Harrow Your Harrow, your stories
eople Harrow P just u o costs y
1p
www.harrow.gov.uk • March 2013
WINNER! BEST COUNCIL MAGAZINE IN THE UK Your Harrow, your stories
1
Charlotte Dobson: This photograph captures the stunning sunset I saw on Harrow-on-the-Hill. It reminds me of how fortunate I am to live here. This water fountain overlooks Harrow and represents its beauty.
myharrow
If you have a favourite view of Harrow you would like to share, send us your pictures and a photograph of yourself. Every edition we will publish the best one on this page or on our website. Email angela.hart@harrow.gov.uk
contents 5
Harrow’s hot topics
20
Your letters page
7
Guest editor Patrick Ryder
25
Youth Matters having your say
9
Budget special
26
What’s happening in your area
11
29
Fight for a fair grant
Harrow’s heritage: Bentley Priory
If you have any story ideas, please email the editor at angela.hart@harrow.gov.uk For editorial and advertising enquiries: Editor Angela Hart / 020 8424 7504 Design Nic Marucci Photography Dermot Carlin Please recycle this copy of Harrow People when you have finished or pass it to a friend. Harrow People is published five times a year by Harrow Council as part of keeping local people informed. It is distributed to 100,000 homes, businesses and all local libraries. Comments, products and services published do not necessarily carry the council’s endorsement.
Harrow Council general enquiries 020 8863 5611
Tweet us your views @harrow_council or like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/lbharrow Your Harrow, your stories
3
Leader of the Council, Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar
hot topics
This council is facing its most challenging financial situation in decades, yet unlike many London boroughs all of our children’s centres and libraries remain open. We are also increasing the number of social workers and investing in elderly care.
AMAZING OFFER: Free one day leisure pass for every reader This one day pass includes unlimited use of the gym and swimming pool and full access to more than 40 group exercise classes per week. Please cut out this slip and bring it with you to Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, HA3 5BD. Offer ends Tuesday 30th April 2013. Harrow Leisure Centre is open from 6:30am to 10:30pm.
This is why we have been faced with no choice other than to raise Council Tax by 2 per cent so we can protect the services we know our residents care most about. In this edition we explain why we have made this difficult decision and how we plan to spend your Council Tax money. I believe Harrow’s future remains bright despite the unprecedented financial situation that is not of our making. We are a modern, well-run, and low cost council with ambitious plans to create a thriving local economy and a town centre that rivals any of our west London neighbours. We put those most in need first and we ensure everyone has a roof over their heads. This year’s budget has been the most challenging in decades and we have been forced to make some of the most difficult decisions we have ever made. If we were to freeze Council Tax for the fourth successive year the alternative would be to make even deeper and more painful cuts. The 2 per cent rise in Council Tax amounts to 46p a week less than the cost of a pint of milk, and by raising Council Tax now we are helping to protect services in the future. We want the best for our residents, we want our communities to thrive, and I know that with your help we can make a difference and get through these tough times together.
Drop-in sessions are changing From Wednesday 3rd April this year, drop in sessions at the Civic Centre (Access Harrow) will end and you will need to make an appointment to see an advisor. You can do this by calling 020 8901 2616 after 1st April. You can request appointments to discuss your Housing Benefit, Council Tax, parking permits, planning and school admissions. Over the coming weeks you will be able to book appointments on the website using the following links:
The best way to stay up to date with the services you need is to sign up to a MyHarrow account, go to www.harrow.gov.uk/myharrowaccount
This magazine costs just 1p per copy We know that some of you have wondered how much it costs to produce Harrow People and you would be forgiven for thinking that printing 100,000 copies five times a year is an expensive operation.
Our research shows that almost two thirds of you use the magazine as your main source of information about council services. We think it’s important that you know what’s going on in the borough and about the services that are available to you Your Harrow, your stories
It is possible to still see an advisor if it is an emergency. You can drop in to talk to us about rent arrears, eviction notices and/or notices seeking possession and moving home due to fear of violence.
www.harrow.gov.uk/counciltax www.harrow.gov.uk/benefits
However, by working hard to increase our advertising revenue and through careful management we have ensured that Harrow People costs an average of just 1p per copy.
4
www.harrow.gov.uk/admissions www.harrow.gov.uk/planning
Harrowsts o e P ople c st ju u o y
1p*
and that you have a voice in the magazine, through our guest editor, letters and young people’s pages. We are committed to being environmentally friendly so the paper is sourced from sustainable forests and our printers negotiate and purchase the cheapest paper available before printing each edition. We would like to reassure you that we will continue to keep the printing and distribution costs as low as possible while producing Harrow People.
As always, please email angela.hart@ harrow.gov.uk if you have any story ideas for the magazine.
*This is based on average advertising revenue achieved over the last year
I believe Harrow’s future remains bright despite the unprecedented financial situation that is not of our making. Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar, Leader of the Council
Are you paying too much for your energy bills? If so, Harrow Council is urging you to sign up to the Big Harrow Energy Switch which could help you slash the prices of your gas and electricity bills.
The Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Nizam Ismail, welcomed more than 200 people to a Sri Lankan fundraising night last month, held in the Zoroastrian Centre in Rayner’s Lane. More than £2,000 was raised for his chosen charity Age UK Harrow. The Mayor was entertained by dancers, Dhol drummers and singers.
Council Tax Benefit is changing From this April everybody except pensioners will have to start paying some Council Tax, even those people who currently do not have to pay anything because they are receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance.
If you are worried or concerned or want to check how this affects you, council advisors will be available on the following dates and times:
This is because Council Tax Benefit is ending and in April will change to Council Tax Support. The Government is giving the council less money to run Council Tax Support and therefore we have to save money.
• C ivic Centre reception - Monday 25th March, 2-4pm
• K enton Library – Tuesday 19th March, 10am-Noon • B ob Lawrence Library – Thursday 21st March, 3-5pm
Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/help for organisations which can offer you help and support. See page 14 for more information.
Free Wi-Fi in Harrow’s library services New computers, free Wi-Fi and a wider choice of books will be available in Harrow’s libraries from this month.
much better since the changes.
Last year, the council asked residents for their views on the borough’s library service and the improvements they would like to see. The council has been working hard to respond to residents’ ideas and has installed self service machines in all libraries and moved Hatch End Library into Harrow Arts Centre to create a refreshing new space. This has already saved £1.1m per year, allowing all of Harrow’s libraries to stay open and enabling us to reinstate Sunday opening. More than 60% of library users say they have found the library service
Later this year, residents will be able to use their library card in other boroughs, giving them access to 6 million items from libraries across London, including those in Brent and Ealing. This means that residents can borrow and return books, DVDs, CDs and magazines wherever they are. To register for email and text updates, reminders for when borrowed items are due back and to help avoid late fees go to www.harrow.gov.uk/myharrowaccount The upgrades are expected to save approximately £40k per year.
With energy bills continuing to rise, many people are still paying too much for their gas and electricity but are afraid to switch because they don’t have the time to compare suppliers or think it involves a lot of hassle. That is why Harrow Council has joined a London-wide scheme which will use collective buying power to force energy prices down. Anybody can sign up, but it is particularly aimed at those who are in danger of falling into fuel poverty, and those are who already struggling to keep warm. This is another way that Harrow Council is supporting residents most in need through tough times. Signing up is easy! All you have to do is register your interest by visiting www.biglondonenergyswitch.org.uk
Have lunch with your neighbours Dust off the bunting and prepare for the biggest social event of the year – Harrow Council is cutting red tape so residents can throw a street party for the Harrow Community Lunch. Harrow Council has waived road closure fees for one day so residents can get to know their neighbours better by holding a street party or picnic in their road. The Harrow Community Lunch will take place on Sunday 2nd June as part of the national ‘Big Lunch’ event. If you would like to organise a street party you should give the council at least six weeks’ notice to close a road. For more information on how to organise a street party visit www.harrow.gov.uk/streetparties Your Harrow, your stories
5
guest editor
uld like If you wo editor uest to be a g Harrow xt in the ne ontact le Peop , c @ art angela.h ov.uk .g w harro
Lights, camera, action!
