Charity/voluntary

Harrow Natures Conservation- morning working party at Bentley Old Vicarage on Saturday 7th November from 10am. Meeting outside Bentley Day Centre, Harrow Weald.

FIFTEEN volunteers are needed to pick up a paddle and take part in dragon boat race to raise cash for the UK's only specialist hospital for colorectal disease.
St Mark's Hospital Foundation, which supports St Mark's Hospital in Watford Road, Harrow, has entered a team into the 12th Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday May 17 but the original scheduled participants have had to pull out.
Dragon boat racing involves a crew of around 20 sitting two abreast in a long canoe-like boat and paddling in synchronism to the sound of a drum beat.
The races will take place on the River Thames at the Docklands Sailing Centre located at the Millwall Outer Dock in south-east London between 10am and 3pm.
An entry fee of £10 per person is required along with a minimum guaranteed sponsorship of £100, and all participants get a T-shirt.
n For more information and to register, call Maxine McNeil, the foundation's fundraising manager, on 020 8869 2371 or email maxine.mcneil@nwlh.nhs.uk

A Wealdstone resident who helps cancer sufferers and their families has received an Indian expatriate gong for his services to the community.

Yemen-born Jayendrakumar Shah, 52, of Byron Road, travelled to the capital Delhi to collect the Hind Rattan Award - meaning Jewel of India - from the Non-Residents of India (NRI) Welfare Society on January 25.

He said: "I've been working as a legal advisor with Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre in Charing Cross Hospital.

"The Hind Rattan is given to Indians making their own way within their own country and their leadership is being recognised - they are making a success."

In 2005, Mr Shah, a married father-of-two, was invited to meet the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair when he was a legal advisor to Brent Indian Association.

A charity that runs activities and courses for Harrow residents with learning disabilities has been handed cash by supermarket chain Waitrose.

Shoppers used tokens to vote how the store in High Road, Harrow Weald should carve up a donation, and Community Link Up, based in Dawlish Drive, Pinner, was given £250.

Shop volunteers are needed for St Luke's Hospice shops in Pinner, Harrow, Harrow Weald and Stanmore.

Volunteers commit to one shift per week. The charity has an urgent need for volunteers to cover the afternoon shift from 1.15-5pm.

Usually powered by two jet engines a Boeing 757 can reach speeds of more than 600 miles per hour.

But on Saturday next week (07) the 60-tonne aircraft is going to have to settle for a little less force and a lot less speed.

Because the 60m long freight will be dragged by just 30 wheelchair users, who are taking to the runway in a charity record attempt.

A hospice charity is looking for volunteers to help staff its shops and bring in much-needed funding.
Shop helpers are needed for St Luke's Hospice shops in Pinner, Harrow, Harrow Weald, South Harrow, Wembley, Kingsbury, Rayners Lane, Burnt Oak, Stanmore and North Harrow.
Volunteers only needs to commit to four hours, one shift per week, 9.30am to 1.15pm or 1.15pm to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Responsibilities include serving customers, sorting through donated items and steaming clothing, there is something for everyone.
The shops make a substantial contribution to meeting the costs of providing Hospice care at Kenton Grange.
Training will be provided and volunteers get a 10 per cent discount.
To find out more call 0750579275 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.