The Middlesex Directory

Are you passionate about theatre?

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:58:00 GMT

Visit our visitors/visiting forum to find out how you can see more shows in London for a fraction of the price paid by the general public.

Undiscovered Middlesex

The Directory Administrator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:15:00 GMT

Thinking of a day out locally? Why not go to our "Visitors/Visiting Forum" an interesting selection of ideas. Visit the homes of inspirational figures such as Charles Dickens, William Hogarth, Freud and many more.

Middlesex Directory welcomes your contribution to our forums

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:20:00 GMT

Do you run a business in or around Middlesex? Maybe you run a charity or other organisation? Perhaps you're interested in the history of Middlesex? Why not tell us all about it? It only takes a few minutes to join the Middlesex Directory by clicking on the word "join" at the top of this page. Once you are a member of The Middlesex Directory this gives you the power to contribute to any of our forums to tell everyone out there what you do. You can also put a link to your website in your contribution.

We have two new recent contributions to the forums - see

http://middlesexdirectory.com/forums/thread/239.aspx

http://middlesexdirectory.com/forums/thread/236.aspx

Hope you are all having a great summer and enjoying the recent good weather.

Ferret and Lawn mower racing at The Middlesex Show

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:37:00 GMT

This weekend 21-22 June saw the return of The Middlesex Show to its original home of Hillingdon Showground.

On Sunday 22 June, as the sun beat down, crowds were treated to ferret racing, lawn mower racing and sheep dog herding.

Arts and crafts played a prominent role at the Show with wood carved sculptures and hand made jewellery for sale. Home-made jams, marmalades and sweets could also be purchased.

It's great that the Middlesex Show has returned over the last couple of years after a period of enforced hibernation. In my view, it could be improved with a greater representation of local organisations, businesses, crafts and charities. Most people I spoke to seemed to be from everywhere else in the UK apart from Middlesex! However, I wouldn't want to be too critical as the main thing is that the show has a future. The organisers seem to be doing a pretty good job on the whole.

Worldwide celebrations on the 16th May

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Do you think that there is only one Middlesex?

If so, you would be wrong. What about Middlesex Plains, Australia, Middlesex, Belize or Middlesex, Jamaica? Why not take a look at the following website which explains the fascinating history of how the place name Middlesex came to spread around the globe.

http://www.middlesexfamily.com/links.htm

The 16th of May 2008 is Middlesex Day!

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:21:00 GMT

May 16th Middlesex Day

In 1811 the men from the Middlesex Regiment (The TV series starring Sean Bean was based on them) were part of the British forces fighting under the Duke of Wellington against Napoleon.

On this very day, May 16th, 191 years ago the Middlesex Regiment were entrusted to stop the advance of the French into Portugal or the British could have been trapped in Dunkirk fashion with their backs against the sea. Instead of Dunkirk the village on the Spanish/Portuguese borders was Albuhera, and it was here the Middlesex men fought ferociously to keep at bay the overwhelming forces and might of Napoleon's army to give time for the British and Wellington to retrench.

The commanding officer of the young Middlesaxon fighters yelled at the heighth of battle "Die hard my men, die hard". After this tumultuous, history-turning event the Middlesex Regiment became known as the Diehards and on their Regimental badge are inscribed the words "Albuhera".

And this is one reason why on this day. May 16th, we salute all the men of Middlesex who have fought under their County's banner from their earliest recorded battle - the Battle of Hastings in 1066 right through English and British history to similar actions as at Albuhera in the First World War, World War II and Korea.

As the supporters of the Middlesex Regiment gathers today in their HQ from their museum at Bruce Castle in Tottenham to their barracks in Mill Hill and Hounslow and one of their regimental drums at St. Mary's Church, Staines, we must remember the history and heritage of this band of soldiers who have inspired generations to be proud of their County and who have scuppered the plans of more than one dictator at the eleventh hour.

Now the fight to retain the magnificent and honourable Middlesex name is against bureaucracy, or some politicians who wish to merge, disband or abolish a century of history. That is why May 16th has come to mean more than a battle for it has become the loadstone of perpetual Middlesex pride, lest we forget this is the name that men through over a thousand years of history have rallied to in England and Britain's defence.

