LONDON 2012 LOCAL ROUND UP
How have we survived these last few weeks without Olympic and Paralympic sport to cheer? What a fantastic festival it turned out to be. Special congratulations here to those with a local connection:
Ex Vyners pupil Julia Bleasdale (left) recorded personal best times in both her events, finishing 8th in both the 5,000m and 10,000m finals.
Wheelchair tennis player and Ickenham resident Marc McCarroll (far left) came up against a strong opponent in the first round of the singles. Then in the doubles tournament with partner Gordon Reid, he registered straight sets wins against Canadian and Belgian opposition, before losing out in the quarter finals to the eventual French silver medallists.
And what about the Games Makers - the 70,000 volunteers who helped everything run so smoothly? We’ve heard from one local volunteer, podiatrist Kelly Ma (right) from Wallasey Crescent. Her specialist talents were put to good use as part of the medical team at the Olympic Village Polyclinic.
Kelly told us that the clinic was incredibly well equipped, allowing for wide ranging and speedy treatment of any athlete presenting with injuries. MRI scans could be taken immediately, there was ultra sound equipment, and depending on the injury there was scope for administering anaesthetics, acupuncture, or the prompt production of cast boots, strapping, splints and custom made orthotics.
Doctors, radiologists, physiotherapists, nurses, pharmacists and technicians worked together seamlessly, to deliver the medical attention required by athletes under stress, and looking to peak for possibly the most important moment of their careers.
Kelly was humbled by the focus and determination displayed by Olympians and Paralympians alike, and told us it was a privilege to have been involved, providing memories that she would treasure forever.
We think Kelly and her fellow volunteers should themselves take a bow; so to her and to any others in Ickenham reading this, a special thank you to our successful ‘Team Games Makers’!
FUN IN THE SUN
The weather could not have been better for the Fun Afternoon and BBQ on Saturday 15th September when around 150 attended from the two Ickenham Churches and St Mary’s Harefield. The Willowtree Campsite in Breakspear Road North, with all its facilities, was an ideal spot for a programme which included Frisbee Golf, Wellie Throwing, Orienteering and Post Card Competitions, a Parachute Game, and Volleyball, Rounders, and Archery.
A football match between the Churches’ Youth Group, and a more senior group of players took place. Captain Martin Harris of the Seniors’ team said, “It was a close run thing but we decided, as a gesture of encouragement to the youngsters, that we should let them win.” Hmm - the score was 7 -3, the older players looked exhausted – so draw our own conclusions!
For those who preferred a more relaxing time, the St Giles’ Worship Band, with Holly Blackman as vocalist, played and sang some joyful hymns and songs during the afternoon. And the Hillingdon Youth Big Swing Band entertained us while we ate a delicious BBQ.
Juli Harris Powell, who chaired the organising committee for the event, was delighted with the way the afternoon had gone. She said “We have so much fun organising the day as well as attending, and there is loads of support from Church members. Over 40 volunteers were involved in setting up and running the activities. People work so well together, and get to know each other a bit more too. We have so many laughs along the way that it’s a joy to be involved.”
In this Olympic year, there was the presentation of gold medals to all the event winners. After that, Youth Worker James Wood said a closing prayer, giving thanks for “this amazing day.” Everybody was pleased to say Amen to that.
Keith Arnold
QUITE A BUMP AT THE PUMP
A lunchtime crash on 10th September has left the landmark Ickenham Pump in need of repairs. A red Volkswagen crashed into the octagonal timber-framed portico of the historic structure, damaging the balustrade and two of the supporting columns. Fortunately the driver escaped without injury.
Safety fencing has been put in place and work has been done to stabilise the structure. After a full assessment of the damage, plans for repair work will be put in place.
The Pump was a gift to Ickenham from local philanthropist Charlotte Gell who, when she died in 1863, left money in her will for the provision of a good water supply for the people of Ickenham. She also funded the building of Ickenham Cottages in Swakeleys Road (often referred to as the almshouses). The pump remained in use until December 1914.
