Your Brent - Spring 2020

Spring 2020 www.brent.gov.uk/yourbrent The magazine about life in Brent, published

by Brent Council

No Bass Like Home Celebrating icons who shaped reggae in Brent HOME SWEET HOME 100 years of council housing

BIG SPRING CLEAN Join your local litter pick-nic

WANTED! Help catch illegal rubbish dumpers on your street

18 March 2020 The Drum, Wembley Major construction companies in Brent will meet with potential suppliers from the local business community.

Get in touch at info@brentmeetthebuyer.co.uk

22 April 2020 Sattavis Patidar Centre, Wembley

Don’ Miss t It

Large-scale B2B event with seminars, networking and a range of exhibiting companies.

Get in touch at info@brentbusinessexpo.co.uk

Launching April 2020 A new programme celebrating Brent’s thriving and dynamic business community.

Register your interest at brentbusinessawards.co.uk

YOUR BRENT

IN THIS ISSUE...

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NEWS

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A round-up of the latest news in Brent

CALLING ALL LITTER HEROES The Great British Spring Clean is back in Brent!

TOOTH BE TOLD We find out the wisdom behind better oral health

22 THE GIFT OF LIFE

NO BASS LIKE HOME Brent’s reggae roots explored and celebrated

CALLING ALL LITTER HEROES

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THE GIFT OF LIFE Pragna Mehta-Patel speaks about her experience with organ donation

FORGET ME NOT We explore how you can minimise the risk of developing dementia

CLIMATE CHAMPIONS ASSEMBLE Residents discuss solutions to climate emergency

HOME SWEET COUNCIL HOME Council Tenants celebrate 100 years of council homes

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HOME SWEET COUNCIL HOME CRIMES AGAINST YOUR STREETS

FORGET ME NOT

A new campaign is targeting fly-tippers

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DOING IT FOR ST RAPH’S

www.facebook.com/BrentCouncil

Young residents share their love for their area

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twitter.com/Brent_Council

Brent Customer Services 020 8937 1234 www.brent.gov.uk

YOUR BRENT is available in large print. Please call 020 8937 1234 Issue No. 163 SPRING 2020 Distribution queries and editorial: yourbrent@brent.gov.uk EDITOR Sarah Whyte sarah.whyte@brent.gov.uk PRODUCTION EDITOR Middleton Mann middleton.mann@brent.gov.uk ADVERTISING SALES advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by Brent Council

THE RISE OF MOROCCAN CUISINE Anwar Cherquaoui gives us a taste of Morocco

ARTS AND CULTURE

THE RISE OF MOROCCAN CUISINE

Theatre, music, events and more

WHAT’S ON Front Cover Photo Credit: Daddy Ernie Bob Marley blue plaque in Neasden © www.londonremembers.com Caroll Thompson vinyl cover Archival photograph of Brent Black Music Co-Op opening © Caroline Williams

Classes, fitness and opportunities near you

AGELESS APPRENTICESHIPS WORK

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Ewa Jedrzejowska on how an apprenticeship got her back into work

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Brent Council does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council of goods or services advertised.

Printed on 100 per cent FSC paper. Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this magazine and other paper. 85066BDU0220

TOOTH BE TOLD YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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A brilliant start to Brent 2020 Ever since we won the London Borough of Culture award for 2020 back in 2018, we have been gearing up to showcase our incredible borough in a way that has never been seen before. Our opening event RISE in January did just that! You can read more about this powerful start to our year on page 4 and see what else is coming up over the next few months on page 38 and at www.brent2020.co.uk In February, Brent held the national celebration to mark 100 years since the introduction of the Addison Act that paved the way for large-scale council house building. Read more about the celebration event, some of the stories from residents about how council housing has benefitted them and more about the council’s plans to build 1,000 new council homes on pages 6, 7 and 30.

With lighter days and warmer weather, spring is a great time to do a deep clean; it is also a great time to get involved with the Great British Spring Clean. Throughout March and April, the council is supporting residents who host their own community clean-ups. If this is up your street, you can find out all you need to know on page 16.

Dementia can be a difficult diagnosis for everyone involved but contrary to what many people believe, dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. On page 26 we find out what some people think about the disease and explain some of the actions you can take to help keep the disease at bay.

Finally, we caught up with some of the young residents living on St Raphael’s Estate about the music event they planned to capture the views of other young people on page 34. Young people are the future of the borough and I am constantly in awe of the passion, effort and dedication so many of them show when they are given the chance to shine.

Cllr Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council

Wicked start to 2020 A community cast performed RISE Thousands of people descended on Wembley Park in January to enjoy the incredible outdoor launch of Brent’s year as London Borough of Culture 2020.

Huge crowds gathered on Olympic Way for RISE - a spectacular, free outdoor show hosted by principal partner, Wembley Park.

With the backdrop of the worldfamous Wembley Stadium, the

stunning performance told the story of the borough’s journey from the margins to impact culture in Britain through its music, activism and rebellious spirit.

The 45-minute show took visitors on a visual journey through the origins of Metroland to the birth of Trojan Records and the importance of the Grunwick strikes all told through dance with a thumping music soundtrack.

Safer nights out for women Pubs and clubs across Kilburn have pledged to keep their female customers and staff safer.

Licensees are being encouraged to sign up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter to provide staff with extra training to spot and deal with any safety issues.

This comes at a time when more revellers are expected to visit Brent to enjoy events such as the mile-long street

party called The Kilburn High, along High Road on Saturday, July 11.

Brent Council is supporting licensees with free training and Brent’s Chief Executive, Carolyn Downs (right), is championing the cause.

NEWS BRENT 2020 TRANSPORT FOR LONDON Have you spotted the Brent 2020 roundels popping up at train stations across the borough? Take a photo and tag @LBOC2020.

BY-ELECTION RESULTS A by-election was held in Alperton, Barnhill and Wembley Central wards in January. For full results go to www.brent.gov.uk.

GLA ELECTIONS

Choreographed by Southpaw Dance Company and performed by a community cast of hundreds, the show featured music, spoken word and dance against a backdrop of projections on a custom built five-storey stage.

With an explosive live performance from Brent-born General Levy to wrap up the night, RISE was the perfect start to Brent 2020 – the London Borough of Cultures.

RISE was just the beginning.

“Tonight I felt I was flying. At my age, being able to dance with 20 year-olds who were so inspiring; they danced with me and did not see my age.

They saw a dancer.” Cristina Avery, community dancer, aged 70.

“So many stories, so many images, so many people coming together to celebrate one Borough of Cultures Brent 2020.” Shipra Ogra, audience member.

She said: “Women’s safety is a key concern for us as we enter a very busy and exciting time for our borough. Ensuring women have the confidence to enjoy the celebrations is essential to Brent playing host to such big events as a community where everyone feels safe and welcome.”

Councillor Tom Miller, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety urged all licensees to get involved. He said: “Brent will become a magnet for business over the next year with thousands of extra visitors and local people who are expected to join in the celebrations and businesses should feel the benefit in terms of increased sales.

“Our aim is to keep women feeling as safe as possible on a night out and help them feel confident about fully engaging with our chance to shine as a borough.”

Businesses that would like to get involved can email: community.safety@brent.gov.uk

The next election to the London Assembly is due to be held on Thursday 7 May 2020, alongside the 2020 London mayoral election.

If you are a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen, there is still time to register to vote.

The deadline is midnight, Tuesday 21 April 2020.

BAG SOME FUNDS FOR YOUR CHARITY Could your charity or organisation do with a cash injection? Why not apply to the Tesco Bags of Help grant?

Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects that meet the criteria. Go to www.groundwork.org.uk/ sites/tescocommunity scheme to apply.

ABUSE: SEE IT, STOP IT There are many different types of abuse. If you suspect an at risk adult who is unable to protect themselves is being abused or neglected call 020 8937 4300 or email safeguardingadults @brent.gov.uk

LANDLORD FINED FOR IGNORING LAWS

Once signed up, businesses will receive a window sticker recognising that they have signed up to the charter and that they take women’s safety at night seriously.

A rogue landlord has been fined nearly £90,000 after repeatedly ignoring Brent’s selective licensing laws.

Stephen Ige pleaded guilty to knowingly renting out three properties to tenants without a licence.

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NEWS

£43m Stonebridge hub gets the green light Morland Gardens in Stonebridge, the Brent Start adult education service site, is set to be transformed with a state-of-the-art education centre, new council homes, affordable workspace, green spaces, community areas and a public café.

The £43m redevelopment is set to provide 65 new, affordable council homes, with 32% of these being between three to four-beds. These properties will contribute to reducing the number of residents on the council waiting list, who are in need of a larger property.

A new education centre will help Brent Start provide a high quality service to help boost numeracy and literacy, and expand its digital skills offer. The centre will also include a facility for arts and crafts, as well as more support for residents with learning disabilities.

All the proposals for the use of the building have been developed with a community steering group.

Cllr Amer Agha, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills, said: “This new mixed-use development will provide a host of benefits to the local community. We want the building to be used much more efficiently and in a way that will benefit locals and make a positive contribution to their lives. We are looking forward to making this dream a reality.”

Work is due to begin in September subject to planning approvals.

A new way to support good causes The Brent Community Lottery is up and running and raising much needed cash for good causes locally.

Launched in December by Lateef Lovejoy, actor, comedian and the face of uSwitch and ITV Hub, the first draws took place in January.

The Brent Community Lottery provides a new income stream to local voluntary and community groups and charities in the borough. Anyone who buys a ticket is in with the chance to win up to £25,000 while also raising money for a local good cause or charity of their choice.

