The Brent Magazine issue 107 October 2010

ISSUE NO.107

FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT

OCTOBER 2010

Brent – Our Future “Our absolute commitment to making the lives of local people better…”

Natural wonder Exhibition celebrates Welsh Harp

A day for Diwali Celebrate in Brent

Contents Features

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Natural wonder Museum showcases 175 years of the Welsh Harp

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A day for Diwali

Welcome to The Brent Magazine

Your guide to celebrating at Brent Diwali 2010

Material world at the Brent Museum New exhibition inspired by textiles from west Africa opens

Brent – Our Future Looking ahead to the next four years

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

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Competitions

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Time out

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

14 Issue No. 107 October 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.

James Diamond Editor, The Brent Magazine

BDU 6306 09.10

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Welcome to the October issue of The Brent Magazine.

Brent Diwali is the biggest celebration of the religious festival outside of India and it will be here again at the end of the month. The event is an amazing visual and cultural display in the heart of Wembley, which is enjoyed by all of Brent’s people.

For those of you who prefer to do something a little more indoors there are two new exhibitions opening at the Brent Museum. One is about the Welsh Harp and the other is a display of the textile designs of west Africa.

They are not to be missed.

Finally, this is my last issue of The Brent Magazine. It’s been a pleasure to produce so many copies of the magazine and I hope you will continue to read and enjoy it.

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.

Cover image: A student at the College of North West London’s Technology faculty.

Photographer ISABELLE PLASSCHAERT

UPdate

French markets return to Brent Town Centres

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

Traders will be crossing the Channel to display their wares in Wembley High Road on 14 and 15 October and in Willesden High Road on 16 and 17 October. The open-air stalls sell produce such as cheeses, bread, patisseries, olives, dried fruits, wine and jewellery and are accompanied

by French flags, music and dancing.

Osita Udenson, Wembley Town Centre Manager, said: “They are delightful markets bringing vitality, vibrancy and a cosmopolitan flair to the town centres.”

There will be a competition to win two hampers of market goodies worth £75 each. In order to be in the running for it answer the following question:

The 324, picture courtesy of Terry Wong Min

Kronik rock the block Street dancers Kronik wowed residents at an event to celebrate the community spirit of South Kilburn.

They performed at Bloc Party, which was held at Masefield House and Chippenham Gardens, alongside youngsters showcasing their talents in music and the spoken word.

It was funded by South Kilburn Partnership and run by Concrete Canvas Arts.

Dancers from Kronik

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What is the French word for a town? Write down your answer and contact details on a piece of paper; take it to either Wembley or Willesden markets and submit to the olive stall. Correct entries will be drawn from a hat on 15 October in Wembley and 17 October in Willesden by 4pm.

However, there is only one entry per person and they must be submitted in person, call 020 8937 5064 for more.

New bus route A new bus running between Queensbury and Brent Cross Shopping Centre will start on 23 October.

The 324 route will start at Stanmore Tube Station and run to Queensbury, Kingsbury, and Colindeep Lane to Brent Cross.

It will run every 20 minutes in the day and every 30 minutes in the evening, seven days a week, visit www.tfl.gov.uk for timetables.

Church opens glorious garden A community garden has been officially opened after a run-down car park next to a church was transformed into a green space.

The garden at St Mark’s Church in Kensal Green was launched by Mayor of Brent Harbhajan Singh in a ribbon cutting ceremony. Call 020 8960 3929 for more.

Councillor Singh opens the garden

School meeting Plans for the proposed redevelopment of Islamia Primary School will be presented at the Kilburn and Kensal Area Consultative Forum on 5 October. People involved in the project will answer questions. The meeting will be at Queens Park Community School, Aylestone Avenue, NW6 starting at 7pm.

UPdate

Blooming success for Brent gardeners

A footballer

Join the reading rangers Queens Parks Rangers are leading a reading project at Kingsbury Library Plus this month.

Kick into Reading includes fun reading games at the library followed by sports in Roe Green Park. The sessions are led by QPR’s community coaches and are for children aged from eight to 12. Children who attend two sessions will receive two tickets for a QPR home game. The sessions will be on 2, 9 and 16 October from 11am-12noon at Kingsbury Library Plus, 522-524 Kingsbury Road NW9, call 020 8937 3520 to attend.

Charity fundraising walk A fund-raising walk for the Paul Daisley Trust and Mayor of Brent’s Charity Appeal is taking place on 17 October.

The 13-mile walk leaves Brent Town Hall at 10am and takes in Wembley, Hendon, Hampstead, Highgate and ends at Islington Town Hall.

The route includes Hampstead Garden Suburb, Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House (for lunch) and Clissold Park in Stoke Newington, email pdaisleytrust@aol.com or call 020 8968 4340.

Brent is celebrating its success at London in Bloom after winning six awards and a capital-wide award.

Four of the borough’s parks won individual awards including gold standards for Fryent Country Park in the country park category, Mapesbury Dell in the small park category and Roundwood Park in the large public garden category.

Gladstone Park also picked up a silver gilt award in the public garden category. In addition Brent won a silver gilt and was named the overall winner in the large city category. London in Bloom promotes gardening, horticulture and environmental sustainability across all of London’s boroughs and is a regional campaign of the national Britain in Bloom.

Brent’s entry, organised by Brent Council’s Parks Service,

Tuberculosis warning NHS Brent is reminding residents about tuberculosis (TB), which is present in Brent, but completely curable.

It is urging people to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and not to spit in the street because the disease is spread by inhaling tiny droplets of saliva from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Most children receive a TB vaccination before they start school, but some older residents may not have had one.

If you have a persistent cough, night sweats, tiredness or weight loss and are worried about TB, make an appointment to see your GP, visit www.brentpct.nhs.uk

Residents, Parks Service officers and Councillor James Powney at Mapesbury Dell.

was heralded for promoting to the wider community the benefits of gardening as a healthy pastime for people of all ages and experience. The NW2 Residents’ Association and Preston Primary Park School were cited as examples of communities and schools improving their local environment. Leopold Primary won a gold award in the schools’ garden competition.

Councillor James Powney, Lead Member for

Volunteer for Victim Support

Victim Support volunteers and staff

Victim Support Brent needs volunteers to help it support people affected by anti-social behaviour.

The charity offers a drop-in and appointment service for residents at its Stonebridge office to offer information, advice and practical help.

Email vs.brent@vslondon.org or call 020 8965 1141.

Environment and Culture, said: “I am delighted and proud of the results achieved

by Brent, and in particular the Parks Service, in the competition. Yet again Brent demonstrated outstanding levels of excellence in horticulture, whilst ensuring best practice in the sustainable ecological management of Brent’s wonderful parks, gardens and open spaces.”

Turn to page 11 for more on Brent’s parks.

Harlesden shows way forward Dance and drama were performed at a special event for a Harlesden community to celebrate its achievements.

The event, called the Way Forward, was held at the Church End and Roundwood Unity Centre and organised by Fortunegate Community Housing.

There was street dance, a children’s circus and presentations.

Zaz Zaffer and Ron Shillingford, picture by Colin Patterson

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UPdate

Get moving for free sports weekend A weekend of free sports activities to help challenge the stigma of mental illness is being held from 15-16 October.

Time to Get Moving is being organised by mental health charity Brent Mind in partnership with Brent Council’s Sport Service. It takes place on 15 October from 12noon-6pm at Charteris Sports Centre and Willesden Sports Centre, and on 16 October from 10am-4pm at

the Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre and at Vale Farm Leisure Centre.

Free group classes include the Latin dance exercise Zumba, body attack workout, yoga, belly-dancing, as well as swimming and other sports. The leisure centres will have stalls, a ‘living’ library, and information about mental health. It is part of the nationwide Time to Get Moving Week, which aims to

Sudbury Primary gets facelift A £7.1 million scheme to refurbish and expand Sudbury Primary School, in Watford Road, is now underway.

Work has started to create a new classroom block, library, music room, group learning areas, a hall and, by February 2011, a children’s centre.

A two-storey extension will accommodate a new hall, changing rooms, learning

tackle mental health discrimination. Brent Mind Chief Executive Daniel Cartwright said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get to know one another, break down the stigma around mental health and benefit from physical exercise.”

Activities are free but must be booked in advance, visit www.brentmind.org.uk or call 020 7604 5177.

Leroy Simpson

spaces for ICT, science, art therapy, meeting rooms and offices, while a striking circular building will house eight classrooms with an open learning area in the centre.

The work will increase pupil numbers at the school by an extra class in each year.

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

Great Brent talent Brent Summer University (BSU) ended in style with a showcase of young people’s talents.

The event featured cheerleaders, dance groups, DJs and taekwondo by more than

160 youngsters. BSU, run by Brent Council’s Youth and Connexions Service, was attended by more than 600 people who learned new skills over the summer months.

Taekwondo demonstration

Smruti and her design

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Time to get moving

Leroy’s team for Harlesden Harlesden Town Team has elected a team of people to lead redevelopment plans for the area.

Leroy Simpson is now chair of the team with Liz Carter vice-chair, Rupert Mikely is serving as secretary and Angela Clarke is vice-secretary. The Town Team are volunteers who have been working with an urban design firm to write the Harlesden Town Centre Charter, which sets out how Harlesden town centre can be redeveloped and improved by Brent Council.

Remember to register The council is reminding residents who have not yet registered to vote to do so.

Electoral registration forms were sent to households in August, but only 36 per cent of people have replied.

The council is now sending out reminders and will visit households who still fail to respond.

Returning the form means you can vote and it is a legal requirement to complete the form. The maximum fine for not doing so is £1,000.

The new register is published on 1 December. Forms will be accepted until 23 November.

Call 020 8937 1372 or email electoral.services@brent. gov.uk. Alternatively, visit www.brent.gov.uk/democracy

Road closure East Lane in Wembley is shutting to traffic during a weekend in October for works at North Wembley Station. The closure starts at 8pm on 16 October until 6am on 19 October. Closure signs will be placed at junctions on Watford Road and East Lane.

UPdate

Trustees wanted New trustees are needed to help run the Chalkhill Community Centre in Wembley.

Trustee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of a month from 5.30-7.30pm and people with legal, financial, business knowledge and computer skills are especially needed, email gloria.travers@chalkhill communitycentre.org or call 020 8385 1836.

New dance company A new dance company has been set up by Brent Council to bring together disabled and able-bodied dancers.

Brent Rising will dance at celebrations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Email education@candoco.co.uk or call Jennifer Irons on 020 7704 6845.

Mayor takes the green challenge Mayor of Brent Harbhajan Singh has joined a project to help the environment by reducing his energy use.

He joined Brent Going Green Challenge in which residents check their energy use as well as share energy saving tips through social media such as Twitter.

He now has a device at his home in Kenton to help him monitor how much electricity he is using.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ brentgoinggreen or email environment@brent.gov.uk

The mayor and energy monitor

Celebrities shine at Black History Month

Brent Council is celebrating Black History Month this month with 60 events including talks, films and appearances by celebrities.

The programme runs from 230 October with events in Brent libraries, Brent Museum and other venues in the borough.

Events include storytelling, music, history talks, poetry, exhibitions and children’s activities.

Highlights this year include former England footballer Luther Blissett in conversation, readings by authors Precious Williams and Monique Roffey,

Mandir inspires Team England Team England was welcomed at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir as the athletes prepare for the Commonwealth Games in India.

The athletes, who are competing in the Games in New Delhi this month, had a tour and learned about the sporting activities promoted at the Athletes at the temple

traditional Hindu temple. To mark its 15th anniversary the Neasden temple has also held community open days.

Gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu said: “I saw some amazing monuments in China but the temple is the most beautiful building I have seen.”

New voice for Brent A newly formed choir of Wembley residents has given its first ever live performance.

Brent Mixed Voices sang acapella renditions of ‘Let it Be’, ‘Every Breath You Take’ and a traditional African song at a centre in Wembley Park.

The group is rehearsing at Chalkhill Community Centre on Mondays from 7pm-8.30pm, call 020 8976 1099.

and appearances by ‘The Real McCoy’ star Felix Dexter and Malcolm Frederick of 1980s comedy ‘No Problem’. There will also be talks about reggae legend Bob Marley and Walter Tull – a black Army officer and footballer. The exhibition at Brent Museum ‘Fabric of a Nation’ opens in October and BANG FM will be hosting live shows hosted by Sherry Dixon with guests such as actor Rudolph Walker OBE (Patrick in EastEnders).Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ blackhistorymonth

Community advice day An information and advice day for members of Brent’s black and ethnic minority communities is on 30 October.

The event at Willesden Green Library Centre, from 11am-4pm, includes dropin and advice sessions from 11am-2pm from Brent Council’s Community Safety Team, education, legal and youth advisers and others.

There will also be information from the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust.

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BRENT COUNCIL PRESENTS A SPECTACULAR

FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER*, ROUNDWOOD PARK, HARLESDEN ROAD, NW10. GATES OPEN AT 6.45PM DISPLAY 8PM SHARP. CLOSE 9PM *SUNDAY 7 NOVEMBER if original event cancelled

LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME – THERE IS NO CAR PARK NEAREST TUBE STATIONS: NEASDEN, DOLLIS HILL, WILLESDEN GREEN & WILLESDEN JUNCTION BUSES: 52 98 206 226 297

ENJOY: CHANNEL ONE SOUND SYSTEM, HOT DOGS AND ICE-CREAM ON SALE AND CHILDREN’S RIDES

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT BRENT COUNCIL’S PARKS SERVICE ON 020 8937 5619 OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE ON WWW.BRENT.GOV.UK/PARKS

BE SAFE NOT SORRY! NO DOGS. NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS 8

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OCTOBER 2010

BRENTpeople

Blissett on Brent Football legend Luther Blissett made his name at Watford FC before becoming the first black footballer to score for England.

He is appearing at Black History Month in Brent. RACHEL GARDNER speaks to him.

What were you like at school?

I grew up on Furness Road in Harlesden from about eight onwards.

