Westminster Reporter Autumn 2014

FREE!

First World War centenary Westminster Remembers

Silver Sunday Free activities for older people

Local events, offers and discounts AUTUMN 2014 ISSUE 117

There are lots of ways to recycle YES PLEASE:

NO THANK YOU:

Black bags

Food

Polystyrene

Clothing

Please do not put these items in your recycling bag or box. It means all your efforts to recycle are wasted as nothing in the bag or box can be recycled.

Clothing and small electrical items Find your nearest recycling bank online.

Garden waste

Plastic bags

Order a discounted compost bin or put in your rubbish bin.

Reuse your plastic bags when shopping.

Questions? Contact us: Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycle-more • Call: 020 7641 2000 • Email: recycling@westminster.gov.uk

for London

7 Resident discounts

14-19 Local news and events

20

Silver Sunday Victoria Embankment On the cover: Piccadilly marks 100 years since Britain entered the First World War. Westminster City Council and Land Securities worked closely with Coca-Cola, Hyundai Motors, TDK, McDonald’s, Samsung and One Piccadilly to make this project happen, who all kindly gave up their screens at Piccadilly Lights for the hour in remembrance.

4-5 News in brief 6 What’s on? 7 Westminster City Save offers and discounts 8 Life in the Reserve Forces 9 Voter Registration 10 Changes to parking 11 Historic Westminster: Maida Hill 12-13 Health 14-15 Your Westminster: North 16-17 Your Westminster: Central 18-19 Your Westminster: South 20-21 Silver Sunday – free events and activities 22 Starting your own business 24-25 First World War centenary 26 Employment support 27 Volunteering 28-29 Schools and admissions 30 Over to you

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Your collection service is just the start.

Take a look at how to recycle other items.

CONTENTS

3

Save money on West End shows

Free cycling training Free stop smoking support

Trafalgar Square came alive with the sound of music this summer, as over 500,000 people packed into the square for West End LIVE, a weekend of free performances from theatreland’s best loved musicals. If you missed out, you can still make the most of the West End with up to 70% off top West End musicals with your Westminster City Save card.

Participating shows include We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot and many more. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ citysave to claim.

Fed-up of smoking? Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but help is out there. Sign up to our free stop smoking service, Kick It, this October and you’ll receive six weekly sessions and up to £100 of stop smoking medication on prescription.

Visit kick-it.org.uk or call 020 3434 2500.

Whether you’re highly experienced or a complete beginner, improve your confidence on your bike with our free City Cycling Courses. Thirty per cent of you who responded to our cycling consultation earlier this year said that cycle training should be one of the council’s top priorities.

Almost 2,000 people completed the survey and we will be using your feedback to influence our final strategy to be launched in October. Visit westminster.gov.uk/cycling

Funded childminding If you have a two-year-old child you may be eligible for 15 hours of council-funded childminding a week.

Westminster’s childminders can help you with flexible childcare, and children learn and develop within a secure home-based environment.

To find out if your child is eligible visit westminster.gov.uk/pre-school

Host a tea party Reducing emissions Get fit by doing good Combine exercise with volunteering through a new community scheme called GoodGym. Just turn up at a group run and get sent on a community mission. You can also drop in on lonely or older people. Runners meet at Impact Hub Westminster on Wednesdays at 6.30pm. To find out more or register visit goodgym.org/westminster

To help improve the air you breathe in Westminster we’ve asked coach operators to turn off their engines when they’re parked and have put up signs to remind them. If you see a parked coach with its engine running, please let us know.

Contact coach_idling@ westminster.gov.uk

With over a million older people feeling lonely, Contact the Elderly is looking for volunteers. The charity organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people aged 75+ and needs volunteers to host small tea parties, help with transport or coordinate a group. Visit contactthe-elderly.org to find out more.

LEADER’S COLUMN As the summer draws to an end, it is worth reflecting on another memorable and successful period for Westminster.

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his summer saw the Tour de France return to Westminster, with 1000s of people lining the streets as the city once again hosted the world’s biggest annual sporting event.

West End LIVE celebrated its 10th anniversary with a stellar line-up making it the most talked about topic on Twitter in the whole of the UK on its opening afternoon.

In early June, SohoCreate Festival – London’s first festival celebrating the creative industries – was held in the West End over three days, with nearly 1,000 people attending events.

And of course back in May, this year’s Westminster Mile officially became the most popular event of its kind in the world, with 5,600 people taking part against the iconic backdrop of The Mall.

The summer has also seen Westminster’s programme of events to mark the centenary of the First World War continue to build, with the marking of the 100th anniversary of the country going to war on 4th August. More details on the programme, which will continue to run through to the centenary of the end of the war in 2018, are included in this edition of the Reporter.

Of course, business as usual continues apace, and I am delighted that Westminster has secured considerable funding from central government through London’s Growth Deal to help long-term unemployed residents in the city get back into work (see page 26).

An extraordinary summer of events has served to reinforce Westminster’s position as a truly global city, but our top priority and focus remains the challenge of improving the lives and opportunities of everyone living and working in Westminster.

Do you look after someone else’s child?

If you look after a child who isn’t a close relative for more than 28 days you could be in a private fostering arrangement and be eligible for support. Find out more on 020 7641 4000 or visit westminster.gov.uk/private-fostering

Cllr Philippa Roe, Leader of Westminster City Council

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

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

@CityWestminster

News in brief

NEWS IN BRIEF

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What’s on?

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Offers

Frieze London 15th-18th October The contemporary art event of the year, Frieze art fair is an annual event in Regent’s Park and features some of the world’s leading artists.

Venue: Regent’s Park, Park Square West entrance, NW1 4NR Cost: From £15 Nearest tube: Regent’s Park friezelondon.com

Thames Festival Throughout September A 30-day spectacular programme of events along the River Thames.

Come along for arts, music and community festivals, colourful regattas, thrilling river races and environmental and educational activities.

Venue: Venues along the Thames Cost: Most events are free but some have a cost. Check online for details totallythames.org

The Big Draw 1st October-2nd November Drawing activities for people who

love to draw as well as those who think they can’t.

Venue: Various. Check online for listings Cost: Mainly free bigdraw.org

London Restaurant Festival 8th-27th October From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighbourhood bistros, London Restaurant Festival is your chance to taste London’s finest cooking.

Offers and discounts with your Westminster City Save card Make the most of your city with your resident card, exclusively for people who live in Westminster. Apply for your free card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or take your old ResCard into your local library or leisure centre to swap it on the spot. You can also sign up for our Value for Money Friday enewsletter for exclusive previews of the latest offers. Full listings are available online at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or pick up a brochure from your local library or leisure centre.

Little Venice Music Festival

FREE

10th-12th October This annual music event features three classical concerts held over three days.

Venue: St. Saviour’s Church, Warwick Avenue, W9 2PT Cost: £10-£15 Nearest tube: Warwick Avenue littlevenice-mf.com

Regent Street Motor Show 1st November A free display of 300 cars spanning 125 years of motoring, from the earliest 19th century veterans to the cars of the future.

