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FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT
Moving images Youth portraits cheer up the Tube
MARCH 2010
How Brent travels By car, bike, train and on foot
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Contents Features People with learning disabilities travel independently
Welcome to The Brent Magazine
Art for the Underground Photographer produces portraits for stations
Making tracks Future of Tube and rail transport in Brent
Brent’s Irish day Borough’s festival celebrates St Patrick’s Day
Car collection
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Motorists join growing car clubs
Making moves Residents enjoy healthy walks
Thumbs up Transport service celebrates survey results
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Regulars
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Update Brent people
This is the 100th issue of The Brent Magazine. Since the late 1990s the magazine has been keeping residents regularly informed about life and events in the borough. The switch to publishing monthly has helped to ensure the magazine is keeping its readers up-to-date about news, events, and community meetings. We know many readers like the magazine. The results from the last Residents’ Attitude Survey, which was carried out independently of the council, found that 42 per cent of the sample read all or most of the magazine. Producing themes has also been a success, and this month’s look at transport and travel is no exception. The editor and everyone at the magazine hope you have enjoyed these last issues will be reading the next 100 issues of The Brent Magazine. James Diamond Editor The Brent Magazine
All in a day’s work Secret history
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Competitions Time out
Issue No. 100 March 2010 The Brent Magazine contacts Distribution queries and editorial 020 8937 1068 tbm@brent.gov.uk Advertising 020 8937 1097 advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by the London Borough of Brent, Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley Middlesex.
The London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council of goods or services advertised. Printed on Near Wood Free Stock (10-30% mill spoilage recycled content). Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other paper.
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Transport learning
One Stop Service 020 8937 1200 www.brent.gov.uk The Brent Magazine is available in large print and on audio tape. Please ring 020 8937 1106 Cover image: Image from Threads (see page 15) Photographer NADIA BETTEGA
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Have your say on a new vision for Alperton Brent Council is urging Alperton residents and businesses to help shape its plans for regeneration. Its ideas for the area have been published in ‘A Vision for Alperton’ document setting how the area can be improved.The council wants Alperton improved as a place to live and work with the Grand Union Canal, which runs through the area, at the heart of the plans. Ideas include connecting communities on either side with local facilities, such as a doctor’s surgery, library, learning centre, café, local jobs, and transport hubs.Water features will be introduced within developments, such as marinas, pools and moorings.The canal
Launch for youngsters’ film A film of young people discussing their views on safety is being launched by Brent Community Safety Board on 24 March. ‘Protecting Our Future: Young People and Safety’ features youngsters from schools in Brent and the launch is open to all.The film was made by filmmaker Matt Tromans of Pilot Star and looks at issues such as stop and search, internet safety, crime and policing.The film will be distributed outside Brent and the board wants parents or guardians of children in the film to get in touch if they have any questions about consent.The launch will be from 10.30-2.30pm at Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road, email infobcsb@yahoo. co.uk or call Anita Jakhu on 07986 760 248.
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will form part of a wider pedestrian and cycle network, as part of a new green corridor along the North Circular Road and Brent River Park. The vision has three themes:
developing Alperton’s core area around Ealing Road, a developing a waterside residential neighbourhood, thirdly, creating an industrial zone by exploiting Alperton’s
proximity to Park Royal industrial estate to generate jobs. Brent Council consulted informally and spoke to residents, businesses and land owners to explore their ideas for Alperton. A masterplan will be developed over the coming months and statutory consultation is due to take place in late summer this year. For more, call Regeneration Officer for Major Projects on 020 8937 1038, or Regeneration Officer for Planning Services on 020 8937 5346 or email alpertonmasterplan@ brent.gov.uk or visit www.brent.gov.uk/ alpertonregeneration
Applauding school support staff Paul Braithwaite is one of 120 Brent school support staff applauded for gaining new workplace qualifications. The site manager at Woodfield School recently achieved an NVQ Level 4 in Site and Estate management. He received a certificate along with the other support staff who include learning support assistants, teaching assistants and parent support advisers. Brent Council held an evening
to celebrate their achievements attended by Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan. “Support staff are crucial to successful schools but they are often in the background. We wanted to put them centre stage, recognising their amazing achievements,” said school development consultant Audri Alexander. Paul Braithwaite with his award.
Get moving for Respect Festival The Respect Festival will be on 4 July this year, featuring the official launch of Brent Dance Month, and both are open for people to get involved. Respect attracts up to 20,000 people to the day of music, storytelling, drama, arts and more in Roundwood Park. It has been held by Brent Council since 2001, and celebrates Brent’s diversity and is a platform for local artists and performers. Brent Dance Month runs from 1-31 July and is the largest celebration of dance in the borough with more than 50 classes, workshops,
talks and performances. Brent Council wants to hear from organisations and individuals who want to be involved and residents can pick up a dance month programme from Brent’s libraries and One Stop Service Local Offices from May this year. If you can sing, play an instrument or entertain in any way then contact Brent Council by 8 March to get involved in Respect, visit www.brent.gov.uk/whatson. Visit the same web address to download an expression of interest form for Brent Dance Month by 15 March.
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Music final to show youngsters’ talents
Brent marks Fairtrade fortnight Brent will be celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from 22 February to 7 March. This year’s theme ‘The Big Swap’ calls on people to swap their usual brand of tea for Fairtrade cuppas. Or if you don’t drink tea, swap for wine or even Fairtrade socks. Brent Council has confirmed its commitment to achieving
Fairtrade borough status. “Trading fairly is crucial for sustainable economies. You can use your wallet to buy fairly traded products,” said Ines Carvalho, Brent Council’s Fairtrade officer. Visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/ thebigswap email fairtrade@brent.gov.uk or contact Ines on 020 8937 5326.
Brent’s day for women Brent Council is marking International Women’s Day by holding a special event on 10 March. This year there is a conference discussing female genital mutilation with a speaker from a Brent-based charity,
which has campaigned on the issue. The free event will be at Brent Town Hall from 10am-3pm, and is open to all Brent residents, please email corpcommunications@brent. gov.uk or call 020 8937 1106 to reserve a place.
Six talented young musicians will be competing for the title of Brent Musician of the Year 2010 on 25 March. The prestigious event is held every two years by Brent Council’s Brent Music Service to applaud young musicians aged from 13 to 18. The finalists were selected after auditions this year, which featured harpists, pianists, singers, and string players. Finalists for the this year’s competition are Laurent Shinar, 16, and Preeti Mahankali-Rao, 16, who will play the double bass, performing with violinist Timothy Crawford, 14, pianist Rebecca Ryland-Jones, 17, and cellists Indira Grier, 14, and Deni Teo, 16. They will compete in front of a panel of judges for bronze, silver and gold medals. The competition is supported by the Wembley Charitable Foundation and finalists will share an £800 prize. The overall winner will be able to perform as a special guest soloist at Brent Makes Music in July this year which will be held at Wembley Arena.
“There was a fantastic number of entries and the standard was extremely high. With such impressive standards of performance, making the selection of the six for the final was very tough for the judges,” said Head of Brent Music Service Paul Fensom. Brent Music Service offers young people the opportunity to learn an instrument, and runs junior orchestras, guitar ensembles, a senior orchestra and concert band. The final will be at 7pm in the Arts Hall, Claremont High School in Kingsbury, email clair.tomalin@justselect.co.uk or call 07949 123 069.
Former winner David Wong.
