Skppra newsletter summer 2014

N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4

4SuccessfulAGM and Summer party

4WaterSAFE

4Fireworks - a frighteningincident

4Fly-tippinghotline

4Recyclinginformation

SKPPRASo

uth

Kent

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Resid

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Ass

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tion

On 20th May we held our very well

attended AGM at The Church of the

Annunciation. Michael, our Chairman

reported on the previous 12 months’

activities and how we dealt with, sorted

or solved the problems that affected

our area. Julia, our Treasurer told us

about our financial situation and

pointed out that the various activities

raised valuable funds for the

Association. We were, therefore, able

to keep the annual membership

subscription at £3.00.

The newsletter and website

generated sufficient income to keep the

residents informed. We were pleased

to advise the residents that we are now

able to offer a specific benefit to

members of SKPPRA. Make sure you

avail yourself of that special offer!

(more on page 3)

In this issue

For all the latest news visit

www.skppra.co.uk

Successful, profitableand

very enjoyable!

Happy

75th Birthday

to

The

WindermerePub

Free no obligation valuation of your home��

Fully qualified Estate Agents with technicalawards in residential sales

��Full double page colour advertising in the

area’s leading local newspapers��

Prominent high street location ensures vastamounts of walk-in clients

��Long opening hours

��We will not be beaten on fees��

188 Preston Road, Wembley HA9 8PA tel: 020 8904 8904 fax: 020 8904 8984

email: [email protected]

Bryan Maher& Co

ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS

S K P P R A N e w s l e t t e r S u m m e r 2 0 1 4

More Committee News We are delighted that Sean Mendis who had joined the committee as a co-opted

member a year ago was voted in to be our Hon. Secretary. Great news!

If you were not able to attend the AGM, you can get copies of the chairman’s

and treasurer’s reports on request.

More success came our way with the Summer Party on 6th July. It was very

well attended and it was delightful to see so many parents and grandparents

bringing their kids along who had a great time on the bouncy castle. Thank you to

Elise who did the face painting for us raising £41.25. The faces were beautiful.

Dave’s coconut shy was again very well attended and he raised £74.65. Thank

you, Dave, for running the stall and to all who had a go. Thank you to Debbie who

donated all the ingredients for the cupcake decorating stall all which was a great

success with the kids. My thanks go to Jeanine who helped me with the raffle table

which was very busy and very successful, raising £251.00! Lots of items were

donated which made a great difference. Special thanks to THE NEST who donated

a £40 meal voucher and to SCISSorS for their voucher for a free cut and wash.

The magician was very entertaining as he moved among the people with his

tricks and slight of hand. I watched with pleasure the puzzled and smiling faces of

children and adults alike. our thanks to the committee members and residents who

helped making the party such a success. Last, but not least, thank you to Jackie for

the organisation and Noel for the food, music and large garden. In the evening we

celebrated the 75th birthday of The Windermere thriving and active as never before!

Roll on next year!

3

HOPKINS ELECTRICAL SERVICES

t Complete rewiring t Garden lighting t Fault finding t Certification

t Extra points, sockets, lights, phone, aerial t Free Advice

Please call now for free quotation

Iain Hopkins 95 Bromfield Stanmore Middx HA7 1AG

Tel: 01923 591673 Mobile: 07905 205 124

e m a i l : i a i n h o p k i n s @ h o t m a i l . c o m


4

Fireworks

Whether you are celebrating Eid, Diwali, Guy Fawkes or a

special birthday, please be especially careful when letting off

fireworks in your garden.

Recently we had a very unpleasant incident when a firework

from a neighbouring garden fell into an elderly lady's garden

setting fire to a tree which was very close to her house almost

setting the house on fire. Apart from destroying the tree and all

the surrounding shrubs, it almost set light to her conservatory.

Due to very quick acting neighbour, the fire mercifully did not

spread to her house. The lady in question was in bed at the time

and was unaware of what was taking place until the neighbour

knocked on her door. This could have been fatal!