Venue: Regent Street Cost: Free Nearest tube: Oxford Circus/ Piccadilly Circus

Venue: Various venues across London Cost: Various, check online for details

regentstreetmotorshow.com

londonrestaurantfestival.com

Diwali in London 12th October, 2-7pm Head to Trafalgar Square for the annual festival of lights. This year’s packed programme of free entertainment will include music and dance from community groups and professional artists, food stalls and a range of activities for children.

Remembrance Sunday parade 9th November Remember the men and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Follow the parade down Whitehall to the Cenotaph where wreaths and tributes will be laid in remembrance.

Venue: Whitehall

Venue: Trafalgar Square

Cost: Free

Cost: Free

Nearest tube: Charing Cross/ Westminster

Nearest tube: Charing Cross diwaliinlondon.com

britishlegion.org.uk

40% off your first haircut at Claudia & Nobuko Bespoke Hair Create an individual hairstyle based around your look and lifestyle. The offer includes a free bespoke hair consultation.

admission to Westminster Abbey

10% off Candy Clothing

10% off private treatment at Gentle Dental Care

Get 10% off this unique, urban clothing line selling jewellery, crop tops, beanies and sweaters with a sweet twist.

A professional, ethical and caring practice that offers treatments including preventative, general and cosmetic dentistry.

Venue: 12 Chapter Street, SW1P 4NP

swimming in council pools

Let Style Elite organise your wardrobe and take you on a bespoke shopping trip.

Up t o

70 %

Venue: Headonizm Hair, 29 Page Street, SW1P 4JS

£2

1/3 off personal shopping and styling services

10% off removal and storage services A removal company that’s also a social enterprise offering house and office removals and clearances, storage and packing.

nd off West E nd t h ea t r e a musicals

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

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

WHAT’S ON?

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Citizenship and voting

The Army Reserve

Neil Scott, 37, works for Transport for London in Victoria and is a member of the London Regiment of the Army Reserve.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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ach day on the way to and from work I walked past the Army Reserve Centre.

After attending an open day around Christmas I decided that it was something I wanted to do, so, in January 2002, I signed up for the Reserves.

“During my time as a Reservist, I’ve had the opportunity to go abroad and serve for six months in Northern Ireland, as well as twice serving in Afghanistan.

“With the current changes happening across the Armed Services, the role of the Reserves is becoming more important and the support we’re providing is growing.

We’ve got people out in Cyprus supporting the Irish Guards and have had guys take part in regular army exercises in Spain and in Canada.

There are lots of training opportunities that you can

use in every part of your life.

“Most of my social circles revolve around the army in some form or another – whether that is people I’ve served with or soldiers that I know.

“Joining the Reserves is a commitment, but, in my opinion, one worth making.”

What are the Reserve Forces?

A Reservist is someone who combines their civilian career with a paid job in the Armed Forces in their spare time.

You can choose from 100s of roles either related to your career or try something new.

Training

After your initial training you will train with your unit for a minimum number of days each year and will also need time off if you’re mobilised. Training takes place in the evening and on weekends plus 16 days continuous training.

Can I join?

You need to be aged 18-43 to join.

ant to learn more about the Reserves? Your local unit is The London W Regiment, Army Reserve Centre, 95 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2DX. Call 020 7630 0411, email Londons-ROSWO@mod.uk or visit westminster.gov. uk/reserve-forces

What can the Reserve Forces offer me?

• travel and new experiences • you can fit it in around your career and other commitments •y ou will get paid for training and deployment • t here are many roles to choose from, not just combat

Applying for British Citizenship

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O

ind out more about the Army Reserve at this informal drop-in session.

• meet local Reservists • find out about the different roles on offer, from chefs to signallers and clerks to infantry and more • ask questions • watch the Army Reserves train so you can see what’s involved (from 7.30pm) • handle the equipment and try on the clothing Venue: Army Reserve Centre, 95 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2DX Date: Tuesday 18th November, drop in any time from 6-9pm

If you’re considering applying to become a British Citizen, we can help.

ur Nationality Checking Service is fast, affordable and located at Westminster City Hall in Victoria and the Registration Office on Harrow Road.

An appointment with a Home Office trained registrar takes 40 minutes.

You will need to take your completed application form and original supporting documents to your appointment. The registrar will copy, certify and send them to the Home Office on your behalf. The service cost £57. Applications made using a Nationality Checking Service have a 99% success rate.

Transport: 10 minute walk from Victoria Station, St. James’s Park or Pimlico

F or more information or to book an appointment, call 020 7641 7500 or visit westminster.gov. uk/citizenship

Open day – 15th November You can also attend an open day on Saturday 15th November at the Army Reserve Centre, 27 St. John’s Hill, Battersea, SW11 1TT at any time from 10am to 4pm.

Transport: Opposite Clapham Junction Station

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treetlife is a new social network which can help you find local tradespeople, discover local events and get recommendations for whatever interests you.

Visit streetlife.com to join the 1,600 users in Westminster already taking part.

The way we all register to vote is changing. Look out for your letter that will tell you more 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 the household THE WAY WE ALL REGISTER was responsible for TO VOTE IS CHANGING registering everyone at their address to vote, but now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration.

M

ost people who are already registered have been transferred automatically to the new register, but some people will need to re-register.

There are also people in the area who are not registered to vote at all, and so need to register to have their say in elections. For the first time you can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote We have written 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 and referendums. We are also visiting homes from October to answer questions from people who need to register.

You need to make sure that you’re on the updated register, or you might not be able to vote in future.

For more information please go to www.gov.uk/yourvotematters

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN

To register online visit gov.uk/register-to-vote

To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Se precisar de ajuda na sua inscrição para votar, na sua língua materna, visite westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote

westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Discover a new career in the Army Reserve

Open evening with the London Regiment

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Heritage

Parking

Historic Westminster: Maida Hill

Over 600 people a day are downloading our free ParkRight mobile app. Join them and see how it makes it easy and quick for you to find and pay for parking in the city.

Maida Hill began to exist as a place in its own right after the opening of the Paddington branch of the Grand Union Canal in 1801.

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W

he ParkRight app allows you to see parking spaces near your destination and will soon include real-time information on over 3,000 spaces in central London.

Find a space before you arrive and the app will direct you straight to it.

Register online

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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Pay by app

Y

ou can now also pay for your parking via our ParkRight app. It takes less time than calling and makes it easy to top up if you’re going to be longer than you thought.

To download the app search ‘parkright’ in the app store or visit westminster.gov.uk/parkright

Resident parking permits are free for low emission cars saving you £140. Visit westminster.gov.uk/residentpermit-costs

ince July, our pay to park services are provided by RingGo – one of the largest phone parking operators in the country. To pay for parking you will now need to register with RingGo, which is quick and easy to do online or through your ParkRight app.

Register online before you set off: 1. v isit westminster. gov.uk/parkright 2. register your vehicle 3. r egister your card payment 4. s et up free reminder text messages You can use your ParkRight app to pay quickly and easily when you arrive at your destination.

