From crime writing to Shakespearean sonnets, from storytelling for children to creative workshops for budding authors, LitOct is all about celebrating imagination and bringing people together. This year’s line-up includes writers such as Vivien Brown, Sam Davey and Gatlin Perrin, alongside drama, poetry, and even a little mystery.

But it’s not just about books — LitOct also puts community at its heart. Visitors can look forward to the annual Apple Pie Supper, a special creative writing competition prizegiving, an art exhibition by local artist Rosemary Whittle, and a Halloween party to round off the month.

Festival organisers are keen to make the events accessible. A £35 festival pass gives access to nearly everything (excluding the literary lunch and Palooza) and even comes with a goody bag, while individual tickets are kept affordable, starting from just a few pounds.

Southlands Arts Centre has always been a hub for creativity in Hillingdon, and LitOct is a great example of how local venues can offer something special for residents of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, someone curious about writing, or just looking for a welcoming community event, this festival has something to enjoy.

LitOct runs from 4th–26th October at Southlands Arts Centre, 75 The Green, West Drayton, UB7 7PW. For the full programme and tickets, visit southlandsarts.co.uk/litoct.

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The Battle of Britain Bunker is important for many reasons, and we are lucky to have this piece of history so close to Uxbridge. We will explore the history and significance of this exciting location and provide you with fun facts and a comprehensive FAQ to help you understand this unique and important site.

With the start of the holidays, it is always a mad scramble to compile a list of things to do with the kids when they have all that free time to get bored. And while there are plenty of things to see and do all over London and the UK, we decided to do a few things closer to home. So we are visiting some of the local attractions and days out that Uxbridge and Hillingdon offer.

History of the Battle of Britain Bunker

The Battle of Britain Bunker was built as a secure underground operations room for the RAF between February and August 1938, during the height of the Battle of Britain. The bunker was designed to house the Command Centre of 11 Group, responsible for defending southeast England against German air raids. The Command Centre was responsible for directing the actions of fighter squadrons and ground defences and providing real-time updates on the location of enemy aircraft.

The Battle of Britain Bunker played a critical role in the defence of the UK during the Battle of Britain. The Command Centre was the nerve centre of the RAF’s air defence network, and from the bunker, officers could monitor the battle’s progress and make crucial real-time decisions. In 1940, the bunker was equipped with the latest in communications and radar technology, which allowed the RAF to respond quickly and effectively to incoming German raids.

What’s here?

The main parts are the bunker itself and the visitor centre. The bunker has 77 steps leading down to it, so it isn’t the most accessible; there is also a visitor centre if the steps to the bunker put you off. You can buy tickets to the visitor centre, which is cheaper, or the visitor centre and the bunker.

The new, modern building that houses the visitor centre opened in 2018 and is an exciting sight and experience all by itself. Surrounding the building and in the picnic area are full-size replica aircraft: one Hurricane and one Spitfire, and another two aircraft overhanging the visitor centre.

How much does it cost? (Checked Feb 2023)

At the time of visiting the prices are as follows:

Visitor Centre Only/Bunker & Visitor Centre

Adult – 

Over 65 – 

Children under 16 – Free

But the best bit is that if you have a HillingdonFirst card, you get 50% off your ticket! You do need one for each person that wants a discount, though.

Who would enjoy this?

My nephew is ten and has enjoyed a lot of the history he has studied at school. I was curious to know how much of WWII he had studied or if he was even interested, but he loved the whole experience. He enjoyed looking around the visitor centre and the massive full-size replicas of the Hurricane and Spitfire that are outside the bunker and even liked the half-hour talk in the war room in the bunker itself (I was worried he’d lose interest). The talk was very engaging; the speaker was well-rehearsed, passionate and interesting, and would keep everyone’s attention. Well, not my three-year-old niece, but she is probably a bit on the young side for this. She did fall asleep about halfway through the talk, but she loved looking at all the model planes in the display cases dotted around the bunker.

