The Brent Magazine issue 106 September 2010

ISSUE NO.106

FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT

England star’s Brent schooldays

SEPTEMBER 2010

Brent’s best school chefs

Standing together Young people’s challenge to the media

Contents Features

13 19 21 23

Food for thought Improving schools

Welcome to The Brent Magazine

Brent schools’ national results success

Breaking the stereotype

Welcome readers to the September issue of The Brent Magazine.

Whether you like football or not, it’s hard not to agree that Stuart Pearce is one of the borough’s most successful sons. He grew up in Brent, played professional football for Nottingham Forest and England and is now manager of the England Under 21s. Stuart’s roots are in north-west London and he recalls his early days in Brent People.

Schools return in September.

Not only has Brent excellent schools academically, but many are serving great food to pupils.

The two best Brent school chefs explain how.

Chefs are not the only people stirring things up. Brent Youth Parliament is unhappy with how the media represents young people – find out what they are doing about it.

Young people debate portrayals by the media

Living on the lane Flagship building for homeless is opened

27

Regulars

4 9 11 27 29 30

23

Brent’s best school chefs are named

Update Brent people All in a day’s work Secret history Competitions

13

Time out

Issue No. 106 September 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.

BDU 6290 08.10

9

James Diamond Editor, The Brent Magazine

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.

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: Petergaye Palmer and Usman Mirza from Brent Youth Parliament.

Photographer SANTOSHI PADHIAR

UPdate

Queen’s Park school’s £8 million rebuild plan A planning application to rebuild parts of Islamia Primary School in Queen’s Park is being put forward this month.

The proposals include building a new school on part of the existing site by knocking down some of the old buildings, including the kitchen and the canteen.

The current school was built over 100 years ago and many of the buildings and facilities no longer meet pupil or teacher needs. It is also extremely popular and

over-subscribed, and urgently needs to expand to meet a growing demand for school places in Brent.

The new-look school, which will reflect Islamia’s faith and ethos, will include a children’s library, a specialist teaching room for pupils with special educational needs, an enlarged play area, a prayer hall and additional outdoor learning spaces for all children.

It is proposed that some of the school’s facilities will be available for hire, at set times,

during the evenings, weekends and school holidays, for quiet activities such as adult learning and keep-fit.

The school in Salusbury Road is being redeveloped in partnership with Brent Council. The school is commited to building a sustainable and low-carbon building.

The planning application will be considered by Brent Council’s Planning Committee in November, visit www.brent.gov.uk/ islamiaprimaryrebuild

Success for smart pupils St Gregory’s Catholic Science College is celebrating being named a leading school for pupils’ behaviour.

The secondary school was praised by the Department for Education in a recent report because of pupils’ positive behaviour and high attendance.

It will be helping other schools to improve their Ofsted ratings for behaviour in the next two years as one of 20 schools in the country which are part of the

4

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

National Behaviour Challenge.

The school was congratulated at a recent visit by Education Minister Nick Gibb MP. St Gregory’s emphasises high standards of behaviour and a smart uniform to pupils.

Head teacher Andrew Prindiville said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised in this way I would like to thank all the staff, pupils and parents for making it a fantastic school.”

SEPTEMBER 2010

Andrew Prindiville, head boy Daniel Zucker and head girl Venezia Souceradjou

Welsh Harp

More Green Flags for parks Two Brent Council parks have been awarded a Green Flag for the first time, which means seven of the borough’s parks have reached the highest national standards.

The two new flags go to Fryent Country Park and the Welsh Harp Open Space, joining Mapesbury Dell, Preston Park, Barham Park, Gladstone Park and Roundwood Park. The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.

The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country.

London roads in 2012 Library survey Brent Council is surveying children under 16 who use its libraries from 27 September to 3 October.

The survey measures children’s satisfaction and use of libraries and will be done by asking the young people and their parent or carer to complete a questionnaire form.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries for more.

Plans for how London’s roads will operate during the 2012 Olympic Games have been published.

It includes proposals for an Olympic Route Network to ensure athletes and the officials get to venues on time and help Londoners travel without disruption.

The network covers less than three per cent of London’s roads, and most of the network will be open for general traffic. The plans also set out the location and extent of temporary Games Lanes. Visit www.london2012.com/publ ications or email the Olympic Route Network team orn@london2012.com with views on the network.

UPdate

Heritage week returns to celebrate Brent’s history Brent Heritage Week is from 14 to 19 September with local history activities for all.

The programme, organised

by Brent Museum and Brent Archives, includes talks, research workshops, cookery classes, creativity classes and more. It opens on 14 September with a talk on how the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, or Neasden Temple, was carved by 1,500 craftsmen from thousands of tonnes of marble.

Former Brent Mayor Len Snow will be speaking about

the history of civic marvel that is Brent Town Hall.

An archives workshop on 16 September will help you find out your home’s history. The week closes with the end of the exhibition Ernest Trobridge: Visionary of the Suburbs at Brent Museum about Kingsbury’s extraordinary architect. Food historian Monica Askay will be there on 18 September to tell you about vegetarian cookery, and historian Philip Grant is leading a guided walk that day of Trobridge’s houses.

September 18-19 coincides with London Open House weekend when fascinating buildings are opened to the public. In Brent this year you can go inside Zog House in Queens Park, Highwood Court in Harlesden, and Capital City Academy in Willesden. All the listings can be seen at www.openhouselondon.org.u k. The curator of Brent Museum will be leading a special tour of the museum store that weekend, visit www.brent.gov.uk/archives, email archives@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3600.

See pages 30-31 for heritage week listings and page 27 for Secret History on a home’s past.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden

Bounce into the arts Artists and arts organisations have until 21 September to apply for a place on a new scheme to support Brent’s cultural sector.

Brent Bounce, a partnership between Brent Council and Brent Business Venture, will be offering workshops, advice and help with preparing for arts trade fairs and events.

You must be based in Brent and be able to dedicate at least a day a week between October and March 2010, visit www.brent.gov.uk/whatson or call 020 8937 3115.

Waste collection – have your say Brent Council is consulting on its new strategy for waste management over the next five years.

The local authority wants to recycle and compost 60 per cent of all domestic waste by 2020 and is proposing to change its waste collection such as extending recycling to include all flats and expanding the range of material which can be recycled. The new service would be expected to save around £1 million after the first two years. Residents have from now until 19 October to comment. Look out for a survey form in the October edition of The Brent Magazine or visit www.brent.gov.uk /consultation

Older people’s health course starts in Stonebridge A six-week health programme for people aged 50 and older or who have limited physical mobility starts in September. The wellbeing course is to get older people active and will focus on body balance, strengthening muscles and breathing exercises and guest speakers will advise on healthy living. It will be at Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre in

Stonebridge on Thursdays from 23 September.

Call 020 8937 3730 or email leanne.rodriguez @brent.gov.uk by 20 September.

If you need door-to-door transport because of limited mobility to attend the course, contact 020 3114 7022 or roshni@brentct.org.uk at Brent Community Transport.

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

5

UPdate

Pool to open at Wembley school A pool is opening at a Wembley school to provide swimming for children and adults.

