Westminster Reporter - September 2015

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Apply for free Tea Dance tickets What’s on?

Local events and activities

Investing in the West End

SEPTEMBER 2015 ISSUE 120

Your recycling guide Your mixed recycling collection is weekly Step 1

Step 2

Order your free recycling Put all your recyclable bags or container from items together into your your housing manager or recycling bag or container. caretaker, or contact us.

You can recycle:

Step 3 Leave it out on your recycling collection day or put it in your nearest mixed recycling bin which may be in your building.

Tip: Flatten your cardboard boxes and add to your mixed recycling

Contact us • to order free recycling bags or a container • to find your rubbish and recycling collection days and times • to find your nearest on-street micro recycling centre

Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycling Call: 020 7641 2000 Email: recycling@westminster.gov.uk If you have a housing manager or caretaker please ask them for details of your rubbish and recycling services.

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Silver Sunday

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Active Awards

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Building new homes

Apply for tickets to our Tea Dance - see page 9 On the cover: ‘Heartbeat’ by Charles Pétillon on display in Covent Garden Market. Photo courtesy of Paul Grover

4-5 News in brief 6 What’s on? 7 Westminster City Save 8 Silver Sunday 9 Tea Dance 10 Health 11 Active Awards 12 Recycling 13 Filming in Westminster 14-15 Your Westminster: North 16-17 Your Westminster: Central 18-19 Your Westminster: South 20 Regeneration 21 Historic Westminster 22-23 Enterprise 25 Littering 26-27 West End Partnership 29 Cycling 30 Over to you

The Westminster Reporter is produced as part of Westminster City Council’s customer service programme.

Cabinet Member responsible for The Reporter: Councillor Robert Davis, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for the Built Environment.

The Westminster Reporter is delivered to homes and businesses throughout Westminster.

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For general enquiries, call the council switchboard on 020 7641 6000.

To discuss editorial matters, please contact: The Editor, The Westminster Reporter, 18th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Telephone: 020 7641 3041 Fax: 020 7641 2958 Email: reporter@westminster.gov.uk Minicom: 020 7641 2948

Advertising: please contact: Mohsin Lahkim on 020 7641 6088, or mlahkim@westminster.gov.uk Reference copies of The Westminster Reporter are available in large print and audiotape format. To have a free copy sent to your home call 020 7641 3041.

Published by Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Printed by MBA Group Ltd, MBA House, Garman Road, London, N17 0HW.

Printed on FSC® certified material.

Please recycle The Westminster Reporter.

For more information on recycling call the Environmental Action Line on 020 7641 2000.

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CONTENTS

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The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

NEWS IN BRIEF

News in brief

Join your local neighbourhood watch Help make your neighbourhood a safer place and meet others in the local community by joining a Neighbourhood Watch group. Each group is different, but they all run crime prevention projects and distribute local information and advice. Find your nearest Neighbourhood Watch or set up your own at westminster.gov.uk/ neighbourhood-watch

Cllr Audrey Lewis It is with great sadness that Westminster City Council must report that we lost one of our senior and long standing councillors and immediate past Lord Mayor in July as Cllr Audrey Lewis passed away. Cllr Lewis was a ward councillor for Bryanston and Dorset Square for 13 years and became the first Cabinet Member for Community Protection and Licensing in 2004. Most recently Cllr Lewis served as Lord Mayor of Westminster, having only stepped down in May of this year.

Free childcare for your two-year-old More parents than ever are now eligible for up to 15 hours a week of free early education or childcare for their two-yearolds – in Children’s Centres, schools, nurseries or through childminders.

To find out if your two-year-old is eligible for free childcare, and to apply, visit westminster.gov.uk/childcare

i Local information The council is taking part in a Government-funded pilot to make it easier to find statutory notices of planned works to roads which will result in roads being closed or blocked.

The pilot includes a new website feature, which maps the notices and provides a simple summary of them. To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/temporarytraffic-orders

Electoral register: confirming your details The electoral register is updated every year and you are required to confirm your details as part of the annual canvass.

We wrote to you in August to confirm who is living in your household. Please follow any instructions in your letter to ensure you remain on the electoral register.

You need to be on the electoral register to vote in local elections as well as the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections next year. To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote

@CityWestminster

One of the defining principles of the council’s three year City for All vision is the important role that everyone can play in working together to ensure Westminster’s continued success.

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Young people aged 16-24 can gain work experience and on the job training by becoming an apprentice with the council. To find current vacancies and to hear from previous apprentices visit westminster.gov.uk/council-apprenticeship-scheme

Apply now for school places in 2016

Become a foster carer

Applications are now open for parents and carers with children starting primary or secondary school in September 2016.

Check our online admissions guides for step-by-step advice on how to apply for primary and secondary school places.

Don’t forget, the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31st October 2015. The deadline to apply for a primary school place is 15th January 2016.

It’s quick and easy to apply online. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ admissions

Has your child recently left home or started university? If your home is feeling a bit empty, use your parenting skills and experience to provide care and support for other teenagers who need a home, by becoming a foster carer. Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/fostering

n excellent example of this principle in action is the work of the West End Partnership. The Partnership, which I chair, brings together for the first time all of the West End’s key stakeholders – from Transport for London, the Mayor’s Office and the police, to the property industry, cultural and business sectors and, most importantly, local residents.

The Partnership has set out a oncein-a generation strategic vision, focusing millions of pounds of investment to ensure that local people are able to enjoy the benefits of greater prosperity and better life opportunities as well as securing the future of one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting places.

This is just one example of how this council is working with partners to improve Westminster. In terms of how residents can play their part, this edition of the Reporter contains information on everything from recycling initiatives to advice and guidance on offer for budding entrepreneurs.

You can also read more about this year’s Silver Sunday, which will see an exciting range of free activities and events on offer such as Tai Chi lessons, dancing and an event at Lord’s. In just its fourth year, Silver Sunday has already established itself nationally as an annual chance for those aged 65 and over to take advantage of and find out more about the many opportunities and services that are available.

We are proud that the event started in Westminster, and of the way in which it fits with our City for All vision.

Cllr Philippa Roe, Leader of Westminster City Council

5 The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Become an apprentice

LEADER’S COLUMN

What’s on

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

WHAT’S ON?

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London Restaurant Festival When: 1st-31st October Three weeks of fabulous foodie events and special menus at London restaurants.

