PATIENTS REWARDED
The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Allan Kauffman, visited Ickenham on Saturday 16th November when, joyfully assisted by several small children, he formally cut the ribbon to open the extended and refurbished premises of Wallasey Medical Centre. The practice in Wallasey Crescent has been run over the years as quite a family affair: it was opened on the site in 1986 by Dr Kalpana Patel, assisted by her husband Dr Prakash Patel. More recently, their son Dr Kitur Patel has been involved, with Kitur taking over as Principal Doctor on Kalpana’s retirement in April this year.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Patel family, practice staff, patients, neighbours and friends. Having inspected the refurbished accommodation and the new annexe, the Mayor said, “The new surgery has a wide range of services to meet the changes that are happening in the health service and clinical commissioning. I wish the team working here a long and successful time serving the people of Ickenham.”
The Mayor and Mayoress, Mrs Lynne Kauffman, were introduced to the practice’s oldest patient, Mrs Ivy Parish who is approaching her 105th birthday! Ivy lives in Ickenham with her daughter Sheila Claydon.
FAYRE DEALS ALL ROUND
Stall holders were kept busy at the URC Christmas Fayre, as the usual crowds came to snap up the bargains. Why, even Santa’s Elves took time out from their duties to try their luck at the tombola! Our thanks to all who helped us raise over £2000 on the day.
There are a few goodies left over, and these will be on sale at half price at our Coffee Morning on Saturday 14th December (10am – 12 noon). Come along for this, our last fundraising event of the year – then start saving up your change please, for our Coin Mountain on 1st February.
ART BLOOMS IN ICKENHAM
Ickenham Art Society recently presented their ‘At Home’ exhibition in the Village Hall. On display were nearly 100 paintings - a fine effort from a membership of 58!
The society was formed after the Second World War, holding their meetings initially in Swakeleys School until growing membership forced a move to larger accommodation in 2nd Ickenham Scout Hut in Community Close. There are forty meetings a year, many of which include demonstrations or lectures by recognised artists, which, for a small charge, members of the public may attend.
At other ‘working’ meetings, a subject is set, such as still life painting, and members discuss their own efforts, thereby assisting one another to improve techniques. The range of work covers oil painting, water colour, pastels and other media such as wax painting. Some members particularly look forward to June and July when there is the chance to paint outdoors.
There is no point in painting if your work isn’t seen, so regular displays are arranged, in locations including Ruislip Cow Byre and Great Barn and Uxbridge Library. During 2014 one of the major displays will be around the pond during the Ickenham Festival.
If you feel inspired to paint, why not join in? For details, contact Treasurer, David Morley, on 01895 232569, or visit www.ickenhamart.co.uk
DENNIS BROWNLIE
MIND YOUR BIKE!
Officers from the Hillingdon Safer Transport Team will be security-marking bicycles, free of charge, at Bikewise Cycle Shop, in Ivyhouse Road on 6th December from 4pm – 6pm. If your bike has not yet been marked, this is your chance!
RAISE THOSE VOICES!
