The Brent Magazine issue 127 October 2012

ISSUE NO.127 • FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT

PUBLISHED BY BRENT COUNCIL • OCTOBER 2012

More places in Brent special needs schools

How we spend your money Brent spending review 2011-12

Contents 12

Features

11 12 15 18 19

Benefits cut Be prepared for changes to the welfare system

Park online Parking services are moving online

Special schools get boost More school places for children with SEN

Brent connects A new way for the council to listen to your views

Making less go further Annual review of activities and spend for 2011/12

29 Regulars

4 9 25 27 29 31

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

Welcome It's hard to believe that summer has come to an end - time seems to have flown by, so perhaps it’s fitting in this issue that we look back on how much has changed in the past year.

Turn to page 19 where you will find a review of the borough plan, here you can read about what the council has been doing to improve Brent in the last 12 months and how much it all cost.

The council is always working to improve the borough and the services we offer, another good example of this is on page 13 where you will find information on changes to the parking service.

Brent has also been tracking down rogue landlords who have been exploiting desperate people and renting them sheds with beds. The council has been cracking down on this problem - find out what we've been doing on page 25.

And to make sure you always know about what is happening in the borough and get to have your say, turn over to page 18 and read about Brent Connects the boroughs new initiative to work closer with you.

Until next time, Orla Sedze, Editor, The Brent Magazine

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Time out

Issue No. 127 October 2012 BDU 6715 9.12 The Brent Magazine contacts Distribution queries and editorial 020 8937 1062 tbm@brent.gov.uk Advertising 020 8937 1076 advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by the London Borough of Brent, Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley Middlesex.

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.

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

Please ring 020 8937 1062 Cover image: Johnbirdsall.co.uk

PARALYMPIC UPdate

Paralympic Flame dazzles Brent Brent was on the national stage again when the Paralympic Flame visited the borough on Wednesday 29 August.

The Paralympic Flame received a very special welcome at Brent landmark BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (also known as Neasden Temple) before it moved onto the council’s Willesden Sports Centre. Here, a 40 foot high inflatable of the Paralympic mascot, Mandeville, greeted visitors and young people from

The Flame leaving the Temple

Kilburn Shotokan Karate Club who entertained the crowd with karate demonstrations.

The 24 hour overnight relay began in Stoke Mandeville (the birthplace of the Paralympics) on 28 August and travelled 92 miles to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Visit www.youtube.com/brentcouncillondon to watch the celebrations.

Carrying the Flame through Brent

Torch bearers at Willesden

Bands take the stand for Olympic farewell Brent Council saw the summer out in style by holding a free festival for the whole community at Gladstone Park on 9 September.

The event, attended by over 10,000 people, was a chance to celebrate our Golden Summer, where we hosted both the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay and Wembley Arena and Wembley Stadium successfully held Olympic football, rhythmic gymnastics and badminton events.

Brent Celebrates a Golden Summer also took part in the

All the fun of the fair

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nationwide London 2012 Festival closing celebration ‘Bandstand Marathon’, which saw bands and musicians take to the stage across the UK, for live music and performances. Representing Brent were Indie rock band IC1s and young pop musicians The Fourtune.

Other attractions on the day included rugby, tennis and athletics sport taster sessions and a high adrenaline activity zone featuring parkour lessons from experts.

Dancers from carnival show group Tropicana

OCTOBER 2012

The IC1s perform at the Bandstand Marathon

UPdate

Word up! It’s back again You can raise your earning potential, discover new talents and enjoy top class entertainment in Brent libraries this autumn at Word Up!, our biggest celebration of books, authors and reading.

Highlights include the Black History Month Big Night Out on 26 October with some of the biggest names in comedy and music, including comedy legend Felix Dexter and saxophonist Lascelles James.

Performance poet Neal Zetter is holding a special workshop at Ealing Road Library to help people boost their interview and presentation skills, while Willesden Green Library Centre will have writer

WORD

UP!

Piper Terrett offering money saving tips and Robin Walker sharing his lessons about economic empowerment from his book The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street.

Other Word Up! highlights include talks, demos and performances from the likes of intrepid explorer Tim Butcher, storyteller Rachel Rose Reid and author Kwame Michael McPherson - plus black history, family learning, Bookstart Bear, astrology talks, local history, Tamil events, author talks and much more.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/wordup for the full programme lowdown.

Teaching teens the roots of cooking

500 free courses at the libraries

Nazir Bahadur

Brent in Bloom winners are announced Eighteen of the borough’s best gardeners have been honoured at this year’s Brent in Bloom awards. The green-ďŹ ngered group are: s .EIGHBOURHOOD !WARD ST PRIZE n #AMPBELL 'ORDON 7AY

ND .7 n 2ESIDENTS !SSOCIATION RD n 2OE 'REEN 6ILLAGE Residents’ Association. s &RONT 'ARDEN 3EASONAL 0LANTING ST 0RIZE n *OHN 1UINN

ND n -R AND -RS "ERRY RD n #AROL .ICHOLS s &RONT 'ARDEN n 0ERMANENT 0LANTING JOINT ST PRIZE n -R *OHN 0HILIPPOU AND -RS ,ENA *EFFERIES ND n 3ONIA 3ASSOON RD n -ARTINE 'ARBACZ s #ONTAINER 0LANTING ST PRIZE n .AZIR "AHADUR ND n -R #ONYBEARE RD n #HRIS %LSDALE s 3CHOOL 'ARDEN JOINT ST PRIZE n 0RESTON 0ARK 0RIMARY 3CHOOL

Salusbury Primary School, Princess Frederica C of E Primary 3CHOOL ND n ,EOPOLD 0RIMARY 3CHOOL s /UTSTANDING !CHIEVEMENT !WARD "!03 3HRI 3WAMINARAYAN Mandir Temple.

4HE lRST PRIZE WINNERS RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS n INCLUDING GARDENING VOUCHERS AND "RENT IN "LOOM CERTICATES n FROM THE Mayor of Brent Councillor Michael Adeyeye at the Greenhouse Garden Centre in Birchen Grove, which sponsored the competition.

Queen’s Park resident Cassia Kidron has cooked up a school with a difference teaching teenagers everything they need to know about cooking and how their food gets from ďŹ eld to fork.

Rootcamp holds after-school cookery classes as well as Rootcamp residentials, where kids aged 15 to 19 spend a week in rural areas catching, digging up and cooking the food they eat.

Cassia’s currently taking bookings for an after-school Rootcamp supper club session on 11 October at Queens Park and the next Rootcamp residential, which is happening from 22 until 27 October, in Wales.

Check out www.rootcamp. co.uk to ďŹ nd out more and make sure you read the next issue of The Brent Magazine for the full story on Cassia and her culinary classroom creation.

Brent Libraries are offering you the opportunity to study, learn new skills or improve your mind by enrolling on 500 courses in a range OF SUBJECTS n INCLUDING #6 writing, Microsoft Word, entrepreneurship and GARDENING n THROUGH ITS website.

The free online courses are provided by the learning organisation Universal Class and can be accessed through Brent Libraries’ homepage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Library members can enrol on up to ďŹ ve and have six months to complete each course.

Courses are organised like any evening class, so learners are invited to attend a class and complete assignments.

Each course has a real instructor that learners can communicate with by email about his or her course studies.

To sign up visit www.brent. gov.uk/libraries and click on the learning pages.

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UPdate

New youth centre for Harlesden A new world-class youth centre will open its doors for the ďŹ rst time later this month.

Big Lottery myplace funding has paid for the ÂŁ5 million RoundwoodYouth Centre, which will provide a central venue for young people from Harlesden and the surrounding area as well as making a signiďŹ cant contribution to the general regeneration of the local area.

The RoundwoodYouth Centre caters for young people aged 13 to 19 and facilities were designed in consultation with them. Building work has been going on for a year.

The new building, on Longstone Avenue, is packed with facilities including a cafĂŠ, IT suite, multi-use games area, media area, sports hall and performance area. It is a place where young people will be able to do sport, drama, lay down tracks in a state of the art studio, start their own business in the enterprise zone, get information, advice and guidance or just meet up with friends in a safe and secure venue.

