A new technological programme will open to projects on gas-fired power plants and coal-fired power plants, the UK's energy and climate change department says.
The carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration programme is set to ensure the country continues to be at the forefront of CCS development as well as lead the world's development of CCS on gas and coal.
Chris Huhne, Enegy and Climate Change Secretary, said: “We won't be able to take carbon out of all gas plants overnight, but we hope to support the porcess by investment in new technology now.
“In the long run carbon capture will help provide us with a secure and affordable energy system and we want to encourage companies with projects on both gas and coal-fired power stations to come forward.”
Mr Huhne then pointed out that this does not mean the government is imposing the same emission constraints on gas-fired power plants as on coal in the short or medium term, and he wanted to encourage companies to come forward with potential projects.
The govenrment has recently announced that up to £1 billion is to be made available for the first commercial scale CCS demonstration project, and the government is committed to funding four such projects.
The decision to include gas-fired power stations in the programme was made after analysing the net benefits approach, including an assessment of the evidence and recommendations from the Climate Change Committee's second progress report, and information collected through the market sounding exercise.
(249 words)
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Black conscious music story
By Yixiang Zeng
A talk about black conscious music encouraged young people to reach out their dreams and keep learning to discover their potential.
The talk, organised by Akoben Awards ended this year's Black History Month at Gayton Road Library in Harrow town centre last week.
Rap artist Kimba joined the discussion and talked about his newly produced educational CD 'African History: Did you know?' for the Awards.
The Akoben Awards is an organisation which aims to introduce positive and uplifting black music to the community's youngsters, rather than the stereotypical violent or sexual theme related music.
He introduced a song called Oh This Life is for You to the audience, he said: “The lyrics is about inspiring young people reach their goals.
“It is quite important for black history by encouraging young people to follow their dreams.”
He then pointed out the community's business legend Tony Wade who can act as a role model to help youngsters build up their confidence and self-esteem.
Another highlight during the event was Kimba's introduction to another song called Be a Student, he said: “It is quite important that we all want to learn.
“The more we can learn, the more we can take it better to support the black people here. If we want a better society, we all need to learn.”
Among the audience who enjoyed the talk was 10-year-old Lana Agyeman, a Year Five student from Buxlow Preparatory School in Wembley.
He said: “It is very enjoyable. It gives me more about black music and I like the singing and dance.”
A talk about black conscious music encouraged young people to reach out their dreams and keep learning to discover their potential.
The talk, organised by Akoben Awards ended this year's Black History Month at Gayton Road Library in Harrow town centre last week.
Rap artist Kimba joined the discussion and talked about his newly produced educational CD 'African History: Did you know?' for the Awards.
The Akoben Awards is an organisation which aims to introduce positive and uplifting black music to the community's youngsters, rather than the stereotypical violent or sexual theme related music.
He introduced a song called Oh This Life is for You to the audience, he said: “The lyrics is about inspiring young people reach their goals.
“It is quite important for black history by encouraging young people to follow their dreams.”
He then pointed out the community's business legend Tony Wade who can act as a role model to help youngsters build up their confidence and self-esteem.
Another highlight during the event was Kimba's introduction to another song called Be a Student, he said: “It is quite important that we all want to learn.
“The more we can learn, the more we can take it better to support the black people here. If we want a better society, we all need to learn.”
Among the audience who enjoyed the talk was 10-year-old Lana Agyeman, a Year Five student from Buxlow Preparatory School in Wembley.
He said: “It is very enjoyable. It gives me more about black music and I like the singing and dance.”
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Harrow children meet TV star Peppa Pig
By Yixiang Zeng
Children in Harrow came face-to-face with TV stars Peppa Pig and George on Saturday afternoon.
The event at St Ann’s Shopping Centre attracted hundreds of youngsters who got the chance to have their photos taken with the pair.
11-year-old Jasmine was one of the fans who queued up. She said: “I like the characters, they make me laugh, they’re not serious about what they do and they just play.”
Mum Nina Salami had also brought her child along to meet Peppa and George, who have become a smash since their show first appeared on Channel Five.
Nina said: “They like Peppa Pig because it is a very successful show, very entertaining, educational and funny.”
The characters were brought to St Ann’s as part of a series of half-term activities at the shopping centre.
St Ann’s Manager Suzy Wood said: "We’re thrilled to have Peppa Pig and her brother George come to St Ann’s.
“They are much loved TV personalities and it’s great that families are able to meet them here.”
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Mental Health Story - second version
By Yixiang Zeng
A Harrow charity has been organising a training project to get mentally ill people into work and help raise mental health awarenesses within the borough.
The project TrainAware, part of Mind in Harrow's Head for Work, has been recruiting people who suffer from mental illness to become trainers as well as helping locals understand how mental health problems can affect their work and daily life.
Training coordinator Chrystelle Heldire told The HA1 after the World Mental Health Day celebration: “Since September 2008, we were able to start paying our trainers on an hour rate and employ them on a bank basis.”
She explained that trainers' payment is generated partly from the companies who send their employees to the training sessions, and partly from the charity's reserves.