The temporary pool will open from 13 September to December at Chalkhill Primary in Barnhill Road. It will be for pupils at the primary and nearby schools to learn to swim and improve their swimming ability. In the evening there

Maggie meets Brent youngsters Children’s Commissioner for England Dr Maggie Atkinson has met representatives of Brent Youth Parliament.

She heard about their work and the parliament’s campaign to address stereotyping of young people. She said: “I was

will be lessons for the local community including children and adults with women and men only sessions.

Swimming for children will be Monday to Friday from 4pm-6pm with adult classes from 6.45pm-7.30pm, and Saturday swimming will be available. A temporary pool opened at Preston Park Primary in 2009 and was a great success.

Brent builds family homes

delighted to meet parliament members and was really impressed by the degree to which it is involved in decision-making in Brent.”

Visit Brent’s website for young people www.bmyvoice.org.uk for more on her visit.

Brent Council Leader Councillor Ann John, Councillor Bobby Thomas and Gerry Doherty Chief Executive at BHP celebrate the new homes.

Dr Atkinson

Three family homes are being built in Wembley by Brent Housing Partnership where derelict garages once stood.

The three-bedroom properties in Aldbury Avenue should be completed by November and the first families living there by Christmas. Brent Council has

Smurti’s design is picked

Author’s adventure

A 14-year-old pupil who designed a trophy for the Brent Inspires Awards has been congratulated for her work.

Smruti Patel, a Kingsbury High School pupil, had her design chosen from nine other entries, and the trophy was presented at a Brent Council award ceremony in July.

The awards were coordinated online and rewarded schools and youth organisations for projects linked to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

An author will be launching her book in Brent on 11 September, which describes her personal journey in faith.

Maureen Gordon will be signing copies of ‘An Adventure with God’ at Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10, from 3pm5.30pm, and talking about what inspired her to write her story. Call 020 8937 3400.

Smruti and her design

6

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

In addition, free swimming is continuing for people aged under five, over 60s and disabled people during public sessions at Brent leisure centres. From 1 September youngsters under 16 will only be able to swim for free at the daytime public sessions in the school holidays and will have to pay for sessions during school term-time. To book at the pool call 07810 447 145.

SEPTEMBER 2010

worked with Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) on this scheme to help it increase the supply of housing. It is the first time BHP has built and managed its own properties anywhere in Brent. Meet the new Chief Executive at BHP, turn to page 11.

BRAIN changes Brent Council is merging the community website BRAIN with its main website from 24 September.

Relevant content will be transferred to www.brent.gov.uk and BRAIN will no longer operate.

The merger is being done after a review of the two websites to provide one coordinated site that improves services to residents and meets the council’s needs.

UPdate

Parking shop closes

Brent to celebrate Eid Brent Eid festival is returning in September with music, culture and family events.

The celebration, organised

by Brent Council, is open to all and marks the religious festival held at the end of Ramadan. An Eid fun day is being held in Barham Park, Wembley, on 11 September from 12noon-8pm featuring film, drumming and more.

On 17 September a cultural night will be held from

7.30pm at Brent Town Hall with leading Qawwali musician Haji Ameer Khan. Top comedians such as Ahir Shah, Nabil Abdulrashid and Prince

Abdi, will be at a comedy jam on Saturday 18 September from 7.30pm at Patidar House, London Road, Wembley, hosted by Mr Cee. There will be community events held from 5-19 September, and a screening of romantic comedy ‘Caramel’ on 19 September at the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise. Visit brent.gov.uk/whatson to download a brochure, or call 020 8937 3144 for more information.

Wembley event day permits are now administered at Walm Lane Parking Shop after Church Lane Parking Shop in Kingsbury closed.

Applications can be posted to the parking shop at 84 Walm Lane, London NW2 4QY, or dropped in at Walm Lane or also at Pyramid House Parking Shop in Wembley, call the hotline on 020 8937 5445.

Windies stars for charity cricket

Prince Abdi

Time for Ark Academy A time capsule has been buried by pupils at Ark Academy Primary School which will be opened in 2022 when the founding class graduates from Ark Academy.

The pupils put together the capsule to commemorate the building of the new school in Wembley, which opens in September 2010.

Affordable family homes for South Kilburn

A pupil and capsule.

Harlesden school’s new start Cardinal Hinsley Mathematics and Computing College reopened as Newman Catholic College this month.

The Harlesden school has been named after the 19th century churchman and pupils have a new uniform to reflect its identity. Last year it was rated ‘good’ by the watchdog

Ofsted with nine outstanding features, and praised by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Head teacher Richard Kolka said: “I am delighted by the enormous progress made and very proud to work with such dedicated staff and a wonderful community of boys.”

Richard Kolka and pupils.

Mayor of Brent Councillor Harbhajan Singh has helped to launch the start of building work at a new development in South Kilburn.

He took part in the ceremony to break the ground formally and mark the start of work on new apartments on the site of the demolished in Gordon House in Malvern Road.

The new building will have 26 apartments of social housing, including eight homes for families. It is being developed

by Network Housing and will be complete by 2011.

The development is part of Brent Council’s master plan to regenerate South Kilburn.

Cricketing stars will be going into bat for the Paul Daisley Trust at its annual celebrity match on 18 September.

Ex-West Indies star Alvin Kallicharran will lead a celebrity team at the Paul Daisley Trust Cricket Match hosted by South Hampstead Cricket Club.

In previous years Joel Garner, Jimmy Adams and Collis King have played. It is a fund-raiser for the Paul Daisley Trust, which provides support for colon cancer sufferers, founded in memory of the late Brent East MP and Leader of Brent Council who died in 2003.

The day is from 12noon to 6pm, with the match at 2pm, at South Hampstead Cricket Club, Milverton Road, NW6. It is £1 entry and will have a DJ, barbecue, craft stalls and cricket memorabilia raffle. Organiser Hugh Pym said: “The match always offers great entertainment for all the family on and off the field.”

Email pdaisleytrust@aol.com or call 020 8968 4340 for more information.

Councillor Singh and Helen Evans from Network Housing.

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

7

Brent Fun Run and Walk Sunday 19 September 2010 Fryent Country Park, Kingsbury NW9 5km run / walk and 1.5km walk

For an entry form and more information contact Brent Council’s Sports Service on sportsservice@brent.gov.uk, www.brent.gov.uk/sports or 020 8937 3707. Free training sessions on offer.

BRENTpeople

Brent’s old boy Stuart Pearce grew up in Brent before becoming a professional footballer and is now manager of the England Under 21 team.

Where did you live?

Did you play at high school?

What did you do after school?

My family were from Hammersmith originally, but mum and dad moved to Kingsbury when I was small. We lived off Church Lane, Kingsbury. It was a nice place to live in and like any teenager I used to spend a lot of time with my friends in the area. Growing up I was always a Queens Park Rangers supporter. My heroes in those days were England goalkeeper Gordon Banks and QPR’s Dave Webb.

I went to Claremont High School in Kenton.

There were some excellent teams at the school and we won a lot of trophies – including the Middlesex championship. I went for a trial with QPR when I was 13, but I was released by them. It was the school caretaker at Claremont who drove us around to many of the games; one time we went to Wealdstone FC which is one reason I ended up playing for them. After leaving I played for a Claremont old boys’ team and am still in touch with a lot of them.

