The Brent Magazine issue 101 April 2010

ISSUE NO.101

FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT

APRIL 2010

Open for business Library is relaunched

WIN! Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais tickets

Brent’s firm favourites Best bar contest starts

You know your neighbours in

GREEN

ZONES

Green Zones is Brent’s pioneering green network, where you lead the way.

To have a chat about becoming a Green Zones leader or to find out more visit www.brent.gov.uk/greenzones or telephone 020 8937 5050.

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Contents Features

Schools take business into the classroom

Advice for you

Welcome to The Brent Magazine

Library service gives guidance on work and training

Open for all New Harlesden Library Plus is completed

Learning business Service users run small day centre project

Finance matters Your guide to Brent Council’s budget

Regulars

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Update Brent people

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All in a day’s work Secret history Competitions Time out

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Issue No. 101 April 2010 The Brent Magazine contacts Distribution queries and editorial 020 8937 1068 tbm@brent.gov.uk Advertising 020 8937 1097 advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by the London Borough of Brent, Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley Middlesex.

This month The Brent Magazine is taking a look at the world of business in Brent.

School pupils are learning about economics and business through practical lessons in schools. At Barham Primary and Kingsbury High School youngsters have taken part in special days which teach them how the principles of maths and economics operate in reality. At Stonebridge Day Centre they are learning about business principles for different reasons. A tuck shop set up in the centre is giving service users experience of work and helping them take steps to achieving their own greater independence.

Libraries are giving people advice about work through their information and guidance sessions.

Finally, Harlesden Library Plus is open for business. It will be welcome resource for residents in the area.

James Diamond Editor The Brent Magazine

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The London Borough of Brent 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% recycled paper. Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other paper.

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Teaching technology

One Stop Service 020 8937 1200 www.brent.gov.uk The Brent Magazine is available in large print and on audio tape.

Please ring 020 8937 1106 Cover image: A reader at Harlesden Library Plus Photographer ISABELLE PLASSCHAERT

UPdate

By George! Brent celebrates England’s day Brent Council is marking St George’s Day with events to find out more about English culture at its libraries.

On 23 April archivist Malcolm Barres-Baker is giving an illustrated talk on King Henry V and the Battle of Agincourt, seen from both the British and French perspectives. He will be speaking from 11-12noon at Kingsbury Library Plus, 522524 Kingsbury Road, NW9

(call 020 8937 3520) and elevenses are also on offer.You can also join Malcolm for his talk and afternoon tea from 2.15-3.15pm at Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10, call 020 8937 3400. The library is also holding a story performance for children and familes from 5.45-7pm that day.

On 24 April Brent Archives is having an open day. A display of medieval life and customs will be

open from 9-5pm, including the story of how St George became England’s patron saint in the Middle Ages. From 10-4pm there will be drop-in medieval cookery demonstrations in the Education Room of the library with food historian Monica Askay, giving you the chance to taste the food of medieval England, call 020 8937 3541 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries for more.

Pupils point out Fairtrade Chalkhill Primary pupils sampled chocolate, cereals and orange juice to find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight. The Year 3 children discovered more about trade, how Third World producers can be paid a fair price for their produce, and which manufactured goods count as being Fairtrade products.

Tapping into new talent A 17-year-old is working for Brent Housing Partnership as a plumbing apprentice.

Arron Qureshi has secured the post through the London Apprenticeship Scheme and is working for BHP contractor, Linbrooks, alongside qualified Arron and Steve

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plumber Steve Howard. He said: “My father is a plumber; I wanted to follow in his footsteps.Young people should sign up to apprenticeships because you have more of a chance of being employed with hands-on experience, useful skills and a qualification as well.”

Visit www.london apprenticeship.co.uk or call 020 7963 8548.

New advice service for Harlesden A financial advice service has been set up by Community Church Harlesden for local residents.

Harlesden Money Advice is run by church members, who have been trained to give advice, and will look at bill payments, debts, credit card costs, and any other worries.

The service has offices in Harlesden, call 0800 612 7163 for free confidential advice.

Francis Kabia Francis Kabia

Francis makes award final Brent Housing Partnership warden Francis Kabia has been nominated for an award along with the Neighbourhood Warden Service.

They are short-listed for the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards, which celebrate good work in the social housing sector.

Francis is up for Inspirational Colleague of the Year, and the service is in the Frontline Housing Team of the Year award category.

Brent Housing Partnership’s warden service won the same category at the awards last year.

Locata moves online only

The final edition of ‘Locata Home’ as a printed magazine will be published on 21 May after which it will be produced electronically. The free magazine, which is used by residents to bid for social housing properties in six west London boroughs, will be available online at www.locata.org.uk and users will be able to bid online. For those who do not have a home computer, Brent Council’s libraries offer computer access. Email locataproject@brent.gov.uk for more.

UPdate

Orders open for Best Bar None 2010 The hunt for Brent’s bestmanaged pubs, clubs and bars has opened with the launch of the Best Bar None Awards.

Best Bar None promotes responsible management in the operation of alcohol-licensed premises. Award categories include Best Bar, Best Pub and Best Club. Gold, silver and bronze will be awarded in each category and there will also be an overall winner. The awards are in their fourth year and are supported by Brent Police and Brent Council and were launched at Ace Café, which won overall and gold category in 2009.

Ace Café manager Mark Willsmore, which is off North Circular Road, said: “We were very proud and privileged to win. It was a surprise and a thrill to receive such an accolade from our professional peers and an achievement by everyone who works here.We will continue to maintain high standards at Ace Café.”

Venues that enter are visited by council and police licensing officers to assess if they meet licensing and trading laws. Points are given for preventing crime and disorder; public safety; dealing with public nuisance such as noise, litter and waste; and for protecting children from exposure to violence, strong language, inappropriate forms of entertainment and underage drinking.

Brent Borough Police Commander Mark Toland said: “Best Bar None encourages bar owners to their premises and reward those who offer a safe and enjoyable environment to all. It is about making your places safer and is good business sense.”

The top five in each category go forward to the final, which will be held on 30 September, visit www.brent.gov.uk for more. For more on Best Bar None see All in a Day’s Work on page 11.

Suggs and Richard Vallis

Ace Café’s Mark Willsmore

Madness not to use Direct Debit Pop legend Suggs is supporting the launch of a yearly £25,000 prize draw for people who pay council tax by Direct Debit He met Brent Council’s Revenue Client Manager Richard Vallis at the launch of the prize. Residents in Brent and 19 other London boroughs will be automatically entered for the draw when they pay the tax by Direct Debit. Those who do not pay by Direct Debit can register by 5pm on 15 July and will be in the draw for this year and possibly win the £25,000 prize. Visit www.brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 1790 to join.

Pop talent?

Join the bAnd Brent Music Service is forming a pop group for young singers, drummers and guitarists.

The bAnd will be run by professional musicians and will perform rock, soul, hip hop and rock with tuition available to members.

Youngsters aged 14 to 19 who live or go to school in Brent can apply; the closing date is 9 April with auditions for the group in May. The bAnd will be performing at a Brent music event at Wembley Arena in July. Eric Angus, Deputy Head of Brent Music Service, said: “This will be a great outlet for the talents of young musicians.”

To apply visit www.Brent MusicService.com/thebAnd and download a form.

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UPdate

French markets return to Brent town centres

Shoppers can enjoy authentic French markets when they return to Wembley and Willesden in April.

Traders will be crossing the Channel to display their wares in Wembley High Road on 22 and 23 April 2010 and in Willesden High Road on 24 and 25 April. The open-air stalls sell produce such as cheeses, bread, patisseries, olives, dried fruits, wine and jewellery accompanied

by French flags, music and dancing.

Osita Udenson, Wembley Town Centre Manager, said: “The French Market has been hugely successful and is visited by many people, some of whom make a special trip to see what it has to offer. It is a delightful market selling some gorgeous products, bringing vitality, vibrancy and a cosmopolitan flair to the town centre.”

This year there is a competition to win two hampers of market goodies market worth £75 each. In order to be in

Brent’s street dance champs A dance troupe from Brent will perform in Europe after winning a dance competition.

Hypnotick Juniors won this year’s British Street Dance Championship in the under tens category, qualifying them for the European championship in France next year. The team were sisters Olivia, Emma and Tara Blissett, Rafaela Darbi, Micha Phillips Davis, Blaine ScottShuffler, Kai Broomes and Sian Cooke. Email info@ activeaspiration.com or call Tekla Galova 07950 544 564.

Proud winners Hypnotick pose with their trophy

In step for walking to work week Brent Council is urging local people to join Walk to Work Week from 26 to 30 April.

The national event run by charity Living Streets aims to get employees to walk more as part of their commute and working day. The theme this year is ‘get

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fit without the hassle’ and people can earn rewards, and be entered into prize draws by walking.

Walking to work is healthy and better for the environment.

Visit www.walkingworks. org.uk/walk-to-work-week for more.

the running for it answer the following question: What is the French word for pancake?

Write down your answer and contact details on a piece of paper; take it either Wembley or Willesden markets, and submit to the crepe stall.

Correct entries will be drawn from a hat on 23 April in Wembley and 25 April in Willesden. However, there is only one entry per person, call 020 8937 5064.

Free nursery places for children A scheme started in Brent to give two year olds from low-wage families free hours at a nursery, children’s centre or with a registered childminder still has places left.

There are 156 places for eligible children on the Nursery Education Grant 2 scheme; so far 76 two year olds have already found nursery care for up 15 hours a week. To ensure those free places are of the highest standard possible, only providers with ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted reports have been invited to participate in the project.

The scheme aims to provide early years care to 232 children from children who are from eligible families by December. To be eligible, families must meet criteria related to income and employment. Email paru.patel@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3279.

Jackie brings the house down Marshall House in South Kilburn has been torn down to allow new homes to be built on the site.

Two blocks of 153 affordable flats and maisonettes will be built in its place, featuring communal gardens, children’s play areas and other green spaces. It is the latest part of the South Kilburn Masterplan, devised

by Brent Council to regenerate the area.

Demolition of the fivestorey blocks in Albert Road was watched by representatives from Brent Council, South Kilburn Partnership, L&Q Housing Association and others.

The housing association is Brent Council’s partner for the Marshall House project; its tenants were moved into the Granville New Homes development during last year.

Jackie Sadek Chair of South Kilburn Partnership joins the demolition

UPdate

Brent tackles illegal paan spitting on streets Illegal paan spitting on the streets of Wembley is being targeted by a new campaign to control the problem.

Brent Council has joined with NHS Brent,Wembley Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Wembley Town Centre Partnership after a big rise in tobacco paan spitting. Spat tobacco paan creates dark red stains and is costly to remove because it requires specialist cleaning equipment. However, it is not the same as sweet paan,

which does not contain tobacco, is not harmful and is not the type being spat in Wembley.

The campaign has banners and posters in Wembley High Road and Ealing Road; council and police officers will be out to raise awareness. Paan is not illegal, but spitting paan is classed as criminal damage and a fixed fine of £80 can be issued.

Tobacco paan is mostly chewed by the South Asian community; is highly addictive and can increase the risk of oral

cancer by almost ten times.

Experts say youngsters are becoming hooked and tobacco paan is wrongly seen as healthier than cigarettes.

A conference including residents, community and faith leaders, police, health experts and businesses attended a conference late last year to discuss the problem; the paan campaign is being funded by Brent Council’s Neighbourhood Working Team.

Trading Standards are

working with paan sellers in Wembley to ensure that tobacco products are correctly labelled, contain the right health warnings and are not sold to under 18s.

Test purchases and fines on traders who broke the law have taken place.Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ dontspitpaan for more.

Express yourself with BrAVA

Ambassadors for better health

Young people can debate policing and justice at an event on 14 April held by Brent Association for Voluntary Action. Its youth committee Strength in Numbers has set up the Xpress Yourself debate to look at causes and solutions to youth crime. It will be at Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley Park, from 6-9.30pm, call 020 8438 1520.

Twenty young people have signed up to be Brent’s first smoke free ambassadors.

Each youngster will be trained to advise smokers about quitting and will spread an anti-smoking message in Brent. The ambassadors are

They’re hired! Apprentices start Brent Council has gone one better than Sir Alan Sugar by taking on eight young apprentices.

They are now training for jobs in education welfare, horticulture, regeneration and transportation, and will study for a qualification at the College of North West London. The initiative will tackle youth unemployment and increase the proportion of young people working for the council. Although unemployment among 16-18 year olds in Brent is below the London average, Brent Council wants to improve opportunities.

Apprentices are Basirat Uthman, Vogue Wildman, Karina Bennett, Jamie Jones, Nikit Shah, Madeeha Khawaja and Samiul Khan.

from Friends of Brent River Park, Brent Youth Parliament and Brent Youth Volunteers. The project is funded by Brent Council’s Neighbourhood Working and was launched at Wembley Stadium.

The young ambassadors.

Boxing club gets cash Stonebridge Boxing Club has received £3,500 to set up a boxing ring and buy gloves and bags. The club is using the money, awarded by Brent Council’s Neighbourhood Working Team, to expand its activities. Call Aamir Ali on 07951 425 804 or Sharon Bennett on 07985 652 507 for more.

www.brent.gov.uk/jobs

Brent Council job adverts are now online Visit www.brent.gov.uk/jobs to search for available vacancies.

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Brent Adult & Community Education Service (BACES) – Taking learning into the community

Fancy trying your hand at something fresh in the spring?

Brent Adult and Community Education Service (BACES) is Brent Council’s direct provider of education and training, funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Our mission is “to broaden minds, create opportunities and change the lives of individuals and communities in Brent”

Look out for the BACES courses beginning in April 2010.

BACES offers a wide range of courses that cater for a diverse range of people with a variety of educational needs. There are accredited and non-accredited courses at a variety of levels and students can choose to progress at their own pace.

Enrol on a BACES course now and choose from a huge range of exciting opportunities. Courses cost just a few pounds per session – or you may even qualify to study at a concessionary rate.

Sixteen to 19-year-olds who are not in full time education have free access to accredited courses.

Where do I find out more about enrolling?

Stonebridge Centre

tel: 020 8838 2882

1 Morland Gardens, Stonebridge, London, NW10 8DY

Madison House

Case Study Family Learning Lotus Tay and her children Finlay (4) and Raya (2) really enjoy learning together.

After attending a Family First

tel: 020 8795 3977

24-28 London Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 7HD

Carlton Centre

tel: 020 7644 9460

Carlton Vale, London, NW6 5RA Visit our website

www.brent.gov.uk/baces

Aid class Lotus said `I was

Or pick up a brochure at a Brent library or Brent One Stop Service.

interested both for the kids and to be able to help

Get on course for your future

others if necessary. Family Learning is really good because it gives you a chance to get out, do things with your children, meet other people and learn new skills. It gives you ideas for what to study when the kids are both at school. I could be busy with things every single day, without spending a fortune on it’.

BRENTpeople

Leading light Rachel Evans is chair of the Brent Culture, Sport and Learning Forum and has helped launch its new strategy. Picture by ISABELLE PLASSCHAERT. What does the forum do?

Why does the forum matter?

The forum is designed to promote sport, culture and learning in Brent.

It is made up of 14 organisations such as Tricycle Theatre,Wembley Stadium, The College of North West London, The Plaza Hotel, Brent Council, Park Royal Partnership,Wembley Arena and the Federation of Patidar Associations.

Its aim is to bring private, voluntary and public sector organisations together with the local authority to think about Brent’s cultural offer and how it can be developed, improved and promoted.

Culture is one of the elements needed to create a vibrant and confident borough. I see it as important in its own right; however, it has other benefits. It can assist learning or develop the local economy by creating jobs and opportunities and improve the quality of life.

I would like to see more people participate in culture and sport. Exciting opportunities such as the Divine Cat Exhibition at Brent Museum which attracted thousands to see a wonderful object from antiquity are free and accessible.

Why did you join?

