In this issue of Think Local Harrow

🌡 Frigid Temperatures and Ice Alert for London and Surrounding Areas

🎄 Deck the Halls: Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree in North London

🎅 Christmas Cheer Arrives in Harrow with Spectacular Lights Switch-On

👨‍⚖️ Residents Alert: Surge in Car Break-Ins in Rayners Lane

⚖ Wealdstone High Street Incident: Suspect with Alleged Machete and Fireworks Detained

⛔ Traffic Alerts: Roadworks Scheduled in Harrow and Surrounding Boroughs

📣 Transforming Harrow: The Upcoming Hatch End Riverside Park

December 4th

Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Food Distribution - South Harrow Methodist Church
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald

December 5th

Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald

December 6th

Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald

December 7th

Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald

December 8th

Acoustic Night with Nick Bird - 2 South Hill Ave, South Harrow HA2 0NQ
Uhr + Laurie Wright + Dog Food Band + Conor Myles - Trinity Bar
Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald

December 9th

Harrow Christmas Fair - North Harrow
Reindeer Visit - Harrow Town Centre
🎄❄️GSN Winter Wonderland ❄️🎄 - Growing Stars Nursery
Skankin Time - The George, Harrow
A Gleeful Christmas! - St Andrew’s Church, Roxbourne
Harrow Hockey Club Christmas Party - Harrow Hockey Club
Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald

December 10th

Carols at the Clubhouse - Harrow St Marys Youth Football
Twinkle Trail - Headstone Manor & Museum
Christmas Tree Festival - All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald
Tribute to Muhammad Rafi Charity Concert 

Frigid Temperatures and Ice Alert for London and Surrounding Areas

Greater London and surrounding areas are bracing for icy conditions as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning effective from midnight until Sunday morning at 8am. This alert extends to the East of England, West Midlands, and parts of South Wales. The forecast predicts a sharp temperature drop to as low as -3° in Greater London tonight. With rain or sleet anticipated to fall on already frozen surfaces, the risk of icy patches increases significantly, even in areas that have been treated.

The Met Office advises extra caution to prevent slips and falls, suggesting residents leave their homes earlier than usual to avoid rushing. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use main road pavements, which are less likely to be slippery. For those traveling by vehicle, checking road conditions and public transport timetables is recommended to anticipate potential delays. The Met Office emphasizes the importance of staying informed as weather warnings could change.

Deck the Halls: Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree in North London - From Pines and Needles to Clifton Nurseries 🌲

North London offers a variety of choices for those seeking the perfect Christmas tree this festive season. Here are some of the top places to consider:

East Heath Car Park (NW3 ITH): This location is part of The Christmas Forest, which offers sustainable Christmas trees at various sites in North London. They are known for their quality and commitment to sustainability.

Hackney Wick (45 Rookwood Way, Fish Island): A family-run business in Hackney Wick offers a diverse selection of high-quality trees sourced from the Scottish Highlands, promising a unique and authentic Christmas experience.

The Chelsea Gardener (Central Chelsea): An oasis of green, The Chelsea Gardener not only offers a range of gardening tools and outdoor furniture but also features an impressive collection of Christmas trees each winter. Their friendly staff are there to help you pick the perfect tree.

Clifton Nurseries (Maida Vale): As one of London's oldest garden centres, Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale offers a rich history and a wide selection of Christmas trees.

Pines and Needles: With various locations across London, Pines and Needles invites you to pick your own Christmas tree, offering a hands-on experience to find the perfect tree for your home.

The Christmas Forest: Known for their quality and service, The Christmas Forest provides a range of Christmas trees for purchase, and their trees have even been used to create an indoor forest for a special event, as shared by the Punchdrunk Theatre Company.

Each of these locations offers a unique Christmas tree buying experience, from sustainable options to family-run businesses, ensuring that everyone in North London can find the perfect tree for their festive celebrations

Christmas Cheer Arrives in Harrow with Spectacular Lights Switch-On

Harrow Town Centre has officially embraced the festive spirit with the annual switch-on of its Christmas lights. The event, held on Saturday, November 25, transformed the town into a winter wonderland, complete with inflatable snowmen and funfair rides.