Patrick Ryder
a If you are or just r to c a budding tra in ing an ex fancy be come u can be a film, yo g by emailin involved @ n o t producti Patrick a .com imcvision
Patrick Ryder on location
Hi I’m Patrick Ryder and I’m a local film-maker. Film is something that’s in my blood. It has fascinated and captivated me from a very young age. I could not have known back then, that years later I would be standing on a podium at The House of Commons, being applauded by entertainment and film industry giants and receiving an award for ‘Best Film’ at the national short film competition (Film the House). It only goes to prove that if you follow your dreams they can come true. After writing my first short film ‘Cerberus’, I managed to hire some film equipment for around £50 and, with the help of my wife and friends, shot the film over approximately one week in and around some of Harrow’s most iconic landmarks. Using Harrow as an area to source filming locations was essential, with such a limited budget I needed to work around the areas I knew best. Luckily for me Harrow is full of wonderful filming locations and
interesting things to capture. Last year, I shot my second short film ‘Dark Horizon’, which received rave reviews. I was extremely fortunate to be able to film in St. Alban’s Church in North Harrow, a truly remarkable building we even got to film a sequence up the bell tower itself. I love St Alban’s church, not just because it is a beautiful film location but because it has a brilliant parent and toddler group, which brings the community together once a week. My partner and I are very involved with them and I have been helping by designing some promotional material to promote their arts and crafts sessions, soft play areas and storytimes. I think it is important for parents to have a place where they are able to come together like this. Contact St Alban’s Church toddler group on stalbanschurch_toddlersgroup@ hotmail.co.uk
Patrick’s best locations If you’re a film buff like me, don’t forget to check out the fantastic Vue cinema in St George’s shopping centre. If you fancy a delicious coffee before and after your movie, I recommend Esquires in St. George’s centre - the staff in there are amazing and they do the best coffee!
My first two films are available online - www.youtube.com/user/ Cerberusfilm Your Harrow, your stories
7
Do you suffer with Psoriasis?
Help others like you PAREXEL are currently recruiting healthy volunteers who have been diagnosed with psoriasis to participate in a clinical trial. By volunteering for a clinical trial at PAREXEL, you may be helping to benefit the wider community through the development of new medicines, and in return you’ll receive a fair payment for your time and inconvenience. The PAREXEL unit is based in Harrow, North West London, and is an independent research unit. To find out more (and with no obligation on your part), call:
0800 389 8930 or text ‘study’ + your name to:
60777 www.drugtrial.co.uk This advertisement has been approved by an Independent Ethics Committee
BUDGET SPECIAL
Why we are increasing your council tax Welcome to this 8-page budget special. The council is facing its most challenging financial situation in decades and as a result we have had to make the difficult decision of putting Council Tax up by 2% for 2013/2014. For a band D property this means Council Tax will increase by 46p a week, less than the cost of a pint of milk. The recession has severely reduced the council’s income. We have been faced with no other choice than to raise Council Tax. The alternative is to make even deeper and more painful cuts to the services we know our residents care about the most. Increasing Council Tax means we can keep all of our children’s centres and libraries open and help people back into work. It will also help us to invest in the services that protect the residents who are most in need by increasing the number of social workers and investing in elderly care. We understand that times are hard for Harrow’s residents. Here we answer some of the questions you might be asking: A fifth of all local authorities are putting up Council Tax. Why is Harrow one of these? The financial situation in Harrow is worse than in most other local authorities because Central Government
contributes less to Harrow than to most other councils. Harrow Council only receives £1,608 per resident whereas Hammersmith and Fulham receive £2,569 per head. The grant the Government gives to us does not take into consideration the demography of our borough. Harrow is one of the most diverse boroughs in London. In addition, other councils have large reserves to dip into when the going gets tough. We only have £7.65m in our general reserves - the lowest in London. What has the council done to save money? The council has made significant savings over the last few years by being more efficient and adopting a more commercial approach. The council has already taken £51m from its budget since 2010 and still needs to take out another £24m over the next two years; these savings have been made by finding innovative ways to deliver services and ensuring we are getting the most out of our contracts. In addition, other
councils have large reserves to dip into when things get tough, We have the lowest in London, so that’s not possible in Harrow. Read more about this on page 17. How is the council protecting the poorest residents in the borough? The council is protecting the poorest in the borough from the increase by launching the Harrow Help Scheme, increasing the supply of affordable housing, helping residents back into work, running job fairs and setting up apprenticeship schemes. We will also be launching a Harrow Discount Card to support residents and local businesses.
Sign the petition for a Fairer Grant for Harrow Help support Harrow and join us in trying to get more money from the Government. See page 11 for more details.
Your Harrow, your stories
9
BUDGET SPECIAL
Where your money goes Council Tax is going up by 2% which is the equivalent of 46p per a week (for band D properties). The council is doing this so we can protect the services residents care about the most, including our children’s centres and libraries. We provide many services everyday and we want to make sure you know where your money goes, this chart shows you how your Council Tax is spent: £79.8m Adult Social Services & Housing £132m Children & Families £90.6m Primary & Secondary Schools
£540.3m
£8.9m Public Health
£44.5m Roads, Parks, Refuse & Recycling
The extra money will ensure the services you care about are protected from drastic cuts • Keeping children’s centres open • Keeping our libraries open • Keeping Harrow Arts Centre open • E nsuring sports facilities remain available to the community.
£4.7m Planning £9.3m Customer Services £5.1m Legal & Governance £154.1m Benefits & Financial Support
£11.3m Community & Culture
How much do you need to pay? The Council Tax for each band is as follows: 2013/14
£
Band A
1,008.85
Band B
1,177.00
Band C
1,345.13
Band D
1,513.28
Band E
1,849.56
Band F
2,185.85
Band G
2,522.13
Band H
3,026.56
These amounts include the precept levied by the Greater London Authority and other agencies. 10
Your Harrow, your stories
BUDGET SPECIAL
Help us fight for a fair grant Harrow Council has joined forces with local newspaper Harrow Observer to campaign for a Fair Grant from the Government. Here’s how you can help. Our Campaign for a Fair Grant is your chance to help persuade the Government to provide Harrow with a larger and fairer share of the grant funding which is allocated to councils each year.
make a much bigger investment in frontline services like schools, street cleaning and libraries.
The campaign has been launched because the financial situation is worse in Harrow than in most other authorities as we are given one of the lowest Government grants in London. We receive £1,608 per resident whereas neighbouring Brent gets £3,317. If we got the same as Brent we would be £420m per year better off – allowing us to freeze Council Tax, reduce cutbacks and
Harrow has been historically regarded as a leafy suburban borough but this is no longer an accurate description. We are an outer London borough with many inner London problems and our share of the grant should reflect that. The latest Census data has revealed significant changes in the population of the borough over the past 10 years. The council must invest in services to support a 33% rise in the number of children aged 0-4 and 1,000 more people over the age of 80, while
the overall population has grown by 15 per cent. We want to protect the services that we know you value most - this is why we have had no choice but to raise Council Tax from 1st April by 46p per week for band D properties. If we received a fair grant we would be able to freeze Council Tax for the fourth successive year or even reduce it. Along with the Harrow Observer we will fight for a fair grant for Harrow. But we need your help. This is why we are asking you to sign our petition today by visiting www.harrow.gov.uk/fairgrant
“I think that it is very important for money to be spent on essential services such as libraries and keeping vulnerable people safe. I think that the Government needs to give us the correct amount of grant which takes into account our expanding population and our need for greater resources. I will be signing the petition and urge others to sign it as well so that we can all make a difference and see a change.” Mahalia Castle, Kenton
Your Harrow, your stories
11
BUDGET SPECIAL
What we did in 2012 2012 was a challenging year. By working together with our residents and partners we were still able to make savings while protecting the services you care about the most. Here are some of the improvements we made • W e have made savings in the Civic Centre before making cuts to important services • R educed the cost of staff and lowered the number of senior managers from 30 to 20 whilst protecting the lowest paid staff and introducing the London Living Wage • E nsured we get the most out of our contracts along with introducing innovative savings projects • Supported businesses and residents
affected by the economic downturn and helped to get 145 people back into work • W e continue to have some of the best schools in the country, and are currently ranked 6th nationally for primary school performance • O ur adoptions service also continues to be one of the best in the country • D espite the economic conditions Harrow has one of the lowest homelessness rates in London • R ecycling rates remain at around 50%, among the highest in London
• W e welcomed the Queen to Harrow to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, and have continued the Olympic and Paralympic legacy through a 20% increase in people using the leisure centre. Despite the challenges we have outlined, we’d like to reassure you that we will continue to make a difference and help our residents whilst urging the Government to increase the amount of money they give to Harrow. Show your support by signing the petition: www.harrow.gov.uk/fairgrant
Here is an example of what the Council Tax increase is helping to pay for: Lisa Norton, 33, is a social worker for Harrow and is based at the Milmans Resource Centre. “My job involves helping to get the best care for vulnerable adults, including those with physical and learning disabilities. I also deal with those who have suffered abuse and neglect. My aim is to help these residents live safely in the community and get the care they feel they need. For example, I have an older person who lives on her own but is no longer safe as she now has dementia - I am helping to find a safer place for her to live.
