Five acts performed in front of a crowd of over 50 people in the small venue of Harrow Arts Centre to bring a night of enjoyment and fun in the lead up to Christmas. Organised by the Arts and Leisure Access Group (ALAG), the event brought together different boroughs of North London for this one night of entertainment. Sponsored by the Edward Harvist Trust Fund it seems that this year, in its sixth year, it has succeeded in promoting awareness and how important these local activity groups are to disabled people and their families. The night began with a local Harrow dance group called Dance Ability, aided by the dedicated volunteers to help partnering. The age of the performers ranged vastly, as did the volunteers, but there was something for everyone and each sported a big grin throughout. There was a range of dances performed including: the foxtrot, cha cha, rumba, jive and to top it off a fun little line-dancing number. It was evident that a lot of hard work had been put in to this act as every member performed to a level that would make any parent proud.
Next up was wheelchair dancing duo Muskan; representing the Asian People’s Disability Alliance. Both had been performing in nationwide events for the previous 13 years, and brought a cultural mix with their Bollywood dancing to the show. Dressing for the occasion in gorgeous gold sari’s, they certainly brought a bit of sparkle to the event and wowed the crowd.
The Alessendre Special Needs Dance School, a prestigious dance school which aims to encourage the artistic talent of young people with Down’s Syndrome, brought the last act to the stage before the headliner. A combination of ballet, tap and modern was performed by several youngsters, which kept the crowd thoroughly entertained. To keep it in touch with the younger audience there was a touching performance from a young teenage boy and girl adapted from the hit movie High School Musical, which illustrated the high standard that the Alessendre Dance School trains to. To bring the act to an end was an uplifting fun performance from one of the dancers to the sensational song ‘Calendar Girl’ by Neil Sedaka, which had every member of the audience clapping their hands and singing along.
The Guardian described him as “revelatory and very funny” whilst The Scotsman said he was “warm, funny and thought provoking”, and at Hatch End we were lucky enough to see Steve Day, the renowned deaf comedian, live up to these reviews. Steve is a regular on Radio 4 contributing to various shows such as ‘You and Yours’ and ‘No Triumph, No Tragedy’. He inspired the crowd with his witty comments and his different perspective on life, sharing his childhood stories on living with deafness in a humorous tone. He commented on his own prejudices, as well as addressing those of people around him in everyday life. His act was one that had everyone in stitches, but unlike most comedians, I left with a new respect not only for people with deafness but for those suffering from more serious forms of disability.
In this festive period it’s important to remember what Christmas is truly about amidst the glitz and glamour of it all. The Harrow Disability Arts Festival reminded not only me but also every member of the audience, that showing your support for these hardworking organizations and the performers is possibly the best gift that they will receive this Christmas. Ranu, the organiser of the event, showed her gratitude to all that turned up by saying, “In previous years we have not had as much support as we have had tonight and it’s been disappointing, not just for me but for the performers as well. I’d just like to thank each and every one of you for showing your support tonight. It really does mean a lot.” So in this period in which party dresses and presents are at the forefront of our minds, spare a thought for those less fortunate and show your support for these talented young performers who work incredibly hard to put on very worthy shows such as this one.

By Kate Hammond

The Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) rules that MPs must “avoid purchases that could be seen as extravagant or luxurious” and must only claim for furnishings that are necessary so that they avoid spending money that goes “beyond making good dilapidations or enhance[s] the property”.

However Barry Gardiner has over 10 claims forms solely for soft furnishings from high-end, high-street shops such as Habitat and Jonh Lewis one receipt showing five John Lewis lamps all purchased for ú40 each. Methinks this is luxurious especially in the current financial climate. It starts to look like Mr. Gardiner is a man of detail as he spends ú205.96 for “altering curtains”, and in just 10 days spends ú257.64 on dry cleaning, all which are claimed for the next month.

