The East Acton Times Issue 2 March 2021

THE EAST ACTON TIMES Spreading our happy news throughout our community

Santa’s Little Helper visits Old Oak!

In December, our very own ‘Mini Santa’ started his deliveries early!

The Old Oak children, continuing with their inspirational empathetic nature, thought that it would be a lovely idea to put together Christmas Care Packages for our older residents.

Many understood that some residents may not be so fortunate and possibly would spend Christmas alone.

These children are great at thinking of solutions to help others locally and put together gift packs of things they felt recipients needed.

The children wrote to the adults at Old Oak Centre, Bubble & Squeak and Old Oak Primary School to ask if they could help with buying gifts to contribute to their Christmas sets. Naturally all obliged.

The children volunteered their time after school to deliver presents, prepare all the gift sets, write personal cards to all and decide what would go into each set.

A rainy, windy afternoon did not stop them from achieving their task! A ‘Mini Santa’ perfected his doorstep conversation talking about his dogs and Christmas plans with local residents. We think this really helped to lift spirits! This act of kindness, by the children on our estate, was an absolute triumph.

The children have already said they can’t wait to arrange another gifting opportunity.

Look out for our next delivery in 2021!

Welcome to our latest edition of The East Acton Times In this issue we will highlight the positive contributions made to our community and update you on fun and fantastic events happening in East Acton in the near future.

I am lucky to have worked with such a great team on this issue and hope you will be impressed with all we have to show you.

There is something in this paper for everyone. We are proud that our local organisations are working together to help people during the Covid Pandemic. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Mini Editor

If you know of an older person who may benefit from Bubble & Squeak’s community events and gift sets regularly organised by the children of Old Oak please email bubblesqueakeat@gmail.com

Cycling Proficiency Life as we currently know it hasn’t stopped local residents getting fit and developing new skills. Over on the centre pitch, local adults took part in a cycling proficiency course organised by Jide, the Community Champions Manager.

Adults took part ‘rain or shine’ in the 12 week course building confidence to be ready for the road. Another success was Dr. Bike’s drop in session. Here bike owners attended the ‘Surgery Session’ where Dr. Bike carried out maintenance on residents’ bicycles to ensure they were roadworthy. Dr. Bike serviced over 100 bikes over 2 days!

We look forward to the start of the next course as cycling is not only a great way to keep fit it also helps us look after our environment through reducing the use of cars locally!

If you would like to take part in the next course contact Jide at Old Oak Centre 02087408008

The Plants for Positivity Society

Did you know that Monday 11th - Friday 17th January celebrated Houseplant Week UK 2021. The young people of Old Oak found out just that, right in the middle of the week, and quickly stepped into action devising a plan on how to celebrate such an unknown awareness week!

Houseplant Week UK takes place every year during the second week in January. This week follows the growing popularity of indoor gardening in recent years. Indoor plants make our homes look great, but they also have health benefits that you might not even know about. Helping to lift our moods during the darker winter nights and improving the quality of air we breathe are just a couple of the benefits of having houseplants in your life.

With this in mind the innovative children at Old Oak Primary took action! They have already nurtured a love for plants and have a pretty ‘green’ school and particularly green art room.

They discovered that plants not only improve the way a space looks but also help to purify air while enhancing wellbeing.

The children then looked after the plants until they were ready to be donated to a new home. So far they have donated 15+ plants and are continuing to deliver plants throughout the area.

Inspired by Teaching Assistant Chris’ love of all things green, the children have launched ’The Plants for Positivity Society’ where they grow and gift plants to members of the community with a focus on the gifted plant being a tool to help improve wellbeing. The children took part in a workshop propagating plants from existing ‘parent’ plants around the school and decorated the pots.

If you would like to be part of this movement and receive a free gift from ‘The Plants for Positivity Society’ contact the children at oldoakfunding@gmail.com

WHAT’’S HAPPENING IN YOUR WHAT

BUBBLE? ing a big hit Peter & Rudolf Go Visit Pony Centre, have beenuse s. It is nkeys at Wormwood Scrubs

do whom do not leave their eho Peter & Rudolf, the rescue n visiting lated neighbours, some ofcha racters. The ponies havnybee with our more socially iso eky che se the et er people. me oth you en d with ma difficult not to smile whula te to their houses engage rou , on day s and ne’ rly, ryo eve reg de nts ma ide y 14 elderly res it was clear the a, are the d un aro and s l! ub oo Walking across the Scr rcising on the scrubs, or on route to work or sch tside the whether they were exe ed the nursery class at Old Oak Primary School ouThe children were Peter & Rudolf entertainalso stopped outside the school gates for a while. community centre and to see their furry friends. take place bursting with excitementbouts and visits soon, and the plan is that the visits the ve lka lea t wa no re can There will be mo rently on hold as the animals cur is s thi , ver we ho nth mo a twice 380346. pony centre at present. Peter and Rudolf ’s next visit contact ForBrian on 07923 on n For more informatio

The Old Oak Lumiére

Old Oak Lumiére (December 2020 to March 2021) 2020 was a difficult year for all as we were, staying inside a lot, missing our friends and families and taking care to give each other space. With winter we get short days and long periods of darkness so ForBrian thought a Lumiére, where individual households take part by lighting up their windows and gardens, would make all smile as while walking around the community.

