DEVASTATED residents from the fire-ravaged Strongbridge estate were once again reunited on Thursday for a New Year Buffet organised by the Harrow Christmas Care/Strongbridge Appeal.

It handed them a chance to see each other again and to share their problems. Food was supplied and the residents managed to smile as some clothes and toys were also made available.

Over £8,000 has been donated by schools, churches and individuals. Barbara Etheridge, the treasurer, said: "Only today we had £1,000 donated from business Glaxo, as you can imagine it made the lunch even better. I am so pleased at how everyone is helping and we would like to start sharing the money out in about a months time. We are not sure how we are going to do it but we are seeking professional advice."

The Crime Prevention Unit also announced they are going to donate and install smoke alarms, door views and a door chain to each permenanant household that the residents are going to be moved into.

One of the families that lost everything in the fire were Tracey and Micheal Hurly who attended the buffet. They have a son, Daniel, four, and twelve year-old daughter Jade. They still cannot get into their flat as it is too dangerous.

They were awoken on the morning of December 18 by shouting. Micheal said: "I got up to get a drink of water and heard a lot of noise, when I opened my door I saw the smoke, in less then a minute the place was a blaze of fire."

They are now living in temporary accommodation in Wealdstone. However the children now have to get a taxi to and from school as it's 45 minutes away in Rayners Lane. It used to be just a short walk from their flat.

Micheal said: "We are both struggling although it's a bit easier now. We had no clothes after the fire just the ones we were wearing on the morning .

January 30, 2003 10:00