I am assistant site manager at Fountain Television Studios in Wembley. It’s the UK’s largest independent purpose built television studios, making shows such as ‘X Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and is an important cultural institution in Brent. I’ve worked at the studios for over four years and became the forum’s chair last year. Culture, sport and learning have shaped my life personally and professionally and I want them to be open to all.

What does Brent have culturally?

There is so much! There are wonderful parks, cultural buildings such as Neasden Temple or cultural events such as the Diwali Festival which is a fantastic public celebration.There are excellent sports facilities such as Wembley Stadium or Willesden Sports Centre, which are an asset to the borough.There are also 86 listed buildings in Brent such as Old St Andrew’s Church – a Grade I listed building – and the Stables Art Gallery.

Brent also has new cultural institutions such as The Lexi in Kensal rise – a wonderful independent cinema. Brent needs to promote what it is good at and we also need to promote Brent a little more.You don’t need to go into the West End for first-class music, television or sporting venues; we have it all!

Above: the new Cultural Strategy

What is the strategy for culture?

It sets out our vision for 2010 to 2015. Eight principles have been identified as key to it, such as encouraging more young people to take part and developing public spaces, and some action points.

There will be a lot of great things happening with the build-up to the 2012 London Olympics and beyond. In the words of the strategy, it’s yours so join in!

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/arts for more about Brent’s cultural strategy.

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Keeping it green this Easter There will be no change to your waste and recycling collection days this Easter Holiday. Please put your compulsory green box, green organic bin and grey waste bins out on the normal day of collection.

Please send me a composter I enclose a cheque for £5 made payable to London Borough of Brent Streetcare

Please choose the size and tick a box: Regular (220 litre) (Height 90 cm, Diameter 74cm)

Large (330 litre) (Height 100 cm, Diameter 80cm) Subsequent bins are charged at £13 for 220L and £16 for 330L Name: Address:

Recycling is easier than you think!

Fruit and vegetable peelings, grass cuttings and leaves can all be turned into compost.

You’ll be reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill while creating a natural nutrient-rich food for your garden.

Brent residents can buy a compost bin for only *£5 (including delivery and a free composting guide).

Compost bins are available in two sizes: 220 litre and 330 litre.

Order your compost bin today by completing and returning the order form opposite, or apply online.

*The offer is only for the first compost bin per household.

Subsequent bins are £13 for 220L and £16 the 330L. Composters are not refundable or exchangeable.

Compost is free, easy to make and even easier to use.

Postcode:

Send order to: StreetCare, home composter offer, Brent House, 349-357 High Road, Wembley HA9 6BZ Please allow up to 35 days for delivery

020 8937 5050 www.brent.gov.uk/recycling

ALL IN Aday’s

work

Inn safe keeping Susana Moura is ensuring businesses in Brent meet the demands of the licensing laws.

She is regularly in Brent’s pubs, clubs and nightclubs but perhaps not as a customer.

It is Susana’s duties as a Brent Council Licensing Officer which takes her into those premises. She is part of the tenstrong Licensing Team, based at Brent House in Wembley, which enforces and monitors thousands of licences issued in the borough.

“The 2003 Licensing Act saw a big change in licensing laws,” she explains.

“The Act transferred responsibility for licensing pubs, clubs and other premises selling alcohol from the magistrates’ courts to local authorities. It also included nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, off-licences, restaurants, hotels, guest houses, and shops selling alcohol.”

Premises and personal licence applications are processed by the council.

Depending on the licence type, it will be considered by Trading Standards, police, or NHS Brent. However, it is Susana’s job to ensure conditions on particular licences are respected.

“I have my own patch of Brent,” she adds. “It is not just bars and pubs, but I also look after street traders, betting shops, and even dog breeders and pet shops. A standard licence is agreed for a pub, but it might have specific

conditions of opening hours, CCTV, or having Security Industry Authority staff on the door. I have to check all of that.”

That means visiting the premises unannounced. “I go in without any prior warning to check. Sometimes, customers

“It is a great team here.

I get to meet a great variety of people and there is always something interesting going on.”

are awkward, but I have good working relationships with the landlords.The best approach is to explain and reason with them first. Legal action is a last resort, but fines of £2,000 have been issued by the courts. Licensing Officers are here to ensure the premises are preventing crime, do not put children in harm’s way, ensure public safety, and are not a nuisance to the public. Sometimes, licences are removed although that can only be done by the Licensing Committee.”

However, it is a job which she finds very rewarding. “It is a great team here. I get to meet a great variety of people and there is always something interesting going on.

“We have just launched Best Bar None for 2010.The awards are held every year and organised with the police to recognise good practice by premises selling alcohol. I and the other Licensing Officers will be visiting each place which enters the award to judge them. Last year, 45 out of around 200 eligible premises entered; many were great entries. I’m looking forward to seeing some well-managed places again.”

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/licensing for more information.

Main picture: Susana Moura, and inset: Susana Moura with Mark Willsmore from Ace Café for launch of Best Bar None awards.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003

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ACCEPT NOTHING LESS EXPECT EVEN MORE Brent Community Safety Partnership has new minimum standards for tackling anti-social behaviour

I

take all possible action to stop anti-social behaviour

I

respond quickly to all complaints of anti-social behaviour

I

record and investigate all cases of anti-social behaviour

To find out more about our new minimum standards you can visit www.brent.gov.uk/communitysafety www.met.police.uk/brent or contact Brent Community Safety Partnership Unit by phone 020 8937 1058 or email bcspu@brent.gov.uk

I

provide support to victims and witnesses

To report anti-social behaviour call 0300 123 1212

I

inform you regularly about what action is being taken

We will:

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Pupils are discovering business and economics thanks to innovative teaching events.

Flair trade

They are days to discover commerce and trade rather than geography or English.

At Barham Primary School,Year 6 took part in a Young Enterprise Day recently to help teach pupils more about economics and business.The school teamed up with the enterprise education charity,Young Enterprise, and Wembley High Technology College to organise the day, which used games and activities to teach the subjects.

from Wembley High School who volunteered to help run the special event and had received special training from staff at Young Enterprise. It followed core teaching about economics and business in the National Curriculum.

Kingsbury High School headteacher Jeremy Waxman with pupils, contributed picture

“It was the first time we’ve held anything like this,” said Barham teacher Will Fastiggi. “Both the staff and students were really excited about it. It was great working in partnership with Wembley High and Young Enterprise to bring it together and I am pleased to say it was interesting, informative, lively and most importantly, a fun day.”

The children took part in team activities to explore how the national and international economies are organised by trade, commerce and production.They were joined on the day by 15 sixth-formers

“It was a great session in which the students worked well together in teams to utilise their mathematical abilities in the pursuit of business success.”

It is the second time the school in Danethorpe Road,Wembley, has been highlighted for its business teaching. Last year Barham’s head teacher Karen Giles was named a winner at the regional Teaching Awards when she won the Award for Enterprise.

At Kingsbury High School around 160 students from Year 9 and Year 10 took part in a day, simulating real-life trading, using maths, enterprise and team-building skills.

The fast-paced students traded oil, reacted to market news and managed budgets in six trading rounds, which tested their teamwork and understanding of economics.

The trade gave students the opportunity to see how maths and mathematical models work in the real world of trade. At the end, the winning trading team was announced.

Jeremy Waxman, who recently started as Kingsbury High School headteacher, said: “It was a great session in which the students worked well together in teams to utilise their mathematical abilities in the pursuit of business success.”

Visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk for more about Young Enterprise.

Pupils and volunteers at Barham Primary, pictures by Nadia Attura.

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Free sports activities at our Open Weekend!

e e r F es i t i v i t c t a n e r B in Try sporting activities for free at our B.Active promotional weekend. Buying a B.Active discount card can save you up to 40 per cent on activities at Brent’s sports centres.