Have your say in shaping Harlesden’s centre Harlesden residents and the town’s business community will be creating a vision for the future of their town centre at a two-day planning workshop on 19-20 March. The workshops are being run by leading urban design consultants, Urban Design Skills, using techniques pioneered in America. Two meetings held already have produced a Town Team of
volunteers to inject ideas and steer the process with the consultants. The March workshop is open to all residents and business owners in the area to contribute their ideas for making Harlesden develop into the town centre they want. The exercise has been commissioned by Brent Council with funding from Transport for London. The workshop will allow the
community to work together to identify how the town centre might look in five, 10 and 20 years. Design professionals will help develop the community’s ideas and an artist will sketch how these ideas might look. Input will be used to develop ideas and concepts for a printed book - The Harlesden Town Centre Charter. The community’s
ideas will form the basis for this charter, which will be handed over to Brent Council and used as the plan to direct redevelopment. The workshops are from 10am on 19 and 20 March at the Salavation Army building, 32 Manor Park Road, Harlesden. Contact Scott Adams at Urban Design Skills on 020 7287 4269 or email scott@urbandesign skills.com
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Creativity brightens up Wembley town centre Contemporary art is revitalising Wembley town centre by showcasing art works using buildings around the area. The project, a partnership by Brent Council and arts organisation Wasted Spaces, is aiming to brighten up Wembley by using empty shop fronts and disused buildings to offer free exhibition space for artists. It encourages landlords to allow their empty sites in buildings to be used for temporary art exhibitions before new tenants arrive. First up is a video installation projected on a wall of Chesterfield House in Wembley High Road. The works from six international and UK artists are video, internet art, animation and interactive art. Artists include Robert Hodgin, David Szakaly,
William Lamson, Nina Mangalanayagam and Rafael Rozendaal. Their works will be on the wall until 20 March from 5pm each evening until the late hours. A mobile phone photography contest ‘Impressions of Brent’ has been launched in association with Park Royal creative agency mobsventures. Judges are asking for photos which sum up life in Brent and need to be sent in via a dedicated MMS number. Entries approved by the judges will be displayed on the windows of Ealing Road Library in Ealing Road for two months and the winner will receive a £200 digital camera. To find out the details on how to enter visit www.wastedspaces.org If you are a Wembley landlord with an empty building, and would like to be involved, email Michael Sharp at michael@wastedspaces.
Mike’s movie wins Brent film contest A studio manager at Fountain Studios has won the Film Brent in 90 Seconds competition. Mike Edwards, who has worked at the world-famous studios in Wembley for nine years, triumphed with his film ‘My Brent’. It features his favourite spots in Brent including the Old St Andrew’s Church, Welsh Harp, and the Neasden Temple.
The competition, run by Brent Council with Film London and Brent Artists Resource, encouraged films which explore a favourite spot in Brent to a visiting Olympic athlete. “I was surprised to win because there were some great entries. Brent is an excellent place for filmmaking with some great locations,” he said.
Other films submitted were by Charles Foster-Hall, Jonathan Goldberg, Mike Edwards, Jeffry Oxford, Paolo di Paolo, Brian Stanman, Constantine Gras, Angela Jariwala and Darren Babidge, and Terence Nunn. To see the competition’s winning film visit www.youtube .com/watch?v=rz3gv797y9I
Brent’s talented youngsters
Football Fun Day A free football fun day featuring a tournament and beat the goalie competition will be held on 6 March. The event, organised by SPLASH Academy, will be on new all weather pitches and also feature skills training in shooting, tackling, passing, ball
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control and more. The Mayor of Brent will attend the day, which will be led by trained FA coaches. It will be held at Claremont High School, Claremont Avenue, Kenton from 10am-1.30pm. Email splashacademy@hotmail.co.uk or call 07863 165 737.
Eva Hyseni and Mariam Raja were among dozens of young people to receive an award to mark the first year of vtalent in Brent. They received certificates from the Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan at Brent Town Hall. Vtalent encourages young people to get involved with voluntary work and other projects in the borough.
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Doors open for new Harlesden Library Plus The new Harlesden Library Plus will open its doors on 8 March and will celebrate its opening with a fun day for residents on 13 March. Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan will officially open the building that has been modernised and increased in size by adding extra floors. The transformation of the library building in Craven Park Rod has been a 12-month project by Brent Council. The new library has self-service borrowing and return, thousands of new books, an area dedicated to black
Brent Council job adverts move online ‘The Brent Magazine’ will no longer be carrying The Job Shop supplement after this issue as Brent Council moves its recruitment advertising online. From 1 April all council vacancies will be listed on the main council web page and it will be set up to allow applicants to apply online, making the process more efficient. The website allows you to search for different vacancies, read information about the available roles, including job descriptions and person specifications. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/jobs
identity and a new children’s library. There will also be a new Brent Contact Point for customers to hand in documents and to access council services, Freephones, self-service computers and interview rooms for pre-arranged appointments. It means that customers can get information from the Contact Point rather than the One Stop Service local office in Harlesden High Street which will shut in March. Accessibility has been improved by a lift which will give disabled people
Panathlon success for Brent youngsters
The Brent team is congratulated by Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan.
Brent children with disabilities will be competing in the west London final of London 2010 Panathlon Challenge on 19 March. The team, along with youngsters from Hillingdon and Harrow, made it through after a heat held recently at the Bridge Park Sports Centre in
Free football training Football training is available for youngsters in Barnhill, Kenton and Preston wards. The free sessions are being run by sports charity London Tigers in partnership with Brent Council’s Neighbourhood Working Team. Training will
access to all floors of the building. On the first floor will be brand new classrooms and a dedicated IT suite for courses run by Brent Adult and Community Education Services (BACES). Our customers can rely on friendly and helpful staff that will provide support and assistance in using the new facilities. The free fun day will have activities for all ages and will be from 11am-4pm in Harlesden Library Plus, Craven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10. For more visit www.brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3144.
be in Preston Park, Saturdays, 10am-12noon for ages eight to 13; Woodcock Park, Saturdays, 10am12noon for ages 14 to 16; Poplar Grove, Fridays, 5.307pm for ages 13 to 19, email anil@londontigers.org or call 07966 638 462.
Stonebridge. Harrow won the heat with Brent and Hillingdon finishing joint second on 44 points. The Challenge is a competition organised by the Panathlon Foundation to encourage young disabled people to take part in sport, and included field and flat athletics, kurling
and polybat. Panathlon charity patron Danny Crates said: “I’ve witnessed some great events and the performances by young disabled athletes have been inspiring.” To find out more about sports for young disabled people in Brent, call 020 8937 3726.
1 Voice launch day A forum for parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs is being officially launched on 20 March. 1 Voice is holding a fun day at Hay Lane School in Grove Park, Kingsbury, featuring a bouncy castle, face and henna painting, food, and stalls from Brent Carers Centre, Mencap,
National Autistic Society and others. It is a support group which works in partnership with Brent Council to meet children’s needs; new members are welcome. The event will be from 12-4pm contact email@ brentcarerscentre.org.uk or Brent Carers Centre on 020 8795 6240.
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Cyclists’ voice What are the group’s aims?
Ian Saville is promoting cycling in Brent and beyond as coordinator of Brent Cyclists.
What else is there for cyclists in Brent?
Brent Cyclists is part of London Cycling Campaign which has around 250 members in Brent. We work with Brent Council, Transport for London, the Greater London Authority and campaign groups such as Sustrans to improve conditions for cyclists.We are a voice for cyclists, and lobby and comment on any schemes affecting them. It is great that more people are cycling, but we want to see even more people out on their bikes.We also go along to Gladstonbury and Respect festivals to promote the group.
People can get free cycle training via Brent Council. Cycling is safer than many think, but there are dangers. The training will teach you about the rules of the road, and will boost your confidence while riding with other traffic.There are several signed and visible bike routes in the borough as well as bike shops. Brent recently won Biking Borough status which means it will get extra funding from Transport for London to boost and support the infrastructure for cycling.
Who is the group for?
How often do you cycle?
We are here for anyone who lives, works or cycles in Brent. Members are everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists. Others come along after having a bike stored away for some time. Cycling is for everyone.You don’t have to be part of the cycling shorts brigade; it is something ordinary people do, and not a specialist interest. Cycling is cheap, low-carbon, healthy and we want as many people as possible to enjoy it.
I cycle at least twice a week. I live near the North Circular Road and it is a barrier to cycling north-south in Brent.There are a few safe ways across, using the underpasses or bridges, but they are widely spaced and inconvenient. I have two bikes: a foldaway and a hybrid road bike. At the moment I’m cycling 12 miles to work in Trent Park, but can use a bus for part of the route if I take the foldaway. Cycling locally or further can be fun, and can help save both carbon emissions and money.
When does Brent Cyclists meet? We meet every month; new people are always welcome. Meetings are a great way to get news and information locally. Sometimes we have a speaker – in April it will be the writer Ken Worpole. We have also run some maintenance workshops. Brent Cyclists also organises leisure rides once a month.The rides are up to 30 miles but leisurely, not speed trials, and allow you to experience the countryside, or interesting parts of the urban landscape.
Left: Ian Saville by Isabelle Plasschaert.
For free cycle training in Brent visit www.cycletraining.co.uk or call 020 7231 6005. Brent Cyclists will be meeting at 7pm on 3 March and 6 April at Brent Samaritans office, 1 Leopold Road, Willesden, visit www.brentcyclists.org.uk or call 020 8621 0157.
