Successful Neasden school is contemplating adopting ‘free school’ status.

One of the borough’s most academically successful secondary schools is considering applying for free school status.

The Swaminarayan School, which is rated as one of the top performing independent schools the capital, has confirmed they are looking to adopt the status.

The school, in Brentfield Road, which is open to 4-19 year olds, is currently a fee paying school although scholarships are available.

Its GCSE and A-Level results are consistently among the best in the borough.

Next KRRA Meeting - Wednesday 8th February 2012

Date:                     Wednesday 8th February
Time:                     7:30 PM - 9:00PM
Location:              The Kensal Rise Constitutional Club - 194 Chamberlayne Road (next door to the Lexi)

If anybody know "matthew" of Kensal rising, please encourage him to post details of the meeting. Also, please can someone ensure our non-email enabled members are aware of the change of date and venue.

We are keen to increase local awareness of the KRRA, please bring ideas to
reach out to more people, also hoping to discuss updates on:
*       Blog
*       Noise
*       Trees & pavements
*       Speeding
*       Litter
*       Constitution
*       Internet Groups

Litter problem on Chamberlayne Road

The high winds today have highlighted more than usual the problem of litter on Chamberlayne Road.  Crisp packets, newspapers and other lovely items are flying into our front garden and getting trapped in our hedge.  The cars tyres outside the flat are slowly gathering a covering of litter as it blows down the road in an unsightly fashion.  The question is where is it coming from?

Its something we discussed at last nights KRRA meeting at the Constitution Club and resolved to try and at least reduce if not stop altogether.  There are suspicions that the litter collections in the area may need reviewing but something we are going to look into.

It was overall a productive meeting as we managed to get through most of the points on the agenda.  Members have been doing their research into areas of concern - lack of trees in the area, litter, planning and development issues in the community among others.  Crime and speeding are next on the list to tackle.

We are slowly gaining momentum as a Residents Association.

Christmas Trees in kensal Rise

We got into the festive spirit this weekend by swinging by The Christmas Forest on Chamberlayne/ Harrow Road which has started selling trees.  If you don't like the idea of a tree just for Christmas, you can buy a potted one instead and keep growing it for next year as well.  We were told our little tree should last 10 years - if it lasts til next year I'll be very happy, ten years might be pushing it as we are not the most green fingered house hold. 

The flat smells lovely - pine needles all over the floor already but gets you in the mood.

Next KRRA Meeting - Wednesday 7th December 2011

The Kensal Rise Residents Association will be meeting again on Wednesday 7th December 2011. 

Please join us!

Date: Wednesday 7th December
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00PM
Location: The Kensal Rise Constitutional Club – 194 Chamberlayne Road (next door to the Lexi Cinema)
We are keen to increase local awareness of the KRRA, please bring ideas to reach out to more people, also hoping to discuss:
* Blog
* Noise
* Trees & pavements
* Speeding
* Litter
* Constitution
* Internet Groups
Any problems on finding the meeting - 07946 849140

New bin policy in the Rise

I'm not sure how the new bin collection and recycling policy is going down for everyone but it seems to be working in our house so far.  We are now down pat with what goes where, just not sure what goes when. 

I know the bin men came today as they left them strewn about the front garden in disarray.  They must feel the same as I do about how many there are - we seem to have too many grey bins.  Its a struggle to get them all out and I can now see them through the front window - not a pretty sight.  One less might do the trick.

Christmas Fair at the Shop

Christmas is definitely in the air in Kensal Rise! 

Rik and I ventured down to The Shop on Saturday to see what was going on with their Christmas Fair.  Lots of local crafts were on sale from mens clothes to herbal teas and children's clothes.  As always the atmosphere inside was buzzing, lots of people milling around, drinking cocktails and having a good chat.  The Shop is a welcome arrival to Kensal Rise - there always seems to be something going on with plenty of support.