Please also bear in mind that babies, small children, the

elderly and pets get quite scared and upset at the explosive

types of fireworks. Please try to keep these to a minimum.

Better to be safe than sorry! Jeanine

Rats Someone asked how I killed the rats I caught in Logan Road.

Well, the traps do the job for me. The type I use are like giant

mouse traps which usually snap the rats necks which hopefully

results in instant death. I hate the killing of any living thing but

rats are such a threat to our health. Those in the building trade

need to be especially careful as several diseases can be caught

from rats especially where water is concerned. My only

consolation is that I leave the dead rats for the foxes at the end

of my garden. Once left they usually disappear within 15 mins. I

keep the traps permanently loaded with peanut butter and have

not seen or caught a rat for the last year. Frank Treviss

D & H HantmanThe Optometrists

n'First for Eyecare in Preston Rd"

206 Preston RoadWembley HA9 8PA

fel: 420 8904 9214

email: [email protected]

Caring for the eyes ofSouth Kenton & Preston Road

for over thirty years

NHS Eye examinations - SpectaclesContact Lenses - Ghildren's Eyecare


6

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL ORGAN

For many people their only acquaintance with an organ happens

in church, as an accompaniment to hymns. Often the organ is a

simple affair, with not many pipes and it is tucked away in a

corner. Organs are essential in cathedrals and are large

instruments with three or four keyboards in addition to pedals.

The pipes may be placed unobtrusively or, as in Exeter

Cathedral, planted in the centre of the choir; a lumpen intrusion

into a sublime architectural space.

In concert halls the organ will have been planned as part of

the design. And so it is with the huge organ, built in 1954, at the

Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank. The massive array of

pipes, 7,866 in all, has been constructed behind the full width of

the concert platform, with a motif of dummy pipes in the centre to

make it look more dramatic.

In 2005 when the hall was closed for refurbishment the entire

organ was dismantled and taken back to the builders Harrison

and Harrison in Durham. After a complete restoration it was

finally welcomed back in March with two whole weekends of free

events. Every aspect of the instrument: the original design,

construction and its relation to the acoustics of the hall, was

discussed. At one of these three-quarter-hour presentations,

craftsmen from the builders had brought along a sample pipe to

show how it could be trimmed to alter the sound, demonstrated

by blowing through it. Then the pipe was passed around so that

we could all feel really involved. Typically it was made of spotted

metal, a relatively soft alloy of lead and tin, favoured by English

organ builders.

There were several recitals and concerts in the celebratory

period. The music ranged from Bach to a prejudice-confounding

piece composed by the modernist artist and composer Martin

Creed whose exhibition ‘What's the Point of it?’ was on view in

the adjacent Hayward Gallery. (cont. on page 8)

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8

(cont. from page 6) ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL ORGAN

There are differing views as to whether an organ can blend

well with an orchestra.

I went to a performance of Saint-Saens Symphony No 3,

‘The Organ'. To begin with, the organ came in as a low rumble,

as sound that could not really have been produced by the

double-basses. Gradually it played a bigger part until suddenly

bursting forth, almost drowning out the full ensemble of the Royal

Philharmonic Orchestra. Then, reigned back slightly, the organ

joined in a boisterous finale. The audience loved it.

The organ features five times in the season beginning in

September and there will be a series of free lunchtime recitals.

DMP 9/6/14

The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the

pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides!

Artur Schnabel (1882 - 1951)

Preston Library UpdateWe are now actively making plans for a new library in Carlton Avenue East,

and we need your support (not to mention your money) more than ever.

I hope to be writing about this in more detail in the near future, but if you

want to be involved in shaping the new library, we'd really like to hear from you.

We've been looking at what other volunteer-run libraries are already doing in

Bucks, in Barnet, in Lewisham and elsewhere, and thinking about what the new

Preston Library should look like, and how it will be funded.

If you want to help in the creation of an important new community space,

please do get in touch. Philip Bromberg

I received this email as I am on their mailing list. The Friends of Preston

Library are working very hard to establish a local library for our area. If you

would like to be on their mailing list or can help, please email

[email protected]. Trixi


9

Goodbye to all my neighbours and friends. I am sorry

I was not able to say goodbye to you all personally.

After more than 30 years as a resident of Grasmere Avenue

and member of SKPPRA, I moved to Scotland in

May enjoying living in Edinburgh near my family. I had

expected to rent for a few months whilst I looked for

something to buy, but I found just what I wanted to

buy straight away.

Best wishes to everyone. Jane Rickman

n Gas Central Heating Maintenance,

Installation & Repair

n Landlord’s Gas Safety Inspections

n All Plumbing Works undertaken

Free Estimates

83 Montpelier RiseWembley, Middlesex HA9 8RQTel: 020 8904 0265 Mobile 07956 651 044

EDWARDS GAS SERVICESEGS

To Flush or not to Flush

A little while ago we received a leaflet from Thames Water

reminding us what not to flush away as it can damage or clog

up your sewer system. One of the obvious ones is NOT to pour

fat down the toilet or the sink. Horrible!

I do like their suggestion to cool the fat which you can then

put in the landfill bin (but not in the hot summer, I would

suggest!) I prefer to mix bird seeds into the cooling mixture.

I put my fat and seeds into an old margarine tub and freeze it. I

learnt a lesson the other day, though, when my square “fatball”

had melted onto the grass below! I blame the hot summer...

More information on www.thameswater.co.uk/binit Trixi

Useful information when you need to employ a

Gas Engineer or Plumber

Please note that in addition to the GasSAFE scheme for

competent gas engineers there is now a WaterSAFE scheme for

registered plumbers. Most of the properties on our estate have

two types of drainage, rainwater and soil. An incorrect connection

to the wrong drain can result in a substantial fine being imposed

on the householder by the local water board. Householders are

advised to only use trades people who are registered members

of aforementioned schemes. This would avoid the connection of

things like washing machines to the incorrect drain. Contact the

local water board to obtain the details of a registered plumber in

your area or the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating

Engineers. Frank Treviss 28/7/14

10


To all residentsBy now you may have renewed your 2014/15 membership.

Don’t forget to use your new card to get 25% off any meal

at OASIS.

Please let’s us know how you feel about this special

offer because we would like to introduce more benefits for

our SKPPRA members - and to make the non-members

jealous!!!

Fly-tipping is a great nuisance making any area ugly and

potentially dangerous. Brent Council has a fly-tipping hotline.

They say: If you see somebody fly-tipping, please alert us

by phoning

020 8937 5050 or report any fly-tipping at

www. brent.co.uk/flytipping.


11

Recycling...... for a good cause

Have you got old clothes, scraps of material which are not good enough to sell in

the charity shop? The St Luke’s Shop in Preston Road will take them as rags and

also raise money for them. The more we recycle, the less goes in the expensive

(landfill tax, you know) grey bin.

... collection reminder

We now have a new calendar reminding us of the recycling dates and which bin to

put out during which week. No doubt you know that plastic bags cannot be placed

in the green or blue bins. Keep them and when you next shop at the supermarket,

put them in their recycling bin. If you also do a quick check on the plastic bags in

which you buy some of the greens, they, too, will tell you which one you can put in

the “supermarket” recycling bin. It is important that we recycle every item that can

be recycled.

... using biodegradable bags

If you prefer to keep food scraps and vegetable peelings in a container (or the

caddy box) to put them in the green bin later (especially in the winter!!), you must

use biodegradable bags. Make sure they are identified as such. You can get a free

supply from Brent Council ([email protected]), or 020 8937 5050.

Alternatively, wrap them in newspaper, or, as find found useful, put them in

envelopes which drop through your door with everyday advertising. Make sure they

are paper only, not with see-through windows.

... information

There is more recycling information in the leaflet we received with the collection

calendar. Especially what not to do! Let’s make sure we increase our recycling

percentage and definitely starve the grey bin!

You will no doubt have read in the local paper that Brent Councilhas voted to get rid of the green bin. A decision, I am sure, manyof us find impossible to understand. The issue will be discussedat the next committee meeting to which we have invited the threecouncillors.