60% of cash raised goes straight to local good causes with the other 40% providing the prize money for winners and covering the running of the scheme.

Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We hope people will buy tickets knowing that they are supporting their local charity or good cause as well as having the added incentive of winning some cash.”

More than 35 good causes in Brent have already signed

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In it to win it: Lateef (centre) launches Brent’s Lottery with Cllr Miller up and are benefitting from rising ticket sales.

To buy tickets, or register as a good cause, please visit: www.brentcommunitylottery.co.uk

NEWS

New, affordable housing for key workers in Wembley Park 153 new key worker homes in Brent will allow frontline public sector workers like nurses, teachers and the police to rent homes at an affordable price.

The block of homes in Wembley Park will be let at 65% of market value plus service charge and will be available to rent from October 2020.

The council is also adding 60 more homes to its portfolio of residential street properties, which will be refurbished and let to homeless residents who might otherwise be

placed into Bed & Breakfast or temporary accommodation.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council said: “We are doing all we can to increase the amount of affordable housing, which is so desperately needed by people in Brent, while ending the number of people facing homelessness. We will continue to look at creative solutions to tackling London’s housing crisis; ensuring more hard-working families have access to good quality, genuinely affordable homes.”

Mayor’s charities winning start

Mahogany Carnival wowed the judges The Mayor of Brent’s two nominated charities – the Sickle Cell Society and the Jason Roberts Foundation – are both set for a cash boost thanks to a prize win at the beginning of the year.

Brent’s entry to London’s New Year’s Day Parade ‘The Magic of Brent 2020’ was judged the best float and won £10,000 for the charities. Represented by Harlesden’s Mahogany Carnival Design, the large floats were decorated with musical notes, golden patterns and multi-coloured silhouettes to represent Brent’s multi-cultural community.

The Sickle Cell Society raises awareness of sickle cell disorders, pushes for improvements to treatment and provides advice, information and support to the sickle cell community.

The Jason Roberts Foundation, headed by former England footballer Jason Roberts, is a Stonebridge based charity working with young people to provide mentoring, life skills Cllr Ernest and training Ezeajughi projects.

3 steps to avoid the spread of Coronavirus

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that there are patients in England who have tested positive for coronavirus following the outbreak in Wuhan City, China.

A coronavirus is a type of virus that typically causes symptoms such as a fever and a cough, which may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Residents can help themselves stay healthy and slow the spread of any virus by following 3 easy steps: • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

• Bin the tissue and, to kill the germs, wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel.

• If you have arrived back from an affected area within the last 14 days follow the specific advice for travellers.

This is the best way to slow the spread of almost any germs, including Coronavirus.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Re-use and recycle at Abbey Road Did you know that you can recycle electrical equipment, cooking oil and batteries at the Reuse and Recycling Centre on Abbey Road?

From 16 March, the centre will open from 8am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday.

West London Waste run a number of educational talks and workshops to help people understand how to reduce, re-use and recycle better. To find out more visit www.westlondonwaste.gov.uk.

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NEWS

Five-a-side footy builds up to EURO 2020

Amateur footballers have a chance to play the beautiful game in the shadow of Wembley Stadium as fans build up to the UEFA Euro Finals this summer.

The FA FIVES, is a free to enter, fun and inclusive five-a-side football festival celebrating UEFA EURO 2020 as international football comes home to Wembley.

Round one kicks off on May 2 and 3, with the National Final taking place on Olympic Way – the path trodden by millions of footy fans over the years – on June 12 and 13.

There are 15 different male and female categories.

You can find out more and sign up for free before 23 April 2020 at: www.thefa.com/thefafives

Fancy a free kick-about on Arena Square?

Schoolchildren, community groups, residents and businesses from across Brent will have free access to a temporary artificial grass pitch on Arena Square, on selected days during the tournament, thanks to a partnership between the FA and Wembley Park.

Whether you want to put on active taster or skills sessions in any sport, or stage a cultural or entertainment-led performance, please email heidi. truman@thefa.com to secure your slot.

Council tax support gets ‘fairer and simpler’ The system to support 27,000 financially vulnerable residents to pay their council tax is set to be fairer and simpler from April.

Claiming will be a straightforward online process, with fewer supporting documents required, under Brent Council’s new £26million council tax support scheme.

The scheme for pensioners remains unchanged.

“Through consulting with residents, we have worked hard to develop a scheme which is fairer, simpler and based on a household’s ability to pay,” says Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Brent Council’s Cabinet

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Member for Housing and Welfare Reform. “The council is committed to helping the 27,000 residents most in need of support and so I’m pleased to say the £26million allocated for council tax support will remain unchanged. I’m also pleased that the new scheme will continue to help those with the additional financial burden of disability and caring responsibilities, while being based on the household’s ability to pay.”

For more information about the scheme and how much support a household may be entitled to, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/ctsupport.

NOW OPEN! Candlewood House Care Home Visit TLC Care’s newest care home, Candlewood House, and experience luxurious surroundings, modern facilities, fine dining and exceptional care provided by a compassionate team.

Candlewood House offers a rich and social programme of meaningful activities every day – benefiting mind, body and soul – from various clubs and trips out, to crafts, yoga and the celebration of spiritual festivals.

With focus on well-being all are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care with services designed to meet a variety of care needs – including nursing, residential and memory loss care.

To book your place at our FREE regular events call: 020 8108 9615 Flower arranging mornings

Second Tuesday of every month, 10am–12pm

Dementia support café

Third Thursday of every month, 9am–12pm

Coffee morning club

Fourth Thursday of every month, 10am–12pm

Visit our brand new care home or call us for more information: 020 8108 9615 Candlewood House Care Home, Bentley Drive, 175-185 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 2TD

candlewoodhouse.co.uk

NEWS

Local schools gearing up for cleaner air

Green screens and air filters to catch harmful fumes are among the recommendations made to 66 head teachers as part of a drive to limit children’s exposure to poor air.

In the first audit of its kind, experts from Brent’s Breathe Clean Project measured air quality in school buildings and playgrounds across the borough.

The review looked at the ways schools are encouraging active travel, such as providing bike and scooter storage, before giving head teachers practical recommendations and advice.

Schoolchildren also learned about air pollution and helped to set up diffusion tubes which are a cheap and easy way to measure nitrogen dioxide levels.

“Air pollution is a huge challenge for London and children are often the most vulnerable to its effects,” says Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment. “The Breathe Clean Project is a step in the right direction, arming schools with the information they need to improve air quality for pupils and teachers. I hope parents will support these efforts, doing the school run by foot, bike or encouraging their child to use a scooter.”

The scheme is being extended to include some secondary schools, spreading awareness and helping school leaders to understand how they can tackle air pollution.

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Cllr Parvez Ahmed joined Leader of Brent Council Cllr Muhammed Butt, and Mayor of Brent Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi for the hardhitting opening of Cricklewood Boxing Club.

The club, which packs a powerful punch after receiving a £65,000 grant from the council, was founded by Irishman Rob Buick in 2016 and serves the wider Brent community. For more information about the club, go to www.cricklewoodboxinggym.com

Additional areas of the tile murals outside Wembley Park station were on display during February to mark the arrival of London Borough of Culture and the anniversary of the death of legendary World Cup winning England football captain Bobby Moore. The tiles, which date back to 1993, show scenes from famous sporting and entertainment events at Wembley Stadium and the SSE Arena.

NEWS Cultural festival celebrates new and emerging communities A variety of colours, costumes and cultures greeted more than 400 visitors to the Together in Brent Winter Festival, as the borough celebrated its new and emerging communities while bringing people together.

Visitors enjoyed traditional folk dancing, singing and costumes while displays from places as diverse as Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Brazil, Columbia and Peru helped guests learn more about the history and traditions of these cultures.

“Brent is the most diverse borough within the most diverse city in the world,” says Councillor Ernest Ezeajughi, Mayor of Brent.

“Each community makes its own unique contribution towards Brent being a great place to live. So it was an absolute delight to see so many cultures coming together, all under one roof, for this very special celebration.”

Willesden recognised in Great British High Street Awards Willesden Green narrowly missed out being crowned one of Britain’s best high streets after being the only main road in London to be short-listed for the prestigious prize.

The town was nominated in the ‘rising star’ category of The Great British High Street Awards after catching the attention of the voting panel with its Shop Local campaign, Willesden Wood tree-planting project and murals to tidy up vacant shops.

“What a fantastic achievement to be recognised as one of the leading high streets in the country,” says Councillor Shama Tatler, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration.

“A big thank you to all the residents and local businesses who came out in force to vote and put Willesden on the map.”

RISING STAR: Willesden Green YOUR BRENT SPRING 2020 YOUR BRENT || SUMMER 2019

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NEWS

£20m to upgrade roads and streets 14 Brent streets have been upgraded so far, with dozens more to follow, as part of a £20million programme to make it easier for everyone to get around.

43 miles of pavement are set to be improved by April 2021. The council is recycling existing materials where possible with around 42,000 tonnes of granite kerb set to be reused during the works. www.brent.gov.uk/improvingourstreets

Teams from Malborough Highways, Eurovia and O’Hara Brothers are working across the borough

Survivors stand united against hatred and oppression Genocide survivors told their moving real life stories at Brent’s Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day event in January.

Residents of all backgrounds and communities united to

COMMENT

remember those affected by the Holocaust and other genocides around the world, including Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda.

The event at Brent Civic Centre marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz and included a memorial candle lighting ceremony and emotional performances by The Jewish Free School Choir and London Cantorial Singers.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said: “Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day shows the importance of a united front against hatred and oppression of others. We are strong together in the face of those who try to divide and destroy communities. As we remember and reflect on those who have been tragically killed in genocides around the world, it is a time to think about how we can stop these tragedies from happening again.”