Social worker Lisa Norton with some of the regulars at Milmans Resource Centre
12
Your Harrow, your stories
Social workers are needed to help people through times of crises, to make sure they are given good advice, can live independently and have a choice in the way they are looked after.”
We asked some residents what they thought of the Council Tax increase Maysoon Hajelmahi, Pinner
Children’s centres will remain open.
Our plans for 2013 Despite the financial difficulties we are committed to making significant improvements to the quality of life for many of our residents in Harrow. Here are some of the ways we are planning to do this next year. Protecting residents most in need by helping them out of poverty and worklessness • C ontinuing our successful Xcite employment schemes and job fairs to get residents back into work • L aunching the Harrow HELP Scheme to provide support for residents who are most in need • I ncreasing the supply of affordable housing for residents in need of a home
• C reate the Harrow Home Improvement Agency to help landlords and homeowners with a disability to make adaptations to their homes Encouraging growth and investment by supporting local businesses • W e have ambitions to bring £1billion worth of investment into the borough over the next 10 years to create new jobs, housing and to improve our shopping and leisure facilities • I ntroducing a Harrow discount card to support residents and local businesses
• I ncreasing the number of social workers looking after our children. Keeping neighbourhoods clean, green and safe
• I nvesting in Harrow Town Centre by improving St Ann’s Road and Lowlands Recreation Ground
We plan to: • K eep the weekly bin collections and recycling service. • D eliver additional street cleaning in the town centre
• B ringing underused plots of land owned by the council back into use – either for affordable housing or for development.
“With the cost of living increasing, Council Tax going up is hard on everyone but community services are really valuable so I can understand why they are doing it”.
Nicki Taylor, Pinner “In an ideal scenario the council wouldn’t have to do this but that’s not the case. There is a lot to be said for doing things more efficiently, it shouldn’t be all about cutting services.”
Abayomi Kasali, Wealdstone “We are paying a lot as it is, so I don’t see any reason why we have to pay more in Council Tax when wages are not increasing. We are not getting more for what we are giving.”
Jarrard Fitzgerald, Pinner “With the world economic situation as it is this kind of situation is to be expected, but if the money is going to be spent on good things such as children’s centres and libraries then it is worth it.”
Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/ budget2013 to find out more.
Your Harrow, your stories
13
BUDGET SPECIAL
rs Pensiont ebe will no by affectednges a these ch
Welfare reform – will the changes affect you? The Government’s Welfare Reform Act will have a big impact on those who receive benefits. Many of the changes will start from April 2013. We want to make sure that everyone is prepared in the best possible way. Here is a summary of what is happening and when and how it affects you. Residents who receive Housing and Council Tax benefit may have to pay more towards their rent and Council Tax so will need to think about new ways to manage their money to avoid falling into debt. The following changes will affect working age households who receive benefits:
Bedroom Tax - starts from 1st April Who will it affect? New Government bedroom rules apply to new and existing working age council and housing association tenants claiming housing benefit. What changes? The rules will limit the amount of Housing Benefit people in council properties can be paid, according to the number of bedrooms you are allowed. The reductions are expected to be 14% of eligible rent for one extra bedroom and 25% for two or more extra bedrooms.
Benefit Cap Who will it affect? During 2013 a maximum benefit cap is to be introduced. The total income from benefits will be restricted for out of work households:
• A single person will be restricted to £350 a week • A couple/lone parent/family to £500 a week. The benefit cap is more likely to affect families on Housing Benefit with a large number of children. Don’t wait if you think you may lose money – contact Housing Benefit on 020 8901 2610. The cap will apply to the combined income from the main out-of-work benefits,as well as Housing Benefit, Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit. What changes? The cap will be £500 per week for couples and lone parents, and £350 per week for single adults. This will not affect you if you receive Working Tax Credit or Disability Allowance.
Council Tax benefit changes: From 1st April 2013 Who will it affect? If you get help with your Council Tax you will have to start paying something or more than you currently do, even if you don’t currently pay anything. This will not apply to pensioners.
What changes? From 1st April 2013 Council Tax Benefit is changing. It will be called Council Tax Support. This is because the Government is reducing the amount of money available to the council to fund its Council Tax Support Scheme. Pensioners will not be affected. Before then we strongly advise you to take a look at your finances and try to save at least 20-25% of your Council Tax bill in preparation for the changes. Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/ ctbchanges for more information. Rosemary Lambert, Wealdstone “I’m 64 and retired now but sometimes people are penalised for working. I find it difficult to find out what I’m entitled to. Welfare doesn’t always get to older people and the help for them just isn’t there. Don’t just think about families, think about older people too. And remember, not everyone has access to computers, help should be offline too.” To check how you are affected call 0800 882 200 or go to www.dwp.gov.uk
Many of these changes will affect working families too. Anyone of working age that lives in a Housing Association or council property may be affected by bedroom and Council Tax changes. You can see how the changes will affect you by using the welfare reform calculator - www.harrow.gov.uk/housingbenefitchanges 14
Your Harrow, your stories
BUDGET SPECIAL
Where you can get help All of these benefit changes can seem daunting, but supporting and protecting people who are most in need is a council priority. We want to help those who are affected to find ways to make life more manageable, by offering advice and support on coping with the changes ahead. Last year the council asked the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to find out how the benefit changes will affect a sample of 600 tenants and leaseholders, so that a package of support could be put together. Lorraine Chapman, 55, has lived in Harrow for almost 30 years. She lives with Ryan, her 28 year old son who works locally at a supermarket. She discusses how a visit from the CAB was perfect for her as she suffers from claustrophobia, making it difficult to leave the house. “The CAB gave me advice on claiming Disability Living Allowance. We worked out how many spare bedrooms I will have under the new bedroom allocation rules that are coming into effect in April. The most useful part of the visit was the advice on claiming Disability Living Allowance. After a successful application I was told that the amount I was eligible for would cover the additional Housing Benefit that I would have needed to pay next year due to my third bedroom. I can understand that there is a shortage of housing in the borough - when my son leaves home I will need to move on, but for now it means I can stay in my home.
I’d urge anyone that is concerned about what they’ll need to pay to contact the CAB or your housing officer. They can also advise you on managing your finances. “I almost took out a loan to pay for some household essentials, but after chatting with the CAB they explained about a Community Care Grant which meant that I was able to buy a new clothes dryer. This was absolutely brilliant. The grant is a one off payment which doesn’t interfere with your benefits. “Not many people can afford to save, you have to know how to budget, after bringing up four kids as a single mum I’m the expert! Before you go shopping look at what you need and remember cheaper products can be just as good. Make sure you pay your bills and necessities first. If you have any concerns contact the CAB, I thought that they just gave legal advice but that’s not true, they are so nice and helpful and put your mind at ease.”
Other ways to get help • F ind out what help is available in tough times, including debt advice, redundancy, jobs & training and saving money: www.harrow.gov.uk/help • C itizens Advice Bureau are happy to help if you are worried about the changes 020 8427 9477 or harrowcab.org.uk • G et independent financial advice from the Money Advice Service on 0300 500 5000 or www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk • L ook at affordable credit and safe savings accounts with M for Money Credit Union, call 020 8756 3866 or www.mformoneycreditunion.org
Since then I’ve had further advice on the Council Tax I’ll need to pay myself which is now £2.50 per week.