Venue: Various restaurants across London Cost: Various londonrestaurantfestival.com

Diwali in London When: 11th October, from 12 midday A packed lineup of the best in contemporary Asian music, dance, cuisine, festival sweets and drinks, and children’s activities.

Venue: Trafalgar Square Cost: Free london.gov.uk/get-involved

Cost: £5, £8 on the door, RHS members go free rhs.org.uk

Africa on the Square When: 10th October, 12 midday-6pm Celebrate African heritage and culture, expect a packed lineup with a music stage, African market, food stalls and children’s activities.

Venue: Trafalgar Square Cost: Free london.gov.uk/get-involved

Get up close to an array of classic, vintage and super cars on display on Regent Street.

Venue: Regent Street Cost: Free regentstreetonline.com

When: 12th November, 5-9pm

When: 6th October, 10am-9pm and 7th October, 10am-5pm

Venue: RHS Lindley Halls, Elverton Street, SW1P 2PE

When: 31st October

Carnaby Christmas light switch on

London Harvest Festival Show

See, taste and buy mouthwatering produce at the RHS London Harvest Festival Show, a foodie feast celebrating the taste of autumn.

Regent Street Motor Show

Frieze Art Fair

Over 100 brands, restaurants and bars will come together to throw the ultimate Christmas shopping party. Enjoy a 20% discount in all participating shops and in-store activities including complimentary drinks, nibbles and live music.

When: 14th – 17th October

Venue: Carnaby Street

An outdoor art fair where leading national and international art dealers and galleries showcase their work.

Cost: Free, but you must register for a ticket carnaby.co.uk

Venue: Regents Park, NW1 4NR Cost: From £34 friezelondon.com

Parliament in the Making: lecture and event series When: Until 25th October, various times A series of free events and lectures commemorating major anniversaries including 750 years since the Simon de Montfort parliament and 800 years since the sealing of Magna Carta.

Venue: Portcullis House, Bridge Street, SW1A 2LW Cost: Free parliament.uk/2015

A Topsy Turvy Family Play Day When: 21st November, 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm Inspired by the legendary partnership between WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, dress-up, sing-along and learn all about the comic operas they wrote.

Venue: Museum Piano Gallery, Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, NW1 5HT Cost: Free but tickets must be booked in advance ram.ac.uk/whats-on

Offers

Sign up for your free card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave where you can also sign up to our enewsletter to keep up-to-date with the latest offers, and like us on Facebook at ‘Value for Money Friday’ for new offers throughout the week.

20% off entry to Apsley House

30% off dining on the Thames

One of the grandest addresses in London, be amazed by the interiors of the home of the first Duke of Wellington.

Combine outstanding food against the backdrop of London’s iconic sights and the River Thames.

Venue: Apsley House, Hyde Park Corner, 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT

Venue: R.S. Hispaniola Bar & Restaurant, Victoria Embankment, WC2N 5DJ 2 for 1 entry to the Guards Museum

View the unique collection of ceremonial uniforms and memorabilia covering 360 years of history of Her Majesty’s five regiments of Foot Guards.

Venue: Wellington Barracks, SW1E 6HQ

2 for 1 tickets to Benjamin Franklin House

Visit the world’s only remaining residence of the great scientist, inventor, writer, diplomat and US founding father.

Venue: Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF

35% off at Spa LONDON

20% off at HK Diner

Save on a three-hour relaxation session with access to two steam rooms, two saunas and a relaxation lounge.

Enjoy the authentic taste and feel of Hong Kong with discounted food and drink in the heart of Chinatown.

Venue: Spa LONDON at Marshall Street Leisure Centre, Marshall Street, W1F 7EL 2 for 1 entry to Handel House Museum

Visit the 18th century home to baroque composer George Frideric Handel.

Venue: 22 Wardour Street, W1D 6QQ 15% off your bill at Fire and Stone

Hand-stretched pizza topped with authentic flavour combinations.

Venue: 31-32 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS

Venue: 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB

Terms and conditions apply. Visit westminster. gov.uk/citysave for all offers and more details.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Apply for a free Westminster City Save card and you could save on hundreds of exclusive local offers and discounts.

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Silver Sunday

Try something new on Silver Sunday Make the most of free and low-cost activities and events on Sunday 4th October as part of our national day for people aged 65 or over.

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f you’re aged 65 or over, Silver Sunday is a chance to try something new, meet new people and have a great day out. It’s also an opportunity to find out about the services that are available throughout the year. Please let your relatives and neighbours know about Silver Sunday and help them to get there if you can. Carers of all ages are also welcome.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Annie Coward, 68, from Bayswater, visited Lord’s Cricket Ground as part of Silver Sunday last year.

“I went on a tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground and it was amazing. I really enjoyed the match, cheering the players and chatting to the grounds people and other people around me watching the game in the stands. I also went on a tour of the grounds where I saw the statue of W.G. Grace.

“I think Silver Sunday is a great idea as you chat to new people. I ended up talking to some people I recognised from my local shops.

“When you retire it’s easier to stay indoors and watch television, but it’s important to go out and mix with other people.

“I would encourage people to take advantage of these wonderful, interesting trips that take place on Silver Sunday. Take a look at what’s on and give it a go.”

Silver Sunday activities A selection of activities happening in Westminster are listed here. Some events may be booked up so please call ahead to check, and all events are free unless otherwise stated. For the full list of events, pick up a copy of Westminster Plus magazine from your local library, estate office or leisure centre, or visit westminster.gov.uk/silver-sunday

Free swimming Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ Enjoy free swimming all day at Seymour Leisure Centre, courtesy of Better.

Sunday 4th October, 8am-7pm No booking required

Afternoon tea, tour and intergenerational cricket match at Lord’s Watch an intergenerational cricket match, enjoy afternoon tea and a tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ Delve into other worlds, discover new customs and make new friends with an array of information and celebration stalls by local organisations.

Sunday 4th October, 12 midday-3pm o booking required, N just turn up and join in

Martial arts and Tai Chi

Lord’s Cricket Ground, St. John’s Wood, NW8 8QN

Chinese Community Centre, 2 Leicester Court, WC2H 7DW

Sunday 4th October, 11.30am-4.30pm Tour and afternoon tea at 1pm

Watch demonstrations and have fun with martial arts and Tai Chi plus refreshments at the Chinese Community Centre.