I worked for a company called Bineton near the Welsh Harp, which did a lot of repair work and electrics. I was there for a year and went to work for Brent Council as an electrician. I helped rewire Brent Town Hall and worked in the Housing Department. I was based in Alperton, and did a lot of work in the Chalkhill Estate and Stonebridge.

Did you visit Wembley Stadium?

I played for non-league Wealdstone while working. It was hard; I had a full-time job, trained two evenings and played on a Saturday, but it could be a trip up as far away as Scarborough. At 21 I signed as a professional for Coventry. Non-league football was a great training; by the time I turned professional I’d played at least 500 games.

When did you start playing football?

My first school team was at Fryent Primary in Kingsbury. Mr Kilpatrick was the sports teacher there and we had a really good nucleus of a team; we were the champions of London for at least one season. Outside of school I also played football at Carmel Youth Club in Stonebridge for a while, and at the Middlesex Sunday football leagues in the area.

I worked at Wembley as a ball boy. I remember being a ball boy at an FA Vase final in the 1970s and for England internationals against Italy and Wales. I heard quite a lot of swear words in Italian directed at Kevin Keegan during the Italy game! In 1975 my brother took me to see Evel Knievel jump a long line of buses on his motorbike.

How did you become a professional footballer?

Stuart Pearce, picture courtesy of the FA.

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

9

10

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2010

ALL IN Aday’s

work

Building excellence

Shoba Vaghela and Dipesh Vaghela meet Gerry Doherty, pictures

by Colin Patterson.

Gerry Doherty explains how he is transforming housing for thousands of Brent residents.

After two decades working in housing Gerry Doherty took on one of the sector’s most ambitious jobs this year – Chief Executive of Brent Housing Partnership (BHP).

He now leads the BHP team of 250 housing professionals, responsible for everything from rents to repairs, cleaning communal areas, and resolving neighbours’ disputes. Gerry was previously the Director of Technical Services, and has worked his way up through the housing ranks after joining Brent Council in 1993 as a building surveyor.

“I have worked in the housing industry for almost 20 years,” he explains. “I was always interested in the technical aspect of housing and began my first job as a carpenter when I left school. I am proud to be heading such a ground-breaking organisation. It feels different being Chief Executive as I am getting involved in all aspects of the business and have found it extremely interesting and challenging.”

BHP is an arm’s length management organisation, or an ALMO, which was set up in 2002 to manage 13,600 homes which

remain owned by Brent Council. However, it operates independently and is overseen by a board of 15 directors made up of elected tenants, councillors and independent board members.

“I want to continue providing an excellent service for our residents and ensure that they live in a safe and peaceful environment.”

It reached the Decent Homes Standard by 2006 – ahead of the 2010 target – which saw new bathrooms and kitchens fitted in 6,638 homes with double-glazing, rewiring and new windows in many as well. “We were all committed to provide decent homes for residents and took advantage of government funding at that time,”said Gerry.

“We all very worked hard and reached the standard over four years ahead of target.”

However, Decent Homes is not the only success. Last year BHP bought up Granville

New Homes, becoming the first ALMO to own homes, and a green energy scheme to insulate and install solar panels on the Brentfield Estate is now complete.

“I want to continue providing an excellent service for our residents and ensure that they live in a safe and peaceful environment,” he said.

“BHP was named in The Sunday Times’ 75 Best Places to Work For in the Public Sector recently. It was a tremendous accolade. We have a talented workforce and they have all contributed.”

He will also continue to work closely with Brent Council’s Housing and Community Care Department. “We have always had a good working relationship with the council and I intend to work closely on regeneration, tackling overcrowding and reviewing the long-term benefits of the ALMO in the future. I have enjoyed working in the borough. Brent Council is ambitious and it feels like so much can happen here,” he added.

Visit www.bhphousing.co.uk for more about Brent Housing Partnership.

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

11

It took a summer of tasting, savouring and sipping until the two winners were found.

At the awards ceremony in July, Joanne Jacobs from Preston Manor High School and Toufik Layaida at Manor Primary Special School were crowned winners of Brent School Chef of the Year 2010. The competition was set up by Brent Council to honour the staff who cook for pupils, teachers and school staff every day of the term.

There were nominations for chefs and catering managers at 11 schools in Brent, and the winners were chosen thanks to a ‘mystery shopper’ who secretly visited each of the nominated schools to sample the dishes and meals served by the cooking staff.

Joanne Jacobs, who manages the in-house

service at her school in Wembley, won the secondary schools category. She was praised for embracing the healthy eating agenda and introducing delicious new dishes onto the menu. “I think that the jerk chicken and rice on a Tuesday is one of the pupils’ favourite dishes,” she explains. “Then the other big favourites are vegetable curry, chow mein and a stir fry. The schoolchildren are from many different backgrounds, but they appeal to all of them.” She has also set up the Chill Out Café selling healthy sandwiches and drinks for those who do not want to eat in the canteen. The school has reported a doubling in pupils eating schools meals and many teachers and other staff eat in the school canteen. “It is important

socially for pupils to sit down together and enjoy a meal,” Joanne added.

Chef Toufik Layaida, who won the primary school category, has won many plaudits for putting Mediterranean influences into the menu at Manor School in Kensal Rise. The children and staff now enjoy couscous, pastas and rice at mealtimes and simple puddings such as plain yoghurt with fresh fruit. The pupils have physical or learning disabilities and he is sensitive about cooking food to meet their tastes.

“The children are very appreciative of my cooking and are quick to tell me when they like the food,” he said.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk for more about school meals and the names of all nominees.

The winners of Brent School Chef of the Year 2010 share the secrets of their cooking.

Joanne Jacobs and Toufik Layaida, pictures

by Isabelle Plasschaert.

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

13

14

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2010

BRENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPLEMENT • SUMMER 2010

Just the jab…

Pre-school boosters for kids – Flu jabs for the over 65s

I Quit!

The real cost of smoking

A new pull-out and keep guide to healthy living in Brent

IMMUNISATION

STOP SMOKING CAMPAIGN

Give your kids a boost!

The real cost of smoking

September is the time when children are getting ready for school. Many will be going for the first time, for example those starting in reception class. They’ve got their uniforms, their pencil cases and their lunch boxes full of healthy food – but have they had all their immunisations?

This is a good time to make sure they are protected against serious childhood diseases. At school, children will be mixing and playing with lots of others and may be exposed to serious childhood diseases. Immunisation is the best way to protect your child and others and keep them healthy.

If you are not sure your child has had all their immunisations you should contact your GP or health centre. Remember, any immunisations that have been missed can be given at any time.

Between the age of 3 and 4 years your child should have received the important vaccination called the preschool booster, which will improve their ability to keep healthy.

By the time they start school, children should have been protected

against 11 serious childhood diseases, including measles, polio and tuberculosis (TB) – TB has higher than average rates in Brent.