Middlesex have never let our country down, but there are those who have let our County down, lest

they forget May 16th is our day, Middlesex Day, we will remember them.

HAPPY MIDDLESEX DAY and LONG LIVE OUR COUNTY'S NAME AND PRIDE - our wonderful sports clubs and associations, big and small, now carry the County banner, name and heritage into the future as never before.

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Expand your cultural and social horizons

The Directory Administrator — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:31:00 GMT

These days working life seems to become ever more pressurised. Many people find that they have very little scope to plan quality activities to make the best use of their spare time and expand their network of friends.

Why not let Events and Friends, an exciting new Social Club, spice up your free time by introducing you to some like-minded people and broaden your horizons with a varied programme of social and cultural activities.

To find out more, please visit our VISITORS AND VISITING forum or click on the following link http://middlesexdirectory.com/forums/thread/176.aspx

Make your butterflies fly in formation …..

The Directory Administrator — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:02:00 GMT

A US survey has revealed that public speaking is considered the most feared activity to be asked to undertake!

The Middlesex Directory contains two very informative articles which could help you improve your technique.

Why not take action and conquer your fear by joining Harrovian Speakers Club. Anyone from total beginners to more experienced speakers are welcome.

To find out more visit our BUSINESS FORUM.

Middlesex Museums

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:12:00 GMT

Usually the winter months are great times to explore museums. London museums provide us with the wonderful opportunity of tapping into a wealth of knowledge about the history of Middlesex.

This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting The Foundling Hospital Museum in Bloomsbury. Why not take a look at my review on the VISITORS/VISITING forum or click on http://middlesexdirectory.com/forums/thread/155.aspx

Although the bigger organisations such as the Natural History Museum, Museum of London and Imperial War Museum are great, I would love to visit some of the smaller lesser known ones. I’d welcome your suggestions for any museums you think are worth a visit in Middlesex/London.

Why not join the Middlesex Directory and make your views about museums known.

The Directory Administrator

Middlesex Theatre

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:04:00 GMT

For all of us there is sometimes a need to escape from the harsh realities of life. Every night in London’s theatreland the lights go down and the curtain is raised to reveal another world.

Over the last year I’ve been very privileged to see a number of plays and musicals in London.

It always strikes me that we are really lucky to have access to some of the best shows on the planet here on our doorstep. Many of the top performers of our age are up on stage right before our eyes giving their best for our personal enjoyment and entertainment.

As going to the theatre is something that I really enjoy, I’ve decided to write reviews of all the plays and musicals I go to see from now on.

Under the VISITORS AND VISITNG Forum (see http://middlesexdirectory.com/forums/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=160#160 )I’ve placed a review of a Harold Pinter play I recently went to see at The Comedy Theatre in London.

Over the next year, I’m hoping to write some more reviews on different productions and intend to visit some local theatres in Middlesex.

If you have any suggestions for any productions locally or in the London area which you think might be good to see please let me know.

I am really interested in exploring some of the fringe theatre productions. Many years ago I went to see a number of these and was very impressed by the off-beat ideas and originality of it. Any suggestions for good fringe productions would be very welcome.

Any reviews I write are really just my own opinion so, if you have a different view, I would be interested to hear it. If you have been to see a production recently, it would be great to read your review as well so why not become a member of The Middlesex Directory and let your voice be heard?

The Directory Administrator

Welcome to 2008

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:45:00 GMT

I would like to wish all businesses and individual members of the Middlesex Directory a very happy and successful new year!

Kind Regards,
The Directory Administrator

The Business Directory

The Directory Administrator — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:20:00 GMT

Hi all,

Do you run a business in Middlesex?

Why not take a look at our business directory at http://www.middlesexdirectory.com/directory/

We welcome new entries from local businesses and anyone interested in writing articles for the directory. Please contact us to find out more.

The Directory Administrator

The Middlesex Show returns this weekend 23/24 June 2007!

The Directory Administrator — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:45:00 GMT

Great news! The Middlesex Show and been relaunched and 2007's event takes place this weekend 23/24 June 2007 at Park Lodge Farm, Harefield, Middlesex. Opening times are between 9.30am-6.00pm. Ticket prices £6 for adults and seniors, children £3. For further details see the following websites:-

http://www.middlesexshow.co.uk/
http://www.hdfairs.co.uk/middlesex/

I'm sure a lot of us will have good memories of previous shows and this re-designed county show promises to retain the good aspects of the original event whilst reflecting the modern age and the people who live in the area.