I enjoyed school for what it was there for - learning. My parents were always very keen that we did our best at school. But the most enjoyable part for me was definitely the sport; all the running, jumping and other physical stuff, like football. From where we lived you could hear the crowd from Wembley Stadium. When someone scored we would all run out into the street and celebrate.

How did you get involved with Watford Football Club?

I was still at school when I first got involved with Watford. I was in the fifth form at Willesden High School when a former Watford player, Paul Kitson, came back to the school one afternoon. He was chatting in the common room and told us about the open coaching session they were holding at RAF Stanmore. Seven or eight of us went down there, and that’s when it really started for me with Watford.

Did you always want to be a professional footballer?

It was a dream. Having seen the likes of George Best play turned me into a Manchester United supporter. I thought ‘I would like to do that as a job’. My mum was very supportive and always made sure I had football boots.

What would you have done if you hadn’t become a footballer?

I’m pretty certain I would have been a mechanic. I’ve always liked cars and across from Willesden High was a garage where I was lined-up to be an apprentice.

What was it like to score a hat-trick at Wembley on your first England start?

Playing for England was something very special and it was special because it was at Wembley. I have great memories of the place. As a child I used to go and watch the hurling there with Irish friends; that’s one of my first memories of the stadium. That night when I ended up scoring a hat-trick against Luxembourg was very special. It was never anything that I thought would happen. I never saw it coming for me. There were a few milestones crossed that night, as I became the first black player to score for England. But I wasn’t aware of any of that; all I wanted to do was play football. It was just a blessing for me.

Luther Blissett will be in conversation with Alex Pascall on 27 October from 7-9pm at Willesden Green Library Centre as part of Black History Month, visit www.brent.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth photograph courtesy of Alan Cozzi

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Applying for a Primary or Secondary School place Primary/Junior School • Closing date 15 January 2011 – apply online now Secondary school • Closing date 31 October 2010 – apply online now

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/admissions • It’s quick and easy • See the result of your application earlier • Instant acknowledgement of receipt, for your peace of mind • Ability to check and change details up to the closing date • Secure and confidential • Access the internet at your local library Parents requiring a paper form should contact Brent School Admissions Service on 020 8937 3110. If your child needs to start reception class, transfer to a junior school or transfer from Year 6 to a secondary school for September 2011, now is the time to apply. If you live in Brent, you need to apply to Brent Council regardless of whether the school is located in Brent or elsewhere. You can apply online or on a paper form. Some schools also require a supplementary information form (SIF). You can get a SIF directly from the school or download one from the school’s entry at www.brent.gov.uk/schools. Please check with each school whether a SIF is required. All SIFs must be returned directly to the school before the application deadline.

There will be two parent information sessions, where members of the Brent Council admissions team will help you complete forms and answer any questions you may have: Primary/Junior School admissions • Willesden Green Library Centre 6 January 2011, 5pm-7pm

Secondary School admissions • Willesden Green Library Centre 21 October 2010, 5pm-7pm

• Brent Town Hall 7 January 2011, 5pm-7pm

• Brent Town Hall 22 October 2010, 5pm-7pm

ALL IN Aday’s

work

Blooming marvellous Award-winning parks and open spaces are blooming thanks to Andy Atkins and Brent Council’s Parks Service.

Brent has 100 parks and open spaces.

They vary in size from small urban pocket ‘handkerchief’ parks to the grand splendour of Fryent Country park of 250 acres.

Andy, who is an Area Manager, is one of the team at Parks Services who helps to manage and maintain Brent’s green spaces.

He has more than 26 years’ experience having joined Brent Council as a trainee gardener in 1984. The first place he worked in was Church Lane Recreation Ground in Kingsbury, during which time he studied amenity horticulture at Norwood Hall in Southall to City and Guilds standard, and has since worked his way up the council.

“It is a wonderful job,” he says. “Each park has a different character. My area is the east of Brent and it has Victorian parks, recreation grounds and small open spaces.

They all provide contact with nature and a place for sport and recreation outdoors.”

As a manager Andy is proactive in his

contact with local residents, friends’ groups for parks and others, but is still involved in day-to-day works maintaining the parks. “I oversee the design and installation of Brent’s prize-winning spring and summer bedding displays. There are particularly good ones in Gladstone Park’s walled garden, next to the Stables Gallery. The form, colour and design have to be thought about. I try to make one area mirror another.”

He worked with residents on a project which transformed a run-down children’s playground in 2000 into today’s Mapesbury Dell near Cricklewood Broadway. “It is one of the places I’m most proud of. The dell is an outstanding green space which has rightly won national recognition. Residents were involved from the start to say what they wanted and how it should look. We’ve worked with them ever since.” The Mapesbury Dell Trust now has about 350

members and they help to maintain it.

Andrew and Parks Service is celebrating a successful year for Brent. The borough now has seven parks with a Green Flag. The awards are a national scheme and are given to open spaces which can show the highest environmental and horticultural standards. Secondly, Brent also did very well at this year’s London in Bloom awards.

The borough won six awards, including the overall winner in the large city category.

“The judging is done by experienced professionals so the standards are high. We have made a lot of progress and a lot of our success was down to the support of the residents’ groups, tenants’ associations, voluntary groups, business and others.”

For more information about parks visit www.brent.gov.uk/parks

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From 1 January 2011. Stick to the rules or get fined £120.

DON’T BLOCK THE BOX Brent Safer Roads www.brent.gov.uk

Advertise on Brent buses

There are over 90 vehicles available in Brent for advertising.

This is a great opportunity to promote your products or services and receive unparalleled local coverage and frequency.

Rates start at only £70 per bus for a six week campaign.

Call 020 8937 1097 or email advertising@brent.gov.uk

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OCTOBER 2010

Natural wonder Brent Museum is celebrating a special anniversary of the Welsh Harp in a new exhibition which captures its history and natural environment.

This year the Welsh Harp is 175 years old. To mark its special anniversary a new exhibition has opened at Brent Museum.

The show ‘175 Years of the Welsh Harp’ includes bird specimens from the Natural History Museum, fascinating objects, photographs and facts about the open space.

The exhibition has been curated by Hendon’s Church Farmhouse Museum and has taken pride of place in Brent Museum’s Community Gallery since it opened in September. It runs until the end of March 2011 at the museum in Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10.

The antique bird specimens, including a heron, kingfisher and reed warbler, are from the Natural History Museum.

There are also aerial photographs from the Canal Museum and objects from Brent Council’s very own Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, which is based right in the heart of the open space.

Brent Reservoir was built from 1834 to 1835 to provide water for the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal and was known as the Kingsbury Reservoir.

The area, which has around 340 acres of open water, marshes and grassland around it, was later renamed the Welsh Harp after an old coaching inn which once stood near to it. In the 1960s it was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its importance for wildlife.

The free exhibition aims to show not only the history of the Welsh Harp as a reservoir but also its importance as a sanctuary for wildlife, a venue for canoeing and sailing enthusiasts and a popular destination for walkers and picnickers alike.

