UPdate
Equipped for success Fitness enthusiasts have been enjoying a new £300,000 gym full of the latest equipment at Willesden Sports Centre. Leisure Connection, which operates the centre at Donnington Road, NW10 on behalf of Brent Council, has totally revamped the gym, with improvements such as all new updated kit, a dedicated area for PT, the centre’s first suspension training machine and new decor.
It launched the gym with an open day packed full with fun classes including trampolining, dodgeball, athletics, free swimming sessions for under 16s and a karate demonstration for members of the local community to enjoy. For more, visit www.harpersfitness.co.uk
Have your say on housing
Civic Centre has the X Factor
Local people are being invited to have their say on the council’s housing strategy this month. The council is reviewing its approach to providing housing and housing services in the borough following significant changes in government policy.
Visitors and staff at Brent Civic Centre got a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at the top TV show the X Factor when the building was used as a venue for filming the current series. Contestants practised in the restaurant queue and people took photos with presenter Dermot O’Leary in the Atrium after The Grand Hall was hired for three days for judging during the boot camp stage. Marketing Officer Louise McKenna said: “There was a
Local residents have until 25 October to comment on the draft housing strategy. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ consultation to view it. For more information, contact brenthousingstrategy @brent.gov.uk or 020 8937 2343.
great buzz at the civic centre when the X Factor was here. The fact that they chose it shows what a great venue this is.”There was more showbiz sparkle for Brent when the old Town Hall was used as a set for two feature films, including thriller War Book starring Oscar nominated Sophie Okonedo. The building is being used as a film location until it is handed over to the new owners. Filming brings in a substantial revenue to the borough.
Do you want to work with young people? If you are aged between 16 and 19 why not apply to be a Youth and Community Apprentice at Poplar Grove Youth Club, Wembley. Staff at the council’s centre have teamed up with Youthforce and Well London to recruit young people to the paid positions. Contact Guy James on 07868 376 993 or at guy.james@youthforce.co.uk
Staff member Colette Brown with X FactorColette presenter Staff member Brown Dermot O’Leary with Dermot O’Leary
OCTOBER 2013
THE BRENT MAGAZINE
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