There is a bright(er) side. Not all of our locals have been as lavish, for example Labour MP for Harrow West Gareth Thomas has been better behaved in his claiming patterns. His most exuberant claim is ú156 for a broken boiler and from his food bills (which include Sainsbury’s Basics Muesli) show that has deducted any alcohol costs from his bill (ACA states that alcohol is not covered in “food” allowance).  However all not is rosy as Mr. Thomas makes a fishy claim for ú271.88 for a BT bill despite the rules not allowing Internet services, and claims for his TV licence which m fall under “entertainment”- also not permitted. For that year alone both Gardiner and Thomas claimed around ú21, 100 in expenses. Now the MPs claims are so exposed online will it change our political persuasion? Firstly to see that Mr. Thomas buys the same brand of Sainsbury’s Smoked Mackerel and goes through Kidney beans like water makes me imagine that I might be at home in his company. A sweeping assumption to make based on a fish, but the point is that it makes the MPs more accessible and less alien to daily life.

So does the MP who buys “Basics Muesli” identify better with the everyday person, than the MP who shop in John Lewis? If this is true it could also mean that political campaigns along with the corny broadcasts and flyers, will be meaningless. What the voter will want to know next May is “How much do you spend on yer din dins?”

By Alicia Weekes

Outside Trinity looks small and bland; you look through the window into an average bar, a telly showing football and a couple of tables. However upstairs is normally a booming room full of cheap drinks, bouncy music and an array of rowdy regulars. With club nights throughout the week Trinity seems to be the only place around the area for live bands to play. Live DJs play indie classics on Tuesday, which seems to be popular for teens, no surprise when lager is ú1.50 a bottle.

With artists such as Scouting for Girls and Kate Nash hailing from Harrow, youngsters from the town see Trinity as the perfect way to start their gigging adventure, especially as Nash is claimed to have started her career in the club. With live nights three nights a week, there is an opportunity for all kinds of talent to play, with hip hop rap-offs to intensely intimate metal bands under one roof. The bar even intend on holding an underage night to promote new music from younger locals. It’s no Club NME night at KoKo, but for Harrow it has to do.

It is easy to see why bands would want to play here as it’s a great starting point and reasonable in size, where a small crowd can do the trick and make it a successful night. In addition, the recession has been affecting the live music scene and bands tend to prefer intimate shows.

In June this year the bar saw the council wanting to take away its license due to fights occurring outside the club and getting complaints. However the Internet came to the rescue as Trinity used Facebook to warn regulars that this was the case and a petition was made to keep the club open. Seeing as the petition got a lot of supporters, it goes to show that Harrow need Trinity as the one outlook for new musical talent and a place to keep the majority of teenagers off the streets drinking a cheap bottle of cider. The club has continued as normal with as many punters as ever and until competition comes along, which let’s be honest is highly unlikely, Trinity will continue to be the one place to party in our town.

By Lily Randall

Man would not leave house without wearing bullet proof vest after being shot in previous street  attack

GARTH ROBINSON was so scared for his life after being shot in the street that he armed himself with a gun on a daily basis. Robinson also wore a bullet proof vest every time he left his home in Headstone Gardens, Harrow, a court was told. He was arrested by chance when two officers stopped him walking home around 1am because he fitted the description of someone they were looking for.
Instead of denying responsibility, he told them: “You’re not going to like this, but I have a gun”. The police found the gun tucked in his waist and pulled out a German p-95 pistol width.
Robinson was asked if the gun was active or if it had been fired he replied “I don’t know, I haven’t shot anyone yet”. He was then arrested and taken to the police station.
Gun violence victim Garth Robinson was arrested last week and charged with Possession of Fire arms and Possession of Ammunition without a license certificate.
He pleaded not guilty to both of these charges on the genres of circumstances; this means he had the gun on him as a way of avoiding dangerous circumstances that may end in serious injury or death.
The defence argues that Garth Robinson had the gun because of self-defence. Earlier this year he was shot near Harrow Beau, which resulted in serious injuries and a long stay in hospital. Robinson had a bulletproof vest on under his hoodie and the gun to protect himself from being shot again.
The case continues in Harrow Crown Court.