Visit www.bmyvoice.org.uk/roundwoodcentre

Get your own compost bin As autumn approaches Brent households can order a home compost bin to help them recycle more and improve the soil in their gardens.

Home composting improves nutrient levels in the soil, creating better soil structure. It also helps the soil to hold water and you save the cost of buying commercially produced compost. All you need to do is put your organic waste such as food waste or grass cuttings in your composter and wait for six to nine months.

Every household in Brent is entitled to receive one home compost bin, which costs only ÂŁ5.49 to cover the delivery costs. To order your home compost bin, visit www.brent.getcomposting. com or call 0844 571 4444.

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Roundwood Youth Centre

Need a school place? Apply online "RENT S PARENTS HAVE UNTIL /CTOBER THIS YEAR TO COMPLETE THEIR online application for their child’s place at a secondary school.

You can log on to the admissions website www.eadmissions. org.uk 24 hours a day, seven days a week up until the deadline and complete the application. To help make the process easier, we’ve produced a guide to applying online and more information about Brent schools, which is available at www.brent.gov.uk/admissions The deadline for online primary SCHOOL APPLICATIONS IS *ANUARY

Follow libraries on Twitter and Facebook Brent Libraries have set up their own Twitter and Facebook accounts so you can get all the latest information about books, new stock, events and activities across the borough’s six libraries.

Join us at www.facebook. com/lovebrentlibraries and twitter.com/brentlibraries for regular updates about what’s on and what’s coming up in the libraries

Cycletastic bike maintenance

Cash for carers If you’re an unpaid carer you could claim up to £300 to pay for leisure activities just for you, like going to the gym, meals out or trips to the cinema, courtesy of the Brent Carers Centre.

The New Opportunities Fund, from the National Carers Grant, is a special allowance that’s intended to help carers pay for some much needed respite.

To access the fund, carers will need to complete and return an application form by 31 March 2013. For further information or to receive an application form please contact Brenda or Bindu at Brent Carers Centre on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm on 020 8795 6240.

Learn everything about BIKE MAINTENANCE n FROM PUNCTURES TO BRAKE BLOCKS n at weekend workshops on /CTOBER AM TO PM AND /CTOBER AM TO 5pm, courtesy of Cycletastic AT 4IN 4ABERNACLE

Cambridge Avenue, Kilburn.

3ESSIONS COST a FOR adults and ÂŁ5 for children or young people up to 25 years old and ÂŁ5 concessionary rates for eligible adults.

New and second-hand parts and bike accessories are also available, email info@cycletastic.org.uk for more information.

UPdate

Homeless charity scoop award Staff and volunteers from the homeless charity Lift are celebrating winning a prestigious Andy Ludlow Homelessness Award and a FOR THEIR @" AND @" 3AFE PROJECTS Funded by the Brent Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) and the council’s Crime Prevention Strategy Group, the Harlesden-based

CHARITY n WHERE HOMELESS and disadvantaged people provide support to peers with SUBSTANCE ISSUES n CAME lRST in the category for Best Use of 6OLUNTEERS FOR " THE "RENT service user council and B-Safe, the volunteer-led Saturday social project.

Volunteers and staff will be honoured at a special CEREMONY ON /CTOBER

at The Speaker’s House in Westminster.

To ďŹ nd out more about the Brent Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) visit www.brent. gov.uk/communitysafety.

For information on the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards, visit www.andyludlowawards. org.uk To ďŹ nd out about Lift AND " OR " 3AFE VISIT www.liftpeople.org.uk

Oswald Yemoh, B-3 Chair

Fun Bus was a summer hit

Enjoying technology on the Fun Bus

Apply for voluntary sector grants 6OLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN "RENT HAVE UNTIL /CTOBER THIS YEAR to apply for the second round of funding from Brent Council’s Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund.

Organisations can apply for cash to ďŹ nance projects that meet one of the council’s ďŹ ve priorities of community safety, regeneration, supporting children, families and young people improving health and wellbeing and improving the borough’s environment and cultural landscape.

Download an application pack at www.brent.gov.uk/ grantapplication and attend one of our special workshops for advice and guidance about the grants before the closing date of NOON ON /CTOBER #ALL OR EMAIL 30) BRENT gov.uk to book a workshop place.

A travelling holiday play scheme, offering free activity sessions for seven to 11 year olds, attracted nearly 200 kids during the summer holidays.

The Fun Bus visited Harlesden, Stonebridge, Church Road and Kilburn for two-hour long creative, craft and ICT sessions, courtesy of Brent’s Community Safety team.

Although the emphasis was on play, the Fun Bus also delivered some important messages to the kids who climbed aboard about staying safe and looking after themselves – along with some Olympics-themed fun and free fruit, crisps and water too.

Grants for local sports groups A new charity called the Wembley National Stadium Trust is awarding grants TOTALLING a FOR community sports activities in Brent. Local sports and activity clubs can apply for funding now until the end of October. Visit www.wembleystadium.com to ďŹ nd out whether your sports club or association could be eligible for a cash injection.

Young volunteers help get older ‘surfers’ online Older people got the chance to learn all about hi-tech gadgets, computing and the internet AT SPECIAL FREE @TECHNOLOGY clinics’ delivered by young volunteers at Harlesden Library Plus and Ealing Road Library in September.

Run by Age UK Brent, with help from charity The Challenge, the clinics offered older people the opportunity to learn more about new technology and enabled AROUND YOUNG PEOPLE TO volunteer and contribute more to their community.

Participants brought along their gadgets on the day and were given one-to-one support and advice about how to make the best use of them.

2EGULAR @SILVER SURFER CLASSES for older people are held at Willesden Green Library Centre ON -ONDAYS FROM TO PM and at Harlesden Library Plus FROM AM TO PM For more information about technology clinics, call Age UK Brent on 020 8965 7711.

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Brent celebrates

FIREWORKS NIGHT Free fireworks and laser show Monday 5 November Starts 8.30pm Gates open 7pm Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, NW10 www.brent.gov.uk/festivals sponsored by

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BRENTpeople

Working mothers in the frame As well as being mum, women are our head teachers, lawyers and high flying corporate executives, whose ability to juggle their home and work life has been captured by Brent photographer Emma Harpin in her exhibition ‘Working Mothers.’

Have you been a photographer for long?

Yes for about 15 years. I worked for a range of national magazines and newspapers like the Independent and done similar projects including a two year project on 100 Successful British Women which included Dame Judi Dench and Cherie Blaire QC. What sparked your interest in this subject or in documenting women in particular?

When I started working as a photographer I was a minority, there weren’t very many women in the profession. I suppose my interest back then was women and success.

Now I’m a mum and I have a career, I’ve read so many negative articles about women who work and have a family that I wanted to show the other side and how it can actually work.

What did you learn from the project?

It was great to see how each woman made it work. There is a lot of guilt attached to being a working mum. These women have worked hard to find a good balance, which is what it’s all about, and with support you can make it work.

You can view Emma’s exhibition at www.EmmaHarpinPhoto.co.uk

Who are the women in your exhibition?

They came from various professions from a paramedic to the executive producer of the BBC. I wanted to photograph women who did a range of interesting jobs. These women kindly let me into their lives and I found them all inspiring.

At home & work: Brent mum and Radio DJ Sarah Cox.

Know an interesting Brent person?

TBM@brent.gov.uk

Celia Graves, Family Barrister at her Notting Hill home and work.

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Find out how your benefits are being cut If you are receiving some form of benefits it is likely you will see a reduction in the amount you get by April 2013. The government has laid out plans to radically transform the welfare system and many people have already felt the impact of these changes.

Everyone will be moved on to the new system by spring of next year. Find out what’s happening and be prepared as this may affect where and how you live.

Putting a cap on benefits From next year the government is planning to add up how much money you get from a range of benefits, including housing benefit, jobseeker’s allowance, child tax credit, child benefit, and carer’s allowance.

If the total comes to more than the maximum amount allowed your housing benefit payments will be reduced to meet the new cap.