Lorraine Chapman and her son Ryan
Your Harrow, your stories
15
REDDIFORD SCHOOL An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 years 9 months to 11
OUR SCHOOL IS ALWAYS OPEN FOR INDIVIDUAL VISITS LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR AGES 3 TO 7
• Academic excellence in a warm caring environment • Wrap around care available • Regular scholarships gained to leading independent secondary schools • Children prepared for grammar/independent school entrance in English, Maths, VR & NVR • Situated in the heart of Pinner, close to tube & bus links • Scholarships available for exceptional children For a prospectus, or to visit the school at work, please contact: The Admissions Secretary, Mrs Di Murro, Reddiford School, 38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx HA5 5HH Tel 020 8866 0660 Fax: 020 8866 4847 admissions@reddiford.org.uk www.reddiford.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 312641
Peterborough & St Margaret’s School, Stanmore A leading independent school for girls aged 4 – 16 Nursery for boys and girls aged 2½ +
Joint Top School In Harrow {DfE GCSE league tables 2012} Please contact us for an appointment • Excellent results • Mini bus service / close to bus routes • Small classes 0208 950 3600 psm@psmschool.org registered charity number 293623
BUDGET SPECIAL
New citizen Vandan Brahmbhatt with Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Nizam Ismail
Census shows a changing borough The results from the latest Census show how much Harrow’s population has changed over the last 10 years. This information has played a huge part in helping us decide how to spend our money, this year and in the future. The overall population in Harrow has grown by 15 per cent since 2001 so it is important that we manage our spending accordingly and protect the services that matter to everyone. We have retained weekly bin collections and are committed to keeping Harrow Arts Centre, children’s centres and all our libraries open. As well as an increase in numbers, there have been some significant changes to the make up of the population of Harrow over the last 10 years. For example, the 2011 Census tells us that the number of children aged 0-4 has increased by 33% since 2001 - increasing the demand for school places. As a result, we have had to start a £26.2m school expansion programme to bring hundreds of new Reception year places to our children over the next five years. We know that measures such as increasing the number of school places are likely to
have an impact on local residents, so we have asked for your views on the best ways to do this. The Census has also revealed that there are 1,000 more people over the age of 80 since 2001, so we need to invest £3m in adult social care to help support this growing population.
We spoke to one of Harrow’s newest citizens Vandan Brahmbhatt, from Wealdstone: “I have just become an official citizen of Harrow although I have lived here for 10 years. I am originally from India. I have decided to get citizenship because I have been here so long and I want to fully embrace the British way of life and culture.”
Census facts • T here are approximately 239,100 people living in Harrow - the highest recorded level, based on records going back to 1901 • W e are the most religious borough in the country, with only 10 per cent (9.6 per cent; 22,870) of people saying that they have no religion, compared to 24.7 per cent nationally • T here are more married people in Harrow, than anywhere else in London • 2 6.4% of Harrow’s residents are of Indian origin, the largest minority ethnic group. Harrow is also home to the country’s largest Sri Lankan born community.
Your Harrow, your stories
17
ARE YOU LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER? We are looking for volunteers to serve on Appeal and Review Panels for Primary and Secondary Schools in Harrow Education Admission Appeals and Independent Review Panels (previously Exclusion Appeals) are heard by Independent panels organised by Harrow Council for all schools and Academies in the borough.
any school- unless in a voluntary capacity or as a governor.
We are currently recruiting for new panel members from the local community to hear parents’ appeals against the allocation of school places and to sit on Review panels when a child is excluded from school.
There is no special qualification required to serve on a panel, but members will be required to attend training.
Applications are invited for the appointment of Lay members and Other persons to serve on panels.
Proposed dates for training
An Other member is a person who may have experience in education, or who are parents of pupils at any school.
School Governors and ex Headteachers are particularly encouraged to apply. Tuesday 16th April 2013 or Monday 22nd April 2013
A Lay member is a person without personal experience in the management of any school or provision of education in
Still interested? Application forms are available from www.harrow.gov.uk/downloads/download/3782/ education_appeals_panel_application_form_2013 For further information please contact Linda Bradford on 0208 424 1263 linda.bradford@harrow.gov.uk or Samantha Harris on 0208 424 1277 samantha.harris@harrow.gov.uk Completed application forms must be received no later than Wednesday 3rd April 2013
Harrow Community Handyperson Scheme If you need help with small jobs to your home and are without regular help and support from Family and friends, then we may be able to assist you. All advice given and work undertaken is free. All you pay for is the materials. To qualify for assistance under the scheme, you must be: • The person who is responsible for maintaining your home • Over 60 and in receipt of benefits or disabled Works covered by scheme: Anything from changing a light bulb to putting up shelves etc, Please call and we can advise on what we will do under this scheme. Please telephone 020 8424 1894 and speak to Paula Hampton or Jenny Godfrey Harrow Home Improvement Agency
Gerald Diamond, Sharon Graham, Ian New, Robin Morden, Matthew Rooum, Judy Lustigman
Streets ahead The council has launched a Street Refresh scheme to provide residents, who want to help tidy up their areas, with a ‘street refresh box’ containing gloves, litter pickers, graffiti wipes and bags for litter. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to get to know your neighbours! Mike Turner is a member of the Friends of Canons Park, and welcomes the new project. He said: “I think that the Street Refresh Scheme is a fantastic idea. It is similar to some of the things we do in our local Canons Park, which includes clearing up and litter picking.
cleaning graffiti, removing litter, tending to flowerbeds or planting shrubs.
“It’s important to help keep your community looking nice. I think that sometimes people can be a bit apathetic – they are quite happy for the work to be done but don’t actually want to do it themselves. Whenever we spruce up the park, we always get a lot of compliments from people about how nice it looks. Projects like Street Refresh bring people and communities together.”
When agreed, you can get in touch with everyone else on your street and invite them to join you. Make sure you take before and after pictures of your hard work so we can celebrate your achievement and share it with the rest of the borough, on the council’s website and in a future edition of Harrow People.
Residents can get involved in a number of ways, whether it is clearing local parks,
The council will need four weeks’ notice before a Street Refresh begins and will contact you to talk through your proposed project and any support you might need.
If this sounds right up your street, you can request a Street Refresh pack by visiting www.harrow.gov.uk/ streetrefresh
What does the council do? Keeping Harrow clean, green and safe remains a priority for the council. Here are a number of ways we are doing just that: n average we collect 800 O tonnes of rubbish every week from around the borough. e clean 500 kilometres of W streets in the borough every year. he council recycles T approximately 350 tonnes of waste at the depot on Forward Drive every year. he council removes graffiti from T shopping areas on a daily basis and from residential areas every three weeks. Your Harrow, your stories
19
Dear Harrow resident,
Dear Harr
Welcome to your Harrow People letters page. This page is open to all residents to question, comment and air their views on any council service, or product. We want you to dictate what is published on this page every issue, so get writing, emailing or phoning with your questions and comments. This page will give residents a platform for their views and questions. By publishing your correspondence, both positive and negative, we intend to make this magazine even more interactive and relevant to readers. We look forward to hearing from you. Contact us today on: Tel: 020 8424 7504 Email: angela.hart@harrow.gov.uk Write: Harrow People, Communications Unit, PO Box 21, Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XF
This month we asked some of our residents for their questions. Natasha Clarke, Harrow
Susan, Wealdstone
I own a business and feel that businesses on the high street are suffering due to the number of bookies opening up. Why are there so many betting shops around?
How can the council’s housing department improve their communication with housing tenants?
A:
Betting shops do not always need planning permission. In general, banks, building societies and financial institutions all fall within the same usage category as a betting shop, which means that if a bank closes down, in most cases planning permission will not be needed for a betting shop to open and the council does not have any planning control. Where planning permission is necessary, for example because there is a request to change a retail shop to a betting shop, then we will assess the planning application against our policies for the borough. We take into account how many vacant shops there are in the area, the number of existing non-retail shops in the area, including the existence of betting shops, parking and traffic safety. We also take account of appeal decisions in the borough relating to similar applications and any objections we may receive from residents or businesses. If there are any specific concerns about a particular area, please email the council’s Duty Planning Officer on planning. applications@harrow.gov.uk
A:
We publish a quarterly magazine specifically for our tenants, called Homing In. The magazine is a useful way of giving essential information to all of our tenants and leaseholders. We are also able to use the magazine to respond to any letters, queries and suggestions that we receive. During October 2012 we carried out a survey to ask tenants and leaseholders what they think of our services. The survey asked questions about levels of satisfaction across all aspects of the housing service, including communication and contact with the council. We will use the results of the survey to further improve our contact with tenants and leaseholders.
