The Brent Magazine issue 130 February March 2013

YOUR FOUR PAGE TEAR OFF GUIDE TO THE CHANGES

How will you be affected? www.brent.gov.uk/benefitcuts

It’s for your benefit The government’s shake up of the benefit system will see thousands of Brent residents forced to make decisions about where and how they live from April as millions of pounds gets cut from the benefit budget. Brent’s advice to residents is – Act now – Get the facts.

We are here to provide advice and support, but there is only so much the council can do – once you understand your options it’s up to you to take action.

Our officers have already helped hundreds of residents, here we look at three cases, explain how the cuts affect each family and help them to consider their options.

Case study 1: The Alenzey family

The benefits of working Finding work (for at least 16 hours a week if you are single or 24 hours a week if you are a couple), is one of the most effective ways you can stop the benefit cap from affecting you.

If you are not already getting help to find work through a work programme, we recommend visiting your nearest Jobcentre Plus.

Jobcentre Plus offers a range of training and support to help you find work including a benefit cap course which provides advice on the benefits of working, starting and keeping a job, writing personal statements, job applications, CV creation and preparing for interviews.

The Alenzey Family could be affected by the government’s limit on benefits for the unemployed to: • £500 pw for lone parents or couples (with or without children) • £350 pw for single people.

They would then have a maximum of £500 pw to pay their rent and all living costs.

Fahad Alenzey and his wife Nadia have six dependent children with another one on the way. They are concerned about their finances and the prospect of having to leave the borough as their daughter is currently studying for her GCSE’s.

Our advice The best thing is for Fahad to get some part time employment for 24 hours per week. The family wants to stay in borough, so to afford this they must start working and qualify for working tax credit. If working is not an option they can consider down-sizing or moving to a cheaper part of the country where their benefits can cover the cost of living.

Mr Alenzey said: “I don’t want to move out of the borough all our friends, family and children’s schools are here.”

Brent is now working with the family to help Mr Alenzey find suitable employment.

More information about the benefit cap is available on the government’s information line on 0845 605 7064 or speak to a Brent welfare officer on 020 8973 1800. For more information on employment support turn to the back page. You can also find advice on how many hours you need to work to be better off on the council’s benefit cuts web pages.

Pensioners and some other groups will not be affected by any benefit cuts.

ISSUE NO.130

FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT

Look twice There’s so much going on at the Roundwood youth centre

PUBLISHED BY BRENT COUNCIL

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

Contents 13

Features

10 13 14 19 20

Out of this world centre lands in Brent Exciting facilities for 13-19 year olds

A belated happy new year to you all. How's the new years resolution coming along… that good eh?

Council just a click away First look at new council website

Well, how about making a resolution you can actually stick to, such as freshening up your wardrobe with a clear out and donating your once loved clothes to Traid - Brent's local clothing up-cycler? We visited their centre to find out what happens to donations (page 25) and where they end up.

New this year is the Roundwood Youth Centre in Harlesden, the state of the art facility is ‘out of this world’ modern. TBM checked it out recently (page 10) and asked young people how they planned to use it.

The borough has also been joined by two other buildings designed especially for people with educational or learning needs.

A teacher’s lasting legacy A teacher’s vision is realised thanks to new building

Building careers for local people Regeneration is benefiting local people and businesses

A community celebration A new facility for anyone with learning difficulties gives cause for celebration

Regulars

4 9 25 27 29 31

Update Brent people

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All in a day’s work Secret history

Welcome

10

Competitions

Users of the John Billam Centre celebrated its opening recently (page 20) and TBM pays recognition to a former teacher whose vision to provide a new education centre for pupils with special educational needs has come to life at Alperton Community School (page 14).

Happy reading, Orla Sedze, Editor, The Brent Magazine

Time out

Issue No. 130 February/March 2013 BDU 67786 1.13 The Brent Magazine contacts Distribution queries and editorial 020 8937 1062 tbm@brent.gov.uk Advertising 020 8937 1076 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 100% recycled paper.

Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other paper.

Brent Customer Service Office 020 8937 1200 www.brent.gov.uk The Brent Magazine is available in large print and on audio tape.

Please ring 020 8937 2700 Cover image: Revolution dance group. Photo Justin Thomas

UPdate

Go further this Fairtrade February Brent will be promoting trade justice and supporting producers in the developing world when Fairtrade Fortnight is celebrated again from 25 February to 10 March.

This year’s fortnight has a focus on the food we love and the people who grow it because farmers in developing countries face uncertain futures. Brent is supporting Fairtrade fortnight again after it won official recognition as a Fairtrade borough in 2012.