The maximum amount of benefit is expected to be around: £500 per week for single parents/ couples with or without children £350 per week for single people without children.

This will not apply if you get pension credit, or work and are entitled to working tax credit, or a member of your household is claiming disability living allowance/ attendance allowance or the support element of employment support allowance.

Are you of working age with a spare bedroom? You will soon get less benefit If you live in a council or housing association property and have one or more ‘spare’ bedrooms your housing benefit may be reduced.

If you have one ‘spare’ bedroom your housing benefit will be cut by 14 per cent of the rent you pay every week and two or more spare bedrooms means you will lose 25 per cent.

You will have to pay your landlord the difference between your housing benefit and your rent.

Changes won’t affect those of pensionable age, but there are no exemptions for people on Disability Allowance or the support component of Employment Support Allowance.

Council Tax Benefit is being abolished Brent recently consulted on a proposed replacement service called Council Tax Support the results will be announced later in the year.

The advice is to be prepared and find out how these changes will affect you.

To find out about these and other changes and what you need to do visit www.brent.gov.uk/welfarereform or call 020 8937 1800.

You need to be prepared as this may affect where and how you live.

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From applying for permits to paying a penalty – parking services in Brent are moving online.

The online system is safe and secure and easy to use.

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Brent Council is introducing a number of changes to modernise its parking service for customers.

Since 2010 residents have been able to renew their parking permits online and pay fines. However, Brent is now introducing a new online system which means that from November 2012, residents will be able to apply for parking permits online. In addition, an electronic system of online visitor parking will be introduced which will replace the visitor scratchcards The online system is safe and secure and easy to use. It works by first setting up residents with an account, and automatically checking whether they are a resident in the borough without manual provision by the customer of documentary proofs.This means customers do not have to travel to a parking shop and wait in a queue to be served.

Residents can then buy parking permits with the vehicle checks again being completed automatically, and the permit will be sent through the post.

The vehicle will immediately be covered by a permit – therefore you can legitimately park even before the permit arrives in the post. Parking attendants will have immediate access to this information.

For residents who do not have access to the internet, setting up an account and paying for permits can also be done over the telephone.

Online visitor parking is purchased through buying credits from the same online account or over the telephone.

When a resident has a visitor, they simply provide their visitor’s vehicle registration and date of arrival.This can be done either online, over the telephone or by text message.

Existing scratchcards can still be used until autumn 2013.

For more information and to access parking services visit www.brent.gov.uk/parking

Online visitor parking FAQs How will the new system work?

To buy and renew parking permits or visitor parking, you will need to set up a parking account.You only need to do this once. To set it up online visit www.brent.gov.uk/parking and follow the online links. Enter your name, address and contact information. The system automatically verifies whether you are a resident in Brent and live in a controlled parking zone.You will then be emailed a password and login for your account. You can also set up an account over the phone.

How do I buy a parking permit?

Once you have set up your account, you can select which parking permit you wish to buy, and which vehicle it applies to. The system will verify your vehicle and its registration number, before taking you through to a secure payments screen. This can be completed online or over the phone.

Once you have paid, the system will be updated so your vehicle is immediately covered, even before you receive the permit in the post.

How do I buy scratchcards?

Scratchcards are being replaced.

Instead, when you have set up your account, you can buy credit which can be used for visitor parking. For example, buying £10 worth of credit is similar to buying a book of 10 scratchcards.You can buy credit with a credit or debit card either online or over the telephone. A minimum of £10 is needed to open the account.

How do I use my credit for visitor parking?

You can use credit that you have bought to pay for visitor parking either online, over the phone or by SMS text.

Simply provide your visitor’s vehicle registration number and the date or dates that they will be visiting you.

Once complete, the appropriate amount of credit will then be deducted from you account.

With online visitor parking do I need to put anything in my visitor’s vehicle?

There is no need to display anything in your visitor’s vehicle. All the information is stored electronically.

Parking attendants will be able to view this information when they patrol, and any vehicle that has been registered is legitimately parked and will not receive a penalty charge notice.

Can I still use paper scratchcards for visitor parking?

Yes, but you can only use the existing paper scratchcards until 31 October 2013. They will not be valid after this date.

Where do I get more information?

More information is available on www.brent.gov.uk/parking.

Customers will also receive details of the changes with their renewals letters.

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Your child’s school place 2013 e admissions

If your child lives in Brent and will be starting primary school in September 2013 or transferring to secondary school, you must apply to Brent Council for a school place even if the school you wish to apply for is outside the borough.

Apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk from 1 September 2012.

For Reception You must apply by 15 January 2013 to have the best chance of getting the school you prefer. Applications received after this date will not be considered until after 17 April 2013.

Primary school places in September 2013 are available for children born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009.

For 11+ Transfer You must apply by 31 October 2012 to have the best chance of getting the school you prefer.

Applications received after this date will not be considered until after 1 March 2013.

For more information on admissions visit www.brent.gov.uk/admissions

Brent

It takes two!

Albert 6 and Kristin 10 are brother and sister and of white British origin. Earlier this year they were placed in foster care as a result of their parents being unable to provide the care and support they need.

Albert is very active, requires lots of stimulation and has a statement of special educational needs. Kristin is active, confident and takes great responsibility for her younger brother. She has a lovely sense of humour and is developing her social skills with the assistance of her carer. Both attend the same school and are achieving well – meeting set milestones.

We are now looking for long term foster care to allow both Albert and Kristin receive the encouragement and guidance that will help them reach their full potential.

If you can provide a loving and nurturing home for Albert and Kristin telephone Lorea Boneke on 020 8937 5813 or email lorea.boneke@brent.gov.uk 14

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Boost for special schools More school places for children with special educational needs (SEN) are being created in Brent.

The additional places, including a new inclusion centre at Alperton Community School, will mean that fewer pupils with SEN will have to travel outside the borough to go to school, saving the council about £2.5 million over the next four years.

There has been an increase in the number of children with SEN in Brent and across all London boroughs. This has put pressure on specialist provision in the borough’s mainstream and special schools – around 200 additional places are going to be needed over the coming years.

It costs the council around £40,000 a year to place a child with special educational needs in an independent school outside Brent if there is no local provision available.

As well as financial savings, the council also believes it is better for children to be educated near home, creating local peer and friendship groups and reducing travelling time which can be tiring for children.

Three projects have been started to create 85 additional places by September 2013. Vernon House Special School in Neasden is now called the Phoenix Arch.

The school has also been re-designated

to allow it to offer places for children with autism who would otherwise have had to travel outside the borough to go to school.

Eight year ten pupils have transferred from Woodfield Special School to Alperton Community School where they will study for their GCSEs. The teenagers, who all have moderate learning difficulties, spent a taster week at Alperton in July and have received travel training to enable them to get to school independently.

The new centre at Alperton Community School will be finished by November and will eventually offer a mainstream school place for 20 students with SEN. It will also free up spaces at Woodfield – which is being considered for expansion – for pupils who would otherwise have been placed in an out-ofborough independent school.

The council has set out its vision and priorities for children with SEN and disabilities, including expanding local provision, in a new draft strategy that it is consulting on from now until November.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/consultation to take part.

The council believes it is better for children to be educated near home.

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Working with you Burglary can be costly and devastating. But with a few simple measures you can dramatically reduce the chances of it happening to you! Knowing what burglars look for when choosing their target will help you identify weak spots in your home’s security.

s Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio when you are out

Partnership Days Burglary prevention partnership days will be held in Harlesden, Kilburn and Wembley.

OfďŹ cers from the Police, Victim Support, Brent Council, Age UK and the Community Safety Partnership will be on hand to provide advice and information on keeping homes safe.

You will also have the opportunity to have your property marked: s

The Hermes machine will property mark smaller items (phones, ipads, etc)

s

Advice on registering larger items will be available (electrical and household goods)

s

Bike marking will be available

s

UV markets will be distributed so you can mark your own property with advice on how to do it.

Do your part to keep your street safer and join Neighbourhood Watch.