Fun Facts about the Battle of Britain Bunker

1. The Battle of Britain Bunker is one of only a few surviving underground operations rooms from World War II.
2. The bunker is located beneath the site of the former RAF Uxbridge Station, which was an important air defence base during the Battle of Britain.
3. The bunker was designed to withstand bomb attacks and was equipped with a reinforced concrete roof and thick walls to protect the staff and equipment inside.
4. During the Battle of Britain, the Command Centre was staffed 24 hours a day by a rotating team of officers who worked in shifts to monitor the progress of the battle.
5. The bunker was equipped with the latest in communications technology, including teleprinters and telephone exchanges, which allowed the Command Centre to communicate quickly and effectively with fighter squadrons and ground defences.
6. The bunker was also equipped with a large plotting table, which was used to track enemy aircraft movements in real-time.
7. In the years following the Battle of Britain, the bunker was decommissioned and remained unused until it was restored and opened to the public in the 1980s.

FAQ about the Battle of Britain Bunker

1. What is the Battle of Britain Bunker?

The Battle of Britain Bunker is a historic underground operations room used by the RAF during the Battle of Britain to direct the defence of southeast England against German air raids. The bunker was the Command Centre of the 11 Group, and from the bunker, officers could monitor the battle’s progress and make crucial decisions in real-time.

1. Where is the Battle of Britain Bunker located?

The Battle of Britain Bunker is located in Uxbridge, England, and is situated beneath the site of the former RAF Uxbridge Station.

1. What was the significance of the Battle of Britain Bunker?

The Battle of Britain Bunker was a critical component of the RAF’s air defence network during the Battle of Britain and played a crucial role in defence of the UK against German air raids. The Command Centre was the nerve centre of the RAF’s air defence operations, and from the bunker, officers could

What Historic Artifacts and Objects Can be Found in the Bunker?

Visitors to the Battle of Britain Bunker can see a variety of historic artifacts and objects that help bring the history of this important site to life. Some of the highlights of the collection include:

1. Original plotting table – The large plotting table that was used by the RAF during the Battle of Britain to track the movements of enemy aircraft in real-time is still on display in the bunker. This iconic piece of equipment gives visitors a sense of what it was like to work in the Command Centre during the Battle of Britain.
2. Communications equipment – Visitors can see a variety of historic communications equipment, including teleprinters and telephone exchanges, that were used by the RAF during the Battle of Britain. This equipment helped the Command Centre to communicate quickly and effectively with fighter squadrons and ground defences during the battle.
3. Personal items – A variety of personal items belonging to RAF officers and staff who worked in the Command Centre are on display, including uniforms, helmets, and other items of uniform. These items give visitors a sense of the human dimension of the Battle of Britain and help to bring the history of the site to life.
4. Maps and charts – The bunker is filled with maps and charts that were used by the RAF during the Battle of Britain to track the movements of enemy aircraft and to plan their defence. These maps provide a fascinating insight into the tactics and strategy of the RAF during the battle.
5. Historic photographs – The bunker is also home to a collection of historic photographs that document the history of the site and the Battle of Britain. These photographs provide a visual record of this important period in British history.

Visitors to the Battle of Britain Bunker will have the opportunity to see these and many other historical artefacts and objects that help to bring the history of this critical site to life. By exploring the collection and learning about the RAF’s equipment, tactics, and strategy during the Battle of Britain, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery and skill of the men and women who defended the UK during this critical period in its history.

All in all we thoroughly enjoyed the look at this historical location, loved the walk and the talk and looking round the visitor centre. We got a bite to eat and a drink from the cafe, and even bought some items from he gift shop. If you live locally the HillingdonFirst discount makes this a no-brainer!

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The Beck Theatre, a cultural landmark in Hayes, West London, may soon face closure as Hillingdon Council reviews its assets. The Beck Theatre, Opened in 1977, and since then, this cherished venue has been the borough’s only major theatre, hosting numerous prestigious acts over the decades. However, with tightening budgets and the arts often being the first to experience cuts, the theatre’s future now hangs in the balance.

Trafalgar Theatres, the company currently managing The Beck, has been in discussions with the council since 2023 to negotiate a new lease agreement, one that could offer stability and safeguard the theatre’s future. Unfortunately, the deadline for these talks has now passed, and Trafalgar is making arrangements to return the theatre to the council when their lease ends in January 2025.