Addressing poverty head on

By Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform.

The combined impact of insecure employment, high rents and changes to the welfare system is being felt across our communities in Brent. This is

not just a Brent issue though. Food and fuel poverty - whereby people are unable to feed their families or keep their homes warm, are all too common and, shockingly, 1.4million people are living in poverty in outer London – 60% of the capital’s total.

Brent’s new Poverty Commission is designed to get to the heart of how people in Brent are living through poverty and how organisations, including the council, can make a determined effort to deal with and reduce poverty for our

NEWS

Rainbow crossings show Brent’s true colours

The first of six rainbow crossings to celebrate and demonstrate support for LGBT+ communities was unveiled in Wembley Park in January.

Based on the Pride flag, the crossing signals inclusion and support for LGBT+ communities in Brent and beyond, many of whom still experience discrimination and violence.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said: “Outward

signs are important in signalling an inclusive environment for LGBT+ communities. With these rainbow crossings, we are showing our true colours as an open, diverse and accepting borough. The Borough of Cultures where everybody’s story is celebrated.”

Another five of these colourful pedestrian crossings are set to be installed by the council across the borough during 2020.

Tips for a healthy Ramadan diet

If you are planning to fast this Ramadan, visit www.brent.gov. uk/diabetesandramadan.

Get advice from Consultant Dietitian Salma Mehar who shares her tips on how to have a healthy Ramadan, especially if you have diabetes.

Council budget agreed The council’s budget for 2020/21 includes £7.4m of savings and a council tax increase of 3.99%, with 2% of this earmarked for Adult Social Care.

Over the last 10 years, the main grant the council receives from central government has fallen by 79%, while demand for services has increased significantly.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “This funding squeeze has meant making difficult

choices and we’ve had little choice but to increase council tax.

“We have prioritised younger people and older residents. We are using technology more effectively and are setting up hubs in communities to make our services more easily accessible.

“I understand that finding £1.19 more a week is a cost many of us could do without. In return, I promise to carry on delivering the commitments the council has made in our Borough Plan.”

residents. Chaired by Lord Richard Best, the commission is made up of local partner organisations including Shelter, Citizens Advice Brent, Crisis Skylight Brent, Young Brent Foundation and the Trussell Trust as well as elected members.

Over the coming months, it will hear evidence from residents, politicians and expert organisations. The aim is to come up with practical recommendations that are based on people’s actual experience of living and encountering poverty.

These recommendations will be presented to the council’s Cabinet to take into consideration when

Meghan visits the Mayhew The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle visited the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green at the beginning of the year.

The Duchess, who is a patron of the popular animal charity, toured the brand new kennels and offices, which provide a safer environment for Mayhew animals and staff.

making decisions on services and policies for our residents.

Some residents are really struggling and we must take real action to help quickly. Too often, we focus on the individual factors that affect people’s income and quality of life. This commission will consider the lived experiences of poverty in the borough to more fully understand the growing impact of rocketing housing costs, uncertain employment and a welfare system that puts process before people.

No one should go hungry or face homelessness and I hope that Brent’s Poverty Commission will give us some clear and evidence-based recommendations to improve things.

NEWS

Resident-led design options for St Raph’s revealed Residents from St Raphael’s Estate saw a first glimpse of what their estate could look like in the future at special exhibitions in March.

For the past 12 months, the community has led the process to improve St Raph’s working with the estate’s design team to explore the two options for the estate – infill development and redevelopment.

The design team presented detailed design options for the first time earlier this month.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said: “For the past year we’ve been working closely with residents and community groups as they have created plans for how homes on the estate could look and

feel in the future. It’s vitally important that the community continues to lead the design process, so I encourage everyone living locally to tell us what they think and their preferred design option.”

Later this year eligible residents will vote on their preferred vision for the future of St Raph’s. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/straphs

Cricklewood schoolboy wins wildlife photo competition for the second time

Alex’s winning picture A schoolboy from Cricklewood has scooped the under 18s prize in Brent’s Wildlife Photo Competition for the second year in a row.

Alex Alvanis, 16, won the competition again this time with his photo of a cabbage white butterfly. The judges loved the detail and contrasting colours.

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Paula’s picture Paula Joyce won the adult category with a close up of a bumblebee feeding on a yellow and orange Gallardia flower.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We were so impressed with Alex and Paula’s photos.

Congratulations to both of our winners and thanks to everyone else who took the time to enter.”

NEWS

Tree-mendous

JOB SHOW COMES TO WEMBLEY On Tuesday 23 March, Brent Works is holding its annual Jobs and Apprenticeship Show at Wembley Stadium in partnership with Network Homes, the College of North West London and Jobcentre Plus. To book your place, search “Jobs & Apprenticeship Show” on eventbrite.co.uk

It’s a blooming great spring as more than 300 new street trees are being planted across the borough, thanks to a £203,000 cash injection that also covers their maintenance for the next three years.

This is just the start as Brent Council has pledged to plant at least 520 new trees every year.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “A simple tree has a story that lasts a lifetime, it cleans the air we breathe, it gives habitat to natural life and it makes our streets that much nicer to behold.

“Our climate fightback has only just begun, but with hundreds of new trees coming to roads and avenues, we’re not just planting for the future but investing in Brent’s lungs today.”

FORMER MAYOR RAISES OVER £80,000 FOR CHARITIES Former Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood, has raised over £81,900 during the course of his year as Mayor for his two chosen charities. Cllr Mahmood raised funds for Sufra NW London and the READ foundation.

The money was split evenly between the two charities.

PLASTIC FREE PARKING TICKETS

England netball stars get families active

Penalty charge notice bags are going green as the council replaces the recognisable yellow and white packets, which are historically made of single-use plastics, with a biodegradable alternative.

The new bags are compostable, but durable enough to last for weeks in bad weather.

Professional England Netball stars Sasha and Kadeen Corbin visited Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre in February to inspire Brent families to get moving.

The visit by the sisters was part of the Young Brent Foundation’s FunFit Families programme that seeks to get families who are currently less active to try out a new activity and improve their health.

Kadeen Corbin said, “We’ve been brought up playing sport as a family and played from a young age. It’s a really good way to bond.”

Sasha added, “You can definitely train and play with your children and FunFit Families is a great initiative.”

BRENT CONNECTS RESIDENTS AND DECISION MAKERS Residents and young people in particular are encouraged to get involved in local decision-making by attending a Brent Connects forum near you.To find out details about your next Brent Connects meeting in your neighbourhood visit: www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects-forums

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CLEANER & GREENER

Calling all litter heroes

The Great British Spring Clean is back in Brent and this year it is bigger than ever. Beverley Walkden found out all you need to know to get involved.

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hroughout March and April, the council is giving residents like you a helping hand to spruce up your local streets and parks by running community clean up events.

Together with its waste collection partner, Veolia, the council is supplying all litter heroes across Brent with the tools you need to make your neighbourhood cleaner and greener.

The council will provide all the gloves, litter pickers and bags you need and will clear away the rubbish afterwards.

The annual event is run in partnership with local resident groups, Veolia, and Keep Britain Tidy, and is supported by Neighbourhood Managers from Brent Council. The community skip will also be popping up at a string of locations.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We all want an environment to be proud of, but to get there we all need to show we’re ready and willing, to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty.

“Like you, I want a cleaner, greener more considerate Brent, so if you’re someone who wants to make a difference in your area, please get involved and make Brent tidy together.”

For more information, or to run your own community clean up, email: recyclemore@brent.gov.uk

Got an idea to improve the environment?

Do you have an idea that could inspire people to do the right thing with their waste or enhances the local environment? You can apply for support and funding through Veolia’s Recycling Fund for Communities.

Your project could receive a cash boost, extra resources or volunteers to help get it off the ground. Up to £1,000 is available through the fund, which is doubled to £2,000 if your project has a positive impact on plastic waste. Across London the fund has supported projects from community gardens, reclaimed furniture projects, bicycle repair workshops and a reusable lunch box scheme to cut plastic waste.

For more information on how you bring your idea to life visit www.veolia.co.uk/london/recyclingfund.

‘We all want an environment to be proud of, but to get there we all need to show we’re ready and willing, to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty.’

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

Barnhill Ward, Community Litter Pick-Nic and Community Skip Saturday 21 March, Community Skip, 8am-12noon, litter pick 10-11am Walled Garden, Roe Green Spring bonnet parade, egg hunt and Community Litter Pick-Nic Thursday 9 April, 1-2.30pm

Last year more than 560,000 people across the UK took part in the Keep Britain Tidy campaign and picked up enough litter to fill 239,344 wheelie bins A previous community clean up in Cricklewood with residents from NWTwo Residents Association

Roe Green Community Litter Pick-Nic Monday 13 April, Community Skip, 8am-12noon, litter pick 10-11am

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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Exciting changes to our care home Beautifully refurbished bedrooms Spacious dining room • Hairdressing salon Comfortable living areas • Café area Along with our fantastic care team, delicious menus and a choice of daily activities.

We’d be proud to show you around.

Call: 0203 613 8381 Forty Close, Forty Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8UU www.barchester.com

ADVERT

Residential care • Nursing care • Respite breaks

Introducing Brent’s new Council Tax Support Scheme From the 1 April 2020 Brent is introducing a new Council Tax Support Scheme Based on a household’s ability to pay, the new scheme is fairer and simpler: • Claiming will be a straightforward, online process • Supports those claiming Universal Credit • Continues to help those with the additional financial burden of disability and caring responsibilities, while being based on the household’s ability to pay

For more information, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/ ctsupport

• Scheme for pensioners remains unchanged 8506 YB163 CTS half page ad v2.indd 1

21/02/2020 17:25

HAPPY & HEALTHY

Tooth be told With World Oral Health Day taking place in March, Sophie Leer found out the wisdom behind better tooth care

S

ay cheese! If you were ever self-conscious about your smile as a child, you know how much it can affect your confidence. Good dental hygiene is an important part of your general health and wellbeing.

Sugary food and drinks are bad for our teeth and can cause painful toothache, low self-esteem and sometimes worse.

Brent has the second highest number of five year olds with tooth decay in London. Tooth decay is also the most common reason Brent children, between five and nine years old, have a planned admission to hospital.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure, said: “Tooth decay can be avoided by taking just a few extra minutes each day to ensure you and your family are adopting good habits when it comes to your teeth.

“This will prevent longer-term problems from developing and hopefully lead to a happier and healthier life.”

BE SUGAR SMART Eat less sugar and when you do, make sure it is at mealtimes and not before bed. Try sugar free, diet or no added sugar drinks – but remember, plain water or lower fat milks are best.

VISIT THE DENTIST Make regular trips to the dentist, this is free up until the age of 18 so make the most of this for your children while you can.

Pregnant? Free care for you too! Your treatment stays free up until your baby’s first birthday.

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR TOOTHBRUSH You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride tooth paste, once before bed and once again at any other time.

Finally, spit don’t rinse – toothpaste helps to protect your teeth even after brushing .

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

19

ARTS & CULTURE

No Bass Like Home: Brent’s Reggae Roots

T

he reggae map, part of Brent’s London Borough of Culture, is an archive to capture iconic people and places which have shaped the borough’s rich reggae history.

At the event, Lovers Rock legend Carroll Thompson discussed her connections to Brent, leaving her family home to move to Wembley and starting her music career in Rucklidge Avenue, Harlesden. She explained how she took the photo for the now iconic ‘Hopelessly in Love’ album cover at the back of Stonebridge estate, and regularly visited the Apollo Club in Harlesden to hear reggae music.

DJ and Producer Shy One also spoke

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

The No Bass Like Home reggae map launched at a sold out event in February at the Jamaican High Commission writes Alex Augustin about her local family links to Kensal Green, Harlesden and Wembley and explained the influences reggae has had on more modern forms of music such as grime.

Carroll Thompson ended the night by performing her hit song ‘Simply in Love’.

The event was attended by His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, High Commissioner for Jamaica and hosted in collaboration with the Jamaican High Commission and JAMPRO Trade and Investment.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said: “It makes me incredibly proud that music which has such strong roots in Brent, has spread so far and wide across so many different communities.

UPCOMING CULTURE FUND EVENTS Word Up will present a program of workshops and stellar live events across 2020. The project will champion emerging talent and offer development opportunities to Brent residents through creative workshops.

Culture Move (Sampled History) is an exhibition spanning art, music and performance, tracing the diverse cultural heritage of Brent. Collaboration is key to the project - participants are invited to bring personal objects and images, particularly those relevant to their culture and life in Brent, to be ‘sampled’ in artwork for the exhibition.

DJ Shy One

Queer East Film Festival brings East and Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ cinema to London with a fortnight of screenings and events this April. A series of five curated screenings will take place at the Lexi Cinema from 18 to 25 April, echoing Brent’s strong Asian affiliations.

“I want everyone to know about this great history, which is why this reggae archive is so important.”

Launch the reggae map: www.brent2020.co.uk/galleries/ no-bass-like-home-reggae-map/

Culture Fund winners revealed

Carroll Thopmson’s album cover was taken in Stonebridge

The third and final round of projects to win cash from the 2020 Culture Fund – the £500,000 grant programme for local people and organisations to lead their own cultural activities as part of Brent 2020– has been revealed.

Go to www.brent2020.co.uk/the-2020culture-fund/ for a full list of projects.

St Michaels and All Angels Steel Orchestra are a group of talented young steel pan players. Watch them perform an eclectic mix of classical, soca, reggae and pop music – all the best tunes from Mozart to Stevie Wonder!

For full details for all events, visit www.brent2020.co.uk/programmes YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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MY COMMUNITY

The gift of life In the spring, the law around organ donation in England is changing. Sarah Whyte found out about one mother’s pride in her son’s decision

F

registered for his driving license. rom spring 2020, all adults in England Pragna said “Organ donation wasn’t something we will be considered to have agreed to be knew much about, so we discussed it at length and we an organ and tissue donor when they die agreed that as he felt strong about organ donation he unless they have recorded a decision would remain on the register.” not to donate or are part of an Tragically, Kurran was involved in a car accident and excluded group. died at the very young age of 19. At a very difficult time, Someone dies every day in the UK because not enough his mum Pragna and family respected his decision to organs are available. There is a particular need donate his organs. for more black and Asian donors, who “Just as I his mother, family and friends can be the best match for patients of are very proud of Kurran, he too would the same ethnicity. be happy and proud that we were able Most people support organ to fulfil his wishes. He was a giver donation in principle but not and it is something that he truly everyone tells their family their wanted to do.” about their decision to join the “In Kurrans passing he gave four NHS Organ Donor Register.

Wembley resident Pragna families the most precious gift Mehta-Patel knew that her son anyone can give, life! He also donated Kurran (Kayy) wanted to donate his stem cells, which will continue to his organs should the worst help many more people. If more people Kayy and Pragna happen. He recorded his decision to register and donate, more people have become an Organ Donor when he chances of a better life and even survival.”

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

You will still have a choice.

Make your decision clear and join the NHS Organ Donor Register or tell your family your decision: www.organdonation.nhs.uk

‘Kurran helped four people with the precious gifts that he gave. If more people register and donate, more people have chances of a better life and survival’ Pragna Mehta-Patel

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2019/2020

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E A S T

L A N E

THEATRE

Wembley’s Amateur Little Live Theatre in Sudbury Town

Love a bit of DRAMA? Are you 18+?

Ever thought about ACTING? But don’t know if YOU can?

Then give it a go!

@eastlanetheatreclub @eastlanetheatre

 RSVP: 07391749101  www.eastlanetheatre.co.uk

Do you have a spare room?

If you do, a Homeshare could:• Give a younger person a great start in life • Maintain your independence • Make new friends • Gain peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones • Share your skills and learn new ones We carefully match people, oversee the arrangements and provide ongoing support

Contact us for more information on

020 3957 8671

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent, 2 Chapel Court, 126 Church Road, Hayes, UB3 2LW Email: Homeshare@ageukhhb.org.uk

HAPPY & HEALTHY

Forget me not

The number of over 65 year olds living with dementia in Brent is set to rise to around 4,000 by 2030. Sarah Whyte finds out what you can do to minimise the risk of developing dementia

D

ementia is not a natural or inevitable part of ageing; it’s caused by a disease that affects the brain. It’s a progressive disorder and over time, as symptoms get worse, it can shorten a person’s life.

While some people may be more likely to develop dementia due risk factors they cannot change such as genes, gender or ethnic origin, evidence shows that healthier daily routines help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Cllr Harbi Farah, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Dementia is rising nationally and in Brent. It can leave people feeling confused and isolated. We are doing all we can to ensure that people with dementia get the help and support they need and we are working towards becoming a dementia friendly borough.”

In Brent, the council is working with partners to become a dementia friendly borough. There are 16 dementia cafés for people to socialise and meet others.

The first dementia garden was opened in Watling Gardens in 2018 and there are Dementia Café Growing Clubs in Neasden and Brent Park. Families who care for people with dementia are also supported with two carers support groups and one peer support group.

To find out more go to www.brent.gov.uk/dementia

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SIX TOP TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF DEVELOPING DEMENTIA 1. EAT A BALANCED DIET

Include five fruit and vegetables in each meal and minimise the amount of sugar you consume.

2. BE ACTIVE

Join the healthy walks programme or visit one of the 19 outdoor gyms in Brent where you can get fit for free.

3. DON’T SMOKE

Smoking puts you at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

4. DRINK LESS ALCOHOL

The guideline for alcohol intake is less than 14 units per week.

5. KEEP YOUR MIND ACTIVE

Having a hobby can keep your mind active.

Check out the listings on page 42 for local events

6. MEET PEOPLE REGULARLY Brent Council’s dementia garden in Kilburn and dementia cafés are a great way to socialise with other people and make new friends.

YOUR SHOUT “Since we started the memory lounge in Preston Community Library, it has been lovely to see so many different communities coming together. Members work together to bring about new activities, so it is more about people being active than being acted on, through meeting new people life becomes enhanced.”

Geraldine Cook, Wembley

“Dementia is a very scary disease, I have witnessed second hand the effect it can have on people. Dementia is a common illness, yet so many people still lack the information needed to understand it.

It’s upsetting that so many people have to watch their loved ones lose their identity.”

Israa Al-Edamee, Kingsbury

“Dementia doesn’t belong to one community, it belongs to humanity and it’s coming fast but society isn’t moving with it. The best way I can express it is you go through a bereavement but without anybody dying.

In the beginning you are grieving for the memories, the person you had but then you get used to it.”

Kawal Singh, Wembley.

‘Dementia is rising nationally and in Brent. It can leave people feeling confused and isolated. We are doing all we can to ensure that people with dementia get the help and support they need and we are working towards becoming a dementia friendly borough.’

Cllr Harbi Farah, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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ENVIRONMENT

Climate champions assemble Residents from all walks of life and all parts of Brent have come together to discuss local solutions to the planet’s climate emergency 28

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

HEALTHY LIVING

Xxxxxx

A

lthough the members of Brent’s first Climate Assembly were chosen at random, everyone had two things in common. They all live in Brent, and they had all volunteered their Saturday to come together to talk about how we can do our bit to tackle global heating at a local level.