“It’s extremely exciting to have a loan from a national museum coming to Brent Museum; we're very honoured,” explains Brent Museum’s Exhibition Officer, Briony Benge-Abbott. “I think visitors will love the Welsh Harp display, it paints a picture of the entire area and includes a few surprising facts that people may or may not know.”

For more about the exhibition, visit www.brent.gov.uk/archives call 020 8937 3600 or email museum@brent.gov.uk

Welsh harp has around 340 acres of open water, marshes and grassland and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its importance for wildlife.

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Lights on Brent Council and the local community are joining forces again for the amazing spectacle of Brent Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on 30 October.

Brent Diwali marks the start of the traditional New Year for the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, but the festival attracts people from all faiths and backgrounds. Diwali is one of the most important celebrations for those faith groups, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Attracting in excess of 50,000 people, Brent’s Diwali celebrations is one of the largest outside India. Diwali translates as ‘row of light’ and this festival incorporates the theme of light to treat audiences to one of the most visually spectacular parades in the UK.

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“We are honoured to work with a range of community groups who produce the fantastic floats and performers for the parade,” says Brent Council’s Festivals Manager Vashti Waite. “The Diwali parade is a stage for Brent’s community to present a breathtaking show, which tells the story of Diwali in an artistic and cultural way.”

Celebrations start in the afternoon at the Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir in Ealing Road, Wembley, and it will host a competition of traditional Indian dance during the day.

Artworks of the stunning Indian art form Rangoli will also be on display. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the public to get a close up view of the temple, which has taken more than ten years to complete and is made of richly carved stone from India.

One of the largest Diwali festivals outside India will be dazzling Brent this month and all are welcome to celebrate.

The magnificent parade with beautifully lit floats, costumed dancers and musicians will make its way through the streets.

Revellers will able to sample the delights of Ealing Road, home to some of the best Indian cuisine in London and even take pleasure visiting the stunning sari shops.

The parade will culminate at the award-winning Barham Park with a fun fair and awe-inspiring fireworks and laser shows lighting up the night sky.

Brent Council is working with Asda and our principal sponsor Lebara Mobile to deliver Brent Diwali 2010 on 30 October.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/diwali for more on Brent Diwali 2010.

Below: Revellers at last year’s Diwali celebrations.

GreenPages WWW.BRENT.GOV.UK/RECYCLING

OCTOBER 2010

for Brent

Rubbish or resource?

Have your say about the future of waste and recycling in Brent.

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

What’s our waste worth?

Historically, we have relied on landfill as the main means of disposing of our waste. In future sending waste to landfill should be the last resort.

The council has invested heavily in recycling and composting in recent years.

The recycling and composting rate has risen from 6 per cent in 2003/04 to over 28 per cent in 2009/10.

In 2009/10 Brent residents generated nearly 106,000 tonnes of waste of which 75,000 tonnes ended up in landfill, costing the tax payer nearly £9million. The waste that we send to landfill is taxed. This tax currently costs £48 per tonne and is set to reach £80 per tonne by 2014/15.

We cannot continue to meet this cost.

We must make better use of our waste.

This draft household waste collection strategy 2010-15 sets ambitious targets

020 8937 5050

for the council. The targets in this strategy can be met but only if everyone understands that waste is a resource and that waste management is a shared responsibility between the council and residents.

The council is consulting on plans to improve household waste management. You are invited to take part in the consultation by completing this questionnaire. The questionnaire is also available online at www.brent.gov.uk/consultation. Full details on the consultation and the strategy documents are available at www.brent.gov.uk/waste. or email wastestrategy.consultation@brent.gov. uk or by phone on the number below.

www.brent.gov.uk/waste

Kerbside recycling scheme The council is committed to providing a weekly collection service with different types of waste collected on different frequencies.

The council is proposing to introduce a new and improved kerbside recycling scheme to deliver better coordinated services on the ground and higher recycling and composting rates.

• The existing green box will be replaced with a new and bigger container.

Additional materials will also be collected for recycling such as: cardboard, mixed plastic containers and Tetra Pak. • The existing organic waste service will be maintained and remaining households currently not served by this scheme will receive a new container to separate food waste.

1

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the proposed waste collection service?

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly disagree

The new and bigger recycling bin and the new food waste collection scheme will help me reduce the amount of waste that I send to landfill

In order to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill, only the waste that fits in the grey bin should be taken

The council should explore opportunities to reward residents who recycle regularly and without contamination

• Residents will continue to use their grey bin for any remaining waste that cannot be recycled.

Flats • The council is proposing to extend the existing flats recycling scheme by introducing a new and more convenient mixed recycling service.

The new recycling service is designed to encourage residents to recycle more materials more often. In addition new materials will also be accepted for recycling, such as mixed plastics and Tetra Pak. Suitable blocks of flats will also receive a new communal food waste collection service.

There will be no change to the collection arrangements for waste that cannot be recycled.

2

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements on the new recycling service for blocks of flats?

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly disagree

The new recycling service will reduce the time and effort required to recycle as one bin will accept all the materials that I can recycle

The introduction of new materials for recycling will allow me to send less waste to landfill

The introduction of the new food waste collection scheme for suitable blocks of flats will improve my local area

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

Waste minimisation • The council intends increasing waste minimisation opportunities for residents. Reducing the amount of waste that we send to landfill is the council’s main priority.

3

Can you think of any good examples of reducing waste that the council should consider?

The Waste Collection Strategy • Please use this space for other comments you may have on the waste strategy.

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Your comments

604BDU 09.10

About you • To ensure we are meeting the needs of all our residents, we are asking questions about you because we want to ensure we are welcoming all members of our diverse community. You do not have to answer these questions but we hope you will. It will help us improve our services.

All information will be kept strictly confidential. This information helps us to provide better services.

GreenPages

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Are you…?

Male Female What is your age group?

Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

Which one of these groups do you feel you belong to?

Asian Indian Asian Pakistani Asian Bangladeshi Asian Other Black African Black Caribbean Black Other Chinese Mixed White and Asian Mixed White and Black African Mixed White and Black Caribbean Mixed Other White British White Irish White Other Other Ethnic Group

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

The brilliant textile designs of west Africa go on display in October at a special exhibition at Brent Museum.

A vibrant exhibition which has toured around the country arrives in the borough this month.

Fabric of a Nation explores the use of printed cloths and their designs as expressions of cultural, social and political identity in modern Ghana. The exhibition is made up of textiles from the British Museum where it first opened in 2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of the west African country’s establishment and its independence.

The beautiful printed textiles are important to daily life in Ghana. Printed cloths are worn by people of all ages and they are sometimes used to put across messages, for example around health campaigns, or carry a Ghanian proverb such as ‘Weni behu naaso w’ano enntumin nnka’ or ‘Your eyes can see, but your mouth cannot say’.

The exhibition explores the origins and techniques used in their production and importance to the economy, which underpins trade, commerce and retail networks.

Typically, the cloths are printed by using wax and dye to form the patterns, designs and shapes. Other cloths are printed with a different technique known as ‘fancy prints’ in which they are printed on one side engraved by rollers or printings screens.

To complement the new exhibition, Brent Museum ran community workshops which explored the lives of people from the African community living in

To complement the exhibition, Brent Museum ran community workshops which explored the lives of people from the African community living in Brent.