To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/ parkright

ithin a few years the first houses were built, together with a pub called the Hero of Maida. The hero in question was Major-General Sir John Stuart, who in 1806 led British troops to victory over a larger French force on the plain of Maida in southern Italy.

The name Maida Hill faded into obscurity for a while, when the whole area to the north of the canal was united as Maida Vale. Its exact location has shifted over time, and it is now widely used to refer to the area west of Maida Vale and north of Notting Hill, encompassing parts of the Harrow Road.

Maida Hill is now the home of a burgeoning new market.

The recently launched Maida Hill Market is attracting a selection of food, drink, design and antique stalls to the junction of Harrow Road and Elgin Avenue every Saturday.

The market also supports young local talent with pitches for graduates from the University of the Arts and artists from The London Print Studio.

Harrow Road in 1930

aida Hill Market is on Twitter M @MaidaHillW9 Maida Hill market today

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Pay by phone parking has changed

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Westminster PLUS

Health

Your magazine to find out more about services for people aged 65+.

Staying healthy Improve your Urgent healthcare health with a If you need an urgent weekend appointment or to book a same-day appointment with your GP there are five practices Health Trainer in Westminster that are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

D

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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mmunisations ensure that your children are protected from serious preventable illnesses. By the age of five, your child should have had: • two doses of the ‘five in one’ vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib • the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella • a Meningitis C vaccination • an annual children’s flu vaccine Ask your GP if your child has had all of their immunisations, particularly the MMR vaccination.

T o find your local GP surgery visit centrallondonccg.nhs.uk

© Crown copyright 2014. C4L342

o you want to improve your health but aren’t sure where to start? Health Trainers are local people who have been trained to help you identify changes that could improve your health. Book a free appointment with an NHS funded Westminster Health Trainer who can help you to develop an action plan to be more active, eat more healthily, stop smoking or drink less.

Visit westminsterhealthtrainers. com or call 020 8964 2727 to find out more or book an appointment.

You do not need to be registered at these surgeries.

The Connaught Square Practice

The North West London Medical Centre

41 Connaught Square, W2 2HL

56 Maida Vale, W9 1PP

020 7402 4026

020 7624 2804

Westminster and Pimlico Health Centre

Third Floor Lanark Medical Centre

15 Denbigh Street, SW1V 2HF

3rd Floor, 165 Lanark Road, W9 1NZ

020 7834 6969

020 7624 8616

For more information visit centrallondonccg.nhs.uk

Shake up your day and keep active Disney has teamed up with Change4Life to help keep your children active. Children can take part in a series of 10-minute shake ups to help them get their recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Sulley’s Scary Feet workout • be inspired by Sulley’s Scary Feet routine – start by tip-toeing on the spot so no-one can hear you coming!

• f ollow it up with some star jumps, running on the spot or hopping on one leg. Use your whole body •w hy not add in your own super monster moves for extra scare? Roar, shout and jump as high as you can!

• can your friends follow your moves and keep up?

• s ee if you can keep scaring for 10 minutes Activity Cards, 250k July 14 (GNS)

Essential

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Westmin ster

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Issue 23

– Septemb

IDE PAG ES 4-13

The council is now responsible for some aspects of public health. This means giving you the information and services you need to live a healthy lifestyle. Here is a round-up of some of the services available to help you and your family stay active and well.

Protect your children

Westm inster P LUS

r resid ents Silver Su nday sp ecial • 5th Octo BOOKIN ber 20 G DETAIL S INS 14

LISTING S AND

F or more ideas on how to keep your children active, sign up for a free pack of activity ideas, wall charts and reward stickers, Disney character activity cards and a stopwatch. Visit nhs.uk/Change4Life

Free support for carers Health checks Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 is entitled to a health check every five years. It will help you to identify any health risks and reduce your risks of developing diabetes or heart conditions by supporting you to make changes. Health checks are available from your GP, the Westminster Health Trainers on 020 8964 2727 or from 10 pharmacies across Westminster.

Apek Pharmacy 107 Praed Street, W2 1NT

Benson Pharmacy 276 Harrow Road, W2 5ES

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here are lots of services for unpaid carers in Westminster. The council funds Carers Network to give you the advice and support you need.

They can help you to apply for a personal budget for funding that will help you as a carer, make a plan for the person you look after in case of an emergency and let you know about support groups and social events to meet other carers.

T o make sure you’re up-to-date with the services available to you, register for our carers enewsletter at westminster.gov.uk/carers or contact Carers Network on 020 8960 3030.

Keeping you on your feet

Collins Chemist 113-115 Church Street, NW8 8HA

445 Edgware Road, W2 1TH

91-93 Church Street, NW8 8EU

Medicare 568 Harrow Road, W9 3QH

Nashi Pharmacy

93-95 Tachbrook Street, SW1V 2QA

Simmonds Chemist 105 Lupus Street, SW1V 3EN

St. John’s Wood Pharmacy 142 St. John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7SE

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Information and advice surgeries d 1

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f you’re over 50 and worried about your finances, you can use a free advice service funded by the council. Age UK Westminster runs drop-in sessions to help you with welfare benefit, Taxicard applications, correspondence, direct payments and personal budgets, pensions and utility bills.

Drop-in session times Wednesdays,10am-12 midday, Ada Court, 10-16 Maida Vale, W9 1TD

Market Chemist

Portman’s Pharmacy

PLUS

Keeping active Celebrat e Carer s

Mondays, 10am-12 midday, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ

Curie Chemist

55 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UA

INSIDE

50 free Sunday Silver events How to to vote register is chang ing Tea Da nce Don’t for 2014 apply for get to tickets

If you feel unsteady on your feet or are worried about falling, the 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.

F or more information and to find out if you are eligible, contact the Westminster Falls Prevention Service on 020 7641 4001.

Wednesdays, 2-4pm, The Hill room, The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU Thursdays, 2-4pm, Penfold Community Hub, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ all 020 3004 5610 for more information or C visit ageuk.org.uk/westminster

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Your Westminster

north Playing out

Hidden gems Tell us your favourite places in Westminster.

Tweet them to @CityWestminster

“ “

F or us it’s Violet Hill Park. It’s a tiny little park in St. John’s Wood with a playground and garden and there’s always a lovely calming and friendly vibe there whenever you go. It’s kept lovely and clean too and the flowers are always blooming.” Amy Joubert

OffersOFFERS in your INarea YOUR AREA Value for Money Friday 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 take a look at westminster.gov.uk/vfm for details.

I love walking along the Grand Union Canal past Little Venice and Paddington. There are some lovely sights, from ducks with new baby chicks to art made from upcycled materials and garbage by local children.” Nicola Walsh

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I f you’re a parent or carer and would like to help to run Play Streets when your children are playing, please contact Jane Fifield at Vital Regeneration on 020 7245 2861 or email jfifield@vitalregen.org

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Money advice fair

Lose weight, tone up and get strong with outdoor bootcamp sessions.