Call 07502 426038 or email info@bnwa.org For daily updates and information follow the Police on Twitter@MPSBrent or register at www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk

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s Close and lock all doors and windows, even if out for just a few minutes

s Do not leave keys, documents or valuables near doors, windows or letterboxes

s Keep side gates locked and bins behind them until collection day

to prevent burglary s Install a visible burglar alarm and low level ‘dusk until dawn’ lighting

s Keep sheds and outbuildings locked, with ladders and garden tools secured

s Mark or etch your property and register items at www.immobilise.com

!

Always check who’s at the door and don’t open if you feel anxious

s Maintain high sides

s Cancel milk or other deliveries, and ask a neighbour to remove your post if you are going away

and rear boundaries to prevent easy access, and low front boundaries making it difficult for burglars to act without being seen

For more help and advice visit www.metbumblebee.org or go to your local police station or Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Report a burglary on 101. In an emergency call 999.

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Brent connects with you

Brent connects

Brent Council is overhauling the way it consults with local people. The aim is to get more residents engaged with what’s happening in their community and to make it easier for you to have a say on local issues.

Brent Connects – the new name for all Brent consultation activity – will make better use of the internet to bring the council’s public engagement into the 21st century.

The council’s quarterly Area Consultative Forums, now called Brent Connects Forums which cover all Brent wards, are also being revamped, making them more interactive and engaging in order to attract a wider range of residents.

The forums will feature ‘Question Time’ style sessions inspired by the BBC TV programme - successfully piloted by the chair of Kilburn and Kensal forum, Cllr James Denselow - where local people quiz councillors and representatives of other public bodies such as the police and hear their views.

Other changes include: s more ‘decision makers’ – senior council officers and Executive members – at forums s participants breaking into small groups to discuss key issues s useful information stalls s more varied topics – such as unemployment – being debated.

The popular soapbox feature – where residents get to speak on a topic that concerns them – will be retained.

The first Brent Connects Willesden forum is on 2 October at the College of North West London at 7pm and the launch of Brent Connects is among the topics.

Service user consultative forums – which represent specific interest groups – will be similarly revamped.

Brent Council Leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, kicks off Brent Connects with a website message on www.brent.gov.uk/ brentconnects at the end of September.

You will also be able to use a new web portal which will make it easier for you to see agendas and make comments which can then be read out at meetings, and which will eventually feature videos and images.

Web pages for the chair of each local forum will also be introduced in the coming weeks.

Brent Council’s Lead Member for Customers and Citizens, Cllr Lesley Jones, said: “It is vital that we listen to local people; Brent Connects will reinvigorate the way we consult.

“This is about being interesting, interactive and informative, and helping people get more involved with what’s going on in their local area.”

For more details of the next round of Brent Connects forums, visit www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects

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Making less go further 2011 – 2012 This year’s review of the council’s borough plan demonstrates our response to the most challenging circumstances in Brent’s history.

We face unprecedented and on-going government cuts to our funding, a rapidly increasing population, a shrinking economy and an ever increasing demand for essential but expensive services such as health, housing and education.

All this means me we are having to do much more with much less.

The positive news is that this review shows that through innovation, increased efficiency and a relentless focus on our priorities, we are achieving this. Despite the challenges we face, we are succeeding in our duty to improve the lives of everyone who lives and works in Brent.

We are creating new jobs and opportunities across the borough, building new affordable homes, improving our children’s education, improving our environment and increasing and improving facilities for sports, culture and leisure. We should be proud of what we have achieved over the past 12 months.

But we cannot rest. The challenges we face are going to increase over the coming years. The government will continue to cut our budget, cuts to benefits are going to make life even harder for our poorest residents and the state of the economy means that living standards and disposable income will continue to fall.

In order to protect our community from this we will have no choice but to be ruthless in focusing on our priorities.

We will have to focus on putting money back in resident’s pockets, creating new jobs and ensuring work pays a fair wage, continue to provide a world class education for our children, build new homes and improve the quality of those we already have and strengthen our most valuable asset - our sense of community.

If we work together, as a council, as residents, as businesses and as a united community, we can turn the challenges we face into an opportunity. The opportunity to emerge from these difficult times as a stronger borough, that delivers more for less, that provides residents with the services they need in the way they want them, and that is fast becoming one of the best parts of London in which to live and work.

Cllr Muhammed Butt Leader of the Council

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One Borough Driving economic opportunity and regeneration With so much on our doorstep, like Wembley Stadium and a designer outlet coming soon, Brent is a fantastic place to live or invest.

• The new Brent Civic Centre is taking shape with the completion of the main structure earlier this year and is on track to open in summer 2013.

• Wembley’s Outlet Centre is under construction. New shops, which include Gap, M&S and Superdry and restaurants such as Prezzo and Frankie & Benny’s, will open in 2013 and provide over 200 new jobs.

• Brent achieved Fairtrade status in February 2012. The council was proud to work with the Brent Fairtrade Network to promote Fairtrade, support sustainable farming worldwide and reduce global inequality.

Greater access to affordable housing London continues to be an area of high housing demand and Brent is no different.

But we are increasing provision by providing 4,500 new homes by 2014, with half being affordable housing.

• In 2011/12 900 new affordable homes were delivered through a range of schemes, 100 more than in the previous year.

• In the past year three new developments; Watling Place, Merle Court and McDonald House, have been completed on the South Kilburn Estate creating over 200 new homes.

• The council has responded to housing and welfare changes by producing a new Tenancy Strategy, setting out our approach to rents, tenancies and housing.

One Community Reducing unemployment and low incomes Brent is committed to supporting the borough with help into employment.

• Brent Connexions organised a construction and engineering apprenticeship event resulting in nine young people offered placements.

• Local businesses and residents continue to benefit from multi-million pound projects across the borough via the ’Supply Brent Portal’ which matches contractors looking for staff or needing goods with Brent jobseekers and businesses.

• We published our Child Poverty Strategy setting out the actions the council and partners will take to tackle the impact of unemployment and low incomes on children.

• Working in partnership with agencies including Job Centre Plus and College of North West London, we continue to offer training and employment support through our Wembley Works office.

Supporting children and families Increasing sports, leisure and culture facilities

• With initial help from funding provided by the Mayor of London, the council brought 16 vacant shops back into use.

The scheme includes the highly successful South Kilburn Studios and New Windows on Willesden Green. This work is continuing in 2012/13.

Protecting our environment Brent Council has made great progress in its commitment to making the borough greener, cleaner and more sustainable.

• The Brent Green Charter was launched, setting out the goals to protecting and improving the borough’s environment and the role residents can play.

• Last autumn a new recycling and waste service was launched. Since then there has been an increase in recycling from 29 per cent to almost 52 per cent in July 2012. Thousands of tonnes of waste which would have been sent to landfill are now being recycled.

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We’ve harnessed the London 2012 spirit to introduce more activities and improve equipment and facilities across the borough, to help make sport and exercise a part of everyday life for more people of all ages. Our transformed libraries are now open seven days a week and offer an even broader programme of cultural activities and better learning resources than ever.

• A new multi-use games area has been installed at King Edward VII Park, tennis courts at Gladstone Park have been refurbished and a synthetic turf pitch has been laid at Woodcock Park, Kenton.

• There were more than 73,000 visits to Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre in 2011/12 - up by 4,500 from 2010/11.

• Brent’s libraries have been going from strength-to-strength with more and more residents joining the library service. In a three-month period in 2012, 4,316 members were registered by the library service.

• Ealing Road and Kilburn Libraries have been refurbished and reopened in the last year with modern bright interiors, new stock and facilities such as computers for users.

We continue to support young people to fulfil their potential.

• The opening of Preston Manor Lower School and expansion at three other primaries created an extra 840 permanent primary places.

• Major projects to improve schools include a £40 million scheme to totally rebuild The Crest Academies in Neasden and the £29 million rebuild of The Village School for pupils with special educational needs.

• Last year 32 Brent children were successfully placed with permanent families through both adoption and special guardianship orders. This was a significant increase on previous years, outperforming the national averages.

• Results attained by Brent pupils continue to improve. In 2011 the proportion of students achieving five or more A*- C grades at GCSE rose again, to 62 per cent - four per cent above the national average.

