In this issue of Think Local Harrow

👮‍♂️ Scammers Impersonating Parking Officers in Pinner Sainsbury’s Car Park

👍 From Art Exhibitions to Vegan Meals: EcoShabbat Celebrations Across the UK

🎄 Iconic Battersea Power Station Illuminated by David Hockney's Christmas Art

❓ Trivia Question

🤎 National Brownie Day

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 

Scammers Impersonating Parking Officers in Pinner Sainsbury’s Car Park

A scam targeting motorists was reported at Sainsbury’s car park in Pinner, where a resident was approached by a fraudster posing as a parking officer.

The scammer tried to coerce her into paying a non-existent fine by inserting her bank card into a parking machine. The resident recognized the scam and avoided falling victim.

PCSO Lee O’Brien warned that such scammers often target elderly drivers and use sleight of hand to steal bank cards. He stressed the importance of being cautious, as genuine parking officers don’t ask for immediate street payments and advised people to have their bank's contact information readily available.

From Art Exhibitions to Vegan Meals: EcoShabbat Celebrations Across the UK

The recent EcoShabbat, aligned with COP28, saw EcoJudaism communities from various UK denominations engage in a range of environmentally-focused activities. Donna Cohen, EcoJudaism community liaison manager, praised EcoShabbat as an excellent platform for showcasing diverse environmental events.

Several synagogues participated with unique events. Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue hosted an uplifting service and a plant-based dinner, celebrating EcoJudaism trustee Julie Tucker. Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation presented a creative vegetarian kiddush. Kol Chai Hatch End Reform Jewish Community held a discussion on environmental policies with Harrow Council members.

Barnet United Synagogue's 'War and Waste' theme featured a sermon by Rabbi Dr. Samuel Landau and a presentation by Clive Nathan, UK Ambassador to Leket Israel. West London Synagogue organized an environmental art exhibition and a vegan supper. Southport & District Reform Synagogue explored food waste and ethical investing in a special d’var Torah. Finally, Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community collaborated with Springhill Cohousing Community for an EcoShabbat sermon and eco-activism presentation, followed by a vegetarian lunch

Iconic Battersea Power Station Illuminated by David Hockney's Christmas Art

Battersea Power Station in London has become the canvas for a unique Christmas art installation by David Hockney, one of the world's most celebrated living artists. His latest work, titled 'Bigger Christmas Trees', features a striking display of two large Christmas trees, illuminated in green and purple hues. These vibrant trees are projected onto the 100-metre-tall chimneys of the power station's north facade, transforming the iconic structure into a festive landmark.

This captivating art piece, drawn on an iPad, is part of a 10-minute animation that will be on display every evening from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., until Christmas Day. Each tree is adorned with a gold star at the top, adding to the festive charm. This installation not only enhances the visual appeal of Battersea Power Station, which houses Apple's new U.K. headquarters, but also adds a touch of Christmas magic to the London skyline, visible from various vantage points along the River Thames

Trivia Question

Which of the following is a notable feature of Pinner Village, dating back to medieval times?

1. The establishment of the first public school in 1321

2. Hosting one of the UK's oldest chartered fairs since 1336

3. Being the birthplace of the famous River Pinn

4. The construction of its first railway station in the 14th century

Be on the look-out tomorrow for the answer

National Cookie Day

National Brownie Day, celebrated on December 8, is a day for brownie enthusiasts to revel in the rich, chewy delight of chocolate or blondie brownies.

The history of the brownie dates back to 1893 at Chicago's Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer commissioned a pastry chef to create a unique dessert for the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. The outcome was the original Palmer House Brownie with walnuts and apricot glaze.

The concept of the brownie evolved, with the "Bangor Brownie" emerging in 1907 as a richer adaptation. Brownie lovers today enjoy a wide variety of brownie styles, with 60% preferring them without nuts and 36% favoring the crispy corners.

Interesting milestones include the formation of the Girl Scout Brownies in 1914 and the creation of the Betty Crocker character in 1921 to answer baking questions.

The enduring popularity of brownies is evident, with a record consumption of 2 billion brownies in 1988, highlighting the versatility and universal appeal of this beloved dessert.