The campaign was led by the Brent Fairtrade Network, which will be organising events and activities across the community to support this year’s fortnight.

Brent Fairtrade Network was recently awarded £7,000 by the Big Lottery Fund Awards to develop and expand the Fairtrade volunteer network in the borough.

If you and your friends are up for a challenge, the Brent Fairtrade Network will be unveiling fun and creative ways to get even more involved in Fairtrade Fortnight. Contact the Brent Fairtrade Network at fairtrade@brent.gov.uk or visit www.brent.gov.uk/fairtrade

Outstanding year for Mount Stewart Pupils at Mount Stewart Junior celebrated the school’s 60th anniversary and the outstanding status awarded after a recent Ofsted Inspection. The school improved from ‘good’ awarded in 2008 and the inspectors praised its vision as well as facilities such as a new year-six-teaching block and outdoor learning area.

Pupils at the school celebrate

Mayor of Brent Councillor Michael Adeyeye, artist Sally Buchanan and Brent Fairtrade Network chair Robin Sharp at Brent’s Fairtrade artwork.

Adult social care survey kicks off If you receive adult social care services or support from the council then you may get a survey in the post this month.

The survey will assess the quality of services the council provides and how we can improve our support to older and vulnerable people.

A random selection of clients will be contacted to take part in the survey and the results, which will be treated in strict confidence, will be reviewed by the Department of Health.

Please help us to deliver a better service by completing and returning the survey in the pre-paid envelope by 8 March 2013.

If you have any questions, call Josephine Rodriques on 020 8937 2501 or email josephine.rodriques@brent.gov.uk

Brent unveils new sports facilities Excellent new sports facilities have been unveiled to help encourage Brent’s next generation of sportsmen and women or anyone who wants to just try a sport.

Three new hard-surfaced tennis courts are now open in Roe Green Park, Kingsbury, and are the first new tennis courts

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to be built in the borough for more than 20 years. In addition, a new multi use games area has been built in Sherren’s Farm Open Space, Wembley.

To keep up-to-date with sports facilities available right across Brent, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports or contact 020 8937 5619.

UPdate

Thanks a million for Wembley funding £1million has been awarded to Wembley Central to improve the area even further - and residents will be making the decisions on how the money should be spent.

The ward will get the funding over the next ten years as part of the Big Local scheme from the Lottery and it will bring together individuals, groups and organisations who want to make a lasting difference in their community. Residents will receive training and support to help them identify priorities and develop a plan for Wembley Central.

More information on the Big Local scheme is available at www.localtrust.org.uk

Talk sexual politics

Parking shops are closing A new parking system is being launched which allows you to apply for parking permits online or over the phone instead of having to go to a parking shop. The new system will also replace scratch cards, with visitor parking being bought and used online or over the phone. Existing scratch cards remain valid up until 31 October

Author and campaigner Selma James will be at Kilburn Library on 7 February to talk about her new book and activism. Selma, who founded the International Wages for Housework Campaign, has campaigned for women’s rights, equality and social justice in the United States, the Caribbean and Britain. The talk is from 6.30-7.30pm.

2013. Customers will be required to set up a parking account to buy parking products or renew permits. The new system will also automatically check whether customers are resident within Brent. Pyramid House and Walm Lane parking shops will close in early 2013. www. brent.gov.uk/parking

Artwork goes on display at Kilburn Library Artwork created by local people and inspired by Kilburn and Queen’s Park is on display at Kilburn Library until 28 February.

The collages and 3D works using paper

and other materials were created during a residency by artist Anya Beaumont at the library in Salusbury Road. She worked with young people in South Kilburn, older people in NW6 as well as

running workshops for residents at the library. Anya’s own work inspired by the library is also on display.

The exhibition is open to visit seven days a week at the library.

Artwork by youngsters from Granville Youth Arts Plus

Anya’s own work

Artwork by residents

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UPdate

Who should get housing in Brent?

Brent is fundamentally reviewing its housing allocation scheme, including who qualifies for social housing and how it is allocated.

The aim is to provide a simple, fair scheme which meets housing needs, makes best use of Brent’s stock, and encourages regeneration.

The review has been launched in response to the Localism Act 2011, which gave local authorities new responsibilities for housing allocation. Brent welcomes your views on the proposals, including:s who qualifies for social housing

Albert’s door is open to you The Albert has now officially opened its doors and is providing monthly events from art classes to yoga - many of which are free!

The grand opening took place last month but The Albert has already successfully held winter markets and a Christmas Dance show.

For the full low down of events and activities visit www.thealbert.org.uk or pop into 1-5 Albert Road NW6 5DT.

s changes to the housing waiting list s how households are prioritised for social housing.