These trainers were educated through a series of methods and were accredited by Middlesex University, who are then able to give training sessions to local employees and help raise their mental health awarenesses.
Chrystelle said: “These methods include brainstorming, how to work with groups and give constructive feedback, how to share plans and goals, presentation and facilitation skills.”
According to her, so far the trainers have already delivered approximately 45 training sessions to a number of local companies and organisations, such as Jobcentre Plus and Aspire, a charity that offers support to an individual who suffers from spinal injuries.
Mark Gillham, Chief executive of Mind in Harrow, said it is important for the companies and trainers to work together, he said: “From the company side, the manager will have better understanding of employees' mental health issues, such as life stress and depression, or not be able to work to their best capacity. So it helps their businesses.
“Trainers will have real work experience, and be able to use their own experience of mental health problem to explain directly what they have been through.”
Another local charity Capable Communities, which co-ordinated this year's World Mental Health Day, also said they want to work closely with companies to get people with mental problems into work.
The president of Harrow in Business Allen Pluck said his organisation has a tradition of helping marginalised individuals.
However, he has his own concerns: “at the moment, the whole of the business support infrastructure is in complete turmoil. And we are struggling to obtain funding to support the survival of any local business or individuals wishing to become self employed.”
A Harrow charity has been organising a training project to get mentally ill people into work and help raise mental health awarenesses within the borough.
The project TrainAware, part of Mind in Harrow's Head for Work, has been recruiting people who suffer from mental illness to become trainers as well as helping locals understand how mental health problems can affect their work and daily life.
Training coordinator Chrystelle Heldire told The HA1 after the World Mental Health Day celebration: “Since September 2008, we were able to start paying our trainers on an hour rate and employ them on a bank basis.”
She explained that trainers' payment is generated partly from the companies who send their employees to the training sessions, and partly from the charity's reserves.
These trainers were educated through a series of methods and were accredited by Middlesex University, who are then able to give training sessions to local employees and help raise their mental health awarenesses.
Chrystelle said: “These methods include brainstorming, how to work with groups and give constructive feedback, how to share plans and goals, presentation and facilitation skills.”
According to her, so far the trainers have already delivered approximately 45 training sessions to a number of local companies and organisations, such as Jobcentre Plus and Aspire, a charity that offers support to an individual who suffers from spinal injuries.
Mark Gillham, Chief executive of Mind in Harrow, said it is important for the companies and trainers to work together, he said: “From the company side, the manager will have better understanding of employees' mental health issues, such as life stress and depression, or not be able to work to their best capacity. So it helps their businesses.
“Trainers will have real work experience, and be able to use their own experience of mental health problem to explain directly what they have been through.”
Another local charity Capable Communities, which co-ordinated this year's World Mental Health Day, also said they want to work closely with companies to get people with mental problems into work.
The president of Harrow in Business Allen Pluck said his organisation has a tradition of helping marginalised individuals.
However, he has his own concerns: “at the moment, the whole of the business support infrastructure is in complete turmoil. And we are struggling to obtain funding to support the survival of any local business or individuals wishing to become self employed.”
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Mental Health story - first version
By Yixiang Zeng
A local charity is calling on businesses to offer mentally ill people jobs.
Capable Communities, which co-ordinated this year's World Mental Health Day since Friday, wants to work closely with companies to get people who suffer with mental illnesses into work.
The four-day event offers an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and provide locals with a range of suggestions on how to reduce stress and depression in order to keep healthy.
Steve Porter, director of the charity, believes people with mental problems could get jobs in box offices, he said: “At the moment many tickets are operating on the web, but people want someone to talk to when booking their shows.
“What I am saying is to get the companies involved in paying someone with mental health difficulties to sell the tickets.”
He also suggested that the box office could operate in a shift system with different people working in a different time slot.
In addition, they could do other jobs in marketing. “They could also distribute marketing materials like flyers or posters to community centre or residential addresses relating with any events,” he added.
Another local charity Mind in Harrow also participated in the event, its chief executive Mark Gillham told The HA1: “One in six of the population in Harrow will have mental health problems today, that is estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people will have such difficulties.”
The charity has been training mentally ill people to become trainers, who are then employed by local companies to help their employees overcome different symptoms of mental illnesses.
Mr Gillham explained it is very important for both the trainers and companies to get involved: “These people have been out of work for long time, because of the mental health being very disadvantageous.
“Being qualified as trainers, they will have real work experience, and be able to use their own experience of mental health problem to explain directly what they have been through.
“From the company side, the manager will have better understanding of employees' mental health issues, such as life stress and depression, or not be able to work to their best capacity. So it helps their businesses.”
However, when speaking to Allen Pluck, the president of Harrow in Business, about to what extent local businesses can give a hand to those people with mental health problems, he expressed his concern by saying:“at the moment, the whole of the business support infrastructure is in complete turmoil.
“We are even struggling to obtain funding to support the survival of any local business or individuals wishing to become self-employed.”
A local charity is calling on businesses to offer mentally ill people jobs.
