April 2009 Archives

AIR cadets have returned from a week long camp at an RAF base in Lincolnshire where they experienced life on a front-line air base.

The cadets and staff from 1381 West Drayton and Yiewsley Squadron enjoyed the action packed stay at RAF Coningsby.

Activities included climbing on the high ropes, rifle shooting, flying in a 'Typhoon' simulation, and a capture the flag night exercise.

In addition most cadets gained swimming qualifications during the week.

Chris Bigos, Squadron Commanding Officer, said: "These camps are intended to show the cadets what day-to-day life is like in the modern RAF, and to reinforce the classroom training they receive during the year.

"It is also an opportunity for them to gain confidence from the physical activities and team exercises.

"There is also a strong social thread running through the week and we aim to make it fun as well as challenging."

The squadron website is www.1381sqn.co.uk and anyone wanting to find out more can contact them on 01895 448353.

THE new Morrison's superstore set to open in the borough has appointed a manager.

The store will open at the end of May in High Street, Yiewsley, and it will be managed by Brad Dartington.

The 39 year-old father-of-one brings 16 years of experience at the superstore, having worked at Queensbury and St Albans branches previously.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this position at the Yiewsley store.

"The local residents have been really welcoming and I can't wait to opening our doors to the people of Yiewsley for the first time"

PEOPLE are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting for The Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Association.
It will take place at the community centre in Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton on May 15 at 7.30pm. The event will be followed by a meeting by West Drayton Social Club Ltd.
For more information contact 01895 44 34 23.

A MULTI-MILLION pound development powered by rooftop solar panels has reached completion and buyers can now move in.

The 18 bedroom units in Austen House, in High Street, Yiewsley, cost £5.4 million for developers to build and there is also space for two retail units on the ground floor.

The part-buy part-rent scheme means buyers can pay as little as £64,000 to own a property.

Simon Devitt, A2Dominion group's director of home ownership and strategy, said:"As well as the obvious environmental benefits of the solar panels, residents will also pay a reduced service charge due to the electricity savings being made."

"We believe this development is going to prove extremely popular. It is a proud feeling for both us and our buyers to know we are taking steps to reduce carbon footprints."

The solar panel cells at Austen House are predicted to produce about 11,000 kWh per year of clean renewable electricity, roughly equivalent to the consumption of three typical three-bedroom family homes.

A BRASS band has trumpeted all expectations by qualifying to the finals of the national championships.

The Yiewsley and West Drayton Brass Band took second place in the second section at the regional qualifiers and have now resultantly been promoted to the first division from the start of 2010, the bands highest grading in its 118 year history.

The amazing achievement will now see the band represent the region at the Great Britain National Brass Band Championships 2009 in Harrogate later this year.

Dave Longman said: "After some difficult times for the band in recent years, this is an incredible result.

"I still cant believe it. Everyone put in many hours of hard work at rehearsals since January, but it was made easy in that all the players really enjoyed playing the test piece New World Sketches."

The band is now busy rehearsing every Wednesday and Friday evenings, at Yiewsley Methodist Church, in Fairfield Road, Yiewsley, and recently performed at a St George's Day procession which began in South Ruislip on Friday.