A representative from Trafalgar Entertainment said: “Trafalgar Theatres has been diligent in exploring all options that would allow us to continue operating The Beck and we have been steadfast in our solutions-oriented and collaborative approach to protecting this flagship cultural venue.”

While Hillingdon boasts two other theatres—the Winston Churchill Theatre in Ruislip and the Compass Theatre in Ickenham—these venues, located in the north of the borough, are council-run. Performers are required to rent space and provide staff to manage the facilities during performances. In contrast, the Beck Theatre is the only professionally run venue between Hammersmith and High Wycombe, making its potential closure a significant cultural loss for the area.

Local residents, arts organisations, and performers have voiced concerns about the impact of losing the Beck Theatre. Many fear its closure would create a void in the local cultural landscape, further isolating this part of West London from the city’s vibrant arts scene.

As community members rally to save the theatre, petitions and social media campaigns are already in motion. A Facebook group titled “Save the Beck Theatre” has quickly gained hundreds of supporters. (Facebook Group: Save the Beck Theatre)

The closure of the Beck Theatre would be a devastating blow to West London’s cultural scene. As Hillingdon Council continues to deliberate on the future of its assets, many are hopeful that the theatre’s rich legacy and vital role in the community will secure its survival for future generations.

Below is a statement from Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council

For some months Hillingdon Council has been in confidential discussions with Trafalgar UK Theatres Limited about the renewal of its contract which was due in June this year.  

“Trafalgar UK Theatres Limited is owned by Trafalgar Entertainment Group which is a multi-million-pound profit making organisation, majority owned by Barings LLC a US based global asset management firm. The latest published accounts of Trafalgar UK Theatres limited shows it has retained earnings of £18.856 million and made a profit of £1.869 million in the period ending April 2023. 

“Trafalgar currently pays no rent for the use of the theatre building and has very limited repair liability, the cost of which has been borne by Hillingdon residents. In addition, the council has been paying a subsidy towards the theatre’s operations.  

“Quite naturally, as part of new terms, the council has been seeking new operating arrangements as we should not be subsidising a privately owned commercial entity with council taxpayers’ money.  

“Trafalgar’s accounts show healthy opportunities for further income generation, and we are seeking new proposals that would reduce their reliance on grant funding from the council.  

“At 12.58pm today we received their notification letter which expressed their desire to pull out of the Beck Theatre management with effect from 13 January 2025. The same letter asked that both parties agree not to publicise Trafalgar’s decision regarding ceasing activity at the Beck Theatre until after 25 September and we are bitterly disappointed with their decision to make this public in this way. 

Source: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/13464/Hillingdon-Council-statement-on-the-future-of-the-Beck-Theatre

Here is the Letter released by The Beck and Trafalgar Theatres:

Transcript:

BECK THEATRE

– HAYES –

18th September 2024

Dear friends,

It is with enormous disappointment that I’m writing to advise you that Trafalgar Theatres’ future at The Beck Theatre has been made untenable and we are now forced to make preparations to exit The Beck Theatre at the end of this calendar year. Whilst we do not know for sure, our concern is that the theatre may be at risk of permanent closure.

As you may know, The Beck Theatre is owned by London Borough of Hillingdon and operated by Trafalgar Theatres. Our agreement to operate The Beck is due to expire after our Pantomime later this year and we have been in constant dialogue with LBH since late 2023 to explore a new agreement that would give certainty and would protect The Beck for the future.

Trafalgar Theatres has been diligent in exploring all options that would allow us to continue operating The Beck and we have been steadfast in our solutions-oriented and collaborative approach to protecting this flagship cultural venue.

We have been clear with LBH that we urgently needed clarity from them on the future operation if we were to secure a high-quality programme from 2025 onwards – and provided them with a deadline for decisions – after which it would be impossible to do so.

We are deeply disappointed that this deadline has now passed without agreement. We must now start making exit plans to be activated once our agreement ends in January 2025. LBH have so far been unable to provide us with any clarity around any proposed alternative operation of The Beck, and our concern, therefore, is that The Beck may close its doors.

For nearly 50 years The Beck has been the cornerstone of Arts and Culture for Hillingdon, West London and beyond. Not just a professional Theatre with a world-class programme, but also a hub of creativity, creative learning and community outreach. There is no other Theatre like The Beck in the UK and no other venue of a similar scale with a 10-mile radius. The closure of The Beck would therefore be a devastating blow not just to audiences but also to the myriad local organisations, charities and communities that we support. I am deeply sorry that we find ourselves in this position.

