The Compass Theatre was full to bursting on 7th March – the occasion of the Rukiga Concert.  Present were the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon.  We had been promised an evening of band music, but what bands and what music! 

First on was the measured sound of the Hillingdon Music Service Brass Band.  They started in grand style with a piece called “Concert Prelude”, followed by the ever-popular “Amazing Grace”.  Later on they played the Lennon and McCartney “Penny Lane”.

After the brass signed off with “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, a total contrast took to the stage.  Seby Ntege and his Ugandan Musicians set the stage alight, (not literally!), with their singing, dancing and playing of various drums and other intriguing African instruments.  The group quickly got us all clapping to their captivating rhythms and then invited members of the audience to join them on the stage.  ICN advertising organiser, Edwin looked particularly fetching, prancing around in a grass skirt!  Soon the entire assembly was persuaded to get to its feet, dance on the spot and sing. 

In the interval, the Mayor, on behalf of the Rukiga project, presented a cheque for £4,000 to “World Vision”, our partners in the project.  This brought the total raised by the Ickenham community so far to £20,000, much of which will be spent on bringing clean water to Rukigan villages.  Mike Whitlam thanked everyone for their support and complemented the bands for helping to make such a great evening. 

In the final set, the Hillingdon Jazz Orchestra played “Fly Me to the Moon”, an atmospheric piece called “Space Shuttle” and, for an encore, “Take the ‘A’ Train”.  The audience then left with big smiles and music in mind and the concert realised over £1,400 for our friends in Rukiga.

 

Vyners School’s first pupil intake was in Autumn 1958 – before the school was built.  For the first four terms, pupils ‘camped out’ at St Mary’s (now part of Haydon) or at Eliot’s Green in Northolt, being taught by the eventual Vyners’ staff.  They and the 1959 intake eventually came to Ickenham in January 1960.

Plans underway to celebrate our 50^th birthday include three reunions for former pupils and staff.

• Sat 27^th June:  intakes 1958 - 1970
• Sat 11^th July:  intakes 1968 - 1983
• Sat 19^th Sept:  intakes 1981 - 2002

A Gala Day in January 2010 will celebrate the actual opening of the school building.  But for now, we want to track down as many former pupils and staff as possible, hoping to see them on one (or more) of the three dates shown.  More details are on the school website at www.vyners.hillingdon.sch.uk.  If you send the school your name, email address and intake year we will keep you updated with information.

So, if you are a former pupil or staff member, note the dates now.  And if you know any others, please pass the details on!

Perry Parsons

 

On Sat 9^th May, the URC Bargain Day begins with the usual Plant & Book Sale on the forecourt from 10am until 12 noon.  Then our famous Auction of household goods and collectibles is at 2.15pm.  If you want something auctioned on a commission basis, contact Henry Gardner on 01895 674074.  Other enquiries should go to Richard Piper on 01895 634348.

 

Please note that copy for the May edition of ICN should be with the team by 12 noon on 13^th April.  Meanwhile the ICN team wish you a very Happy Easter.

 

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN ICN ICN is hand delivered 10 times a year to almost 5,000 homes and businesses in Ickenham.  It’s a great way to reach potential local customers – ask our current advertisers!  Although space is already sold out for this year’s regular 6 page issues, there are a few slots available in our two 8 page editions, for May and December.  And inclusion here gives you priority access to any regular slots that become available in the future.  If you are interested, contact our Advertising Secretary Edwin Lee on 01895 622182, or email him on advertising@ickenhamchurchnews.co.uk for details of our competitive rates and any other information.