Over three sessions, fifty members of the Assembly heard from different experts. They heard about the most environmentally friendly ways to heat our homes, about the importance of recycling and reducing the amount of plastic we use, and about the UK’s history of putting harmful emissions into the air.

Their mission was to listen to the evidence, talk about it as a group, and to make recommendations about how the council, businesses, and individuals in Brent can take steps to help limit climate change.

Assembly members also considered suggestions from more than 300 other residents, who had shared their views through an online forum.

After much debate, they made ten recommendations for council leaders to consider. These ranged from scrapping

Residents listened to climate change experts

single-use plastics to adapting buildings to make them more energy efficient. They also asked the council to see what can be done to help Brent residents reuse and recycle more, cutting down on the number of things they buy.

They were especially interested in the idea that being more environmentally friendly often comes with other benefits such as saving money on heating bills, getting more exercise by walking rather than taking the car, and supporting local wildlife by looking after our green spaces.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment at Brent Council, said: “I am grateful to everyone who has taken part in this process – from the Assembly members themselves, to the residents who shared their views using the online forum.

“Now it’s our turn to look over the Assembly’s recommendations, together with the council-wide review that’s been happening. I look forward to setting out our ten year plan for tackling the climate crisis in the coming months.”

You can read more about the Climate Assembly and its recommendations at www.brent.gov.uk/climateemergency YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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HOUSING

Home sweet council home 100 years since the ‘Addison Act’ paved the way for councils to build safe, secure and affordable homes, Brent is building again on a large scale writes Nadia Khan

R

esidents across Brent are already benefitting from Brent’s house building programme which will see 1,000 new homes built by the Council over the next five years.

Elaine Thomas, 46, from Cricklewood,

Brent residents Isobel Sanchez-Cassidy and Sarah Counihan-Sanchez

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

lived in a three-bed council home for 20 years. She no longer needed the larger space and was struggling to get up the stairs as she lives with sciatica. As part of the new council homes programme, Elaine was offered a two-bed maisonette in Duleep Court, Cricklewood. She said: “I am so happy to have moved into a brand new property. Downsizing gave me the opportunity to declutter a lot of personal items which were not of much use to me. The council needs to definitely build more council homes in the borough. So many people need a home.”

Emma Haas, 103, has lived in a council home in Kilburn for 68 happy years. Born in Germany, Emma came to London aged 18 but had to return to Germany at the start of the Second World War. Returning to London at 35, Emma got married and worked at a printing firm in Harlesden until she retired at the age of 67.

Emma said “I’m very happy in my home, there are some very friendly people here. I have some friends who decorated my flat.”

The Addison Act, passed at the end of the First World War, gave councils the go ahead to build

HEALTHY LIVING

James (above) and Dwight were just two of the council tenants featured in the celebration event.

‘I’m very happy in my home, there are some very friendly people here. I have some friends who decorated my flat’ Council tenant Emma Hass , 103 years of age 500,000 homes for returning soldiers and families.

This was hugely important and we have seen nothing at the same scale since. To mark the anniversary, Brent Council joined forces with the Chartered Institute of Housing last month for an event celebrating a hundred years of council homes and the people who live in them.

Recently, it has become easier for councils to start building again and Brent has hit the ground running. The plans are ambitious: a £200million programme to directly fund 1,000 new council homes over the next five years. This is part of the Council’s intention to make 5,000 affordable

homes available over this period.

Already 156 families have moved into high quality, secure council-built homes, some of which have been adapted to meet the needs of older or disabled residents.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said: “New council homes are places for Brent residents to create happy memories and feelings of belonging.

Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and this programme makes clear our intention to offer this security and stability to many more residents in the near future.”

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

31

CLEANER CLEANER&&GREENER GREENER

WANTED! For crimes against your streets Wanted posters with CCTV images to tackle ‘grime crime’ hotspots are popping up all over the borough writes Beverley Walkden

T

he new weapon in the fight against grime crime is being unleashed by Brent Council to catch people selfishly spoiling some of the borough’s streets for everyone else.

Responding directly to residents’ anger that devious dumpers are not playing by the rules, the council is now releasing CCTV images of people carrying out grime crimes, like fly tipping, along with a public appeal to identify them.

The council launched the

32

hard-hitting campaign, which could leave litterlouts red-faced and out of pocket, in February.

If the culprits are not identified by the posters, the enviro-crime images will go online on a monthly basis so they reach a wider audience. Once an offender is identified, the council will do everything possible to ensure they are taken to court where they face an unlimited fine or five years in prison.

Fly tipping alone cost the council an estimated £1.1m in 2019 as the council’s enforcement teams dealt with more than 33,000 cases of illegal rubbish dumping. The issue is not unique to Brent as fly tipping has increased by more than 50 per cent across the UK over the past six years.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The council is doing everything it can to pick up the dumped rubbish but I know residents would prefer it was not dumped there in the first place. We are fed up with fly-tippers thinking they can get away with dumping rubbish on our streets and we need your help to identify the culprits.”

If you see someone you know doing something they should not, tell us anonymously by emailing waste.enforcement@brent.gov.uk or calling 020 8937 4994. Information provided by residents will be treated in strict confidence.

Every ticket supports your local community • Tickets from £1 a week • 60% cash goes directly to local good causes • Prizes up to £25,000

WIN CASH and give back!

To buy a ticket, please visit www.brentcommunitylottery.co.uk

O G BIN

BIN

GO

MY COMMUNITY

Doing it for St Raph’s An inspiring set of young people tell David Gladwin why they are determined for the youth to have a say on the future of their home: St Raphael’s Estate

S

t Raph’s means home, family and belonging.

It’s community orientated, someone is always there to look out for you. If your mum’s not home, a neighbour will look after you. That’s just what it’s like,” says primary school teacher Idil Hassan, 22, who has lived on St Raphael’s Estate her whole life.

A major consultation is happening with residents on the estate to decide their favoured option to create new, affordable homes and improve facilities for the community. There are two options: infill development or redevelopment.

Idil is one of four youth event planners, hired by Beyond the Box Consultants, a youth engagement agency, to design, organise and promote an event on the estate to capture the opinions of local young people.

Alongside Delaney Dawkins, 17, Vivian Nakintu, 20 and Zahra Mudhir, 16, Idil applied for the paid part-time role after spotting an advert on

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

Instagram. After six months of hard work, supported by Toni Dyer-Miller, 22, and Milena Laura Zywica, 16, who also live on the estate, the group saw their dreams become reality earlier this year.

Young, aspiring musicians performed alongside awardwinning spoken-word artist, and headline act, George the Poet at The Drum in Wembley Park to raise awareness of the future of their estate. The night included a photo exhibition of local youth aspirations, and saw them present their questions about St Raph’s future to Brent Council’s Chief Executive Carolyn Downs.

Each of the youth event planners was assigned specific roles, from creating a brand for the event to signing up artists to perform. Delaney, who is studying media at college and plans to follow a career in journalism, said: “We put a lot of love, and a lot of thought, into organising the event.

So I’m glad people turned up and learned something more about what’s going on.”

“It’s not easy to reach out to the youth,” says Vivian, a nursery school teacher, who has lived on the estate for 10 years. “Before I saw the advert, I had no clue. Zero. But now, my neighbours on my block, who I didn’t even know before, all ask me about it.”

In March, residents will see different options for the future of the estate presented to them by their design team for the first time.

Later in the year, they will vote on their preferred option.

“The changes will affect everyone,” agrees Zahra who plans to study Medicine after completing her A-Levels. “But it’s going to happen over a long period of time.

And we are the future of the estate.

So it’s important our choices are heard.” The youth of St Raph’s have certainly found their voice.

• Find out more about the future of St Raphael’s Estate at www.brent.gov.uk/straphs • Follow @doitforstraphs on Instagram

Delaney Dawkins

Toni Dyer-Miller

Vivian Nakintu

Event planners and George the Poet

Left to right: Mudhir, Zywica, YOUR BRENT | Zahra SPRING 2020Milena 25 Idil Hassan and Toni Dyer-Miller

FOOD & DRINK

The rise of Moroc Anwar Cherquaoui talks to Jessica Alves about what inspired him and his business partner, Sa’eed Kazmi, to open Le Comptoir

L

e Comptoir and London’s first vegan Moroccan restaurant Comptoir V, are both in the heart of Kensal Rise “My business partner and I opened Le Comptoir about eight years ago. At the time there were only a couple of restaurants on the high road, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to have a place in the area that serves great home cooked food.”

“We always knew Moroccan food was going to be our focus. My Dad is Moroccan, so I grew up eating traditional food at home, and it’s my favourite. He’s always been the cook in the family, and was actually in the restaurant business himself for many years. Since the beginning, he’s played a big part in training our chefs, and taught them my grandma’s traditional recipes.”

“We wanted to create something authentic.

We feature art from Moroccan artists on our walls, and the furniture in our garden area was hand-crafted in Morocco. Our spices, like cumin, ras el hanout, and turmeric, we order in large quantities from there too. It makes a huge difference in our cooking.”

Morocco’s most traditional dishes, like lamb tagine and couscous, are typically shared in communal meals. Anwar says: “Our menu is inspired by Moroccan and family tradition, so we encourage guests to share all of their dishes. While sharing plates have only just become popular in London in the last few

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

years, at home in Morocco it’s a way of life.”

