ARTS & CULTURE AND WHAT’S ON Events, activities and much more

A portrait of stars

Riz Ahmed by Sharif Hamza, 2018

Portraits of well-known people from Black and Asian backgrounds connected to Brent are on show in a new exhibition opening in December.

Called the Icons of Colour: Portraits of Brent’s Change Makers, the free exhibition celebrates some of the people who reflect the strength of Brent’s diversity in the hope of inspiring the next generation of change makers.

The exhibition includes portraits of Ian Wright, Courtney Pine,

Rachel Yankey and many others. Visitors will also get the chance to see the

National Portrait Gallery’s newly commissioned portrait of Willesden resident Zadie Smith as painted by Nigerian born artist Toyin Ojih Odutola.

New portraits of the footballer Cyrille Regis as well as actor and comedian

Doc Brown will also be on display.

With portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, the free exhibition runs from 16 December - 27 February, at the Exhibition Space, second floor at the Library,

Willesden Green.

There are also events and workshops for adults and families to get involved, such as Portrait making workshops for adults, Thursday 13

January, 6-8pm and

Thursday 3 February, 6-8pm at the Library,

Willesden Green.

For more details on events visit www.brent. gov.uk/events

Rachel Yankey by Mary Dunkin, 9 May 2005

Ian Wright by Robert Wilson, June 1997

Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Coal, dole and dinner ladies

The story of how Brent residents supported the miners’ strike in the 1980s has been told through Coal, Dole and Dinner Ladies – a play based on real events and people.

In March 1984, the National Coal Board announced it was to close 20 coalmines across the UK. The threat of job losses led the Yorkshire miners to call for a national strike, supported by the National Union of Mineworkers.

On a detour to convince the

Nottinghamshire miners to strike, the Kent miners stopped off in Brent for a union meeting at Aylestone School, now Queens

Park Community School, where the dinner ladies and caretakers at the school greeted them with a hot meal and a standing ovation.

Local theatre company, Useful Productions, brought his important historical moment to life in a series of performances in the autumn after uncovering the details held in the Trades

Union archive at Brent Museum and Archives.

Coal, Dole and Dinner Ladies was part of the

Being Brent project that aims to improve the wellbeing of the community by connecting local people to Brent’s history www.brent.gov. uk/beingbrent

EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL

We are delighted to introduce you to our amazing school. We are a unique primary school that provides strong subject based teaching.

Our Ofsted grades (November 2019):

Overall e ectiveness: Outstanding e quality of education: Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding Personal development: Outstanding Leadership and management: Outstanding Early years provision: Outstanding

We provide a structured, disciplined working environment in which every student receives high-quality teaching. Teachers are highly quali ed in their subject and have a relentless focus on high expectations, high aspirations and

excellent academic

outcomes for their pupils.

We have created a happy and caring environment, so that our students are well- rounded young people, and have a passion

and love of learning.

Our 12 million pound,

state-of-the-art brand

new primary school has purpose built classrooms and facilities, learning resource centres for each key stage, Science Laboratories and a Multi-use Games Area.

“Leaders give careful thought to the experiences pupils have to support their wider development.” Ofsted 2019

Wembley Multi-Academy Trust is comprised of three schools:

WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE

EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL (90 places for Reception in September 2022)

NORTH BRENT SCHOOL (at Wembley High whilst the new school is being built)

East Lane Primary School, East Lane, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 3NT CEO/Executive Headteacher: Ms Gill Bal OBE | Headteacher: Ms Caroline Ellis Tel: 020 8289 4600 | Web: www.whtc.co.uk or www.elps.co.uk | Email: admin@whtc.co.uk

Arts & Culture

>> Exhibitions >> Cinema >> Talks >> Tours >> Theatre >> Music >> Dance >> Comedy

KILN THEATRE PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRENT2020, LONDON BOROUGH OF CULTURE - THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN

Kilburn based, multi-award winning best-selling author Zadie Smith (below) makes her playwriting debut with an adaptation of Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath relocating the action to 21st Century North West London. Zadie said: “I felt the presence, in the rehearsal room, of Chaucer’s humour and bawdiness, his philosophical depth and intellectual perversity. “All transformed by the process of passing through these various flesh-and-blood actors, with their human voices and human gestures, with which they are able to perform the miracle of turning text into experience, words into action, ideas into something like life.” Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, this is a bawdy comic tale that centres on the local legend they call the ‘The Wife of Willesden’, a mother, married five times and a local legend. Alvita will tell her life story to anyone who will listen. Showing until 24 December, 2021. Tickets available at only £15. Local residents can enjoy offers available to over 65s and under 26s. www.KilnTheatre.com 8 DECEMBER 11-11:30AM UNDER 5s BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIME WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY 95 HIGH RD, LONDON NW10 2SF

Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

EALING ROAD LIBRARY CORONET PARADE EALING RD, WEMBLEY HA0 4BA

Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

STONEFACE: THE RISE AND FALL OF BUSTER KEATON LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER, 6.308.30PM TICKETS £3

Joseph “Buster” Keaton was the great innovator of silent movie comedy. To see Keaton at the height of his powers we’ll also be showing his extraordinary film Sherlock Junior from 1924.