I look forward to meeting some of you there this weekend!

The Directory Administrator

Is customer service now a quaint old-fashioned concept?

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:34:00 GMT

Just image for a moment that you have a time machine and can travel back to 1950s Britain. Your aim once there is to go to a local bank and conduct a simple transaction.

What sort of experiences would you have?

Well you might be whistling the lastest tune by a young man called Elvis Presley. So as you’re walking along and humming “are you lonesome tonight,.. lonesome tonight..” you stroll though the door of the bank and within space of time speak to a member of staff who would do their best to help you conduct your business as smoothly as possible.

Now get back into your time machine and travel forward to the year 2007. You want to contact your bank again. This time you pick up the phone. You receive the message “All our advisers are busy assisting customers at the moment, please hold while we try to connect you to an adviser”. In your frustration you gaze out of your office window at a newspaper stand. The headline reads “Blair to go”.

Personal service seems to be an old-fashioned concept in 2007. Some businesses seem to think that we don’t mind holding the line listening to endless banal messages. Usually if you do get through to someone you are wound-up because you have had to wait for so long so are more likely to suffer from “phone-rage” and be less receptive to solving any problems.

If only they thought again and aimed to put personal service at the centre of their operations the advantages would be numerous:-

1. If people can speak to a real person, they will automatically feel in a better frame of mind. Their query is being handled on a personal level.

2. The customer is more likely to be in a better mood and receptive to solving problems. Less "phone rage".

3. Problems are more easily solved in a person to person interaction. All the customer wants is for someone to listen and be receptive to their difficulties not just sell them another product.

The other day I popped into a local watch shop because I had lost the small piece that clips the pieces of my watch band together. When I explained the problem, the proprietor said that he thought he might have one lying around. He found it, attached it to my watch band – and charged me nothing! Where do you think I’ll go when I need a new watch band or even a new watch?

I am not suggesting that everything relating to customer service was better in the 1950s. We now have many more convenient ways of contacting businesses. For example, via the internet or phone. However, it sometimes seems that we have lost an important aspect of human interaction.

Lets jump in the time machine for one final journey moving forward to the year 2027. Once again, we want to try to contact a bank. This time we don’t personally visit it, or pick up the phone or even go on-line. We just touch a screen in our living room and are connected to a personal banking advisor. We are once again face-to-face with someone but of course via a screen.

Could the brave new world of 20 years time come full circle back to something closers to personal service?

However, to change this area today in the year 2007, would not cost the earth and could be of great benefit to both businesses and customers. As the American Economist Thomas Sowell once said “Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back”.

Are you an expert in one area but need help in another?

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:01:00 GMT

Hello Fellow Middlesaxons,

As the Middlesex Directory grows it occurs to me that we are in a perfect position to help each other. We have a collection of people who are experts in certain specific areas within our Business Directory. Knowledge-sharing could be a potentially powerful resource for members of The Middlesex Directory. For example, if one person is an expert in say automobiles but has no knowledge of plumbing (but needs a plumber!!) - what do they do? Well, they could call out a plumber and pay good money to have them fix their leak or through their contacts within The Middlesex Directory they could reach agreement with a plumber for them to fix the leak and in return the automobile expert carries out a repair to the plumber's van.

Why not let us know if there are any specific areas of knowledge you would be prepared to share in return for help in another area? We could start to get together a mini-database of people willing to share specific skill areas.

The Directory Administrator

Why not write for the Middlesex Directory?

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:01:00 GMT

Hello Fellow Middlesaxons,

Are you running a business or a charitable organisation in Middlesex? Do you ever wish that you had access to a platform viewed by the local community where you could share your thoughts and interact with others? You don't need to be a hi-tech computer wizard or have your own website. You don't even need to own a computer although you will need access to one to enter your information. If you click on the "Forum" section of the Middlesex Directory you will notice that people have set up forums for various subjects such as "Property", "Health" or "IT". We believe that many more people in Middlesex would like to take advantage of this unique on-line soap-box to share their views on work or leisure pursuits. If you have some interesting ideas for articles or some information you would like to bring to the attention of a wider audience, please let us know by emailing administrator@middlesexdirectory.com or contacting us by phone on 0208 248 9768. If we think that the information is of interest to the Middlesex Community we would be pleased to set you up with your very own on-line forum.