Brent. They collected objects and stories and were involved in creating a fabric artwork with the artist Seiwa Cunningham using traditional and contemporary printing methods. This work will also be on display and will be added to the museum’s collections as a way of celebrating the life of people of African descent in today’s Brent.

Brent Museum will host the exhibition from 21 October until 27 February 2011.

There will be a family launch from 4.305.30pm on 20 October at Brent Museum in Willesden Green Library Centre with children’s craft and art activities and an official launch from 6-8pm that day.

To attend the opening events call 020 8937 3600 email museum@brent.gov.uk or visit www.brent .gov.uk/museum for more on the exhibition.

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Brent Our Future 2010 – 2014

Our absolute commitment to making the lives of local people better and to concentrating our services to protect the poorest and most vulnerable‌

It is with immense pride and excitement that I introduce the summary of our borough strategy, Brent – Our Future, 2010-2014. During the election campaign we promised that our administration would be ambitious, responsible, prudent and fair.

This strategy encapsulates that approach.

Despite the extraordinary nature of the times and the unprecedented cuts in public funding we remain true to our ambitions, to our fundamental belief in the value of public service, our absolute commitment to making the lives of local people better and to concentrating our services to protect the poorest and most vulnerable.

This strategy commits the council and its partners to an unashamedly reforming agenda for the services we provide, taking bold and decisive action to improve and renew our service offer and effect major improvements to the physical environment.

We will remain true to green beliefs using our tenure in office to make real and lasting change which benefit future generations.

We know that over the next four years we are going to have to deliver council services in a much smarter fashion, taking cost out of how we do things and make efficiencies to protect the taxpayer.

However, everything we set out to do is clearly set in the context of improvement of what we do now and providing us with a secure platform for success when the financial circumstances improve.

This strategy combines the practical with the daring, and solid delivery with hope. We aim to be the very best place in London to live and work.

This strategy is aimed at getting us there.

Cllr Ann John Leader of the Council

www.brent.gov.uk

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One Borough

One Community

Driving economic opportunity and regeneration

Greater access to affordable housing

Reducing unemployment and low incomes

Brent has great potential for economic regeneration and investment, and we are ideally placed to promote Brent as a business and investment destination.

We will: I develop the new Civic Centre, providing a unique public access building I improve Willesden Green Library Centre, providing more community facilities I create three further multi-use contact points across the borough I work with the private sector to create opportunities for retail, environmental business, and housing improvements in South Kilburn and Harlesden I work with residents to redesign local housing and make better use of open spaces along the North Circular Road.

We know housing in Brent is in short supply and costs well above the London average, making it hard for many to afford suitable homes. We will: I provide 4,500 new homes by 2014, with half being affordable housing I ensure that 25 per cent of all new build properties are suitable for families I reduce the numbers in temporary accommodation I work with private landlords to improve rented accommodation and bring unused property back into use.

Brent is one of the country’s most deprived areas, with many individuals and families financially vulnerable or living in poverty. We will: I focus on those who have been out of work longest, providing the right skills and experience to gain employment, and provide specialist support to those with a disability I aim to reduce the numbers claiming out of work benefits while raising income levels.

Protecting our environment Our regeneration plans are within areas that have good public transport access and can accommodate growth, while protecting the quality of our environment for the future. We will: I increase recycling and composting to 60 per cent by 2014 I collect bulky waste free of charge and encourage reuse and recycling of items I support drivers who choose cars with lower emission levels I improve the wardens service and develop new sports and physical activities I reduce our CO2 emissions by 25 per cent by 2014.

Increasing sports, leisure and culture facilities Many are unable to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of an active life style due to the lack of local facilities. We will: I promote the aims of our Sports and Physical Activity Strategy to increase the numbers taking regular exercise I review our library service, to create a network of modern libraries I work to provide a third swimming pool in the north of Brent and to improve the centre at Bridge Park I use the Cultural Strategy to provide better venues and attract more funding for cultural activities.

Supporting children and families Our young people are now among the capital’s top performers and their achievements have improved dramatically in the past decade. We will: I support children who find it most difficult to succeed educationally I work with looked after children, and those with special educational needs or disabilities, to help them achieve their potential I aim to build at least one new high school and one new primary school, while expanding existing capacity I invest in early years services and increase access to childcare.

Our challenge is to support those children that find it most difficult to succeed educationally, either because they need extra assistance with learning or because the circumstances of their lives are difficult.

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One Council Enabling young people to thrive

Engaging with residents

Brent has a young population with 23 per cent under 19. They have been badly affected by the economic recession and we are working to redress this. We will: I develop neighbourhood projects that tackle a lack of activities for young people I review our youth service provision to ensure that relevant and engaging activities take place across the whole borough I work with young people to improve our dedicated website, Bmyvoice.

We recognise the importance of engaging, consulting and involving our residents in all aspects of what we do. We will: I continue to distribute The Brent Magazine to households monthly I focus on councillors working in their communities through Ward Working I put more services onto our website so residents can get the response they need at a time convenient to them I encourage residents to take part in overview and scrutiny panels.

Greater personal choice and independence for adults Many will require some kind of additional care during their lives. We will: I encourage more of our social care clients to use direct payments I improve buildings and facilities for our day care and residential homes I review our charging policy to ensure it is fair I streamline our assessment process I work with the health sector to reduce the number where transfers from hospital are delayed.

Address health inequalities

I

Due to inequalities in health and wellbeing in our most deprived areas, people who live in Northwick Park can expect to live 11 years longer than someone in Harlesden. We will: I focus on improving the wider issues that impact on health while supporting people to adopt a healthier life style I plan and design policies that will make it easier to include exercise in daily life I aim to reduce smoking through practical help and advice encourage residents to take up free routine screening and immunisation.

Reducing crime and the fear of crime Protecting the public from crime is one of our highest priorities. We have achieved an overall decrease in crime by 20 per cent in recent years, but there are parts of the borough where crime is a concern. We will: I engage with communities to reduce gun crime I work with the police on preventative programmes in schools I support domestic violence victims to escape from violent situations I work with Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) to reduce residential burglary I lobby local newspapers to stop the advertising of sex services and promote charities that help women leave prostitution.

Improving efficiency and services We have introduced our One Council programme to reduce council operating costs and deliver savings while minimising the impact on front line services. We will: I redesign our customer contact arrangements to resolve more enquiries and requests on first contact I work with our public and voluntary sector partners to identify how we can make best use of public spending I set a target for 90 per cent of residents to be satisfied with their area as a place to live and 85 per cent to be happy with how the council works I become a smaller but more effective organisation, focused on responding to residents’ needs.

By ensuring that their involvement can make a difference to the place they live we aim to encourage residents to participate in the democratic life of Brent.

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Making the pennies count 2009 – 2010 As a council we strive to deliver excellent services for the local community which represent value for money. In March 2010 we sent a leaflet with your council tax bill letting you know what we plan to spend in the year ahead and how we plan to pay for it. Now we are able to look back at the last financial year (1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010) and tell you how much we spent, how it was paid for and how much the council is worth.