The Mayor of Harrow had the honor of turning on the lights, marking the highlight of a day filled with joyous activities in Greenhill Place and St Anns Road. Attendees had the unique opportunity to meet reindeer, visit Santa’s Grotto, and capture memories by his iconic red sleigh.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the cast of Harrow Arts Centre's Snow White pantomime entertained the crowd with live music. The event also featured a special appearance by local Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Romeo and Icy, allowing fans to meet and greet these celebrities.

The fun extended beyond performances, with funfair rides and a Christmas raffle for everyone to enjoy. The festivities reached their peak at 6pm when the Christmas tree lights were turned on, followed by a dazzling laser show that captivated the audience.

This celebratory event was organized by Harrow Town Centre BID and funded by local businesses, showcasing a strong community spirit in celebrating the holiday season.

Residents Alert: Surge in Car Break-Ins in Rayners Lane

The Rayners Lane area in Harrow is experiencing a rise in car thefts, with thieves targeting items like change, phone cables, sunglasses, and disabled badges. Police are urging residents to be vigilant and take preventive measures like locking cars, removing valuables, using alarms, and marking their vehicles for identification. PCSO Louise Nicholson stresses the importance of community vigilance in combating this trend.

Wealdstone High Street Incident: Suspect with Alleged Machete and Fireworks Detained

In a coordinated response, law enforcement teams from Wealdstone, Harrow Weald, and Marlborough swiftly apprehended an individual on the High Street in Wealdstone, who was reportedly in possession of a suspected machete and fireworks.

The operation took place on Tuesday, 28th November. The suspect was quickly taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing. The arrest was announced on social media by Wealdstone MPS on Wednesday, confirming the joint effort of the involved police units and the successful detention of the individual.

The incident underscores the prompt and effective action of local police in ensuring public safety.

Traffic Alerts: Roadworks Scheduled in Harrow and Surrounding Boroughs

Residents and commuters in Harrow and its surrounding boroughs should prepare for a series of roadworks in the coming days. The planned works, likely to cause delays, span various locations and dates:

1. Squires Lane, Barnet (02 - 03 Dec): Expect traffic control with multi-way signals by Community Fibre Limited.

2. Brook Avenue, Edgware (01 - 05 Dec): Minor delays possible, with traffic control for pothole repairs by Barnet Borough.

3. Carlton Avenue East, Wembley (01 - 05 Dec): Two-way signal traffic control for Affinity Water's maintenance work.

4. Churchill Road, Edgware, Harrow (01 - 05 Dec): Harrow Borough will manage traffic with give and take control.

5. Cornwall Road, Hatch End (01 - 05 Dec): Similar traffic management by Harrow Borough.

6. Cyprus Road, Barnet (01 - 05 Dec): 15-minute delays expected for pothole resurfacing by Barnet Borough.

7. Eastbury Road, Northwood, Hillingdon (02 Dec): Cadent will implement multi-way signal traffic control.

8. Field End Road Service Road, Harrow (01 - 05 Dec): Harrow Borough’s work will cause temporary obstructions.

9. Fifth Way, Wembley (02 - 03 Dec): ITS Technology Group's work will involve multi-way signal control.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully to avoid inconvenience due to these works​

Transforming Harrow: The Upcoming Hatch End Riverside Park

Harrow Arts Centre's vicinity is set to be transformed with the creation of Hatch End Riverside Park. This project, evolving over two years, is a collaborative effort by local councillors and community members. The park's design includes repurposing an unused field behind Hatch End Swimming Pool into a welcoming space beside the River Pinn.

Key to this initiative is Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, who highlights the project as a prime example of local investment. The park will reintroduce wildlife, feature wildflowers, fruit trees, and include facilities for outdoor education and performances.

The project garnered national interest when Councillor Goodwin-Freeman shared the details on GB News with Eamonn Holmes OBE. Holmes commended the rarity and value of such local endeavors.

A notable feature of the park will be an outdoor stage, designed for Harrow Arts Centre's summer performances and constructed from reclaimed materials, emphasizing waste reduction.

The park will also be a green haven with the planting of approximately 30 trees, some of which are already in place. These efforts, led by Councillor Goodwin-Freeman, aim to create a lasting natural space for future generations. The combination of cultural and natural elements is expected to make Hatch End Riverside Park a significant asset for the Harrow community