The Directory Administrator

Inspired by Strictly Come Dancing?

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 23:53:00 GMT

Are you looking to build up your fitness levels and meet new people? It can be hard to find the time to devote to both these activities so why not combine them both and learn to dance.

There are so many different forms of dance. Some can be undertaken by the individual only - such as line dancing. However, many are partner-based.

I have tried a variety of dance styles over the years from salsa and samba to tango and ballroom dancing. I cannot claim to have fully mastered any of them but I have had a lot of fun. From the point of view of a total dance beginner, with very little time, I would recommend learning ceroc.

Ceroc is a fusion of Salsa and Jive derived from many other dances including French Jive, Swing, Lindy Hop, and Rock and Roll.

Ceroc has many advantages over other forms of dance:-

1. There is no complicated footwork to learn – although as you become more advanced you do have the option to incorporate footwork into your routine.

2. There are a large number of venues scattered all over Middlesex and surrounding areas. Why not take a lot at the following websites for details
http://www.ceroclondon.com
http://www.uk-jive.co.uk

3. There are regular beginners classes where each move is broken down into easy to learn stages.

4. It’s very affordable. Average admission into a venue is about £10. Not bad for a night out with a difference!

5. On a typical evening ceroc offers far more than just a dance class. Usually after the beginners and intermediate classes have taken place there are a couple of hours of freestyle in which you can try out any new moves learnt in the class or just enjoy your existing routine.

6. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere in which anyone can learn and no-one worries too much if you make a mistake.

Finally, I have noted that some men perceive dancing as a predominantly female activity. This view is totally untrue. Lots of guys go to ceroc and have a great time. There is great scope for you to perfect your dance routine and meet new female company. Some female friends have complained to me about lack of dance partners with some forms of dancing. This won’t be a problem with ceroc because it’s so relaxed that you can just go up to a guy and ask him to dance and you’ll find that plently of men will ask you to dance. So there’s no hanging around looking like a wallflower.

So what are you waiting for? Drag your two left feet along to your nearest ceroc venue and reinvent yourself as the next Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers of Middlesex.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 21:28:00 GMT

The Middlesex Directory would like to extend our best wishes for a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year to all residents and businesses in the County of Middlesex.

May the Middlesex Directory grow from strength to strengh in the year 2007.

Kind Regards,
The Directory Administrator

Seasons Greetings from Middlesex

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 20:34:00 GMT

There has been a lot of publicity recently about how the forces of political correctness have hi-jacked the greetings card business. Apparently it is almost impossible to buy Christmas cards with traditional images such as the 3 Shepherds or Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

If you don’t want to accept mass produced Christmas images on your cards this year, what other options do you have? The answer can be found within the Business Directory Section of The Middlesex Directory. If you click on the “Products” section you will find details of a company called Photos on Things. You can forward copies of your own photos to them and they will produce Christmas or greeting cards with the images of your choice. For those who do not have their own photos, the company have a variety of images which you can choose from including a wide selection of Middlesex scenes.

Great news for those who want to spread a bit of individuality with their seasons greetings.

The Directory Administrator

Cutting crime in Middlesex

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 20:12:00 GMT

When did you last speak to your neighbour? When most people are asked this question they will give a variety of replies ranging from earlier today or a couple of days ago to a year ago or never. In the majority of cases the answer would most probably be more than a month ago.

I recently attended the launch of the first neighbourhood watch meeting for my locality. Not only was it good to meet some of my immediate neighbours for the first time but also to find out how easy it is to reduce your chances of experiencing a burglary. Just simple steps such as marking your belongings with your postcode, fitting good window locks and improving outdoor lighting can all help to make your property more secure. Your local police or Neighbourhood Watch Office can offer further advice on this or take a look at the following sites www.crimereduction.gov.uk or www.securebydesign.com

Very much in line with the principles of The Middlesex Directory, the idea behind Neighbourhood Watch is to build stronger communities by making people become more observant to what is happening around their local area and if any crime is committed or anyone is seen acting in an unusual manner to report it to the local police. Neighbourhood Watch can also provide a platform to build a friendly, more approachable community. Certainly if you know the people who live around you on a more personal level you may be more concerned about their property or car being safe and take action if any problems occur. Some groups organise their own barbecues or social events. Most groups have their own newsletter where residents concerns can be recorded and the community can become more aware of any potential problems.