Saturday 24 April

Sunday 25 April

Vale Farm Sports Centre 020 8908 6545 Watford Road, North Wembley HA0 3HG

Willesden Sports Centre 020 8955 1120 Donnington Road, Willesden, NW10 3QX

Bridge Park CLC 020 8937 3730 Brentfield, Harrow Road, NW10 0RG

Charteris Sports Centre 020 8937 3644 Charteris Road, Kilburn, NW6 7ET

For more information and to book your place, contact the sports centres or Brent Council’s Sports Service.

sportsservice@brent.gov.uk 020 8937 3707 www.brent.gov.uk/bactive 2

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GreenPages WWW.BRENT.GOV.UK/RECYCLING

APRIL 2010

020 8937 5050 www.brent.gov.uk/recycling

Your cleaner, greener home Having a clearout?

Here are a few suggestions on how you can clean and be green?

Books and toys Donate old books and toys to family or friends. You can also take them to your local charity shop or check if your local community centre needs them.

If the toys still in their original packaging and in good condition, you may be able to sell them at auction.

Furniture Why not sell furniture at garage sales or in auctions or you could also donate usable furniture to charity shops, schools, community centres, friends or neighbours. You could save money by mending or reupholstering furniture instead of buying new.

Mobile phones Give your old mobile phone away or use one of the many recycling schemes available such as The Recycling Appeal. Put your old mobile in a freepost envelope and money raised is given to a charity. visit www.recycleappeal.co.uk or call 08451 302 010.

020 8937 5050 www.brent.gov.uk/recycling

Clothes Put your old clothes in a plastic bag and place in the green recycling box or take them to a recycling bank. You can also donate old clothes to charity shops or take them to a jumble sale.

Electrical items / batteries The Re-use and Recycling Centre accepts electrical items and batteries. Put household batteries in a clear plastic bag before placing in your green box.

Some manufacturers also take back old electrical items. Check with them for more details.

Newspapers and magazines You can put all these in the green box, place in a paper recycling bank or take it to The Re-use and Recycling Centre.You can also donate magazines to your local charity shop.

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

Take it to Abbey Road

You can recycle over 25 different materials at Brent’s Re-use and Recycling Centre.

The centre is open seven days from 8am until 4pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Please remember the centre only takes household waste and has a no-van policy.

NO VANS

And when you’ve eaten your Easter eggs, don’t forget you can recycle the cardboard box in your green organics bin and the foil wrapping in your green recycling box.

12.09 BDU 6137

Visit our website or contact us to find out more.

GreenPages Brent Council’s quarterly residents’ recycling newsletter produced by Brent Council in association with Veolia.

For further information please visit www.brent.gov.uk/recycling or call 020 8937 5050

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

Resident Lonie Smith talks with adviser Monna Rizvi at Brent Town Hall Library.

Residents who want one-to-one advice about jobs and training need only go to a library in Brent.

Picture by COLIN PATTERSON.

Future focus Stepping into a library can lead to discovering books, music, or even a career path.

Six Brent libraries are now offering information, advice and guidance sessions for residents.They are free, face-to-face sessions with a trained adviser who will help you with interview skills, training, job applications and searches and CV help.

Every week people are improving their job or training opportunities by attending a session.

“Advice is impartial and confidential,” says Monna Rizvi, Coordinator of Reading and Learning Services at Brent Library Service.

“The advisers sit down for up to 45 minutes with each person.They discuss any concerns and help them to make informed decisions about jobs, careers or training. It helps to boost your confidence and focus on your future.”

Monna says information can be provided in Braille, large print or cassette and extra support can be provided at the advice sessions if a person has a learning disability.

Advisers also have prospectuses for

colleges and universities, job and employment agency listings, directories of grants and sponsorships; even childminder listings. Besides the information, advice and guidance sessions are focused sessions for CV advice.They look at all facets of CV writing and updating.

“All the advisers are trained and have passed or are working towards a special qualification in this area.”

“The information we give is accurate and up-to-date,” she adds.

“All the advisers are trained and have passed or are working towards a special qualification in this area. They can’t, however, represent you to other organisations or process a CV or a letter for you, but all 12 libraries have free access to computers which can be used to word process covering letters and CVs or search and apply for jobs online.”

The service is open to all, but is

primarily for people aged 20 or over with no or few qualifications. Sessions are at Ealing Road Library, Mondays 6-8pm,Thursday, 4-6pm (020 8937 3560); Harlesden Library Plus, Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-4pm (020 8965 7132); Kilburn Library, Saturdays 10-12noon (020 8937 3530); Preston Road Library,Tuesday 3.30-5.30pm (020 8937 3510); Brent Town Hall Library,Thursdays 10.30-12.30pm (020 8937 3500);Willesden Green Library Centre, Monday 5-8pm, Friday 1.30-3.30pm, Saturdays 10am- 1pm (020 8937 3400).

“Sessions are there to help you achieve your potential in learning and work,” adds Monna. “Phone and make an appointment; many libraries are on your doorstep.”

Advance booking is required, for more visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries email libraries@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3144.

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A reader in the black identity section

The main library area

Harlesden’s

newest The stairway in the library.

The children’s library

Harlesden Library Plus opened in early March and with greatly enhanced facilities under one roof; it has already proved to be a community resource for all residents.

The refurbishment of the Victorian building in Craven Park Road began in 2008 and is now complete. Residents and community groups marked the reopening with a celebration event in mid-March.The building, which was always a popular library, is now also offering customer services and adult education to residents in its premises.

“It has five teaching rooms on two floors, including a dedicated computer and IT suite.”

Its floor area has been greatly expanded by the addition of mezzanine levels within the building’s original architecture.The building has been modernised, but retained many of the old original features. It has five teaching rooms on two floors, including a dedicated computer and IT suite, providing spacious new accommodation

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for adult learning courses from BACES (Brent Adult and Community Education Service).The courses scheduled to start in late April include literacy, numeracy and English as a second language classes. Later on Information Technology, childcare and family learning will be taught there.

The £2.4 million refurbishment has created a completely revamped groundfloor library with a dedicated children’s area and a £100,000 stock of new books and DVDs.The library also has a Black Identity Zone which offers books, films and music, exploring black culture and was developed with the help of a special residents’ steering group. It also offers extra computing facilities, informal seating and study space.There is free internet access, friendly help with accessing services and longer opening hours.

The building has Wi-Fi coverage, three plasma screens and self-service machines.

For readers there is comfortable furniture, and a reading area on the ground floor.

Brent Customer Contact Point on the ground floor has facilities for handing in council documents and interview rooms for

The Customer Contact Point

BACES classrooms upstairs.

Harlesden Library Plus is offering modernised library, education and customer services in its redesigned building. Pictures by ISABELLE PLASSCHAERT

chapter pre-arranged appointments, along with selfservice, touch-screen computers for free council information and advice.There is also access to phones to contact council staff.The contact point has been developed after Harlesden Customer Service One Stop Local Office in the High Street closed.

The outside of the building has new glazing and planting, providing an inviting street level image to customers and a general improvement to the local street scene.

Accessibility has been improved by new lifts, which give disabled access to most floors.

The reading room

Harlesden Library Plus is at 53 Craven Park Road, Harlesden, for more visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries or call 020 8937 3570.

A young reader enjoying the children’s library

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Brent Council One Stop Customer Services We are here to help you with any council enquiry.

If you need a council service, information or you want to complain or make a suggestion, phone or email us first:

One Stop online www.brent.gov.uk/oss

Photos: www.JohnBirdsall.co.uk

customer.services@brent.gov.uk

One Stop telephones

020 8937 1200*

General customer service enquiries

020 8937 5252* Environmental Health

020 8937 4300

020 8937 1790*

Adult and Children Social Services

Council Tax

020 8937 1234

020 8937 1800*

Switchboard and Emergency Out of Hours

Housing and Council Tax Benefit

020 8937 5050*

020 8937 1993*

StreetCare

For people with a hearing impairment

Calls may be monitored and we may telephone you to help us improve services.

One Stop local offices

• Town Hall

• Brent House

• Harlesden

• Willesden

*Telephone us Monday to Friday from 8am-8pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm

LANDLORDS!

TENANTS!

We have tenants waiting to occupy your property immediately!

We have properties available for immediate occupancy!