Brook in Preston Park

I received your newsletter courtesy of my brother who wrote an

article about being at Preston Park School during the war. I, too,

was there. My memories concern the park. We spent many

hours there, particularly jumping the brook. We had set jumps

along the brook and went backwards and forwards along it. If

your foot went in the water that was a 'bootie'. However, I had a

worse fate. One jump was to run down the side of the brook,

jump across and then run up the other side. I, unfortunately,

tripped and fell headlong into the brook. I was soaked all down

one side. In those days we did not have a wardrobe of clothes,

just the one school dress. Consequently, I did not have a dress

to wear the next day and had to go to school in one of my

sister's old dresses. I hid in shame most of the day I believe. The

park was just allotments and the brook, although there were

tennis courts and a bowling green, although they were for the

'richer' members of the community. We were so surprised when

we went back many years later and found a landscape park,

delightful, and we have visited many times since. I was talking to

another old pupil last night, Monica Rogers we are still friends

and see each other whenever we are in England, and her

brother John. I did return to the school a few years ago to

explain about life during the war and was made very welcome.

We had a great childhood in Preston Road, despite the war, our

parents always spoke about when we win the war and we did not

even realise until we grew up how close we were to losing it.

Olive Waldron (nee Jackson)

Thank you, Olive, for sending us your memories. Beryl, a local

resident, also remembers the brook - see opposite page. Trixi

12


By a very happy coincidence, Dr. Lesley P. Stagg, too, recalls

her time spent in our area, even THAT brook is mentioned!

Check her memories on our website skppra.co.uk.


13

It can happenA burst pipe, a leaking radiator, it can happen. Do you know what to do? Do you

know where your stopcock is? Do you know who to call when this happens? Be

prepared for the winter.

Locked yourself out?I locked my car and house keys into the boot of my car - silly, but it happened. My

neighbour has a spare key to my house and indoors I have a specific place for any

spare keys, including the spare car key. Panic over.

I also checked with the AA. They would have come out but say that forcing the

car door or boot open can cause scratching.

How would you deal with something like this?

Cleaning the green wayI like to be friendly to the environment and found an interesting website which tells

you about using lemon juice, vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to create the perfect

environmentally friendly cleaning products. www.makingyourown.co.uk

That brook again....Beryl, a local resident remembers: “In the 1930’s when I was an infant there was a

lovely children’s playground situated where it is now with a high slide, a

roundabout, see-saw, and two sets of swings, one closed in for the younger

children. We used to put candle grease on the slide so we could come down at

speed. The playground was well used in the 1940’s and later I used to take my

nephews and nieces there.

When we came out of Preston Park School our favourite pastime was to jump

the brook, which at that time ran through the park. I don’t know when it was

tunnelled underground.”

Recycled Art at WembleyHave a look at the fabulous way artist Faith Bebbington has used recycled

materials to create two new Wembley Lions.

www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/three-lions-wembley-stadium-venue-

7635705.

It must look even more stunning seeing it at Wembley!


14

SKPPRA Committee for 2014/15 - Officers

Chairman, Michael 020 8904 1750, [email protected], Julia 020 8908 0094, [email protected] Mendis, Hon. Secretary, [email protected]

Chief Road Steward, Sagar 020 3371 0259, [email protected] Editor, Trixi 020 8904 4795, [email protected]

Website Manager, David 020 8904 2387, [email protected] Secretary, Clare, 020 8904 9699, [email protected]

Social Secretary, Noel 07791 620219, [email protected] members Linda Green, 020 8908 0173, [email protected]

Alfred Tyndale, 07984 160588, 020 8904 3264

Mediation

The SKPPRA committee recently had the benefit of a talk from David Ellis of

Peaceful Solutions. Peaceful Solutions is a charitably funded mediation service

which has had experience of working with residents across the Brent Area. David

informed us that they had previously worked with the Council to alleviate violence

on estates. This was done by training ordinary residents as ‘Gatekeepers’, that is,

mediators who could intervene and find solutions to disputes on the estate.