Please respond by 15 March 2013 at www.brent.gov.uk/ consultation where you can download a copy of the scheme and complete the online questionnaire.

Brent library card competition

Members of Brent Libraries can take part in an exciting competition to design a new library card to mark the opening of the library at the new Brent Civic Centre.

The competition will have two winners - one from the 4 to 13 years old category and the other for library members aged 14 and over – and will be decided by public vote.

To help generate your creativity and ideas there will be workshops with artists run in the libraries, which are free to attend and will teach you some new creative skills. The deadline will be 31 March for entries to both categories and the winner announced shortly afterwards. www.brent.gov.uk/arts

Brent’s youngsters tackle climate change

Young people will be attending a special conference on 20 March to discuss how Brent addresses climate change.

The event has been

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organised by Brent Council with the College of North West London and Brent Campaign against Climate Change. It is for anyone in years 11 to 13 or in further education, and will be held at the college’s campus in Dudden Hill Lane, NW10.

It will increase awareness of climate change and discuss ways to lessen and adapt it’s effects, as well as provide advice on environmental

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013

careers and workshops.

A highlight of the conference will be the announcement of the winners of the Brent Student Climate Change competition, which invites youngsters to submit work that either raises public awareness of climate change or offers a practical means to lessening its effect. Work can be submitted as new media, apps, websites, music, art,

poetry, video, drama, 3-D models or a poster.

Ken Montague, secretary of Brent Campaign against Climate Change is available to visit your school or club venue to explain the competition.

The deadline for submissions is 13 March 2013, but you must register by 8 February 2013.

Email environment@brent. gov.uk for more.

UPdate

Help your neighbours this winter If you are worried about how a vulnerable neighbour is coping in the winter months then you can refer them to a project for support and advice to help them keep warm.

Keep Warm and Healthy is an initiative run by Brent Council, Energy Solutions and the NHS. If you are concerned about an older person, family with young children or a vulnerable resident you can refer them to Energy Solutions who can arrange a home visit to provide practical support and survey their home for free.

Energy Solutions can also help if you have concerns about energy bill debts, a cold home, or know a vulnerable household with a broken down heating system or if you are unable to afford heating.

The project also offers fuel debt advice, advocacy, energy saving advice, budgeting and tariff swapping help as well as the repair or replacement of central heating boilers and radiators – where appropriate. It aims to help those at risk of fuel poverty by offering expertise and practical help.

Call 0800 169 5693 or visit www.keepwarmandhealthy.org.uk the initiative runs until late March.

Free advice for older people Older residents can get regular help and support at two new drop-in advice surgeries run jointly by Age UK Brent and Brent Council.

The free drop-ins, open to anyone aged 60 or over, offer advice on everything from filling in forms to information about social events and activities. Advice surgeries at Cricklewood Homeless Concern are on Mondays with the next one taking place 11 and

Brent widens access to affordable housing Brent is set to introduce a new way of helping residents find affordable accommodation in the private rented sector via a free selfservice property website. brent.letshelpyou.co.uk will assist residents who use housing benefit to cover the cost of their home, by searching for affordable housing in Brent and outside of the borough, based on their benefit allowance.

The website, which is free to use by prospective tenants and landlords, has a built-in housing allowance calculator, which indicates the number of bedrooms housing benefit recipients might be

entitled to according to their circumstances.

Properties available for rent are compared to the maximum housing benefit entitlement for that type of home. If the rent is equal to or below the maximum allowance it is highlighted in green, or in red if the rent is more than the maximum amount of housing benefit, in which case a tenant will have to decide if they can afford to pay the difference.

Residents and landlords wanting to know more about this new service can email benefits@brent.gov.uk or telephone 0208 937 1800 for further details.

25 February from 2-4pm at Cricklewood Homeless Concern, 60 Ashford Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6TU. The surgeries in the Clement Close Estate are on Wednesdays and the next will be on 13 and 27 February from 10am to 12noon at the portable cabin in Clement Close Estate, Milverton Road, NW6 7AL. The surgeries are funded by Brent Council’s Ward Working Team call 020 8208 8590 or 020 8965 7711.

Pitch perfect at Vale Farm FA Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking, and England women’s international goalkeeper, Siobhan Chamberlain, officially opened a new £230,000 state-of-the-art artificial grass pitch with floodlights at Vale Farm Sports Centre.

The new pitch is a first-class facility for local footballers, provides a base for local clubs’ training sessions, creates new opportunities for women and girls’ teams and will be a venue for Middlesex FA to host courses.

Brent worked in partnership with Middlesex FA to secure a £100,000 grant from the Football Foundation towards the project, with the council covering the additional cost.

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Change a child’s life If you’ve been asking yourself if fostering or adoption is for you, why not talk to us?

Call, or come along to one of our information evenings: Thursday 7 February, Thursday 7 March or Thursday 4 April 2013 6.20pm start The Unity Centre, 103 Church Road, NW10 9EG 020 8937 4538

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www.brent.gov.uk/fas

BRENTpeople

Brent’s theatre of dreams

Indhu Rubasingham is the new artistic director at the Tricycle Theatre. A former director at the National Theatre, The Royal Court and The Almeida, this is her first time leading an organisation, and she’s very much embracing the challenge.

What does it mean to you to be artistic director at the theatre where you first worked in 1998?

It’s a big job and a big responsibility.

Sometimes I feel exhilarated and excited about being able to make changes that I believe in and other times I am very scared and daunted by the responsibility of the job.

The Tricycle is a very special place. It’s a very unique community and location. Sometimes I think ‘am I being very naive or too optimistic, or can I really make what I want happen?’

This is your first time in charge, what have the greatest challenges been since you took over?

Like a lot of arts organisations at the moment, money is a big concern for us.

And it’s only going to get tougher and tougher as everyone feels the pinch. I have to make difficult decisions all the time. Thinking about how we fund raise and bring in new audiences to the theatre is a big element to our success.

What’s your vision for the Tricycle?

My vision for the theatre is that it’s a local theatre with an international vision. I want to make it a theatre that the local community are very proud of and that the international community want to be part of. I want to Turn to page 29 for a chance to win tickets for

develop its national profile and help make it a training ground for future artists – encouraging a new generation of artists is very important to me.

Paper Dolls at the Tricycle theatre

Know a Brent person? Tbm@brent.gov.uk

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When Micah Mcleod got his first look at the spectacular new Roundwood Centre, he knew which bit he liked most.

a really good centre and will be especially good for people living locally.”

Roundwood has lots of other exciting

As well as the dance studio, there is a high-tech music studio, an arts and crafts room, IT suite and café area and an exciting

features to wow young people in Harlesden

range of youth activities will be staged in

and the surrounding areas.

the other rooms. A variety of sports can also

Brent Council worked hard to get the £5 million Big Lottery ‘myplace’ funding which

be played on the multi-use games area outside.

The 13-year-old, who is a keen dancer with

paid for the facility in Longstone Avenue. It

the local dance group Revolution, said:

replaced the earlier, ageing youth club and

the centre will host - fitness tests, sexual

“I really like the dance studio at the

opened in November 2012.

health education, arts and crafts, football

Young people will suggest what activities

Roundwood Centre, with the wooden floors

The futuristic looking three-storey facility is

and the balcony, it is my particular favourite.

built around a large central hall which can be

proposed - and, as part of Roundwood

used for shows, performances, social events,

Youth Board, take important decisions

meetings and a range of youth activities.

about how it will run.

“But the whole centre is very good. I went with a few friends and they really liked it. It’s

and team building exercises have all been

Out of th centre lan

Left to right: Denzil Emmanuel, Jordy Mumbini, Micah Mcleod

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Youth board member Kubra Shah, aged

“Our aim was to build a world-class youth

Roundwood, but it is also a learning

16 from Harlesden, was instrumental in

facility within Brent, which would cater

environment, where they can gain new

designing the building.

for the needs of local youngsters.

skills, take on responsibilities, participate in

She said: “I feel very connected to the

“Young people can relax and enjoy

a range of challenging pursuits and acquire

Roundwood Centre. It’s very exciting and

themselves in a safe, welcoming

I look forward to taking part in activities I

environment. There are free or inexpensive

have always wanted to do.”

activities most days and the programme

exhibitions and presentation events,

will change regularly.

enabling parents, families and the wider

There are lots of opportunities for young people to get invaluable skills and

“Our ethos is to empower young

accredited awards at the same time.

“The centre will also host youth shows,

community, the opportunity to visit the

experience. For example, in the enterprise

people. The Roundwood Youth Board will

centre and see what the young people are

zone, young people will have the chance to

be instrumental in deciding what takes

achieving.”

learn how to set up their own business and

place within the centre.

projects.

Alan Woolford, Service Manager, said:

“We want young people to enjoy themselves and make new friends at

Ring 020 8937 6680 or visit www.bmyvoice.org.uk/roundwoodcentre for more information.

is world ds in Brent What’s ‘poppin’ at Roundwood?