Susan
Norman Giles, West Harrow
Easter bin collection calendar Usual collection day: Good Friday, 29th March Easter Monday, 1st April Tuesday, 2nd April Wednesday, 3rd April Thursday, 4th April Friday, 5th April 20
Your Harrow, your stories
Revised collection day: Saturday, 30th March Tuesday, 2nd April Wednesday, 3th April Thursday, 4th April Friday, 5th April Saturday, 6th April
Harrow-on-the-Hill Station is a major station. Why are there no lifts? The stairs at the station are steep which makes it difficult and sometimes dangerous for wheelchair users and the elderly. If the new trains can cater for such people by levelling the trains with the platform, why can’t the station cater for those who find it difficult or unable to use the stairs?
A:
We understand that this is a concern for many of our residents.
row
Tweet us your views @harrow_council or like our facebook page www.facebook.com/lbharrow
We have been trying to address this issue with Transport for London (TfL), but unfortunately in 2009 a project which would have allowed lifts to be installed at the station was cancelled by Transport for London. We are now working with both TfL and the Mayor of London’s office to try and find new funding to improve access to Harrow-on-the-Hill station. New developments in the town such as the Lowlands regeneration project will play an important part in helping to make this a reality.
Norman Giles
Subhas Malhotra, PINNER
Mrs. De Freitas, Harrow Weald We have a major problem with parking on Athelstone Road, Harrow Weald. Commuters use our road to park all day, using up valuable parking spaces for our residents, who are mostly families using cars during school hours. To add to the problem, people often park inconsiderately, using two spaces for one car. I often have to park two roads away which causes a real problem for me when I have shopping to carry or my youngest child has fallen asleep in the car and needs carrying. When we bought the house we assumed we could have the kerb dropped as many of our neighbours have done this. We have since read on the council website that the front garden is below the minimum depth in which Harrow allows driveways. Does the council make allowances for cases where parking is a real issue? If not, how would we go
about requesting permit parking and bay markings? This issue is causing a lot of tension among residents and has really taken the ‘shine’ off our new home.
A:
We know that unfortunately parking is a problem in many roads in Harrow. While we can’t allow substandard driveways to be constructed, we do consider requests for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) often called residents’ parking. But when we last consulted residents in Athelstone Road a few years ago to find out their views on this, only six out of around 100 properties returned a questionnaire to say they supported residents’ parking. We will only implement a scheme where the majority of residents in a road support it. Another way that residents in any road can demonstrate local support is by presenting a petition. For more details visit http://tinyurl.com/avcxvg7
COMPETITION...COMPETITION...COMPETITION
Why is Council Tax increasing next year?
WIN
A:
Unfortunately, the council is facing its most challenging financial situation in decades so we have had to make the tough decision to increase Council Tax by 2% for 2013/2014. For a band D property this means Council Tax will increase by 46p a week. This increase will help us to keep all of our children’s centres and libraries open and help people back into work. It will also enable us to invest in the services that protect the residents who are most in need by increasing the number of social workers and investing in elderly care. Please read the special Council Tax section on pages 9-13 which explains more about why we have made this decision and what it means for you.
Win a free three month membership for Harrow Leisure Centre worth £126 Harrow People has teamed up with Harrow Leisure Centre to offer one lucky reader the chance to get fit for free at Harrow Leisure Centre. The winner will have a three-month full membership at the centre, which includes unlimited use of the gym and swimming pool and full access to more than 40 group exercise classes per week. Harrow Leisure Centre, on Christchurch Avenue, has a large multi-purpose fitness centre, a dance studio with more than 40 classes every week, a sports hall for badminton, rock climbing and martial arts,
a swimming pool and function rooms. The centre offers personal training, swimming tuition for all ages and numerous coaching sessions in a variety of sports. Harrow Leisure Centre ie managed by GLL in partnership with Harrow Council. Call 020 8901 5980 for more information. For your changes to win this month’s prize, send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: the Editor, Harrow People, Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XF before 30th April 2013.
Subhas Malhotra
Your Harrow, your stories
21
Looking for a local venue for hosting a private party/event? Harrow Teachers’ Centre Looking for a local venue for hosting private parties/events, then the Teachers’ Centre in Wealdstone is your affordable solution. Our facilities cater for maximum of 300 people. There is limited free on-site parking, disabled access. Contact details Tel 020 8416 8899 Fax 020 8427 2418 Email bookings.harrowtc@harrow.gov.uk Harrow Teachers’ Centre, Tudor Road, Wealdstone, Harrow HA3 5PQ
Sancroft Hall A purpose built care home, located in the heart of Wealdstone offering 24 hour residential care, with support, safety, security and daytime activities. You are invited to a free informal presentation about Dementia “The Dementia Journey” at: Sancroft Hall on Thursday 14 March at 6.30pm-7.30pm To reserve your place please call 01296 737371 or visit our website www.fremantletrust.org
Passionate about Care For more information about our quality service for the community’s older people or availability, please contact our Family Liaison Manager on 01296 737371 Sancroft Hall, Sancroft Road, Harrow, HA3 7NS
A registered charity and not-for-profit organisation
FT 227
Passionate about Care The Little Academy Nursery & Pre-School is a purpose built private day nursery & preschool for children aged from 3 months to 5 years.
We are located in the grounds of Hatch End High School, Tillotson Road which is just off Headstone Lane, Harrow HA3 The Little Academy has secure premises exclusively for our use.
Professional tuition in maths & English Kip McGrath’s qualified teachers create individual tutoring programmes, using proven Kip McGrath methods. 80% off for Working Maths Reading Comprehension Tax Credit Cl aimants Ca ll today for a English Spelling FREE assessment Kip McGrath Education Centre Pinner Tel. 020 8868 6711 78 Cannon Lane Pinner, Middlesex. HA5 1HR
** ***
For children aged from 3 months to 5 years Excellent standards of education & childcare Dedicated & caring staff Ofsted registered Purpose built secure building AM/PM Sessions Baby places available Outside play area
** *
OPENING Monday to Friday - 7:30am to 6:30pm HOURS 51 weeks of the year For more information phone: 020 8421 2128
or visit our website: www.thelittleacademy.co.uk
TLN Families AD 87x130 - AUG-2012.indd 1
01/08/2012 17:09
Carnival atmosphere coming to town An outdoor performance space that will bring the town centre to life with culture and art will open in August. The £1.28m project will transform the underused Lowlands Recreation Ground in Lowlands Road by Harrow-on-the-Hill Station. It will be beautifully landscaped to house outdoor events for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, shops, and spends time in the borough. The work which has started this month will include breathtaking landscaping, a performance space, café, children’s play facilities, new pathways across the park and an extension into Station Approach which will improve access for everyone that uses Harrow-on-the-Hill station. Harrow Arts Centre will ensure the grand opening goes with a bang with a programme of live performances in August.
New look for Town Centre
The council and architects have worked closely with residents, visitors, the local community and arts groups at consultation events over the last four months. Feedback from the consultation will be used to adjust the plan to one that matches the needs and aspirations of the local community.
A £2million town centre revamp that will change the look and feel of St Ann’s Road has started early this month as part of the council’s plan to support the town centre, local shopping centres and businesses. The town centre will come alive with a range of activities, events, better trading opportunities and a ‘café culture’ thanks to Harrow Council’s vision for the high street.
The work will involve the removal of clutter and outdated street furniture in St Ann’s Road, and the addition of new paving, lighting and trees. The streamlined layout of the road will be redesigned with high quality paving and seating areas which encourage shoppers to stay and chat. Nusrat Parveen, Assistant Manager at Clarks in St Ann’s shopping centre, said: “The planned regeneration work will make the Town Centre a far more attractive place for shoppers to visit. Harrow Council is clearly in touch with how to make the town centre thrive and I love the idea of a relaxed café culture where people can come to socialise and relax as well as shop. “It will bring a great atmosphere to the Town Centre, and most importantly for traders, it will keep visitors shopping local.