These services were paid for with £470.392 million of income received from what you paid in council tax, money paid by businesses and from central government grants.

General government grant £30.397m (money from the government)

Area based grants £16.405m Council tax income £102.338m

Last year the council spent money across three broad areas: I I I

a wide range of services for residents of the borough providing council housing undertaking works to assets such as schools, highways and other buildings.

What we spent on services to residents in 2009/10 We provide a range of services for residents from sweeping the streets and collecting your rubbish, to making sure there are libraries, a park you can walk your dog in, and support for older people or those with disabilities. Some of these services are provided on our own and others through partnerships with other organisations such as the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, the Health Service and the voluntary sector.

Last year we spent £470.392 million on services for residents.

Total 2009/10 Net Spending £470.392m Environmental £29.198m Adult social care £87.040m Children’s social services £41.129m

Housing £22.144m (not council housing) Highways, roads & transport £16.930m Cultural services £21.612m Planning & Development £9.472m

Dedicated School’s Grant £189.555m Total 2009/10 Net Funding: £470.392m

Paying for the Greater London Authority Your council tax also pays for services provided by the Greater London Authority (GLA) such as police, fire and transport. In 2009/10 the council collected £131.857 million in council tax, of which £29.519 million paid for GLA services.

What we spent on council housing Council housing is important for many Brent residents. Last year: I I

we managed 9,238 homes we spent £55.156m on providing council housing.

The money we spent on providing housing is paid for from rents and charges (about 82 per cent or £45 million) and central government subsidy, not from council tax.

Total 2009/10 Spending on Council Housing £55.156m Money we set aside for the decline in the value of homes £7.623m

Other £40.395m

Central services £37.046m

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OCTOBER 2010

Repairs and maintenance £9.247m Rent & rates £3.345m

Education services £165.426m Interest on the money borrowed to build homes £20.220m

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National non domestic rates £131.697m

Supervision & management £14.721m

Spending on the borough’s assets The council spent £134.573 million on assets in 2009/10. We spent the money on the council’s own assets such as schools, roads, council houses, parks and leisure centres.

Total 2009/10 capital expenditure by service area £134.573m

Of the £134.573 million spent, about £13.697 million was paid for by borrowing and £47.568 million from government grants.

The rest of the money came from selling council assets, specific reserves and from other sources such as contributions by developers. The main services to benefit from capital works were:

Regeneration projects and central items £15.885m

Housing & Adult Care £36.647m

Children and Families £58.749m

Environment & Culture £23.292m

What is the council worth?

The council’s assets were worth £1,633.5 million at 31 March 2010.

What the council owns or is owed (assets) FIXED ASSETS Council dwellings

£717.9m

Other land and buildings

£545.1m

Vehicles, plants, furniture and equipment

£24.9m

Infrastructure and intangible assets

£142.9m

Non operational assets

£30.5m

Amount owed to us by other people/organisations

£76.4m

The amount we hold in investments

£68.9m

Other assets we hold such as stock

£26.9m

Total we own and are owed

£1,633.5m

Customer services switchboard Anti-Social Behaviour Team Brent Register Office Committee meetings Councillor surgeries Council tax Business rates Emergencies (24 hour service) Environment Pest control Recycling and refuse collection Abandoned vehicles Noise service out of hours Housing Eviction advice Housing advice Housing benefit Libraries Planning Sports Service

020 8937 2772 020 8937 2787 020 8937 1800 020 8937 3144 020 8937 5210 020 8937 3707

Recycling and refuse collection

020 8937 5050

020 8937 1200 020 8733 3932 020 8937 1010 020 8937 1366 020 8937 1200 020 8937 1790 020 8937 1525 020 8937 1234

020 8937 5252 020 8937 5050 020 8937 5050 020 8937 5252 020 8937 1234

Making the pennies count 2009 – 2010 Was this finance section useful?

The council’s carbon footprint The council measures and improves its carbon footprint through its Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan which was reviewed and re-adopted by the Executive in October 2009. The council’s carbon dioxide emissions totalled 39,222 tonnes in 2008/09 with the main emission sources being schools (47 per cent), council buildings (22 per cent) and street lighting (17 per cent).

The council is driving energy efficiency upgrades in its buildings, the new civic centre and in schools. There are also a number of behaviour

Useful contacts

change projects for staff including the Green Champions Network and the 10:10 Campaign.

From April 2009 the government introduced a new national performance indicator for carbon dioxide reductions from local authority operations. The council has measured its baseline and will monitor its performance against this. The council is also taking part in the government’s mandatory Carbon Reduction Commitment, which could see local authorities council financially rewarded or penalised, based on performance.

Was there any information that we didn’t include that you would like to see, or something that we said that you didn’t think was important?

If so, Clive Heaphy, Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, would like to know. You can contact him at clive.heaphy@brent.gov.uk or write to him at Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 9HD. If you want to know more a copy of the council’s full accounts is available in your local library, through the One Stop Service or at www.brent.gov.uk/accounts

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DO YOU OWN AN EMPTY PROPERTY IN BRENT?

Why not

CONVERT your empty property into ££££?

Ask about GRANTS to bring your empty property back in to use and how you can receive generous rental income.

Call 020 8937 2535/2539/2777 Visit www.brent.gov.uk/emptyproperties Email empty.property@brent.gov.uk

Calling all landlords!!!

We want your one, two or three bedroom properties to let.

Benefits include: • we find a tenant for you • incentive payments • free membership of Brent Landlord Group • deposit / rent guarantee scheme available

Golden Properties

TO LET

TO LET

ORANGE PROPERTIES

BRENT PROPERTIES

HINGIS & PARTNERS

TO LET

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G&K

PROPERTIES

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BRENT PROPERTIES

TO LET SHADOW PROPERTIES

Contact 020 8937 2777 Visit www.brent.gov.uk/rwb

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TO LET CORNWALL PROPERTIES

SECREThistory

People’s housing London faced a housing crisis in 1945. The destruction of World War Two had left many waiting for a home.

The government’s answer was prefabricated housing or ‘prefabs’. The prefabs were factory made buildings. By 1949, more than 156,000 had been built across the country. Locally, prefabs went up across what is today Brent, and Willesden District Council and Wembley District Council – the predecessors to Brent Council – placed people in them from their growing housing waiting lists.

From prefabs to modern flats, some residents have been living in council housing for almost 70 years.

Two of those people were Jean Thomas and Eileen Evans who were young married women with children. In 1946 they were offered prefabs in Kendal Road, Cricklewood, next to Gladstone Park. Eileen moved into number 37 and Jean to 52.

“The prefabs were built by Italian POWs right after the war,” said Eileen. “I’d had my name down on the list for a while.

You’d go to Willesden Town Hall in Dyne Road to see Mrs Evans in the Housing Department and she’d say how far up the waiting list you were. Prefabs were fantastic. They had a garden, coal fire and two bedrooms.”

Prefabs in Pilgrim’s Way Estate, Wembley. Picture from Brent Archives. Below, Eileen and Jean.

“The kitchen had a cooker, boiler and a fridge, which was a luxury for many people then,” Jean said. “They had one floor but were very warm and cosy.”