Whilst no-one is suggesting that people become the irritating nosey neighbour with binoculars at the window twitching the net curtains, the idea is just to be slightly more aware of your surroundings that you might normally be and also to look out for more vulnerable neighbours such as the elderly or disabled is a good one.

Criminals depend upon opportunity to commit crime and if we can reduce this then we are some may to helping to solve the problem. Taking action takes effort but, as with most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out.

Why not join your local Neighbourhood Watch group. You can find details of local groups on the website http://www.neighbourhoodwatch.uk.com/ If there isn’t one for your area you may like to consider setting one up. The knock-on benefits will be a more pleasant environment for you, your family and community.

Bad Hair Day

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 13:18:00 GMT

Have you ever had that sinking feeling on looking in the mirror first thing in the morning? You have your brush, comb, hairspray, gel, styling moose – everything natural or chemical - that you could possibly need to train your mane but still nothing seems to work! Perhaps you need some professional assistance. A new hair style could work wonders; but how do you get that without forking out a fortune bearing in mind that a cut and blow dry could cost around £40/£50 or more?

I found myself in this predicament recently and the answer to my problem came in the form of a card in a shop window advertising for models to have their hair re-styled by trainee stylists. I contacted Arena in The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 (tel.0207 928 4880), who advised that I could get a cut and blow dry entirely free of charge.

If you decide to get your hair styled by a trainee, I would advise that the only slight draw-back is the duration of your visit as you will need to allow at least 1 and a half to 2 hours. There is a small risk that a trainee might make a mistake, but I would say that this would be very unlikely as each stage of the cut is checked by a professional stylist who keeps an eye on how things are progressing.

I have now had my hair cut and styled by trainees several times and have been very happy with the results. I am thinking of getting high-lights on my next visit for the princely sum of £10!

In central London you can also contact The Vidal Sasoon Academy in Queen Street who provide cut price hair cuts. Last time I checked some of the freebie mags such as Miss London or Midweek they were offering vouchers which you could take in to Vidal Sasoon Academy and exchange for a £5 haircut.

Does anyone know of any salons where you can get your hair styled by trainees in Middlesex? I know of only one – New Image (Tel.020 88403755). They are located in the shopping centre in Ealing Broadway where you can get a trainee cut although I don’t believe it is for free – last time I looked they were charging something like £10-£15 – although this is still a bargain compared to what you would normally pay.

It’s the little things in life that count …

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 13:15:00 GMT

The other day I happened to be on a Metropolitan Line train heading towards Watford which was pulling into Harrow-on-the-Hill Station. I needed to change onto the Uxbridge section of the line to continue my journey west. It was late in the evening so I was relieved to see an Uxbridge train waiting on the other side of the platform. At Harrow-on-the-Hill it literally takes 1-2 minutes to cross the platform from one train and board the train waiting on the other side. Unfortunately, my hopes for a quick journey home were short-lived as, just as the doors of the Watford train opened, the Uxbridge train closed it’s doors and trundled off on it’s journey leaving at least 35-40 passengers stranded on the platform. How much effort would it have taken on the driver’s part to wait for an extra 1-2 minutes for those 35-40 passengers to cross the platform and board his train. Not much I would think. Then again, could it be that I am not seeing the situation from the driver’s point of view? Maybe it was the end of a long, hard shift for him and he just wanted to get home? His Line Controller may have given him instructions to move the train? Could he have had an argument with his wife that morning? Ultimately, I don’t know what the reason for this was. All I knew was that this was not the first time this had happened in the 20 years that I had been using the tube.

If you are still reading this posting you might be forgiven for thinking that I should just write to London Underground with my complaints. However, on this occasion, I started to think about this event from a completely different angle. If the driver had waited for those extra 2 minutes how many people would have grateful for his consideration? Would the thought of helping all those people have given him more job satisfaction? Would the passengers have felt more favourably towards London Underground because they would have perceived that at least they were doing their best to get them from A to B?