The team’s imaginations got going, thinking of ways to celebrate the big open space on our doorsteps, the woods and all the wildlife which has been so important to many. The idea of a UV trail was born. A UV torch to light up white and luminous creatures in the darkness would be fun. Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre got involved, dressing Athos, Purdy and Magic as unicorns. Mary Joy as an elf and Richard as Santa with several Santa’s helpers on hand too.

50 people came and took part on 15th December and walking through the woods was certainly magical. One family living in Mellitus Street sent pictures saying “Thank you for a marvellous adventure”.

The idea is that more people will get involved in making models for the trail, with a bigger event soon!

Meanwhile, the number of window displays can continue to grow. The more people who take part, the better the display, and the more pleasure and wellbeing we can bring to our community.

The hope is that The Old Oak Lumiére will become an annual event.

Ideas and volunteers are welcomed, and art materials can be delivered.

There are links to YouTube videos on the website www.forbrian.co.

If you would like to be involved contact ForBrian via their website.

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Peabody residents, do you have an idea for a community project in Old Oak, East Acton? Perhaps a great event in response to COVID-19? Want to kickstart that enterprise idea you had that also supports the community?

Apply for up to £500 for our micro-grants!

For more information email eleanor.harrington@peabody.org.uk

A HISTORY OF OLD OAK Then vs Now: 4 pictures that show how East Acton has changed Then

Now

Then

Now

‘Now’ Photography by Lianne.

GAMES ZONE

by The Games Zone Editors Raffaella and Oleja

Since September, Bubble & Squeak’s newest volunteer Antonia has been helping out with the rapidly increasing number of food packages being delivered and food distributed throughout the estate. Antonia has been giving her time and getting to know the residents, as well as using her excellent organisational skills to put together the food packages at super speed!

This kind hearted story is about a staff member at Old Oak Primary School. “I am full to the brim with gratitude for my Teaching Assistant Linnette. She has been helping me with my dilemmas, playground tiffs and so much more. She inspires me and urges me to always do my best.

Thank you Linnette.”

Acts Of Kindness

By Anisa, Pupil Old Oak Primary

The Bubble & Squeak Project on hand to support our community!

Bubble & Squeak continue to work hard and have done so every week of the pandemic sometimes delivering food parcels three times a week!

The group ensures less food goes to landfill by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it throughout our community.

“Other local heroes are the teachers and staff working in all schools.

They work hard every single day to make sure children like us have a good education. So thank you from all the children in East Acton”

By Brooklyn aged 10

OUR Y R E L L A G

I hope singing assembly starts again.

Our local reporter Oliver wanted to interview members of the East Acton Community to see how life has changed for them recently. First to be interviewed was Deputy Heateacher of Old Oak Primary School Mrs. B.

Q: How are coping with the current situation?

A: I am trying to take every day as it comes. I am trying to keep positive. I enjoy seeing the people I work with. I also treat myself to a bit of chololate to keep a smile on my face.

Q: What do you do to keep busy?

A: I have just started a new book. I enjoy playing with my son, making sure I go on a daily walk and taking part in the daily mile.

Q: How has work at Old Oak changed for you?

A: I am working with a lot less children and I am spending a lot more time on the computer. I am teaching less as I am organising things for our school. That means spending more time in my office and not seeing a lot of the school.

Q: What do you do to keep in contact with your extended family?

A: During the Christmas period I felt sad not seeing them but luckily I face time my family regularly to keep in contact with them.

Q: What do you hope will happen once the vaccine has been fully rolled out?

A: I hope to have a completely full school and I hope singing assembly starts again. I also can not wait for a big get together with my family!

DONATE A DEVICE Do you have a device you can provide, to help tackle the digital divide?

CALLING ALL LOCAL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES & IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON STAFF AND STUDENTS!

Do you have a laptop or tablet you no longer need?

Imperial's ICT Team and Ready Tech Go (our local community partner) are urgently looking for devices for donation Your donated device will support local children studying at home during COVID-19 who are without a device Make a difference to a child's future by donating your unused devices today

Working in partnership to support our community

Drop off your device at:

The Invention Rooms Door C, 68 Wood Lane, W12 7RH Weds between 16.00 and 17.30 To book a drop off slot, email us on: Whitecity.community@imperial.ac.uk If you have any questions, please contact Keisha on 020 7594 7409

Collection may be possible depending on your location

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CENTRE OLD OAK COMMUNITY & CHILDREN'S CENTRE

COFFEE MORNING

OLD OAK COMMUNITY & CHILDREN'S CENTRE

Attend 6 ses sions and receive a love to shop voucher

BABY MASSAGE

Live on Zoom from the comfort of your own home Available as a one-to-one or a group session