Cost: £5 booking fee, fully refunded on arrival

Plan your Silver Sunday at westminster.gov.uk/silver-sunday or find out what’s on across the UK at silversunday.org.uk

Open Age’s Eat, Dance, Discover intercultural celebration

ooking required, B 020 7616 8589 or community@mcc.org.uk

Sunday 4th October, 1-4pm No booking required

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The Pink Champagne Sisters at St. James Theatre

Open house at Penfold Community Hub

St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA

Penfold Community Hub, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ

Be transported back to the golden age of swing with this glamorous performance.

Singing, line dancing, therapy sessions, health talks, garden tours and free refreshments.

Sunday 4th October, 2pm Booking required, 0844 264 2140, boxoffice@stjamestheatre.co.uk

ENO community choir workshop Dragon Hall, 17 Stukeley Street, WC2B 5LT Come and sing with the English National Opera Community Choir and learn music from an opera in ENO’s upcoming season.

Sunday 4th October, 2-4pm ooking required, B 020 7632 8484 or baylis@eno.org

Sunday 4th October, 2-5pm No booking required

West End sing-along Lord Mayor’s Parlour, 18th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP Join Ben Stock, West End actor and Musical Director for a sing-along of West End favourites.

Sunday 4th October, 3-4pm ooking required, B 020 7557 6700 or enquiries@soltukt.co.uk

Friendship Matinee Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Enjoy the ‘Music of Bond.’

Friday 9th October, 3-4.15pm Cost: £5

Image courtesy of Katura Jensen

ooking required, box office B on 020 7589 8212

Silver Sunday was founded in 2012 by Lord Mayor of Westminster and Older People’s Champion, Councillor Christabel Flight, to raise awareness of and help overcome loneliness.

Free Tea Dance on Park Lane

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f you haven’t been to our annual Tea Dance before, don’t miss out on your chance to experience the glamour of the Great Room at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea and take to the floor to dance along to the live band or just enjoy the atmosphere from the comfort of your table.

The event, on the afternoon of 29th November, is for 1,000 Westminster residents aged 65 or over plus carers. Tickets are free and allocated in a prize draw and last year everyone who applied, received a ticket.

Apply now Visit westminster.gov.uk/tea-dance or apply in writing to Tea Dance, 18th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Please include your full name, address, telephone number, date of birth and let us know if you have any dietary requirements or need wheelchair access.

You can apply for one or two tickets. Please include the name and address of the second ticket holder so we can send their ticket directly to them.

The deadline to apply for a ticket is Friday 25th September 2015. We will contact you in November if you are successful in getting a ticket.

The Tea Dance is supported by Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel; The Sir Simon Milton Foundation; Telegraph Media Group and Shaftesbury PLC.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Pink Champagne Sisters

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Health

Healthy choices at your fingertips Make the most of what’s on offer across the city to help you and your family stay healthy.

Activities, advice and inspiration to keep your family healthy are now on hand in schools and Children’s Centres with our new MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) sessions.

They’re available for children and young people up to the age of 18 and their families.

Highlights include: • a six-week postnatal nutrition and workout programme for new mums • mini MEND activities for two to four-year-olds and their parents including reading food labels, portion sizes and fun active play • one-to-one advice from a dietician for parents with children aged up to four.

Testing for HIV – DO IT Testing for HIV is quick and easy. Putting off having a test could be harmful to your health – if you do have HIV, you will receive the best NHS treatment and care. So the sooner you find out, the better. Over half a million people in London are tested for HIV every year. Find your nearest HIV testing centre at doitlondon.org or ask your GP or practice nurse if your surgery offers HIV testing.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Tuesday 6th October, 12 midday–2pm.

Venue: St. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PD

Blood pressure checks and information on emotional wellbeing Thursday 8th October, 12 midday–2pm Venue: Charing Cross Library, 4-6 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HF

Stop smoking sessions and healthy heart recipes Venue: Queen’s Park Library, 666 Harrow Road, W10 4NE

Free flu vaccinations

Flu is especially common in children. This year, schools are vaccinating all children in Years one and two and you can take your two to four-year-olds to your GP.

Mind and heart care plus stop smoking advice

Tuesday 20th October, 11.30am–2pm

Find out more at mytimeactive.co.uk/MEND or call 020 8323 1725 for activity details.

The flu vaccination is free for people who are most at risk of complications like pneumonia.

Ask your GP or pharmacist about your free flu vaccination now if you have a long-term health condition, are aged 65 or over, are pregnant or a carer. It’s free because you need it.

Health sessions in libraries

It’s given as a nasal spray to children, which is painless and easy.

The best time to have the vaccination is in October to early November, however vaccines may still be available later in the flu season.

Find out more about vaccinating your child at nhs.uk/child-flu or search ‘flu vaccination’ for general information.

Fun healthy eating session with songs and rhymes for under fives Monday 26th October, 10am Venue: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT

Stoptober sessions to help you give up smoking plus healthy eating and mental wellbeing support Tuesday 27th October, 12.30-2.30pm Venue: Church Street Library, 67 Church Street, NW8 8EU There’s lots of health information on offer at your local library. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ health-events-in-libraries to find out more.

Active awards

Our annual ActiveWestminster Awards celebrate the people, clubs and organisations that make a difference to lives through sport and physical activity.

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o you know someone who inspires others to keep active or brings people together through physical activity? By nominating them for an ActiveWestminster Award you will be entered into a prize draw to win free spa LONDON vouchers.

The shortlisted people will be invited to an awards ceremony at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in November.

Nominate online westminster.gov.uk/active-awards Or use the nomination form below.

Nomination form

Nominate nce for your cha to win spa LONDON vouchers

Do you know an inspirational sports coach, a fantastic sports volunteer or a dedicated young athlete?

Nominate them for an

ActiveWestminster Award 2015 westminster.gov.uk/activeawards

Shortlisted nomi nees will be invite d to an awards cerem ony at Lord’s Crick et Ground. @ActiveWCC ActiveWestmins ter

@ActiveWCC ActiveWestminster

Reasons for nomination:

First name: Surname: Email: Telephone: Address:

Your nomination Please provide us with some details of the person you are nominating for an award: First name: Surname: Email:

Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary and send your nomination to: Westminster City Council, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Nominate an active champion

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Recycling

Recycle more and win up to £10,000 If you live on one of our estates increase the amount you recycle and your community could win thousands of pounds worth of prizes.

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his month we launched an exciting new recycling rewards scheme across all of the council’s estates. The ‘In it to Win It’ scheme rewards communities who recycle more and throw away less. The more they recycle, the more they can win.

Pick up a free recycling bag at your estate office

How does it work?