By Tendai Chitawuro

Just last year the Audit Commission judged Harrow to be the second worst council in the UK, but despite all the tough inspections, Harrow has pulled through for the best, it has moved from an overall score of two out four from last year to three out of four this year.

In a recent report it states : “The council has managed a difficult financial position, strengthened its financial reserves, made substantive savings and invested extra money in priority areas”.

The council has also been praised for

its particular attention towards front-line services such as refuse collection, recycling and keeping the streets clean.

However, just because Harrow’s overall score has improved, it doesn’t mean we can now relax, we still need to strive to improve our community. Councillor Paul Osborn, responsible for communication, is pleased with the score but said that the council would not rest on its laurels. “It has been hard work to get to this stage but now we have the stability and foundations in place we are confident we can still meet our initial target, to make Harrow one of the best performing councils in London by 2012”. Keep up to date with new from Harrow Council at www.harrow.gov.uk

By Emily Johnson

Panna, 48, and Dipak Raj, 47, along with daughter Shrina, are carrying their business into the bar and Panna claims she has already got the bug and would love to open another one.  The dream started after Shrina showed her father the store in Kingston. “She kept on bugging me to check out this milkshake store, so eventually I did and ended up going there about three times a week,” Dipak explains, “we thought it would be a great idea to bring one to Harrow.”

Due to Dipak’s hobby other than milkshakes ╨ photography- the family are not strangers to the franchising world. After taking over the Harrow branch of photo printing shop, Snappy Snaps, the Rajs enjoyed working as a family. After realising they clicked in business as well as at home, they decided to go in to the Shakeaway franchise together. “We’re in the shop 24/7 at the moment, we’re still learning the ropes ourselves but our staff are great and very supportive of us when we need them”, explains Panna.  “It’s such a fun place to work and the Shakettes are always up for dressing up or making up specials.”

The opening day of the store saw the shopping centre flood with intrigued shoppers and fans alike, desperate to get their favourite flavour milkshake. Panna explains how when she first saw the list of 150 flavours Shakeaway had to offer, she couldn’t understand how anyone could like some of the bizarre flavours. “I used to turn my nose up at the flavours where we put actual sweets in it, but you really do have to try all of them because they do all work so well in a drink.” Flavours vary from Skittles to Snickers and lime to lemon meringue pie.

Despite horrible weather over the past month the Shakettes have not been short of business. Customers range in ages but it tends to be when the school children are rushing home that is the busiest time. As for weekends, Shrina, 29, loves the fact that there are already regulars coming into the shop. “One of the guys working in the shopping centre is coming in every few days and working his way through the menu alphabetically. It’s great to see people being dedicated so early on!”

Shakeaway is full of many ideas to keep the shop fun and full. Although the shop’s popularity is bound to go through the roof when summer comes around, winter brings the company’s motto “Think hot chocolate, then think again ⌐” into full force. “That’s what I love about Shakeaway, there is something for everyone at any time, but it seems everyone is content with the “Dave” milkshake [Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Bueno with Flake flavour] alone!”

With the Christmas cheer filling up the shopping centre, it’s safe to say the shopping centres will be crammed with public needing to quench their thirst; Shakeaway is bound to be as flooded as it was on the first day. With the 48^th opening last weekend, it’s fair to say the Raj family have chosen a ever-growing franchise, which is sure to impress Harrow as much as it has the rest of the UK.

By Lily Randall

Just last year the Audit Commission judged Harrow to be the second worst council in the UK, but despite all the tough inspections, Harrow has pulled through for the best, it has moved from an overall score of two out four from last year to three out of four this year.

In a recent report it states : “The council has managed a difficult financial position, strengthened its financial reserves, made substantive savings and invested extra money in priority areas”.

The council has also been praised for

its particular attention towards front-line services such as refuse collection, recycling and keeping the streets clean.

However, just because Harrow’s overall score has improved, it doesn’t mean we can now relax, we still need to strive to improve our community. Councillor Paul Osborn, responsible for communication, is pleased with the score but said that the council would not rest on its laurels. “It has been hard work to get to this stage but now we have the stability and foundations in place we are confident we can still meet our initial target, to make Harrow one of the best performing councils in London by 2012”.
Keep up to date with new from Harrow Council at www.harrow.gov.uk

By Emily Johnson

Christmas is a special time of the year.  It’s a moment of peace and love, unity and kindness. On the other hand, it can also bring lots of sadness and disappointment.

Every person spends Christmas day in their own unique way. I asked residents from the Harrow area how they are going to celebrate.  Statistically, every second person is going to spend the day at home, 20% will go to hot countries, 15% will not worry about Christmas at all and treat it as a normal day, while the rest had not made up their mind.

“I already got my tickets for Australia. I am leaving in two weeks”, said James McCloy, 64-year-old retired real estate developer. Two students from Poland, Kamila Szaranowska and Paulina Borek, studying at Middlesex University will stay in Harrow: “We cannot go back home as we have to work but we will definitely recompensate it in January”.

Christmas seems to be a difficult time for some of us. Samaritans are an organisation run entirely by volunteers who love helping people. “Our helpline is very busy at this time of year and calls are always received on Christmas Day from people struggling to cope”, says Mark Williams, 27-year-old volunteer.

Christmas is usually portrayed as a time for happy families to come together. However the reality can be very different, especially for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one during the year. “My husband died three weeks ago suffering from cancer. He always was and will be my best friend, that’s why I will spend as much time as I can in the cemetery”, said Kasia Stuzynska, 36-year-old mother of two. “I want to be besides my husband’s grave”.

There are many jobs that require their employees to be ‘there’ all the time. Let’s take police or doctors as an example. ‘I admit it is a bit of a struggle being here, thinking about your family awaiting you. But at least we get some time off, and there are many things that keep me busy while I am at work”, says John Oldham, the officer from Metropolitan Police Station in Harrow.

The true meaning of Christmas is different for everyone. For some it is the birth of Christ and others just a good day to get together. Either way it’s a great day to help thy neighbour and be grateful for what we have got.

By Urszula Cimoch

Marion not only keeps rabbits at the stud but also breeds and shows them, ‘I breed the rabbits mainly for showing but they are also excellent pets, it’s just so rewarding.’ Daughter Lucy also has a love for the tiny bundles of fur, ‘many people think Netherland dwarfs can be aggressive but this is simply a myth, they’re such loving animals’.

However breeding rabbits isn’t an easy hobby, a lot of planning goes into the process. ‘You can’t just put any two rabbits together if you’re breeding for showing’ says Marion, ‘you need to take genes and family history into consideration, rabbits need to fit certain specifications to win prizes or even be entered.’

Of course not all of the rabbits Marion breeds are fit for showing so most of them end up being re-homed as pets, ‘A lot of people are fond of netherland dwarfs and I can have a waiting list of up to 3 months sometimes. If someone wants a specific colour they could end up waiting for months and months because I never know what I’m going to get in each litter.’

Marion breeds anything from 2 to twenty rabbits a month at her stud, and has to be free to give each one care and attention. ‘It’s not an easy job, but it’s so enjoyable. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else with my old age’.

By Thea Norton

ICExperience could have been the first of its kind at Wembley. It measured 350m and was 100% ice accommodating 700 people at one time. Due to open on Dec 11 and last until Jan 3 2010 it was intended for families during the festive season.

Ice-skating was available for all ages and abilities, offering a small ‘Nursery rink’ for children, alongside mulled wine and hot refreshments. Officials at the stadium also planned additional activities that were included in ticket price.

The cancellation of the event is said to be due to a lack of interest and very low ticket sales, maybe a reflection of the recession and Christmas time expenditure. Experts have said that the general public are spending less on their own leisure time and instead are saving money for buying Christmas presents.

A statement issued by the stadium stated, ‘After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to cancel the ICExperience event that had been planned for Wembley Stadium over the Christmas period. We apologize to all those people who have already purchased tickets’.

This comes at an embarrassing time for Wembley, leaving them with no events over Christmas, with the next planned event currently in February next year.

Full refunds are available by contacting icerefunds@wembleystadium.com

By Hannah Page