Le Comptoir has been a huge success, winning Time Out’s Love London Award, as well as TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, motivating Anwar and Sa’eed to explore new restaurant concepts. Anwar shares: “Over the past 4-5 years, veganism grew as a trend, and we noticed that the sales of our vegan dishes in Le Comptoir increased. It started to play on our minds that opening a vegan Moroccan restaurant would be a good idea, particularly because many Moroccan dishes are naturally vegan, and no one else had explored it yet.”

“We didn’t just want to do fake meat like other restaurants. We wanted to offer great tasting food that would be exciting for everyone, so we opened Comptoir V. Vegans and non-vegans alike travel from all over London for our food, and we’ve become really popular on social media because veganism is on trend.”

“My business partner and I never started this thinking it was going to be as successful as it is. We just did it because we love what we do, so it is easy to keep improving.”

Le Comptoir are offering Your Brent readers 20% off meals. All you need to do is quote Brent Magazine 20 or take a copy of the article in to the restaurant.

The offer is valid until 5pm every day Monday to Sunday.

‘Our menu is inspired by Moroccan and family tradition, so we encourage guests to share all of their dishes’

ccan cuisine

COMPTOIR’S LAMB TAGINE RECIPE

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp. Olive oil 1 kg Lamb shanks 4 Large onions, chopped 1 tsp. Ground turmeric 1 tsp. Ground ginger 1 tsp. Salt ¼ tsp. Ground black pepper ¼ tsp. Saffron 250 ml Chicken stock 1 Large bunch of fresh coriander, tied Toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted almonds for garnish

METHOD 1. Heat the olive oil in a pot and then add the chopped onions and cook on a low heat for a few minutes.

2. Add the lamb to brown, followed by the turmeric, ginger, saffron, ginger, salt, coriander, and pepper. Add the chicken stock until it covers the meat. Slow cook in a tagine, or tightly closed pot on a low heat for one hour.

3. Soak the prunes in cold water for about 15-20 minutes, until tender. Then drain the water from the prunes.

4. Heat olive oil in a pan, add honey, cinnamon, butter and prunes.

Caramelise over a moderate flame until it becomes a thick sauce.

5. Toast the almonds and sesame seeds in a pan.

6. Serve the meat with the prune sauce (you can remove the coriander bouquet if you prefer) and garnish with the almonds and sesame seeds.

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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Arts & Culture

>> Theatre >> Music >> Dance >> Comedy >> Exhibitions >> Cinema >> Talks >> Tours

Pass Over

NOW UNTIL SATURDAY 21 MARCH PASS OVER

Moses and Kitch wake every morning. Stuck. Hoping to escape.

Hoping to move on. Hoping for a promised land. Hoping to pass over. Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, Kilburn, London NW6 7JR. 7.30pm. £15-£32.50

NOW UNTIL SUNDAY 29 MARCH WAITER, THERE’S A MURDER IN MY SOUP! A murder mystery dining experience. Over the course

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

of dinner, renowned detective Susan Gusset and her fellow diners must race against time to unmask a killer before coffee is served.

All tickets include a three course meal, with vegan options available.

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Road, Wembley, Various times. £65

SATURDAY 7 MARCH THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to The SSE Arena, Wembley as part of their 2020 Pushing the Limits World Tour. The SSE Arena, Wembley, 6pm from £23

FROM SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Steel Orchestra

ST MICHAELS AND ALL ANGELS STEEL ORCHESTRA

Come and watch a group of talented young steel pan players from St Michaels and All Angels steel orchestra performing an eclectic mix of classical, soca, reggae and pop music – all the best tunes from Mozart to Stevie Wonder! Harlesden and Stonebridge, check online for www.brent2020.com/events.

10.30-11.45am. free.

LBOC

TUESDAY 10 MARCH BRENT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Baroness Lola Young and Nabila Mallick, will be the key note speakers at the Brent Council and Wembley Park event to mark International Women’s Day. Brent Civic Centre – Grand Hall, Level 1 Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ. 10-2.30pm. free

THURSDAY 12 MARCH AND FRIDAY 13 MARCH LEWIS CAPALDI

Lewis Capaldi has announced a huge UK headline arena tour, kicking off March 2020. Special Guests Alec Benjamin and Donna Missal. The SSE Arena, Wembley.

7.30pm. From £41

SATURDAY 14 MARCH OTHER CINEMAS

Other cinemas return with free independent film screenings.

Beyond the Photo records individual stories of Black British lives in the 1970s. The Yellow, 1 Humphry Repton Lane, Wembley, HA9 0GL. 7pm. free. LBOC

ARTS & CULTURE

VENUES Ace Cafe Ace Corner, North Circular road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD 020 8961 1000, www.london.acecafe.com

Stoneface

Brent Civic Centre Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ

TUESDAY 17 MARCH TO THURSDAY 19 MARCH VOICE IN A MILLION 2020

Billed as ‘the world’s most spectacular school concert’ Voice in a Million returns to The SSE Arena, Wembley for three nights in VIAM2020. 15,000 schoolchildren will take part, supported by some of Britain’s most talented young singers. The SSE Arena, Wembley. 7.15pm.

From £25

THURSDAY 19 MARCH ST PATRICKS DAY EVENT

The Brent Irish Advisory Service will be holding their St Patrick’s Day celebration during their usual

Thursday . Cricklewood Trades Hall Club. 134 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 2DP. 1-4pm. Free

again. The SSE Arena, Wembley.

7pm from £41

TUESDAY 24 FRIDAY 20 MARCH MARCH STONEFACE: THE RISE AND FALL OF BUSTER KEATON

In this talk our regular film historian Will Bird delves into Keaton’s amazing career and uncovers why it fell apart so dramatically in the early 1930s.

The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, Willesden, London, NW10 2SF. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. £3

SATURDAY 21 MARCH SHREYA GHOSHAL

Grace Entertainment and TCO are proud to announce “Shreya Ghoshal Live” in 2020. After an extended hiatus, SHE’S BACK to entertain all her UK fans once

AN EVENING OF MUSIC FROM THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK MUSICAL DUO

The Right Mix deliver a charming performance of songs from the American songbook The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, Willesden, London, NW10 2SF. 6.30pm to 7.30pm. £3

Harlesden Library Plus Craven Park Road, Harlesden NW10 8SE

Kingsbury Library 522-524 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury NW9 9HE

Kilburn Library 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN

Lexi Cinema 194B Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JU 020 3011 5523, www. thelexicinema.co.uk

The Library at Willesden Green 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 020 8937 3400, www.brent.gov.uk/lwg

Kiln Theatre 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000, www.tricycle.co.uk

Wembley Library Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ

Arena Square Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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A Star Studded Spring in The Troubadour A slew of famous names will take to the Troubadour stage in Wembley Park this spring, in the star-studded romantic comedy production, Sleepless the Musical.

Leading the show are Kimberley Walsh of Brit award winning band Girls Aloud, Jay McGuiness of platinum-selling boyband The Wanted and actor Daniel Casey, known for legendary drama Midsomer Murders.

They will be joined by renowned West End actors Harriet Thorpe as Eleanor, Tania Mathurin as Becky and Jake Sharp as Rob. Sleepless: A Musical Romance

TUESDAY 31 MARCH MONDAY 11 MAY

THURSDAY 2 SATURDAY 11 APRIL TO SUNDAY APRIL 5 APRIL EPIC JAM

TANIA FREIMUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MAGICAL ICE FESTIVAL

Tania is an award winning cinematographer as well as a photographer. These pictures aim to capture the individual character of a single cut flower in the moment of blooming, and to encourage us to experience the physical sensation of seeing. Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, London NW10 3JU. 11am-6.30pm

Disney on Ice

Enter a world of adventure featuring daring tales from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival. Join fearless wayfinder Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to return the stolen heart of Te Fiti. The SSE Arena, Wembley 6.30pm from £24

As part of the EPIC Jam, there will be workshops in graffiti, dancing, rapping and so much more! As well as free vegetarian food for all the family. The Yellow, 1 Humphry Repton Lane, Wembley, HA9 0GL. 3-10pm. free

FRIDAY 17 APRIL SIMPLE MINDS

Simple Minds celebrate 40 iconic years in music by embarking upon a major world tour in 2020. Today the band announce details of the tour’s European dates, which covers 38 shows across 12 countries and culminate with a homecoming show at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro on April 25.

The SSE Arena, Wembley. 7.30pm.

From £46

SATURDAY 18 APRIL PARKWAY DRIVE

Coming off a hugely successful

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

European/U.K. summer festival run, Parkway Drive are thrilled to announce that they will be back in the region for the spectacular European Revolution 2020 Arena Tour in April 2020. Special Guests Hatebreed, Stick to Your Guns and Venom Prison. The SSE Arena, Wembley. 7.30pm. from £46

SUNDAY 19 APRIL QUEER EAST FILM FESTIVAL

East and Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ cinema comes to London, with a series of five curated screenings echoing Brent’s strong Asian affiliations. Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, London NW10 3JU. Various times. price to be confirmed. LBOC

WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL CULTURE CAPITAL COMPETITION

Watch five shorlisted Brent-based music acts compete against each otherin a live competion at Boxpark . The winner will go on to perform at Culture Capital – a

ARTS & CULTURE Sleepless is based on the original 1993 Nora Ephron film Sleepless in Seattle, which starred Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. It tells the heart-warming tale of Sam (played by Jay), who moves to Seattle with his eight year-old son, Jonah, following the tragic death of his wife. When Jonah phones a radio show and gets his dad, Sam, to talk live on air about the heart-breaking loss of his mother, Sam touches hearts across America and provides a great news story for journalist Annie (played by Kimberley) on the opposite side of the country. Can Jonah help bring the two together?

A 31-piece orchestra will perform the jazz-inspired score, with orchestrations and arrangements by Larry Blank, a distinguished composer who has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards.