Date: Ongoing

Local First World War heroes

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era Brittain (1893-1970) served during the First World War as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse in Malta, France and London. With her brother, fiancé and two closest male friends fighting on the front, she wrote to her brother: “If the war spares me, it will be my one aim to immortalise in a book the story of us four.” The war did spare Vera, but not her loved ones and she came to write Testament of Youth, one of the most widely read war memoirs of all time. She lived at 117 Wymering Mansions in Maida Vale from 1923 to 1927.

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r John Alcindor (1873-1924) was known as the ‘Black Doctor of Paddington’. He served as a volunteer in the British Red Cross during the First World War despite first being rejected from the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1914 because of his ‘colonial origin’. Far from being disheartened, Alcindor helped wounded soldiers at London rail stations as they returned from the battlefields. Following the war, Alcindor became a doctor and later senior district medical officer for Paddington. A blue heritage plaque at 209 Harrow Road marks the site of his former surgery in Paddington.

For more local First World War history visit westminster.gov.uk/remembers

f you’re aged 65+ and would like to take a look around RAF Northolt, join Squadron Leader Richard Willis on a guided tour. The tour takes place on 12th November from 8.30am to 12 midday and transport is provided from and to The Stowe Centre on Harrow Road courtesy of Westway Community Transport. Places are limited and booking is essential. Please call Westminster City Council on 020 7641 6194 to book. The tour is part of Silver Sunday.

What’s on?

Up to 15% off fitness bootcamp

The interior of Paddington Station in 1892.

Photo: Westminster Archives Centre

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F ind out more about Silver Sunday on page 21 or visit silversunday.org.uk

History in pictures

f you have fond memories of playing in the street after school, your children can now follow in your footsteps through a new initiative called Play Streets. From September, Play Streets will be trialled in Fisherton and Luton Street in the Church Street area and Crompton Street in Paddington Green. On weekdays after school, on holidays and weekends, these quiet streets will be closed to traffic except for access, and the council’s sports team will run regular activities.

Free tour of RAF Northolt

Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD

Free activities for people over 50 Try out aerobics, art, meditation or line dancing. Your first class is free at our Open Age Community Hubs.

Venue: Across north Westminster, call 020 8962 4141 to find your nearest Community Hub

20% off six passes for The Nia Technique® If you don’t believe in ‘no pain, no gain’ you will enjoy The Nia Technique®, a sensory-based movement that draws from martial, dance and healing arts.

Active 50+ morning

22nd October, 1-6pm

Wednesdays, 9am-1pm

Free, impartial money advice from the experts from budgeting and borrowing to retirement planning and protection.

If you’re aged 50 or over join in aerobics, table tennis, gym sessions, short bowls and more.

Venue: London Lighthouse, 111117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT Cost: Free Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove westminstercab.org.uk

Venue: Moberley Sports Centre, Kilburn Lane, W10 4AH Cost: £1.75 Nearest tube: Queen’s Park 020 7641 4807

Date: Until 18th October Venue: Boys’ Club, St. Gabriel’s Halls, off Lupus Street, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AA

Date: Ongoing

Meet the author 31st October, 10-11am

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

Serpentine Junior Athletics Club

Award-winning children’s author Michael Foreman will tell stories as part of the First World War centenary project led by Westminster Archives Centre.

Tuesdays, 5-6.30pm

Venue: Paddington Library, Clifford Hall, Porchester Road, W2 5DU

Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD

A junior disability athletics club with wheelchair racing.

Cost: Free

Cost: First session free then £10 annual membership

Nearest tube: Royal Oak

Nearest tube: Maida Vale

westminster.gov.uk/remembers

0771 839 4761

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Your Westminster

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Your Westminster

Your Westminster

central Berwick Street Market

Planning notices

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hen the council receives a planning application affecting your area, the planning department will write to you if you live adjacent to the application site. We will also post notice of the application on your street. Keep an eye out for the yellow posters marked ‘public notice’ on local lampposts.

T he easiest way to keep up-to-date with planning issues is to register on the online planning database and you will get email updates of new applications.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/planning

Hidden gems Tell us your favourite places in Westminster.

Tweet them to @CityWestminster

Photo: The Retail Group

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ork is underway to improve the long-term future of Berwick Street Market, which dates back to around 1820. Over the next year, improvements will create an attractive street that makes the most of the space for trading as well as better access for pedestrians.

There will be new street lighting, a new hard-wearing surface and a raised crossing point at the junction with Broadwick Street.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/markets for more information on all of Westminster’s markets.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Green plaques

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In Marylebone, Le Vieux Comptoir is a great place for lunch and there is a lift to go downstairs with space for two buggies. It’s hard to find places to go to with another mummy sometimes.”

Aude Lagorce

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

Free health and fitness courses for families Sign up to free weekly workshops and learn more about healthy food choices, fun activities to keep the family fit, managing fussy eaters and more.

Date: Ongoing Venue: Various locations across Westminster

35% off selected wines Hyde Park Wines directly imports from small wineries and distributes throughout Britain to source undiscovered gems.

Date: Until 31st October 2014 Venue: 3 Hyde Park Steps, St. George’s Fields, W2 2YQ

Build your own website – 15% off training Learn to use WordPress to create your own website to promote yourself or your business with the how to: Academy.

Date: 10th November Venue: 16-17 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4DR

Porchester Spa. I go here most Sundays for ladies spa-day as it is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. With my Westminster City Save card I get a great discount too.” Fatima Busefi

The secret garden in Regent’s Park, near the allotment garden, is very little known as the gated entrance looks private.”

Maida Vale Mums

History in pictures

What’s on?

Music production and sport

legally required to get their dog microchipped. Come along to our microchipping event and get it done free.

Various dates, please call for details, 4.30-7.30pm Activities for teenagers including gym, football, music recording, beats production, cooking fitness, cricket and more.

Venue: Amberley Youth Project, Millennium Centre, 11 Clearwell Drive, W9 2JZ Cost: Free but there may be a fee for offsite trips 020 7286 1014

Raindance Film Festival 24th September-5th October, various times

Venue: 10 Craven Street, WC2N 5HE

oin a day of free activities at Paddington Library on Porchester Road on 5th October as part of Silver Sunday for people aged 65+. Research your family history at midday, join an online shopping class or a play reading group at 1.30pm or join a computer session at 3pm. Call Laurence Foe to book on 020 7641 4490.

Berwick Street Market, Soho 1980.

Photo: Westminster Archives Centre

F ind out more about Silver Sunday on page 21 or visit silversunday.org.uk

Nearest tube: Royal Oak

Goodbye Piccadilly exhibition

An exhibition at the London Transport Museum looking at the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War and how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort.

Venue: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB Cost: Free for under 17s or £13.50 for adults with a Westminster City Save card Nearest tube: Covent Garden ltmuseum.co.uk

Cost: Tickets from £8

Silver Sunday at Paddington Library

Cost: Free

Daily until 8th March 2015, 10am-6pm (11am on Fridays)

Nearest tube: Warwick Avenue

Europe’s leading independent film festival, which supports and promotes independent films and filmmakers comes to London with 100 feature films and over 150 short films.

