Saturday, September 26, 2009

Paddington Rec: Fitness Centre works about to begin ...

As many local residents are aware, Westminster Council has been progressively upgrading and improving the facilities in Paddington Rec over the last few years, forthe benefit of local residents and visitors.

With the Pavilion looking better than ever after its return to use earlier this year (and the Environmental Area opening two weeks ago), work will shortly be starting on the Fitness Centre. From this Wednesday, hoardings will begin to be erected for the work, which is due to begin on 5th October.

When completed, there will be a new gym, dance studio, breakout area and treatment/consultation rooms, along with a refurbishment of the existing cafe.

We're really looking forward to the works finishing!

Alastair

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Graffiti Watch

Over the last few weeks we've reported the following graffiti:
  • on the phonebox on the corner of Biddulph Road and Elgin Avenue;
  • on the postbox near the corner of Essendine Road and Morshead Road;
  • on the phonebox on the corner of Sutherland Avenue and Castellain Road;
  • on the stairwell of Tollgate House;
  • on the phonebox close the entrance of the Rec on Randolph Avenue;
  • on the Brent side of Kilburn Park Road;
  • in the garden area on the corner of Randolph Avenue and Carlton Vale.

If you spot any graffiti, please do let us know (maidavale@maidavaleconservatives.com). Our new street guardians are also keeping a close watch on graffiti and anti-social behaviour - we'll continue to get rid of it as quickly as we can!

Lee

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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Tollgate Gardens improvements: Update

In July, we reported on a CityWest having secured some money to suggest improvements to Tollgate Gardens Estate. All Tollgate residents will have received a letter from CityWest giving further information and letting them know about the next steps.

CityWest have now let us know that they will be holding a meeting shortly to discuss the proposal with residents. This will be your chance to ask questions and get involved as the improvement proposals are developed.

The meeting will be held on Thursday 1st October between 6pm and 7.30pm in the Resident's Hall of Tollgate House. If you are a resident of Tollgate Gardens, do come along if you want to find out more.

Jan

PS The CityWest officer who is coordinating the improvements plan, Vince, will also now be based in Tollgate Hall every Thursday afternoon to talk to local residents. Just pop by if you want to talk about anything on this plan going forward.

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Monday, September 14, 2009

Bowling Green

Last week, we were very glad to attend this year's final Tuesday night open bowls session organised by Maida Vale Bowls club.

It was great to see many of the local residents who have worked so hard to prove that the bowling green has a future - and great to see how their bowling abilities had improved so much over the Summer months. Sadly, the same can't be said for either myself or Jan!

The club are keen to come back again next year and, pending the decision being taken by the Council about the future of the green, are seeking feedback on what could be changed and improved. If you have used the green this year and have any thoughts you want to feed through, do get in touch with them: info@maidavalebowls.org.uk.

Lee and Jan

PS The latest user numbers for the green over the Summer has shown that over 800 people have played bowls there since May - an absolutely fantastic result! The green remains open for another few weeks - so do get another few games in while you have the chance!

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Paddington Rec: Opening of the Environmental Area

Last Saturday saw the official opening of the new Environmental Area at Paddington Rec in a ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Duncan Sandys.

Tucked at the back of the park, near the car park entrance on Carlton Vale, the Environmental Area is an exciting new addition to the Rec and has been in gestation now for a number of months. Along with wild flowers and plants, the crowning glory of the area is a new set of ponds which, it is hoped, will become a haven for local animals, insects and pondlife.

It was a brilliant morning to see how many local people came down to watch the opening and to do a spot of fishing in the pond!

The pond will primarily be opened for local schools and children's groups to come and enjoy the wildlife - but do take a walk through to see the new hidden gem within the Rec!

Jan

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Tesco Express: Result

Monday was the decision day for Tesco's application to vary some of the conditions to its 2008 alcohol licence (previous story here).

We are very pleased to report that the two judges hearing the appeal threw out Tesco's request. That means they will still have to have staff on the forecourt at certain times and will also not be allowed to offer cut price drink offers in the store.

Jan

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Saturday, September 05, 2009

Adidas Women's 5K Challenge

On Sunday I will be taking part in the Adidas Women’s 5K Challenge in Hyde Park as I have done every year since I set off the runners as Lord Mayor of Westminster in 2003.

In previous years I have taken part to raise money for my own Charity ‘Bowel Cancer’. I wanted then, and I continue to seek, to raise the profile of this terrible disease and to purchase diagnostic equipment to aid its earlier diagnosis.......... which can often mean a cure. I have bought the machine for St Marys Hospital and it has proved a great success. By taking part in the Adidas Challenge each year I have continues to raise funds which has enabled me to buy further upgrade pieces for the machine as they have become available.

The Friends of St Marys Hospital Paddington have always looked after ‘my’ money which has enabled me to spend every single penny I have raised on ‘Bowel Cancer’. Thus none of the funds I have raised has been used for expenses or to fund any kind of administration fees.

This year I want to say a big thank you to the’ Friends of St Marys’ for the great kindness and generosity that they have shown to me and so I shall be taking part in this challenge to raise funds for them. This year every penny that I raise will go to them for their work at St Marys Paddington where it will be used to provide facilities, amenities and equipment, for patients that may not be available on the National Health Service.

I know there must be many demands on your purse at this time but if you could see your way to sending something I would be most grateful. Your donation would be greatly appreciated and very wisely used.

Thank you for taking the time to read this

YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE AT www.justgiving.com/SueandJanFriends

Jan

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Thames: Just checking ...

Following the re-appear of a Thames hole in Randolph Avenue a few weeks ago, we've spent some time trying to confirm that there are no further plans to complete more Victorian mains replacement in our area ....

.... and we are very pleased to confirm it! A few end of project 'snagging' activities are being undertaken (such as Randolph Avenue - and also the one on Maida Vale). After that, they are going to bother other parts of London.

A warm and happy wave goodbye!

Lee

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