• More Brent youngsters are going on to university from our schools than ever before. Last year 71 per cent of those completing A Levels or equivalent qualifications went on to university – the second highest figure out of 149 boroughs.

Address health inequalities

Enabling young people to thrive The council provides a variety of support projects specifically for young people.

• Over 97 per cent of the borough’s school leavers were offered a place in a school, college or work-based training.

• More than £170,000 was spent on 71 Ward Working projects for children and young people, including inspiring reading and literacy, yoga and summer sports.

• As part of a unique partnership between the world-famous Eton College and Brent Council, 48 young people spent a week studying at the college during summer 2011.

The council works with NHS Brent and other partners to reduce the health inequalities between affluent and deprived areas in the borough.

• The council and NHS Brent has signed up to Phase 2 of the Well London Programme, which will be working throughout 2012/13 in Chalkhill to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.

• 2,668 people in Brent successfully gave up smoking for at least four weeks, against a target of 2,400.

• 16.27 per cent of the eligible population received an NHS Health Check, against a target of nine per cent. Health Checks are designed to identify issues such as diabetes and heart disease early.

One Council Engaging with residents During the last year we’ve engaged more closely than ever with residents and community groups to ensure we keep them informed about council projects and involved in the decisions we make.

• In April we undertook a borough wide consultation with residents over whether to tighten up the rules concerning dogs in Brent’s parks and open spaces. This resulted in us introducing new restrictions to promote animal welfare, encourage responsible dog ownership and improve the borough’s green spaces for all.

• The stories of South Kilburn residents came to life in a project called South Kilburn Speaks which featured thoughts and memories etched onto eye-catching and vibrant hoardings.

• In March 2012 Brent Town Hall played host to Elders Awareness Day, which gave help and advice to elderly residents on all manner of topics from fire prevention, to diet and nutrition.

We have improved the technology The John Billam Community Resource Centre built by Brent Council will provide a well-equipped and modern resource for people with learning disabilities.

Greater personal choice and independence for adults Over the last year the adult social care department has streamlined its processes to ensure a more efficient service and greater choice for clients.

• The John Billam Community Resource Centre completed in September 2012, was built by Brent Council to provide a well-equipped and modern resource for people with learning disabilities.

• Processes have been streamlined, initial assessments now take on average five days to complete compared to a previous average of 27 days.

• Once the team establish a client needs support, this is offered nearly 70 per cent faster than in 2010/2011 (usually within three days compared to ten days).

we use that will modernise

Reducing crime and the fear of crime The council is committed to improving community safety and tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, working collectively with our colleagues from the Brent Community Safety Partnership to achieve a safer Brent for all.

• In January 2012 the council successfully secured £238,979 from the Home Office to help tackle gang and youth violence.

Although Brent does not have serious problems with gang culture, it was recognised that there were some street based gangs in the south of the borough.

• A successful funding bid has enabled the council to do additional work around domestic and inter-family violence.

• There have been 15 Partnership Days where residents received information on keeping their homes and themselves safer.

• The Integrated Community Safety Team have gained additional funding (£30,000) to work with young first time offenders to re-integrate them into the community on their release from prison to reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

customers’ contact with the council.

Improving efficiency and services During 2011/12 the council’s efficiency programme has taken significant steps towards improving the way the council delivers services, while making savings of £29.9 million.

• We have improved the technology we use and are introducing more efficient, streamlined processes that will modernise customers’ contact with the council.

• We have slimmed down our workforce and reduced the number of managers we have. The amount spent on overtime and allowances has been halved while temporary labour costs were reduced by £5m.

• We are moving from old buildings to ones that are more efficient, with the new civic centre building due to open in Summer 2013.

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It all adds up! 2011-2012 Brent Council is committed to delivering excellent services for the local community which represent value for money.

In March 2012 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. We are now able to look back at the last financial year (1 April 2011 to 31

March 2012) and tell you how much we spent, how it was paid for and how much your council is worth.

Councils provide a huge range of services to their residents but these can be summarised as; services for residents of the borough, council housing, maintaining assets such as schools, highways and other buildings.

Council tax income £102m

What we spent on services to residents in 2011/12

Formula grant £165.9m

Sales, fees and charges £146.8m

Your council provides a vast range of services for residents such as providing education for your children, providing support for older people or those with disabilities, administering a range of benefits, sweeping the streets and collecting rubbish, providing libraries, sports and arts facilities and providing parks you can spend time in. Some of these services are provided by Brent Council and others through working with other organisations such as the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, the Health Service and the voluntary sector.

Dedicated schools grant £232m

In 2011/12, we spent £1,218 million on services for residents and paying housing and council tax benefits

Other housing services £425m

Adult social care

Central services

£124m

£62.1m

Other grants & contributions £237.9m

What we spent on council housing in 2011/12

Other £74.4m Cultural services £22.9m Environmental £38.9m

Council housing is important for many Brent residents. Last year, through Brent Housing Partnership (a company wholly owned by the council), we managed 9,000 homes and we spent £51.6 million. The money we spent on providing housing is paid for from rents and charges (£51 million) and central government subsidy and not from council tax.

Total spending on council housing in 2011/12: £51.6 million

Depreciation £8.1m Planning and development £4.7m Highways & transport services £42.3m

Children’s social care £49.6m

Education £374.1m

These services were paid for with £1,218 million of income received from central government grants, from businesses through nondomestic rates, money generated by fees/charges and what you paid in council tax. Your council tax accounts for less than nine per cent of our income.

Council tax also pays for services provided by the Greater London Authority (GLA) such as police, fire and transport. In 2011/12, the council collected £132.1 million in council tax, of which £30.1 million paid for GLA services.

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Mandatory rent allowances & council tax benefit £333.4m

Rent & rates and other charges £1.5m

Interest payable £15m

Special services £5.3m Other £1.1m

Supervision & management £12.8m

Repairs & maintenance £7.8m

Spending on the borough’s assets The council spent £124.4 million in 2011/12 on assets such as schools, roads, council houses, parks and leisure centres.

Of the £124.4 million spent, £48.5 million

was paid for by borrowing and £62.6 million from government grants. The rest of the money came from selling assets, reserves and from other sources.

Capital spending 2011/12 Housing & adult care £15.5m

Children & families £47.1m

Environment & neighbourhood services £14.4m

Useful contacts Customer services Switchboard

020 8937 1200

Anti-Social Behaviour Team

020 8733 3932

Brent Register Office

020 8937 1010

Committee meetings

020 8937 1366

Councillor surgeries

020 8937 1200

Council tax

020 8937 1790

Business rates

020 8937 1525

Emergencies (24 hour service)

020 8937 1234

Environment Pest control

020 8937 5252

Recycling and refuse collection

020 8937 5050

Abandoned vehicles

020 8937 5050

Noise service

020 8937 5252

Out of hours

020 8937 1234

Housing Regeneration projects & central items £47.4m

What is the council worth?

The council’s assets were worth £1.42 billion at 31 March 2012.

Property, plant and equipment & heritage assets Investment property Intangible assets The amount we hold in investments and stock

Housing advice

020 8937 2000

Housing benefit

020 8937 1800

Libraries

020 8937 3400

Planning

020 8937 5210

Sports Service

020 8937 3707

£1,247m £3m £3m £165m £1,418m

The council’s carbon footprint Brent Council is on its way to achieving its target of a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2010 to 2014.

The council’s carbon dioxide emissions from its own activities, for example energy from buildings, street lighting and vehicles, were reduced by 15 per cent from the end of 2009/10 to the end of 2011/12. That is important because Brent Council pays the Government for each tonne of carbon dioxide it emits

from its buildings. Therefore, by cutting emissions in the last year the council has protected the environment and saved money in tax and energy bills. Projects such as the new Civic Centre and improvements to existing property will assist in reaching the 25 per cent target. Brent schools also have a target of 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2010 to 2014.

From the end of 2009/10 to the end of 2011/12 schools’ emissions were only reduced by seven per cent; however it is hoped that the new Brent Low Carbon Schools project will help address the slow reduction.