Terms and conditions apply to all offers. Visit westminster. gov.uk/vfm for details.

Venue: Porchester Square Gardens, Porchester Square, W2

westminster.gov.uk/ microchipping

Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus

Suffragettes: Deeds not Words

raindance.org

Daily until 10th May 2015, 10am-6pm (9pm Thursdays and Fridays)

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mbrose Godfrey (1660-1741) was a German-born phosphorous manufacturer who set up his successful phosphorous exporting business at 31 Southampton Street in Covent Garden. Godfrey and his family lived above the business and made phosphorous in a narrow strip of land behind the building. Godfrey has been credited with inventing the first fire extinguisher, a cask containing a fire-extinguishing liquid and gunpowder that would explode and scatter the solution within burning buildings.

OffersOFFERS in your INarea YOUR AREA

Take a look back to the spring and summer of 1914 when suffragettes staged their final violent protests to campaign for votes for women.

The display includes photographs of Emmeline Pankhurst and Mary Richardson, notorious for attacking the Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez at the National Gallery.

ter Square ipped on microchGardens at Porches for free your dog ipped to have microch on xxxxx session Have local yourdog Attendyour l advice to dog owners.

7th October also be. offering practica Tuesday for free. We’ll Road, kster Square, W2 Space,s,Warloc Porche OpenGarden Mews Tamplinster Square Location Location Porchegton W9 3LP Paddin to 2pm July 11am-2 25th r, 10ampm Octobe y 7th Date Tuesdaay Date Thursd

For more information visit Westminster City Council

icrochipping

westminster.gov.uk/m

Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

020 7641 6000 westminster.gov.uk

15/08/2014 11:10

entPoster_A3_AW.indd

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Free dog microchipping 7th October, 10am-2pm From 2016 all dog owners will be

Venue: National Portrait Gallery Cost: Free Nearest tube: Charing Cross/ Leicester Square/Embankment npg.org.uk

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Your Westminster

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Your Westminster

Your Westminster

south

A new university technical college for Westminster

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new university technical college (UTC) is coming to Westminster – a government-funded school to teach 14 to 18-year-olds the skills they need to become Britain’s future inventors, engineers and scientists. Students at the Sir Simon Milton Westminster UTC will have access to state-of-the-art machinery and facilities, and work to a curriculum designed by the University of Westminster and local businesses, including Network Rail, BT Fleet, Land Securities, Transport for London and Crossrail. It will be built on the site of the former Ebury Bridge Centre on Sutherland Street and work has already begun with doors scheduled to open to students in September 2016.

Find out more at sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com

Green plaques

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aura Ashley (19251985), the British designer who founded the international clothing empire, began handprinting textiles with her husband on their kitchen table in a flat at 83 Cambridge Street in Pimlico. Together the pair visited major London stores to sell their tea towels, scarves and place mats and in 1957 moved to Surrey to set up Laura Ashley Ltd. Visit westminster.gov.uk/green-plaques-scheme for details of other green plaques in Westminster.

OffersOFFERS in your INarea YOUR AREA Soapbox at Tate Free monthly social event at Tate Britain for people aged 60+. Each lively session is dedicated to debate and discussion on topical issues and current affairs. Places must be booked in advance.

Free Silver Sunday film screening

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here are 40 free activities for people aged 65+ on 5th October as part of Silver Sunday. Start your day with a 10am screening of the film The 100 Year Old Man who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, courtesy of Screen Channel and The Empire Cinema in Leicester Square. Places are limited and booking is required. Call Harry Sorensen at Westminster City Council on 020 7641 6194.

There’s also a Tea Dance at Lillington and Longmoore Gardens Community Centre in Pimlico at 4pm. Call David Larking at CityWest Homes on 020 7245 2920 to book.

F ind out more about Silver Sunday on page 21 or visit silversunday.org.uk

History in pictures

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

St. James’s Hotel courtyard, perfect for an al fresco drink.” Mirjana Vujovic Playing in the Queen’s front garden – the playground at St. James’ Park.” Nancy DeBroka

14th October, 10am-2pm Venue: Lower Grosvenor Gardens (next to Hobart Place), Grosvenor Gardens, SW1 Nearest tube: Victoria From 2016 all dog owners will be legally required to get their dog microchipped. Come along to our microchipping event and get it done free. westminster.gov.uk/ microchipping

2nd October, 10.30am-12.30pm Registered guides from Westminster Archives Centre will help you to discover Westminster during the First World War through local war memorials, learning about the Zeppelin raids on London and hearing stories of the brave men and women who fought in the war.

Date: Ongoing Venue: Zipcars around Westminster

Access 185 vehicles in 130 locations across Westminster and 1,500 cars London-wide

Cost: Free westminster.gov.uk/eventsand-roadshows

Meet the author 29th October, 2-3pm Award-winning children’s author Michael Foreman presents his novel War Game about the First World War in this family event, part of the council’s schedule of First World War centenary commemorations.

Venue: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3EY Cost: Free Nearest tube: Pimlico westminster.gov.uk/pimlicolibrary-events

Cost: Free westminster.gov.uk/remembers

10% off your first three months at Impact Hub Westminster

£40 free driving credit

books and electricals then bag yourself something new without spending a penny.

Venue: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3EY Nearest tube: Pimlico

Tell us your favourite places in Westminster.

Tweet them to @CityWestminster

“ ““

2nd October, 10am-2pm Venue: Victoria Embankment Gardens, Temple Place, WC2N Nearest tube: Embankment

First World War walks

with Westminster Car Club through Zipcar.

Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG

T he secret gardens at the back of Westminster Abbey. Such beautiful and peaceful grounds a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Parliament Square. And free to get in!”

Missy Sparks

Free dog microchipping

Cost: Free

Date: 8th October and 12th November, 11am-1pm

Hidden gems

What’s on?

Recycling swap shops 4th October, 10am-4pm

Get your business off the ground at this workspace. Quote HUBREPORTER in your membership application.

Venue: Lillington and Longmore Residents Hall, Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 2TA

Date: Until 31st December

Nearest tube: Pimlico

Venue: Impact Hub Westminster, 1st Floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE

11th October, 9am-5pm

Terms and conditions apply to all offers. Visit westminster. gov.uk/vfm for details.

Venue: Grosvenor Estate Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4LD The west front of Westminster Abbey circa 1903.

Photo: Westminster Archives Centre

Halloween party 31st October, 3-4.30pm Spooky stories, crafts and games for little witches and wizards in this free event which is suitable for children of all ages. Booking is essential. Call 020 7641 6200 and ask for Victoria Library.

Venue: Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD Cost: Free

Nearest tube: Pimlico

Nearest tube: Victoria

Have a clear out and drop off your unloved clothes, shoes, toys,

westminster.gov.uk/victorialibrary-events

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Your Westminster

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Silver Sunday

Silver Sunday

If you’re aged 65+ or an unpaid carer, Silver Sunday on 5th October is the perfect chance to try new activities, meet new people and find out about the services on your doorstep all year round.

