April 2014

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A NEW BEGINNING FOR GLEBE

These are challenging days for Glebe School as it is being completely replaced.  The construction of a new double-storey building, scheduled for completion by the summer term, is well underway in the old playground.

Nick Alford, Glebe School’s Headteacher, explained why the rebuilding project is necessary.  “During my eight years at Glebe School, the number of pupils has increased from 280 to nearly 500,” he said.   “Hillingdon’s school-age population has steadily increased as children move into the area from central London but correspondingly fewer move out to places like Buckinghamshire.  Glebe has also increased in popularity because of the improvements in academic achievements, which have significantly exceeded national expectations over the last three years and are expected to continue.”
John Hatton, Morgan Sindall’s Project Manager, has maintained a close liaison with staff and pupils during the construction programme.  He said that the building, which will have a floor area of 4,000 square metres, was proceeding well despite delays caused by the adverse weather.  “It is being constructed with well-proven, pre-fabricated units manufactured in this country.  Solar panels are being used extensively to reduce the running costs.”

Mr Alford is looking forward to the formal opening in the autumn.  “This is a really exciting time and we expect to start moving into the purpose-built building in early summer.  There will be more space for the children, a new library, ICT suite, games area, group rooms and a larger hall.  We will also re-introduce hot school meals in September using the new kitchens.  We can’t yet say who will open the new premises, but the real V.I.P.s will be the pupils who will benefit from it!”
AFN

SMALL CHANGES AT JUBILEE PLACE

“Jubilee Place”, a charming little cottage, alongside Ickenham Pond, is the office of Nagin Makan.  His small family firm of Chartered Accountants, Makan and Makan, is one of the longest-standing advertisers in Ickenham Church News; Nagin believes that ICN, with its distribution to every household and business in Ickenham, is an ideal outlet for small, locally-based businesses.   

Nagin is now nearing retirement and is in the process of gradually handing over his responsibilities “in a measured fashion” to ensure that none of his present or new clients will be adversely affected.  Meanwhile, he will work in collaboration with a larger firm, headed by Roopesh Vaghjee, but continue on as now in Jubilee Place. 
 
Nagin qualified and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and came down to London in 1972 to work for Ernst and Young.  After a brief spell in Hertz Europe, he set up his own practice in 1978, moved to a rented office in Panstar House in Ickenham in 1981, and then moved his family house to live in Ickenham.  Having bought Jubilee Place in a dilapidated state it was not until 1985 that he managed to get it habitable and move in.  He’s been there ever since.  He said, “I love Ickenham but it’s changed completely over the years.  Previously there were just a few small shops; bakers, butchers, greengrocers etc but they’ve mostly gone now and the traffic is horrendous.  But the charming people mean it’s still a nice place to live.”

Nagin fondly remembers the time he played cricket for Ickenham; the years they won almost everything.  Now he plays golf for relaxation.  He looks forward to a full retirement – but only after he’s achieved a seamless, gradual handover of his clients!
AFN

Ickenham residents raised a massive £715.31 last month for Marie Curie Cancer Care.  Thank you!

END OF AN ICKENHAM ERA

Sadly one of the oldest bowls clubs in Middlesex is now no more.  The bowling green, situated in the grounds of Swakeleys House, was first opened in 1946, when the Foreign Office, then occupying the house, laid it for their social club.  However, when Swakeleys House Ltd purchased the house, the Swakeleys House Bowls Club was formed and, after sterling work on the green by John Wilkinson, it re-opened in 1983.  For over 30 years, almost 100 members have enjoyed the location, and the green, in peace.

The present owner wishes to sell the house, so the club has been given notice to quit, and they’ve moved out, lock, stock and barrel.  “It’s the end of a community”, said Club Captain Doreen Burchett.  “It’s sad because our members came, not only to play bowls but also to enjoy each others’ company.  Many of these contacts will be lost.”  John said his whole life was based on the club; now there’s nowhere else for him to bowl in Ickenham.
AFN