If you are aged between 13 and 19 why not head down to the centre and check it out for yourself - there’s lots happening including: • cookery classes • dance • taekwondo • homework clubs • ability project meetings for young people with special needs • career guidance from Prospects • the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme • the award-winning Mosaic LGBT project.

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Ready, get set...

Kick off the new year with Brent’s exercise programme and opportunities for adults. Here are some ideas to get you inspired. See the full range at www.brent.gov.uk/sports

Walking to keep fit Exercise instructors wanted We are looking for suitably qualified fitness instructors to lead sessions at our new outdoor gyms (coming soon) and suitably qualified ‘exercise to music’ instructors and instructors with a specialism in working with older adults and adults with long term conditions.

Send your CV to sportsservice@ brent.gov.uk with ‘Exercise instructor’ in the subject line.

Walks programme – www.brent.gov.uk/sports

Become a walk leader Do you have time to volunteer?

Do you enjoy walking? Can you motivate people? Would you like to be part of Brent’s Healthy Walks Programme and volunteer your time to lead walks in parks across the borough? Email sportsservice@ brent.gov.uk with ‘Walk leaders’ in the subject line.

Return to Netball (women) Back to Netball at Bridge Park.

Mondays from 7 January, 5.30-6.30pm, £3 Ongoing Next Step Netball at Bridge Park. Tuesdays 6-7pm, £3.10.

Back to Netball with License To Shoot Netball Club at Kingsbury High School, Princes Avenue NW9.

Wednesdays 7.45-9.15pm, £4.

Antenatal and postnatal yoga 50+ gentle aerobics Brent Town Hall, Tuesdays 10-11am, £2.No need to book, just turn up!

Kingsbury Fitness First, Kingsbury Road, NW9. Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm, £2. Call 020 8937 3722 for details.

Chalk Hill Community Centre, Thursdays, gentle exercise based on salsa steps, 10.30-11.30am, £2. This is not a Brent Council session. Call Tamara on 020 8450 1016. No need to book, just turn up!

Return to Football (men) St Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5SN, Mondays 6-7pm, FREE. Albert Road Day Centre, Albert Road NW6 5DT, Thursdays 7pm-8pm, from 31 January, FREE. Woodcock Park (artificial pitch) Woodcock Hill, Kenton HA3 0JG (next to St Gregory’s High School) Mondays 7-8pm, FREE. No need to book for any session, just turn up!

Antenatal Yoga at Bridge Park Sports Centre, Brentfield, Harrow Road, NW10 0RG. Wednesdays 11am-12pm, £2.

Postnatal Yoga at Bridge Park Sports Centre. Wednesdays 12.15-1.15pm, £2. No need to book for either session, just turn up!

Council just a click away

It may be a new year but visitors to our website still have the same goals. To make them easier to achieve, a new and improved website for Brent will be launched in the coming weeks.

Designed with a modern and fresh ‘look

phase of the website redevelopment and

think will work well for you based on your

and feel’, the new Brent Council

significant effort has gone into the design

visiting habits.

website will be more user friendly and

to ensure the site is straight-forward to use

Before we remove the current site, we

focussed on your needs, whether that’s

and information is clear and easy to find.

will make the new site available for a period

finding information on school admissions

Further improvements will continue to be

of time so that you can provide us with

or bin collection dates.

made to develop the best

feedback prior to its launch.

The redesign includes a dramatic reduction in visual clutter giving a cleaner, simpler experience to the 182,000 visitors the website gets on average every month.

Web and online services manager, James Watson, said: “This is only the first

possible website for residents and our customers.”

The new website will also

Your new look council website

be mobile friendly, meaning you can do everything you would expect to do on your computer, from finding out where your nearest library is to paying a parking fine, on your handheld smartphone.

That’s because we’ve invested in technology that will take you to a special version of the website that makes it easier to navigate on a small screen.

New web technology means we nges to the can also make changes site more flexibly, allowing us to be really responsive in fast moving

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new website drop us a line at webteam@ brent.gov.uk or leave a

situations such as road closures or

comment on the Leader’s

providing gritting updates, as well

blog at www.brent.gov.uk/

as build in great features that we

brentconnects

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A teacher’s lasting legacy A new education d i centre at Alperton Al Community C i School S h l ffor pupils il with special educational needs has been named after a popular teacher who championed the inclusion of students whatever their ability.

John Boyle, who taught at Alperton for many years, died of lung cancer in January 2012, just four months after being diagnosed with the disease.

The £550,000 John Boyle Centre, which officially opened in December, has been built by Brent Council in partnership with the school and is giving pupils with SEN the chance to be taught in a mainstream environment.