We will monitor recycling bins on estates, if the recycling increases and the rubbish decreases, money will be awarded to the community.

Keep improving throughout the year and you’ll keep winning prizes.

We’ll be talking to people who live on the estates about what prizes they would like. These could include anything from new play equipment or sports kit to benches, gardening equipment or wildlife projects.

Estates with communal bins are eligible to take part. For full details about the scheme visit, westminster.gov.uk/init-towinit The reward scheme is a trial which is funded by Government and will run for the next two years.

Recycle right Whether you are taking part in ‘In it to Win It’ or not, it’s important that you don’t put the wrong things in your recycling bin.

Yes please paper, card and cartons

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays glass bottles and jars food tins and drink cans No thanks Items such as food, black bags and polystyrene cannot be recycled and therefore your bin won’t be emptied.

T o find out more about recycling in your area and where your nearest recycling locations are visit, westminster.gov.uk/ recycling

Special Events

Have you ever watched a film or TV show and thought that some of the locations look very familiar?

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ver 2,000 films and productions are recorded in Westminster each year, showcasing the city’s world-famous streets, open spaces and iconic landmarks to national and international audiences.

Earlier this year, your city formed the backdrop to the forthcoming James Bond film, Spectre, which is due for release in the UK on 26th October. Filming included dramatic helicopter stunts over the River Thames, scenes at Riverside Walk Gardens opposite Tate Britain and on Westminster Bridge.

The council regularly works with production companies to facilitate

filming in Westminster, balancing their requirements with the needs of our residents and businesses to minimise impact and keep the city moving.

Save £2 on entry to Bond in Motion

See over 50 full sized vehicles used by 007 in the films and save up to £2 on entry to the exhibition with your Westminster City Save card. Valid until December 2015. For full details visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave Venue: London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, WC2E 7BN

Westminster on the big screen: Harry Potter films Filmed: May 2008 and June 2010 Location: Great Scotland Yard, Horse Guards Avenue, Piccadilly Circus

The King’s Speech Filmed: January 2011 Location: Harley Street

The Edge of Tomorrow Filmed: November 2012 Location: Trafalgar Square

Mission: Impossible 5 Filmed: November 2014 Location: Piccadilly Circus, Great Windmill Street

Skyfall Filmed: December 2011 and March 2012 Location: Charing Cross underpass, Whitehall

Spectre filming at various locations across Westminster Photos courtesy of Phil Verney

F or more information about filming in Westminster, or to apply to film or hold an event visit westminster.gov.uk/ special-events See What’s On on page 18 for details of more James Bond events.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

James Bond comes to Westminster

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Your Westminster

Hidden gems Tell us your favourite places in Westminster Tweet them to @CityWestminster Coffee and a picnic at Regent’s Park Rose Garden.” – Suzann Sime

What’s on Theatre in the Pound 12th October, 7pm and 9th November 8pm A night of short performances of new writing and all things theatrical for only £1.

Venue: The Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH Cost: £1 Nearest tube: Marylebone thecockpit.org.uk

Westminster Christmas Lights and Decorations 13th, 20th and 27th December, 4-7.30pm

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Join this free leisurely led bike ride admiring Westminster’s finest Christmas lights, windows and trees.

Venue: Santander Cycle Hire Docking Station, Beaumont Street, Marylebone at the junction with Marylebone High Street Cost: Free Nearest tube: Baker Street westminster.gov.uk/cycling

Salsa dancing for ages 50+ Wednesdays, 2-3pm Immerse yourself in the rhythms of South America, meet new

people, and improve your fitness and coordination.

Venue: Warwick Community Centre, 300 Harrow Road, W2 5HG Cost: Free Nearest tube: Royal Oak openage.org.uk

Royal Academy Soloists A concert of english music from the two Elizabethan eras, as part of the Academy’s 400+ series.

6th November, 7pm Venue: Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, NW1 5HT Cost: Free, no tickets required Nearest tube: Regent’s Park, Baker Street ram.ac.uk/whats-on

Creative dance classes for children Children can enjoy fun and healthy dance classes and make new friends, held by Mala CHERGA Theatre.

Venue: Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL Cost: £18 per 12 week term Nearest tube: Queen’s Park malachergatheatre. weebly.com

Ice cream at NINETEEN, formerly called CC’s, in Queen’s Park.” – Raj Valley ur favourite place is a tiny park called Violet O Hill located off Abbey Road Gardens. It is so tucked away that only locals could find it.”

– Cynthia Welton neighbourhood treasure of mine is the A excellent Learning Store on Mozart Street.

It provides innovative literacy services for adults and children and a great micro lending library for children.” - Ulla Johnson

Green plaques

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harles Babbage (1791-1871) is widely regarded as the first computer pioneer.

His Analytical Engine conceived in 1834 possessed all the essential features of the modern computer, including the feedingin of information by punched cards, the printing out of results and the creation of a large information store or memory. Babbage also worked in the fields of philosophy and code-breaking, as well as campaigning for reform in British science. Babbage lived and worked for over 40 years at 1 Dorset Street where he died in 1871 aged 80.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/green-plaques-scheme for details of other green plaques in Westminster.

15 Offers in your area Value for Money Friday is a round-up of short-term offers, discounts, activities and events to help you make the most of your area and council services. Register for our fortnightly enewsletter or view our latest offers at westminster.gov.uk/vfm

20% off at The Quince Tree Details: Enjoy discounts off the breakfast, brunch and lunch menus from one of London’s hidden treasures.

Dates: Ongoing Venue: 5A Clifton Villas, W9 2PH

25% off personal training Bomb damage to Hallam Street (South) and Duchess Street, 1940

Pop up space for businesses in Church Street

20% off at business workshops

Details: Feel healthy and active with discounted personal training packages and sessions from DA Lewis Fitness. Suitable for all abilities.

Dates: Ongoing

#

venture382 is an exciting pop-up space for startup businesses and entrepreneurs in and around Church Street. The space allows entrepreneurs to share ideas, conduct business, create the foundation for their start-up or build their existing enterprise.

Launched as part of the Church Street regeneration programme, #venture382 offers a low-cost monthly package that includes desk space, business broadband, a registered mailing address and access to workshops and seminars, meeting rooms and networking opportunities.