Fees applicable. Please call us on

020 8450 0845 William McGowan Lettings Ltd, 300 Neasden Lane, NW10 0AD

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A sweet success A tuck shop is helping to give people with learning disabilities experience of work.

Words ANNA MACARTHUR. Pictures EMMA HARPIN. People with learning disabilities are learning new skills and getting business experience, which they hope may lead to a job in the community.

Enterprising students at Stonebridge Day Centre, which is part of Brent Learning Disability Partnership, have taken over a tuck shop to visit and buy treats but more importantly gain valuable retail experience.

The shop was occasionally opened by staff but the student council wanted to run it themselves, and by linking up with the College of North West London students can learn shop keeping skills as well as gain practical experience.

“Running the tuck shop is a very good way to gain experience in a retail setting,” says Centre Manager Ethel Samkange.

“The students were eager to use the shop and wanted to run it themselves. It gives them a real sense of pride that they are able to organise it and run it.”

As well as running the tuck shop three times a week, seven students at the centre are attending a retail course run by the College of North West London.

Nittin Hiran is developing his maths and English skills and learning how to handle money. He said: “I like working in the shop part time. And the course is teaching me how to add up and give change. I work

behind the counter, take the money and count it out.”

His colleague Rodney Wackett, is also part of the retail project. He said: “We are learning how to serve and be nice to customers and to give them what they want.”

“People with learning disabilities like doing all the same things that we do,” adds Ethel. “The shop and the course is giving them valuable experience, self esteem, confidence and helping them gain new skills that will hopefully lead to employment.”

Visit www.brent.gov.uk for more about Brent Learning Disability Partnership.

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A budget for Brent Every year Brent Council sets out its budget for the next financial year, including spending in the different service areas the local authority provides.

Council revenues 2009-10 1. Council tax 2. Business rates 3. Revenue support grant Total

Revenue budget by Brent Council department £101.0m £143.6m £20.9m £265.5m

3

1

The 2010-11 budget set by Brent Council in March means that residents will see no increase in their council tax bill this year.

A lot of the money that the council will spend in the next year is from central government grants, but a significant amount – around £100 million – will be raised by council tax. A further amount of £30 million of council tax pays for services provided by the Greater London Authority.

1. Children and Families 2. Environment and Culture 3. Housing and Community Care 4. Business Transformation 5. Corporate Units 6. Finance and Corporate Resources 7. Central Budgets

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£116.0m £10.4m £8.7m £6.6m £14.8m

Total

£265.5m 5

4

6

7 1

2

2 3

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£60.1m £48.9m

Council tax - your questions answered Your council tax bill should have landed on your doormat this month.TBM answers some common questions.

What does my council tax pay for?

It is used to pay for a wide range of local services provided by the council, the Greater London Authority, as well as the police and fire authorities.These include: • 81 schools • temporary accommodation • 505 kilometres of roads and for 3,200 families pavements • 860,000 hours of home care • 100 parks and open spaces • 136,000 meals on wheels.

• 12 libraries • collecting rubbish from • four sports centres 105,000 households and • 9,250 council houses recycling 30,000 tonnes • 43,500 Freedom Passes of waste

How has the council’s spending changed?

Council spending has increased by £3.7 million (1.4 per cent) from £261.8 million in 2009/10 to £265.5 million in 2010/11.

Increases in spending include the cost of salaries and also price inflation, which will add £1.9 million to spending.

The council also needs to spend more to improve priority services including: • £2.3 million more on children’s social care • £1.0 million on adults with learning disabilities • £0.3 million on supporting the rebuilding or major redevelopment of Brent’s secondary schools • £1.0 million because of loss of income for parking and land charges • £0.8 million more on housing benefits costs • £0.7 million on accommodation for families who would otherwise be homeless • £1.5 milion on Freedom Pass scheme growth • £0.1 million on increasing library stock.

There are some pressures on the budget that the council cannot avoid. The cost of disposing of rubbish will increase by £1.0 million in 2010/11. This is paid in the levy to the West London Waste Authority. The additional costs faced by the council amount to £13.1 million. The council has been able to offset them by making £9.4 million efficiency and other savings which is why net spending is only £3.7 million higher in 2010/11 than in 2009/10.

• • • • •

no need to remember instalment dates you can choose an instalment date that suits you you won’t need a reminder you won’t be sent a summons, which could mean more costs to you it’s error free; you are covered by the direct debit guarantee.

I am struggling to pay, what can I do?

If you have fallen into arrears, contact the council tax department to discuss repayments on 020 8937 1790.We will do our best to help.

I am on a low income and have little savings, can I get any help?

You may qualify for help if you are on a low income or if someone lives with you but is not working. Call us on 020 8937 1800 to find out if the amount of council tax you have to pay can be reduced by getting benefit.

Is there help for pensioners?

If you are a pensioner with less than £16,000 in savings, you may be entitled to a council tax rebate.Your income can be over £300 per week and you may still get some help.

Call us on 020 8937 1800 to find out if the amount of council tax you have to pay can be reduced by getting benefit.

What other assistance is available?

You may qualify for a single person discount on your council tax if you live alone. If you are disabled or have had your home adapted to meet your needs, you may be eligible for a disabled band reduction.Visit www.brent.gov.uk or call us on 020 8937 1790 for more information.

What happens if I don’t pay?

We always try to help people who are having real difficulty but there remain a small number who refuse to pay.We will take them to court and if necessary: • instruct bailiffs to remove and sell their possessions • make deductions from their salaries • sell their homes, and even • send them to prison.

How can I pay?

There are a number of ways. By direct debit is the easiest.

• by direct debit on either the 1st, 12th, 17th or 28th of each month. Set it up over the phone by calling 020 8937 1790 • credit or debit card by 1st of each month. Call 020 8937 1717 for more information • secure online payment facility on the internet at www.brent.gov.uk, by 1st of each month • pay point at any shops displaying the pay point symbol by 1st of each month

APRIL 2010

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Fresh Flower Mandaps & Stages For Hire Please visit our website for more information

E: info@themandapcompany.co.uk W: www.themandapcompany.co.uk T: 07956 828525/07903 524897

Brent Community Transport Transport for all BCT has been successfully providing transport services to the community for over 32 years.

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APRIL 2010

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SECREThistory From grocery to gallery, a shop premises in Willesden has been home to well-known local businesses.

Artisan today

Doris and Brian Wheeler, with Bert at the ham cutter, picture courtesy of Brian Wheeler, below: A display in Wheeler’s window.

It has stood on the corner of Harlesden Road and Parkfield Road for 100 years.

In 1905 the land for 82 Harlesden Road was leased by George James Furness, the son of George Furness, to two builders: George Conquest Freeman and Arthur Samuel Barber of Cricklewood.They signed with a Mr George Alexander Bradshaw, who ran a baker’s there until it was taken over by a Mr Frederick Bournhill in 1909.

However, two years later it changed hands again; this time to a Mr Alfred Wills who then ran it as a grocer’s until 1939. By then Willesden had grown considerably in population, and it was to change hands again in the war years. However, in 1947 different owners took

over the grocer’s shop and a new era began.

“It was known as Wheeler’s and run by my parents Bert and Doris,” says their daughter Brenda Wheeler.

“Wheeler’s was a very well-known grocer’s in Willesden in the days before supermarkets.They both knew the grocery trade inside out and had many loyal customers.”

“It is very much part of local history and everyone knows its quirky appearance.”

The family lived next door and older son Brian joined the business and later managed another Wheeler’s at 2 Harlesden Road; Brenda worked there in her school holidays. At its zenith, it had three order boys working after school and at weekends to deliver customers’ goods.

“Mum and dad would serve the customers from behind the counter,” added Brenda. “There was lovely display of fruit and vegetables on the forecourt. Inside

they displayed huge 40lb cheddar cheeses and sides of bacon which were cut into rashers, hocks and gammon.

My father cooked the gammons and he was renowned in the area for his wonderful ham.The sugar, tea and other dry commodities came in sacks and were bagged up into paper bags.