Eight former pupils from Woodfield Special School in Kingsbury are the first students to start studying at the centre, where they are working towards their GCSEs. The group, who all have moderate learning difficulties, spent an introductory week at Alperton last summer and have received training from the council to enable them to make the journey to school independently.

Maggie Raffee, head teacher at Alperton Community School, said: “We worked with Woodfield for about 18 months to ensure that this transition was successful for everyone.

The students and their parents are delighted that they can integrate into a mainstream school and have the opportunity to take a wide range of GCSE options.

“The centre is named after our dear colleague John Boyle who was an

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Michael Semera, 14, Mohammed Hersa, 15

“The centre is named after our dear colleague John Boyle who was an outstanding advocate of inclusion.”

Left to right: Michael Semera, 14, Hoamen Seitar, 14, Drasti Dalal, 14

outstanding advocate of inclusion. John o would have enjoyed working with our w new n students and we will continue to ensure that everyone who uses this centre en achieves as much as they can in the way a John would have expected.”

J Jo The centre at Alperton’s Ealing Road campus includes classroom space, small ca group and ‘life skills’ rooms and a staff g base.

Up to 20 students with SEN will be b offered a place there by September (2013).

Increasing places for students with SEN is a priority for the council. It is hoped the John Boyle Centre as well as other expansion projects will create an extra 85 SEN places in Brent by September 2013.

This will mean fewer pupils having to make long journeys to schools outside the borough, saving the authority up to £2.5 b million over the next four years. m Mary Arnold, Lead Member for Children and Families, said: “Integrating C these students from Woodfield Special t School into Alperton Community School S is i an important step forward in Brent’s strategy for expanding SEN places within s the borough.

With the specialist teaching t provided, these students will benefit from p a mainstream school environment and inclusive school community.”

Your quarterly guide to what’s on in Brent Libraries

Book Lovers Valentine’s Special INSIDE Neal Zetter – speed dating for book lovers and…

Make a date with your library Mills and Boon erotic fiction night PLUS Half-term children’s fun Get the job you want Write that winning CV WIN: An ereader with the Six Book Challenge

Brent Libraries www.brent.gov.uk/libraries

Spring 2013

Brent Libraries: On your side

The Act now!

If you’re job searching, trying to polish up your CV or boost your confidence for interviews then Brent’s libraries are here to help you.

Teenagers’ job advice

CV writing workshops

Brent Connexions can help you with advice on jobs as well as benefits, training and careers at its weekly drop-in service for those aged 13-18.

Willesden Green Library Centre Wednesdays 1-5pm. Call Leonie on 07775 552 404 or 020 8438 1650

CV writing workshops are held most weeks in Brent’s libraries, for times visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries

Get on in your career Professional careers advisers show how to write a winning CV and share tips to search for job vacancies online.

Ealing Road Library 18 February from 10am-12noon.

IT for beginners Ealing Road Library Mondays 2-3.30pm*; Kingsbury Library Plus Tuesdays 11am-12noon, Saturdays 11am-12noon*, Sundays 12.30-1.30pm*; Willesden Green Library Mondays 10.30am-12noon, Tuesdays 3-4.30pm, Saturdays 10.30-11.30am, Sundays 12.05-1.05pm.

Town Hall Library Fridays 10.30am-12noon*; Harlesden Library Plus 11am-12.30pm. * Booking is required.

Confidence for interviews: workshops

Get ahead job workshop National Careers Service explain job market challenges, job searching, and what skills employers are looking for.

Town Hall Library 22 February 10am-12noon

Start up your own business Want to run your own business? Join consultants Abi Associates and find out how to start up a small business.

19 February 11am-1pm Town Hall Library, 2-4pm Ealing Road Library, 28 February 2pm-4pm Harlesden Library Plus

Our top 5 employment books The 10 Keys to Success John Bird, CV and Interview Handbook Sue Tumelty, You're hired! Corinne Mills, Brilliant CV Jim Bright and Joanne Earl, Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions Martin John Yate.

“You will not want to stop reading!”

Neal Zetter helps you improve your confidence for interviews and boost your presentation skills.

Kingsbury Library Plus Tuesdays 19, 26 March; 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 14, 21 May, 2-3.30pm

Save cash: get online Library members can read Hello!, New Scientist, Weight Watchers and Esquire and more for free at www.brent.gov.uk/libraries The format of the digital publications is compatible with an iPhone, iPad, Windows and other new tablets.

Plus, there are 500 education courses you can take with Universal Class as well as discover around 1,800 titles available as ebooks. Up to five ebooks can be borrowed at any one time.

If you’re taking a citizenship test try our online Life in the UK service.

All Brent libraries have free Wi-Fi and computers for use seven days a week.