It’s never too late to have your child immunised, according to Simon Bowen, Acting Director of Public Health: “Immunisations play such an important role in keeping your child safe and healthy. Even a cut from falling over in the playground could lead to a child contracting tetanus, so, when they get to school age, it’s doubly important that they are immunised.”

If you want advice on immunisations speak to an immunisation nurse on: 020 8453 5923/5924, or for further information, visit: www.immunisation.nhs.uk

See flu fly away!

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of infected people.

The flu jab is the injection of a vaccine against flu, and gives you 70-80% protection from flu that lasts for one year.

The flu jab is offered to people over 65, pregnant women and people and children with long-term illnesses, all of whom are at greater risk of developing serious complications from flu. Speak to your GP and make an appointment to see flu fly away.

.

Any smoker will tell you how expensive a habit smoking is, both for your health and your purse! An average ’15-a-day’ smoker would save around £1,500 per year and although 75% of smokers say they’d like to stop smoking, they don’t know where to go to get free help. Well, the Brent Stop Smoking Service would be delighted to help you!

Janet has now kicked the habit

Janet Grant has spent £20,000 on cigarettes since school – but has successfully quit by using the service.

“A serious health-scare gave me the wake-up call I needed. I received lots of help from the Brent Stop Smoking Service, who also gave an inhalator to use when I feel like a cigarette, and I now feel strong enough to go it alone.”

36 year old mum, Maxine Gayle, saw a leaflet for the service in her GP surgery, gave them a call and has been smoke-free for six weeks!

Maxine has learnt to manage her stress levels and kicked the habit using free nicotine patches from BSSS. She also has regular oneto-one support sessions and drinks water to minimise her nicotine cravings.

“I used to smoke three or four cigarettes a day, but smoked 10 or more if I was stressed.

I felt guilty thinking about what would happen to my children if something happened to me because of my smoking.”

For further information and to book an appointment, call the Brent Stop Smoking Service on 020 8795 6669.

Wash away winter vomiting

Norovirus is probably one of the most miserable but common of the ‘winterbugs’.

So what can you expect and what can you do about it?

Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea and stomach cramps andcan last up to three days, but most people recover well within a couple of days. If you catch Norovirus, stay at home and drink water or rehydration drinks and try eating foods like soup or rice. If your baby gets Norovirus, you should still give them their feeds as normal. Phone NHS Direct or your GP for advice if you are at all worried. You won’t want to pass it on, so stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and wash your hands regularly with soap to literally wash the bugs down the drain!

Simon says…

Simon Bowen, NHS Brent’s Acting Director of Public Health helps you stay safe this winter.

We all know that winter brings us snowball fights and ice-skating outdoors – but it also brings coughs, colds and other winter illnesses.

So, in order to keep yourself healthy and well, here are my top tips: I

Eat well Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C to help fight off colds and infections.

I

Don't smoke If you do smoke, stop. For support giving up contact the Brent Stop Smoking Service on 020 8795 6669.

I

Get your jab If you are over 65, pregnant or have a long term health condition – including children – get your flu vaccination.

I

Keep warm Which includes dressing appropriately for the weather.

I

Keep active* Even though it’s colder, regular exercise helps your immune system. If you receive benefits you can access all of Brent’s sports facilities for 40% less.

I

Check on others If you have elderly or infirm relatives or friends, check on them regularly to make sure they’re ok.

* Visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports for more information.

Free swimming is available for over 65 year olds and under 5s.

About NHS Brent

USEFUL NUMBERS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES Hillside Primary Care Centre 020 3188 7399 150 Hilltop Avenue, Harlesden NW10 8RY Kilburn Square Clinic 020 7625 5115 91 Kilburn Square, NW6 6PS Monks Park Primary Care Centre 020 8453 5900 Monks Park, Wembley HA9 6JE Sudbury Primary Care Centre 020 3114 7121 Vale Farm, Watford Road, Wembley, HA0 3HG The Welford Centre 020 8736 7128 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley HA9 9FX Wembley Centre for Health and Care 020 8795 6000 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ Willesden Centre for Health and Care 020 8438 7000 Robson Avenue, Willesden NW10 3RY WALK-IN CENTRE Wembley NHS Walk-in Centre 020 8795 6000 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ HOSPITALS Central Middlesex Hospital 020 8965 5733 Acton Lane, Park Royal, London NW10 7NS Northwick Park and St. Mark’s Hospital 020 8864 3232 Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ GENERAL Choose and Book Appointments Line 0845 608 8888 www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk Breastfeeding Information 020 8795 6236 Brent and Harrow Chlamydia Screening Programme 020 8869 5377 Brent Association for Disabled People 020 8451 3822 Brent Bereavement Services 020 8459 6818 Brent Carers 020 8795 6240 Brent Council – One Stop Service 020 8937 1200 Brent Mencap 020 8451 5278 Brent Mental Health Service 020 8937 4297 Brent Refugee Forum 020 8459 9092 Breast Cancer Information 020 8951 4045 Bowel Cancer Information 0800 707 6060 Cancer Black Care Information 020 8961 4151 Childhood Immunisation Advice 020 8453 5923/5924 Dental Access 020 8537 3155 Direct Access for Maternity Services Northwick Park Hospital 020 8869 5252 St Mary’s Hospital 020 3312 6135 The Royal Free Hospital 020 7794 0500 ext 36169 Family Planning Association 0845 122 8690 GP Access 020 8795 6771 PACE (LGBT advice and support) 020 7700 1323 Sexual Health Advice Line 0800 567 123 Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre 020 8453 2050

NHS Brent

www.brentpct.nhs.uk

NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhs.uk

Emergency NHS Dentist 020 3402 1312

Brent NHS PALS Patient Advice and Liaison Service

020 8795 6771

Stop Smoking Brent Stop Smoking Service

020 8795 6669

NHS Brent is responsible for promoting health and making sure the right health services are available to you when and where you need them.

Our aim is to ensure that the services you receive are safe, provided by the right healthcare professional and available as near to your home as possible. This includes providing more services from your GP surgery, your local clinic and, when appropriate, your pharmacist. We’ve created ‘Your Health’ to pass on health tips and advice. We will also use this quarterly publication to keep you informed about the changes to the NHS and what this will mean for you.

If you would like to provide feedback on Your Health, please email us at communications@brentpct .nhs.uk or call us on 020 8795 6771.

Printed on recycled paper.

08.10 BDU 6291

Success for our schools Brent pupils are achieving better exam results than ever, putting the borough’s schools in the top 25 per cent nationally.

Brent’s schools have celebrated improving results in recent years.

The borough’s schools have been improving continually in A-Levels and GCSEs. Brent’s exam results are now in the top 25 per cent nationally despite being recognised as an area facing major challenges.

Last year’s GCSE figures, released by the Department for Education, confirmed that Brent pupils were performing better than ever. They showed that 57.1 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades at GCSE, including English and maths, ranking Brent 28th out of 151 local authorities nationally and 11th in London.

That was an improved performance compared with previous years. In 2008, 55.8 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades in Brent schools and in 2007 the figure was 51 per cent.

Brent schools are also achieving high

staying on rates after 16 with more and more pupils studying A-Levels and other qualifications. This is leading to more children winning places at university, including for subjects such as medicine and law which are regarded as a route into the professions. Schools have also been involved in the Aim Higher scheme which has encouraged children to apply for places at top universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, by taking them on organised visits to those universities.

