be with the team by 12 noon on 13^th September.