READER BOOK PICK Maya Mitchell Willesden Green Library member Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel – Jeff Kinney “I enjoyed it so much! It’s a great book and is hilarious. I would recommend it for children aged nine or over because it’s a great read and you will get so stuck into the book, you will not want to stop reading!”

STAFF BOOK PICK Emma Palmer Willesden Green Library Is it Just Me – Miranda Hart “If you like slapstick comedy, British wit, and all round bumbling cheer, then I would definitely recommend you give this book a go.

A word of caution though, do not read in public as snortlaughing will occur. I loved it and couldn't recommend it enough.

Such fun!”

“Snort-laughing will occur…”

MAKE A DATE WITH YOUR LIBRARY! There’s a lot going on in your libraries which you’re going to love in February and March.

We’ve got everything from speed reading for book lovers to author talks and workshops on writing erotic and romantic fiction. Plus, if you’re free on 14 February from 10-11.30am there’s a free coffee morning happening in all Brent libraries, so drop by for cakes and a chat.

Speed reading for book lovers

Take the Six Book Challenge

World Book Day – Judy Astley

It’s the alternative Valentine’s Day celebration and there’s going to be some speed dating with a twist!

Join your host Neal Zetter for a fun, evening not to be missed with raffle prizes and live music.

Willesden Green Library 14 February 6-8pm

It’s for anyone 16 or over who wants to read more or is too busy for books.

Read six books and finish a learner’s diary and you could win great prizes.

Join footballer and author Charlie Oatway at our Six Book Challenge event, who’ll tell you how books changed his life, or pop into your Brent library for more information. Harlesden Library Plus 5 February 2-3pm

Judy Astley is the author of 16 books including Other People’s Husbands, Laying The Ghost, and Just For The Summer – join her to hear about her books inspired by life and love.

Willesden Green Library 7 March 7-8pm

Erotic writing workshop

bulist and The Somnam of or th her au , ox d talk about Join Essie F a reading an r fo d, an ai ri m to er ic Elijah’s M rker side of V ed by the da orlds of novels inspir merges the w d ai m er M ’s ah er twist. The England. Elij e with a sinist ur in at er lit d an mystery taking Victorian art torian gothic te ic la V so a de is t a d lis Somnambu 's East End an be lls of London the music ha -year-old Phoe ily mansion as 17 re hi ds darkest of fam or ef Her to unlock the el y nn ne ha ur C jo a by embarks on t was chosen .

Somnambulis eads of 2012 R t es B e secrets. The th of e on . m as lub .30p March 6.30-7 4’s TV Book C en Library, 14 re G en sd le Wil

Join top Mills & Boon editor Anna Boatman for an erotic writing workshop to show you the craft of writing romantic and erotic fiction. The class will discuss the art of crafting a good intro, plots, and will reveal more about romance and sex in fiction. Maybe you could write the next erotic blockbuster?

Mills & Boon are famous for publishing new writing so this workshop could make your writing fantasies a reality.

Willesden Green Library 21 February 6-8pm

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

18 February

21 February

9 February

Picture perfect family art workshop 1-3pm Ealing Road Library Make a Valentine’s heart butterfly 2.30-3.30pm Kilburn Library

Fabulous fun craft workshop 2-3pm Ealing Road Library Picture perfect family art workshop 1-3pm Kilburn Library Book design craft workshop 2.30-3.30pm Kingsbury Library Plus Create weird wacky animals 2.30-3.30pm Town Hall Library Family learning craft workshop 2.15-4.30pm Willesden Green Library

Chinese New Year snake workshop 11am-12noon, Kingsbury Library Plus Valentine hearts & flowers crafts 2-3pm Kingsbury Library Plus Valentine’s pop-up cards workshop 2-3pm Brent Town Hall Library

19 February

Chinese New Year snake workshop 2-3pm Kingsbury Library Plus

Picture perfect family art workshop 1-3pm Harlesden Library Plus Create weird wacky animals 2.30-3.30pm Kingsbury Library Plus Make a love dove 2.30-4pm Willesden Green Library

16 February

20 February

10 February

Fabulous fun craft workshop 2.30-3.30pm Harlesden Library Plus Family learning craft workshops 10.45am-1pm Kingsbury Library Plus 2.15-4.30pm Town Hall Library

Family learning craft workshop 2.15-4.30pm Kilburn Library Fabulous fun craft workshop 2-3pm Town Hall Library Picture perfect family art workshop 1-3pm Willesden Green Library

23 February Family learning craft workshops 10.45am-1pm Ealing Road Library 2.15-4.30pm Harlesden Library Plus All activities for children aged 5-12

Try something new at your Brent library Reading groups are an exciting and sociable way to discover more about books and get to know more people.