Unfortunately, we are not able to advise on any future plans for The Beck. Should you have questions, however, you may wish to write to the Corporate Director of Place, Karrie Whelan on kwhelan@hillingdon.gov.uk who will be in a position to respond.

Thank you for your continued support of The Beck Theatre.

Yours,

Steve Sargeant

Theatre Director

Wikipedia: The Beck Theatre

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In an exhilarating development for book enthusiasts and vinyl lovers alike, My Uxbridge is thrilled to extend a marvellous opportunity to attend an exclusive author talk and book signing event. We are giving away tickets to immerse yourselves in the captivating universe of *The Vinyl Detective: Noise Floor*, the latest masterpiece from the renowned author Andrew Cartmel.

Set against the inspiring backdrop of Southlands Arts Centre, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening. Scheduled for Tuesday, 19th March at 6 pm, Andrew Cartmel will take centre stage to delve deep into the intriguing world of *The Vinyl Detective*. Attendees will be treated to an insightful discussion on the nuances of his new book, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a maestro who seamlessly blends the allure of mystery with the timeless charm of vinyl records.

This is an unmissable occasion for fans and newcomers alike to engage with a celebrated figure in contemporary literature, get their copies signed, and perhaps uncover the secrets behind crafting compelling narratives. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Cartmel’s work or simply have a penchant for captivating stories, this evening promises to offer something for everyone.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive gathering. Join us at Southlands Arts Centre for an evening that celebrates the magic of storytelling set against the enchanting world of vinyl records. It’s an opportunity to connect, discover, and be enthralled by the artistry of Andrew Cartmel.

Enter Now

In the comments section below, share your thoughts on which book from the Vinyl Detective series is your favourite. We will contact you at the email address provided. If you don’t want your comment to be public, mention that at the bottom of the comment. We will announce the winners on the 19th of March.

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Southlands Arts Centre & Friends of Southlands is thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated 2023 Literary & Storytelling Festival, a captivating two-day event that promises to be a haven for book lovers, storytellers, and creative minds alike. The festival is set to take place on Friday, 8th September & Saturday, 9th September 2023.

The pop-up cafe will also be on site both days for an amazing selection of food and refreshments.

The 2023 Literary & Storytelling Festival will showcase a diverse array of authors, illustrators, and literary enthusiasts, converging to celebrate the power of words and narratives. Attendees can immerse themselves in a series of engaging talks, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to inspire, entertain, and enlighten.

From insightful conversations with authors that delve into their creative processes to hands-on workshops that uncover the art of storytelling, this festival is a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with other like-minded and explore new horizons in the world of imagination.

“Our goal is to foster a community of literary enthusiasts and provide a platform for talented individuals to share their stories, experiences, and insights,” said a spokesperson for Friend of Southlands. “The 2023 Literary & Storytelling Festival aims to ignite conversations, spark inspiration, and nurture a love for literature and storytelling in all its forms.”

The 2023 Literary & Storytelling Festival is open to all ages and welcomes readers, writers, artists, educators, and anyone with a passion for storytelling. It is an unmissable opportunity to celebrate the magic of words and the boundless creativity that lies within each narrative.

For more information about the festival schedule, featured speakers, and registration details, please visit the official event website at www.southlandsarts.co.uk/literary-storytelling-festival-this-september/.

The post Missing Hillingdon Culture Bite 2023? Southlands Literary Festival Has the Answer appeared first on My Uxbridge.

Why simply be a spectator when you can be a part of the experience? We invite you to immerse yourself in the art, feel the passion behind each work, and actively support our local artistic community. As a special treat, you also get the privilege of casting your vote for your top three favourite artworks. Based on popular opinion, Southlands Arts plans to curate a special 2024 calendar, celebrating the most beloved pieces from the exhibition.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to be a part of something beautiful. The exhibition is open until Saturday, 26th August, at the iconic Southlands Arts Centre. We look forward to seeing you there, and who knows? Perhaps you’ll be inspired to become our next featured artist!

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