Schools which have been forging ahead in recent years include Wembley High Technology College, which was one of the 10 most improved schools nationally, Kingsbury High School and Queen’s Park Community School and Copland School.

Claremont High School, Preston Manor School and Alperton Community School have all been achieving great results.

For more visit www.brent.gov.uk

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

19

PARK LANE CHILDREN’S HOME We are currently looking for staff to work with children from the age of 13-17

Aim and objectives of the home • To provide a positive residential resource and experience • To provide high quality of care • Post requires staff to sleep in three times per week • Relevant qualifications required DIPSW, BTEC, GNVQ,NVQ3/4 Health and Social Care Please contact Miss Eunice Trail for further information 020 8903 8891 Or email your CV to park52lane@hotmail.co.uk

Back to School Uniforms for Nurseries, Primary and Secondary School, also Sportwear available We offer Quality, Choice and Value at competitive prices

RUMBLES SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP 598 High rd, Wembley near HSBC bank

Tel 020 8902 1393 web-site www.rumbleSchoolUniform.com

20

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2010

They’ll fix it Do the media stereotype young people? Yes, said a debate held by Brent Youth Parliament and it needs to change.

It was their biggest step so far in a campaign to ensure that a more balanced image of Brent’s young people is reported in the media.

Last month Brent Youth Parliament (BYP) organised a ‘media summit’ to debate negative portrayals of young people as part of its campaign ‘Break the Stereotype, Fix the Impression’. On the day, BYP members, young people and others looked at examples of negative media portrayals before quizzing a specially chosen panel.

Earlier this year BYP published the result of a survey it carried out, showing how society views the young. In total, 2,242 surveys were completed, with 62 per cent of respondents living, working or studying in Brent. It found that more than 50 per cent of people thought the media did not show young people in a fair light. So members of BYP organised the summit to help tackle the issue of negative representations.

Panel members included Councillor Roxanne Mashari, co-chair of Brent Youth Parliament, Education Minister Sarah Teather MP, Brent Police Borough Commander Matt Gardner, Andy McCorkell news editor of the ‘Willesden & Brent Times’, and Andy Hamflett, who is the Chief

Executive of UK Youth Parliament. They spoke and debated with an audience of more than 100 young people at the summit.

“BYP believe that today’s media isn’t telling the real story about our young people and instead focuses too much on crime and anti-social behaviour by a small minority,” explains Councillor Mashari.

“The vast majority of Brent’s young people are ambitious and hard-working, but that positive story is not often told.”

Following the summit Brent Youth Parliament members, who are aged from 10 to 19 and are elected by schools and other youth organisations in the borough, will now be building positive relationships between young people and the media so they can start to effect a change in how youngsters are represented by the press, TV and radio.

“After years of criticism, young people finally have the opportunity to actively change perceptions,” said Kishan Parshotam BYP member and UK Youth Parliament Representative. “This is a breakthrough for young people’s politics and democracy.”

For Kishan’s write-up of the day, visit the youth website www.bmyvoice.org.uk

BYP members and the panel

“BYP believe that today’s media isn’t telling the real story about our young people and instead focuses too much on crime and anti-social behaviour by a small minority.”

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

21

Hope for the future A landmark building in Willesden is supporting homeless people and opening its doors to the community.

Words ELISE REUBEN.

Inside the St Mungo’s centre, pictures by Isabelle Plasschaert.

“The outside space is really important to the residents and I’m planning to help build an allotment. Hopefully, we’ll be able to use the vegetables we grow in our café.” - Andy, above

On the site of an old hostel an innovative, light-filled environmentally friendly building has arisen.

St Mungo’s Pound Lane is making a vital contribution to meeting housing need in the borough, offering accommodation for up to 85 homeless men in Brent. The £9.2m cost was met by central government and the Homes and Community Agency, and it was developed in partnership by Brent Council and the housing charity St Mungo’s.

The centre took two years to build. Its innovative and modern design by Churchill Hui Architects has already made it a landmark in Willesden. It has a fig tree at its heart – to symbolise recovery – and other environmental features include roofs sown with sedum grass, ‘living walls’ of climbing plants, low-energy lights and a biomass boiler.

“I used to work here when it was the old hostel,” said project manager David Rose of St Mungo’s. “It has taken two years to build, but it is worth the wait.

We now have a centre that offers not only possibly the first warm safe place to live these men have had for many years, but also hope for the future.” David says that it will become a place for residents and community groups to take part in social

and skills activities. “From IT to cookery, health, exercise and art classes we will offer people access into training and employment,” he said. The centre also has a café at the front which David plans to open to the public as well as offering its residents the chance to train in the catering industry. Community rooms are set to be used by Punch and Juicy – a social enterprise – which aims to make and sell fruit smoothy drinks from a café. Brent residents can also volunteer to provide some of the services at Pound Lane.

The first residents moved in during July, including Andy. “The new centre is great. I want to keep myself busy while I’m living here,” he said. “The outside space is really important to the residents and I’m planning to help build an allotment. Hopefully, we’ll be able to use the vegetables we grow in our café.”

Councillor Bobby Thomas, Brent Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Customer Services, said: “It will greatly improve accommodation for homeless people in Brent; increase their access to work and education, which will in turn improve life chances.”

To volunteer or for more information on Pound Lane, visit www.mungos.org SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

23

Local issues Who’s got the answers?

Have your say at one of Brent’s five area consultative meetings. Come and discuss the local issues which concern you, such as environment, transport, planning, streetscene, health care and policing with councillors and local policy makers.

For more information contact Brent Consultation Team Tel 020 8937 1055 Email consultation@brent.gov.uk www.brent.gov.uk/consultation

BRENT ACF Area Consultative Forums Willesden ACF

28 September 10

Harlesden ACF

29 September 10

Kilburn and Kensal ACF

05 October 10

Kingsbury and Kenton ACF

19 October 10

Wembley ACF

20 October 10

Brent Countryside Day 2010 All the fun of the fair and a whole lot more‌

Sunday 19 September 12noon - 6pm Fryent Country Park, off Fryent Way (A4140), Kingsbury NW9 Free admission and car park.

Free bus service from Wembley Park, Preston Road and Kingsbury Tube Stations Organised by Brent Council in partnership with Barnhill Conservation Group.

More information 020 8937 5619 www.brent.gov.uk/parks

We’ll take your bulky waste for free From 1 October 2010, we will collect unwanted bulky household items like sofas and fridges for free up to three times a year*.

Contact us to arrange a collection.

*We will take up to five items at a time.

Please take anything we can’t collect to the Brent Reuse and Recycling Centre, Abbey Road, London, NW10 7TJ. The centre has a strict no van policy.

NO VANS

020 8937 5050 26

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2010

www.brent.gov.uk/streetcare

SECREThistory

History comes home

Every home has a story to tell. RACHEL OLIVER unlocks the intriguing history of a house in Staverton Road, Willesden.

It is an imposing Edwardian house with bay windows reflecting the tree-lined street and ball-on-peg finials rising above commuters passing by on the 52 bus.