For more information about starting your own business see page 22 or visit westminster.gov.uk/support-your-business

Details: Self-employed or run a business? Get discounts for online accounting and bookkeeping services for self-employed and limited companies, as well as a free initial phone consultation, from Pyramid Point Ltd. Dates: Until 31st December Terms and conditions apply to all offers. For full details visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

History in pictures

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Your Westminster

What’s on

Hidden gems Tell us your favourite places in Westminster.

Tweet them to @CityWestminster imlico Fresh on Wilton Road, it has great P food and great music.” – Milly Smith Cycling along the Thames and a picnic in St. James’s Park.” – Pamela Sta rinks on a roof top bar overlooking the city, D my favourite is Vista at the Trafalgar Hotel.

The views of Trafalgar Square are amazing.”

– Harriet Johnson hinatown to take in the colourful sights, C sound and tastes and to celebrate all the diverse communities that have become an integral part of Westminster.”

– Harpall Singh

Westminster Finest Chocolate Tasting Ride 6th December, 2-3.15pm Find some of the world’s best chocolatiers on this cycle tour. The tour includes free chocolate samples.

Venue: Santander Cycle Hire Docking Station at Hyde Park Corner on South Carriage Drive.

Cost: Free Nearest tube: Hyde Park

Pride London

westminster.gov.uk/ cycling

TheatreCraft 20th November, 9am-3.30pm A careers fair for ages 16-25 looking for a non-performance career in theatre. Take part in workshops led by theatre professionals, explore the exhibiting theatres and organisations, and get oneto-one advice from experts.

Venue: Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD Cost: Free but you must register for a place Nearest tube: Covent Garden theatrecraft.org

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Lunchtime talks at the Courtauld 23rd and 30th October, 13th and 27th November, 11th and 18th December, 1.15-1.45pm Informal lunchtime talks on the works in the collection.

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ride in London is the city’s biggest one-day event, and one of the world’s biggest LGBT celebrations.

This June, a record-breaking one million people took part in the celebrations which focused around Trafalgar Square. prideinlondon.org

Venue: The Courtauld Institute of Art, Strand, WC2R 0RN Cost: Free with admission Nearest tube: Temple courtauld.ac.uk

17 Offers in your area Value for Money Friday is a round-up of short-term offers, discounts, activities, and events to help you make the most of your area and council services. Register for our fortnightly enewsletter or see our latest offers at westminster.gov.uk/vfm

Regent Street, c1890

West End LIVE

20% off at New Diwan I Am

Exclusive 10% off tickets to see Elf the Musical

Details: Save on delicious Indian food with 20%off the main menu.

See the smash-hit festive show based on the film as Buddy the Elf travels to New York to help them remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Venue: 43 Chiltern Street, W1U 6LS Dates: Ongoing

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est End LIVE, our annual free theatre extravaganza with MasterCard once again drew theatre fans in their tens of thousands to Trafalgar Square in June. Crowds were treated to appearances from hit shows including debut’s from Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Gypsy, Memphis the Musical and Sunny Afternoon. A first for West End LIVE also saw a performance from Wicked on the roof of the Trafalgar Hotel. West End LIVE will return to Trafalgar Square next summer.

F or your chance to see these top West End shows and others at discounted rates visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave.

Venue: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ Dates: 24th October-2nd January

50% off one-to-one yoga sessions Details: Get discounted tailor-made programmes to breathe better and release tension from Effortless Yoga.

Venue: Ivor Place, NW1 Dates: Until Tuesday 15th December

Up to 60% off swimming at leisure centres Details: Get discounted swimming at leisure centres including the Porchester Centre and the historic Marshall Street leisure centre.

Dates: Ongoing

20% off entry to Waterloo 200 exhibitions Details: Don’t miss out on a final chance to see a series of exhibitions commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo at Apsley House.

Venue: Apsley House, Hyde Park Corner, 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT Dates: Until December 2015

Terms and conditions apply to all offers. For full details visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

History in pictures

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Your Westminster

What’s on Natural History Museum Lates Last Friday of the month excluding December, until 10pm

Hidden gems Tell us your favourite places in Westminster, Tweet them to @CityWestminster walk by the Thames, through the A Embankment Gardens by the Savoy Hotel.”

– Charles Hawkins e love the Tate Britain for a fantastic brisk W trip through five centuries of art, before jumping on a clipper catamaran to soak up more architectural beauty with your hair in the wind.” – Caroline Letisser

Explore the galleries after hours and take in highlights including the Dinosaur Gallery.

Venue: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD Cost: Free, some exhibitions may have charges Nearest tube: South Kensington nhm.ac.uk

BP Family Festival 31st October and 1st November, 11am–4pm A day of free activities and workshops for the family, exploring the galleries at Tate Britain.

Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG Cost: Free Nearest tube: Pimlico tate.org.uk/whats-on

Community health checks Saturday 3rd October Free health checks from the NHS health improvement team including healthy eating advice and exercise and activity tips.

ree entry to Westminster Abbey with a F Westminster City Save card so you can pop in for lots of short visits which is best for young ones.” – Tina Dubois

Venue: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT Cost: Free Nearest tube: Pimlico

City of Sculpture

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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wenty-one DNA inspired double helix sculptures appeared across London this summer including at Trafalgar Square and outside 10 Downing Street. Inspired by the DNA double helix form, the sculptures have been designed by some of the biggest names in art and design and notable personalities. A Mayoral Helix (photo right) was also designed by Westminster City Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Robert Davis and depicts the mayoral robes, chains, badge and mace. The Mayoral Helix can be seen on Great George Street.

The sculptures will be auctioned this month to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

westminster.gov.uk/ events-libraries

Grow and eat gardening club

The Big Draw

Wednesdays, 2-3pm

Thursday 29th and Friday 30th October

Join this friendly gardening club and grow your own produce.

Take part in the world’s biggest drawing festival for anyone who’s interested in art

Venue: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU Cost: Free

Venue: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace Buckingham, Palace Road, SW1W 0QH

Nearest tube: St. James’s Park

Cost: Free with admission

theabbeycentre.org.uk/ community

Nearest Tube: Victoria thebigdraw.org

19 Offers in your area Value for Money Friday is a round-up of short-term offers, discounts, activities, and events to help you make the most of your area and council services. Register for our fortnightly enewsletter or see our latest offers at westminster.gov.uk/vfm

30% off lunch time walking tours Details: Keep active on your lunch breaks with discounted walking tours, taking place outside Westminster Cathedral.

Each walk will take you to another area in the capital.