Sleepless the Musical is at the Troubadour, Wembley Park 24 March–3 May. Sleepless: A Musical Romance

Willesden Green. Various times. free. LBOC

tours and talks by artisits. Various libraries across Brent. Free. LBOC

MONDAY 4 MAY

THURSDAY 21 MAY

WORD UP

NT LIVE: THE WELKIN

Harlesden’s homegrown open mic night. The Royal Oak, 95 High Street, Harlesden, London NW10 4TS. 8pm. free. LBOC

SATURDAY 9 MAY massive showcase of new London sounds. Boxpark, 18 Olympic Way, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0JT. Evening. free. LBOC

SATURDAY 22 APRIL TO SATURDAY 23 MAY A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD

Decades apart, two women share the same goals: to create a fresh sense of unity and nationhood, to make the world anew through the museum and its treasures.

But in such unstable times, questions remain. Who is the

museum for? Whose culture are we preserving? And why does it matter when people are dying?

Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, Kilburn, London NW6 7JR. 7.30pm. £15-£32.50

MET OPERA: MARIA STUARDA

Soprano Diana Damrau, following her triumph as Violetta in last season’s new production of Verdi’s La Traviata, stars as the martyred Mary, Queen of Scots, in Donizetti’s bel canto showcase.

Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, London NW10 3JU. 5.55pm. £30.

SATRUDAY 23 APRIL TO SUNDAY 28 JUNE SATURDAY 17 AND CULTURE MOVE (SAMPLED SUNDAY 17 MAY HISTORY) An exhibition spanning art, music and performance, tracing the diverse cultural heritage of Brent. Brent Museum and Archives in The Library at

MUSEUM OF ALL BRENT LIFE

Libraries in Brent have been working with artists to explore stories, myths, dreams, hope and fears.There will be guided

Rural Suffolk, 1759. Sally Poppy is sentenced to hang for a heinous murder. When she claims to be pregnant a jury of 12 matrons have to decide whether she’s telling the truth or simply trying to escape the noose. Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, London NW10 3JU. 7pm. £17

SUNDAY 31 MAY UEFA EURO 2020 TROPHY TOUR

Fans will be able to get up close to the UEFA EURO Trophy when it arrives at Wembley Park on the afternoon of 31 May. Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0JT, Free

INDICATES A LONDON BOROUGH OF CULTURE EVENT

YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

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ARTS & CULTURE

What’s On PLACE OF WELCOME

Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre, 6 Hillside, London. The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a place to interact with one another, enjoy games and have engaging conversations. enquiries@brenthub.co.uk 02039041004

COMMUNITY ART CLUBS AND PRIVATE LESSONS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 4pm to 7pm. Manus ArtASC Studios Venice House, 243 Ealing Road, Alperton, London. HA0 1RQ, UK. Art clubs and private lessons for kids and adults by a certified art teacher and contemporary artist. capraromanuela@gmail.com 07810061063

CREATIVE PERFORMANCE (SATURDAY MORNINGS) PERFORMING ARTS CLUB

PROUD COFFEE LGBT OLDER PEOPLE COFFEE AFTERNOON

Wednesdays, 2.30pm to 4pm Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London Proud Coffee is a free afternoon for older LGBT people in Brent. www.eldersvoice.org.uk racheli@eldersvoice.org.uk annas@eldersvoice.org.uk 0208 968 8170

SOUTH KILBURN TRUST TRIPS AND WALKS

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12am

Saturdays 14 to 28 March, 10.00am to 12.30pm. Wembley Park United Reformed Church, Kingsland Hall, The Broadway, East Lane, Wembley, HA9 7NN. Creative Performance Saturday mornings club hosts Free performing arts workshops for young people aged 5-11years old. We are open during school terms. All members of the community are welcomed. www.creativeperformance.org creative.performance@yahoo.co.uk 07956888269

FLY GIRLS WELLNESS: WALK AND RUN COMMUNITY

Sundays, 9am to 10am Wembley Stadium. Fly Girls Wellness walk or run group meet 9am every Sunday morning at Wembley Stadium to start the week being active. mail@msroseblossom.org

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2020

>> Your guide to what’s

Library. Dance classes for boys and girls ages 7 to 18.

Tats.salome@gmail.com 07709846339

DEMENTIA CAFE AT CITY MISSION HUB

Thursdays in March, 10.30am to 3.30pm. Pentecostal City Mission Church, 2 Scrubs Lane, London.

Dementia Cafes© at City Mission Hub is held weekly on a Monday, providing space for those with memory loss and dementia and their carers to socialise, get involved in activities and receive support. 07415703115 dementiaproject.cmh@outlook.com

SALOME WHITE DANCE COMPANY

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4.30 to 6.30. Willesden Green

SPINE FESTIVAL 2020 IN BRENT LIBRARIES! WORLD BOOK DAY

from Monday 2 March to Monday 9 March. Various locations. Come and hear about Penguin and

CITIZENS ADVICE BRENT INFORMATION AND ADVICE SERVICE

Mondays in March, 9am to 4pm.

Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ. Charity that offers free confidential advice to whoever you are, whatever the problem. www.citizensadvicebrent.org.uk 020 8438 1213

SPINE FESTIVAL 2020 IN BRENT LIBRARIES! SPINE ARTISTS-INRESIDENCE WORKSHOPS

to 12am. The Granville, 140 Carlton Vale, NW6 5HE. Get out and explore Brent and London www.southkilburntrust.org nilufer@southkilburntrust.org 07436102924

including sharing for family and friends at the end of the programme! libraries@brent.gov.uk

Tuesdays 3, 10, 17 March, 4–5pm. Thursdays 5, 12, 19 March 4–5pm. Saturdays 7, 21, 12 March noon-4pm Wembley Library.

These fun interactive workshops at Wembley Library will involve performance poetry and creative writing combined with stop motion animation all around the theme of ‘Our World’ addressing climate change and the environment libraries@brent.gov.uk

SPINE FESTIVAL 2020 IN BRENT LIBRARIES! TELLING TALES

Until Saturday 28 March Kingsbury Library. Telling Tales is a free six week programme for 7-11 year olds at Kingsbury Library to develop and create stories and poems with writer Paul Lyalls,

Panda, two best friends, who have lots of laughs on their hunt for The Perfect Sofa featuring special guest Bookstart Bear! For children under 5. Free, no booking required libraries@brent.gov.uk

SPINE FESTIVAL 2020 IN BRENT LIBRARIES! EALING ROAD LIBRARY FUN DAY GALORE Saturday 7 March 12-4pm.

Ealing Road Library. Join Splats Entertainment for an adventure to Treasure Island in a participation performance based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic book. The show is suitable for all ages (with some fights and jeopardy), and lasts 55 minutes. Free, suitable for all ages. libraries@brent.gov.uk

BRENT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020

Tuesday 10 March. Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ. Our FREE event will include inspirational speakers, panel discussion with local women,

ARTS & CULTURE If you would like your event included in these pages, submit the details at www.brent.gov.uk/events

on in Brent during Spring 2020 information stalls, entertainment.

Everyone is welcome all genders, ages and communities. equality@brent.gov.uk

Park Thursdays, 10am to 11am.

Queen’s Park Kilburn London NW6 6SG. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Thursdays, 10am to 11am. Queen’s Park Kilburn London NW6 6SG. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS

Wednesdays and Sundays, various times. Preston Community Library, Carlton Avenue East, Wembley HA9 8PL. Yoga classes at Preston Community Library. All abilities welcome! samantha.warrington.yoga@gmail.com 07801 697712

BOOTCAMP AT QUEENS PARK

Road NW2. Led training sessions at our outdoor gyms are free and there is no need to book, so come along and join in.

BOOTCAMP AT STONEBRIDGE REC Saturdays, 10am to 11am Stonebridge Rec. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

BOOTCAMP IN ONE TREE HILL REC GROUND

Thursdays, 6.45pm to 7.45pm. One Tree Hill Rec Ground, Norton Rd, London HA0 4QR. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

SELFDEVELOPMENT

Saturdays, 9.30am to 10.30am Roe Green Park. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

Mondays, Various times to 12am 1 Morland Gardens Stonebridge NW10 8DY. If you are looking for work, wanting to progress in your career or learn new skills, we have a wide range of courses for you

BOOTCAMP IN ROUNDWOOD PARK Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, London NW10. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

BOOTCAMP SESSION BY OUR PARKS - QUEENS PARK BOX FIT

Sundays, 10am to 11am. Queen’s Park Kilburn London NW6 6SG. Get fit for free with Our Parks.

Thursdays, 6.50pm to 8.00pm Father O Callaghan Centre, Hay Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 0NG Suitable for all, this careful class is particularly suitable for those with back or shoulder pain and stiffness. Beginners welcome. dianamyte01@hotmail.com 07958 140003

PILATES IN BARHAM PARK

Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm Barham Park. Get fit for free with Our Parks.Bootcamp at Queens

BRENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING FAIR

Friday 20 March, 11 - 6pm. Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, Bridge Park, Harrow Rd, London NW10 0RG. There will be interactive information stalls giving you the opportunity to speak to professionals and pick up some helpful advice for how you can be more healthy.

BRENT START ADULT EDUCATION COURSES

BOOTCAMP IN ROE GREEN PARK

PILATES FOR FITNESS, FLEXIBILITY AND RECOVERY FROM INJURY AND JOINT PAIN

and walk towards Queens Park/ Tiverton outdoor gym area. nilufer@southkilburntrust.org

BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB

Everyday besides Saturday, 19.00 to 22.00. Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centres. Brent Dolphins Swimming Club aims to promote the teaching and coaching of all aspects of swimming, including teacher training and lifesaving for those aged 5 and over www.brentdolphins.org.uk info@brentdolphins.org.uk 07881 688536

INSTRUCTOR LED OUTDOOR GYM TRAINING SESSION - MONKS PARK First Wednesday of each month, 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Monks Park, Tokyngton, London, HA9 6JR. Led training sessions at our outdoor gyms are free and there is no need to book, so come along and join in.