Customers included the 1950s singer Robert Earl and Clodagh Rogers who represented the UK at Eurovision in 1971.The shop was updated in 1957 and went ‘self-service’ in 1967. But the shop could not hold out against changes in the grocery trade. Bert and Doris retired in the early 1980s, and he has now passed away. Brian ran 2 Harlesden Road until the early 1990s.

The premises became a building business and then the Organic Shop in 2000. However, in 2009 the shop was vacant. Artist Naomi Harrison, who lives in Willesden, saw its potential and reopened it as artisan – a studio and art gallery. “It is very much part of local history and everyone knows its quirky appearance,” said Naomi.

“Whether it’s a grocer’s or art gallery.”

Artisan at 82 Harlesden Road is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11-4pm, visit www.artisan80.com email mail@artisan80.com or call 020 8451 5235.

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COMPETITIONS

Win your 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium An escorted tour of Wembley Stadium makes an exciting day out for the whole family. Stroll into the player's dressing room and walk through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf, then climb 107 steps, standing triumphantly in front of the royal box and see the FA Cup. For Brent residents, we have four pairs of tickets for the Wembley Stadium tour. For a chance to win, send in the correct answer to the following question:

On what day is the FA Cup final this year?

Send or email your answers to Wembley Stadium competition at the address below. For information on event times visit: www.wembleystadium.com/events Competition Terms and Conditions • Only one entry per person allowed • Prizes/tours must be redeemed within 12 months of receiving confirmation • Children under 16 must be accompanied on the Stadium Tour by an adult and have consent of their parent/guardian • No cash alternatives for any prize will be offered • Employees of Wembley Stadium and their families are not eligible to enter. Prize winners must adhere to Wembley Stadium Tour’s terms and conditions, available at www.wembleystadium.com/tours • All prizes/tours are subject to availability and pre-booking is required.

Wembley Stadium Event Calendar 28 Mar 2010 10 and 11 Apr 2010 17 April 8 or 9 May 2010 15 May 2010 16 May 2010 22 May 2010 29 May 2010 30 May 2010 19 June Date tbc 28 August 2010 4 September 8 September 10 and 11 Sept 9 October 13 October 31 October

Event starts

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy FA Cup Semi Finals Saracens v Harlequins FA Trophy / Vase FA Cup Final Conference Play Off Championship Play Off League 1 Play Off League 2 Play Off Green Day The FA Community Shield Rugby League Challange Cup Final Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Muse Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier NFL - Broncos vs 49ers

TBC TBC 3pm TBC 3pm TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC 3pm

This events calendar is correct at the time of going to print and is subject to change and updates. More events are expected to be booked for 2010 – these will be added to the calendar as and when confirmed. Please visit www.wembleystadium.com/events for the very latest information.

Win tickets for Ricky Gervais

Win Benefit goodies!

Following last year’s sellout UK tour of Ricky Gervais’ new standup show ‘Science’, he is at last coming to London. So for those of you who could not get your hands on some of the hottest tickets of 2009, Ricky Gervais will be performing at Wembley Arena on the 26, 27 and 28 April 2010. The Brent Magazine has teamed up with Wembley Arena to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets for the 27 April performance.

The Brent Magazine has teamed up with Benefit Cosmetics, the make-up shop for grown-ups to offer one lucky reader the chance to win £150 worth of luxury cosmetics. Two runners up will receive a £50 goodie bag of Benefit’s fake-its range (pictured).

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question:

On which dates in April this year is Ricky Gervais live at Wembley Arena?

Benefit Cosmetics first boutique appeared in a San Francisco in 1976. Three decades on, Benefit Cosmetics has 2,000 counters in more than 30 countries.

To be in with a chance to win answer the question below:

In which city did the first Benefit Cosmetics boutique appear?

A. New York B. San Francisco C. Basildon For your nearest Benefit stockist simply visit

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: daytime The Brenttelephone Magazine, number Room 9, to:Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD or email competition@brent.gov.uk The Brent (add nameMagazine, of competition Roomto9,subject Brent Town line). Hall, The deadline Forty Lane, forWembley competitions HA9 is 9HD Friday or email 16 April. competition@brent.gov.uk (add name of competition to subject line). The deadline for competitions is Friday 12 March.

Stadium competition winners: Asma Busin, Padma Jain, Ann Roberts, Laura Gaul.

Stadium competition winners: Norma Levy, Anken Price,Kearney, Carmelo Sylvia Mifsud, Brenda Sordillo.

Lexi Cinema competition winners: Kath Keogh, Michael Briscoe.

APRIL 2010

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TIMEout

What’s going on…

The essential guide to music, drama, sport, workshops and much more. Find out what’s going on in Brent during April 2010. To get your event listed email tbm@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 1068.

CHILDREN AIR CADETS Mon and Thurs 7pm 406 Squadron Willesden 020 8451 0406 ARTALIKE Sats 10am term-time; Sats 10-noon ARTTEEN 7-14 £5, Kensal Rise call Wilda on 07946 755 847 ART CLASSES Mini Picassos for children aged 4-6 yrs and 7-11yrs; toddler Picassos 15 months-3 yrs, Gracelands Cafe, 118 College Road Kensal Green, 07903638817 CARERS AND BABIES FILM SCREENINGS Mons 11am films, tea and coffee, muffins and sympathy, tickets £5 Lexi Cinema, Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise www.thelexicinema.co.uk 0871 704 2069 DANIEL’S DEN Mons 1-3pm, Thurs 9.3011am, 11.30-1pm, Tues 10-noon St MIchael and All Angels Church, Hillside, StonebrIdge, Fris 9.30-11am, 11.30-1pm St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Ave, Tokyngton Tues, 1-3pm, Gladstone Park Primary School, Dollis Hill www.danielsden.org.uk 11TH BRONDESBURY GUIDES Tues, 6pm for girls aged 10-14 in Willesden 07810 653 225 GIRLS’ BRIGADE Weds 5.15-8.30pm for five-year-olds and upwards, Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive 07961 321 237 FRENCH CLASSES Weds, Thurs after-school in Kensal Rise ages 5-11; 07753 639 720 LEXI CINEMA KIDS’ CLUB Sats 11.15am, craft activities, games, films (all U certificate) tickets £5, Lexi Cinema Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise www.thelexicinema.co.uk 0871 704 2069

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DRAMA WORKSHOPS Sats 7-16 yrs Duddenhill Centre, NW10 07958 653 725 LONDON IRISH MUSIC SCHOOL Sats, traditional Irish musical instruments for children up to 15; Oliver Goldsmith Primary School, Kenton www.london irishmusicschool.co.uk 020 8205 7231 MINI-SOCCER Suns Year 3 9.45-10.45am Year 4-Year 6 10.45-12noon Uxendon Manor School, Vista Way, Kenton, 6 weeks £30, call George Lappas 07957 229 518 MUM AND TODDLER Thurs 10-noon, Preston Mall Community Centre, Kenton £2 020 8204 1148 PARENT AND CARER TODDLER GROUP Thurs 9-10.30am 50p Barham Primary, Danethorpe Road, Wembley 020 8902 3706 PARENT AND BABY WALK Tues, 10.30am Roundwood Park, NW10 07958 292 524 PIONEER EXPLORER SCOUTS Weds 8-10pm for 14-18 years, Stember Hall, Leighton Gardens, NW10 01582 703121 SEA TRAINING CORPS Thurs 7.15-9.15pm Sea Pirates 7-9 yrs; Thurs 7.15-9.15pm juniors; Mons and Fris 7.159.30pm Sea Cadets; Mons and Fris 7.159.30pm Marine Cadets; youth group for boys and girls, Cool Oak Lane, NW9 020 8205 4492 www.seacadet.org 7TH BRONDESBURY BROWNIES Tues, 6pm for girls aged 7-10 in Willesden 07810 653 225 SING AND SIGN CLASSES Mon-Fri, for babies 6-18 months. Willesden Green & Kensal Rise 07790 955 576

APRIL 2010

WILLESDEN DISTRICT SCOUTS Groups throughout Willesden for young people aged 6-18, adult volunteers needed 0208 459 3737 enquiries@willesden scouts.org.uk