Nusrat Parveen
She added: “The council’s food and dance festival, antiques markets, Christmas lights, and other major events last year have had a huge impact on the number of people who visited our store over the past twelve months. The planned work in St Ann’s Road and Havelock Place will only add to these success stories.” Hundreds of shoppers, businesses, and residents backed our plans to redesign the shopping centre at a series of public consultations held last year. To complement the changes Havelock Place will be redesigned and will provide an important pedestrian connection and service delivery route between the main shopping centre and surrounding residential streets.
Funding from the council’s Capital Programme has been supplemented by a further £182,000 for Havelock Place from the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund (OLF). OLF, launched by the Mayor in June 2011, is a three-year initiative dedicated to strengthening the vibrancy and growth of high streets.
Your Harrow, your stories
23
Proud to be a part of Harrow Lidl Stanmore
80-82 The Broadway, Stanmore, London HA7 4HB
Lidl Pinner
Bridge Street, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3HZ
Lidl Borehamwood
Borehamwood Shopping Centre, Hertfordshire, Borehamwood WD6 4PR
Lidl Edgware
51-55 High Street, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7EJ
www.lidl.co.uk
Harrow People Magazine Advert.indd 1
BOTHERED BY RATS AND MICE?
20/02/2013 16:54
Harrow Council provides a cost effective Pest Control service to residents and businesses. Most requests can be accommodated within 24 hours of payment.
ATTENTION LANDLORDS!!!
Our staff are fully trained to industry standards. Our charges are fixed and fully inclusive of materials.
2 MONTHS RENT IN ADVANCE! (t & c applies)
We provide a free pest identification service to all residents.
We have recently moved to our new branch by North Harrow station and have registered awaiting tenants! We require 1,2,3,4 bed houses, flats, studios, bedsits & rooms! •Monthly rent direct into your account! •Guaranteed rent scheme available! •Full management! •Earn up to £4250pa tax free! We are looking to sign up landlords in most london boroughs - Harrow/Watford/Ealing/Brent/ Hillingdon/Hounslow/Barnet
Contact Sheena Singh on 0208 427 9922 sheena@goldestate.co.uk
Rats and Mice (includes up to 3 visits)................................£110.00 Wasps (colony killed but nest not removed).........................£68.00 Cockroaches (domestic) Gel bait (Min 2 visits required)....£130.00 Non domestic services are charged at an hourly rate........£125.00 Dead animal carcass collection............................................£30.00 Other pest treatment prices including bed bugs provided on application. Please enquire for details of our annual, bespoke maintance and treatment contracts. Any specific arrangements for private and social housing block treatments or schools can be accommodated. For Appointments and payments Tel 0208 901 2600 Prices subject to change, please enquire at time of booking. Credit/Debit cards accepted.
Youth s r m ma tte rs e t a t rs m
Welcome to our Youth Matters page, where local young people have their say on issues that concern them, and help you find ways you can make a difference. To contribute to this page email angela.hart@harrow.gov.uk
Savan Shah with Eve-Yasmine Saoud Easton
“We can achieve anything!” By Savan Shah, Spirit of London Awards nominee 2012 My name is Savan Shah. I’m 22 and I’m a proud citizen of Harrow with a personal mission to spread positivity within our community and give young people the self-belief they really need to achieve what they set their minds to. When I was younger and a student at Nower Hill High School, I often lacked self-belief. I had no real direction and was classed by some as a typical ‘wasteman’. However, my attitude significantly changed after I started breakdancing! What dance made me realise is that if someone can remain determined and focused in achieving a specific dance style, why can’t that person apply the same mentality and drive into their education or in helping their local community? Dance has given me the belief that I can achieve anything I desire, all it required was hard work, dedication and the right mind-set. I am now involved with volunteering with organisations like Raleigh International in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, teaching dance to disadvantaged children in New York City and volunteering in Kenya at a children’s orphanage. These experiences completely changed me and opened my eyes to how lucky we are to be living in a country that can provide us with basic essentials such as running water and housing which we often take for granted every day. As a young person today, there are many
opportunities available to develop yourself and help the community. To volunteer for Raleigh International contact L.Woodward@ raleighinternational.org
By Eve-Yasmine SaoudEaston, Spirit Of London Award 2012 Media Finalist I’m Eve-Yasmine, an 18 year old presenter from Harrow. Over the last two and half years, alongside college I’ve been working as a teen reporter and interviewing various celebrities for several publications. At the moment, I’m Youtube Editor at LIVE magazine which, among other things, includes presenting and arranging shoots. Growing up, I always loved the idea of working in the entertainment and media industry and it’s thanks to Harrow for their focus on the arts that I had the opportunity to develop my skills. When I was younger I went to Ettienne’s Performers at The Harrow Arts Centre and later went on to The Shri Academy of Dance doing Bollywood where I got to perform at several events in and outside of Harrow.
If you’re unsure of what you want to do I’d really recommend getting as much work experience as you can and speaking to Connexions. They suggested getting in touch with Hayes FM to do work experience - this was my first taster of radio and doing vox pops; skills that have become very useful for my presenting work today! Last year I was a media finalist at The Spirit of London Awards (SOLA). SOLA celebrates the positive youth of today in memory of Damilola Taylor, a young boy who could have achieved incredible things. I am now a SOLA ambassador and so far I’ve had the opportunity to visit 10 Downing St to meet the Prime Minister, be interviewed live on ITV news and speak at a school in Tower Hamlets as part of the SOLA inspire road show. My nomination was based on my achievements within entertainment and how I haven’t let my medical condition, Chronic Pain Syndrome, get in the way of pursuing what I love doing. Savan and I are planning to do talks at schools in Harrow to inspire other young people to believe in themselves and achieve their goals. Check out www.hayesfm.org.uk or contact Connexions on 020 8863 1243. www.eve-yasmine.com
Your Harrow, your stories
25
your essential guide to your area Health and fitness Sportivate Programme Been inspired by the 2012 games? Harrow Athletics Sportivate Programme offers a great opportunity of free coaching and includes sprinting and middle distance running. Open to both males and females ages 12-18 yrs. When: Mondays and Wednesdays 6.15pm to 7.15pm Venue: Bannister Sports Centre, Uxbridge Rd, Harrow, HA3 6SW. Contact: Damian Nevins dsnspurs@googlemail.com MHA Stroke Club The club provides support and advice for people who have had a stroke, in a friendly environment. Venue: North Harrow Methodist Church. When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm and is supported by a team of volunteers. We enjoy a varied programme including a light lunch, afternoon tea, quizzes, games, exercises, outings, etc. We welcome anyone who has had a stroke, provided they have a certain level of independence. There is a small charge to cover expenses. Carers are welcome to come along too. For more information contact Gordon on 07905 362885 or e-mail davvolunteercoord@mha.org.uk Jan’s dance and fitness Tap dancing for Adults. 11am to 12pm at Harrow Arts Centre, Hatch End. Every Tuesday. Nifty Fifty Active, senior fitness.