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ALL IN Aday’s
work
Civil Enforcement Officer Babajide Oshodi is helping to keep the traffic flowing in the borough. Babajide Oshodi is there to get things moving in one of the busiest areas of Brent for traffic. Baba, as he is know to his colleagues, leads eight civil enforcement officers, or traffic wardens as they are often known, in an area of Harlesden. “My job is to keep the traffic free-flowing for everyone: buses, commuters, drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses,” he explains. “That means we are out and about, patrolling. It is our job to stop illegal parking because it blocks up traffic, delaying other people’s journeys.” He says many drivers are not aware the effects which illegal parking can have on an area. “There is a fire station on Pound Lane and an ambulance station in Harlesden Road,” he says. “If a car blocks either one of those roads it will add seconds to the journey of an ambulance or fire crew trying to get through.Those seconds could make a difference to rescuing somebody from danger, or saving a person’s life.” Or the problems it causes other travellers. “I once had to deal with a motorist who had double-parked and gone into a shop. A bus had to stop behind her and by the time I got there the traffic had backed up 200 metres.That one car blocking a road held up a bus with 80 people.They all had to sit and wait because of one person’s actions.”
“It is our job to stop illegal parking because it blocks up traffic, delaying other people’s journeys.”
For more information visit
www.brent.gov.uk/ streetcare2.nsf
Inevitably, penalty charge notices are issued. Common illegal parking includes double-parking, parking on single yellow lines out of authorised hours or double yellow lines when not delivering goods, parking in disabled bays without the authorised Blue Badge, or in controlled parking zones without a resident’s permit. “No targets are set for issuing penalty notices,” he explains. “They are issued to deal with illegal parking. The facts are that the numbers of tickets we issue has been going down year on year, because more people are complying with the rules. We are considerate where we can be. For example, when we introduce a new parking scheme for two weeks after it has come in we just issue a warning notice. To improve our service we now take digital photos, so there is clear evidence if a vehicle was parked illegally. Many people think that time restrictions are the same everywhere for parking on a single yellow line, but they are not. People must check that particular area.Yes, people do get angry with us. But we are trained to deal with those situations calmly.”
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Road to independence People with learning disabilities are using public transport on their own thanks to a special project. Words RACHEL GARDNER, photography NADIA ATTURA. Most of us think nothing of jumping on a bus or Tube to get to work or the shops, but for people with learning disabilities using public transport presents particular challenges. Here in Brent there is a service that is helping them travel independently. The initiative, which was set up ten years ago by Brent Learning Disability Partnership, has so far helped more than 50 people who would normally rely on community transport or taxis to travel unaided. The scheme is giving many an independence they have never before experienced. It is available to people with learning disabilities in Brent who are eligible for community care services provided by Brent Council. Thanks to the training, Debbie Dolan is now able to regularly make her own way to Stonebridge Day Centre. She also catches two buses to her work at the Royal Mail offices in Greenford. She said: “The training has helped me get from one place to another without worrying about how to get off the bus, I just check on the front all the time to make sure it’s going to the right place.”
Another service user, Errol Simpson, catches the bus to his job in a pizza restaurant. He said: “I enjoy taking the bus. Sometimes it is crowded but I’m not afraid. I remember all that Tom has taught me and I feel confident.” For more information about the council’s travel training scheme call 020 8838 4130.
“The training has helped me get from one place to another without worrying about how to get off the bus.” It took six months before Debbie was ready to travel alone. Training can take from several weeks to several months, but is always done at the individual’s pace. Learning disability officer Tom Heydon conducts the training which covers everything from road safety to planning the best route and how to handle any difficult situations on public transport. Once he feels they are confident using a simulated street course Tom will accompany individuals to college or work several times. The final step is mastering the journey alone. Tom says: “It's a new lease of life. By helping them to use public transport they can do what everybody else does; they are able to go out in the community while their selfesteem and confidence has increased.”
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Volunteers needed for homework clubs in Brent www.vrh.org.uk
Volunteer Reading Help is working in partnership with Brent Council to recruit volunteers to help children with Reading and English in homework clubs in two Brent Libraries during term time.
• Ealing Road Library (Tuesdays 3.30 – 5.30pm) • Town Hall Library (Mondays 3.30 – 5.30pm) Interviews, CRB checks and training will be carried out.
Contact: Harriet Watson Tel: 020 7372 7523 Email: harriet.watson@vrh.org.uk Registered charity no: 296454
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Nadia Bettega, Threads, 2010 courtesy the artist and Art on the Underground
A photographer has worked with Brent youngsters to create portraits which will be decorating Tube stations.
Brent youngsters will brighten-up the walls of London Underground stations this month when they become the stars of a new art project called ‘Threads’. Visitors to Kingsbury and Charing Cross Tube stations, as well as Willesden Green Library Centre, will be able to view special portraits that are a result of Brent Council’s Youth Inclusion Programme’s collaboration with Transport for London’s Art on the Underground. ‘Threads’ is one of a series of projects commissioned by Art on the Underground for the Jubilee line, exploring ideas of time and its value. Photographer Nadia Bettega created the photographic portraits after spending a week with the group of 12 to 14 year olds exploring different places along the Jubilee line, including Wembley Park station, Wembley Stadium and Neasden Temple. All the young people kept a daily journal in which they developed ideas about the different people who might work at or visit each location.They then ‘acted out’ their
own imaginary character in front of the camera. The aim of the project was to encourage the youngsters to look at their own identities through the experience of travel.
“The project was about travelling to places and acting out what others did for a living.” “I found the young people refreshing to work with,” said Nadia. “They were patient and tolerant with me, despite my asking them to do things over and over in order to get the right shot.They had imagination and creativity, depth and insight in the way in which they related to their characters and each other. I felt lucky to have been allowed to see into their lives and their minds.” Antonio, aged 13, said: “There was a lot to do and see. I enjoyed using our cameras to take photos of the group role-playing
other people’s jobs. I learnt how to make stories out of different pictures. My favourite moment was going to Wembley Stadium.” Hakeem, aged 12, said: “The project was about travelling to places and acting out what others did for a living. I thought it was a great experience.” Both youngsters are part of Brent Youth Inclusion Service (YIP), a Brent Council scheme that provides positive activities for young people aged eight to 17 years, living in the Church End or Roundwood wards of Brent.
Visit www.tfl.gov.uk/art for more information. ‘Threads’ is at The Wall@TheGallery at Brent Artists Resource, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10, email info@brentartists resource.org.uk or call 020 8459 1421
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Tube and rail transport is changing and being upgraded across Brent, explains JIM LAWMAN On the Metropolitan line there will be new trains, known as S stock, in use by the end of 2011. The eight-car trains will have walk-through carriages with wheelchair areas, air-conditioning, wider doors and walkways, easier access between train and platform, CCTV and an energy-efficient braking system. A new signalling system will follow by 2016, resulting in a 27 per cent increase in line capacity. Wembley Park station was enlarged prior to the opening of the new Wembley Stadium, which included a lift to the platforms. Preston Road and Northwick
Park stations were also refurbished. The Bakerloo line upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2020. Some improvements have been made to the stations between Kensal Green and Kenton. Willesden Junction is being substantially rebuilt. The Jubilee line is having large-scale investment in tracks, trains and a new control centre; along with new signalling. Capacity should be increased by 33 per cent and journey times reduced when all is complete. All stations should have been modernised by 2012; the line connects the main Olympic site at Stratford to Wembley – the venue for football and possibly other sports in 2012. Like the Bakerloo, the Piccadilly awaits modernisation which will increase capacity by an estimated 24 per cent and reduce journey times.