Capable Communities, which co-ordinated this year's World Mental Health Day since Friday, wants to work closely with companies to get people who suffer with mental illnesses into work.
The four-day event offers an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and provide locals with a range of suggestions on how to reduce stress and depression in order to keep healthy.
Steve Porter, director of the charity, believes people with mental problems could get jobs in box offices, he said: “At the moment many tickets are operating on the web, but people want someone to talk to when booking their shows.
“What I am saying is to get the companies involved in paying someone with mental health difficulties to sell the tickets.”
He also suggested that the box office could operate in a shift system with different people working in a different time slot.
In addition, they could do other jobs in marketing. “They could also distribute marketing materials like flyers or posters to community centre or residential addresses relating with any events,” he added.
Another local charity Mind in Harrow also participated in the event, its chief executive Mark Gillham told The HA1: “One in six of the population in Harrow will have mental health problems today, that is estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people will have such difficulties.”
The charity has been training mentally ill people to become trainers, who are then employed by local companies to help their employees overcome different symptoms of mental illnesses.
Mr Gillham explained it is very important for both the trainers and companies to get involved: “These people have been out of work for long time, because of the mental health being very disadvantageous.
“Being qualified as trainers, they will have real work experience, and be able to use their own experience of mental health problem to explain directly what they have been through.
“From the company side, the manager will have better understanding of employees' mental health issues, such as life stress and depression, or not be able to work to their best capacity. So it helps their businesses.”
However, when speaking to Allen Pluck, the president of Harrow in Business, about to what extent local businesses can give a hand to those people with mental health problems, he expressed his concern by saying:“at the moment, the whole of the business support infrastructure is in complete turmoil.
“We are even struggling to obtain funding to support the survival of any local business or individuals wishing to become self-employed.”
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Harvest Festival teaches children about plants
By Yixiang Zeng
Harrow children enjoyed a scarecrow hunt and a colouring competition at a local garden centre during the weekend.
The event, held at Harrow Garden Centre in Headstone Lane, was part of a Harvest Festival set up teach children more about plants and offer families tips on growing fruit and vegetables.
Children were encouraged to colour in pictures with a harvest-theme and find six scarecrows hiding inside and around the garden centre.
10-year-old Libby, was among the many children who enjoyed the activities, she said: “I thought it was quite a good idea, and I thought colouring and finding scarecrows are quite fun.”
Also taking part in the event was 6-year-old Laura, who added: “We decide what we’re going to do with the picture, like if we want to put stickers on it.”
Laura’s mum Maggie Sharrock told The HA1: “It’s important for children to understand the season, to understand how to grow plants.
“They prefer to enter the scarecrow hunt, if they win they can get a pack of seeds, like sunflower or daffodil, so they can understand how the plants grow.”
Mike Townend, manager of the garden centre, explained why it was important to organise activities for the children, saying: “It’s very important to connect our business with local community.
“Children are our customers’ future, so they are very important. It’s nice for children to have some activities while their parents are buying things.”
The 20 entries for the competition will be judged by the centre’s visitors this week and all three winners will be rewarded with arts and crafts products.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Harvest Festival story
By Yixiang Zeng
Harrow children enjoyed a scarecrow hunt and a colouring competition at a local garden centre during the weekend.
The event, held in Headstone Lane, was part of the centre's Harvest Festival which invited families to attend and provided them suggestions of how to grow vegetables and fruits.
Children were encouraged to colour pictures of their own choice with a harvest-theme and find out six scarecrows hiding inside and around Harrow Garden Centre.
Libby Radford, 10, of West Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, was among the many children who enjoyed the activities, she said: “I thought it was quite a good idea, and I thought colouring and finding scarecrows are quite fun.”
Along with Libby taking part in the event was 6-year-old Laura Sharrock of Nelson Road in Harrow-on-the-Hill, she added: “We decide what we're going to do with the picture, like if we want to put stickers on it.”
Laura's mum Maggie Sharrock, 40, told The HA1: “It's important for children to understand the season, to understand how to grow plants.
“Competition is always good and fun. They prefer to enter scarecrow hunt, if they win they can get a pack of seed, like sunflower or daffodil, so they can understand how the plants grow.”
Mike Townend, manager of the garden centre, explained why it was important to organise activities for the children, he said: “It's very important to connect our business with local community.
“Children are our customers' future, so they are very important. It's nice for children to have some activities while their parents are buying things.”
The 20 entries for the competition will be judged by the centre's visitors this week and all three winners will be awarded “painting by numbers” arts and crafts products.
Harrow children enjoyed a scarecrow hunt and a colouring competition at a local garden centre during the weekend.
The event, held in Headstone Lane, was part of the centre's Harvest Festival which invited families to attend and provided them suggestions of how to grow vegetables and fruits.
Children were encouraged to colour pictures of their own choice with a harvest-theme and find out six scarecrows hiding inside and around Harrow Garden Centre.
Libby Radford, 10, of West Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, was among the many children who enjoyed the activities, she said: “I thought it was quite a good idea, and I thought colouring and finding scarecrows are quite fun.”
