Local Stories
An interview with Mike Whitlam of the Rukiga Project
Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world, often lacking clean water and sanitation. These challenges have been addressed by the Rukiga project that links an area of rural Uganda with Hillingdon. Local resident and former director of the Red Cross, Mike Whitalm has first hand experience of this project and talks here about his involvement with a range of programmes that are helping to improve the lives of people in Uganda.
Ruislip Manor Farm Tour
The history of the Ruislip Manor Farm site is extensive. Dating back many centuries to when a Norman bailey castle and motte existed, the site has in more recent times been home to the 16th century Manor Farm house. And the Great Barn is thought to date from the 13th century, and has recently been fully restored to its former glory. Eileen Bolt from the Ruislip, Northwood and Eastcote local History Society took Paul Goodwin around the Manor Farm site to talk about its history. Part 1 - Norman bailey castle, motte & Manor Farm House. Part 2 - The Great Barn complex and inside the barn itself. (In Part 2 Matthew Mountain concludes on behalf of Hillingdon Council.)
Kew Gardens Tour
To mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in 2009, curator Nigel Taylor took Hayes FM listeners on an audio tour of the site. This included a look around the two impressive hot houses, a walk along the tree- top walkway, and an insight into the fascinating history of Kew...
Historical Harmondsworth Village
Harmondsworth village has managed to keep much of its old charm intact despite being located so near to Heathrow airport. Phillip Sherwood of the local history society, who has published books about Harmondsworth’s history, grew up in the area during the 1930s. Here, he takes us on an audio tour of the historic sights in the village. Justine Bailey also takes us inside the Great Barn of Harmandsworth that has been described as a “cathedral in wood”...
The London Wetland Centre
The Wetland Centre at Barnes is considered to be the best urban site to observe wildlife. With walkways set amongst lakes, ponds, meadows and reed-beds, this haven for nature is home to over 180 species of birds, water voles, amphibians, bats, moths and butterflies. When presenter Paul Goodwin was shown around, it gave Hayes FM listeners a chance to discover the Centre for themselves...
Ealing Transition Town
There’s an interesting initiative going on in Ealing, born out of a nationwide movement to inventively tackle the challenge presented by climate change and peak oil. As we are all likely to have to face reducing our dependence on oil in the future, the Ealing initiative is envisaging how this transition can be resourceful and even enjoyable. With regular meetings, talks and events on this theme now taking place, organiser Trevor Sharman came in to Hayes FM to explain what the Ealing Transition initiative is all about...
Ealing Fathers Group
Regular meetings of dads in the Northfields area of Ealing - have one thing in common - the fathers have all opted to undertake part-time or full time care of their children whilst their partners have returned to work. So what’s it like to have made this choice, for both the dads and their partners? Paul Goodwin, a dad himself, met up with fellow local fathers to find out...
Angela Kanwar