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his national day for older people was set up in 2012 by Councillor Christabel Flight, Westminster City Council’s champion for older people.

It’s now gone national, with over 200 events across the UK thanks to the support of voluntary and community organisations, businesses and councils.

In Westminster, you can take part in over 40 free events and activities including afternoon tea at Lord’s Cricket Ground, a trip to RAF Northolt and a tour of HQS Wellington. Many people come on their own to meet new people and try something new, or you can bring a friend.

If you have a neighbour or family member who you think would like to take part in Silver Sunday let them know or offer to go along with them if necessary.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Silver Sunday is supported by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation. Find out more about the Foundation at sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com

elow are just some of the events taking place this Silver Sunday.

Events are free unless otherwise stated and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Lord’s Cricket Ground tour and afternoon tea, 11.40am-1.40pm

Music showcase at Wigmore Hall, 2.30-4.30pm Venue: Wigmore Hall, Bechstein Room, 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP

Free swimming and gym use, 8am-7pm

Contact: Kathryn Gilfoy on 020 7321 2702 Booking: Booking required, 15 spaces available.

Friday 10th October Venue: Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ Contact: Flora Hadjivarnava on 020 7535 2020 Booking: No booking required, just turn up on the day.

Dance workshops with English National Ballet, 11am-1.30pm

Photography class at Silver Sunday 2013

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“It’s nice to get dressed up to go out for the day and be looked after. It’s good to meet new people so I look forward to these events.”

Ines Cheney

Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, St. John’s Wood, NW8 8QN Contact: Club events department on 020 7616 8521 Booking: Booking required, 200 spaces available for a £5 booking fee which is fully refundable on arrival.

50’s/60’s themed games afternoon, 1.30-3.30pm

Venue: English National Ballet, Markova House, 39 Jay Mews, SW7 2ES

Venue: Eileen Anderson Court, Johnson’s Place, SW1V 4BD

11am-12 midday: ballet class

Booking: Booking required, 20 spaces available.

12 midday-12.30pm: refreshments nes Cheney and Margaret Garrity from the Edgware Road area went for afternoon tea and entertainment at Octavia Leonora House in Maida Vale last year.

Margaret Garrity and Ines Cheney

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12.30-1.30pm: Coppélia dance class Contact: The Engagement Department on 020 7581 1245 Booking: Booking required, 30 places per workshop and participants can attend one or both workshops.

Regent’s Park walk, 11am-12 midday Venue: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RO. Meet at Clarence Gate (wait by the noticeboard on your right). Walk ends at The Hub Café in Regents Park.

Contact: Marian Starrett on 020 7563 6211 Booking: Booking required, 12 spaces available.

Contact: Ashley Young, Open Age, on 07818 884 553

HQS Wellington exhibition and tour, 2pm Venue: HQS Wellington, Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN Contact: Melany Rose on 020 7836 8179 Booking: Booking required, 40 spaces available.

John Williams tribute concert at the Royal Albert Hall, 3pm Venue: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP Contact: 020 7589 8212 Booking: Booking required, tickets are £5.

Wednesday 12th November Guided tour of RAF Northolt, 10am-12 midday (pick up at 8.30am) Venue: Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG. Transport is provided courtesy of Westway Community Transport from outside The Stowe Centre, 260 Harrow Rd, W2 5ES at 8.30am.

You will be dropped off at The Stowe Centre on your return.

Contact: Westminster City Council Communications on 020 7641 6194 Booking: Booking required, 25 spaces available. Please note transport can facilitate a maximum of three wheelchairs.

For a full list of events visit silversunday.org.uk Terms and conditions: Most activities require booking direct with the venue and are first come, first served. Others are unlimited and you can just turn up on the day. Visit silversunday.org.uk for details.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Get involved in Silver Sunday

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Business

Starting your own business Starting your own business can be a daunting task, no matter how good your idea. But if you’re ready to take the next step, there’s guidance and support to help.

Find office space If you need access to office space on an ad hoc basis, there are lots of options.

Maida Hill Place Aspiring food entrepreneurs can use pay-asyou-go commercial kitchen facilities, event space and set up a pop-up restaurant at Maida Hill Place which also offers business support.

2-4 Fernhead Road, W9 3ET. Visit maidahillplace.co.uk or call 020 8964 2549.

Impact Hub Westminster Impact Hub Westminster is home to 420 entrepreneurs offering its members access to 200 hot-desking spaces, events and training.

Great Western Studios: studio and workspace in Westminster.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Resources and networking

Our Business Information Points are located in five Westminster libraries.

Alongside weekly business support events and information on funding opportunities, high-quality business resources such as Mintel, Experian and Cobra databases are available free of charge. The regular business support events and workshops also provide a valuable opportunity for networking. Visit westminster.gov. uk/business-information-points

Expertise

The Neighborhood Enterprise Centre and the Westminster Business Council offer bespoke coaching and mentoring

services as well as events, seminars and business training throughout the year. Visit westminster-enterprise. org.uk or westminsterbc.org.uk

floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, 1st SW1Y 4TE. Visit westminster.impacthub.net or call 020 7148 6720.

Great Western Studios

Monthly news, events and business updates

Keep up-to-date with special offers, discounts, advice for start-ups, events and training in our monthly business enewsletter. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ business-e-newsletter to register.

Government support

You can also get support, advice and inspiration on starting, growing and accelerating your business from the government. Visit greatbusiness.gov.uk

For more information on how we can help your new enterprise visit westminster.gov.uk/business-support

Your business could get up to £3,000 towards the cost of installing a faster broadband connection. Apply for a voucher at connectionvouchers.co.uk/london

Studio space for the creative industries plus exhibitions, talks, events and networking.

Alfred Road, W2 5EU. Visit greatwesternstudios.

65 com or call 020 7221 0100.

TrueStart If you have an innovative product, service or business in the retail or consumer sector you can apply to join the TrueStart programme. Successful applicants gain access to office space, retail space and financial investment in return for an equity stake in the business.

Francis House, 11 Francis Street, SW1P 1DE. Visit truestart.co.uk or call 020 3740 6945.

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: 0845 437 9701 Visit: www.homeownershipwestminster.co.uk Email: info@homeownershipwestminster.co.uk Find us on Facebook at Homeownership Westminster

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

Follow us on @HOW_Catalyst

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First World War

First World War

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Westminster Remembers This year marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. To commemorate this important time in our history there are events and activities throughout the year, including personal accounts of the war from Westminster Archives Centre.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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n Christmas Eve 1914 there was a lull in the Great War. Although it had only been raging for four months, it was already shaping up to be one of the bloodiest wars in history.

On December 24th, widespread spontaneous ceasefires took place along the Western Front. In the south east of Neuve Chapelle, France, the Indian Corps fighting for Britain and the opposing Prussian side put down their weapons.

On the enemy side, the Prussian unit began opening their Christmas parcels and singing songs.