London Overground is part of Transport for London (TfL) and took over the Silverlink Metro lines from National Rail and the East London Line from the Underground in 2007. Brent is served by the North London, West London and Euston to Watford lines, which are now receiving new trains with layouts similar to the new Metropolitan Line trains. Frequency of trains will increase when the new trains and reconstruction works are completed on the North and West London Lines. However, extensive closures will precede these upgrades including Richmond to Stratford (North London Line): most Sundays until May 2011; Clapham Junction to Willesden Junction: sections of the line regularly on Sundays until May 2011; Euston to Watford Junction: sections of the line regularly on Sundays until October 2010. In addition, complete closure of Gospel Oak to
Transport’s new A further link will create an outer orbital network, allowing passengers to travel around rather than through central London
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Stratford from Saturday 20 February until Monday May 31. Replacement bus services will operate. Leaflets, posters at stations and the TfL website will update passengers. The East London Line is currently closed for modernisation and extensions northwards to Highbury and Islington and southwards to Crystal Palace and West Croydon. Re-opening is planned for this summer. A further link will create a south London extension of the East London line to Clapham Junction, creating an outer orbital network (dubbed ‘OrbiRail’), allowing passengers to travel around rather than through central London, if they so wish. Located on this new orbital route will be Willesden Junction, Kensal Rise, Brondesbury Park and Brondesbury stations. They will be completely refurbished by 2011. Platforms are being lengthened and a new
link created between the low and high-level platforms at Willesden Junction. Wembley Stadium station on the Chiltern Line was improved in time for the opening of the new Wembley Stadium, including the building of the White Horse Bridge. Today it enjoys an approximately half-hourly service to Marylebone and northwards to High Wycombe, where connection can be made to trains to Birmingham and Stratford-on-Avon. Sudbury Hill Harrow has an approximately hourly service on weekdays to Marylebone and High Wycombe. Brent’s least known rail service is probably Southern Trains, affording a direct link between East Croydon, on the main line to Gatwick and Brighton, and Wembley Central, continuing northwards to Watford Junction and Milton Keynes. An hourly
direction
service is available in each direction from Platforms 5 (northwards) and 6 (southwards) at Wembley Central, from Monday to Saturday evening, providing a fast link bypassing Willesden Junction station to Shepherd’s Bush (for the White City shopping centre); West Brompton, connecting District Line between Earl’s Court and Wimbledon and Clapham Junction. Crossrail will be an east-west crossing of central London, connecting Kent and Essex to Heathrow and Maidenhead. It will not serve Brent directly; however, it will relieve pressure on existing Underground lines. Jim Lawman is a Senior Public Transport Officer at Brent Council, for more on transportation in the borough, visit www.tfl.org.uk or www.brent.gov.uk
The White Horse Bridge at Wembley Stadium station
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For free graffiti removal contact StreetCare on 020 8937 5050 and we will send one of our specialist graffiti removal teams to tackle the problem. StreetCare offers a first time free graffiti removal service to all private and commercial property owners in the Brent area. Initial removal is free, subsequent removals are available at a subsidised and reduced rate.
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Green day Brent will be leading the party on 17 March when St Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world. Words
community groups joining the fun. In the library centre live performances will run from 4-7pm featuring dancers from the McCarthy School of Irish Dancing and the Aaroaance stage. On the main stage there will be excellent music from The Mullin Family Band, accordion ace Sean Wilson, Mulkere Academy of Irish Music, and folk duo Irish Mist. A special treat will be Drogheda’s stand-up comedian Deirdre O’Kane. Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan, who was born in County Cork, said: “St Patrick’s Day is the most important annual celebration for the Irish community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the contribution Irish people have made to Brent and their rich culture. Like all events in the borough, Brent St Patrick’s Day is a chance for all our community, both Irish and non-Irish people, to come together and celebrate.”
SHARON DONOVAN It was traditionally a religious holiday, but today St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture with dancing, music, food and storytelling. St Patrick’s Day marks the death of Ireland’s patron saint in AD 460. To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Brent Council hosts a celebration each year in Willesden Green which attracts crowds of up to 5,000 and unlike, many major events in London, the festival will take place on 17 March rather than at the weekend. Brent St Patrick’s Day will start with a parade at 4.30pm from Willesden Green Tube through Willesden to Willesden Green Library Centre. It will be led by a marching band with floats, performers, residents and
Visit www.brent.gov.uk/festivals for more, email festivals@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3119. Sean Wilson, above, will be performing
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The new-look Harlesden Library Plus Opening Monday 8 March • Free fun day Saturday 13 March New modern facilities comprising: • Thousands of new books • Facilities for handing in and DVDs to borrow in the council documents and ground floor library interview rooms for prearranged appointments • Black identity area • Adult learning courses from Brent Adult and Community Education in five spacious new classrooms including a dedicated IT suite • Access to freephones to contact council staff and online access to council services
Harlesden Library Plus Craven Park Road London NW10 8SE
Tel: 020 8937 3570 • www.brent.gov.uk
• Free internet access and friendly help with accessing services • Longer opening hours
Opening times: *Monday to Thursday 10am-9pm Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday Closed
* Only self service facilities are available between 6pm and 9pm
The new Brent Contact Point at the Brent Adult and Community Education Service (BACES) Carlton Centre, Carlton Vale, Kilburn NW6 5RA will be open in March 2010. At the Brent Contact Point, you will be able to access council information and services by using self service touch screen computers to make online payment and service requests and use the free council phones to speak directly to a friendly and helpful member of staff.
Kilburn High Road
Kilburn Park Queens Park
Carlton Centre
Opening times
Find out more
Term time Monday to Thursday 9am-8.30pm Friday and Saturday 9am-3.30pm Sunday Closed
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Non term time Monday to Thursday 9am-4.30pm Friday 9am-3.30pm Saturday and Sunday Closed
For more information visit www.brent.gov.uk or call the One Stop telephone service, 020 8937 1200, 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday.
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Motorists are saving money and helping the environment by joining a local car club. Many roads in Brent have a car which could be used by hundreds of drivers; not just one or two. That’s because those vehicles belong to a car club rather than being privately owned by individual motorists. The clubs are businesses which allow drivers, who are members, to hire the vehicles for anything from just half-an-hour to a couple of days. Car clubs are growing in Brent as more drivers realise the benefit to their finances and the environment. Cars are in their own designated bays and can be booked out by telephone or the internet; even at a few minutes’ notice. Once inside, the driver enters a pin and drives away, returning the car at the end of the journey. It is possible to extend the booking if necessary. The pay-as-you-go charge is for fuel, but there is also a subscription charge to the car club to be paid monthly or annually. Brent has three car club operators: StreetCar, Zipcar and City Car Club. Some now have more than 1,000 members and there are 50 vehicles around the borough to use. Craig Gibbons, who lives in Willesden
Green, is a member of City Car Club and uses a vehicle in Station Parade, not far from his house. “I book the car over the internet when I need to go to the supermarket for a big shop or maybe IKEA. It’s not easy to get everywhere on public transport and it’s useful to have a car with all the bags.
“I book the car over the internet when I need to go to the supermarket for a big shop or maybe IKEA.”
and car clubs are part of the solution. It has been estimated that for each carowner who switches to car clubs, around 1.2 tonnes of carbon emissions are saved per annum. “I am aware of the environmental benefits as well,” added Craig. “But for me, car clubs are also cheaper, and more convenient.” Email transportation@brent.gov.uk or visit www.brent.gov.uk for a map of car clubs in Brent. More information can be found at www.citycarclub.co.uk, www.streetcar.co.uk and www.zipcar.com
“When I joined the club I didn’t have a car. It makes sense to just pay for a car when I need it, especially when it’s round the corner. Cars can be very expensive to run with insurance, repairs and the congestion charge, but with car clubs there is just the membership, petrol costs and hourly rental. It is flexible, easy to use and less hassle. I take it out for the time I need, and return it to the bay without worrying about finding a place.” Brent Council is committed to getting 100,000 cars off London’s roads by 2012,
Craig Gibbons
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Make your move
Residents are getting active and staying fit by signing up for Brent Council’s Healthy Walks Programme. Pictures by SIMON HANNA. In sunshine, rain, and wind groups of people are out enjoying Brent’s open spaces together. They are some of the residents who take part in organised walks every week in the borough’s parks and opens spaces. The scheme, run by Brent Council’s Healthy Walks Programme, offers people the opportunity to benefit from outdoors exercise. One walk which meets every Thursday is the nature walk around the Welsh Harp – an area rich in flora and fauna, birdlife and animals. It starts from the Welsh Harp car park in Birchen Grove every Thursday at 10am and lasts for around an hour.
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The walk, which is led by two qualified walk leaders, regularly attracts a dozen people every week. “It is friendly and sociable and an excellent way of getting some exercise in the fresh air,” explains walk leader Faz Yousaf, who works at Welsh Harp Environmental Centre. “We love to see new people coming along, especially those who may not have visited the Welsh Harp before. It is a wonderful area to enjoy a walk around.” It takes in the Brent Reservoir – the largest open body of water in north-west London and a Site of Special Scientific Interest – and the woodlands, scrub, and area’s green spaces. Many of the
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”The walks can be enjoyed in different seasons, even in the winter, and nature at the Welsh Harp does change according to the time of year.” walkers take along their own binoculars to look for birds which flock to the area of water. A lot of the birds, such as Canada geese and Egyptian geese, are resident birds, others arrive there on migration routes from across the world. Other regular bird visitors include black-headed gulls, herons, cormorants, and swans. Birdwatchers at the Welsh Harp even once recorded the arrival of the Great Grey Shrike, known as the ‘butcher bird’. Other common water birds include moorhens, coots and great-crested grebes. “We walk at a steady pace to suit everybody, but stop at different points to take in the wildlife,” adds Faz. “There are viewing platforms where you can look right out across the reservoir. The walks can be enjoyed in different seasons, even in the winter, and nature at the Welsh Harp does change according to the time of year.”
Other walks run on Brent Council’s Healthy Walks Programme include Barham Park on Tuesdays from 10.30-11.30am, Gladstone Park, Fridays 1.30-2.30pm, Sundays 10.30-11.30am, King Edward VII Park, Thursdays, 10.30-11.30am, Queens Park ,Sundays 2-3pm, Roe Green Park Sundays 10.30-11.30am, Roundwood Park, Wednesdays and Sundays 10.30-11.30am, and also parent and baby walk there on Tuesdays from 10.30-11.30am. “You don’t need to have a deep interest in nature to enjoy this walk,” adds Faz. “Many of the people who take part also go to the other walks in Brent during the week. But they are all an excellent way to improve your health and make friends.” For more information, visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports or call 020 8937 3707; to become a walk leader email jo.creary@brent.gov.uk, or call 020 8937 3722. The Welsh Harp Environmental Centre can be contacted on 020 8200 0087.
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Photo: John Birdsall/Press Association Images
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Do you owe council tax? New council tax bills for 2010/11 are being prepared. If you have anything to pay for this year or past years and do not have an arrangement in place you should pay by 31 March. The council will take action to recover unpaid council tax. If you are finding it difficult to pay your bill please telephone 020 8937 1790 and we will try to help.
www.brent.gov.uk
Go green for a fiver! Turn garden waste and kitchen scraps into food Complete and return the form or apply online at www.brent.gov.uk/recycling for your garden with a cut-price composter.
Don’t bin it, compost it
Brent residents can buy a compost bin for only *Offer is only for the first compost bin per household. Subsequent bins are £13 £5 (includes delivery and free composting for 220 litre and £16 for 330 litre. Composters guide). Compost bins are available in two are not refundable or exchangeable. sizes: 220 litre and 330 litre.
Please choose the size and tick a box: 220 litre (height 90 cm, diameter 74cm)
Please fill in your details here. Name: Address:
330 litre (height 100 cm, diameter 80cm) Postcode:
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www.brent.gov.uk/recycling
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Thumbs up Brent Transport Service is celebrating after a survey revealed how much it is valued by its clients. Brent Council has congratulated Brent Transport Service after achieving a customer satisfaction rating of almost 100 per cent. A staggering 98 per cent of adults and 90 per cent of children who regularly use the service have reported being satisfied with all aspects of the council service in a recent borough-wide survey of its users by Brent Council, known as a client survey. Passengers were asked to rate the service on a number of different criteria, including journey times, the courtesy of staff, safety and vehicles, and gave the service a near-perfect score across the board. The client survey asked the parents
and carers of children with special educational needs who use the service and adult users. Reassuringly, the service scored its highest mark for safety, with 99 per cent of adults and 97 per cent of children reporting that they felt safe on their journeys, vehicles were driven safely, seatbelts were always used and wheelchairs were properly secured whilst travelling. The service transports nearly 700 children and 500 adults every year to special schools and day centres, as well as providing assistance for educational, community and religious activities and trips. “This is a fantastic result and it shows we’re really on the right track in terms of serving our clients effectively,” says Acting Head of Brent Transport Service David Shelley. “I’m extremely proud of the entire team and I hope they are too. Their hard work and dedication has paid
dividends but we're not complacent and next year we will be working even harder to get our customer satisfaction rating up to 100 per cent.” Ninety five per cent of adult clients said that drivers and escorts were polite and treated passengers with respect. The same numbers also reported that they could contact the service whenever they needed to. Over 90 per cent of adults and 84 per cent children said they were satisfied with the promptness of pick up times, while the service’s vehicles scored over 90 per cent for being clean, comfortable and suitable for journeys. The results of the survey are available, visit www.brent.gov.uk/consultation and for more about the service visit www.btsoperations.com or call 020 8937 6720.
Driver Liz Soutinho with Tara Singh and Eileen Dix at Kingsbury Resource Centre in Stag Lane, Kingsbury. Pictures by Colin Patterson
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FREE Rapid HIV Testing “Better to know than not to know!” KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. KNOW YOUR STATUS. RESULTS WITHIN 1 HOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH ACTION TRUST Room 10-11, Moran House, 449-451 High Rd, Willesden, London NW10 2JJ Telephone: 020 8830 3392, Fax: 020 8451 0135 MONDAY - FRIDAY: 10am - 5pm Saturdays or out of hours by appointment only
MONKS PARK CLINIC Monks Park, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 6JE Telephone: 020 8453 5900 TUESDAY: 10am - 5pm Bus routes: 18, 112, 226 & 440 Nearest tube station: Stonebridge Park (Bakerloo Line)
Bus routes: 460, 260, 266, 297, 6, 52, 98, 206 Nearest tube stations: Dollis Hill (Jubilee Line) Neasden (Jubilee Line)
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SECREThistory
Water way Water is the lifeblood of canals and was always an important consideration for waterway engineers. So, when the Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal opened in 1801 the need for water increased. A source was the River Brent. Earlier plans to use the river to feed the canal had failed; however, in 1809 Henry Provis surveyed a direct feeder scheme. It would be three-and-a-quarter miles and run from Kingsbury to the canal. The plans were approved and land bought. The feeder followed natural contours, but in a few places it skirted existing fields with a few right angled bends. Small accommodation bridges were built in most fields. The rather easy route was completed by around 1811. The water course had a natural river-like appearance; very different to today’s concrete-piled version. The original route of the feeder follows much the same course today except for changes demanded by the coming of the Metropolitan Railway in 1880, and later in 1930 the North Circular Road. The feeder is visible today.The extraction point from the reservoir can be seen from Harp Island estate. It then runs a fairly
Above: a map of the route of the feeder, background: Councillor Dunn and a young resident in the 19th century at the feeder.
The Grand Junction Canal Feeder is still flowing from the River Brent to the canal after 200 years, explains CLIFF WADSWORTH straight course, crossing under Neasden Lane by McDonald’s. It follows through the park behind Quainton Street, until the watercourse flows through a culvert under the Metropolitan Railway. A straight length between IKEA and Tesco’s precedes the crossing of the North Circular Road. Behind Woodheyes Road the feeder borders allotments. At the eastern end of that road, Mitchell Brook passes unseen beneath the feeder under an aqueduct known in 1877 as Broken Back Culvert. Winding on through more allotments, it crosses the Harlesden Brook culvert, passing beneath Bridge Road and skirting Gibbons Recreation Ground. Today it is part of the new Stonebridge with grass verges and two interesting bridges in Twybridge Way. Harrow Road is crossed near the site of the old Orange Tree pub and remains of Brett Road. A length follows up to Milton Road, where after a detour, the conduit disappears under the North London Railway, and is seen no more until it meets the Grand Union Canal.
Cliff Wadsworth is chairman of the Willesden Local History Society and will be speaking about the canal feeder on 17 March at 7.30pm at Scout House, Strode Road Willesden, email cliffwadsworth@btinternet.com or call 020 8965 7230.
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Brent Council One Stop Customer Services We are here to help you with any council enquiry. If you need a council service, information or you want to complain or make a suggestion, phone or email us first:
One Stop online www.brent.gov.uk/oss
Photos: www.JohnBirdsall.co.uk
customer.services@brent.gov.uk
One Stop telephones
020 8937 1200*
General customer service enquiries
020 8937 5252* Environmental Health
020 8937 4300
020 8937 1790*
Adult and Children Social Services
Council Tax
020 8937 1234
020 8937 1800*
Switchboard and Emergency Out of Hours
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
020 8937 5050*
020 8937 1993*
StreetCare
For people with a hearing impairment
Calls may be monitored and we may telephone you to help us improve services.
One Stop local offices
• Town Hall
• Brent House
• Harlesden
• Willesden
*Telephone us Monday to Friday from 8am-8pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm
Brent Community Transport Transport for all BCT has been successfully providing transport services to the community for over 32 years.
•
Hire of coaches and accessible minibuses available
• •
We offer competitive tailored quotes Hire us for daytrips, educational trips, weddings, airport journeys and self-drive
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Tel: 020 3114 7022 Email: enquires@brentct.org.uk Web: www.brentct.org.uk Registered charity No. 280698
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COMPETITIONS
Win your 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium An escorted tour of Wembley Stadium makes an exciting day out for the whole family. Stroll into the player's dressing room and walk through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf, then climb 107 steps, standing triumphantly in front of the royal box and see the FA Cup. For Brent residents, we have four pairs of tickets for the Wembley Stadium tour. For a chance to win, send in the correct answer to the following question:
What sport is being played at Wembley Stadium on 31 October? Send or email your answers to Wembley Stadium competition at the address below. For information on event times visit: www.wembleystadium.com/events
Competition Terms and Conditions • Only one entry per person allowed • Prizes/tours must be redeemed within 12 months of receiving confirmation • Children under 16 must be accompanied on the Stadium Tour by an adult and have consent of their parent/guardian • No cash alternatives for any prize will be offered • Employees of Wembley Stadium and their families are not eligible to enter. Prize winners must adhere to Wembley Stadium Tour’s terms and conditions, available at www.wembleystadium.com/tours • All prizes/tours are subject to availability and pre-booking is required.
Wembley Stadium Event Calendar 28 Feb 2010 3 Mar 2010 28 Mar 2010 10 and 11 Apr 2010 17 April 8 or 9 May 2010 15 May 2010 16 May 2010 22 May 2010 29 May 2010 30 May 2010 19 June Date tbc 28 August 2010 4 September 8 September 10 and 11 Sept 9 October 13 October 31 October
Event starts
Carling Cup Final England Friendly Johnstone’s Paint Trophy FA Cup Semi Finals Saracens v Harlequins FA Trophy / Vase FA Cup Final Conference Play Off Championship Play Off League 1 Play Off League 2 Play Off Green Day The FA Community Shield Rugby League Challange Cup Final Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Muse Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier NFL - Broncos vs 49ers
3pm 8pm TBC TBC 3pm TBC 3pm TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC 3pm
This events calendar is correct at the time of going to print and is subject to change and updates. More events are expected to be booked for 2010 – these will be added to the calendar as and when confirmed. Please visit www.wembleystadium.com/events for the very latest information.
Win tickets to The Lexi Cinema Brent Council has teamed up with The Lexi Cinema to offer readers three pairs of free tickets to the film of their choice in March or April.
If you are not lucky enough to win pair of tickets the Lexi Cinema is at: 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU www.thelexicinema.co.uk
The Lexi, situated in Kensal Rise, is the UK’s first social enterprise cinema which donates 100 per cent of its profits to charity - a project in South Africa called The Sustainability Institute. To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets, answer the question below.
Where is The Lexi Cinema located? A.Queen’s Park B. Wembley C. Kensal Rise Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: The Brent Magazine, Room 9, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD or email competition@brent.gov.uk (add name of competition to subject line). The deadline for competitions is Friday 12 March. Stadium competition winners: Norma Levy, Anken Price, Carmelo Mifsud, Brenda Sordillo. Masters X Factor Snooker competition competition winner: Paul winners: Brogan Paul Brogan MARCH 2010
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TIMEout
What’s going on…
Printmaking: See Exhibitions
The essential guide to music, drama, sport, workshops and much more. Find out what’s going on in Brent during March 2010. To get your event listed email tbm@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 1068. CHILDREN AIR CADETS Mon and Thurs 7pm 406 Squadron Willesden 020 8451 0406 ALPERTON CHILDREN CENTRE Mons 9.30-12noon citizens’ advice, 10-12noon childminding; Tues 10-12noon family support, 10-1pm job advice (appointment only), 1-3pm pop in and play; Weds 10-12noon music speech therapy, 1.30-2pm story speech therapy; Thurs 9.30-12.30pm baby health clinic (appointment only), 12.30-2pm cooking; Friday 9.30-12noon citizens’ advice, Ealing Road, Alperton 020 8937 3860 ARTALIKE Sats 10am term-time; Sats 10-noon ARTTEEN 7-14 £5, Kensal Rise call Wilda on 07946 755 847 ART CLASSES Mini Picassos for children aged 4-6 yrs and 7-11yrs; toddler Picassos 15 months-3 yrs, Gracelands Cafe, 118 College Road Kensal Green, 07903638817 CHURCH LANE CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 9.30-11.30am twins club, 2-4pm baby club; Tues 1.30-3pm cooking 9.30-noon citizens’ advice by appointment; Weds 9.15-10.45am and 1112.30pm stay and play, dietician; Thurs 9.3011.30am family workshop with crèche; Friday 9.3010.30am rhyme time and speech therapy by appointment, 9.30-noon citizens’ advice by appointment, Fryent Primary School, Church Lane, Kingsbury 020 8937 3890 DRAMA WORKSHOPS Sats 7-16 yrs Duddenhill Centre, NW10 07958 653 725 11TH BRONDESBURY GUIDES Tues, 6pm for girls aged 10-14 in Willesden 07810 653 225
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DANIEL’S DEN Mons 1-3pm, Thurs 9.3011am, 11.30-1pm, Tues 10-noon St MIchael and All Angels Church, Hillside, StonebrIdge, Fris 9.30-11am, 11.30-1pm St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Ave, Tokyngton Tues, 1-3pm, Gladstone Park Primary School, Dollis Hill www.danielsden.org.uk FAWOOD CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons, Tues & Fris 9.3011.30am under 5s pop in and play, Weds 9.3011.30am childminder’s network, Fawood Avenue NW10 020 8965 9334 FRENCH CLASSES Weds, Thurs after-school in Kensal Rise ages 5-11; 07753 639 720 GIRLS’ BRIGADE Weds 5.15-8.30pm for five-year-olds and upwards, Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive 07961 321 237 GOALKEEPING SCHOOL Mons 6-7pm 7-11 yrs, 7.15-8.15pm 12-18yrs JFS, The Mall, Kenton £5.75 07931 359 323 LONDON IRISH MUSIC SCHOOL Sats, traditional Irish musical instruments for children up to 15; Oliver Goldsmith Primary School, Kenton www.londonirish musicschool.co.uk 020 8205 7231 MINI-SOCCER Suns Year 3 9.4510.45am Year 4-Year 6 10.45-12noon Uxendon Manor School, Vista Way, Kenton, 6 weeks £30, call George Lappas 07957 229 518 MUM AND TODDLER Thurs 10-noon, Preston Mall Community Centre, Kenton £2 020 8204 1148 PARENT AND BABY WALK Tues, 10.30am Roundwood Park, NW10 07958 292 524
MARCH 2010
PARENT AND CARER TODDLER GROUP Thurs 9-10.30am 50p Barham Primary, Danethorpe Road, Wembley 020 8902 3706 PIONEER EXPLORER SCOUTS Weds 8-10pm for 14-18 years, Stember Hall, Leighton Gardens, NW10 01582 703121 SEA TRAINING CORPS Thurs 7.15-9.15pm Sea Pirates 7-9 yrs; Thurs 7.15-9.15pm juniors; Mons and Fris 7.159.30pm Sea Cadets; Mons and Fris 7.159.30pm Marine Cadets; youth group for boys and girls, Cool Oak Lane, NW9 020 8205 4492 www.seacadet.org 7TH BRONDESBURY BROWNIES Tues, 6pm for girls aged 7-10 in Willesden 07810 653 225 SING AND SIGN CLASSES Mon-Fri, for babies 6-18 months. Willesden Green & Kensal Rise 07790 955 576 SOCCER SCHOOL Sats 10am-12pm, ages 5-14. Newfield Primary School, Longstone Ave, Harlesden, £28 for 5 weeks. 07863 165 737 SOCCER TRAINING Fris, 6-8pm, for children, first session free Capital City Academy NW10 mdipaola@cyworks.co.uk
TREE TOPS CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 10-noon childminders’ network, 2- 4pm stay and play; Tues 10noon healthy eaters, citizens’ advice (appointment only) 1.30-4.30pm, under ones’ club 2-4pm; Weds 10-noon, 2-4pm stay and play, 3 and 17 Feb 1012.30pm stay and play for special needs; Thurs 10noon, stay and play with speech therapist, noon12.30pm one-to-one with speech therapist, 2-3 pm music and movement, 34pm stay and play; Fris 9.30-12.30 citizens’ advice (appointment only), 10noon and 2-4pm stay and play, 10-noon meet the dietician, Kings Edward’s Park, Doyle Gardens NW10 020 8838 3901 WILLESDEN SURE START CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 1.30-3.30pm stay, play and learn including drop-in nutrition advice, Tues 10-noon stay, play and learn 1.30-3.30pm stay, play and learn and children’s nutrition, 1-3pm ESOL course, 1.303.15pm postnatal group, Thurs and Fris 9.3012.30am citizens’ advice bureau (appointment only) Fris 10-noon parents’ talk, last Fri in month infant resuscitation training (booking only), last Sat in month fathers’ club Willesden Centre for Health and Care Sure Start Children’s Centre, Robson Avenue NW10 0208 459 7256 Fancy Pidgeons: See Exhibitions
WELCOME CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 10-12noon stay and play (over 18 months), 1.30-2.30pm Music 4 Babies,1.30-3.30pm well baby clinic (appointment only); Tues 10-12noon special needs group,1.303.30pm first time parents’ group, 2-3pm citizen’s advice (appointment only); Weds 10-12noon parenting, 10-12noon childminder’s network,1.30-3.30pm stay and play (under 18 months only), 5.45-6.45pm light fitness class (booking only); Thurs 10-12noon stay and play (booking only), 10-12noon baby weaning and cooking fortnightly (booking only); Fri 9.30 -11.30pm baby clinic (appointment only), 10-12noon cook and eat (booking only), 10.3011.30am citizen’s advice (appointment only); Sats stay and play fathers’ group (2nd and 4th Sat of the month),116 Chaplin Road, Wembley 020 8903 9541 WILLOW CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons English classes 1012noon, toddler group 11.30-1.30pm; Tues breastfeeding café 9.45-11.45am, speech and language therapy (appointment only) 9-5pm, time for rhymes 11-12noon, paediatric first aid 10-12noon, 1-3pm; Weds parent support programme 1-2.30pm, nutrition advice drop-in 11.30-1pm (fortnightly), counselling (referral only) 12.30-5pm, Brent in 2Work 10-12noon (2nd of month), childminders’ network 1012noon; Thurs baby clinic (appointment only) 9.3011.30am, citizens’ advice 9.30-12 noon, English classes 12.45-2.45pm, teenage parents 5-7pm (fortnightly), Fris Brent portage 10-12noon, citizens’ advice 9.3012noon, English classes 12.45pm-2.45pm; Sats fathers’ sessions, tiny ballers (1st and 3rd of month). Barnhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 4480
WILLESDEN DISTRICT SCOUTS Groups throughout Willesden for young people aged 6-18, adult volunteers needed 0208 459 3737 enquiries@willesden scouts.org.uk
COMMUNITY ACE CAFÉ 6 Mar 11-4pm UK PT Cruiser Meet, 7 Mar 9-5pm Trike Day, 13 Mar 11-4pm Porsche 924 meet, 21 Mar 9-5pm Yamaha day, 23 Mar 6-11pm Vauxhall meet, 24 Mar 6-11pm quad bikes, 28 Mar 9-5pm Scooter Sunday www.ace-cafe-london.com BRAHMA KUMARIS 7 Mar ‘Women: Seeds of the Future’ 2-5.30pm; 13 Mar ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ 2-5pm; 28 Mar ‘Seven Myths About Love’ 2-5.30pm Pound Lane, NW10 020 8727 3418 gchenquiries@uk. bkwsu.org BRENT PENSIONERS FORUM 3 Mar 10-12noon Brent Town Hall 020 8998 0564 BRENT AND HARROW NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WIDOWS 9 Mar 8pm wine tasting social evening, 23 Mar 8pm share a book you have read, 13 April 8pm talk by Jean Linwood on London, 27 April 8pm annual general meeting call Rhona,76 Marlborough Hill, Harrow 020 8969 3198 EASTER COMMUNITY SALE 20 Mar, 11-4pm £5 a table, tea and coffee on the day; Harmony Children’s Centre, Bridge Road, NW10 020 8451 4180 EASTER FAIR 28 Mar 1-4pm egg hunt, cakes, fancy dress competition £1, plants and book sale and children’s crafts adults £2 older people, under 16s £1.50 The Mayhew Animal Home, Trenmar Gardens, NW10 www.mayhew animalhome.org 020 8969 0178
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TIMEout CHALKHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE Mons women’s keep fit 10-11am £3, toddler group 11-2pm, over 50s keep fit 2-3pm £1.50, karate 6-7pm £1.50, genesis 5-7pm; Tues Somali group 10 -1pm, toddler group 10-2pm, taekwondo 4.30-6.30pm, groundworks 5.30-7.30pm; Weds 50s keep fit 10-11 £1.50, playgroup 11-1pm, salsa 6.30-7.30pm £3; Thurs women’s keep fit 10-11am £3, pensioners’ group 1-3pm, table tennis 5-7pm, keep fit 7-8pm £1.50; Fris Muslim women coffee morning 9.3011am, archery 5-6pm, line dancing 6.15-7.15pm £3, WICC church 7.15-9.15pm; Sats taekwondo 9-11am, Somali group 10-2pm, WICC learning club 10-2pm; Suns Somali group 10-2pm, WICC church and learning club 10-2pm, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley, 020 8385 1836 bookings@chalkhill communitycentre.org GALLERY IN THE PARK Mon-Fri, 9-3pm café and training for people with learning disabilities, Wembley, 07833 374 696 MOSAIC Weds, for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people aged under 19 07931 33668 NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707884 OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUP Tues 11-12.30pm The Gallery, Willesden Green Library 020 8452 8739 UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE Mar 8 2.30pm ‘The Charity Shop’ a talk by Tony Earle (bring along your favourite purchase) plus tea, free, Kilburn Library, 42 Salusbury Road 020 8933 7558 u3a.elliott@ntlworld.com WEST LONDON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY 19, 20, 21 Mar 7.30-10pm public sky-watching event to view Mars, Saturn, crescent Moon, and other celestial objects through telescopes under the guidance of amateur astronomers; Ruislip Lido, Bury Street, Ruislip 07866 456 390 WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NORTH WEST LONDON 4 Mar 7.30pm upstairs North London Tavern, 375 Kilburn High Road NW6 nwlwi@hotmail.com
CRAFT FLOWER ARRANGING Weds, 8pm Kingsbury Horticultural Association, The Pavilion, Old Kenton Lane Allotments 020 8205 3457 WEMBLEY QUILTERS 2nd and 4th Fris, 7.30-9.30pm, Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane 020 8902 9934
DANCE ADULT BEGINNERS BALLET COURSE Weds evenings until 31 Mar 2010 The Corrib Rest, 76-80 Salusbury Rd, NW6 6PA 07956 260108 www.balletforyou.co.uk ADULT AFRICAN DANCE Weds 7.30-8.30pm £5 Willesden Sports Centre 020 8955 1120 ADULT STREET DANCE Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, £5.15 New Bridge Park Complex 020 8937 3730 ARGENTINEAN TANGO Thurs, 7.30-9pm, beginners, 9-11pm The Cricklewood Pub, NW2 www.corrientes socialclub.co.uk BELLY DANCE Tues 8.30-10pm NY Pilates Studio, Lonsdale Rd NW6 020 7372 3490 Mons 7.30-8.30pm, Fitness First Wembley, £8 drop and £40 for 6 weeks 07855 362 849 www.hayaam.com CLUB CEROC Tues 8-11pm Brent Town Hall, Wembley www.clubceroc.com LINE DANCING Fris 6.15-7.15pm, free, beginners, Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8976 1099 MAMBO CITY Mons, 7.30-8.30pm Cuban Salsa £6 St Joseph’s Social Club, Empire Way, Wembley jean@mambocity.co.uk SALSA Fris 7.30-8.30pm Willesden Sports Centre Thurs 8.15-9.30pm £4.50, Vale Farm Sports Centre 07961 281 989 SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mons 8-10pm, £2 Youth Centre, Church of the Ascension, Wembley 020 3078 0018 SELF EXPRESSIVE DANCE Tues 8-9.30pm, £7.50, Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane 020 8205 6751
TEA DANCE Mons & Weds,1.30-4.30pm, £3, Brent Town Hall, Wembley 020 8937 6206
VENUES BRENT MUSEUM