Along with Libby taking part in the event was 6-year-old Laura Sharrock of Nelson Road in Harrow-on-the-Hill, she added: “We decide what we're going to do with the picture, like if we want to put stickers on it.”
Laura's mum Maggie Sharrock, 40, told The HA1: “It's important for children to understand the season, to understand how to grow plants.
“Competition is always good and fun. They prefer to enter scarecrow hunt, if they win they can get a pack of seed, like sunflower or daffodil, so they can understand how the plants grow.”
Mike Townend, manager of the garden centre, explained why it was important to organise activities for the children, he said: “It's very important to connect our business with local community.
“Children are our customers' future, so they are very important. It's nice for children to have some activities while their parents are buying things.”
The 20 entries for the competition will be judged by the centre's visitors this week and all three winners will be awarded “painting by numbers” arts and crafts products.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Orchestra celebrates 30th anniversary
By Yixiang Zeng
A music prodigy with only one hand won public acclaim on Saturday at a concert organised by Harrow’s Trinity Orchestra.
The event was a celebration to mark the Orchestra’s 30th anniversary, as well as helping to showcase some of the country’s most talented young musicians from the Royal College of Music.
21-year-old pianist Nicholas McCarthy, who plays with just his left hand, was among the many performers at the Trinity Church on Hindes Road.
He said: “It was the first time I have played this piece with an Orchestra, I was very pleased because it’s such a good Orchestra to play with. The reaction from the audience was good as well.”
Nicholas performed Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, a piece that was composed specifically for a one-hand pianist.
Another highlight was 16-year-old composer Nick White, who had been commissioned to write a piece called Bugle to mark the Orchestra’s special occasion.
The music director of the Orchestra, Michael Murray, told The HA1: “The concert is not only to celebrate the past 30 years, but also to show the talent for the next 30 years. We want to have young performers and composers who can work with us.”
A particular success on the night was a performance of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, which requires a large Orchestra.
Peter Farrell, 64, a piano teacher from Hertfordshire, said: It’s absolutely fantastic and wonderful, the standard is exceptional.
“I think the Planets is an extremely difficult Orchestra piece, the technique and the music. All the players are exceptional for a local Orchestra.”
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Harrow Orchestra story
By Yixiang Zeng
A music prodigy with only one-hand won public acclaim yesterday at a concert organised by Trinity Orchestra in Harrow.
The event was a celebration of the Orchestra's 30th anniversary with the aim to showcase the country's most talented young musicians from the Royal College of Music in London.
Nicholas McCarthy, the 21-year-old pianist who only has a left-hand, is among one of many who showed their talent on Saturday night.
He said: “It was my first time to play this piece with an Orchestra, I was very pleased because it's such a good Orchestra to play with. The audience has good reaction as well.”
Nicholas performed Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, a piece composed specifically for a one-hand pianist.
Another highlight at the event was young composer Nick White, the 16-year-old from the college's junior department, who has been commissioned for the opening piece called Bugle to mark the groups' special occasion.
He said in his own note the main melody for 'Bugle' came while improvising at the piano, “I wanted to explore the more 'solo' aspect of the orchestra in this piece, so most of the melodies here are played by one instrument at a time.”
The music director of the Orchestra Michael Murray told The HA1: “The concert is not only to celebrate the past 30 years, but also to show the talent for the next 30 years. We want to have young performers and composers who can work with us.”
The best part of the concert was when the Orchestra performed Gustav Holst's The Planets, which requires a large Orchestra.
Peter Farrell, 64, a piano teacher from Hertfordshire, said: It's absolutely fantastic and wonderful, the standard is exceptional. I think the Planets is an extremely difficult Orchestra piece, the technique and the music. All the players are exceptional for the local Orchestra.”
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Battle of Britain Memorial Concert story
by Yixiang Zeng
Hundreds of visitors attended Battle of Britain Memorial Concert yesterday to raise money for St Luke's Hospice and the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust.
The concert, held in Bentley Priory in Stanmore - the headquarters of Fighter Command during the WWII, also aimed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and commemorate those who died in the battle against the Nazis.
Erica Ferguson, 43, executive consultant of the Trust, said the money raised from the concert is just a small part of the £2 million the organisation wants to raise in order to improve the educational facilities of the museum, a Grade II listed mansion house in Bentley Priory.
Pam Russell, 48, director of Fundraising of St Luke's Hospice, said: “Some of the proceeds go to the hospice, and we probably made about more than £10,000.”
Couple of bands who performed during the concert, such as The British Airways Brass Band, children's choir Voice in a Million, and Harrow Apollo Male Choirs, reminded around 500 guests about the old days.
Peter Schiavi, 70, of Pinner told The HA1 the concert let him remember “the metal of sheltering, and the soldiers”, he said:“It's an excellent concert, bringing back a lot of memories, things you know, should not be forgotten.”
The 94-year-old Blenheim gunner, Owen Burns, from the 235 squadron who served in the battle, said: “I've been here for many times, it's always lovely to be here, this was the heart of the people who ran the war and who followed Fighter Command.”