Number 37 Staverton Road is situated where little more than a century ago artists celebrated Willesden’s rural tranquility and a plan to create a block of 41 houses on Staverton Road was just an ambitious gamble for local builders Callow & Wright.

Horse and cart were used to bring every brick, tile and gable up the hill until in 1909 number 37 was complete. The 1911 census records Dr Charles Russ as head of the house. He was a 34-year-old medical analyst working under distinguished pathologist Dr Thomas Eastes at the

Laboratory of Public Health. Also living there were his wife, Jessie, their six children and a maid.

According to the street directories, Philip Dering Blake was the next occupier, but his cousin and house guest, Mary Blake, is more worthy of a mention. The daughter of a notable geologist, Mary was unmarried by choice, a feminist and a suffragist.

Major PG Blake remarked: “You can tell by her photograph she was quite a formidable character and she had quite an intellect.” The major’s donation of her personal papers to Brent Archives gives a fascinating insight into his late cousin’s activities to further the suffrage cause in Willesden. She was secretary of the Willesden and District Branch of the National Union for Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS).

The branch’s 1912 annual report decries Prime Minister Asquith’s lack of support for women’s suffrage and praises Mary for running a stall for the branch selling “sweets, preserves, Cape bulbs, and needlework” at an

oriental fete and bazaar. No doubt Mary was part of the NUWSS Women’s Pilgrimage in 1913, ending in Hyde Park with a peaceful demonstration of 50,000 women lobbying for the vote. The vote was extended to all women in 1928.

Today Ewa Robertson, her husband Chris and daughter live at 37 Staverton Road. “Knowing something of the history of the house and those who lived here has brought them back to life,” said Ewa. A workshop to discover your home’s history will be on 16 September at 6.30pm at Brent Archives in Willesden Green Library Centre. Your House History workshop will be using building plans, sales particulars, maps and census returns, email archives@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3541.

Top, Mary Blake and below, Staverton Road, pictures courtesy of Brent Archives.

SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

27

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:

Wembley Stadium Event Calendar 28 August 3 September 10 Sept 11 Sept 12 October 31 October

Event starts

Rugby League Challange Cup Final 2.30pm Euro 2012 Qualifier: England v Bulgaria 8pm Muse (event ends) 11pm Muse (event ends) 11pm Euro 2012 Qualifier: England v Montenegro 8pm NFL - Broncos vs 49ers 5pm

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.

Which band is playing two dates at Wembley in September?

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.

Win Jon Scott’s sweet sounds Jon Scott has won acclaim for his unique sound, fusing African roots, jazz, pop, soul and Latin music. The Kensal Rise-based musician has recently released the single ‘Summer (Let’s Get Together) from his second album ‘Flow Like A River’. The record is a follow up to his first Single,‘Give Me A Call’. The Brent Magazine has five copies of ‘Flow Like A River’ to give away. To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question:

What is the name of Jon Scott’s recent single?

Visit www.jonscottmusic.co.uk for more information.

Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: (Name of Competition), The Brent Magazine, Room 9, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD or email competition@brent.gov.uk (add name of competition to subject line). The deadline for all competitions is Friday 10 September 2010.

Last month’s winners Wembley Stadium: Claire Cook, Richard Woodcock, Bhavin Shah, S Singhal Lexi Cinema: Vilas Naran, Diane Kubbinga, Neil Dennehy, Caroline Cahill, Jacqueline Hayden, Mary McNeela, Lucy Edwards, Sarah Villegas, Stephen Rice, Sapna Shah SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

29

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 September 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 10am-noon ARTTEEN 714 £5, Kensal Rise 07946 755 847 ART CLASSES Mini Picassos for children aged 4-6 yrs and 7-11yrs; toddler Picassos 15 months-3 yrs, Gracelands Cafe, Kensal Green 07903 638 817 BRENT PRIMARY CHESS CONGRESS 25 Sep 10am-4pm £5 for under 11s St Luke’s Church Centre, Fernhead Road, West Kilburn children should be accompanied by an adult susan_turner1@ hotmail.com 020 8968 7968 DANIEL’S DEN Mons 1pm-3pm, Thurs 9.30am-11am, 11.30am1pm, Tues 10am-noon St MIchael and All Angels Church, Hillside, StonebrIdge, Fris 9.30am11am, 11.30am-1pm St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Ave, Tokyngton Tues, 1pm3pm, Gladstone Park Primary School, Dollis Hill www.danielsden.org.uk

DOWN SYNDROME TIGER CUBS Thurs 5pm-6pm football coaching run by QPR, Woodfield School Genwood Avenue, NW9 020 8740 2585 07815 670 806 11TH BRONDESBURY GUIDES Tues, 6pm for girls aged 10-14 in Willesden 07810 653 225 FRENCH CLASSES Weds, Thurs after-school in Kensal Rise ages 5-11; 07753 693 720 GIRLS’ BRIGADE Weds 5.15pm-8.30pm for five-year-olds and upwards, Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive 07961 321 237 HILLSIDE PERFORMING ARTS Until 18 Sep Sats 12noon-2pm for 10-12 year olds, 2.30pm4.30pm for 13-16 year olds icebreaker games, drama improvisation, perform a speech at end of year show, character development in drama (first hour); dance warmup, choreography, cool down (second hour); £3 two hours, £1.50 one hour, Hillside Hub, Hillside NW10 07506 198 999 hillsideperformingarts@ hotmail.com

Homeworks at Artisan See: exhibitions

30

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2010

LONDON IRISH MUSIC SCHOOL Sats, traditional Irish music for under 14s; Oliver Goldsmith Primary, Kenton www.london irishmusicschool.co.uk 020 8205 7231 MAINLY MUSIC Weds 9.45am-11am £2.50 music, dancing and instruments with social morning tea and playtime for parents, carers and children under five Wembley Christian Centre Carlton Ave East, Forty Avenue corner 07900 460 875 daveandmarc@gmail.com MINI-SOCCER Suns Year 3 9.45am10.45am Year 4-Year 6 10.45am-12noon Uxendon Manor School, Vista Way, Kenton, 6 weeks £30, call George Lappas 07957 229 518 MONKEY MUSIC Thurs children aged 3 months - 3 years; St James’s Church Centre, Stanley Avenue, Alperton www.monkeymusic. co.uk 01895 674 587 MUM AND TODDLER Thurs 10am-12noon, Preston Mall Community Centre, Kenton £2 020 8204 1148 NOAH’S ARK Tues 10.30am-12.30pm, Thurs 1.30pm-3.30pm St John’s Church, Harrow Road, Wembley community playgroup £1 per family per session 07768 453 931 PARENT TODDLER GROUP Thurs 9am-10.30am 50p Barham Primary Wembley 020 8902 3706 PARENT AND BABY WALK Tues, 10.30am Roundwood Park, NW10 07958 292 524 PIONEER EXPLORER SCOUTS Weds 8am-10pm for 14-18 years, Stember Hall, Leighton Gardens, NW10 01582 703121