COMMUNITY BRENT PENSIONERS FORUM 7 Apr 10-12noon Brent Town Hall 020 8998 0564 BRENT HEART SUPPORT GROUP 12 Apr 10am-12noon monthly meeting offering advice and support to heart disease sufferers and their carers; Wembley Hospital, Chaplin Road, Wembley; group also holding a fund-raising walk around Tower of London on 5 May, call Mr Tomalinson 020 8961 1708 www.bhf.org.uk BRENT AND HARROW NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WIDOWS 13 April 8pm talk by Jean Linwood on London, 27 April 8pm annual general meeting call Rhona, 76 Marlborough Hill, Harrow 020 8969 3198 GALLERY IN THE PARK Mon-Fri, 9-3pm café and training for people with learning disabilities, Wembley, 07833 374 696

CHALKHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE Mons women’s keep fit 10-11am £3, toddler group 11-2pm, over 50s keep fit 2-3pm £1.50, karate 6-7pm £1.50, genesis 5-7pm; Tues Somali group 10-1pm, toddler group 10-2pm, taekwondo 4.30-6.30pm, groundworks 5.307.30pm; Weds 50s keep fit 10-11 £1.50, playgroup 11-1pm, salsa 6.30-7.30pm £3; Thurs women’s keep fit 10-11am £3, pensioners’ group 1-3pm, table tennis 5-7pm, keep fit 7-8pm £1.50; Fris Muslim women coffee morning 9.30-11am, archery 5-6pm, line dancing 6.157.15pm £3, WICC church 7.15-9.15pm; Sats taekwondo 9-11am, Somali group 10-2pm, WICC learning club 102pm; Suns Somali group 10-2pm, WICC church and learning club 102pm, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley, 020 8385 1836 bookings@chalkhill communitycentre.org CINEMA GEMS FILM CLUB 28 Apr 1.30pm, enjoy rarely seen cinema gems over coffee; film notes and post-film discussion; no film knowledge required, tickets £5 Lexi Cinema, Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise www.thelexicinema.co.uk 0871 704 2069 MOSAIC Weds, for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people aged under 19 07931 33668 NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707884

Knitting circle, see Craft.

‘Funism Movement’ at The Wall@TheGallery, see Exhibitions.

IMAGES OF BLACK WOMEN FILM FESTIVAL 9 Apr 9.30-11pm ‘Say My Name’ by Nirit Peled; 10 Apr 1-3pm ‘My Secret Sky’ 3.15-5.15pm Forum for emerging film-makers, short films including ‘20 Questions’ by Rungano Nyoni; ‘Hexagrame 27- Yi’

by Sylvie Bayonne; Hidden Herstories: Women of Change’ by the Octavia Foundation; ‘Killer Nakeclace’ by Judy Kibinge; 6-8pm ‘Femme Invisible’ by Pascale Obolo, ‘Black Business’ by Osvalde Lawat; 8.30pm networking drink; 11 Apr 3-5pm ‘My Nappy Roots: A Journey through Black Hair-itage’ by Regina Kimbell; 5.50-7.45pm ‘Rain’ by Maria Govan, The Tricycle, Kilburn High Road www.tricycle.co.uk box office 020 7328 1000 OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUP Tues 11-12.30pm The Gallery, Willesden Green Library 020 8452 8739 ST LUKE’S HOSPICE 1 Apr Starbuck’s April Fool’s quiz night St George’s Shopping Centre, Harrow, 8pm quiz start tickets £10 (includes Starbuck’s tea, coffee and cakes) contact Mita 020 8382 8063 mvaghji@stlukeshospice.org 24 Apr Indian mela, Claremont High School, Kenton, themed stalls including food, henna, jewellery, saris, Bollywood dance and more, £2 doors open at 11am.

Call Kate 020 8382 8023 kgammell@stlukeshospice.org WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NORTH WEST LONDON 1 Apr 7.30pm upstairs North London Tavern, 375 Kilburn High Road NW6 nwlwi@hotmail.com WEMBLEY NATIONAL TRUST 15 Apr 7.30pm St John’s Church, Crawford Avenue, Wembley 020 8904 5940

CRAFT BRENT MUSEUM 13 Apr 2-4pm ‘Trobridge Streetscapes’ drawing techniques to create a 3D street; 14-16 Apr 1012noon ‘Story Houses’ make up stories about Trobridge’s houses to make a concertina book; free, family workshops; booking essential, Education Room, Willesden Green Library Centre 020 8937 3600 emma.tutton@ brent.gov.uk KNITTING GROUP Mons 6pm Lewis Crescent, Neasden, call 07775 984 316 WEMBLEY QUILTERS 2nd and 4th Fris, 7.30-9.30pm, Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane 020 8902 9934

DANCE ADULT BEGINNERS BALLET COURSE Weds 6.30-7.30pm 21 April-14 July £120 The Corrib Rest, 76-80 Salusbury Rd, NW6 6PA 07956 260108 www.balletforyou.co.uk ADULT AFRICAN DANCE Weds 7.30-8.30pm £5 Willesden Sports Centre 020 8955 1120 ADULT STREET DANCE Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, £5.15 New Bridge Park Complex 020 8937 3730 ARGENTINEAN TANGO Thurs, 7.30-9pm, beginners, 9-11pm The Cricklewood Pub, NW2 www.corrientes socialclub.co.uk SALSA Fris 7.30-8.30pm Willesden Sports Centre Thurs 8.15-9.30pm £4.50, Vale Farm Sports Centre 07961 281 989 Thurs 8pm-midnight, salsa and social dancing with Latin Flavors at Peri Peri Sports Bar, £5 Wembley Park Drive info@latinflavors.co.uk

TIMEout BELLY DANCING Mons 7.30-8.30pm, Fitness First Wembley, £8 drop and £40 for 6 weeks 07855 362 849 www.hayaam.com Tues 8.30-10pm NY Pilates Studio, Lonsdale Rd NW6 020 7372 3490 Sats 2-3pm 105 Salusbury Road NW6, £7 per lesson or £50 for 8 sessions to be used within 3 months eliftarakci@yahoo. co.uk www.belly dancinglondon.com CLUB CEROC Tues 8-11pm entry £7 plus £3 lifetime membership and a free beginner’s DVD when you join; a fusion between jive and salsa dancing; suitable for beginners – a partner dance but you don’t need to bring a partner – great fun, sociable and good exercise; Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9, www.clubceroc.com 020 8933 4350 SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mons 8-10pm, £2 Youth Centre, Church of the Ascension, Wembley 020 3078 0018 SELF EXPRESSIVE DANCE Tues 8-9.30pm, £7.50, Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane 020 8205 6751 TEA DANCE Mons & Weds, 1.30-4.30pm, £3, Brent Town Hall, Wembley 020 8937 6206

DRAMA CHAMELEONS Mons and Thurs 8pm, amateur dramatics Neasden Methodist Church, NW10 07968 965 038 DRAMA WORKHOUSE Tues & Weds 8-10pm, adult workshops, Dudden Hill Centre, NW10 07958 653 725 EAST LANE THEATRE CLUB 29, 30 Apr 1,5,6,7,8 May 7.45pm ‘The Heiress’ by Ruth and Augustus Goetz tickets £9 in advance; Vale Farm in Wembley box office 07762 622 215 MADHATTERS Weds 8pm amateur dramatics, Stables Arts Centre, Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane.

020 8452 5239

ENVIRONMENT KENSAL RISE MARKET Sats, 10-5pm, outside Minkie’s Deli, Chamberlayne Road, NW10 07807 057 808

BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUP 4 April 10am fruit trees at roadside mounds, meet at Bush Farm; 11 Apr 10am pond visit to check plant life, meet at Bush Farm; 18 Apr 10am acid grassland, meet in Barn Hill Road; 25 Apr bluebell survey and orchard, meet Bush Farm 020 8206 0589 KINGSBURY WALKERS Weds 1.55pm, Meet Bush Farm, Slough Lane and Salmon Street junction.

020 8907 2836 WELSH HARP CONSERVATION GROUP 18 April 10am bird walk taking in the spring migrants, first swallows and warblers arriving from the south 020 8447 1810

EXHIBITIONS ARTISAN Until 10 April; Weds-Sat 11-4pm ‘Fancy Pidgeons’ a solo exhibition by photographer Richard Bailey, 80 Harlesden Road, Willesden 020 8451 5235 www.artisan80.com BRENT ARTISTS REGISTER Until 9 Apr, ‘Water Works’ daily 2-6pm photography

by Constantine Gras from a project involving older Brent residents, exploring their experience of water; ‘Funism Movement’ at The Wall@TheGallery, an exhibition to make you laugh, not overintellectualized art, photographs, installations, technology and other media, Willesden Green Library Centre 020 8459 1421 info@brentartists resource.org.uk STABLES GALLERY Until 15 April, Matthew Casserly’s paintings and sculpture of landscape and still life Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane 020 8452 8655

WILLESDEN LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY 21 Apr 7.30pm ‘Showbiz Brent’ Terry Lomas’s talk on showbusiness celebrities associated with Willesden, Scout House, Strode Road NW10 020 8965 7230 cliffwadsworth@ btinternet.com

MUSIC GUITAR LESSONS Mon-Sun, Kensal Rise all levels welcome, £25 per hour. Contact Udi 07528 016 583, www.udiguitar.com Mon-Sun Kilburn and Queens Park, all levels welcome, electric and acoustic guitar, music theory; £20 per lesson, call Irene 07948 430 282 JAZZ Suns 8-10pm, Hugo’s, Lonsdale Road, Queen’s Park www.jazz7.co.uk 020 7372 1232 KINGSBURY AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY 28 Apr – 1 May 7.30pm, 2.30pm Sat matinee ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Prom’ music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, KAOS Theatre, Kingsbury High School, box office 0845 020 4240 www.kaosonline.org PIANO LESSONS Mon-Sun, all grades from beginner to advanced, £20 per hour, Cricklewood, call Edgardo Plasencia 020 8450 1067 SUFI DRUMMING Sats 11.30-1.30pm £5, eight years and above, Chalkhill Community Centre 07954 601 372 www.silkroads.co.uk WEMBLEY ARENA 11 Apr ‘Bad Company’; 26, 27, 28 Apr Ricky Gervais in Science, Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley www.livenation.co.uk

LOCAL HISTORY BRENT MUSEUM 22 Apr 6.30pm ‘Neo-Tudor and its Enemies’ architectural historian Gavin Stamp defends traditional suburban architecture Education Room, Willesden Green Library Centre 020 8937 3600 WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 16 Apr 7.30pm annual general meeting and short talk by guest speaker, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Kingsbury 020 8205 3263

BRONDESBURY BOWLING CLUB Evenings and daytime including free tuition, Chatsworth Road 0208 438 0302 BRENT HEART SUPPORT GROUP Thurs, 10-11am Bridge Park Community Centre; Tues, Suns 10-11am Vale Farm Sports Centre keep fit sessions, please seek medical advice first, call Mr Tomalinson 020 8961 1708 BROTHERS PEARSE CAMOGIE CLUB Ladies hurling club, beginners and experienced players welcome, contact Mary Cahill 07904 685 276 www.brospearse camogielondon.com CENTURY BOWLS CLUB Daily indoor and outdoor bowls, new members welcome free coaching available, all-weather green, social actitivities, Logan Road, Wembley 020 8904 3261 FUN AND FITNESS Tues 8-9pm ladies’ only all levels exercise class; £4 Kingsbury Baptists Church hall, Slough Lane, NW9 07944 523 260 PRESTON PARK BOWLS CLUB New members welcome, free coaching and loan of bowls Preston Park Recreation Ground, Carlton Avenue East 020 8933 9358 020 8427 1590 QUEENS PARK HARRIERS Tues & Thurs 7-8pm, Willesden Sport Centre www.queenspark harriers.org.uk SHORINJI KEMPO MARTIAL ART Tues 8-9.30pm Abbey Dojo classes on Church of Ascension, The Avenue, Wembley; Fris 7.30-9pm at St Erconwald’s Church Hall, 112 Carlton Avenue East, Wembley; all ages and abilities, first class free call Graham 07404 039 087

SOUTH HAMPSTEAD TENNIS CLUB Mon-Sun experienced players welcome; looking for players to play in top divisions of Middlesex League and Cup, five floodlight all-weather courts, Milverton Road Brondesbury, NW6 webmaster@ southhampstead tennis.net call Cynthia Felix 07540 609 641 TAI CHI Tues, 6.30-8pm beginners, 8.30-9pm advanced, St Anne’s hall, 125 Salusbury Rd, NW6 07939 043 580 Weds, 1.30-2.30pm, £2 over 55s, beginners, gentle movements (health questionnaire must be completed first) Fitness First, Kingsbury 07957 185 367 TAEKWONDO Tues 6-9pm, Thurs 6-7.30pm, Ealing Road Methodist Church 07832 447 763 Mons 6.30-8pm, Weds 6.30-8pm, Cardinal Hinsley School NW10 07832 447 763 WEMBLEY AND SUDBURY TENNIS AND SQUASH CLUB Social and competitive play; active juniors, Sylvester Road, off Harrowdene Road.

For tennis call Brian 020 8998 3677; for squash call Dave 020 8902 8098 WEMBLEY CRICKET CLUB Men’s, boys’ and girls’ cricket teams, coaching for girls and boys Sats 10-11am at Oakington Manor School, Wembley 020 8902 6096 WOODCOCK PARK BOWLING CLUB Weds 6pm for new and seasoned bowlers, free coaching, Woodcock Park, Kenton 020 8907 2701

TALKS FRIENDS OF CRICKLEWOOD LIBRARY 15 Apr 7pm ‘A Day in the Life of the Borough Police Commander’ a talk by police commander Mark Toland, Cricklewood Library Olive Road, NW2 020 8452 4072

SPORTS & LEISURE BRENT PARK WALKS Group walks around parks to keep fit, call Sports Service 020 8937 3707 BRIDGE Fris pm Dennis Jackson Centre, London Road 020 8902 5331

A Matthew Casserly painting, see Exhibitions.

APRIL 2010

VENUES BRENT MUSEUM BRENT MUSEUM High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600 THE BRENT ARCHIVES Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3541 archive@brent.gov.uk THE PAUL DAISLEY HALL Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9 Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203 THE STABLES GALLERY ARTS CENTRE Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane, London NW2 020 8452 8655 Thursday – Sunday 11am-6pm TRICYCLE THEATRE CINEMA AND GALLERY 269 Kilburn High Road,London NW6 Theatre Box Office 020 7328 1000 Cinema Box Office 020 7328 1900 Disabled access to auditorium and cafe induction loop in auditorium Minicom 020 7625 5105 WEMBLEY ARENA Box Office 0870 060 0870 www.livenation.co.uk/wembley

LIBRARIES Barham Park Library Harrow Road, Sudbury, Middx 020 8937 3550 barhamparklibrary@brent.gov.uk Cricklewood Library 152 Olive Road NW2 020 8937 3540 cricklewoodlibrary@brent.gov.uk Ealing Road Library Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3560 ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk Harlesden Library Craven Park Road, Harlesden, London NW10 020 8937 3570 harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kensal Rise Library Bathurst Gardens, NW10 020 8937 3660 kensalriselibrary@brent.gov.uk Kilburn Library Salusbury Road, London NW6 020 8937 3530 kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kingsbury Library Plus Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, London NW9 020 8937 3520 kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk Neasden Library 277 Neasden Lane, London NW1 020 8937 3580 neasdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Preston Road Library Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3510 prestonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Tokyngton Library Monks Park, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3590 tokyngtonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Town Hall Library Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3500 townhalllibrary@brent.gov.uk Willesden Green Library High Road, Willesden, London NW10 020 8937 3400 willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk THE BRENT MAGAZINE

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Politics is not black and white This is If you don’t register you can’t vote Download a registration form at www.brent.gov.uk/elections or call 020 8937 1372

VOTE 6 MAY