Dates: First Tuesday of the month in September – November, 1pm

Westminster Bridge, c. 1910. The bridge is painted green to match the leather seats in the House of Commons

Green plaques

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he Royal Air Force (RAF) came into being on 1st April 1918, in the last year of the First World War, and established its headquarters at the Cecil Hotel on the Strand. The RAF was the world’s first independent military air arm and, by the end of the war, had become the largest. The Cecil Hotel, one of the biggest in London, was requisitioned for the war effort in 1917 but when the RAF moved to Kingsway in 1919 most of the building, excluding the northern block, was demolished. It is on that remaining block, at 80 Strand, that the plaque now lies.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/green-plaques-scheme for details of other green plaques in Westminster.

50% off at National Portrait Gallery

Free initial dentist consultation

Details: Get 50% off full price tickets at the National Portrait Gallery to see some of the world-class exhibitions taking place

Details: Keep your smile clean and healthy with free initial consultations and 20% off routine treatments from Bell Yard Dental Surgery.

Venue: Trafalgar Square

Venue: 7 Bell Yard, WC2A 2JR

Dates: Ongoing

Dates: Until 5th November

Great Fire of Westminster walking tour Details: Find out more about the Great Fire of Westminster that destroyed the Houses of Parliament in this historical themed tour.

Dates: Every Thursday in October, 6.30pm Terms and conditions apply to all offers. For full details visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

History in pictures

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Regeneration

Artist’s impression of the new Marylebone Boys’ School

Creating new homes Two new exciting housing developments, which we consulted on this summer, will see new affordable homes built in the heart of Westminster.

North Wharf Road, Paddington

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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he proposed mixed use redevelopment of Dudley House, the Dudley Arms and the Pentecostal Church site, located on North Wharf Road in Paddington Basin, will deliver around 200 much-needed new high-quality homes.

The new homes, which are due to be submitted for planning approval later this year, will provide studios, one and two bedroom homes for local people on moderate incomes. The site will also provide a permanent new home for the Marylebone Boys’ School, and has been specifically selected by the Education Funding Agency and the council. It will house modern, state-of-the-art facilities for the school, providing a high-quality learning environment for pupils and meeting future needs for secondary

school spaces in Westminster.

Richard Ardron, Marylebone Boys’ School Headteacher said: “We are delighted to secure a first-class site for the school. The new, purposebuilt premises will enable us to build a long-term future for pupils in Westminster.”

The new design of North Wharf Road will also see the Central Pentecostal Church remain and a new, flexible community space for the church will be built. There will also be improvements to outdoor space and the public realm.

For more details on the scheme visit westminster.gov.uk/ northwharfroad

Ashbridge Street 2 Ashbridge Street, near Marylebone, is a building formally used as a BT repeater station, which is proposed to transform into 38 new one and

two bedroom homes. The majority of homes in the development, which is subject to planning approval in early 2016, will be affordable accommodation for working households on low to moderate incomes. The building will be energy efficient and include solar panels for renewable energy and green planted roofs, providing ecological and biodiversity benefits.

For more details on the scheme visit westminster.gov.uk/ ashbridgestreet T o view information about all of the council’s renewal programmes visit westminster.gov.uk/ housing-renewal

1,250 new homes will be delivered across Westminster by the council over the next five years as part of our renewal programmes.

Historic Westminster

75 years ago, on 7th September, 1940, London was subject to the start of an eight month bombing campaign that was to become known as ‘The Blitz’.

Help solve a WWII mystery

D

Construction of the trench shelter in Leicester Square in February, 1940

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he London Blitz saw 1,100 people from Westminster lose their lives and 2,500 residents seriously injured. It was the council’s responsibility during this time to keep its residents safe providing public shelters and protection.

As purpose-built underground shelters did not exist until 1944, shelters during The Blitz took the form of Underground stations and basements of large public buildings. The largest air raid shelter in England was at the Methodist Central Hall in Trafalgar Square which could hold 2,000 people each night.

Shelters were also built beneath grass squares across the city and were essential for nearby local

residents during the London Blitz.

Leslie Hardcastle, 88, from Soho, remembers spending time during The Blitz in the shelter built under Soho Square: “It was lined with about 12 inches of brick and had concrete as a roof. It could take about 150 to 200 people initially although that became less when they put tiers of bunk beds in. The only facility was a toilet and it could get quite smelly with all the people down there.”

To keep residents occupied in the shelters, Westminster libraries donated 2,000 books for use in their shelters.

F ind out more about local history at the City of Westminster Archives Centre, 10 St. Annes Street, SW1P 2DE. Visit westminster.gov.uk/archives

o you know if Whiteley’s department store in Bayswater was used as bomb shelter during the war? We are looking for information following a story from a local resident about the department store being bombed whilst being used as a shelter, causing flooding that is reported to have killed up to 200 people. Despite extensive searches our archives don’t hold any records of the incident, so we need your help. If you have any information regarding this incident please send it to us at reporter@westminster.gov.uk or write to The Editor, (see address on page 3).

Map of bomb sites around Victoria Street, Westminster

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Westminster during The Blitz

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Enterprise

Is your business the next Five years ago Wills Akon, 25, dreamt of a career in radio. Today he owns and runs his own radio station, Radio King Online, with over 40,000 listeners a month.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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ills says: “After school I was lucky enough to get work experience with broadcaster and DJ Trevor Nelson who helped set up Kiss FM out of his girlfriend’s flat.

He really inspired me to try and set up my own station online.

“Internet radio was really starting to grow so I got a team together of like-minded people and we started scribbling down ideas. Those ideas turned into a business plan and we managed to get funding to launch Radio King Online. Writing the business plan wasn’t as complicated as I’d imagined, there’s lots of information online if you do your research.

“Running a business has its ups and downs but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back on our five-year business plan we’ve exceeded our goals, through lots of trial and error.

“I’m now working with the charity Vital Regeneration in and around north Westminster to inspire other young people to get into business.

There’s great business support in Westminster and I often use space at #venture382, an enterprise hub on Church Street, to work and connect with other start-up entrepreneurs. The one piece of advice I always give is to find a way to make your passion make money.

It’s great doing what you love, but you need advice and support from others so that what you love pays your bills.”

F or more information on how we can help your new enterprise, visit westminster.gov.uk/ business-support. See also page 15 for more information about #venture382

Wills Akon, who started his own business in Westminser

Inspired by Wills?

If you’re a young entrepreneur, or thinking about running a business in the future, sign up to Westminster Enterprise Week, 16th–22nd November.

Meet top entrepreneurs, take part in competitions to win support for your new business, learn from the experts what it takes to get a company off the ground, and tour enterprise agencies in Westminster.

For more information on Westminster Enterprise Week visit westminster.gov.uk/enterprise-week

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Start your own business If you’re thinking of starting your own business there are services in Westminster that can help, from networking to finding office space.

Expertise and networking Located in libraries across Westminster, Business Information Points run weekly events with industry experts, provide information on funding opportunities, and offer high-quality business resources such as Mintel, Experian and Cobra databases, free of charge.

The Westminster Enterprise Centre and the Westminster Business Council offer bespoke coaching and mentoring services as well as events, seminars and business training.

Desk and office spaces Looking for office space with a difference? There are co-working spaces located across Westminster including Impact Hub Westminster, home to 500 entrepreneurs working

Impact Hub Westminster

on early stage businesses, Great Western Studios for the creative industries, and Maida Hill Place a unique space for food entrepreneurs.

These spaces bring people together to network and collaborate, and provide events, workshops and learning all year round.

Don’t miss the latest news and offers Sign up to our business enewsletter.

Filled with the latest business news, special offers, training and networking opportunities, the Westminster business enewsletter gives you the information you need to promote and grow your business.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/ business-e-newsletter F or full details of the support above and more information on how we can help your new enterprise visit westminster.gov.uk/business-support

Aby Murray, 15, from St. Marylebone School is Westminster’s Youth MP and represents the voice of young people in Westminster.

“I often get asked why I ran to be Westminster’s Youth MP and I have many answers. The most important one, however, is to represent young people under 16 who don’t get to vote, so don’t get a say in politics.

“So it’s frustrating when young people who are eligible to register to vote at 16 and vote at 18, don’t.

They forget the fight and suffering many people had to go through to get the vote. Those people understood that having the vote meant they would have a voice in society and that by using it they were actively participating in changing what they considered unjust about society.”

“Many young people don’t think their vote makes a difference. But the fact is if more young people voted, they’d be listened to more.

Don’t throw away the one thing that gives you a say.”

You can register to vote at 16.

Register to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote

To get in touch with Aby email westminster youthmp@westminster.gov.uk

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

big thing?

The power of your vote

Get priority for properties in Westminster Homeownership Westminster is a council service that prioritises those currently living or working in the City of Westminster for homeownership and rental opportunities through a number of different options.

Arrange a face-to-face meeting to find out more and see how we can assist with your housing aspirations!

Register today Call: 0300 456 2097 Visit: www.homeownershipwestminster.co.uk Email: info@homeownershipwestminster.co.uk Find us on Facebook at Homeownership Westminster

Homeownership Westminster is delivered by Catalyst Housing, a charitable housing association

Follow us on @HOW_Catalyst

Littering

New research shows that the public believe littering is getting worse, so we are taking steps to encourage people to help us keep our streets clean.

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t costs £1 million to clean Villiers Street every year, with an average of 70 bags of litter collected every day. To tackle the problem we have teamed up with residents, businesses and a charity called Hubbub to launch a ground-breaking initiative.

Called Neat Streets, a series of interactive installations and exhibitions have been set up in Villiers Street, Soho, to trial new ways of encouraging people not to litter. Litter has not reduced for the last 12 years, despite people being more environmentally conscious, over half of people more litter is dropped now than 10 years ago.

Dealing with the problem costs around £850m a year in England, demonstrating the need for new thinking on tackling litter.

Some of the installations in Villiers Street include: • art installations using rubbish collected from the area • on-the-go bins for chewing gum • a ‘talking rubbish’ interactive bin • highlighting chewing gum on the floor with fluorescent paint • a street gallery of ‘My Street is Your Street’ posters to build a sense of pride in the area.

Already there has been a 40% reduction in dropped chewing gum as a result of the trial.

Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/villiers-street

Report it Keeping our streets safe and clean is a top priority for us. If you see a problem, let us know using our online Report It tool. You can report almost anything, from your mobile, tablet or computer, anytime, anywhere, from dumped rubbish to potholes, dog fouling to broken street lights. Visit westminster.gov.uk/report-it

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Help us keep the streets neat

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The West End

Investing £500 million in the West End With hundreds of thousands of people working, visiting and living in the West End it’s a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. To enhance its unique character and help it grow and prosper almost £500 million will be invested in the area in the next 15 years by the West End Partnership, of which the council is a member.

What you will see over the next 15 years: • m ore jobs for local people as we match people to jobs in the West End.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

• 75,000 jobs created in the construction industry • new and improved public spaces, parks and gardens • a range of housing for those who work in the West End • improved air quality and reduced congestion • more spaces for small businesses and entrepreneurs • increased enforcement against noise disturbances • a range of infostructure and transport projects including Crossrail 2.

There’s no end to the West End The West End is home to thousands of businesses and people. Here are some of the reasons they love being in the West End.

Businesses at the heart of the city

Enjoying the outdoors

“Westminster is a fantastic place to start a new business, opportunities are always close by. It is perfectly central for all our clients, no one minds coming into the West End for a meeting, and equally we can dive out of the office to a client’s place really fast.” Nick Dew, Really Creative Media, Riding House Street.

“The West End is a great place to visit. Our perfect day out is to stroll through Covent Garden watching the street entertainers, then we pick one of the many restaurants to have lunch, and finish off with ice cream from Haagen Dazs in Leicester Square.” Siobhan Joseph, from Victoria.

Project focus: more jobs for local people The Recruit London Workplace Coordinator programme, which has helped over 1,000 people into work over the last six years, is being expanded to match more local people into jobs in the West End. Africa, age 31 from Church Street was out of work for a year. After specific training and support from a Workplace Coordinator, she was placed into a Sales Advisor role in the West End, with hours suited to her child care needs.

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3%

The area generates 3% of the country’s economic output, £51 billion in 2014

610k people work in the area

59k

people live in the West End’s neighbourhoods

Home to four world class universities, 30 museums and 40 theatres

Project focus: Oxford Street To make Oxford Street the world’s best outdoor street shopping experience, the Partnership will work together to reduce traffic, improve the streets’ air quality and make pedestrians the priority.

A renewed mix of new and established retailers will provide an attractive and exciting shopping offer.

Vibrant communities “I’ve lived in Westminster all my life and I couldn’t live anywhere else, there is so much going on. I lived in Hyde Park Mansions for over 30 years and we’ve lived in Soho for the last two. I love Soho, it’s just alive and makes me alive!” Janice and Terry Lee, aged over 70, from Frith Street.