Their prefabs were maintained by the council. “The council rent collector was a Mr Palmer,” said Eileen. “The weekly rent was 14 shillings and he came on a Wednesday.”

In 1959 the prefabs were torn down to return the area to the park. Jean and Eileen moved to the council’s Summit Court in Cricklewood. “The views were lovely, but you were high up”, said Jean. “My children liked the flats but for me and my husband it took a little time to get used to.”

Eileen and Jean still live in Summit Court. The homes are run by Brent Housing Partnership, set up by Brent Council in 2003 to manage its housing.

This year the flats were refurbished.

Brent Archives is recording the history of prefab homes in the borough, if you have memories you want to share call 020 8937 3541.

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Brent Black and Minority Ethnic Consultative Forum You can make a difference The Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Consultative Forum gives you the chance to have your say.

This is an opportunity for you to meet with your councillors and discuss the things that are important to you. You will also hear from experts on a range of topics.

The BME Consultative Forum will be covering the following topics in future meetings: Tuesday 30 November 2010 The Olympics: opportunities for Brent’s BME community Wednesday 16 February 2011 Young people and the criminal justice system Wednesday 2 March 2011 Health and wellbeing for Brent’s BME community (TBC)

Photo: John Birdsall / PA Photos

(Please note that these dates are subject to confirmation, so do confirm the dates when you book)

The meetings are open to all and will be held in Committee Rooms 1,2 & 3, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD 7.30pm until 9.30pm (Registration begins at 7pm) For more information contact Jennifer Laurent-Smart on 020 8937 1623.

Would you like to join the steering group?

The BME steering group consists of representatives from the community. They are responsible for setting Forum meetings agenda, raising and/or responding to issues and concerns, and making representations and recommendations to Council Committees concerning the needs of BME communities.

If you would like to become involved contact Jennifer Laurent-Smart as above.

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:

Who are England playing at Wembley on 12 October?

Send or email your answers to Wembley Stadium competition at the address below. For information on event times visit: www.wembleystadium.com/events

Wembley Stadium Event Calendar 12 October 16 October 31 October 17 November 26 December

Event starts

Euro 2012 Qualifier: England v Montenegro TBC Heineken Cup Saracens v Leinster 5.45pm NFL Denver Broncos v San Francisco 49ers 5pm England v France 8pm AVIVA Premiership Saracens v Wasps 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.

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 tickets for the Tricycle’s great new play It’s midsummer’s weekend in Edinburgh. It’s raining. Two thirtysomethings are sitting in a bar in New Town in Edinburgh waiting for something to turn up. He’s a failing car salesman; she’s a high-powered divorce lawyer, they absolutely should not sleep together, ever, ever, which is why they do.

‘Midsummer’ (a play with songs) by David Greig and Gordon McIntyre has been called “exhilarating” by The Guardian and it will be on at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn from 29 November to 29 January 2011.

The Brent Magazine has teamed up with the Tricycle to offer two pairs of tickets to this exhilarating new play. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question:

Which area in Edinburgh is the play Midsummer set in?

If you are not lucky enough to win, read more about the play and performances at www.tricycle.co.uk Picture by Euan Myles

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 15 October.

Last month’s winners Wembley Stadium: Vit Bruza, Cynthia Chellar, Marie Comerford, Gunjan Aneja Jon Scott: Yousuf Ali, Mrs O Perren, Gayatri Manek, Tesse Akpeki, Vyvien Baker OCTOBER 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 October 2010. To get your event listed email tbm@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 1068.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BRENT COUNCIL Throughout Oct storytelling, poetry, music, history exhibitions and children’s activities at Brent’s libraries featuring Felix Dexter, Monique Roffey, Precious Williams, Larry Achike and others 020 8937 3144 PARK LANE METHODIST CHURCH 23 Oct 3pm-8.30pm worship, guest speakers, gospel choir, food; adults £5.00 under 16s £2.50 Park Lane, Wembley 020 8902 1426 www.parklanemethodist .org.uk

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 07903638817 DOWN SYNDROME TIGER CUBS Thurs 5pm-6pm football coaching run by QPR, Woodfield School Genwood Avenue, NW9 020 8740 2585 07815 670 806

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, 1pm-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 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 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 Felix Dexter See: Black History Month

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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 PIONEER EXPLORER SCOUTS Weds 7.30-9.30pm 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 7.15pm-9.30pm Sea Cadets; Mons and Fris 7.15pm-9.30pm 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 SOCCER TRAINING Fris 6pm-8pm, for children, first session free Capital City Academy NW10 mdipaola@ cyworks.co.uk SPLASH FOOTBALL Sats 10am-12pm, ages 5-15. 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 AND HARROW NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WIDOWS 12 Oct 7.30pm meal out at Barracuda restaurant in Harrow; 26 Oct 8pm discussion about your favourite books, call Rhona 76 Marlborough Hill, Harrow 020 8969 3198 BRENT PENSIONERS FORUM 6 Oct 10am-12noon Brent Town Hall HOLY INNOCENTS CHURCH 6 Nov 7.30pm an evening of ‘Rhapsody’, open to parish members and the local community; proceeds to be shared between the church and Brent Samaritans. Tickets £7, including drinks, Holy Innocents Church, Kingsbury 020 8204 7531 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 WOMEN’S POETRY 1 Oct 4pm Poetry and Empowerment Harlesden Library Plus, High Street, NW10; 20 Oct 7pm poetry group led by Ursula Troche The Hub, All Souls Church Hall, Station Road, Harlesden 07896 366 485 ursula troche@yahoo.co.uk

OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUP Tues 11am-12.30pm The Gallery, Willesden Green Library 020 8452 8739 ST LUKE’S HOSPICE 2 Oct 7pm St Luke’s Stars talent show featuring ballet, Bollywood dancing, young musicians, jazz band £9 adults £6 under 16s, Claremont High School, Kenton; 8 Oct 7pm charity auction signed England football, Liverpool and Spurs tops and more to be auctioned; Peaches Bar Kenton Road; 020 8907 7518 www.peachesbar.com 16 Oct 7pm murder mystery night at Marlborough Middle School, Harrow Weald. £12.50; 28 Oct 7.45pm Starbucks Halloween quiz night £10 and includes Starbucks’ tea, coffee and cakes 020 8382 8063 mvaghji@stlukes -hospice.org WEMBLEY NATIONAL TRUST 3rd Thurs of month, 8pm-10pm Sudbury Neighbourhood Centre 809 Harrow Road, Wembley 020 8904 5940 WILLESDEN GREEN WRITERS GROUP Thurs 8pm-10pm Willesden Green Library Centre ww.willesden greenwriters.com WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NORTH WEST LONDON 7 Oct 7.30pm upstairs North London Tavern, 375 Kilburn High Road NW6 nwlwi@hotmail.com