SATURDAY ACTIVE

Every Saturday, 10am to 1pm The Granville. Join our group for walking, exercising, socialising, gentle qigong and tea every Saturday. Meet at the Granville

HEALTHY MINDS COMPUTER CLASS FOR OVER-55S

Wednesdays, 1pm to 2pm Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London A free computer class covering the basics, that aims to improve participants’ confidence when using information technology. www.eldersvoice.org.uk annas@eldersvoice.org.uk 0208 206 7500

INSTRUCTOR LED OUTDOOR GYM TRAINING SESSION IN GLADSTONE PARK First Saturday of the month, 10am to 11am. Gladstone Park, Anson

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JOBS & SKILLS

Ageless apprenticeships work Mum-of-two Ewa Jedrzejowska had been out of work for more than a decade but is now in full time employment thanks to an apprenticeship writes Nadia Khan

I

came to London from Poland in 2006 and became a stay-athome mum to my two children who are now 15 and 10-years-old.

I wanted to go back to work but I didn’t know where to start and I lacked confidence in the process,” says Ewa, who works in Wembley.

Ewa believed apprenticeships were only for younger people but when her friend told her there was no age limit she applied for the scheme run by Brent Council.

“I was always interested in administration roles as I had experience of these back in Poland. The council had an opportunity for a Business Administration Apprentice which sounded like a perfect fit for me.”

Ewa found applying for the apprenticeship straightforward despite her hesitation and anxiety about getting back into the world of work.

“Working for Brent Council has been a great journey for me with many exciting and sometimes difficult moments, but it has been totally worth it. I am thankful to

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everyone who helped me along the way.

“After a year, I applied and got a permanent job as an Employment and Apprenticeship Support Officer in the Brent Works Team.

“It was a great opportunity for me – I completed the apprenticeship and started a full time job in one of the biggest and most vibrant councils in London.”

There are many different types of apprenticeships offered across a range of sectors including construction, creative, digital design, theatre, finance and housing. Brent Council is recruiting apprenticeships for all of these and none are limited by age.

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to help people into work, gain confidence and experience, for many people they are a valuable stepping-stone.

To find out more visit: www.brent.gov.uk/brentworks

‘I was always interested in administration roles as I had experience of these back in Poland. The council had an opportunity for a Business Administration Apprentice which sounded like a perfect fit for me’ Ewa Jedrzejowska Employment and Apprenticeship Support Officer in the Brent Works Team

WEMBLEY STADIUM UPDATE UEFA EURO 2020

NEW PITCH

As Brent celebrates its year in the spotlight as the London Borough of Culture 2020, Wembley Stadium is also gearing up for an incredible year of world class entertainment under the iconic arch. A packed schedule lies ahead with the regular season national finals and international fixtures through March, April and May, before the eyes of the world turn to London and Wembley as the stadium hosts seven games of this summers pan-European UEFA EURO 2020 championships. Wembley will host three group stage games and one round of 16 game before the climax of the tournament when the stadium hosts both semi-finals and the showpiece final on Sunday 12th July, kicking off at 8pm.

In preparation for what is set to be a truly memorable year, the stadium team have been hard at work over the winter months delivering a number of projects within the stadium, including an upgrade to the pitch, floodlights and sound system. These upgrades will provide an enhanced spectator match day experience and again set Wembley Stadium apart as one of the leading sports and entertainment venues in the world and a fitting centrepiece of Brent’s year as London Borough of Culture.

TRANSPORT Turning to the railways, the stadium continues to work closely with rail operators including London Underground, Chiltern Railways and Network Rail to avoid scheduling conflicts between stadium events and rail engineering works. The operators provide enhanced train timetables on event days to ensure there’s enough capacity to transport spectators easily and quickly to and from the stadium. To assist spectators entering the train and underground stations after an event, special queue management arrangements are put in place which help crowds disperse safely and efficiently. This all means local roads can reopen promptly after an event therefore minimising disruption to local residents and businesses.

Roads South Way Closed between Wembley Hill Road and First Way from 4 hours pre-event until 2 hours post-event.

Royal Route Access for Red Car Park pre-booked vehicles only from 4 hours pre-event.

Oakington Manor Drive Access for local residents only from 3 hours pre-event until 2 hours post-event.

Fulton Road Closed between Empire Way and Rutherford Way from 2 hours pre-event until the event starts, and again 30 minutes before the event ends until 2 hours post-event.

London Road Closed between Wembley High Road and Cecil Avenue from event start time until 2 hours post-event.

Engineers Way Closed between Empire Way and Rutherford Way 30 minutes before the event ends until 2 hours post-event.

Empire Way/Wembley Hill Road Closed southbound only between Wembley Park Drive and South Way from 30 minutes before the event ends until 2 hours post-event.Wembley Hill Road Closed in both direction between South Way and the Wembley Triangle from 30 minutes before the event ends until 2 hours post-event.

Harrow Road Will be congested from approximately 3 hours pre-event until 2 hours post-event.

Residents are advised to seek alternative routes.

London Underground and National Rail Wembley Park, Wembley Stadium and Wembley Central stations are busier than usual on event days, from approximately three hours pre-event until two hours post-event. Exit and entry points at each station may be different on event days, and queueing systems may be in operation to ensure customer safety. Where possible, residents are advised to seek alternative routes during this period.

London Buses When road closures are in place, London Bus routes 18, 83, 92, 182, 206, 223, 224 and 483 operate on diverted routes to avoid stadium event day traffic.

Useful links https://tfl.gov.uk/ https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/ https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ https://www.brent.gov.uk/ http://www.wembleystadium.com/

WEMBLEY STADIUM UPDATE NEW PINK CAR PARK The stadium have also been working closely with local partners and stakeholders to deliver enhancements across the Wembley Park estate and wider area. Wembley Park developer Quintain have completed the new Pink Parking facility on South Way, providing multi-story car and coach parking for stadium events. The location of the new facility enables easy access onto the A406 North Circular Road and will help alleviate event day traffic congestion around the stadium. This project has been delivered alongside the Brent led scheme to transform the road network around the Wembley industrial estate from a one-way system into a two-way system, therefore providing more direct connections and alternative routes to navigate the area.

THE FIGHT AGAINST TICKET TOUTS Away from transport, the stadium have supported Brent Council in the creation of an event day Public Space Protection Order to tackle ticket touting and illegal merchandise vendors. A new enforcement team will be deployed outside the stadium on event days and will work alongside the Metropolitan Police Service and Brent Council officers to enforce the new arrangements. The scheme has been successfully used at other sports venues and has resulted in a reduction in the number of ticket touts and illegal merchandise vendors in operation.

WEMBLEY STADIUM EVENTS CALENDAR MARCH 2020 Sunday 1 March

Carabao Cup Final

Friday 27 March

England v Italy

20:00

England v Denmark

20:00

Tuesday 31 March

TBC

APRIL 2020 Sunday 5 April

Leasing.com Trophy Final

TBC

Saturday 18 April

FA Cup Semi Final

TBC

Sunday 19 April

FA Cup Semi Final

TBC

MAY 2020 Saturday 9 May

The Women’s FA Cup Final

TBC

Sunday 10 May

Vanarama National League Play-Off Final

TBC

League Two Play-Off Final

TBC

The Buildbase FA Vase and Trophy Finals

TBC

Saturday 23 May

The Emirates FA Cup Final

TBC

Sunday 24 May

League One Play-Off Final

TBC

Monday 25 May

Championship Play-Off Final

TBC

Saturday 16 May Sunday 17 May

JUNE 2020 Sunday 14 June

Euro 2020 Group Game - England vs Croatia

14:00

Friday 19 June

Euro 2020 Group Game - England vs TBC

20:00

Tuesday 23 June

Euro 2020 Group Game - Czech Republic vs England

20:00

Saturday 27 June

Euro 2020 R16

TBC

JULY 2020 Tuesday 7 July

Euro 2020 Semi Final

TBC

Wednesday 8 July

Euro 2020 Semi Final

TBC

Euro 2020 Final

TBC

RFL Coral Challenge Cup Final

TBC

Sunday 12 July Saturday 18 July

E A ST L A N E PR I M A RY SCHOOL IS A N OFST ED ‘OU TSTA N DI NG’ SCHOOL (Ofsted, November 2019)

“In all subjects, pupils’ work is of excellent quality.” (Ofsted, 2019) 90 PLACES are available in Reception (for 4 & 5 year olds) ADMISSION DATE: SEPTEMBER 2020 Under the new stricter Ofsted framework, we are delighted to celebrate our ‘Outstanding’ grade at East Lane Primary School.

Overall effectiveness: Outstanding

Personal development: Outstanding

Quality of education: Outstanding

Leadership and management: Outstanding

Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding

Early years provision: Outstanding

Leaders are aspirational for every pupil.

In all subjects, pupils’ work is of excellent quality.

Each subject is taught by subject specialists and those with professional expertise.

Pupils’ behaviour is excellent, both in classrooms and at playtimes.

Pupils’ achievement in reading, writing and mathematics assessments is well above the national average.

(Ofsted, November 2019)

For further information, please visit our website www.elps.co.uk or email admin@whtc.co.uk CEO/Executive Headteacher: Ms G. Bal OBE

Headteacher: Mr A. McDougall