10.45am to 11.45am at Wealdstone Methodist Church, Locket Road, Wealdstone. Held Wednesdays. For more information contact 07979 952277 or visit www. jansdanceandfitness.com
Harrow Leisure Centre Email: harrowlc@gll.org / Telephone: 020 8901 5980. Better Swim School Better Swim School is part of London’s largest learn to swim programme. The aim is to teach pupils all strokes and water skills required for many aquatic disciplines. London Swim School is available for children and adults. Location: Harrow Leisure Centre. Days: Everyday. Ages: 3 months – Adults. Times: 1pm. Price: from £5.30 per class (must be booked as a course). Better Holiday Playscheme Better Holiday Playscheme is the ultimate playscheme. Activities, sports and challenges include: Football, Basketball, Bouncy Castle, Swimming, Arts & Crafts, Athletics, Tennis, Badminton, Trampolining, Treasure Hunts, Climbing Wall, Talent Contest and much more. Location: Harrow Leisure Centre Days: Weekdays (Available during Half Terms) Ages: 5 – 12 year olds. Times: 8.30am – 5.30pm. Price: from £16.50 per day. Harrow Blackhawks Basketball Club Harrow Blackhawks Basketball club is open to all abilities and
genders for young adults aged between 12 – 18 years. Coached by a professional basketball player, you have the chance to be the next Luol Deng or Kobe Bryant. Location: Harrow Leisure Centre Days: Mondays Times: 5pm – 6pm (8 – 13 year olds) / 6pm – 7pm (14 – 18 year olds) Price: £1.50 per session. Harrow Allstars Netball Club Harrow Allstars Netball Club is an excellent way to express your throwing, catching and pivoting skills. Open to all abilities and genders from 5 – 11 years. Location: Harrow Leisure Centre. Days: Saturdays Times: 9am – 10am (5 – 11 year olds) / 10am – 11am (12 – 16 year olds) Price: £1 per session (5 – 11 year olds) / £2 per session (12 – 16 year olds). Harrow Allstars Table Tennis Club Whether you enjoy social play or competitive Table Tennis there’s something for you here. Harrow Allstars Table Tennis Club operates weekly sessions for all. Location: Harrow Leisure Centre Days: Saturday Age: 10 – 18 year olds. Times: 12.20 – 2.20pm Price: £2 per session. Harrow Allstars Weightlifting Club Location: Harrow Leisure Centre Days: Wednesday Age: 14 – 18 year olds Times: 5.30 – 7.30pm Price: £2 per session. Back2Netball in Harrow 16+ Location: Harrow Leisure
Harrow Shed Theatre Group 26
Your Harrow, your stories
Centre Days: Wednesday Age: Adults (16+) Times: 6.15 – 7.15pm or 7.45 – 8.45pm. Price: £3 per session. No Strings Badminton Location: Harrow Leisure Centre Days: Mondays Age: Adults (16+) Times: 6pm – 7pm Price: £3 per session. Coming soon to Harrow in Spring 2013: Football, Fencing, Judo and Volleyball development. The centre also has a full set of membership options available. For more information please contact, Harrow Leisure Centre on: Email: harrowlc@gll.org / Telephone: 020 8901 5980.
Family Creative Fun Factory events (Harrow and Pinner) Activity classes for babies 4 year olds: Music Classes (13 months to 4 years) When/ Where: Mondays - Pinner Village Hall (9.15am-10am and 10.10am-10.55am) and Fridays - St Peter’s Church, West Harrow (9.45am-10.30am) Fee: £6 child £8 family.
Community Harrow Asian Deaf Club events Harrow Asian Deaf Club is working in partnership to organise the Deaf Awareness Day, bringing local services together under one roof to promote deaf awareness and deaf people’s access to those services! Are you deaf/ hard of hearing; live or work in Harrow; or simply want to know more and are interested in or working with deaf people? If so the Harrow Asian Deaf Club are holding a Deaf Awareness Day from 9am to 4:30pm on Monday 13th May 2013. The event will include exhibition stalls, debates, information and fun for service providers, deaf adults and their families, children and young people
what’s
happening in harrow and community groups. The event will be held at Civic Centre, Members Lounge, Harrow Council, Station Road, HA1 2XY. For more information or to book your place email hadc@hotmail.co.uk Evening Interior Design Classes Price: £10. Times: 6pm7pm. Materials included. For bookings, email info@ myuniquehome.co.uk. Colour Schemes 18th March: Looking at colour schemes and how they interact with things such as flooring, furniture and fabrics. Lighting and Technology, 1st April: Different types of lighting such as accent, task and ambient as well as how to select light fittings. Technology is an increasingly integral part of home design and we will look at things such as home cinemas, and security. Sourcing and Where to Buy 15th April: How to put together items based on your personal style and how to shop in a focused way. Harrovian Speaker’s Club We are a friendly, Toastmaster club that meets on Monday evenings near Stanmore. People come to improve their public speaking and calm their nerves. They stay because they also improve their listening, evaluation and leadership skills while also making new friends and having more FUN than is appropriate for a Monday evening. Visitors are always very welcome to visit us (there’s no charge for guests). We usually meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of the month except on Bank Holidays. All meetings start at 7:30pm prompt and finish around 9:35pm. Next meetings: April 1st, 15th and 29th. Cost FREE Location Glebe Hall, Glebe Road, Stanmore, HA7. Open Day - St. Anselm Church Come and learn a little about the history of the church, hear the splendid ‘Henry Willis’ organ in action and much more. There will also
be Bring and Buy stalls, arts and crafts, children’s activities and refreshments. The church will be open from 11am-4pm. Donations for the stalls will be gratefully accepted! The church is open after the morning service and Sunday School at 11am every Sunday when refreshments are offered. Open day is on Saturday 11th May. Contact Father Clive Pearce Tel: 020 8428 4111/07710 900545 www.stanselmshatchend. blogspot.com, Westfield Park, Hatch End, HA5 4JJ.
Entertainment Harrow Philharmonic Choir On Saturday 13th April 2013 at 7:30pm. Harrow’s Three Choirs, Harrow Philharmonic Choir, Harrow Choral Society and Stanmore Choral Society will be combining together with Trinity Orchestra and soloists under the baton of conductor John Wyatt to give St Alban’s Cathedral premiere performance of Messa Per Rossini by Verdi and other composers of the time. This very rarely performed work is not to be missed. Tickets: £10 -£25 available from Harrow Philharmonic Choir: 020 8904 4644, Harrow Choral Society: 020 8863 7830, Stanmore Choral Society: 07957 310849 or at the Cathedral Box Office on 13th April 2013. Harrow Young Musicians Harrow School for young Musicians provides a wide range of high quality community music activities for children and young people living in Harrow. There are opportunities for young musicians to take part in a range of local, national and international concerts and events. HYM run four orchestras, four wind bands, two steel bands and two soul bands. Venue: Concerts are held at Hatch End High School, Headstone Lane, Harrow, HA3 6NR. Admission: £5 (£2.50 conc) visit www.hym.org.uk for a list of forthcoming events.
would If you r listings ou like y ded on this u l inc e, email pag .hart@ a angelw.gov.uk o r har
Harrow School Speech Room
Romeo and Juliet by Old Harrovian Players For their 62nd annual Shakespeare play, the Old Harrovian Players present Romeo and Juliet in Harrow School’s historic Speech Room. When: Friday, 19th April and Saturday, 20th April at 7.45pm. The production features a team of Old Harrovian professional actors including Tom Micklem as Romeo, Toby Deacon as Mercutio and Stuart Sessions as the Friar. Before Saturday’s performance only, there will be an opportunity to take a free guided tour of Harrow School’s famous “Fourth Form Room”, built in 1615 and the original classroom of the school. The tour starts at 6.45pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for students and concessions, and can be booked via Perena Shryane, by email: ha@harrowschool.org.uk or please call 020 8872 8200. Harrow Shed Harrow Shed is an inclusive theatre group that that meets every Wednesday at Hatch End High School. They run sessions in drama, music and dance for young people from the age of 7 up to 16. If you are a young person who enjoys working as a team to create Art then Harrow Shed is for you! We take our lead from the famous Chicken Shed Theatre company and feel proud to continue the message of all inclusive theatre in Harrow. Our Children’s theatre (age 7 to 11) runs from 5.30pm to 7pm and our Youth Theatre (age 12 to 16) runs from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Round House in Hatch
End High School and it costs just £10 a term. Any enquiries please email Harrowshed@ gmail.com. Beginner’s yoga class Empowering Yoga is designed to nourish the body & mind, strengthen the core, tone and increase flexibility. School drop off class on Thurs at 9.15am at Northwood Methodist Church, Oaklands Gate, HA6 3AA. Evening/weekend classes at YMCA Activity Studio, Roxeth Hill, HA2 0JN. Beginners class Wed at 10am at The Windmill Studio Centre 106A Pembroke Rd Ruislip HA4 8NW. www. empoweringyoga.co.uk Free trial class 0845 4561336.
