UPdate
New memorial honours civilian war dead A new memorial dedicated to Willesden’s civilians killed by aerial bombing during the Second World War has been unveiled by Brent Council. Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan joined relatives of those who died at an official ceremony in Willesden New Cemetery in Franklyn Road to mark the unveiling. It lists 230 civilians who were killed during the air raids. Their names were not on an existing memorial put up by the old Willesden Urban District Council to the 73 people killed in the raids and buried by the then council because they had no relatives to help arrange funerals. The two memorials now stand next to each other in the cemetery.
The new memorial was dedicated and blessed by vicar of St Mary’s Church Reverend David Clues, who is also a Brent councillor. Brent Council’s Director of Cemeteries Bob Langford, who led the project to create a new memorial, also attended the ceremony. It lists the names and ages of those who died – including a family of six people. “The memorial is unique. No other London borough has such a comprehensive and detailed memorial to civilians who died from the air raids. Including the ages of those killed makes the memorial more poignant and meaningful. We should also remember the brave people who volunteered to help and rescue others from
Left to right, Sylvia Davis, Shelia Gould, Andrew Gould, Bob Langford, Cliff Wadsworth and Councillor Jim O’Sullivan.
collapsed buildings such as the ARP wardens, police, and medical workers,” said Councillor Jim O’Sullivan. Willesden was heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe because of its concentration of industry, rail, and roads and came under sustained attack in 1940 and 1944. The new memorial, designed by
Football fun day
Our day with the Duchess
A football academy day featuring a tournament, prizes, and training led by FA coaches will be held on 16 January, from 10am-1pm. The free event, organised by Splash Football Academy, will be at Claremont High School in Kenton and will be attended by the Mayor of Brent. Call Michael Randall on 07863 165 737.
A family from Brent were delighted to meet the Duchess of Cornwall when she visited the Freeman Family Centre in Harlesden. Celeste Masoudi and three of his children greeted Her Royal Highness at the centre in Longstone Avenue. She was visiting as president of Barnardo’s which runs the centre in partnership with Brent Council.
Mr Masoudi, who originally comes from Congo, spoke to the royal visitor who also met his children Benita, Jonathon and Emmanuel; his other son David could not be there. The Masoudis were among other families and parents to meet the Duchess; she also met centre staff and Brent Council officers before a plaque and Cornish flag was unveiled in her honour.
Say on parks Local people have until 22 January to give their views on the future of Brent’s parks and green spaces. Residents’ opinions will help shape Brent Council’s new strategy for 2010-2015 which looks at parks, sports areas, open spaces, children’s play areas in parks and allotments. A draft strategy and questionnaires are available, email aine.ryan@brent.gov.uk or call 07714 069 311.
Bob Langford, and Grahame Carstens of Bronze Plaques Ltd, includes sculpted reliefs of Willesden after the bombing created by Gillian Carstens. It is cast in 13 bronze resin plaques which have the appearance of bronze. See page 27 for Secret History on the memorial.
Brent film competition An Olympics inspired film competition is asking film-makers to capture their favourite Brent spot in just over a minute. Film Brent in 90 Seconds, run by Brent Artists Resource and Brent Council, opened on 1 December and runs until 15 January 2010. There is a £300 prize and the opportunity to have your film screened in public this year. The theme of the films must be a favourite place in the borough which would promote Brent to a visiting Olympic athlete. All films must be submitted by YouTube, e-mail info@brentartistsresource.org.uk for more information.
Leaf nothing out
Celeste Masoudi with his children Benita, Jonathon, Emmanuel and the Duchess.
More than 79 tonnes of leaves have been collected for recycling and composting so far this year by Brent Council after they fell from the borough’s trees.
JANUARY 2010
THE BRENT MAGAZINE
7