July 2009 Archives

AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned animal psychologist popped into the Dogs Trust yesterday to show his new secrets for a better behaved pet.

Dr Roger Munford was showcasing his new invention, the 'Halti' headcollar, at Highway Farm on Harvil Road, Harefield, a unique tool which helps train dogs to walk to heel.

The Dogs Trust has shown dogs are easier to rehome when they can walk to heel, as the positive knock on effect is a calmer, better behaved dog that fits well into its new home.

Dr Munford held a masterclass 'Stop Pulling' session for dogs and their owners last Tuesday, as part of National Dog Train and Behave Week.

He said: "Taking your dog for a walk should be an enjoyable experience for both dog and owner, and one where the owner must be in control at all times."

For picture see next week's Gazette

TWO policemen are celebrating after their quick actions resulted in the arrest of three armed robbers who have recently been sentenced.

PC David Bailey and PCSO Toby George were attending a call in Springfield Lane, Harefield, on February 12 when they received a radio call from Thames Valley Police about a knifepoint robbery in at Thresher's wine shop in Moorhall Road, Denham.

It was reported to them, at around 8.45pm, that the men were travelling in a red car which had headed off in the direction of Harefield.

The officers were aware that road works were being carried out in the High Street, the main route through Harefield and the robbers likely route, which would slow down traffic.

They rushed there to carry out vehicle checks and spotted a red vehicle with occupants which matched the descriptions.

PC Bailey then positioned his vehicle to stop the suspects escaping, while PCSO assisted in the stop and search of the suspects while other units were called for assistance.

A knife was discovered in the vehicle along with dark gloves and tops, the clothing the men used to disguise themselves.

PC Bailey said: "Our local knowledge certainly helped us on the day to arrest these offenders and bring them to justice.

"I was aware we were outnumbered and also these men were reported to be armed.

"Without the assistance of PCSO George it would have been difficult to detain these men.

"We used our presence, took control of the situation and be both worked together to effectively arrest these dangerous men.

"This is a good example of cross border teamwork with our neighbouring police departments to resolve crimes in our neighbourhoods."

DS Mick Sharman, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Thanks to the alertness and speed of all officers responding to the call and the excellent co-operation between the neighbouring forces, the offenders were quickly located and arrested.

"This resulted in vital evidence being secured and ensured the offenders conviction."

Ross Davis, 19, of Grove Lane, Chalfont St Peter, was ordered to serve 30 months for robbery, while accomplices Lee Redmond 22, of Barnfield in Iver and Thomas Kenny, 18 of Eythorpe Road, in Stone, were both sentenced to 32 months.

Artist Namik Ozturk's latest exhibition 'Permission to Live' has gone on display at the Harefield Hospital Anzac Centre, with £10 per sale being donated to charity.

Namik has chosen two charities that have played an important part in his life, Motability and the Royal Brompton & Harefield Charitable Fund, to benefit from the money raised.

Motability customer Namik underwent a heart transplant at Harefield Hospital, part of the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, after developing heart disease.

His paintings capture all of his emotions and experiences in the seven years leading up to his heart transplant through a fusion of colour and shapes, and he hopes will raise awareness of organ disease and donation, and support other sufferers and their families.

Lucy Tyler, Motability's Corporate Accounts Manager, said "We are really grateful to Namik for choosing to donate a percentage of his profits to Motability. The money will go towards helping disabled people and their families become mobile through the provision of a vehicle suited for each individual's specific needs.

"The peace of mind that comes with having a safe and reliable form of transport to take you to hospital appointments and do daily errands is priceless".

Namik's exhibition is on at the Harefield Hospital Anzac Centre, Hill End Road, Harefield, UB9 6JH until 28th July. Admission is free.

For more information about this and future exhibitions or to order prints online, visit Namik's website www.namikozturk.com

DEVELOPERS have applied for outline planning permission to build nine new houses in south Harefield.

The application relates to vacant land behind Dovedale Close, Harefield, and while no formal plan for houses has been submitted, this is a tentative enquiry ahead of any specific designs.

The plan to build houses on the derelict land is being considered by Hillingdon Council who will make a decision whether to approve it over the coming months.

THE Harefield Stroke Group celebrated their last group before the summer break with a delicious lunch.

The group met on Wednesday (22) at the Harefield Community Centre, in Priory Avenue, Harefield, and had a well attended light lunch.

Gwen Pinder, from Harvil Road, Harefield, said: "It was really lovely, we had sandwiches followed by strawberries and cream, everybody enjoyed it."

The group, which last year won a Gazette Let's Do It Award, and a £1,000 grant, will next meet in September.

THE Harefield Stroke Group celebrated their last group before the summer break with a delicious lunch.

The group met on Wednesday (22) at the Harefield Community Centre, in Priory Avenue, Harefield, and had a well attended light lunch.

Gwen Pinder, from Harvil Road, Harefield, said: "It was really lovely, we had sandwiches followed by strawberries and cream, everybody enjoyed it."

The group, which last year won a Gazette Let's Do It Award, and a £1,000 grant, will next meet in September.