It all adds up!

2011 – 2012 Was this finance section useful?

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 Brent’s Customer Service or at www.brent.gov.uk/accounts

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Brent connects Formerly Area Consultative Forums

Come and discuss the local issues which concern you at any of Brent’s five Brent Connects meetings.

Brent Connects Willesden

Brent Connects Kingsbury & Kenton

(formerly Willesden Area Consultative Forum)

(formerly Kingsbury & Kenton Area Consultative Forum)

Covers Dollis Hill, Dudden Hill, Welsh Harp and Willesden Green wards.

Covers Barnhill, Fryent, Kenton and Queensbury wards.

Tuesday, 2 October 2012 at 7pm College of North West London Denzil Road, Willesden NW10 2XD

Wednesday, 10 October 2012 at 7pm Kingsbury High School Princes Avenue, Kingsbury NW9 9JR

Brent Connects Wembley

Brent Connects Kilburn & Kensal

(formerly Wembley Area Consultative Forum)

(formerly Kilburn & Kensal Area Consultative Forum)

Covers Alperton, Northwick Park, Preston, Sudbury, Tokyngton and Wembley Central wards.

Covers Brondesbury Park, Kilburn, Mapesbury and Queens Park wards.

Wednesday, 3 October 2012 at 7pm Patidar House 22 London Road, Wembley HA9 7EX

Tuesday, 16 October 2012 at 7pm Granville Plus Community Centre 80 Granville Road, Kilburn NW6 5RA

Brent Connects Harlesden (formerly Harlesden Area Consultative Forum) Covers Harlesden, Kensal Green and Stonebridge wards.

Tuesday, 9 October 2012 at 7pm All Souls Church (next to Lloyds TSB) Station Road, Harlesden NW10 4UJ

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

ALL IN Aday’s

work

Beds in sheds Tim Rolt is leading Brent Council’s crackdown on illegal landlords who flout planning rules by renting outbuildings for people to living in.

The practice, called ‘beds in sheds’, often involves landlords exploiting tenants, by providing poor quality, unsuitable accommodation which can also cause complaints because of the impact the buildings have on neighbouring properties.

Tim, who is the council’s Planning Enforcement Manager, said: “Most are just like bungalows at the bottom of the garden but occasionally they are literally sheds of a really poor standard with people living in them.

“The worse case I’ve ever seen was in Dollis Hill. It was damp, had wires all over the place, mould and it smelt horrible. It was truly awful.

“Landlords like this are making themselves a quick buck by taking advantage of vulnerable people who think they have no where else to live.”

As part of a Government-funded project, special investigators will shortly begin a pilot initiative checking two areas in Brent thought to be hotspots for beds in sheds.

The information gathered will give Tim and his colleagues a better idea of the scale of the problem, after which a blitz in one ward will be followed by enforcement action quadrupling early next year in the worst affected areas.

As well as leading on the project to tackle beds in sheds, Tim manages five planning enforcement officers. They act

when planning rules have been broken and Brent’s team are the third busiest in London.

They are often called on to take action against noisy revellers in outdoor smoking areas at pubs and bars or after neighbours complain about badlyconstructed extensions.

First they take legal action to get an enforcement notice ordering landowners to fix the problem and, if that is ignored, can call in the bulldozers.

As well as managing the team, Tim handles prosecutions and complex investigations but he most enjoys inspecting properties.

He said: “Getting out in the field is the most enjoyable part of the job. Someone builds an ugly building and you can serve a notice and make them improve it. I really enjoy making the difference and protecting the environment.” www.brent.gov.uk/planning 020 8937 5280

“Landlords are making themselves a quick buck by taking advantage of vulnerable people who think they have no where else to live.”

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Congratulations!

Brent residents recycled 50% of their household waste in July this year – the highest rate ever.

Thank you and please continue to Recycle More. Shown below are the monthly recycling rates for the last year. For more information, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore or contact us on 020 8937 5050

July 2011 32%

Aug 2011 36%

Sept 2011 35%

Oct 2011 44%

Nov 2011 42%

Dec 2011 39%

Jan 2012 39%

Feb 2012 38%

March 2012 40%

April 2012 42%

May 2012 43%

June 2012 46%

July 2012 50%

SECREThistory

Heroes remembered Nearly 16,000 West Indian men volunteered their services in the First World War - a number of these dedicated soldiers are believed to have relatives or connections with the borough a story that Brent Museum wants to help share.

As part of its plans to commemorate the First World War, Brent’s archive team are keen to gather as much information about the role of Caribbean soldiers, and members of the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR) in particular.

The BWIR was founded in 1915. Unlike the professional West India Regiment (WIR), the BWIR was a volunteer unit.

Many men who would not have considered joining the WIR joined the BWIR. A total of 15,601 West Indian men served in the BWIR. Two-thirds were Jamaicans. The cost of transporting the men to Europe and the Mediterranean was raised by the islanders themselves.

Unfortunately the soldiers were not

always well looked after. Five died and 600 suffered frostbite when the troopship SS Verdala was diverted north into a blizzard, despite her passengers having only summer uniforms. When men were invalided home they got little help. As this became clear, volunteering declined and the regiment began recruiting Jamaican emigrants in Panama.

The BWIR served in most theatres of war. Unlike the French, the British were not keen on using black soldiers. In France and Italy the BWIR were used as ‘native labour’, carrying ammunition or digging trenches, often under heavy shellfire.

In Palestine and Jordan however, Major General Edward Chaytor, a New

Zealander, saw their potential as combat troops and used them in action against the Turks. According to General Allenby; “all ranks behaved with great gallantry … and contributed in no small measure to the success of the operations.”

The BWIR won 61 medals in the war.

If you live in Brent and had a relative in the BWIR, we would like to hear their story. Please contact Niti Acharya at Brent Museum on 020 8937 3600 or email museum@brent.gov.uk

OCTOBER 2012

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27

Get your car ready for autumn with our FREE 40-point Maintenance & Safety Check.

Oh, and a cup of tea and a biscuit for you (it’s just part of our service, you see).

• Detailed report generated for your records

Tony Fowkes Automobiles

• Free advice and tips from our technicians

Come: 18 Corby Road, Park Royal, NW10 7AH Call: 020 8965 5014 Click: TonyFowkesAutomobiles.com

• Takes around 30 minutes

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• No booking required, just pop in

Please visit our website for a map of our location.

We’re close to Asda, Park Royal.

Think car, think Tony Fowkes Automobiles Service • Diagnostics • MOT • Body • Paint

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OCTOBER 2012

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Brent

advertising@brent.gov.uk OR CALL 020 8937 1076

COMPETITIONS

Win personalised boxing memorabilia Brent Magazine has teamed up with Gold Olympic medallist James Degale to offer one lucky winner a money can't buy prize from the boxing champ himself. James 'Chunky' Degale is giving you a chance to win a signed memorabilia kit consisting of gloves, t-shirt and photo card.

All you have to do is tell us:

Is James a Gold, Silver or Bronze Olympic medallist. www.jamesdegale.com

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).

Competition deadline is Friday 12 October 2012 Last months winners Hilton Livingwell Health Club: Lennard Lazarus. Lexi Nomad tickets: Nita Femandy and Milan Mehta.

Your chance to sit alongside the greats!

We are giving one lucky reader the chance to etch their name in history and sit alongside some of the world's greatest sports and music entertainers. The winner can choose a message that could sit as a lasting memory on Wembley Way. This opportunity comes courtesy of Wembley Stadiums partner, Investors in Sport who bring unique opportunities for personalisation at sporting stadiums around the country.

For two lucky runners-up we have a couple of pairs of tickets to join the world famous Wembley Stadium tour, where you can get a behind the scenes look at the heart beat of the National Stadium and the history of the English game.

To earn your place on Wembley Way answer the following simple question:

Which 1966 hat-trick hero had the first stone laid at Wembley Stadium?