ENVIRONMENT BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUP 7 Mar 10am management of woodland paths, frog spawn survey, meet in parking bay at Barn Hill; 14 Mar 10am frog spawn survey, meet in Fryent Way car park; 21 Mar 10am orchard, meet at Bush Farm; 28 Mar Richards Pond, Hell Lane and The Mounds, meet at Fryent Way car park 020 8206 0589 KENSAL RISE MARKET Sats, 10-5pm, outside Minkie’s Deli, Chamberlayne Road, NW10 07807 057 808 KINGSBURY WALKERS Weds 1.55pm, Meet Bush Farm, Slough Lane and Salmon Street junction. 020 8907 2836
EXHIBITIONS ARTISAN 17 Mar – 10 April; Weds-Sat 11-4pm ‘Fancy Pidgeons’ a solo exhibition by photographer Richard Bailey, at the new gallery and studio Artisan, 80 Harlesden Road, Willesden 020 8451 5235 www.artisan80.com BRENT ARTISTS REGISTER Until 12 Mar ‘Exhibition in Print’ printmaking 2-6pm; The Wall@TheGallery ‘Threads’ images by Nadia Bettega with youngsters from Brent Youth Inclusion Programme for Art on the Underground 020 8459 1421 info@brentartists resource.org.uk STABLES GALLERY 4-28 Mar Shivashtie Poonwassie’s sculpture exploring perception and reality Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane 020 8452 8655
LOCAL HISTORY BRENT MUSEUM 25 Mar 6.30pm ‘Choice, Style and Individuality in Trobridge’s Inter-War Suburbia’ a talk by Graham Paul Smith from Oxford Brookes University on architect EG Trobridge Brent Museum, Willesden Green Library Centre 020 8937 3600 WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 19 Mar 7.30pm ‘My Little Bit of History’ short talks by members, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Kingsbury 020 8205 3263
See Exhibitions
WILLESDEN LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY 17 Mar 7.30pm ‘The Grand Junction Canal Feeder’ Cliff Wadsworth talks about the 200th anniversary of the Grand Junction canal feeder Scout House, Strode Road NW10 020 8965 7230 cliffwadsworth @btinternet.com
MUSIC ACE CAFÉ 13 Mar 9-2am March of the Teds with Sandy Ford & The Flying Saucers £10 over 18s www.ace-cafélondon.com GUITAR LESSONS Mon-Sun, Kensal Rise all levels welcome, £25 per hour. Contact Udi 07528 016 583, www.udiguitar.com JAZZ Suns 8-10pm, Hugo’s, Lonsdale Road, Queen’s Park www.jazz7.co.uk 020 7372 1232 PIANO LESSONS Mon-Sun, all grades from beginner to advanced, £20 per hour, Cricklewood, call Edgardo Plasencia 020 8450 1067 SUFI DRUMMING Sats 11.30-1.30pm £5, eight years and above, Chalkhill Community Centre 07954 601 372 www.silkroads.co.uk WEMBLEY ARENA 11 Mar Stereophonics, 12-14 Mar Disney Live, 20 Mar 50 Cent Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley www.livenation.co.uk
SPORTS & LEISURE BRONDESBURY BOWLING CLUB Evenings and daytime including free tuition, Chatsworth Road 020 8438 0302
BRENT PARK WALKS Group walks around parks to keep fit, call Sports Service 020 8937 3707 BRIDGE Fris pm Dennis Jackson Centre, London Road 020 8902 5331 BROTHERS PEARSE CAMOGIE CLUB Ladies hurling club, beginners and experienced players welcome, contact Mary Cahill 07904 685 276 www.brospearse camogielondon.com CENTURY BOWLS CLUB Daily indoor and outdoor bowls, new members welcome free coaching available, all-weather green, social actitivities, Logan Road, Wembley 020 8904 3261 PRESTON PARK BOWLS CLUB New members welcome, free coaching and loan of bowls Preston Park Recreation Ground, Carlton Avenue East 020 8933 9358 020 8427 1590 QUEENS PARK HARRIERS Tues & Thurs 7-8pm, Willesden Sport Centre www.queenspark harriers.org.uk SUDBURY COURT BADMINTON CLUB Thurs 8-10pm, The Mall, Kingsbury 020 8904 6698 TAEKWONDO Tues 6-9pm, Thurs 6-7.30pm, Ealing Road Methodist Church 07832 447 763 Mons 6.30-8pm, Weds 6.30-8pm, Cardinal Hinsley School NW10 07832 447 763 WEMBLEY CRICKET CLUB Men’s, boys’ and girls’ cricket teams, coaching for girls and boys Sats 10-11am at Oakington Manor School, Wembley 020 8902 6096 020 8904 2644 See Music
MARCH 2010
BRENT MUSEUM High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600 THE BRENT ARCHIVES Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3541 archive@brent.gov.uk THE PAUL DAISLEY HALL Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9 Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203 THE STABLES GALLERY ARTS CENTRE Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane, London NW2 020 8452 8655 Thursday – Sunday 11am-6pm TRICYCLE THEATRE CINEMA AND GALLERY 269 Kilburn High Road,London NW6 Theatre Box Office 020 7328 1000 Cinema Box Office 020 7328 1900 Disabled access to auditorium and cafe induction loop in auditorium Minicom 020 7625 5105 WEMBLEY ARENA Box Office 0870 060 0870 www.livenation.co.uk/wembley
LIBRARIES Barham Park Library Harrow Road, Sudbury, Middx 020 8937 3550 barhamparklibrary@brent.gov.uk Cricklewood Library 152 Olive Road NW2 020 8937 3540 cricklewoodlibrary@brent.gov.uk Ealing Road Library Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3560 ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk Harlesden Library Craven Park Road, Harlesden, London NW10 020 8937 3570 harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kensal Rise Library Bathurst Gardens, NW10 020 8937 3660 kensalriselibrary@brent.gov.uk Kilburn Library Salusbury Road, London NW6 020 8937 3530 kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kingsbury Library Plus Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, London NW9 020 8937 3520 kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk Neasden Library 277 Neasden Lane, London NW1 020 8937 3580 neasdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Preston Road Library Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3510 prestonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Tokyngton Library Monks Park, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3590 tokyngtonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Town Hall Library Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3500 townhalllibrary@brent.gov.uk Willesden Green Library High Road, Willesden, London NW10 020 8937 3400 willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk THE BRENT MAGAZINE
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Brent Adult & Community Education Service (BACES) – Taking learning into the community
Fancy trying your hand at something new in the spring? Brent Adult and Community Education Service (BACES) is Brent Council's direct provider of education and training, funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Our mission is ‘to broaden minds, create opportunities and change the lives of individuals and communities in Brent’
Look out for the BACES course brochure 2009/10 for courses beginning in April 2010.
BACES offers a wide range of courses suitable for a diverse range of people with a variety of educational needs. There are accredited and non-accredited courses at a variety of levels and students can choose to progress at their own pace. Enrol on a BACES course now and choose from a huge range of exciting opportunities. Courses cost just a few pounds per session – or you may even qualify to study at a concessionary rate. Sixteen to 19 year olds who are not in full time education have free access to accredited courses.
Where do I find out more about enrolling?
Stonebridge Centre
tel: 020 8838 2882
1 Morland Gardens, Stonebridge, London, NW10 8DY
Madison House
tel: 020 8795 3977
24-28 London Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 7HD
Carlton Centre
Case Study Beauty Rosemund Odamtten has studied beauty
tel: 020 7644 9460
Carlton Vale, London, NW6 5RA Visit our website
www.brent.gov.uk/baces
therapy, eyebrow
Or pick up a brochure at a Brent library or Brent One Stop Service.
threading and
Get on course for your future
manicure and pedicure and plans to study beauty therapy and hairdressing. She says: ‘The teachers are great and help you keep up to date. I have learned all the technical terms for manicure and pedicure. BACES has given me a really sound foundation for my further studies.’