SEA TRAINING CORPS Thurs 7.15pm-9.15pm Sea Pirates 7-9 yrs; Thurs 7.15pm-9.15pm juniors; Mons and Fris 7.15pm9.30pm Sea Cadets; Mons and Fris 7.15pm9.30pm 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

Flypast event See: Community

SING AND SIGN CLASSES Mon-Fri, for babies 6-18 months. Willesden Green & Kensal Rise 07790 955 576 SOCCER TRAINING Fris 6pm-8pm, for children, first session free Capital City Academy NW10 mdipaola@ cyworks.co.uk SPLASH FOOTBALL Sats 10am-12pm, ages 515. Claremont High School, Claremont Avenue, Kenton, £30 for 5 weeks 07863 165 737 3RD WEMBLEY SCOUTS Fris Cubs 7pm-8.30pm, Scouts 7pm-9pm Clivedon Hall Clifton Way, Alperton call Andrew Stevenson 020 8997 0951 020 8902 6902 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 Sep 10am-12noon Brent Town Hall

BRENT AND HARROW NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WIDOWS 14 Sep (time tbc) visit to Wembley Stadium 8pm talk from financial adviser; 28 Sep 8pm games evening call Rhona, 76 Marlborough Hill, Harrow 020 8969 3198 BRENT PARENTS’ FORUM 7pm 15 Sep Brent Council’s Admissions Team explains secondary school transfers Gwenneth Rickus Building Brentfield Road NW10 020 8937 3039 BRENT SICKLE CELL SUPPORT GROUP 11 Sep 10pm fund-raising evening Heritage Inn, 301 Cricklewood Broadway NW2 £10 on door 07903 353 891 FRIENDS OF CRICKLEWOOD LIBRARY The meeting scheduled for 9 Sep at 7pm as been cancelled.

020 8452 4072

PAUL DAISLEY TRUST 18 Sep 12noon-6pm South Hampstead XI v Celebrities cricket, food and drink £1 South Hampstead Cricket Club Milverton Road, Brondesbury 020 8968 4340 FUND-RAISING WALK 26 Sep 10km or 5km fund-raising walk to benefit Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research in Hyde Park, London 020 8869 3284 j.shah@imperial.ac.uk MOSAIC MosaicYouth.org.uk weekly youth club for lesbian, gay and bi teenagers 08000 433 411 NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707884 WEMBLEY NATIONAL TRUST 3rd Thurs of month, 8pm-10pm Sudbury Neighbourhood Centre 809 Harrow Road, Wembley 020 8904 5940 WEMBLEY PARK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 18 Sep 3.30pm-5.30pm autumn show public viewing hall of The Church of the Ascension, The Avenue Wembley Park 020 8904 6462

OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUP Tues 11am-12.30pm The Gallery, Willesden Green Library 020 8452 8739 ST LUKE’S HOSPICE 11 Sep 7pm quiz night St Gregory’s High School, Kenton, tickets £12.50 (includes snacks, dinner and soft drinks) 020 8382 8063 mvaghji@ stlukes-hospice.org 12 Sep 2pm-5pm Battle of Britain Memorial Concert at Bentley Priory cream teas Gregg McCann & The Hands of Jazz, British Airways Brass Band Apollo Choir and Spitfire flypast tickets £18.50 020 8382 8018 jvshah@ stlukes-hospice.org WILLESDEN GREEN WRITERS GROUP Thurs 8pm-10pm Willesden Green Library Centre ww.willesden greenwriters.com WOMEN’S POETRY 3 Sep 4pm Poetry and Empowerment Harlesden Library Plus, High Street, NW10; 15 Sep 7pm poetry group led by Ursula Troche The Hub, All Souls Church Hall, Station Road, Harlesden 07896 366 485 ursula troche@yahoo.co.uk WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NORTH WEST LONDON 2 Sep 7.30pm upstairs North London Tavern, 375 Kilburn High Road NW6 nwlwi@hotmail.com

DANCE ADULT STREET DANCE Tues, 7.30pm-8.30pm, £5.15 New Bridge Park Centre, Stonebridge 020 8937 3730 BELLY DANCING Mons 7.30pm-8.30pm (beginners), 8.30pm9.30pm (improvers) £48 for 6 weeks £8 drop-in Fitness First 492-498 High Rd, Wembley, www.hayaam.com 07855 362 849 Tues 8.30pm-10pm NY Pilates Studio, Lonsdale Rd NW6 020 7372 3490 Sats 2pm-3pm 105 Salusbury Road NW6, £7 per lesson or £50 for 8 sessions to be used within 3 months eliftarakci@ yahoo.co.uk SEQUENCE AND TEA DANCING Mons 2pm-4pm sequence dance Thurs 2pm-4pm tea dance £1.50 all ages welcome King’s Hall Community Centre 155 Harlesden Road, Willesden 020 8459 3487

TIMEout BOLLYWOOD AND SEMI-CLASSICAL INDIAN Suns 11.15am-12.15pm Fitness First 197 Alperton Road 07930 593 988 rupal@classic-creations .info CLUB CEROC Tues 8pm-11pm entry £7 plus £3 lifetime membership and a free beginner’s DVD Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9, www.clubceroc.com 020 8933 4350 LINE DANCING Fris 7pm-9pm £5 beginners, Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836 SALSA Mons, 7.30pm-8.30pm Mambo City salsa at £6 St Joseph’s Social Club, Empire Way, Wembley salsa@mambocity.co.uk Fris 7.30pm-8.30pm Willesden Sports Centre Thurs 8.15-9.30pm £4.50 07961 281 989 SELF EXPRESSIVE DANCE Tues 8pm-9.30pm, £7.50, Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane 020 8205 6751 TEA DANCE Mons, Weds 1.30pm-4pm £3 Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane Wembley 020 8937 6206

KINGSBURY WALKERS Weds 1.55pm, Meet Bush Farm, Slough Lane and Salmon Street junction.

020 8907 2836

EXHIBITIONS ARTISAN 6-30 Oct Wed-Sat 11am5pm ‘Homeworks’ exhibition of beautiful handcrafted items by a group of women from Queen’s Park 80 Harlesden Road, NW10 020 8451 6315 BRENT ARTISTS REGISTER 14 Sep-15 Oct Mon-Sun 2pm-6pm ‘Following a Lime Tree’ solo show by acclaimed local artist John Blandy from 2,000 pastel paintings exploring change in nature; TheWall@The Gallery ‘Colour Blind’ solo exhibition of paintings by local artist Pouka; until 11 Sep ‘Stop Motion’ exhibition by Queens Park Independent Photographers Willesden Green Library Centre 020 8459 1421 info@brentartists resource.org.uk BRENT MUSEUM

DRAMA CHAMELEONS Mons and Thurs 8pm, amateur dramatics Neasden Methodist Church, NW10 07968 965 038 DRAMA WORKHOUSE 11 September free Saturday Crew workshop for children 1pm-2pm 7-9 years; 2pm-3pm 10-12 years; 4pm-6pm 13-18 years; then every Saturday under 10s £25 a term, Over 10s £40 a term; Tues adult classes 8pm-10pm £9.50 Dudden Hill Centre, 19 Dudden Hill Lane, NW10 www.dramawork house.org.uk 07958 653 725 MADHATTERS Weds 8pm amateur dramatics, Stables Arts Centre, Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane.

