What's On

THE Government has announced plans for a High Speed Rail London to Birmingham route, which will run through Ruislip.

The plans - which aim to revolutionise rail in the UK - were unveiled on Thursday by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis.

A 250mph rail route aims to reduce journey times between London and Birmingham to just 46 minutes.

The London base would be at London Euston station, with a Crossrail Interchange planned for Old Oak Station in Paddington.

Arthur Dark, 77, has lived in Breakspear Road, Ruislip, for more than 40 years. It is a street that will be intersected by the High Speed Rail line should the current proposals get the go ahead.

Mr Dark branded the plans " a monstrous waste of money", and was scathing in his criticism of the new service which he says will cause massive unrest with residents in the immediate area and beyond for years to come.

He said: "The implications of these plans are massive, especially when you consider the time it will take to build. The long-term congestion and chaos its construction will cause will just be horrendous.

NORTHWOOD Business Club is relocating and future meetings, including the next on Monday (15) will take place at The Barn Hotel in West End Road, Ruislip.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to network over drinks and a buffet supper, followed by a presentation entitled The Power of Why by Mark Fritz and Annick Devillard.

A FIREFIGHTER from Ruislip is putting himself through the gruelling Virgin London Marathon to raise money for the National Autistic Society (NAS).

Wayne Geen, 34, of St Margaret's Road, decided to take part in the 26-mile run on Sunday, April 25, after his identical twins, Jamie and Lewie, aged eight, were diagnosed with autism four years ago.

A PUB landlord faces eviction after a failed revamp drove customers away, leaving him unable to pay the rent.

Mitchum Hassanali, 32, who runs The White Bear in Ickenham Road, Ruislip, says trade was cut in half after owner pub company, Enterprise Inns, insisted the pub was re-designed two years ago.

ST MARTIN'S in Ruislip will be hosting a lunchtime concert tomorrow (24) at 12.15pm in the church hall.

Pianist Jessica Chan will perform the music of Bach, Brahms and Chopin. Admission free, with a retiring collection for expenses.

Any surplus will go to the Myosotis Trust. For further information visit www.stmartins-ruislip.org or call 01895 625 456.

A RETIRED children's charity worker celebrated her 100th birthday at a Ruislip care home on Sunday (17).

Great aunt Elsie Newbury was born in Isleworth, west London, and spent most of her working life as a carer at a Dr Barnado's children's home in Eastbourne.

Mrs Newbury, who has outlived her three siblings, has been a member of Salem Baptist Church in Uxbridge Road, Uxbridge for several years. She was once captain of the girls brigade at the church and taught in the Sunday school, as well as singing in the choir.

THE final Duck Pond Christmas Farmers Market of the year takes place next Wednesday (23) from 2pm - 7pm.

The popular market, which is housed inside the beautiful 13th Century Great Barn, part of the Manor Farm Complex, features produce grown, reared or made locally.

As well as fresh, seasonal food and plants, there will be children's entertainment, face painting and live music.

There will also be a cafe selling breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks made from produce available for sale at the market.

The next Duck Pond Farmers Market takes place on Sunday, February 7 from 10am to 3pm.

Come and Join the Christmas festivities at The Church of Most Sacred Heart, Pembroke Road, Ruislip. On Saturday 5th December from 10.30 - 2pm.

GET ready to don your skates and do your best impressions of Torvill and Dean as Hillingdon's very own ice rink opens to the public for the second year.

The rink, outside the civic centre in High Street, Uxbridge, will open from next Friday (27) until January 3, 2010.

Last year, more than 13,000 people of all ages visited the rink during the festive period.

Councillor Henry Higgins, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: "The ice was a great success last year and proved popular with residents and visitors alike.

"People came from across the borough and beyond to enjoy the ice rink and we look forward to hopefully welcoming even more people this year to enjoy it again."

Bookings for the ice rink can be made from today (16) through the Beck Theatre box office on 020 8561 8371. On the day sales will be available at the ice rink from November 27.

For further information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk.