Faith

ANGRY residents and councillors have blamed a lack of communication after thousands of worshippers descended on a park, taking them by complete surprise, although the organisers are maintaining it was a success.

The Eid celebrations, part of a Muslim festival, took place on Sunday at Hayes End Community Park, in Kingsway, Hayes.

The festivities were held on Sunday, kicking off early in the morning, but residents, unaware the celebrations were even taking place, became furious that so many people came to the area with no warning.

Councillors had to come down to the park along with the police Safer Neighbourhood Teams to calm down residents who were unable to get out of their drives, and were awoken by the festival Tannoy.

A number of angry residents contacted the Gazette on Monday, feeling that they had been ignored, and not even consulted about the whole event.

The festival was organised by the Quba Islamic Centre, in Golden Crescent, Hayes.
Mohammed Adam, a volunteer, said: "From my perspective it went well for us, people from across Hillingdon were able to celebrate in one place.

"After what happened in Harrow we worked hard to avoid trouble, and there was none, there were more people than we expected, up to 4,000, but fortunately we had back up volunteers to help out and Sunday was a good day to have such an event.

Councillor Janet Gardner, who represents Botwell (Lab) said: "As one of the Botwell Councillors who attended the event in the Park, I can understand how angry the residents are about being kept in the dark about the whole event and the chaos it caused in surrounding streets.

"I myself would be furious if I was woken by a Tannoy system at 8am, or the sound of cars trying to park and I have to say I would have been the first to complain.

"I can only assume that there must have been a lack of communication between the organisers and the council regarding measures that should have been taken to limit the nuisance for the residents."

Councillor Mo Kursheed, who represents Botwell (Lab) said: "The venue was OK and these events need to be promoted, but the council did not do their job properly and these events need to be managed properly.

"Under the circumstances the Safer Neighbourhood Team did a marvellous job, they were not expecting it to be so big."

Philomena Bach, director of environment and consumer protection, said: "The council was assured that there would be under 1,000 people attending however, the actual number far exceeded this.

"Had the organiser made the council aware of the potential size of this event, we would have notified residents living in the local area.

"The council worked together with the police and the organisers to best manage the situation on the day and we are disappointed that the event caused disruption to some of our residents.

"The council will be meeting with the organisers to discuss how this can be avoided in the future."

Harlington Baptist Church announces its annual 'Carols by Candlelight' Christmas event, providing Christmas lessons, readings, solos and sing along carols accompanied with the church's traditional pipe organ and piano.

The event takes place on December 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the main church building located on Harlington High Street across from the village green. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

The church has been decorated will all the trappings of Christmas including a manger scene. Christmas punch and mince pies will be available at 6pm prior to the performance. Then at 6.30pm guests will be able to join in the singing and listen to the performance, which will last about an hour.

Harlington Baptist Church will also provide a Christmas Eve Watchnight service on of December 24 starting at 11.30 pm. The Christmas Day Celebration service will start at 10.00 am. Both services take place in the main church building and will feature traditional Christmas readings and music.

"We are delighted to be able give this free performance of Christmas music, readings and sing along carols with all the elements of a traditional Christmas," said Jonathan Roberts, Church Administrator, for Harlington Baptist Church.

"This event demonstrates HBC's continued commitment to focus on God while meeting the spiritual needs of our neighbours, friends and members. Our church has been open for over 200 years and we look forward with anticipation towards this special event every year, it is a fantastic way to give to the local community."

For more information about Harlington Baptist Church and other Christmas events please visit the website at www.HarlingtonBaptist.org.uk or call 020 8759 9583.

A GROUP of singers entertained shoppers in Hayes with a range of festive carols.

Members of Hayes Town Chapel sung together for 45 minutes at the Band Stand in High Street, Hayes, on December 6.

The songs were introduced with a gospel message from Pastor Gwynne Evans, who is a member of the group.

The singers were accompanied by Simon Pearman on his piano accordion.

A HAYES preacher is collecting messages of condolences to send to India following the atrocities- where two of his disciples were nearly killed.

Guru Singh, who leads at the Kali Mata Mandir Hindu temple in Botwell Common Road, Hayes, has told how two of his followers survived the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

He said: "One man from Southall and one from Birmingham who regularly attend my temple were staying in the Taj Hotel, one floor below where the fire started.

"They are back in the country now, but they are covered in cuts and scrapes, they were lucky."

He is collecting messages of condolences, which he plans to send to the Indian Ambassador in two weeks time to show his support.

FESTIVE celebrations are picking up pace in Hayes and a church is preparing for its upcoming Christmas Bazaar.

The fun-filled afternoon will be held by St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, in Church Road from midday until 4pm on Saturday, November 29.

Father Christmas will be there in his grotto and workshop and Dr Triplett's School choir will also perform.

There will also be refreshments as well as multiple gift and novelty stalls for all to explore and enjoy.

A FAIR offering a variety of stalls and games for children will be held to help raise money for a Harlington church.

The event will take place at St Peter and St Paul's Church in St Peter's Way, Harlington, at 11am on November 29.

Home made cakes and books will be on offer as well as a grand draw where the first prize is £50.

Jenny Jeffries, fundraising co-ordinator at the church, said: "We are still desperately trying to raise money not only to replace the wiring in the church but also to install CCTV cameras outside as we have had some of the lead stolen from the church roof."

The assistant minister of Hayes Town Chapel Joseph Pettitt has married Ickenham girl Louise Philpott and the happy couple are pictured on their big day.

BOMBAY will come to Harlington when a church hosts an Indian cuisine night.

The evening will take place on Saturday, October 11 and guests are encouraged to attend the night at St Peters Church, St Peters Way, Harlington.

The night will cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and guests are requested to bring their own drinks.

For more information call 02087590453.

MOURNERS gathered at a funeral to pay tribute to a vicar who served the community for 26 years and who also showed his support in protesting against the third runway at Heathrow.

The Reverend Robert Scott who served at Harlington Baptist Church in the High Street, Harlington, died on September 11 from a heart attack just weeks after conducting the marriage ceremony for his 27-year-old daughter Hannah.

The funeral was held at the church on Tuesday, September 23 and the burial took place at the Cherry Lane Cemetery in Shepiston Lane, Harlington. He also leaves behind his wife Linda as well as daughter Lizzie and his sons Peter and David.

MP John McDonnell attended to pay his respects and Hillingdon Council also made a special gesture by removing parking restrictions in nearby streets that day from 10.30am to 4pm.

A SURE and steadfast celebration party will take place to commemorate 125 years of the Boys Brigade.

The Fourth Hillingdon branch of the Boys Brigade, at Hayes Methodist Church, Station Road, Hayes, will host the party on October 4.

It begins at 7pm in the church hall, and will be attended by The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Brian Crowe, and members of the Boys Brigade past and present.

Celebration mugs and badges will be available, and members of the public are invited to attend.
There will be an enrollmeant service for current members of all ages to collect badges they have earned.

For more information call David Kingston on 02085819594.