Conservation News
Sylvia Ladyman
Eastcote has had many champions throughout the ages. Sadly one of our most ardent supporters recently passed away: Sylvia Ladyman aged 89 (1931-2019).
Sylvia was born in Aylesbury and went to Leicester University in 1948 where she studied botany and zoology. This was followed by a variety of teaching posts before she moved to Eastcote in 1966. Her last teaching post was at Northolt High School where she was Head of the Sixth Form.
She joined RNELHS in about 1986: she was always an active member and would volunteer to help with exhibitions and stewarding at various events. She served on the committee from 2000 to 2012, where she acted as Outings Secretary with her customary enthusiasm.
She was very involved in the National Trust, attended French language classes for many years and participated in the many group theatre trips and holidays organised by local resident George Guest.
For many years Sylvia took part in Hillingdon Council’s Street Champions scheme, winning Champion of the Year on more than one occasion. One of her passions was for all plant life, especially trees. Her knowledge of local trees and their welfare was of invaluable help to the Conservation Panel Chairman.
Sylvia was always ready to give credit and to praise others. She definitely made the most of life and lived it to the full and she will be sadly missed.
Lesley Crowcroft
Chairman – Eastcote Conservation Panel
All aspects of conservation are embraced by the Eastcote Conservation Panel.
Eastcote’s first Eco-Warrior was the late Sheila Liberty, who was a founder member of the Eastcote Village Conservation Area Advisory Panel [EVCAAP]. Sheila built the foundations of Conservation in Eastcote, on which we build today.
Advisory Panels came into being in the 1970s as Conservation Areas were formed by the Government, supporting English Heritage who were attempting to stop the wholesale destruction of old buildings and areas of architectural value.
This destruction was evident in Eastcote, where two of the big houses, Eastcote House and Haydon Hall, were both demolished in the 1960s.
In 2008 the aims of the Panel increased to include all open spaces. There are many volunteer groups in and around Eastcote who work endlessly to conserve both our built environment and beautiful green spaces.
Built Environment
There are three conservation areas in Eastcote:
Eastcote Village Conservation Area
Morford Way Conservation Area
Eastcote Park Estate Conservation Area
There are also 30 Grade II listed Buildings, as well as Locally Listed Buildings and Structures.
Three Areas of Special Local Character [ASLC] situated in Northwood Hills are also under the EVCAAP umbrella:
Gates Hill ASLC
Hillside ASLC
Raisins Hill ASLC
There are also Locally Listed Buildings and Structures.
Parks and Open Spaces
Eastcote House Gardens
Warrender Park
Highgrove Woods
Long Meadow/Cheyne Field
Bessingby/Cavendish/Pine Gardens Parks
Pinn Meadows including Kings College Playing Fields
Haydon Hall
The Celandine Route, a 12 mile walk along the River Pinn passes through the area.
Volunteer Groups
Friends of Eastcote House Gardens
Friends of Warrender Park and Highgrove Woods
Friends of Bessingby/Cavendish/Pine Gardens Parks
Highgrove Woods Volunteers
Friends of Pinn Meadows
River Pinn Volunteers
Eastcote Conservation Panel Members
Lesley Crowcroft - Chairman (VCAAP and FEHG)
Chris Groom - Deputy Chairman Built Environment (EVCAAP and Eastcote Residents Association)
Rob Cousins - Deputy Chairman Green Spaces (Friends of Pinn Meadows)
Joan Butfield - Secretary (FEHG)
Keith Barnard - Treasurer (FEHG)
Susan Toms (Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society)
Jess Lee (Highgrove Woods Volunteers and River Pinn Volunteers)
Ian Murray - Green Belt Council (Eastcote Residents Association and Pinner Village)
Ed Fuller (Friends of Warrender Park and Highgrove Woods)
Nick Woodley (Friends of Bessingby/Cavendish/Pine Gardens Parks)
Carolyn Morrissey (Friends of Bessingby/Cavendish/Pine Gardens Parks)
Gerry Edwards (Eastcote Park Estate, FEHG and Eastcote Horticultural Society)
To view the photos below please click on the image and then use the arrows to scroll through them.
Conservation News - Saturday 15th August 2020
A short service of Remembrance was held at Eastcote War Memorial to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. (Victory over Japan).
The service started with the Exhortation :
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
The Last Post sounded followed by a two minute silence. After Reveille was sounded, the Kohima Epitaph was recited:
‘When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow. we gave our today’.
Father John Seymour gave the blessing.
The ceremony was attended by the Worshipful the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr. Teji Barnes, who laid a wreath on the behalf of the London Borough of Hillingdon. Mrs. Catherine Dann laid a wreath on behalf of the British legion, Eastcote Branch and Father John Seymour on behalf of St. Lawrence Church. Standard Bearer Darrell Bennett.
October 2019 - Eastcote Village success in London in Bloom
Eastcote Village was entered into the Large London Village category in the 2019 London in Bloom competition. This was the first time the Village had been entered. The Village gained a Silver Gilt award and the Accolade: Large Village of 2019.
Representatives of the groups who were involved in the entry were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour at the Civic Centre, on Tuesday 15th October 2019, to be presented with the awards. The groups involved were Eastcote Conservation Panel, Eastcote Residents’ Association, RN&E Local History Society and Eastcote Royal British Legion.
July 20th 2019
This year The Hinman Shield was presented to the 6th Eastcote Endurance Cub Pack, for their work in the Community.
All around Eastcote floral touches can be seen: at the rear of Boots the Chemist, a changing display of flowering ‘wellie’ boots; the old paddling pond in Warrender Park isnow planted and tended by the pack; floral displays at the British Legion and Acorn Youth Club are kept in good order all year round.
The group also support the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens annual Picnic and added to the art displays at ‘Eastcote Remembers’ 2018. They also exhibit at Eastcote Horticultural Society flower shows three time a year.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr. David Yarrow accompanied by the Mayoress Mrs. Mary O’Conner MBE presented the Shield at the Scout Hut off Oak Grove, Eastcote.
The Hinman Shield is sponsored by Forget Me Not, Field End Road, Eastcote.
The 6th Eastcote Scout Group currently meets at the Scout HQ in Oak Grove, Eastcote, consisting of 2 Beaver Colonies (6-8 year olds), 1 Cub pack (8-11 year olds) and 1 Scout Troop (11-14 year olds). The group now comprises of almost 100 members including Young Persons, Leaders and Committee Members.
The group was formed from the 4th Eastcote in 1950, when that group grew too large. Famously, some of the early meetings were held around an old Oak tree, now located just outside Grangewood School, Fore Street. In the early days, it was known for having a Scout Band and putting on local Gang shows. In 2010, the Group celebrated its 60th birthday with a special Oak tree scarf badge and are looking forward to its 70th anniversary next year.
The names of the cub sections have previously been named after ships, Endeavour and Enterprise and when they merged became Endurance, named after Shackletons ship on the ill-fated trip to the South Pole. A number of years ago, the cubs visited HMS Endurance, whilst in dock in Portsmouth. The scout section is also called Shackleton. The cubs take great pride in various gardening projects in Eastcote.
The Leaders, all of whom are volunteers, deserve a big thank you for all the time given to the Group; without them, many children would be missing an essential part of growing up. They have a wealth of experience; some have been Leaders for 40 years.”
June 2019
Northwood Hills Residents Association has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the 2019 June Birthday Honours.
This is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.
Congratulations to all the volunteers at NHRA, this is a well earned award. It is so good to see another local group honoured. The Friends of Eastcote House Gardens were awarded the QAVS in June 2017.
Eastcote Conservation Panel - Updates. March 2019
HS2- Digging up a road near you
LBH has sent the response below to the ECP request for information. As can be seen the Councils hands are tied, they cannot just refuse the whole project. There is also an article in the latest Hillingdon People page 4. When I receive any further information I will send it on.
………………..The Council is extremely disappointed HS2 Ltd failed to secure their original proposals for an electricity supply which would have run alongside Uxbridge Golf Course and the Chiltern Line. This would have had virtually no impacts on residential properties.
This failure is compounded by the fact that these sources are scarce. Consequently, HS2 Ltd has identified only one suitable alternative which is some distance away from where the supply is needed.
Consenting Mechanism
The new route runs approximately 7km predominantly in residential roads, but also a small section along a public footpath. HS2 Ltd has commissioned a statutory energy supplier (UK Power Networks - UKPN) to undertake the works. HS2 Ltd has advised it will not be delivered through the powers of the HS2 Act, but through the normal process for statutory utility providers using the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991.
This Act only allows the Council to control construction impacts of the proposals, for example when and how roads will be disrupted. This means there is no control over operational impacts. It also means the Council cannot refuse the scheme. There will be no planning application.
Programme
The programme is being developed by UKPN as the contractor delivering the project on behalf of HS2 Ltd. The Council will ensure the programme minimises harm to residents and we will be responding accordingly when it is developed further. The Council will not grant access to our highways to undertake the work until UKPN has suitably demonstrated it has minimised disruption.
It is understood that UKPN will undertake investigatory works in April 2019. These are limited works at strategic locations to determine the extent of likely impacts particularly in relation to existing services. They have a duty to protect existing services and will be liable for any disruption.
The design for the proposals is still being developed and only broad details are available at this stage. The Council will respond as required as the designs develop and further information is available. This will include consideration of street trees, impacts on other services and the Hawthorne Avenue footway. Consent will not be forthcoming until the construction matters are resolved.
Likely Approach to Construction
The Council has made it clear that impacts to residents must be reduced to a minimum. Consequently, the likely maximum distances to be worked on at any one time would be 50m. This would require the closure of one lane. Full road closures are not anticipated and will be avoided at all costs.
UKPN has advised they would have 4/5 gangs working on the project. The cable is pulled through sections after the trenches are completed and the road restored. This allows for the staggered approach to the works to reduce prolonged periods of disruption in individual areas. Based on this approach, UKPN has advised that it will take a maximum of one year but have advised this is a worst case upper limit. They estimate that a 50m section will most likely take 2weeks, up to 4 in complicated areas. Again, these matters will be firmed up as the design progresses and we will respond when we receive something formal to comment on. We have only had preliminary discussions so far.
Operational Impacts
We are aware of concerns regarding the health impacts from the electricity feed. Unfortunately, this would fall within the operational impacts and consequently outside the scope of our control through the consenting process. HS2 Ltd is the responsible body overseeing the works. I understand they have already been approached by residents in Hillingdon regarding the operational health effects. Separately, the Council has also raised the issue on behalf of residents and requested a full and robust response on this matter from HS2 Ltd; I understand that this will be published next week. We have requested that this response be disseminated to impacted communities for further consideration.
Once available, the Council will review the information and consider whether the matter needs to be taken further within HS2 Ltd………………………………………….
Heathrow Expansion
The recent consultation has now closed. There will be further consultation scheduled for June 2019 covering Air Quality. There is an article in Hillingdon People page 5 concerning other aspects of the Heathrow expansion.
It must also be noted that Heathrow Airport Ltd., need permission from the Dept. of Transport for all the extra flight paths, some of which will be flying over areas not over flown before, that is the North of the Borough [Eastcote, Ruislip, Ickenham etc]. HAL are currently in discussion with the Dept of Transport for this facility, this is Chris Grayling’s department, we all have cause to worry.
Currently a consortium of Councils including Hillingdon are fighting the expansion in the High Court, see the Hillingdon website for up to date information.
LBH Air Quality Consultation
Below information received from LBH, this consultation is open to all. A thank you to Cllr. John Hensley, for forwarding this information to ECP.
……………….A draft Air Quality Action Plan has been produced as part of our duty to London Local Air Quality Management.
The purpose of this plan is to protect the health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in the borough from the effects of air pollution. It outlines the actions we plan to take in improving air quality in Hillingdon between 2019 and 2024.
This local consultation is to ensure residents, businesses and organisations are able to give their views on the draft plan and on any potential air quality issues in their own local areas. The Council will review the draft plan taking appropriate account of the consultation responses received.
We are inviting residents, businesses and organisations to take part via the "Have Your Say" link below, were they can find relevant information and a link to the online survey.
Have Your Say
Paper copies of the consultation are also available upon request to vbeale@hillingdon.gov.uk
This consultation closes on Friday 19 April 2019.
Kind regards
--
Customer Engagement Team
London Borough of Hillingdon
Civic Centre - 1S/10
High Street
Uxbridge
UB8 1UW
T: 01895 277038
E: customerengagement@hillingdon.gov.uk
Closure of Uxbridge Police Station
ECP has been sent the email below regarding saving the Uxbridge Police Station building. A little background information.
The only over the counter police station left in the LB of Hillingdon is Hayes.
When the closure of Uxbridge was known LBH offered to buy the building and fund the running of the station. To be able to keep a more central police station, with public access for the residents of the Borough. This was refused by MOPAC [Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, please note this is the Mayor of London.] The CID is still housed at Uxbridge because there is nowhere else for them to go. Currently LBH have a contract with MOPAC to fund 15 Officers for the Borough. It is uncertain as to whether MOPAC will renew this contract. Speaking personally I do not understand why MOPAC will refuse hard cash when the constant cry is the Met Police does not have enough money. Has anyone any ideas?
Good Afternoon
I hope that you do not object to me contacting you on a subject that I feel very strongly about and think that MOPAC are making a big mistake.
I am starting a petition to try to save Uxbridge Police Station and when complete I will send to Hillingdon Council, hopefully for them to action. The wording will be:
‘We the undersigned request that the Council consider the Uxbridge Police Station to be worthy of having a Building Preservation Order placed on the structure as this building has architectural merit and an iconic feature for Uxbridge Town Centre’.
If you feel that you can support this campaign, please reply to my email address michellejdibble@aol.com with your name so that I can cut and paste into the petition. Would you also cascade it out to those that you know who live or work in Hillingdon and have an interest in saving our Police Station.
Thank you
Michelle Dibble, Chair Hillingdon Independent Advisory Group to the Met. Police.
HIAG/SSCMG West Area
Draft New London Plan
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn, is proposing to make draconian changes to the London Plan. If successful it will change life as we know it.
Part of his new plan is to allow infill building in GARDENS.
Increase the number of dwellings in the London Borough of Hillingdon threefold, meaning LBH will have to provide over 15,000 new dwellings over a 10 year period. To encourage high rise buildings in town centres. Reduce the amount parking allowed for any new build.
Although there are plans to improve transportation in central London the outer boroughs are missed out.
The Mayor says that we must provide more sites for Gypsies and Travellers so as to protect their age old culture, but it is OK to dramatically change Metroland Towns, Conservation Areas.
I have attached the ECP’s response to this draft plan [5 pages] and LBH response [50 pages] for your information.
The whole Draft New London plan runs to 500 pages. it can be found at this link https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/london-plan/new-london-plan/download-draft-london-plan-0
Anyone can send a response to this consultation. The consultation closes at 5pm Friday 2nd March 2018.
Please can you all spare a few minutes to object to the proposals as set out in this plan, comments can be sent via email or letter or online. https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/london-plan/new-london-plan/how-comment-draft-london-plan
Please use the Councils objections or the ECP objections as a guide.
The Case is Altered
After extensive renovations, "The Case" reopened on 24th June 2017. Our thanks go to the Planning Department of the London Borough of Hillingdon for their strict guidelines and to the new owners, Mosaic, for keeping to them, albeit after some initial problems. They have also bowed to people-power in agreeing to keep the distinctive name. The lunchtime and evening menu is available on their website.
To view the photos below please click on the image and then use the arrows to scroll through them.
Eastcote Conservation Panel
News Round Up
January 2016
There is much dispiriting news from around the world as we start this New Year. January is named for the Roman two headed god Janus, one head looking backwards the other to the future. The Conservation Panel news round up for our Eastcote Community, although it looks back, the events are positive and are the foundation for future good news.
Royal British Legion Eastcote Branch
The annual Poppy Collection started in October, by the end of December 2015 the amount raised is £46,109.37 with another 9 months of fund raising to go. The majority of these monies were raised during the Poppy Appeal Fortnight. A big thank you to all collectors for giving up their time to raise this wonderful amount. Will there be another record fund raising total for EBL this year?
Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service organized by EBL, held at the Eastcote War Memorial, was well supported with over twelve hundred [1,200] members of the public attending.
The service was led by Rev Chris Rankine and Alan Wright of St Lawrence Church. The salute was taken by Wing Commander Sally Cawdrey of RAF Northolt.
The local Safer Neighbourhood Team closed the roads and directed traffic for the duration of the Parade and Service. Our thanks to Sgt. Eleanor Charlston and her team.
Volunteers are needed throughout the year, not just for the annual collection. Helping to ‘man’ or ‘woman’ stalls at local events or join with the volunteer gardening group at the War Memorial [working in conjunction with Hillingdon Council] if you can help in any way however small please contact Jeff Duley for fundraising [07808739434] Lesley Crowcroft for gardening [Lesley.crowcroft@gmail.com]
Congratulations to Jeff & Carol Duley grand parents for the first time !
Welcome to Eastcote
Wisteria Ltd., Chartered Accounts, have moved into the Barn at the Grange, High Road, Eastcote. Andrew Millet Director and the staff are thrilled to have moved into a building with so much history, and Eastcote has been given the thumbs up!
In the 2015 British Accountancy Awards Wisteria have been announced as winners of the coveted ‘Community Award’, for assistance and support given to ‘Choices 4 All’
………You might be interested to have some background information about ‘Choices4All’. They are a non-profit-making organisation which helps people with disabilities and learning difficulties to gain self-confidence and independence via skills training, a Job-Club and work placements. Wisteria are a team of Chartered Accountants, established back in 2002. During 2014/15 we supported ‘Choices4All’ via a large investment in staff time, helping them run their organisation more cost-effectively and significantly reducing their running costs……..
The Conservation Panel welcomes Wisteria to Eastcote and look forward to working with them in the future.
RNLI
Stalwarts, Terry & Elaine Wigington will be fund raising again this year for the Royal National Lifeboats Institute. Their fund raising Fairs will be held at Manor Farm, Ruislip [ the hut in the car park] on the following dates in 2016. All fairs run from 10am until 1.30pm:-
Saturday 30th January, Saturday 12th March, Saturday 14th May, NO Fair in July, Saturday 17th September, Saturday 19th November.
Eastcote House Gardens
A reminder of the two new ventures for 2016.
Join the Mayor & Mayoress of Hillingdon on
Saturday February 6th 2pm Storytelling
Free event. Refreshments will be available.
Friday May 20th ‘In Voice and Verse’ present Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits. More details to follow.
Both events will take place in the newly refurbished stables. Come and join us in this wonderful old building, EHG is now back at the Heart of the Community, where it has been for the last 500 years. Very Good News.
Did you know?
It has been estimated that volunteers are worth between 50 and 100 BILLION POUNDS to the economy. Although these figures do not show in the GDP, whereas the incomes from prostitution and drug trafficking does. Must be something wrong here!
So to all volunteers whatever you do, well done you !
Maybe we cannot change the world but we can and do make our corner a better place to live. :o)
Happy New Year
Lesley. (Lesley Crowcroft –Chairman- Eastcote Conservation Panel)