Every Tuesday - starts 2 February 2021 11am -11.45am Live on Zoom from the comfort of your own home

Baby Massage can:

Say hello Have your say Tell us what activities you would like to see online Updates on the Centre How we can help and support you H&F CAN website Top tips and guest speakers

- Improve your baby’s flexibility and movement - Aids in digestion and helps relieve colic, wind and constipation - Improve babies’ mental development alertness by stimulating your baby’s brain development

t

na a n call Mu e a sessio ail g n a rr a o T m 3049 or e 0777501 peabody.org.uk @ ji a .h a n mu

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a ail r call Mun lease em To book p peabody.org.uk o 75013017 @ 7 ji 7 a Muna.h 13049/Chantel 0 0 on 07775 020 8740 8008 / oldoakcentre@peabody.org.uk

020 8740 8008 / oldoakcentre@peabody.org.uk

Old Oak Community & Children's Centre 76 Braybrook Street East Acton, W12 0AP

Old Oak Community & Children's Centre 76 Braybrook Street East Acton, W12 0AP

OLD OAK COMMUNITY & CHILDREN'S CENTRE

OLD OAK COMMUNITY & CHILDREN'S CENTRE

ZOOM ZOOM SING ALONG

FAMILY ZUMBA

Live on Zoom from the comfort of your own home

Sing along with Chantel, come and join us!

Sing your favourite songs Singing promotes language development, listening skills and concentration Repetition of songs teaches how language works and builds memory Learn some Makaton signing!

.30 - 11am

s 10 Thursday

5013017 l on 0777 ct Chante eabody.org.uk ta n co s u on@p To join antel.gord or email ch

Live on Zoom from the comfort of your own home Every Thursday starting 4th February 2021

Our Family Zumba session features friendly routines based on original Zumba choreography.

It helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of adults and children’s lives by making fitness fun.

Great moves to great music, the perfect way to stay active.

-12.45 PM 0 .0 2 1 s y 5 013017 Thursda l on 0777

nte .uk ntact Cha body.org Please co antel.gordon@pea h or email c

020 8740 8008 / oldoakcentre@peabody.org.uk

020 8740 8008 / oldoakcentre@peabody.org.uk

Old Oak Community & Children's Centre 76 Braybrook Street East Acton, W12 0AP

Old Oak Community & Children's Centre 76 Braybrook Street East Acton, W12 0AP

Old Oak Community Centre 76 Braybrook Street London W12 0AP Tel: 0208 740 3894

Happiness comes to Old Oak, inspired by artist Morag Myerscough This spring the Old Oak children have been busy taking part in the Hammersmith & Fulham Arts Festival competition answering one one of life’s big questions ‘What does happiness mean to you?’

Residents across H&F have been sharing creative writing, pieces or art work and even their own videos for the competition.

The older pupils at Old Oak Primary School took inspiration from a London favourite, artist Morag Myerscough.

Using bright colours, bold playful shapes and uplifting words as a style springboard to create their own art.

The children expressed their favourite things or moments through block writing sitting alongside bright, bold shapes in their art.

Art Teacher Lydia was so impressed by their own work she contacted Morag on Instagram to show her what they had produced.

Morag was also wowed, commenting it was “brilliant uplifting work”.

The children decided to curate their own mini exhibition at school. This certainly helped to brighten up Old Oak Primary’s downstairs hall!

To take part in the competition yourself check out page 12 for all the details or visit www.hf-artsfest.com for more information and inspiration.

Bochra’s Homemade Pasta Sauce Our resident local foodie mum Bochra shares with us this tasty recipe for homemade pasta sauce.

She told us “this is one of my favourites because I can add all the vegetables I want and the kids can’t see what it is!”

Bochra used surplus vegetables from Bubble & Squeak.

Ingredients

3 carrots 2 courgettes Green, red, yellow, peppers Tin of chopped tomatoes / or fresh or both Handful of mushrooms 2 onions red or white 3 cloves of garlic crushed 1 tbsp fresh coriander and parsley or dried herbs 1 tsp of dried oregano 1tsp thyme 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper I vegetable stock 1tsp cumin, paprika, ginger Splash of balsamic vinegar optional Splash of Worcestershire sauce optional 1tbs honey 1tbsp tomato puree 2tbsp of vegetable oil Drizzle of olive oil

Method

1) Peel wash drain all vegetables and chop into small pieces 2) Add into a slow cooker pot all the ingredients 3) Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

If you don’t have a slow cooker pot you can cook everything on the stove on low for 2 hours.

4) Once all cooked let it cool down 5) Blitz everything store in jar and freeze 6) Use your sauce for pasta or why not use it in your lasagne and shepherd’s pie.

We wanted to take some time to appreciate the great outdoors.

We are so lucky as a community to have such a beautiful green space to enjoy.

We wanted to share our favourite parts of the scrubs with you so we have created a map with places we think you should visit!

We hope this gets you outside to enjoy the space and fresh air our area has to offer!