A: Sir Geoff Hurst • B: Michael Owen • C: Gary Lineker Terms & Conditions: 1. The winner of the Wembley Stone must follow the terms and conditions laid out on the Investors in Sport website and on Wembley Stadium website. 2. To qualify for your Wembley Stadium Tour you must have/received/be in possession/show/produce your tickets upon arrival 3. Offer valid for tours booked/taken before 01/02/2013. 4. You will be able to book your Wembley Stadium tour for any day it is in operation until the valid end date by going to www.wembleystadium.com/tours. Order processing fee applies. For full terms and conditions please visit: www.wembleystadium.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

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29

TIMEout TIME

What’s going on…

A guide to what’s on in Brent during October 2012.

To get your event listed email tbm@brent.gov.uk or tel 020 8937 1062.

COMMUNITY OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUP Tues 11am-12.30pm.

The Gallery, Willesden Green Library 020 8452 8739

Get down on it with Ceroc at Brent Town Hall every Tuesday evening

CHILDREN LITTLE STARS DANCE CLASSES Weekly dance & performing arts classes for 2-8 yrs at Hazel Road Community Centre, NW10. Call Kirstie on 07949 136 224 DANIEL’S DEN Local parent & toddler group. St Michael & All Angels, Stonebridge, Tues 9.30-11am & 11.30am1pm. Gladstone Park Primary School, Tues 13pm. St Andrews Church, Sudbury Weds 9.3011.30am. St Michael’s Wembley Mons 12.302.30pm, Thurs & Fris 9.30-11am & 11.30am1pm 020 8903 4700 www.danielsden.org.uk HILLSIDE PERFORMING ARTS Free street dance classes for 8-16 yr olds every Sat 1-2pm. Children’s piano lessons available at Hillside Hub NW10 8LE, Cherrelle 07506 198 999 www.hillsideperforming arts.com SOCCER TRAINING Fri 6-8pm, for children, first session free. Capital City Academy NW10. mdipaola@cyworks.co.uk SING SPANISH Spanish classes for children aged 3-8. NW6/ NW10. 07976 050 977 www.espanaviva.biz

PIANO TUITION Sasha 07506 198 999 THE 2ND WEMBLEY BOYS’ BRIGADE & GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION Anchors 5-8, juniors 8-11 meet 6.15-7.30pm Thurs.

Company section meet 7.15-9pm. Park Lane Methodist Church Wembley www.parklane methodist.org.uk DRAMA WORKHOUSE Sats crew workshop for children 1-2pm 7-9 yrs; 2-4pm 10-12 yrs; 4-6pm 13-18 yrs; under 10s £25 a term, over 10s £40, Dudden Hill Centre, 19 Dudden Hill Lane, NW10; Adults Mons 8-10pm £9.50 Tricycle Theatre, NW6 07958 653 725

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

TODDLER PICASSOS Painting, water play, play dough & songs. 15 mnths - 3 yrs. First class free. 8 Station Terrace, Kensal Rise, London NW10 5RT. Phone to book 07903 638 817 www.minipicassos.co.uk

NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707 884

DANCE

4TH BRONDESBURY BROWNIES AND GUIDES Thurs, Willesden Green Brownies 6.30-8pm 07738 205 562 Guides 7-8.30pm 07981 174 634 4TH NEASDEN BROWNIES Girls aged 7-10 only.

Tues 6-7.30pm. St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Church Hall, Dollis Hill lane, NW2 07794 018 819 SING AND SIGN CLASSES Mon-Fri, for babies 6-18 months. Willesden Green and Kensal Rise 07790 955 576

OCTOBER 2012

NORTH WEST LONDON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE First Thursday of the month 7.30pm upstairs at the North London Tavern Kilburn High Road NW6 nwlwi@hotmail.co.uk

CEROC DANCING Modern jive classes, Tues 8-11pm. Beginners welcome, great fun & sociable partner dance – you don’t need to bring a partner. Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD. Call Alan 07860 250 961 www.clubceroc.com

STREET/COMMERCIAL DANCE CLASSES Thurs 7:30-8:30pm, age 11+, Kings Hall Community Centre, 115 Harlesden Rd, Willesden Green £5 call 07889 869 900 annalynn.dance@ gmail.com

LGBT YOUTH CLUB Lesbian, Gay, Bi and unsure under 19s youth club every Wednesday in Kilburn 07931 336 668 www.mosaicyouth.org.uk

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FRESH ARTS THEATRE SCHOOL Drama, dance & singing taught by industry pros for children aged 3-16.

Newman Catholic College, Harlesden Road, NW10 3RN. Saturday, 10am-1pm call 0845 269 9529 www.fresh-arts.co.uk

CLUB HOUSE FOR 50+ Crochet class 10.30am12pm Tues. Basic French1-2.15 pm Tues. Spanish conversation (must have some basic knowledge) 2.30 -3.45pm Tues.

Movement to music. 6 weeks. 4.45 -5.45pm Tues from April 17. Quiz afternoon with prizes. 23.30pm Weds April 18.

Club House at 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, NW10 5TN 020 8206 7513 to book

SELF-EXPRESSIVE DANCE Creative dance/ movement & verbal sharing for personal development. De-stress & build self-confidence & assertiveness. Groups or individuals. Weds & Sats in Kingsbury NW9. rmussi01@googlemail. com 07985 137 682 STREET DANCE CLASSES Piano & free street dance classes for children. For more info contact Cher on 07506 198 999

TEA DANCE Mons, Weds 1.30-4.30pm £4 Brent Town Hall 020 8937 6206 Fri 2-4.30 pm Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836. Mon & Thurs 2-4pm, King’s Hall Community Centre, 155 Harlesden Road, Willesden Green, £1.50

LEARNING BRENT ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICE Courses for adults from accounts to yoga.

020 8937 3990 www.brent.gov.uk/ adulteducation ART CLASSES At the Tricycle Theatre Kilburn 269 Kilburn High Rd NW2 Tuesdays 79pm, £30 concessions £35 full for five weeks, for info email Mary call (pm) 020 8141 6367 mstreherne@gn.apc.org WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 19 Oct at 7.30pm “Trains and Boats, but not Planes” – a talk by Peter Osborne.

St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane (opp. Tudor Gdns), Kingsbury NW9 8RZ 020 8200 0211

BALLROOM AND LATIN Mons 7.30-11pm Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane Wembley 020 8855 6868

DRAMA MADHATTERS THEATRE CLUB Meets in Willesden on Wednesday evenings.

We’re a small and friendly theatre group and looking for new members interested in community drama. No experience needed!

020 8452 5239 www.madhatters theatre.org.uk KINGSBURY AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY (KAOS) Perform two shows a year ranging from operetta to modern musicals and rehearses on Mondays at Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive, Queensbury, HAQ 5ND at 8pm. New members both onstage and backstage are always welcome – why not come and join us?

For more information contact 020 8959 7468 or visit our website www.kaosonline.org

LEARN ALL YOU NEED TO STITCH AND SEW Trained seamstress can teach, dress making, alterations, quilting, soft furnishings and all general tailoring techniques in the comfort of your own home or place of your convenience. Great fun for adults and kids, group sessions can be arranged. Call Elena for costs 07538 640 538 ENGLISH TUITION one-one, groups, adults, children, all levels. CELTA qualified teacher, £15 p/h in Kilburn. eflkilburn@yahoo.co.uk FRENCH TUITION All levels by fully qualified and experienced native speaker. 07762 254 845 SPANISH TUITION Tailored to your needs; conversation, reading, writing, preparing for exams. 07538 041 273 PIANO LESSONS All ages and levels welcome, Preston Road, 07550 722 538 mariatchetverikova @gmail.com

TIME TIMEout CENTURY BOWLS CLUB Indoor and outdoor bowls, free coaching available, social activities, Logan Road, Wembley 020 8904 3261 KINGBURY BOWLS CLUB New members welcome, free coaching and loan of bowls, Eton Grove Open Space.