They decorated some small Christmas trees they received with candles and put them in rows along their trench.

After heavy fighting in the first few months of the war, the Garhwal soldiers were spending Christmas far from home, having been mobilised from the Garhwal Hills in the Himalayas. The conditions of the flooded trenches were poor – they had to trudge through freezing water, diseases were spreading and there was a constant fear of shellfire.

The Garhwal troops looked across at their

reminded them of Diwali, the Hindu ‘festival of lights’. Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness and this moment in the trenches helped the troops on both sides feel closer to home.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. The Christmas Truce continued the next day across the Western Front as both sides met in No Man’s Land to shake hands, exchange food and play football.

From the Westminster Archives Centre Stephen Miller says: “The Christmas

“The First World War has gone out of living memory. The centenary is a good opportunity to bring it to the fore again.”

Stephen Miller, Westminster archivist

enemies celebrating Christmas. The twinkling lights in the darkness were a familiar sight as it

Truce shows the humanity of the War. The Indian troops don’t typically come to mind when you think of the Truce.”

Trafalgar Square is celebrating the Diwali festival this year on 12th October. There will be dancing, music, craft activities and First World War stories involving the Indian Corps.

Miller says: “The First World War has gone out of living memory. The centenary is a good opportunity to bring it to the fore again.”

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Diwali in Trafalgar Square When: Sunday 12th October, 2-7pm What: The National Army Museum and Westminster Archives Centre will be holding a story telling and family craft workshop about how the Christmas Truce in 1914 inspired Indian soldiers to think of Diwali.

Booking: No booking necessary - just turn up at the Playing the Game stall at the marketplace on Trafalgar Square. westminster.gov.uk/remembers

Get involved Local history

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f you are interested in researching your own local and family First World War heritage, you can access history resources free in all Westminster libraries and Westminster Archives Centre, with staff on hand to help with your enquires. Visit westminster. gov.uk/remembers If you are part of a community group, Heritage Lottery Fund is running a grant programme for First World War community projects that encourage new perspectives and stories not previously told.

If you would like to apply for a grant and need some advice on the application, please contact Westminster Archives Centre on 020 7641 5180.

Commemorative events

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here are many events and activities taking place across Westminster to commemorate the First World War centenary. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ remembers for local listings or 1914.org for events taking place across the UK. If you’re organising a community event you can submit your listing by emailing jdyas@westminster.gov.uk

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Volunteering

Employment support

Getting into work Employment support is available to help you find work during difficult times.

More advice and support Westminster Works Dedicated to helping local people to find local jobs, Westminster Works can offer you support with training, interview skills and job hunting.

Call 020 3603 2301.

Recruit London Recruit London’s Workplace Coordinators build relationships with local businesses and prepare local residents for their vacancies.

Workplace Coordinators continue to mentor and support candidates once they are in their new role.

Contact faheem.qureshi@ thecrownestate.co.uk

Employment advice Westminster libraries hold drop-in employment surgeries including help and advice on job hunting, CV writing and cover letters. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ employment-advice

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

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ollowing an 11-month prison sentence, 19-year-old Adam* had no job or permanent home.

“I had just come out of prison and was feeling very low. I was away from all my friends and family, had no job, no money and no idea where to start.

“The help of my caseworker has been brilliant. She has been there every day to see me. She helped me get a job and still phones me nearly every day to check I’m OK. “My life is very different now I’m working. I’m living on my own and I can support myself financially. This really makes me feel good about the future. With the help of my

*Name has been changed

“It feels like things are finally coming together for me.” caseworker I am hoping to get into university in September to study graphic design and I’ll keep my job part time to support myself.

“I am definitely more positive about my future, I have had a very hard few years but it feels like things are finally coming together for me.”

I f you would like find out if you’re eligible for help to get into work, contact the council’s Families and Communities Employment Service on 020 7641 3336 or visit westminster.gov.uk/faces

Get involved in local volunteering Have you ever thought about using your spare time to help your community or get involved in local issues?

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here are lots of opportunities to volunteer either on an ad hoc or more regular basis and many projects to get involved with, from helping out at high profile events to spending time with older neighbours. The council funds One Westminster to provide volunteering opportunities for residents to help you get started.

Is volunteering for you?

Gareth Owen, Chief Executive of One Westminster, is passionate about volunteering and gives some advice to those considering it for the first time: “The first thing I would advise is to think about what it is that interests you and how much time you’re able to give to a cause or organisation. There are lots of different types of opportunities out there to suit most people. I would urge you to look online at the sheer number of volunteering posts that exist because you’ll most likely be surprised at the variety.

“You can then register with One Westminster so we are able to help find the right opportunity to suit you.”

Visit volunteer.co.uk or call 020 7266 1992 to find out more about local volunteering.

Council apprenticeship scheme

Sports Makers

The council’s apprenticeship scheme matches young people with opportunities at the council, helping them gain practical skills and experience in the workplace.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/ council-apprenticeship-scheme

Nik Nedic volunteers with Westminster Sports Makers: “I’ve always had a keen interest in sport and am always looking for new challenges. I signed up to One Westminster because I couldn’t find the sorts of opportunities and challenges I was looking for at work.

“I currently volunteer at CityWest Leisure, a social enterprise which provides opportunities to participate and work in sport. My role is to help generate funding and sponsorship for the CityWest Leisure Youth football club, help with training sessions and help with the future direction of club.

“Because of my interest in football, I find my time spent here really enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding. Looking to the future, I hope to start an FA course Level 1.”

The London Growth Deal A pilot scheme is being developed in which at least £10 million will be invested to help long-term unemployed people into work as part of a growth deal between London and central goverment.

I f you’re interested in becoming a coach, referee, administrator or instructor, drop in to a One Westminster sports information session on Wednesdays from 10.30am-1pm, 4 Sutherland Avenue, W9 2HQ or email sports@volunteer.co.uk

Westminster City Guides Nellie Khossouri signed up to the Westminster City Guides when she was 16 and had the opportunity to work at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

“My volunteering has been really good for my CV. I always get asked about it in interviews and I’ve been able to line up some work experience in the summer with two production companies.”

Find out more at volunteer.co.uk

Become a Westminster Recycling Champion Could you help your friends and neighbours to recycle? Become a recycling champion and put in as little or as much time as you like to help people in your area to recycle. You could help out at a swap shop, show friends and neighbours how to recycle or talk to local community groups.

V isit westminster.gov.uk/ volunteer-recyclingchampions or call 020 7641 6598.

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Westminster Your choice for primary Westminster education A guide for parents with Yoprimary ur choice children starting school in Septembe r 2015 for sec ondary education

Schools

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Walking to school

Your guide to school admissions

for parents with children transferrin g to secondary school in 2015

APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SECONDARY SCHOO L PLACE westminster.gov.uk/a dmissions

Westminster City Council

Walking to school is a great way for children to get exercise at the beginning of the day and arrive at school fresh and alert.