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Harrow in LEAF show draws crowds
by Yixiang Zeng
Thousands of people turned out once again over the bank holiday weekend for Harrow’s biggest horticultural festival.
The annual Harrow in LEAF competition brought together plants and vegetables grown by green-fingered residents, with prizes handed out for the best produce on display.
Georgia Weston, chairman of the charity, said: “We try to encourage people who grow stuff in the borough, who have bees, art work and photography, encourage them to show off their work by entering the competition.
“It’s open to everyone who wishes to enter. We try to bring a lot of people together, and it is nice to be recognised within your community.
The two-day event also offered games and live music for families, as well as stalls selling products from local businesses and charities.
It replaced the former Harrow Show five years ago and now attracts a large number of local volunteers who help out over the weekend as well.
Thousands of people turned out once again over the bank holiday weekend for Harrow’s biggest horticultural festival.
The annual Harrow in LEAF competition brought together plants and vegetables grown by green-fingered residents, with prizes handed out for the best produce on display.
Georgia Weston, chairman of the charity, said: “We try to encourage people who grow stuff in the borough, who have bees, art work and photography, encourage them to show off their work by entering the competition.
“It’s open to everyone who wishes to enter. We try to bring a lot of people together, and it is nice to be recognised within your community.
The two-day event also offered games and live music for families, as well as stalls selling products from local businesses and charities.
It replaced the former Harrow Show five years ago and now attracts a large number of local volunteers who help out over the weekend as well.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Harrow in Leaf show story
By Yixiang Zeng
Thousands of visitors were attracted to the community's traditional horticultural festival at the bank holiday weekend.
The sixth annual competition, organised by Harrow in Leaf, aims to bring the whole community together and encourage the locals to show off their talent.
Nita Mcewan, 46, of King’s Road, South Harrow, explained how she was amazed after she had visited the two tents displaying vegetables, flowers, arts and crafts made by the community members, allotment and horticultural societies, and Harrow Beekeepers Association.
She said: “It's a very good event, and we never see something like this. They have got a fantastic site as well.
“This is amazing. We followed people who run the clubs, learned how they grow the vegetables, how they looked after them. I'm looking forward to join one of the societies.”
Georgia Weston, Chairman of Harrow in Leaf, said: “We try to encourage people who grow stuff in the borough, who have bees, art work and photography, encourage them to show off their work by entering the competition.
“It's open to everyone who wishes to enter. We try to bring a lot of people together, and it is nice to be recognised within your community and it's very good for the community."
Apart from the exhibition displayed at the Harrow Museum and Heritage Centre, the two-day event also offers games, fun and live music to the families, and helps promote local businesses by inviting them to set up stalls to sell their goods.
Ms Weston added: “It's also a chance for people in the borough to come and look around, buy some stuff, and have some coffee. We provide something nice that people can go locally.”
Speaking with the winner of this year's “The Best in the Show”, John William Harding told The HA1 he has always brought his garden plant dahlias to the shows, “I go to lots of shows like this, and I like to keep the standard up.
“I enjoy people to come to see my dahlias, and try to make them really nice. I spend a lot of time and a lot of input.”
The show, which replaced the former Harrow Show five years ago, has also attracted plenty of volunteers to help out during the event.
Silsila Rokai, 19, of The Bye Way in Harrow, said she and her sister are very excited to come and help out at the event: “I am interested to help people so I think it's a good idea to spend some time to see what everyone is doing, and find out what they are up to.
“I am very surprised that so many people want to volunteer, and I definitely think about volunteering again next year.”
Thousands of visitors were attracted to the community's traditional horticultural festival at the bank holiday weekend.
The sixth annual competition, organised by Harrow in Leaf, aims to bring the whole community together and encourage the locals to show off their talent.
Nita Mcewan, 46, of King’s Road, South Harrow, explained how she was amazed after she had visited the two tents displaying vegetables, flowers, arts and crafts made by the community members, allotment and horticultural societies, and Harrow Beekeepers Association.
She said: “It's a very good event, and we never see something like this. They have got a fantastic site as well.
“This is amazing. We followed people who run the clubs, learned how they grow the vegetables, how they looked after them. I'm looking forward to join one of the societies.”
Georgia Weston, Chairman of Harrow in Leaf, said: “We try to encourage people who grow stuff in the borough, who have bees, art work and photography, encourage them to show off their work by entering the competition.
“It's open to everyone who wishes to enter. We try to bring a lot of people together, and it is nice to be recognised within your community and it's very good for the community."
Apart from the exhibition displayed at the Harrow Museum and Heritage Centre, the two-day event also offers games, fun and live music to the families, and helps promote local businesses by inviting them to set up stalls to sell their goods.
Ms Weston added: “It's also a chance for people in the borough to come and look around, buy some stuff, and have some coffee. We provide something nice that people can go locally.”
Speaking with the winner of this year's “The Best in the Show”, John William Harding told The HA1 he has always brought his garden plant dahlias to the shows, “I go to lots of shows like this, and I like to keep the standard up.
“I enjoy people to come to see my dahlias, and try to make them really nice. I spend a lot of time and a lot of input.”
