Clubs/societies

A charity supporting older people in the borough is giving practical tips on how to stay warm and safe in the winter months.

Age Concern Ealing is advising the elderly to wear several thin layers of clothing, thermal underwear and hats and gloves when going out.

Children battled a fearless witch and discovered the magical world of Narnia as they performed a CS Lewis classic in front of their proud parents.

The 20 youngsters of the Perform Drama School, had just three days to learn songs, dance routines and a script for the story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe which took place at St Barnabas Millennium Hall in Pitshanger Lane.

A new collecting bin will be placed outside the YMCA site in St Mary's Road to allow people to drop off their unwanted Christmas gifts and help a charity.

The bin, next to the restaurant, Y two 5, invites people to donate gifts and items which will then be sold at the charity shop at 83, The Broadway, West Ealing, to help house young people at night and help them move on to independent living.

A charity carol concert raised nearly £2,000 in aid of the St Barnabas organ restoration fund.

The Ealing Choral Society conducted by Jonathan Williams sung traditional and less well known carols to an audience of 350 on Saturday December 12.

Young people were awarded for their commitment to volunteering at a special ceremony held at Ealing Town Hall last Friday.

The 95 volunteers aged between 16 and 25 were recognised for giving up their time in helping others, whether through administration work, football coaching or befriending elderly or isolated people in West London.

The Green Party applauded the decision to refuse the Arcadia scheme at Ealing Broadway.

Sarah Edwards, the Green Party candidate for the constituency which contains Ealing Broadway said: "We are delighted that the planning inspector turned down the application and we congratulate the Save Ealing's Centre group for their tireless work in opposing this scheme.

A statement issued by Ealing Civic Society read: "Naturally we are delighted with the Secretary of State's decision.

"Both the Secretary of State and the Inspector agreed with English Heritage and the Civic Society that the proposed development was out of keeping with the scale and character of Ealing Town Centre, particularly its listed building and Haven Green.

Save Ealing Centre said: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has decided that Glenkerrin's Arcadia development is not to go ahead.

"This has proved that our decision to oppose the scheme at the Public Inquiry was entirely justified and that we were able effectively to represent the many residents who opposed it.

Distinguished poet and author, Kit Wright, praised the high standard when he judged this year's Ealing Arts and Leisure Poetry Competition 2009.

Mr Wright, read and sang some of his own poems before presenting the prizes with a total value of £500 to the winners at Ealing Town Hall on Friday last week. (4) Winners were then invited to read their poems.

THE distinguished poet and author, Kit Wright, will be announcing the winners of this year's winners of Ealing Arts Poetry competition at Ealing Town Hall on Friday.

His new book, "The Magic Box", as well as "Hoping it might be so" and "Cat among the Pigeons", illustrated by Posy Simmonds, will be available and he will be signing books during the course of the evening.
Kit will talk about and read from his work before announcing the winners who will be invited to read their poems.