15 DECEMBER 11-11:30AM, UNDER 5S BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIME WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY 95 HIGH RD, LONDON NW10 2SF

Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

15 DECEMBER 4PM-5:30PM, STEM CLUB AT EALING ROAD LIBRARY, EALING ROAD LIBRARY

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workshops for children.

STARTED 26 NOVEMBER

A new short film, ‘Being Alive’ celebrates the diversity and beliefs of local people and various faith communities in Brent, including members and representatives of The Central Mosque of Brent, The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and St Mary’s Church of Willesden. Produced by Brent Museum and Archives as part of the community project ‘Being Brent’ it is the second in a series of three specially commissioned films funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Watch here: https://youtu.be/ FYbeAoyBKbY

BOOKTRUST STORYTIME AND RHYMES WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAY 15 DECEMBER - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER - EALING ROAD LIBRARY 11 – 11.30AM

Welcome Father Christmas to a festive session of story and rhymes. Ho ho ho!

16 DECEMBER 11-11:30AM, UNDER 5S BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIME, EALING ROAD LIBRARY CORONET PARADE EALING RD, WEMBLEY HA0 4BA

Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

FESTIVE STORY HUNT FUN ONLINE. TUESDAY 21 DECEMBER, 10 – 10.30AM

Join storyteller John Kirk for a festive Story Hunt. Let your excitement and imagination run wild as you join a virtual storytelling experience guaranteed to get you in the mood for Yuletide celebrations with Father Christmas. Jam-packed with interactive scavenger hunting fun these sessions are suitable for families with story hunters age 3+.

COFFEE MORNING: WILLESDEN IN HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS KILBURN LIBRARY WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2022, 11AM – 12NOON

‘The most charming and secluded village in the neighbourhood of the metropolis’. Join Irina Porter, London Blue Badge Tourist Guide, to explore the rich legacy of the snapshot of life as it was in the 19th century, preserved in photographs of the streets of London, many almost as soon as they had been built!

PORTRAIT MAKING WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS THURSDAY 13 JANUARY, 6-8PM - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN THURSDAY 3 FEBRUARY, 6-8PM - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN MAKE A CAMERA OBSCURA WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES SATURDAY 15 JANUARY, 11AM12PM AND 2-3PM - WEMBLEY LIBRARY & SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY, 11AM-12PM AND 2-3PM - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN.

THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONCERTS.

The RPO is pleased to offer Your Brent readers 25% off tickets in the Front Circle of the Royal Albert Hall for two upcoming performances. THE BEST OF BROADWAY WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH 2022, 7.30PM

A spectacular line-up of West End stars perform with a full symphony orchestra. Featuring songs from hit Broadway musicals and sell-out West End shows, including: Les Misérables, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Wicked, Hairspray, The Producers, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Dreamgirls... and many more.

FILM MUSIC GALA SATURDAY 2 APRIL, 7.30PM

Celebrate the incomparable music of classic cinema and today’s biggest blockbusters in this sensational gala show, brought to you by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and performed within the magnificent surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. Offer valid on 7.30pm performance only. BOOK UP TO 2 TICKETS PER BOOKING AT THIS SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICE GO TO ROYALALBERTHALL.COM AND BOOK USING OFFER CODE RPOBRENT25. ALTERNATIVELY, CALL 020 7589 8212.

What’s On >>

your guide to what’s on in Brent during Winter 2021

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Now until – 4 January 2022, WINTERFEST, WEMBLEY PARK SPARKLY WINTERFEST CHRISTMAS TREE Wembley Park’s free winter lights trail, Winterfest, is back for 2021. Celebrating togetherness, this year’s Christmas lights theme will be ‘Reunited in Light’, and will feature returning favourites as well as brand-new commissions and new art installations. Register for free: https://wembleypark. com/whats-on/ winterfest-switchon-2021/ reena.rayhaman@ ashfordplace.org.uk

WEMBLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET 11 & 12 December 12- 6pm

Wembley Christmas Market will include a Santa’s Grotto giveaway as well as gift bags provided by Conway’s Contractors 7 December 11am - 12pm, DEMENTIA CAFÉS BRENT, Ashford Place D Caf, online Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email: reena. rayhaman@ashfordplace. org.uk 13 December 11am-12pm GETTING BACK INTO WORK WITH SHAW TRUST Information Sessions, Wembley Library 32 Engineers Way Wembley Park London HA9 0FJ Join us for an information session to find out how we can help get you back into work. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 27 January, 7pm-8pm Online

Sign up here: www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ getting-back-intowork-with-shaw-trustinformation-sessionstickets-169353979311 14 December 2pm - 3.30pm, DEMENTIA CAFÉS BRENT, ASHFORD PLACE Community Centre, 60 Ashford Road, NW2 6TU Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email reena. rayhaman@ashfordplace. org.uk 21 December 11am-12pm, DEMENTIA FRIENDS TUESDAY CONVERSATION, Online session Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email Kamlesh. Patel@ashfordplace.org. uk

At 8pm, households across the UK will be lighting candles and safely putting them in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were. Stand against prejudice and hatred today. Light a candle and put it in your window at 8pm on 27 January 2022 (if you are able to do so safely). #HolocaustMemorialDay #LightTheDarkness Register to watch the ceremony online https://hmdt.geteventaccess.com/public/ events/05e9d88e-021b-42dc-97dcf2bdc65a6d8b/guests/create 21 December 2pm - 3.30pm, Ashford Place D CAF, DEMENTIA CAFÉ’S BRENT Ashford Place Community Centre, 60 Ashford Road, NW2 6TU Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email reena. rayhaman@ashfordplace. org.uk 8 DECEMBER, 10AM-12PM, PLACE OF WELCOME Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre 6 Hillside, London The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a space to interact with one another enjoy games and have

engaging conversations. Contact: enquiries@ brenthub.co.uk 15 December, 10am-12pm Place of Welcome, Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre 6 Hillside, London. The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a place to interact with one another enjoy games and have engaging conversations. Contact email enquiries@ brenthub.co.uk 22 December – 30 March 2022 at the following times: 10am-12pm Place of Welcome, Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre, 6 Hillside, London The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a space to interact with one another enjoy games and have engaging conversations. Contact: enquiries@ brenthub.co.uk

DROP-IN COMMUNITY DIABETES EVENT – PLUS MINI HEALTH CHECKS Friday 7 January, Central mosque, Willesden at 10am-4pm Station Parade, London NW2 4PU Saturday 15 January, Willesden Centre for health at 10am-4pm Willesden Centre for Health and Care, Robson Avenue, London, NW10 3RY Wednesday 19 January, Chalkhill Primary Care centre at 10am-4pm 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley HA9 9FX

FOSTERING

6 January, 5:15pm – 7pm, Discover Fostering with Brent Council An evening dedicated to finding out about fostering and looking after vulnerable local children https://www.brent. gov.uk/services-forresidents/childrenand-family-support/ fostering/ 3 February, 5:15pm – 7pm, Discover Fostering with Brent Council An evening dedicated to finding out about fostering and looking after vulnerable local children. https://www.brent. gov.uk/services-forresidents/childrenand-family-support/ fostering/

SPORTS AND FITNESS

7 December – 31 March 2022, 7pm-10pm, BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB, Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centres

Brent Dolphins Swimming Club aims to promote the teaching and coaching of all aspects of swimming, including teacher training and lifesaving for those aged 5 and over Website http://www. brentdolphins.org.uk Contact email info@ brentdolphins.org.uk 8 December – 31 March 2022 6:30-7:30pm OUR PARK SESSIONS Pilates in Barham Park Sign up here: https:// ourparks.org.uk/ GET FIT FOR FREE IN OUR PARKS. 8 December - 31 March 2022 6:30-7:30pm Get fit for free with Our Parks Bootcamp at Roundwood Park, Roundwood Park Harlesden Road, London NW10. Register here: https://ourparks.org.uk/

8 December - 31 March 6:45pm- 7:45pm Bootcamp in One Tree Hill Rec Ground, Norton Rd, London HA0 4QR Sign up here: https:// ourparks.org.uk/

THE WELSH HARP 5 February, 11am-1pm, History Connects with Nature, Welsh Harp Reservoir Open Space, Birchen Grove. Walking tour along the Welsh Harp Reservoir https://brent-heritage.co.uk/ Contact email: irinaporter@outlook.com