Westminster City

Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

Council

westminster.gov.uk

Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

westminster.gov.uk

The school year may have only just started, but many parents will already be thinking about school places for their children from September 2015.

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

Follow these simple steps to make your child’s walk to school as safe as possible.

Year 6 pupils at St. Mary’s Bryanston Square Church of England School

Primary school

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• t ake time to talk to your child about road safety. They will be seeing things from a lower eye level, so get down and look at the street from their viewpoint to help you explain • r emember, the green man at a crossing does not mean it is safe to cross. You will still need to look and listen to make sure traffic has stopped • let your child walk alone, but agree rules that that he/she will stop at the kerb and wait for you and only cross when holding your hand

he council’s Westminster Wiser Walking Scheme teaches children potentially lifesaving road safety skills to help them walk safely to school.

Instructors take groups of children out on walks near the school, helping them to identify both safe and unsafe places to cross. Two hundred and forty children have taken part in the scheme since it launched in April this year.

Originally designed for children in Years 2 and 3, St. Mary’s Bryanston Square Church of England School is the first school to extend the scheme to pupils in Year 6.

Danni, one of the Year 6 pupils who took part, says: “There were so many things to be thinking about on the crossings. I saw some drivers making wrong turns

“It’s a pleasure for the school to be able to bring in an expert who can equip the kids with the sorts of skills that might end up saving their lives.”

Sheelagh Leith, learning mentor

and I thought the green man meant I’d be safe, but I now know I still have to check.”

Sheelagh Leith, the school’s learning mentor, says: “It’s so exciting to see the children gain the confidence they need to make independent decisions about when to cross the road. It’s a pleasure for the school to be able to bring in an expert who can equip the kids with the sorts of skills that might end up saving their lives.”

Get regular updates about the latest local activities and exclusive offers for families by signing up to our Families First newsletter at westminster.gov.uk/families-first or like ‘Westminster Parents’ on Facebook.

Secondary school •b y now, your child will probably want to walk to school with friends, but make sure you do a practice run of the route to familiarise your child with the local area • practice reading bus and tube maps so you are confident that your child can navigate getting to and from school • refresh road safety tips such as not using phones when crossing the road

Visit westminster.gov.uk/road-safety for more information.

The foster carer diaries We need more people to come forward to be foster carers to give children a loving and supportive home.

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Artwork by a student at Westminster City School

if your child was born between 1st September 2003 and 31st August 2004, you will need to apply for a secondary school place by 31st October 2014 if your child was born between 1st September 2010 and 31st August 2011, you will need to apply for a primary school place by 15th January 2015 you can apply for a school place online at westminster.gov.uk/ admissions. It’s quick, easy and means you’ll be notified of the outcome of your application a day before those who apply by paper

For more information on admissions and to

apply visit westminster.gov.uk/admissions

you can state up to six schools in your application, but make sure you list them in order of preference. If an offer can be made it will be the highest possible from your list and all the schools listed lower down will be withdrawn our admissions brochures are a step-by-step guide to applying for a primary or secondary school place and can be found at westminster. gov.uk/admissions

Westminster We Your choi cestminster for primYo aryur choice education for secondary A guide for parents edwith ucation children starting primary

A guide school in Septemb for parents with er 2015 children transferrin g to school in 2015

APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR seco ndar y CHILD’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE

westminster.gov.uk/admi APPLY ssions ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SECONDARY SCHOO L PLACE westminster.gov.uk /admissions

ost people are eligible to foster so if you’ve been thinking about it, take the first step and find out more.

Cathy, a foster carer for the council says: “Fostering is my career. In the beginning I thought I would miss work and the adult company I got from my job, but now I’m always out and meeting up with other people who foster. There are excellent support groups I go to in the daytime or evening where you can talk to other carers and social workers.

They are really supportive and I’ve made a lot of friends who I can rely on.

“I also feel I’m developing and learning new skills as the training you get is excellent. I have been on 20-25 days of training in the last two years, all paid for and the council pays for your childcare. The sessions are all really relevant and helpful and you get to meet other foster carers and share ideas. I can’t imagine going back to working a nine-to-five job now.”

T ake the first step and talk to us about fostering so we can answer any questions you may have. Call 0800 169 3497, visit westminster.gov.uk/fostering or come to our next fostering information event:

Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP 23rd October, 6-8pm

Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU 30th September, 10am-12 midday 2nd October, 6pm-8pm Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX 13th November, 6-8pm

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE westminster.gov.uk/admiss A guideions

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Over to you

Over to you

Meet the people who are involved in their local area, creating better lives by giving something back to their community

Brenda Meadows, 82, from Harrow Road, has lived in Westminster all her life. An active member of the community, Brenda won the Inspirational Award at the this year’s Community Awards.

“I

The Westminster Reporter | westminster.gov.uk/reporter

first became involved in the community when I was 16-years-old and started to teach Sunday School at church. From there I went on to help at a youth group and the Cubs and Scout Association when I was 18.

“I’ve been helping with the Scouts now for 60 years and received recognition for making a difference to Scouting in Greater London for my time with them.

“I recently took the Scouts to the North Paddington food bank as I serve there every Wednesday morning. They served the food as well as helped in asking people for donations. By the end of the week they had filled 18 wheelie bins full of food.

“Whatever you give comes back

Brenda’s Westminster favourites

in the heart of Westminster

Walk

“Winning the Inspirational Award at the Westminster Community Awards was the ultimate accolade... I love where I live and for me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Brenda Meadows

and the more you give the more you get. Being involved with different projects has helped me build up a strong and wide community. I walk up the road and people smile – people sometimes recognise me even if I don’t know them.

“Winning the Inspirational Award at the Westminster Community Awards was the ultimate accolade for me because it was from the area I live in. I love where I live and for me, that’s what it’s all about.”

I love walking along the canal to Little Venice. I enjoy watching the birds and speaking with the boat owners. They are always so friendly.

I have fond memories of it because my brothers used to go fishing there.

Leisure Centre Up until I was 70 I regularly played tennis at Paddington Recreation Ground. I still play table tennis there whenever I can. I really enjoy walking around the grounds and I normally end up bumping into people I know.

Activity I attend the Reminiscent History Group on a Tuesday and love it.

It means I get to do a lot of varied things. I particularly enjoyed a heritage walk along Queen’s Park Estates.

It involved a lot of walking and I found out so much I didn’t know.

Reminiscence at Rayne House When: Every Tuesday, 10.30am-12.30pm What: Discover local history, reminisce and swap stories about your local neighbourhood.

Venue: Rayne House, 170 Delaware Road, W9 2LW Cost: £2 Little Venice canal

Adult learning

Contact: Jemma or Elizabeth at Open Age on 020 3713 8737

AD

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.

E FRE CT- IPS TRA ERSH CON EMB M

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

TUFNELL PARK

Find out more or join online at www.better.org.uk/westminster KENTISH TOWN WEST

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

8. Seymour Leisure Centre Seymour Place London W1H 5TJ

Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered address: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX IPS Registered No. 27793R Inland Revenue Charity No. XR43398.

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