What is mediation? Mediation is an informal alternative to legal resolution of

disputes. It can be used in all areas of life. Personal relationships, such as

marriage and family disputes, neighbourhood disputes and commercial disputes

can all benefit from mediation. In a formal legal dispute each side will appoint a

lawyer to protect each other’s interests; in mediation a mediator will work with both

parties to find a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation seeks to repair differences

and build relationships. This can be very important when neighbours still need to

live near each other.

David explained that the process worked by the mediator first contacting both

parties and arrange a meeting. He said that even this first meeting can take a lot of

time and patience. It is a difficult process as it demands that people change long-

term fixed habits and behaviours. However, it is the role of the mediator to stay

with the problem until it is fixed. The mediator stays impartial at all times and does

not advise but ensures that the conversation is balanced.

Although Peaceful Solutions are a charity there is a fee for using the service. If

you would like to find out more about Peaceful Solutions visit their website:

www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk or you can call them on 020 8453 0086. Clare

S K P P R A R o a d S t e w a r d s S u m m e r 2 0 1 4

15

1. Allonby Gdns 1 - 16

2. Ambleside Gdns 1 - 47

3. Ambleside Gdns 2 - 48

4. Arnside Gdns 1 - 28

5. Carlton Ave East 131 - 173, 160 - 200

6. Carlton Ave East 175 - 213, 202 - 252

7. Carlton Ave East 215 - 233, 254 - 314

8. College Rd 1 - 22

9. College Rd 23 - 64

10. Coniston Gdns 1 - 25, 2 - 26

11. Coniston Gdns 27 - 51, 28 - 56

12. Conway Gdns 1 - 35

13. Derwent Gdns 1 - 39

14. Ennerdale Gdns 1 - 27

15. Fernleigh Court 1 - 10

16. First Avenue 1 - 32

17. Glendale Gdns 39 - 69, 44 - 56

18. Glendale Gdns 1 - 37, 2 - 42

19. Grasmere Ave 1 - 37, 2 - 50

20. Grasmere Ave 39 - 67, 52 - 100

21. Grasmere Ave 69 - 111, 102 - 140

22. Grasmere Ave 129 -137, 212 - 284

23. Grasmere Ave 113 -127, 142 - 210

24. Logan Rd 1 - 67

25. Logan Rd 2 - 56

26. Longfield Ave 1 - 18

27. Lulworth Ave 1 - 24

28. Montpelier Rise 1 - 21, 2 - 22

29. Montpelier Rise 23 - 47, 24 - 36

30. Montpelier Rise 38 - 92, 49 - 85

31. Rydal Gdns 1 - 37, 2 - 42

32. Rydal Gdns 39 - 69, 50 - 74

33. Second Avenue 1 - 23

34. Third Avenue 1 - 31, 2 - 40

35. Thirlmere Gdns 1 - 41, 2 - 40

36. Thirlmere Gdns 41 - 63, 42 -100A

37. Thirlmere Gdns 65 - 101, 102 - 136

38. Warren Close 1 - 4

39. Windermere Ave 1 - 27, 2 - 52

40. Windermere Ave 54 - 102

41. Windermere Ave 29 - 67, 146 - 194

42. Windermere Ave Flats & Shops

43. Windermere Ct 1 - 24, 25 - 48

44. Woodford Place 1 - 30

CHIEF ROAD STEWARD

8904 1748

8904 5482

8904 5482

07854 150609

8908 0586

02033710259

07712006962

8904 3571

8904 7840

8904 1344

8904 2627

8904 5778

8930 0727

8933 9169

8904 7076

8723 6420

07725 859804

8248 3645

8904 7047

8904 4795

07984 160588

8904 8056

8904 3656

8930 2103

8908 0442

07725 859804

07791 620219

8908 0094

8930 2103

8930 2103

8930 2103

8904 7047

8908 6303

8908 6993

8908 6303

8904 1748

8908 6993

8908 0546

02033710259

Documents

Skppra newsletter summer 2014