07505 337 501

COMPUTER TRAINING Free computer training with OCR qualifications for Brent residents aged 14-24 year old Middlesex ITeC on 020 8900 0505 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

ENVIRONMENT BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUP Suns. Fryent Country Park; Tues, Thurs, Sats Roe Green Walled Garden. 020 8206 0492 www.bhcg.btck.co.uk

MUSIC MANOR AND PHILBEACH SINGERS Tues 7.30 -10pm Goodwill Hall, Chichester Rd, Kilburn Park. No singing experience needed, no auditions 020 8455 8865 WILLESDEN GREEN CHOIR Mons 8-10pm. Songs from all over the world, no auditions, first session free Willesden Green Library Centre, Space 2, NW10 2SF www.vocalitysinging. co.uk

SPORTS & LEISURE GET ACTIVE WITH SALSA! Mons at the Heritage Inn, Caribbean Rhum Bar & Restaurant, 301 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 6PG. Beginners: 7.30-8.30pm, Improvers & Intermediate 8.45 - 9.45pm. £7 or £10 for two classes. www.cubanvibes.com or call 07961 281 989 ZUMBA! Mon 8.15-9.15pm Sat 1011am St Mary & St Andrews Church Hall, Dollis Hill Lane, NW2 6HE. Wed 8-9pm at Raw Spice, West Hendon, NW9 7BP. Thur 8-9pm Newman Catholic College, Harlesden, NW10. No need to book. £5 per class. Parking at all venues RAGGAROBICS Circuits every Wednesday at Bridge Park 8-9pm, £5 Get fit. Call Jason 07557 123 760 SEATED EXERCISE CLASSES Spend an hour in gentle exercise with your friends, £2 per session.

Mons 11.30am-12.30pm 28 Fortunegate Road Harlesden NW10 9RE. Weds 10.30-11.30am Harrod Court Stag Lane NW9 9AD, call Age UK Brent 020 8965 7711

KINGSBURY WALKERS Weds 1.55pm, Meet Bush Farm, Slough Lane and Salmon Street junction. 020 8907 2836 WALKING GROUP Thur, 2-3pm, Willesden Sports Centre, Donnington Road, NW10 3QX. Free. Call Age UK Brent 020 8965 7711 HOCKEY Senior sessions. Weds 810pm; juniors (u9-u16) Suns 10am. Jewish Free School, The Mall, Kingsbury HA3 9TE. Gary Thompson on 07946 576 968 www.harrowhc.co.uk WEMBLEY CRICKET CLUB Sats 10-11am cricket teams and coaching for girls & boys at Oakington Manor School, Wembley 020 8902 6096 SEA URCHINS Thurs 8pm, swimming club for young people and adults with learning difficulties. Willesden Sports Centre, NW10, free, call Jean 020 8452 6912 BRONDESBURY BOWLING CLUB Evenings and daytime including free tuition, Chatsworth Road 020 8438 0302

PRESTON PARK BOWLS CLUB Free coaching and loan of bowls Preston Park Recreation Ground, Carlton Avenue East 020 8933 9358 WEMBLEY BOWLS CLUB Weds 3pm tuition offered. King Edward VII Park, Park Lane Wembley 020 8907 8626 WOODCOCK PARK BOWLS CLUB Bowls, open days and fetes, Kenton 020 8907 9076 TAI CHI Phoenix Tai Chi. Tues 1pm at Vale Farm, Wembley, Eddie Ong 07900 687 498 www.taichi-london.com SHORINJI KEMPO MARTIAL ART Tues 8-9.30pm Church of Ascension, The Avenue, Wembley; Fri 7.30-9pm at St Erconwald’s Church Hall, 112 Carlton Avenue East, Wembley 07404 039 087 WU SHU KWAN Chinese kickboxing Sat 3-5pm, Willesden Sports Centre, NW10.

07835 244 398 www.wushukwan.com KIXA CENTRAL POWER CLASS (Mixed & women only) Sun 10.30am-12.30pm, Ark Academy Bridge Road, Wembley Park, London, HA9 9JP £10.

Contact Junior 07923 043 183 proteksinternational@ yahoo.co.uk

TAEKWONDO Tues 6-9pm, Thurs 67.30pm, Ealing Road Methodist Church 07832 447 763 Mons 6.30-8pm, Weds 6.308pm, Cardinal Hinsley School NW10 07832 447 763 YOGA Mons-Suns Special Yoga Centre, 2a Wrentham Ave, Kensal Rise, 020 8968 1900 www.specialyoga.org.uk Mons 6.30-7.30pm, Thurs 7-8pm, Sun 11am12noon, 12 sessions £40, drop-in £10, Gladstone Community Centre, 162 Anson Road 07901 650 763 Weds 10.30am-12.30pm Dudden Hill Community Centre, 19 Dudden Hill Lane, NW10. bhakti yoga free classes 07913 897 406 Tues 9.20-10.30am Laughter Yoga, Roundwood Park Cafe, NW10. Children free, refreshments provided.

Thurs 7.15-8.30pm Evening Laughter Yoga, Nest Cafe, Willesden Green Station, NW2 4QT. £10/£8 www.lifebulb.org Private yoga lessons, Concessions £5 1st lesson £5. Contact Maria on 07990 506 609 Mon-Sat, day & eve, 133 Salusbury Road, Queens Park 020 7328 7163 www.yogaindailylife. org.uk All welcome!

Willesden Library (rm 2) Thurs 7-8pm, Gladstone Park Community Center Suns 11am-12noon.

Mixed ability classes £10 www.yogatherapy.me 07901 650 763

SELF DEVELOPMENT FREE COURSES AND SEMINARS: Meditation, Positive Thinking, Overcoming Anger etc. Inner Space, 528 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7BS. 020 8903 1911 www.innerspace. org/wembley MEDITATION Open class, Suns 11.30am-12.30pm, all welcome, led by former Buddhist monk Karuna Priya. FREE 1st class then £24 for 4 classes, or £7 on day Gracelands Yard, 102 Liddell Gardens, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 3QE, call Karuna 07784 436 783

OCTOBER 2012

VENUES BRENT MUSEUM High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600 BRENT ARCHIVES Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3541 archives@brent.gov.uk PAUL DAISLEY HALL Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9 Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203 TRICYCLE THEATRE CINEMA AND GALLERY 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 Box Office Theatre 020 7328 1000 Cinema 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 EALING BARHAMROAD PARKLIBRARY LIBRARY Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Harrow Road, Sudbury, Middx Wembley 020 8937 HA0 35504BA, 020 8937 3560 barhamparklibrary@brent.gov.uk ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk CRICKLEWOOD LIBRARY HARLESDEN LIBRARY 152 Olive Road NW2 Craven Park Road, 020 8937 3540 Harlesden, NW10 8SE cricklewoodlibrary@brent.gov.uk 020 8937 3570LIBRARY EALING ROAD harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx KILBURN 020 8937LIBRARY 3560 42 Salusbury Road, ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kilburn NW6LIBRARY 6NN HARLESDEN 020 8937 3530 Craven Park Road, Harlesden, kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk London NW10 020 8937 3570 KINGSBURY LIBRARY PLUS harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kingsbury Road, KENSAL RISE LIBRARY KingsburyGardens, NW9 9HE Bathurst NW10 020 8937 3660 3520 020 8937 kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk kensalriselibrary@brent.gov.uk TOWN HALL LIBRARY KILBURN LIBRARY Brent TownRoad, Hall, London NW6 Salusbury King’s Drive, Forty Lane, 020 8937 3530 Wembley HA9 9HU, kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk 020 8937 3500 KINGSBURY LIBRARY PLUS townhalllibrary@brent.gov.uk Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, WILLESDEN LIBRARY London NW9GREEN 020 8937 3520 95 High Road, kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk Willesden NW10 2SF NEASDEN LIBRARY 020 8937 3400 277 Neasden Lane, London willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk

WEMBLEY WEMBLEY STADIUM STADIUM EVENTS EVENTS NW1 020 8937 3580 National Day of Prayer neasdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk and Worship PRESTON ROAD LIBRARY 29 Sept 2012 12.30pm Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, England v San Marino Middx 020 8937 3510 12 Oct 2012 8pm prestonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Rams v Patriots TOKYNGTON LIBRARY 28 Oct 2012 5pm 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 THE BRENT MAGAZINE NW10 020 8937 3400 31 3 willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk