Westminster PLUS Essential information for Westminster’s older residents
Issue 23 – September 2014
Silver Sunday special • 5th October 2014 LISTINGS AND BOOKING DETAILS INSIDE PAGES 4-13
INSIDE 50 free Silver Sunday events How to register to vote is changing Tea Dance 2014 Don’t forget to apply for tickets
PLUS Keeping active Celebrate Carers
Welcome and news Welcome to the September edition of Westminster Plus, packed with the latest news, advice and information for residents aged 65 plus I set up Silver Sunday in 2012 to help tackle the growing issue of loneliness amongst older people. We’re now in our third year and have gone national thanks to the generosity and time of the organisations that put on free events and activities. We’re not going to overcome loneliness in one day but it does provide us with an opportunity to raise awareness of the issue whilst also letting you know about
the year-round support and activities on offer. Please tell your friends, neighbours and anyone else who may be feeling lonely or just wants to keep active, about Silver Sunday, this will help us to grow it each year and ensure its success. I hope you enjoy the events on offer, please check the listings on pages 4-13 to choose what to attend. Cllr Christabel Flight, Founder of Silver Sunday
Apply for Tea Dance tickets
Councillor Christabel Flight
Westminster Older People’s Champion
Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP cllrflight@candhflight.com
Councillor Rachael Robathan
Cabinet Member for Adults and public Health
You can still apply for tickets until 30th September. Please remember you can only apply for a maximum of two tickets per person for our Tea Dance on 14th December and your guest must also be a Westminster resident. We will contact you if you are successful.
To apply, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/teadance or write to: Tea Dance,18th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP confirming your name, telephone number, address and any dietary or mobility requirements. 2
Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP rrobathan@westminster.gov.uk On the cover: Chi-Gong, class on offer as part of Silver Sunday
Welcome and news
Support group for grandparents Keeping you on your feet If you feel unsteady on your feet or are worried about falling, then our falls prevention service can help. You can get free advice and support from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists on a 12-week programme of support. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, contact the Westminster Falls Prevention Service on 020 7641 4001
Meet new people
If you care for or are raising a grandchild, there is support and advice available from the Grandparents’ Association. Call 0845 434 9585 or head to the Community Hall at Lillington and Longmore Gardens Estate on the second Wednesday of every month to meet other grandparents, share experiences and swap advice on caring for young family members. The next meeting will take place at 10am on Wednesday 10th September. Resident’s Community Hall, Lillington and Longmore Gardens, Under Morgan House, 57 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 2LF For more information, contact Louisa Wearn on 07969 361 663, email louisa.wearn@grand parents-association.org.uk or visit www.grandparents-association.org.uk
Join Westminster Senior Citizens Forum to meet new people. The next meeting is on Tuesday 23rd October at 2pm at: Greenside Community Centre, Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR For more information, contact Janice Webster on 020 7604 8902 or jwebster@vawcvs.org
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Plan your Silver Sunday Free events and activities on 5th October are a great way to meet people and try new things. • Plenty of people go to events on their own, it’s a chance to meet other people • go to as many activities as you can fit in, there is no limit • unpaid carers of any age are welcome with the person they care for • check if booking is required beforehand • many events have disabled access, check the listings for the wheelchair icon • if activities are fully booked, you can turn up to most of our leisure centre and Community Hub activities on the day Check www.silversunday.org.uk for the latest events.
Margaret Hiscock, 62 (pictured above, right), attended a Silver Sunday creative writing class with Open Age last year. “I don’t have people to go out with so it’s good to mix with new people. It’s good to find different things to do instead of being stuck at home. If you don’t have anywhere to go you tend to think: ‘I can’t be bothered to go out’ and get stuck indoors. You can mix with other people and widen your horizons at events like this.”
With thanks to our sponsors, the Sir Simon Milton Foundation 4
There are hundreds free and low cost activities on every week at our community hubs. For more information, see pages 20-21.
What’s on this Silver Sunday? All events are free and are on Sunday 5th October unless stated otherwise. Some activities require booking and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Entertainment
First World War sing-along at Westminster Music Library
Saturday 4th October, 11am-12 midday First World War popular music sing-along. 35 spaces, booking required. Where: Westminster Music Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD
Games and social
12 midday-2pm
Fun session playing all types of traditional and interactive games or just join us for a cup of tea and a chat. Where: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL Ashley, Open Age, 020 7976 6354
Screening of ‘The Blue Lamp’ and Tea Party 12.30-3.30pm
Westbourne Community Hub will be showing this 1950s classic, filmed locally, followed by a tea party. Where: Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ Jemma, Open Age, 020 3713 8737
Ruth Walters, 020 7641 4263
Key:
wheelchair access advance booking required – contact venue
event provided by Westminster City Council 5
50s/60s themed games afternoon
West End sing-along
20 spaces, booking required.
60 spaces, booking required, please quote ‘Silver Sunday West End sing-along’ when booking.
1.30-3.30pm
An afternoon of board and card games set to the fabulous sounds of 50’s and 60’s classic tunes. Where: Eileen Anderson Court, Johnson’s Place, SW1V 4BD Carolyn, Open Age, 07818 884 553
Screening of ‘The 100-year-old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared’ 10.30am
Come along and enjoy a screening of the popular Swedish novel. Please note the film will be subtitled. 96 spaces, booking required. Where: The Empire Cinema, 5-6 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA Harry Sorensen, Westminster City Council, 020 7641 6194
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Screening of ‘Seven Streets, Two Markets and a Wedding: Glimpses of Lost London 1930 – 1980’
2.30-4.30pm
Largely unseen for generations, these snapshots of London life provide a unique insight into the continuities and changes in the capital. 25 spaces, booking required. Where: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road SW1V 3AL
Ashley or Carolyn, Open Age, 020 7976 6354
3-4pm
Join Ben Stock, West End actor and Musical Director for an hour’s sing-along of all your West End favourites.
Where: Lord Mayor’s Parlour, 18th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP 020 7557 6700
Matinee performance of John van Druten’s Flowers of the Forest 3.30pm
Set during and after the First World War, this is an enthralling, heartwrenching story of love, memory and devastating loss by one of the most acclaimed playwrights of the 1930s. 10 spaces, quote Silver Sunday when booking. Maximum of two tickets per booking. Where: Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6ST 020 7287 2875
What’s on this Silver Sunday?
Walks and tours
Houses of Parliament guided tours Friday 3 October, 10.30am and 2pm
Fully guided tours of the Houses of Parliament offering a unique combination of one thousand years of history, modern day politics, and stunning art and architecture. Courtesy of Mark Field MP. 25 spaces on each tour, booking essential. www.westminster.gov. uk/citysave/culture-andentertainment
Guided walk around Westminster 10am-12 midday
Learn more about the history of some of the iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and the Richard I statue. Where: Meet at Houses of Parliament, Richard I statue, Abingdon Street, SW1A 0AA
Walk around historic Mayfair 10.30am and 2.30pm
Enjoy a guided walk around historic Mayfair. The afternoon tour has been adapted for wheelchair users. Where: Meet on Oxford Street, on the corner of Stratford Place, opposite Bond Street tube station 20 spaces per walk, booking required. Mike Dunn, 020 7493 4212
Tea and tour of the Wallace Collection
Lord’s Cricket Ground tour and afternoon tea Tours at 11.40am and 1.40pm
Watch an inter-generational cricket match and enjoy afternoon tea and a tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground. 100 spaces per tour, booking required, £5 booking fee, fully refundable on arrival. Where: Lord’s Cricket Ground, St. John’s Wood, NW8 8QN Club events department, 020 7616 8529
11am–12.30pm
Enjoy tea followed by a tour of the galleries. 25 spaces, booking required. Where: The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN Edwina Mileham, 020 7563 9577
25 spaces, booking required. Louise Chapman, 07767 608 150
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Age friendly Museum Day Saturday 4th October, 11am–12.30pm
Explore the British Museum and learn about some of its fantastic artefacts. Where: British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG Tanisa, 020 7323 8398
HQS Wellington exhibition and tour
The Jermyn Street Experience guided tour
40 spaces, booking required.
Where: Meet in front of Jerymn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6ST
2pm
Explore the HQS Wellington with a guided tour of this floating museum. Where: HQS Wellington, Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN Melany Rose, 020 7836 8179
Walk in Regent’s Park
2-3pm
10 spaces, booking required.
Cindy Lawford, 07805 935 403
11am-12 midday
A chance to enjoy and explore the park at a gentle to moderate walking pace. 12 spaces, booking required. Where: Meet at Clarence Gate (wait by the notice board), Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RO Marian Starrett, 020 7563 6211
Stroll along the Southbank
11am-1pm
Join Donna for a lovely walk from Churchill Gardens along the Thames to Southbank.
Where: Meet at Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL Ashley or Carolyn, Open Age 020 7976 6354 8
Tea for two at The Ritz
WIN!
As part of this year’s celebrations, the Ritz Hotel has given us an afternoon tea for two to give away. To enter, please send your name, address and contact details to: Ritz competition, Communications, 18th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP Closing date: Friday 3rd October
What’s on this Silver Sunday?
Learning
Creative writing workshop
10am-12 midday
They say everyone has a story to write, why not see what your imagination can do, and which characters you can bring to life. Come along and work with our tutor Julia who will help you to generate ideas, create characters and put stories together. No experience needed. Where: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL Ashley, Open Age, 020 7976 6354
Chi Gong and mindfulness meditation session
11am-2pm
Visit to RAF Northolt transport provided by Westway Community Transport
Wednesday 12th November, 8.30am-12 midday Take part in a guided tour around the prestigious RAF Northolt by Squadron Leader Richard Willis. 25 spaces, including a maximum three wheelchairs, booking essential. Where: Meet at 8.30am at The Stowe Centre, 260 Harrow Rd, W2 5ES You will then be dropped back at The Stowe Centre by 1.30pm.
Family history research
12midday–1pm
Research your family history online. Nine spaces, booking required Where: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU Laurence Foe, 020 7641 4496
This session will teach you to align breathing, movement, awareness, healing and meditation.
1.30-2.30pm
Where: Portgate Hall, 19 Portgate Close, W9 3DL
Come and enjoy an afternoon of reading with costume accessories.
Gill or Elaine, Open Age, 020 7266 2776
Play reading group
Harry Sorensen, 020 7641 6194 Westminster City Council, 18th Floor, Communications, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP
Computer Skills training led by Sesquis Sunday 19th October, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm
Two sessions offering one-to-one computer training. Perfect for beginners and those who want to imporve their computer skills. 20 spaces, booking required. Where: Imperial College Students’ Union, Beit Quad, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BB
10 spaces, booking required.
Satya, 020 3286 2387
Where: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU
Kate Gielgud, 020 7641 8969 9
FREE TICKETS Concert tickets for St. John’s Smith Square Teachers and Pupils 1830–1880, 11.30am High Victorians 1880–1900, 3pm The Regimental Musician and the Volunteer Reservist, 5pm The Great War, 7.30pm A series of concerts curated by Joseph Spooner and David Owen Norris to commemarate the First World War. 10 free spaces available for each performance. Quote Silver Sunday when booking. Maximum of two tickets per person. Where: St. John’s Smith Square, SW1P 3HA Box office, 020 7222 1061
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Online shopping class
1.30-2.30pm
Find out how to do your shopping online.
Nine spaces, booking required. Where:Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU Laurence Foe, 020 7641 4496
Music showcase at Wigmore Hall 2.30-4.30pm
Enjoy an interactive music workshop with professional musicians at the beautiful Wigmore Hall. Refreshments served. 15 spaces, booking required. Where: Wigmore Hall, Bechstein Room, 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP Kathryn Gilfoy, 020 7321 2702
Computer sessions for Silver Surfers 3-4.30pm
Learn more about using computers in your local library. Nine spaces, booking required. Where: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU Laurence Foe, 020 7641 4496
Creative workshop at the V&A
Monday 6 October, 12.45-3pm Explore arts-based activities in the spectacular surroundings of the V&A with Age UK. Suitable for people living with early stage dementia, carers and friends. Where: Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL Holly Corlett, 020 8960 8137
What’s on this Silver Sunday?
Sports and leisure
Saturday social shape up
Saturday 4th October, 1-3pm A variety of sports and activities including badminton, short and table tennis and indoor bowls. 20 spaces, places offered on a first come, first served basis.
Where: St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Rudolph Rd, Kilburn, NW6 5AW Mark Betts, 020 7641 3642 ext 205
Tennis at Paddington Recreation Ground 10-11am
10am-12midday
Relaxed tennis activities to get everyone enjoying themselves on court.
Come along and play table tennis or badminton for free.
10 spaces, booking required. Where: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD Ben Lett, 020 7641 3642 ext 205
Free swimming and gym
Table tennis and badminton
12 spaces, no need to book but courts offered on a first come, first served basis. Where: Little Venice Sports Centre, 10 Crompton Street, W2 1ND Charlotte Sweeney, 020 7641 5111
8am-7pm
Free swimming and gym use all day at Seymour Leisure Centre.
Where: Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ Flora Hadjivarnava, 020 7535 2020
Tennis with Will to Win 9-11am
Eight spaces, booking required. Where: Regent’s Park, York Bridge, Inner Circle, NW1 4NU
Hugo Hutchison, 020 7224 1625 11
Dance workshops with English National Ballet
Open day in the Porchester Club Lounge
12 midday-12.30pm, refreshments
Free table tennis and board games.
12.30-1.30pm, open CoppÊlia workshop – learn the steps
Where: Porchester Centre, Queensway, Bayswater W2 5HS
11am-12 midday, ballet technique class
These special open dance workshops will give you an insight into the Dance for Health programme. 30 spaces per workshop, booking required. You can attend one or both workshops, please stipulate when booking. Where: English National Ballet, Markova House, 39 Jay Mews, SW7 2ES The engagement department, 020 7581 1245
10am-3pm
Easy circuit sessions at 10am, 12 midday and 2pm.
Plus smoothies, tea and biscuits.
020 7792 2919
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2-5pm
A range of health and wellbeing activities such as short mat bowls, indoor croquet and table tennis. Refreshments will be served with a free manicure and neck and shoulder massage. 50 spaces, booking required. Where: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU Caroline Richardson, 020 7222 0303
Events beyond Westminster
Exhibition, talk and visit at the V&A Museum 11am and 1pm
Join Curator of Paintings Ana Debenedetti, who will introduce you to the new major V&A exhibition Constable: The Making of a Master.
Art Exhibition and Sale
Friday 3rd October, 11am-6pm, Saturday 4th October, 10am-12midday An exhibition showcasing the work of both established and emerging mature artists.
30 spaces, booking required.
No booking required.
Where: Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre, Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL
Where: The Second Half Centre, St. Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Exmoor Street, W10 6DZ
V&A Bookings Office, 020 7942 2211 Photo: English National Ballet, Belinda Lawley
Silver Sprightly
020 8962 5500
What’s on this Silver Sunday?
FREE Event for unpaid carers We will be recognising the role of unpaid carers at our second annual Carer Awards on Monday 6th October in a glittering event at the Thistle Hotel in Marble Arch. If you are an unpaid carer and would like to attend this evening of entertainment, pampering and prizes, enter the prize draw online by 19th September. www.westminster.gov.uk/ carer-awards
TICKETS ONLY £5 Royal Albert Hall presents
FRIENDSHIP MATINEE A performance for anyone supported by a Charity, Community or Voluntary group
A TRIBUTE TO
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 3PM Featuring music from Star Wars®, Indiana Jones, E.T, Harry Potter, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Hook,War Horse and many more!
Box Office: 020 7589 8212 | www.royalalberthall.com
Registered charity no: 254543
Getting out and about The Freedom Pass offers people aged over 65 free travel on London transport. Moira Zacharias, 81, has lived in Queen’s Park for over 50 years and has been using a Freedom Pass for the last 21 years. “I first got a Freedom Pass when I was close to retirement. It has really become a lifeline. If I didn’t have it I wouldn’t really be able to travel at all. “At the moment, I have a bad leg. If I didn’t have the pass I would have to walk to the shop and then back again to do my shopping. But, with the pass, I can get the bus there and back, which is no bother. “My daughter lives in Wales and often drives up to see me. We look at the map and decide where to go! “It’s great that I can go anywhere in London and even further afield. I simply couldn’t afford it if I didn’t have my Freedom Pass.”
“ After I retired, it really became a lifeline” Moira, pictured
Look out for your renewal letter If you are a Freedom Pass holder and your pass is due to expire on 31st March 2015, you will receive a letter from London Councils about renewing your pass if you still need it. You can renew your pass online at www.londoncouncils.gov. uk/freedompass or return the renewal form enclosed with your letter. If you are a disabled pass holder and your pass expires on 31st March 2015, your card will be automatically renewed. If you no longer need your Freedom Pass, you’ll need to let London Councils know. Call the helpline 0300 330 1433 or email info@freedompass.org. Your Freedom Pass is funded by the council and administered by London Councils on our behalf
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CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service
Call our professional team on 0207 976 6163
Our Services We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or companionship. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home, including overnight care and live in care.
Get in touch Call our professional team on
0207 976 6163
or email us at westminster@bluebirdcare.co.uk
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk /westminster
Find your story Research local stories of the First World War at the Westminster Archives Centre This year marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. To commemorate this important time in history there are events and activities taking place across Westminster and the country as well as personal accounts of the war from Westminster Archives Centre. Harvey Gould’s father, Moss, joined the war effort in 1917 as a wireless operator for the Royal Flying Corps. He flew all over the Middle East during the war and passed on some unique photos to his son. Harvey says: “My favourite photograph is of a German plane captured in Egypt next to the pyramids. It’s unbelieveable. When I told the Archives that I had these photographs they put them online for all to see. 16
“My father rarely spoke about the war, I just got bits of stories in later life. But Peter at the Archives was able to tell me the story of the 113 Squadron, my father’s regiment, which was fascinating.” To share your First World War story, or to learn more, visit Westminster Archives Centre, 10 St. Ann’s Street, SW1P 2DE 020 7641 5180 www.westminster. gov.uk/archives archives@westminster. gov.uk
“ The archives show you stuff no-one else can. They are the best thing I have been to in Westminster, if not England.” Harvey Gould, pictured
Westminster Remembers
40 FREE TICKETS Unknown Warrior Music Hall performance Monday 17th November 10.30am-12 midday and 1-2.30pm Performers from MOD Theatre will be telling the story of the ‘Unknown Warrior’. Part of the First World War project, ‘Playing the Game,’ supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Where: Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU How to claim free tickets: We have 40 tickets to give away, thanks to Westminster Archives Centre. Places are limited so to book please email archives@westminster. gov.uk call 020 7641 5180 or write to Westminster Archives Centre, 10 St. Ann’s Street, SW1P 2DE.
For more information on events to commemorate the First World War, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/remembers
Please include your name, address, postcode and telephone number, and if you would like one or two tickets. 17
Westminster Heroes We pay tribute to just a few of the Westminster residents who made a contribution to the First World War. Edward Harrison, Millbank
Sir Geoffrey Keynes, Smith Sq
Edward Harrison invented the gas mask, after joining the new chemists’ corps of the Royal Engineers in 1915. His invention was regarded as the most effective gas mask of the war. In November 1918, weakened by gas inhaled during the early stages, Harrison died. Memorials to him have been unveiled by the Pharmaceutical Society in Bloomsbury Square, and the Chemical Society at Burlington House.
Geoffrey Keynes served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the First World War and then worked as a consultant surgeon, becoming an expert in blood transfusion. His work to create a portable blood transfusion device saved thousands of lives during the First World War. He designed a portable transfusion kit, to solve the problems of keeping stored blood in field hospitals. He was eventually knighted.
Lena Ashwell, Paddington Lena Ashwell was an enthusiastic supporter of British war aims. In 1915, she began to organise companies of entertainers to travel to France and perform; by the end of the war there were 25 of them, travelling in small groups around France. She also organised male concert parties to perform shows near to the front line. She is remembered as being the first person to organise large-scale entertainment for troops on the front.
To learn more about Westminster’s heroes, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/remembers 18
Registering to vote The way you register to vote is changing – look out for your letter
Individual electoral registration is a new way of registering to vote. It’s the biggest change to voter registration in 100 years. Previously the head of household was responsible for registering everyone at their address to vote but now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration. Most people who are already registered have been transferred automatically to the new register but some people will need to re-register. If you have not registered to vote at all you will also need to register to have your say in elections. In August, we wrote to you about the change. If you received a letter inviting you to register, it’s important you respond so that you can have your say in future elections. Door knockers are also
visiting homes from October to answer questions from people who need to register. The new system means that for the first time you are now able to register online. You will need to provide a few more details including your National Insurance Number.
Find out more at www. westminster.gov.uk/ register-to-vote Register online at www. gov.uk/register-to-vote If you have a question for the electoral services team, call 020 7641 2730
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Autumn activities
Booking is required for some activities. Please call ahead to check details.
There are over 180 free and low-cost events each week at our Community Hubs as well as daily activities in our leisure centres North Westminster
Play-reading group Mondays, 1-2pm Read plays aloud together in a group, led by a professional actor. Where: Warwick Community Centre, 300 Harrow Road, W2 5HG Cost: £1 Sewing group Mondays, 2-4pm Work on individual or group projects by both hand and machine. Where: Warwick Community Centre, 300 Harrow Road, W2 5HG Cost: £2
Chair yoga Thursdays, 12 midday-1pm Maintain, stretch and strengthen your body. Where: Warwick Community Centre, 300 Harrow Road, W2 5HG Cost: £1 T’ai Chi Fridays, 10.30-11.30am Improve stability and balance through a series of precise and slow movements. Where: Paddington Arts, 32 Woodfield Road, W9 2BE Cost: £1
Activities at Community Hubs are funded by the council and run by Open Age and Notting Hill Housing. To find your local hub visit www.westminster.gov.uk/communityhub 20
Autumn activities
South Westminster
Beginner’s dancing Mondays, 4.30-5.30pm Learn how to dance the Tango, Salsa and Cha-cha-cha. Where: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL Cost: £1 Jewellery making Mondays, 2-4pm Develop your creative talents by making necklaces and bracelets. Where: Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT Cost: FREE
West Westminster Low impact aerobics Wednesdays, 11am-12 midday Easy-paced aerobics class for a full body workout that can improve your flexibility and mobility. Where: Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX Cost: £1
Games and social afternoon Fridays, 2.30-4.30pm Enjoy table tennis, pool, dominos, cards and a selection of board games. Where: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL Cost: FREE Meditation Mondays, 10-11am Learn calming breathing exercises that can help with anxiety. Where: Thamesbank Centre, Peabody Avenue, Turnpike Lane, SW1V 4BD Cost: £1 Line dancing Fridays, 2-3pm Learn popular routines at this lively group class. Where: Queen’s Park Library, 66 Harrow Road, W10 4NE Cost: £1
Beginners internet and email course Mondays, 11.30am-1.30pm (six-week course) Learn how to navigate the internet and send emails. Where: Queen’s Park Library, 66 Harrow Road, W10 4NE Cost: £2, places must be booked in advance on 020 7266 2776
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Getting active There are pleanty of opportunities to keep healthy and active at your local leisure centre. the weights at Paddington Recreation Ground, but all the staff are so lovely to me. I can’t praise them enough.
“ I’m fitter now than I was at 50 and still improving.” Beth, pictured Beth Shelton, 78, lives in Maida Vale and loves exercising locally. She says: “I didn’t start exercising until I retired. I started off with one class at the gym, which soon became two, then three. Now I use weights, go to two or three classes each 22
week, and have just started taking tennis lessons. “Some people in my classes are younger than me so I try to keep up, which certainly gets my endorphins going. It’s also a great way to meet people. I’m probably the oldest person using
“I occasionally get a bad back and I hate having to do less exercise than normal. But there are still things you can do, even if you’re not very mobile. I just tried a pilates class at Silver Tuesdays and it was quite a gentle form of exercise. “I get such a feeling of satisfaction from staying active. It’s so thrilling that at my age I’m able to keep up with others in my class. I’m fitter now than I was at 50 and still improving. That’s the wonderful thing about exercise; it’s never too late to start.” To find your local leisure centre, visit www.westminster. gov.uk/active
Health
Silver Tuesdays fun and fitness sessions
Join a fitness session for older people every Tuesday morning run by Silverfit, including guided walks, Tai Chi and pilates. Meet at 10.30am Where: Paddington Recreation Ground Café, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD or Hyde Park at Will to Win Café, South Carriage Drive, W2U 2UH. Cost: The first session is free then £1 for members, £2.50 for non-members. All abilities welcome.
Get your health checked A free NHS health check for those up to the age 70 takes just 20 minutes and lets you know how healthy you are and how you can help to prevent illnesses like diabetes and dementia. WHY DO I NEED A CHECK? The health check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice, you improve your chances of living a healthier life. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CHECK? It takes around 20-30 minutes and you’ll be asked some simple questions about your family history and lifestyle choices. Your blood pressure taken and you will be also be given a blood test to check your cholesterol level.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS? A health professional will take you through your results and explain what they mean. You’ll be given personalised advice on how to stay healthy and you may be prescribed treatment or medication. Ask about a free health check at your local GP surgery, speak to your local pharmacy or call the Westminster Health Trainer team on 020 8964 2727.
Swim free and get great discounts on activities at your local leisure centre with an ActiveWestminster card. Apply at your local centre, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/active or call 020 7641 2012. 23
Hidden histories by bike Celebrate cycling in the city which hosted RideLondon and the Tour de France A bike tour is a fun way to keep fit and healthy. 1. Westminster wildlife A chance to see some of Westminster’s most famous animals – both real and manmade. Riders will start by cycling past the spectacular lions guarding Nelson’s Column and finish at the Penguin Beach at London Zoo. 2. Sculpture and street art This tour will take cyclists past some of the world’s most famous pieces of public art including Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth and the statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus.
4. Discoveries and inventions Historians will find much to pique their interest on this route, which takes cyclists on a tour of Westminster firsts, including the place where Denis Johnson made Britain’s first bike.
5. Beatles by bike The tour starts at the gallery where John Lennon met Yoko Ono, taking in the venue of the Beatles’ last performance and ending at Abbey Road studios.
To book a tour, visit: www.cycleconfident.com/ courses/led-rides or to download route guides, visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/themed-cycle-rides
3. A musical history Music lovers will pass exciting places such as Jimi Hendrix’s flat and the site of the first ever Rolling Stones gig. FREE cycle training is available to everybody who lives, works or studies in Westminster. For more information visit www.cycleconfident.com 24
n o i p m a h C g n i l c y Rec pions
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for London
Offers and discounts You can get great discounts and exclusive offers to make the most of your city with a Westminster City Save Card
How to sign up
Top autumn offers
Apply for your free card online at www.westminster.gov. uk/citysave
Save up to 70% off top West End theatre and London attractions
If you still have your ResCard you can exchange it at your local library or leisure centre for a new Westminster City Save Card which will be issued on the spot.
Call: 020 7400 1234
Offers are updated regularly. You can find a full list of over 50 exclusive discounts online at www.westminster.gov.uk/ citysave or pick up a brochure from libraries.
10% off dental treatment
Get great savings on London’s top shows, musicals and attractions. New shows are added throughout the year and Westminster residents get an additional 10% off already discounted tickets.
To redeem all online offers visit www.westminster.gov.uk/citysave
20% off everything at Debenhams Flowers An extensive range of flowers, hampers, wine and gifts with delivery throughout London and the UK. Available on online orders only.
Call: 020 7834 1882 Visit: 12 Chapter Street, SW1P 4NP Gentle Dental Care is a professional, ethical and caring practice that offers a range of treatments, including preventative, general and cosmetic dentistry.
Offers, events and discounts for Westminster residents
Offers and discounts
Save an extra 10% off ticket price
Free classes for over 50s Call: 020 7266 2776
Call: 020 7400 1234
Try out aerobics, art, meditation or line dancing. Your first class is free at Open Age Hubs in North Westminster.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical Cats returns to the West End for a strictly limited 12-week run.
35% off selected wines Call: 020 7724 4606 Hyde Park Wines directly imports from small wineries to source undiscovered gems. Exclusive to Hyde Park Wines is the Wine for Spice® range which was created to specify complement spicy food. 3 Hyde Park Steps, St. George’s Fields, W2 2YQ Valid until 31st October 2014
20% off your food bill at the Seashell of Lisson Grove
45% off at Porchester Centre Spa
Call: 020 7224 9000
Call: 020 7792 2919
A firm local favourite, serving traditional British fish and chips for over 40 years. Present your City Save card upon arrival.
Pamper yourself at London’s oldest spa. Facilities include steam rooms, a traditional Finnish log sauna and Turkish hot rooms. Present your City Save card upon arrival.
Every Friday we have new offers to help you make the most of council services and local businesses. We email special limited time offers to subscribers. Visit www.westminster. gov.uk/vfm to sign up.
Adult learning
in the heart of Westminster
Enrol now for new 2014 courses
We offer courses at over 80 locations across Westminster, and with hundreds of courses from accounting to fine art, you are sure to find a course you’ll love. For more information visit www.waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297 Find us at 219 Lisson Grove London NW8 8LW.