At this, the start of the ICN year, we would like to thank all those who advertise in the magazine or on our website each month.  Their support, along with that of the clubs, societies and individuals who make donations towards our running costs (and who are acknowledged each month in Parish Pump) ensures we can continue to produce and deliver the magazine to every home in Ickenham.

It is pleasing to think that in return we can help those advertisers too, especially now, in what are trying times for many businesses.  Mark Hallam, a general handyman, counts himself lucky to be one of our regular advertisers.  “I had to wait for eighteen months before I could be included in the magazine,” he said, “but now I get a steady stream of locals who need my services.  In fact, 75 per cent of my jobs arise from ICN.” 

As his advert proclaims, there’s not much inside a house that he isn’t prepared to tackle.  “I really like having a big variety of jobs to do and the opportunity to meet new people at the same time.”  He has an HNC in Building Management and Maintenance and was Breakspear School’s caretaker before deciding to work for himself.

In common with many of his fellow advertisers, Mark is very much a local man, having lived in Ickenham for over fifteen years.  His wife Diane has lived here most of her life, and her parents, Beryl and Alan, have a long association with the village as well as St Giles’ Church. 

Mark knows it is vital that readers, especially the elderly, can put their trust in those that offer their services.  Whilst ICN is not resourced to thoroughly vet our advertisers, feedback would suggest that traders choosing this route strive to ensure their good reputation close to home.  However, if you are ever thinking of using an unfamiliar company, then before proceeding it is always worth asking them to nominate one or two customers who wouldn’t mind being asked for their opinion.  All trustworthy businesses would be happy to comply.

 

Ann Day will be organising a ‘Coin Mountain’ during the next URC Saturday Coffee Morning, on 7^th March, from 10am until 12 noon.  Please save up any spare coins, and bring them along on the day.  You can add them to the picture while you enjoy the usual tea, coffee and home-made produce available. 

Last year a very impressive £107 was raised to add to church funds and the year’s designated good causes.  Let’s see if we can beat that this time!

 

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

Anon via David Thorpe, Ann from The Buntings, the Birkbecks via David Crane, Mrs Chapman, Cancer Research UK, Anon via Val Kershaw, Sally Pierce of Farnham Common, Ickenham Village Townswomen’s Guild, Glebe Primary School PTA, Valerie Lane of Lincoln, Ickenham Cricket Club.

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

 

ROTARY CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN WITH THE VYNERS SWING BAND present a Charity Concert in aid of AGE CONCERN HILLINGDON   Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm In Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham Tickets £6 each available from Neil at Age Concern Hillingdon on 01895 431331 Bring your own drinks and nibbles