I believe that there is a lesson for myself and everyone else in this and other similar situations. Sometimes just those small things in life make all the difference - holding the door open for someone, a smile, saying hello, offering to help. The knock-on effect of all those small positive actions goes some way towards creating a better life for yourself and others. By creating a series of positive actions you are more likely to receive positive thoughts and actions back from others.

There is some comfort in knowing that even if we haven’t achieved world peace overnight at least by starting small and changing your own world and your reactions to others you could potentially change own your life. The challenge lies in trying to achieve this when you are feeling tired, bored or angry. If anyone can offer any thoughts or tips we would be pleased to hear from you.

How to save money on your new pair of specs

TOPWOMAN — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 21:44:00 GMT

Do you dread your next visit to the optician? If, like me, your prescription changes every 2-3 years you know that your bank balance will take a serious battering if you want a reasonably stylish new pair of glasses.

In recent years, I have paid a fortune for rimless specs which look nice and light but certainly pack a heavy punch to the wallet. Most opticians charge at at least £160 for this type of frame – and that’s without lenses!! This is a major rip-off for what is, in effect, a utensil made out of extremely cheap materials.

This time I decided that I had had enough.

I got my eyes tested by a well-known high street optician. I then managed to escape the premises with just my prescription and without their extremely enthusiastic sales staff palming me off with one of their grossly overpriced frames. Then, on a personal recommendation, I paid a visit to the optical wholesalers Fastlens Limited.

Fastlens Limited carried out all necessary measurements for my varifocal glasses, took my prescription details, and within 10 days my new specs were ready. One pair of rimless varifocal glasses for, in my opinion, the bargain price of £165.00 (for both frames and lenses). I believe this was a pretty good deal for specialist lenses. Fastlens could certainly provide someone with a simpler prescription with a much cheaper pair of glasses and have a wide choice of stylist frames available for extremely reasonable prices. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for some new specs to give them a visit. All you need to do is arrange an eye test beforehand and get your prescription in writing. Don't take "no" for an answer from your optician. By law they have to provide you with this information.

I believe the advantage of Fastlens is that they can carry out all necessary adjustments on their premises. I know many people who have ordered cheaper glasses on-line but, of course, this can be a bit hit and miss because these companies cannot carry out essential measurements such as pupil distance which could effect the efficiency of the lenses.

Fastlens are located at 80 Mowbray Parade, Edgware Way, Edgware, Middlesex and can be contacted on 0208 958 9393.

We would be really interested to hear the opinions of all spectacle wearers out there in Middlesex. Have you ordered glasses on-line or anywhere else which has been really good value? Does anyone have any recommendations for suppliers of reasonably priced contact lenses?

Kind Regards,
TOPWOMAN

Unsung Local Heroes

TOPWOMAN — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:15:00 GMT

Dear Middlesaxons,

Mr Grimwade, the inventor of dried milk, came from Harrow, Middlesex. He ran a farm on Watford Road and donated dried milk to nourish British soldiers fighting in the Crimean War in the 1850s.

Florence Nightingale "The Lady of the Lamp", the nurse who tended the sick and injured troops, commended Grimwade for saving lots of lives.

Send me your stories of local people, past or present, whose actions have saved lives or made a difference to the lives of others.

Look forward to hearing from you.

TOPWOMAN

The Messiah of Middlesex

The Directory Administrator — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 18:48:00 GMT

I've just found out that Handel, composer of classics such as The Messiah, sometimes played the organ at services in the local church of St Lawrence, Whitchurch Lane, Stanmore.

Handel worked as a resident composer between 1717 and 1720 for the Duke of Chandos.

The Duke of Chandos lived an opulent lifestyle at his manor house "Canons" which has since been demolished but is now the site of the North London Collegiate.

Handel's most notable compositions whilst employed by the Duke are "The Chandos Anthems and Te Deum" and what is often regarded as the first English oratorio, "Esther".

The organ used by Handel has recently been restored to it's former glory by the specialist organ builders Goetze and Gwynn of Worksop.

If anyone knows of any other well-known composers or musicians who were born in or have connections with Middlesex, I would be delighted to hear from you.