As many of you know, the Committee of 2nd Ickenham (U.R.C.) Scout Group gave us a very big farewell party at Ruislip Rugby Club on 9th April, which was attended by parents and past Cubs and Scouts representing the whole span of friends we have made over our 30 years with the Group.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the organisers and those who attended and all those who gave so generously to our leaving presents. We are sorry that we cannot thank you all personally. The party really was a wonderful send-off and there was much reminiscing about past Group activities – in some cases with a degree of exaggeration!
In addition, a group from Vyners Swing Band, under the excellent direction of Perry Parsons, played throughout the evening and it made it very special to be told at the end of the evening that they were there at the request of the boys who had been, or still are, members of the Group.

The whole evening will remain a highlight amongst the very many memories that we will take with us to Suffolk.

We have thoroughly enjoyed the last 35 years of our life in Ickenham, and extend our thanks and best wishes to the very many friends that we have made.
Joan and Kerrie Norman

“WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT ICKENHAM” – Competition Winners continued

Last month we published two of the winning five entries. This month sees the remaining three and in June we will print the runners-up.

a)
Living in Ickenham for over 50 years has given me an insight into what a wonderful place it is. When I was growing up there was a close community spirit. Whilst people did not intrude there was always help in a crisis.

As keen ramblers my husband and I enjoy walks around here, where we are fortunate to have interesting routes often leading to historical sites such as the Village Pump and Saint Giles Church.

Although we are so close to the country we are also near public transport, which takes us to any part of London.

Entertainment is another area in which Ickenham excels, with several restaurants and pubs providing a varied cuisine and the Compass Theatre providing an interesting selection of shows.

In the future I may have to make a new life elsewhere, but my heart will always be in Ickenham.
Mrs A. J . Martin

b)
Ickenham is a calm haven on the outskirts of London, yet we have easy access to major roads, trains and planes. Roads are tree lined and the colour and beauty of the trees along Long Lane in spring or autumn rival the lights of London at Christmas.

People care for each other in many ways. The churches work together for everyone in the community. Our children have good schools close by.

We are friendly people. It is hard to walk in the village without a cheery word from someone.

We still have local shops, a library, halls for hire and a good community spirit. There are groups for all ages. You never need to be alone.

Our churchyard is well kept and there is now space for us all to stay in the Garden of Remembrance once we depart this life. We need never leave.
Rosemary Hodgson

c)
The common denominator is "C"!
Ickenham is COMMUNITY with its parade of shops providing a focal point, the Residents' Association and its "Ickenham Calling" keeping all in touch and the two churches with "Ickenham Church News". The Village Hall is the venue for meetings and social events.

Ickenham has CULTURE with the Compass Theatre attracting both local interest and more from outside performers and audience. The library is another treasure.

Ickenham has access to good COMMUNICATIONS and CONVENIENCE with its own tube station and a further one at nearby West Ruislip, which includes Network SouthEast. Bus services and main roads are useful arteries.

Ickenham bas a COUNTRY PARK at Swakeleys for recreation and shows.

Ickenham has CUISINE - International with Chinese and Indian, plus Traditional with coffee shops and pubs.

Carry On Ickenham!
Tim Leman

PARISH PUMP

Receipt is acknowledged, with grateful thanks, of the following donations towards the cost of I.C.N.:
Ickenham and District Society of Model Engineers, anonymous from Edinburgh Drive via Clarence King, Anonymous from Bushey Road via Editor, Anonymous via David Thorpe, Anonymous of the Greenway via Richard Rosser, Ickenham Cricket Club via Maureen Summerfield, Anonymous of Hoylake Crescent via Susan Hayes, Ickenham Village Morning Townswomen’s Guild via Pam Barnard, Anonymous from Cheshire.

Copy for the June edition should be with me by 13th May.