Janice and Terry Lee from Frith Street

“Westminster is a great place to bring up a family because it is the perfect place for city living, where culture, markets, schools and leisure activities are all accessible by bicycle or by foot. I feel my children and I can learn how the world works living here.” Francesca Campagnoli, from Westminster.

The West End Partnership brings together senior public service and private sector leaders, including Westminster City Council, academics and resident representatives to enable the West End to grow whilst strengthening its unique character.

F ind out more about the West End Partnership and their projects at westendpartnership.london

Over 1,000 people have found work in the West End through our Workplace Coordinator programme since it launched westendpartnership.london

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

The West End facts.

Little pest in your life?

Call us FREE on 0800 358 0514 and we guarantee to send a pest control officer on the same day.

Cathy, Pes t Control O fficer

We offer: • pre-arranged time slots from 6am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday • competitive prices We will also follow-up with you afterwards to make sure the problem is sorted.

Call us on 0800

358 0514

For more details about the service visit westminster.gov.uk/pestcontrol

Westminster City Council

Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

westminster.gov.uk

Cycling

Cycling has never been so popular and we are helping people make the most of enjoying their city by bike.

Creating safer cycle routes We are creating a Central London Cycle Grid of quietway routes, linking up popular destinations by following backstreet routes to avoid the busier roads. This will include updating road layouts and junctions, introducing two-way cycle lanes and relocating parking bays.

Free City Cycling Courses Get free one-to-one or group cycle sessions with our highly qualified instructors and gain the skills you need to take to the roads with confidence. Perfect for all abilities, even experienced cyclists. Sign up at westminster.gov.uk/city-cycling-courses.

Get cycle tips online by watching our videos and learn practical skills through real-life scenarios faced by cyclists in the city.

Bike maintenance and repairs Give your bike a free health MOT at a Dr. Bike event.

Trained mechanics will look at your bike and make minor adjustments to keep it road ready. Events are hosted throughout Westminster regularly each month.

Free guided bike rides Celeb spotters, chocolate lovers and music lovers can indulge their passion from the saddle. Choose from 10 free and fun themed group rides led by experienced cycling instructors taking in some of Westminster’s finest sights whilst improving your cycle skills.

Cycling means business Cycle schemes in workplaces have proven benefits to business and employees, which go well beyond the savings made in transport costs. Businesses can receive free services and equipment to make their business more cycle friendly including bike stands and staff training packages.

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ast year the number of cyclists on Westminster roads was the highest it has ever been. It is easy to see the appeal - regular cycling can help you improve fitness and is an easy way to fit exercise into your daily routine.

It is also a greener and often cheaper way to get around.

To help you perfect your skills, or learn to cycle, there is lots happening to help people of all abilities get cycling.

For more information on all cycling activities, safety tips, cycle parking and dates of our events visit westminster.gov.uk/cycling

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Explore your city by bike

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Community focus

Judith’s Westminster favourites Restaurant

Over to you Judith Thomas, 78, from St. John’s Wood is a volunteer in St. John’s Wood Library. She helps with the day-to-day running of the library as well as visiting local schools in Maida Vale to help with the Schools Library Service.

“I The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

think libraries are very important. They are a huge community hub which works with schools, children and older people.

It is great to be involved with that as a volunteer.

“ I feel a useful part of the community” Judith Thomas

“My days at the library are always varied. I am happy to help with whatever needs to be done, whether that is putting books away or tidying messy shelves.

“My favourite thing about volunteering at the library is that on the last Wednesday in every month there is a special event for

people over 50. They have a chance to meet up with other people whilst enjoying tea, coffee and biscuits. There will also be a speaker or activity of some sort such as Tai Chi, yoga or some music performances.

“I think it is definitely special to volunteer in Westminster. The library is close to my home and I get to work with people of all ages.

I feel very much a useful part of the community.

“Every year the Lord Mayor of Westminster holds a reception for volunteers. This is a really lovely event and makes you feel like you have been a part of something.”

T o find out more about volunteering at our libraries visit westminster.gov.uk/ volunteer-libraries

F or lunch I often go to the Côte Brassiere near Baker Street.

Although it is a fairly simple menu. It is really tasty food and the service is always excellent. It is really good value for money.

Park egent’s Park is R my favourite place in Westminster.

I consider the park my garden. It is a lovely place to go for a walk, to get around and a great place to take visiting friends.

Entertainment I love to go to the Wigmore Hall. I really enjoy going to the Sunday morning coffee concerts and Monday lunchtime concerts, which are very affordable considering the top artists that perform.

Adult learning in the heart of Westminster

WAES is Westminster’s adult college, offering full-time and part-time study in the daytime, evenings and at weekends. We offer a wide range of courses specifically for adult learners wanting to study in a friendly and supportive environment.

Visit us online at www.waes.ac.uk, call 020 7297 7297 or drop in to one of our centres for more information.

Enrol now for courses in 2015/2016!

G LE NIN ILAB JOI AVA E RS OFF

SOMETHING TO GET EVERYBODY FEELING BETTER

You’ll find everything you need to get in shape at your local Westminster leisure centre.

With a range of activities for all ages and abilities, as well as flexible membership options, there’s something to get everyone feeling better.

With eight centres throughout the City of Westminster, we’ve got your fitness needs covered.

Pop into your nearest centre today or find out more at www.better.org.uk/westminster

ports Centre eet W10 4RR

on n Ground Avenue, Maida Vale 9 1PD

2. Little Venice Sports Centre 10 Crompton Street London W2 1ND

6. Porchester Centre Queensway, Bayswater London W2 5HS

Jubilee Sports Centre Caird Street London W10 4RR

Little Venice Sports Centre 10 Crompton Street London W2 1ND

Marshall Street Leisure Centre 15 Marshall Street London W1F 7EL

Moberly Sports and Education Centre The Quadrant Kilburn Lane, London W10 4AH

Paddington Recreation Ground Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale London W9 1PD

Porchester Centre Queensway, Bayswater London W2 5HS

Queen Mother Sports Centre 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EL

Seymour Leisure Centre Seymour Place London W1H 5TJ

3. Marshall Street Le 15 Marshall Street London W1F 7EL

7. Queen Mother Sports Centre 223 Vauxhall Bridg London SW1V 1EL

Membership terms and conditions apply, please visit www.better.org.uk/terms. Speak to a member of staff in centre for joining offers available.

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398