St George’s Day Come along and celebrate St George’s day. Starts at 1pm with bell ringing in Pinner. There will be plenty of activities to take part in including a wheelbarrow race. The Wheelbarrow Race starts at 3pm at Little Common, Elm Road and finishes at Pinner High St where participants are required to carry half a pint of real ale at each of the six points en route. Venue: Pinner High St. Date: Sunday 21st April 2013 Time: 1pm to 4.30pm. Organised by the Rotary Club of Pinner, call 020 8866 3108 for more information. Your Harrow, your stories
27
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET YOUR DREAM JOB? JOIN US AT
MEET THE PROFESSIONAL 19TH MARCH 2013
OPEN EVENING
HARROW ON THE HILL CAMPUS 5 - 8PM
W AN IN I MINPAD I!*
REGISTER ONLINE NOW: WWW.HARROW.AC.UK COME AND LISTEN TO OVER 15 PROFESSIONALS TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET AHEAD! NURSE POLICE OFFICER LAWYER Social Worker
IT EXPERT TEACHER PSYCHOLOGIST HAIRDRESSER
MAKE-UP ARTIST
ACTOR
ARCHITECT ENTREPRENEUR JOURNALIST
PHOTOGRAPHER ACCOUNTANT
* First 250 online registrations will be entered into prize draw
Dancer
MARKETING EXPERT DOCTOR FASHION
stylist
Your dream ticket for true to life sound Hearing Help, part of the bloom™ hearing specialists network, take pride in offering friendly, helpful hearing advice and the highest level of service, whatever your hearing needs. Our Hearing Aid Dispenser, Sid Sidhu, provides free hearing assessments and can demonstrate the latest hearing aid technology, including the new Widex DREAM range which features:
MORESOUND
Experience unprecedented sound quality thanks to TRUE-INPUT TECHNOLOGY which captures even the finest detail across a much wider soundscape
MOREWORDS
Conversations in noisy environments are no longer a problem, as DREAM delivers impressive speech intelligibility no matter where you are.
MOREPERSONAL
With my.widex.com, you have a personalised website that provides information and support for your hearing aids and hearing loss
If you’ve dreamt of better hearing, then call us now on 0208 8869 9999 to book a free hearing test and request your free Widex DREAM information pack. Please quote ref: PN HP 01 when calling
Hearing Help
22 High Street, Pinner HA5 5PW
email: pinner@bloomhearing.co.uk • www.bloomhearing.co.uk Free TV Dex when you purchase a pair of DREAM hearing aids. Offer ends 31st March 2013. Offer applies to Widex DREAM range only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The Hearing Aid Dispenser will recommend the most appropriate aids for your hearing loss.
harrow’s heritage
Mary Hulse
Bentley Priory through the ages The Grade II listed Bentley Priory, in Stanmore, is most famous for its role as the headquarters of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, but it has also been a grand family home, a hotel, a girls’ school and a royal palace. This September it will reopen to the public as a museum following a £600,000 renovation. Bentley Priory is a stunning and beautifully designed Grade II listed building with a rich and long history dating back to Georgian and Victorian periods. Mary Hulse, 91, from Pinner, was a shorthand typist at the Priory during the Battle of Britain and was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She said: “I am extremely pleased that Bentley Priory has been beautifully restored and I am looking forward to the opening. I hope visitors and future generations appreciate its history and I hope it will be a real success. The museum will help people understand what an important place it was. “Bentley Priory is as important now as it was during the war. This is where it all happened, the strategy for Britain’s air defence. Battle of Britain was fought and controlled from here. If we had not won, things would be very different today.” The earliest reference to Bentley Priory is 1170 where is it believed that the
Priory started as a monastic site and was later mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It transformed to a royal palace in 1848 when Queen Adelaide moved in, suffering from an illness, she died the following year at the grounds. After her death, Bentley Priory was rarely used until 1882, where new owner Frederick Gordon ran an unsuccessful hotel. Between 1908 and 1924 Bentley Priory was again transformed and was running as an all girls’ school, which due to financial pressures had to close. Since 1926 it was home to the RAF where it played the role of HQ for the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Battle of Britain Trust was awarded £653,000 last September from the Heritage Lottery Fund allowing them to use the newly renovated Bentley Priory for a Battle of Britain Museum and learning centre, scheduled to open in September 2013. The Battle of Britain Museum will bring to life the fascinating story of Bentley Priory’s history in an engaging and interactive way. Each room takes you back in time,
and the use of technology allows visitors to hear and visualise the real stories and events. This includes ringing telephones, computer databases, and talking portraits.
How to get involved • T he new museum is looking for volunteers to train in a number of roles from hosting visitors, to working in the stunning Italianstyle gardens. Call 07813 856719 or email bentleypriory@btinternet. com if you would like to volunteer. Bentley Priory will start training volunteers in the summer. • T he stunning newly renovated rooms at the museum can be hired for meetings, conferences and functions such as weddings. Email bentleypriory@btinternet. com for details. For more information on the history of Bentley Priory visit their website www.bentleypriory.org
Your Harrow, your stories
29
Harrow Shared Lives Scheme
C H E A PE R
THAN HARROW Picture this: First time buyers! Only 5% deposit required
legal fees, you could For a deposit of £7498 plus £2000 GE Hemel Hempstead own a great new apartment at IMA for as little as £444.82 a month!*
Hemel Hempstead
FIRSTBUY
OPEN DAY2
SATURDAY 16TH MAR 10AM - 4PM CH, Independent financial advisors will be available on site.
y on selected • Dandara will pay the stamp dut tBuy Firs er apartments available und you’ll only • Own 100% of your new home but need to fund 80%
Prices from £149,950 Want to find out more?
- £249,950
Call Bev Lucas: 01442 838120 or email: info@livetheimage.com livetheimage.com
Image, Cotterells Hemel Hempstead HP1 1JZ
Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/livetheimage
based on a d by an independent financial advisor and Terms and conditions: *Calculations provide need to pay 5% FirstBuy equity loan initiative. Buyers will 20% the with 0 £149,95 of price e purchas ent mortgage on and be eligible for a £112,462.50 repaym deposit plus legal fees estimated at £2000 current Bank of on a two-year fixed rate of 3.19% above the a 35-year term. These figures are based . £444.82 be will cost (Jan 2013) the monthly press to going of time At rate. base England and booking fees and an arrangement fee survey paying yer(s) homebu the to subject †This offer is , terms and Subject to eligibility of the FirstBuy initiative which will be added to the cost of the loan. nal approval for printing the Image Development has provisio conditions and availability. At the time of First Buy 2 scheme. a further 47 units under the government’s
FUTURE CONCERTS
7.30pm Great Hall, Hatch End High School unless stated Saturday 16 March - Concert Band/Sinfonia Saturday 23 March at 11.30am - informal concert cb/sb/jb/sinf/as Sunday 24 March - Philharmonic Orchestra Sunday 12 May - Symphonic Winds/Steel Sunday 7 July - Philharmonic Orchestra - Harrow School Speech Room Wednesday 10 July - Steel/Junior Steel Whitmore Saturday 13 July at 11.30am - informal concert cb/sb/jb/sinf/as Sunday 14 July - Symphony Orchestra/Symphonic Winds All enquiries tel 020 8420 1519 new enquiries tel 07753 661409 Contact hym@btconnect.com info at www.hym.org.uk HARROW YOUNG MUSICIANS Hatch End High School, Headstone Lane, HA3 6NR Saturdays 10am-1pm - Come along to join in
Have your say on changes to the Harrow Taxicard Scheme The Council is receiving less money from the government and therefore we must make savings to balance its budget for this year. One of the ways the we have decided to make the savings is to make changes to the Taxicard Scheme that is run in Harrow. The Taxicard Scheme gives subsidised transport for people who have serious difficulties with their mobility and find it difficult to use public transport. Users of the Taxicard are able to use licensed cabs or private hire vehicles and they get help towards the cost of the trip. Both Transport for London and the council provide the funding to subsidise these trips. We are going to have to reduce the funding we give to the scheme and therefore will be asking residents for their views on the ways they can make these changes. A 12 week consultation, where you can have your say, is being carried out from 8th March, 2013 to 31st May, 2013.
Ways you can get in touch and have your say You can contact us with your views on the options for the changes to the Taxicard Scheme in the following way: Online – Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/taxicardconsultation where you’ll find all the information about the consultation, you can also complete the questionnaire online as well Email – send us your views through the following email address taxicardconsultation@harrow.gov.uk Questionnaires – A booklet with a questionnaire is available which can be completed and returned via freepost Telephone - 020 8420 9332 - Please note there will be answer phone on this telephone. Please leave your contact number and we will call you back