020 8452 5239

ENVIRONMENT FRIENDS OF THE EARTH 14 Sep 7.30pm Willesden Trades and Labour Hall 375 High Road, Willesden NW10 info@brentfoe.com 07793 244 408

Until 16 Sep ‘Visionary of the Suburbs’ life and work of the architect extraordinaire EG Trobridge, ‘An Olympic Borough 1908-2012’ touring exhibition; until 12 Sep ‘Kilburn Kultures’ cultural heritage of South Kilburn from 1910-2010 by young people; from 13 Sep ‘175 years of the Brent Reservoir’ downstairs in the Community Gallery, 1st floor Willesden Green Library Centre, Willesden High Road 020 8937 3600 INTERVENTION GALLERY Until 5 Sep Sat-Sun 10am-4pm ‘Fine Things to be Seen’ sculpture and installations; 25 Sep-24 Oct Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Diana Taylor ‘Climbing, Falling’ paintings.

Anglican Chapel Kensal Green Cemetery, Harrow Road W10 07903 524 968

LEARNING BANG FM Tues Weds 4pm-9pm drop-in learn music skills with studio access, recording booth and production facilities (13-19 yrs); music and media programme (14-19 yrs) music, radio video BANG FM Unit 16 Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre NW10 0208 963 1108 9565 trainingapps@ bangradio.fm FILM-MAKING 5, 12 Sept 10.30am5.30pm workshops with Gladys San Juan £160 Stables Gallery and Art Centre, Gladstone Park Dollis Hill Lane NW2 gldyssanjuan@ yahoo.co.uk CREATIVE GENIES Thurs evenings until 11 Sep carnival costume design, mask and headdress making £5; throughout August steel pan music workshops, for children 10 years up; Brent Housing Partnership Community Centre, Marley Walk, Lennon Road, Willesden Green 020 8830 8772 creative genies@hotmail.com MIDDLESEX ITEC GCSE tuition in maths, English, science for 14-19 years at Middlesex ITEC 020 900 0505 READING GROUP 14 Sep 10.30am12.30am free weekly shared reading group looking a short extracts from novels, journalism, short stories no homework or preparation needed, led by novelist and writer Shahrukh Husain and supported by Royal Literary Fund; Kilburn Library Salusbury Road, NW6 020 8451 1834 shah.hussein@ btinternet.com UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE Courses, talks and workshops 020 8933 7558 www.brentu3a.org.uk

LOCAL HISTORY WILLESDEN LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY 15 Sep 7.30pm ‘A Cultural History of South Kilburn 1910-2010’ by Tina Ramdeen, exploring the Kilburn Kultures project by young people Scout House, Strode Road NW10 020 8965 7230 cliffwadsworth@ btinternet.com

BRENT HERITAGE WEEK 14 Sep 1pm ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir’ talk by Girish Patel about how the Hindu temple was built using with traditional methods and materials; 15 Sep 1pm ‘Brent Town Hall’ local historian Len Snow looks back to the 1930s to explore the origins of the town hall in Wembley; 16 Sep 6.30pm Your House History research your home’s history in a workshop at Brent Archives, call 020 8937 3541 to book; 18 Sep 10am-3pm Brent Archives Open Day including 1930s vegetarian food Inspired by EG Trobridge’s beliefs, explore vegetarianism in the early 20th century and a 1930s Brent Display; 18, 19 Sep 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm tours of Brent Museum led by curator Joe Carr Curator, call 020 8937 3600 to book. 19 Sep 10.30-12pm, 2pm 3.30pm ‘From Cottages to Castles’ walk led by local historian Philip Grant, taking architecture of EG Trobridge 020 8937 3600 to book and for meeting place. All events, unless stated otherwise, at Brent Museum Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road NW10 020 8937 3600 WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 17 Sep 7.30pm ‘A History of Fruit Trees and Orchards in Brent’ by Leslie Williams St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane NW9 020 8205 3263

SPORTS & LEISURE BRONDESBURY BOWLING CLUB Evenings and daytime including free tuition, Chatsworth Road 0208 438 0302 BROTHERS PEARSE CAMOGIE CLUB Ladies’ hurling club, all levels welcome, call Mary Cahill 07904 685 276 CENTURY BOWLS CLUB Indoor and outdoor bowls, free coaching available, social actitivities, Logan Road, Wembley 020 8904 3261 FUN AND FITNESS Tues 8pm-9pm ladies only all levels exercise class; £4 Kingsbury Baptists Church hall, Slough Lane, NW9 07944 523 260 LADIES KEEP FIT Weds 7.30pm-8.30pm Mandhata Centre, 20a Rosemead Avenue, Wembley 07930 593 988 rupal@classic-creations .info PILATES Mons 7pm-8pm, Sats 1011am Living Well Health Club, Wembley Plaza Hotel, Empire Way, £5 07903 937 909 Thurs 7.30pm beginner to intermediate, feel strengthened, lengthened and relaxed The Lady House, Hay Lane Kingsbury, book in advance Di Hurley 07958 140 003.

Fine Things at Intervention Gallery See: exhibitions

MEETINGS BRENT COUNCIL 29 Sep 7pm Harlesden Area Consultative Forum All Souls Church Hall 1 Station Road Harlesden NW10 www.brent. gov.uk/consultation

MUSIC SINGING LESSONS Sat-Wed contemporary singing lessons and music theory, beginners to intermediate levels, Neasden Lane 07796 372 499 e_chinners@yahoo.com VOCALITY WILLESDEN COMMUNITY CHOIR Mons 8pm-10pm first session free, gospel, African, pop and more, Willesden Green Library Centre, Space 2 95 High Road, NW10 07985 094 322

SEPTEMBER 2010

VENUES BRENT MUSEUM BRENT MUSEUM High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600 BRENT ARCHIVES Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3541 archive@brent.gov.uk PAUL DAISLEY HALL Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9 Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203 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

31

Outstanding Ofsted 2008-2009

93% 5+ GCSE A*-C 2009 (Highest in Brent) ‘Outstanding in 24 out of 27 areas’ (OfSTED: 2008) ‘Outstanding value added in 2009 – Top 1% in England/Best in Brent’ – KS2-4 CVA 1054.6 (DCSF: 2009) ‘Ranked 4th out of 2685 Specialist Schools for 5+ A*-C including English and Maths JVA’ (SSAT: Jan 2010) ‘28th most improved secondary school in England 2006-9’ (BBC Education News: Jan 2010) ‘One of only 12 schools from over 4000 in England to appear in the highest value added and most improved GCSE results tables’ (DCSF: Jan 2010)

We are highly oversubscribed and received 1,092 applications for 210 places in 2010. Places are only available for Year 7 in 2011.

Apply to secure a place for your child through the Common Application Form available from Primary Schools and Chesterfield House, Wembley.

OPEN EVENING Tuesday 21 September 2010 6pm-8.30pm You are warmly invited to come and see our school

East Lane, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 3NT Tel: 020 8385 4800 Email: admin@whtc.co.uk Web: www.whtc.co.uk Headteacher: Ms Gill Bal