The show, which replaced the former Harrow Show five years ago, has also attracted plenty of volunteers to help out during the event.
Silsila Rokai, 19, of The Bye Way in Harrow, said she and her sister are very excited to come and help out at the event: “I am interested to help people so I think it's a good idea to spend some time to see what everyone is doing, and find out what they are up to.
“I am very surprised that so many people want to volunteer, and I definitely think about volunteering again next year.”
Monday, 23 August 2010
Family to take on Everest challenge
An Edgware family are to climb part of Mount Everest to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.
Five members of the Hindocha family are to take on the mountain’s Base Camp Challenge in October as part of a bid to raise £24,000.
Neha Hindocha, 25, told The HA1 they started fundraising after their grandmother got help from the Kenton hospice in 2009.
“My grandma was very ill for the past thirty years,” she said. “They way they treated her was absolutely incredible.”
The family held a Salsa and Mexican evening last week at the VIP Lounge in Edgware to help fund their trip.
They have already raised £15,000 of their target through events including a trek across the Alps in Switzerland.
Neha’s brother Vishal, 24, said: “The money will pay for nurses and doctors. They receive very little funding from the NHS and almost purely depend on donations. We wish we could give something back to them.”
The family are hoping that their Mount Everest challenge will see them reach their fundraising target.
It is set to be their toughest physical challenge so far and will involve almost two weeks of walking.
Neha said: “We’re trying to go to Box Hill in Surrey, go to the gym, cycling, swimming and walking to increase our endurance.
“We’re climbing to the peak just above the Base Camp, which is 6000 metres over 13 days of trekking.”
You can find out more about their trip and make a donation on the family’s Just Giving page
Five members of the Hindocha family are to take on the mountain’s Base Camp Challenge in October as part of a bid to raise £24,000.
Neha Hindocha, 25, told The HA1 they started fundraising after their grandmother got help from the Kenton hospice in 2009.
“My grandma was very ill for the past thirty years,” she said. “They way they treated her was absolutely incredible.”
The family held a Salsa and Mexican evening last week at the VIP Lounge in Edgware to help fund their trip.
They have already raised £15,000 of their target through events including a trek across the Alps in Switzerland.
Neha’s brother Vishal, 24, said: “The money will pay for nurses and doctors. They receive very little funding from the NHS and almost purely depend on donations. We wish we could give something back to them.”
The family are hoping that their Mount Everest challenge will see them reach their fundraising target.
It is set to be their toughest physical challenge so far and will involve almost two weeks of walking.
Neha said: “We’re trying to go to Box Hill in Surrey, go to the gym, cycling, swimming and walking to increase our endurance.
“We’re climbing to the peak just above the Base Camp, which is 6000 metres over 13 days of trekking.”
You can find out more about their trip and make a donation on the family’s Just Giving page
Saturday, 21 August 2010
St Luke's Hospice story
By Yixiang Zeng
An evening of salsa moves, Mexican food and cocktails was dedicated to raise money for St Luke's Hospice.
The event, held by the Hindocha family from Wolmer Garden, Edgware, attracted hundreds of guests dressed up as Latino dancers, who enjoyed a fabulous Wednesday night.
Neha Hindocha, 25, daughter of the family explained why they wish to help raise money for the Hospice, she said: “My grandma was very ill for the past thirty years. Last year she was at St Luke's Hospice, the way they treated her was absolutely incredible.”
Vishal, 24, Neha's brother, added: “The money will pay for nurses and doctors, they receive very little funding from the NHS, and almost purely depend on donation. We wish we could give something back to them.”
Among the guests enjoyed the party was Renu Malhotra, 48, from Camrose Avenue, Edgware, who said: “I like the dance, and it's an excellent event. I feel very organised and enjoyable.
“[They've got] great support from their friends, because everyone is at the middle of the week and I don't expect so many people turn out.”
The family is aiming to raise £25, 000 and so far has already got £15,000 under their belt through a variety of events including a yoga workshop, a charity lunch, and a trek during which Neha's mom and dad participated in across the Alps in Switzerland.
Neha told The HA1 they are now gearing up to take on the Everest Base Camp Challenge in October with the hope of raising the rest of the money.
She said: “We're trying to go to Box Hill in Surrey, go to gym, cycling, swimming, and walking, and increase our endurance.
“We're climbing to the peak just above the Base Camp, which is 6,000 metres over 13 days of trekking.”
The team, including the entire Hindocha family, are also preparing their equipment for the trip, such as tents, sleeping bags and trekking boots.
If you would like to raise money for St Luke's Hospice or know more about their adventure, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Team-N-Everest/3
An evening of salsa moves, Mexican food and cocktails was dedicated to raise money for St Luke's Hospice.
The event, held by the Hindocha family from Wolmer Garden, Edgware, attracted hundreds of guests dressed up as Latino dancers, who enjoyed a fabulous Wednesday night.
Neha Hindocha, 25, daughter of the family explained why they wish to help raise money for the Hospice, she said: “My grandma was very ill for the past thirty years. Last year she was at St Luke's Hospice, the way they treated her was absolutely incredible.”