DANCE ADULT BEGINNERS BALLET COURSE Until 8 Dec (no class 27 Oct) Weds 6.30pm7.30pm level 1, 7.30pm8.30pm level 2 The Corrib Rest, 76-80 Salusbury Rd, NW6 6PA 07956 260 108 www. balletforyou.co.uk ADULT STREET DANCE Tues, 7.30pm-8.30pm, £5.15 New Bridge Park Centre, Stonebridge 020 8937 3730 BALLROOM AND LATIN Mons 7.30pm-11pm Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane Wembley 020 8855 6868

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 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 £8 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 £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 Mons 6.30pm-7.30pm Salsasize dance and exercise £4 Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836 SELF EXPRESSIVE DANCE Tues 8pm-9.30pm, £7.50, Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane 020 8205 6751 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 TEA DANCE Mons, Weds 1.30pm4.30pm £4 Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane Wembley 020 8937 6206 Fris 2pm-4.30 pm Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836

TIMEout DRAMA CHAMELEONS Mons and Thurs 8pm, amateur dramatics Neasden Methodist Church, NW10 07968 965 038 DRAMA WORKHOUSE Sats Saturday Crew workshop for children 1pm2pm 7-9 years; 2pm-3pm 10-12 years; 4pm-6pm 13-18 years; 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 EAST LANE THEATRE CLUB 4-6 10-13 Nov 7.45pm ‘Laying the Ghost’ by Simon Williams East Lane Theatre in Vale Farm, Wembley £9 box sffice 07762 622 215 MADHATTERS Weds 8pm amateur dramatics, Stables Arts Centre, Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane.

020 8452 5239

ENVIRONMENT FRIENDS OF THE EARTH 12 Oct 7.30pm Willesden Trades and Labour Hall 375 High Road Willesden NW10 info@brentfoe .com 07793 244 408 KINGSBURY WALKERS Weds 1.55pm, Meet Bush Farm, Slough Lane and Salmon Street junction.

020 8907 2836

EXHIBITIONS ARTISAN

6-30 Oct Tues-Sat 10am5pm ‘Homeworks Pop Up’ exhibition of handcrafted items by four women from Queen’s Park; 80 Harlesden Road, NW10 020 8451 6315 BRENT ARTISTS REGISTER Until 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; 19 Oct-12 Nov paintings

by Gisela Schutt, Willesden Green Library Centre 020 8459 1421 info@brentartists resource.org.uk

BRENT MUSEUM 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 24 Oct Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Diana Taylor ‘Climbing, Falling’ paintings. Anglican Chapel Kensal Green Cemetery, Harrow Road W10 07903 524 968

LEARNING MIDDLESEX ITEC GCSE tuition in maths, English, science for 14-19 years at Middlesex ITEC 020 900 0505 READING GROUP Tues 10.30am-12.30am free weekly shared reading group, 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 TAMIL READING GROUP Last Sat of month 2.30pm-4.30pm Tamil literature, language and culture with guest speakers; Willesden Green Library Centre NW10 020 8937 3400 yamuna.tharmendiran @brent.gov.uk UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE Courses, talks and workshops 020 8933 7558 www.brentu3a.org.uk WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY CENTRE 1 Oct 7pm-8pm Birkbeck College lecturer Anna Hartnell discusses Toni Morrison’s novel ‘Beloved’ based on the true story of an escaped slave; Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3420 WORKERS EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION Thurs 10am classes held in coffee lounge at St John’s Church Wembley, entrance via gate in Harrow Road 020 8904 5940

LOCAL HISTORY WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 15 Oct 7.30pm ‘Gilbert and Sullivan: Their Lives and Music’ a talk by Robert Lowe St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane NW9 020 8205 3263

WILLESDEN LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY 20 Oct 7.30pm ‘Neasden’ Len Snow discusses a fascinating area of Willesden, Scout House, Strode Road NW10 020 8965 7230 cliffwadsworth@ btinternet.com

MUSIC GUITAR CLASS 16 Oct 1.30pm-4.45pm Cameron Pierre’s guitar master class; education, networking, question and answers and music, £15 Lexi Cinema NW10. To book call 0871 704 206 or contact Tru Xperience on 07404 191 687 true-experience @live.co.uk KINGSBURY AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY 27-30 Oct ‘Act Your Age’ a musical farce by Christopher Wortley KAOS Theatre, Kingsbury High School NW9 box office 0845 020 4240 www.kaosonline.org KAOS is always looking for new members, rehearsals are Mons at Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive call Mike Stevens 020 8959 7468 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 WOS 10-13 Nov ’42 Street’ Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip box office 07983 103 444 peterday4@aol.com

MEETINGS BRENT COUNCIL AREA CONSULTATIVE FORUMS 5 Oct 7pm Kilburn and Kensal, Queen’s Park Community School Aylestone Avenue, NW6; 19 Oct 7pm Kingsbury and Kenton Kingsbury High School Princes Avenue NW9; 20 Oct 7pm Wembley Patidar House, Wembley 020 8937 1055 consultation@ brent.gov.uk

SPORTS & LEISURE WU SHU KWAN Chinese kickboxing. Sats 3-5pm, Willesden Sports Centre,Donnington Rd, NW10 07835 244 398 www.wushukwan.com 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, The Lady House, Hay Lane Kingsbury, book in advance Di Hurley 07958 140 003 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 7pm-8pm, Willesden Sport Centre www.queenspark harriers.org.uk SHORINJI KEMPO MARTIAL ART Tues 8pm-9.30pm Church of Ascension, The Avenue, Wembley; Fris 7.30-9pm at St Erconwald’s Church Hall, 112 Carlton Avenue East, Wembley 07404 039 087

SUDBURY COURT BADMINTON CLUB Thurs 8pm-10pm, The Mall, Kingsbury 020 8904 6698 SUDBURY COURT RUNNING CLUB Tues 7.20pm, Thurs 7.20pm (1st Tues of month for beginners) meet at Wembley and Sudbury Tennis and Squash Club, Sylvester Road, Wembley; social runs and group runs www.sudburycourt .org.uk 020 8904 8814 TAEKWONDO Mons 7pm-9pm, Sat 10am-11am Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane Kingsbury 07799 546 428 TAI CHI Tues 10am-11.30am all levels 10-week course £40, concs £12.50 BACES 3 Madison House 24-28 London Road Wembley 020 8795 3977 Tues, 6.30pm-8pm beginners, 8.30pm-9pm advanced, St Anne’s hall, 125 Salusbury Rd, NW6 07939 043 580 Weds, 1.30pm-2.30pm, £2 over 55s, beginners, gentle movements (health questionnaire must be completed first) Fitness First, Kingsbury 07957 185 367 TAEKWONDO Tues 6pm-9pm, Thurs 6-7.30pm, Ealing Road Methodist Church 07832 447 763 Mons 6.30pm-8pm, Weds 6.30-8pm, Cardinal Hinsley School NW10 07832 447 763

VISUAL ARTS ART CLASS Until 30 Nov with halfterm 26 Oct 7pm-9pm; tuition in drawing and painting in any water-based materials, working from objects or organic still life, portrait drawing and painting welcome £24 concs or £28 full, all levels from 16yrs students provide own materials mstreherne@gn.apc.org 020 8141 6367 (after 12 noon) Larry Achike (left) See: Black History Month

OCTOBER 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

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