Vishal, 24, Neha's brother, added: “The money will pay for nurses and doctors, they receive very little funding from the NHS, and almost purely depend on donation. We wish we could give something back to them.”
Among the guests enjoyed the party was Renu Malhotra, 48, from Camrose Avenue, Edgware, who said: “I like the dance, and it's an excellent event. I feel very organised and enjoyable.
“[They've got] great support from their friends, because everyone is at the middle of the week and I don't expect so many people turn out.”
The family is aiming to raise £25, 000 and so far has already got £15,000 under their belt through a variety of events including a yoga workshop, a charity lunch, and a trek during which Neha's mom and dad participated in across the Alps in Switzerland.
Neha told The HA1 they are now gearing up to take on the Everest Base Camp Challenge in October with the hope of raising the rest of the money.
She said: “We're trying to go to Box Hill in Surrey, go to gym, cycling, swimming, and walking, and increase our endurance.
“We're climbing to the peak just above the Base Camp, which is 6,000 metres over 13 days of trekking.”
The team, including the entire Hindocha family, are also preparing their equipment for the trip, such as tents, sleeping bags and trekking boots.
If you would like to raise money for St Luke's Hospice or know more about their adventure, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Team-N-Everest/3
Monday, 16 August 2010
Tobias Mead wows Harrow crowds
by Yixiang Zeng
One of the stars of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent competition wowed fans in Harrow on Sunday afternoon.
Tobias Mead performed some of his sleek dance moves at St Ann’s Shopping Centre yesterday, watched by around a hundred spectators and shoppers.
Among the fans queued up for his performance was 14-year-old Lisa from Harrow Weald, who said: “The performance is really good, amazing. I’m a big fan of his.”
15-year-old Debbie, from Wealdstone, had also headed into the town centre to watch Tobias in action. She said: “It’s really good. I just like his moves.”
22-year-old Tobias became a household name overnight after performing for Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan on Britain’s Got Talent.
He told The HA1 that he was now enjoying having the chance to perform for and meet some of his fans in person.
“I’m trying to interact with the audience here,” he said. “Because when you’re on TV, you cannot see the audience, and they are all at home, but here you can see the crowds and be as close as possible to them.”
Tobias became one of the stars of this year’s ITV competition despite losing out to the eventual winners Spellbound.
He has now taken his dance routines on the road with a number of performances penciled in across the country.
Tobias said: “I will do a lot of performances. From next week I will work with Disney Camp Rock 2 and do promotion (for them) all over the places.
“I will be dancing with other dancers and make the promotion more interesting.”
Fans in Harrow also got the chance to meet the talented dancer after watching him in action.
Tobias posed for photographs and signed autographs as well as performing two shows at the shopping centre.
One of the stars of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent competition wowed fans in Harrow on Sunday afternoon.
Tobias Mead performed some of his sleek dance moves at St Ann’s Shopping Centre yesterday, watched by around a hundred spectators and shoppers.
Among the fans queued up for his performance was 14-year-old Lisa from Harrow Weald, who said: “The performance is really good, amazing. I’m a big fan of his.”
15-year-old Debbie, from Wealdstone, had also headed into the town centre to watch Tobias in action. She said: “It’s really good. I just like his moves.”
22-year-old Tobias became a household name overnight after performing for Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan on Britain’s Got Talent.
He told The HA1 that he was now enjoying having the chance to perform for and meet some of his fans in person.
“I’m trying to interact with the audience here,” he said. “Because when you’re on TV, you cannot see the audience, and they are all at home, but here you can see the crowds and be as close as possible to them.”
Tobias became one of the stars of this year’s ITV competition despite losing out to the eventual winners Spellbound.
He has now taken his dance routines on the road with a number of performances penciled in across the country.
Tobias said: “I will do a lot of performances. From next week I will work with Disney Camp Rock 2 and do promotion (for them) all over the places.
“I will be dancing with other dancers and make the promotion more interesting.”
Fans in Harrow also got the chance to meet the talented dancer after watching him in action.
Tobias posed for photographs and signed autographs as well as performing two shows at the shopping centre.
TV star wows Harrow Crowds
By Yixiang Zeng
A Britain's Got Talent finalist wowed crowds at St Anns Shopping Centre when he showed off his creative dance yesterday noon.
Tobias Mead, 22, from Warminster, drove girls wild with his sleek moves attracting around a hundred shoppers.
Lisa, 14, from Harrow Weald, said: “The performance is really good and it's amazing. I'm a big fan of his.”
Another 15-year-old Debbie from Wealdstone, said: “It is really good. I just like his moves and very creative.”
The ITV show star told the HA1 he enjoyed his performance at the centre, he said: “I'm trying to interact with the audience here.
“Because when you're on TV, you cannot see the audience, and they are all at home, but here you can see the crowds and be as close as possible to them.”
When talking about his next move, Tobias added: “I will do a lot of performances. From next week I will work with Disney Camp Rock 2 and do promotion (for them) all over the places.
“I will be dancing with other dancers, and make the promotion more interesting.”
The audience showed its enthusiasm by queuing up patiently to ask him for photos and autographs during the meet-and-greet session.
Mrs Davinder Badhan, 43, from Heston, said she and her husband even brought the video camera to film the scenes when the star signing autograph for their son and daughter.
A Britain's Got Talent finalist wowed crowds at St Anns Shopping Centre when he showed off his creative dance yesterday noon.
Tobias Mead, 22, from Warminster, drove girls wild with his sleek moves attracting around a hundred shoppers.
Lisa, 14, from Harrow Weald, said: “The performance is really good and it's amazing. I'm a big fan of his.”
Another 15-year-old Debbie from Wealdstone, said: “It is really good. I just like his moves and very creative.”
The ITV show star told the HA1 he enjoyed his performance at the centre, he said: “I'm trying to interact with the audience here.
“Because when you're on TV, you cannot see the audience, and they are all at home, but here you can see the crowds and be as close as possible to them.”
When talking about his next move, Tobias added: “I will do a lot of performances. From next week I will work with Disney Camp Rock 2 and do promotion (for them) all over the places.
“I will be dancing with other dancers, and make the promotion more interesting.”
The audience showed its enthusiasm by queuing up patiently to ask him for photos and autographs during the meet-and-greet session.
Mrs Davinder Badhan, 43, from Heston, said she and her husband even brought the video camera to film the scenes when the star signing autograph for their son and daughter.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Bond says thank you with party
by Yixiang Zeng
Residents from North Harrow came together at the weekend to celebrate James Bond’s local election win in May.
The event on Saturday, held by the Headstone North Councillor at St Alban’s Church Hall, was to thank voters for their support and trust following his decision to stand as an Independent.
One of the guests at the party, Sheila O’Brien, of Church Drive, explained why she had decided to support Mr Bond, rather than one of the candidates from a particular party.
She said: “James is the man with people. Everybody around him says he is always with other people and the community.”
That was backed up by Deirdre Deely, who said: “He could represent us without any other party influence.”
Two previous independent councillors, Neville Hughes and Derek Tyler, also showed their support by attending the celebrations.
Mr Hughes, a former Roxeth councillor, said: “An independent is someone who challenges council’s decision making, someone who thinks about people in the Harrow, not the particular political party.”
Councillor Bond’s victory was one of the shocks during dramatic local elections in May, in which he was elected at the expense of former Mayor Eric Silver.
Mr Bond said his priority since then has been the people of Headstone North, with regular residents’ surgeries being held so people can meet him.
He said: “These surgeries take place on Saturday mornings twice a month at two locations within the Headstone North ward.
“I shall serve the community by making myself available to all the residents who live here.”
Edited by Simon Fyles
Residents from North Harrow came together at the weekend to celebrate James Bond’s local election win in May.
The event on Saturday, held by the Headstone North Councillor at St Alban’s Church Hall, was to thank voters for their support and trust following his decision to stand as an Independent.
One of the guests at the party, Sheila O’Brien, of Church Drive, explained why she had decided to support Mr Bond, rather than one of the candidates from a particular party.
She said: “James is the man with people. Everybody around him says he is always with other people and the community.”
That was backed up by Deirdre Deely, who said: “He could represent us without any other party influence.”
Two previous independent councillors, Neville Hughes and Derek Tyler, also showed their support by attending the celebrations.
Mr Hughes, a former Roxeth councillor, said: “An independent is someone who challenges council’s decision making, someone who thinks about people in the Harrow, not the particular political party.”
Councillor Bond’s victory was one of the shocks during dramatic local elections in May, in which he was elected at the expense of former Mayor Eric Silver.
Mr Bond said his priority since then has been the people of Headstone North, with regular residents’ surgeries being held so people can meet him.
He said: “These surgeries take place on Saturday mornings twice a month at two locations within the Headstone North ward.
“I shall serve the community by making myself available to all the residents who live here.”
Edited by Simon Fyles
Monday, 2 August 2010
Residents celebrated independent councillor's historic win
from left: Derek Tyler, James Bond, Neville Hughesby Yixiang Zeng
Residents from North Harrow celebrated James Bond's local election win in May as an independent on Saturday night.
The event, held by the Headstone North Councillor at St Alban's Church Hall, Norwood Drive, was to thank voters' support and trust.
When talking with one of the guests at the party, Sheila Obrien, of Church Drive, said: “James is the man with people. Everybody around him says he is always with other people and the community.”
Deirdre Deely, of Suffolk Road, said: “He could represent us without any other party's influence.”
Two previous independent councillors Neville Hughes and Derek Tyler also showed their support to their successor.
Mr Hughes, former Roxeth councillor, said: “To some extent, independent is someone who challenges council's decision making, someone thinks about people in the Harrow, not the particular political party.”
Mr Bond said as the new councillor for Headstone North, he has already started holding residents' surgeries so that people can come and meet him at regular intervals.
He said: “These surgeries take place on Saturday mornings twice a month at two locations within the Headstone North ward.
“I shall serve the community by making myself available to all the residents who live here.”
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