Kilburn Library Reading Group Last Thursday of month 6.45-7.45pm Kingsbury Library Plus Reading Group 2nd Friday of month 11am-12noon Town Hall Library Reading Group Last Thursday of month 6.30-7.30pm Harlesden Library Plus Black Identity Zone Reading Group Last Thursday of month 6.30-7.45pm BACES reading class Tuesdays 1-2pm Willesden Green Library Book Circle Reading Group Last Tuesday of month 6.30-7.45pm Gujarati Reading Group First Saturday of month 2.30-4.30pm Tamil Reading Group Last Saturday of month 2.30-4.30pm Willesden Green Reading Group Second Sunday of month 2.30-4pm

SOCIAL GROUPS Silver Surfers IT for older people Willesden Green Library Mondays 3-5pm Harlesden Library Plus Fridays 11am-12.30pm

Scrabble Club The Scrabble Club meets at Willesden Green Library on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 1.30-3.30pm

English Conversation Classes

Homework clubs

Ealing Road Library Wednesdays & Fridays 10.30am-12.30pm Kingsbury Library Plus Mondays & Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pm Kilburn Library Fridays 10.30am-12.30pm Town Hall Library Mondays 10.30am-12.30pm Willesden Green Library Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pm, Fridays 12.30-2.30pm

Homework clubs are for children in Brent aged 8 to 14 years. They are free and you don’t need to book. Children and parents can turn up on the day. Term-time only.

Town Hall Library Mondays 3.30-5.30pm Kilburn Library Tuesdays 3.30-5:30pm Kingsbury Library Plus Wednesdays 3.30-5.30pm Willesden Green Library Thursdays 3.30-5.30pm (ages 4-6), 3.30-5.30pm (7+) Harlesden Library Plus Fridays 3.30-5.30pm (ages 4-6) 3.30-5.30pm (7+) Ealing Road Library Saturdays 10.30am-12.30pm

Teen Fun Club Sociable club for teenagers Willesden Green Library Wednesdays 3.30-5pm, Fridays 3.30-5.30pm, Saturdays 11am-12.30pm

Teen Ceramic Art Workshops Make pottery, badges, earrings, hoodie and rapper jars or a ceramic self-portrait with ceramic artist Chris Bramble.

Town Hall Library 16, 23 February; 2,9, 16, 23, 30 March; 6 April 2.30-4.30pm

Go Green Workshops Use recycled textiles to create jewellery, patchwork and redesign some clothing.

Wednesdays Kingsbury Library Plus from 6 February 11am-12.30pm

Social media classes Learning to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter will provide you with new skills and will help you search for job and training opportunities.

Willesden Green Library Thursdays 6pm (book in advance), Harlesden Library Plus Thursdays 11am-12.30pm, Kilburn Library Mondays 2-3pm

Knitting Club Enjoy a natter and learn about knitting.

Town Hall Library Thursdays 10.30am-12noon

Homework clubs are for children in Brent aged 8 to 14 years.

Libraries at Home Do you or a loved one have difficulty getting out and cannot visit a library?

Brent Libraries will deliver books, CDs and DVDs to your door every month!

Call 020 8937 3566 for more information.

BRENT’S LIBRARIES Brent’s six libraries are open seven days a week. For exact opening times, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries Ealing Road Library Coronet Parade Ealing Road, Wembley, HA0 4BA Tel: 020 8937 3560 Harlesden Library Plus Craven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10 8SE Tel: 020 8937 3570 Kilburn Library 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN Tel: 020 8937 3530 Kingsbury Library Plus 522 - 524 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, NW9 9HE Tel: 020 8937 3520 Brent Town Hall Library King’s Drive Entrance, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HU Tel: 020 8937 3500 Willesden Green Library 95 High Road, Willesden NW10 2SF Tel: 020 8937 3400

Brent Libraries www.brent.gov.uk/libraries www.twitter.com/brentlibraries

01.13BDU6782

READING GROUPS

Building careers for local people Conor O’Dowd, of Cricklewood, is one of three apprentices working on the Neasden project, which got underway last year.

Conor was unemployed when he landed the role but now spends two days training and three days on site as he works towards a GNVQ in groundwork.

He said: “I don’t think I’d be working without this. I’m enjoying it and I’ve learned a lot and hopefully this will lead to a career

• flexible classrooms and learning spaces with state of the art ICT equipment • resources such as a library, drama studios and extensive outdoor facilities • capacity to expand student numbers by

A £40 million project currently underway to transform Crest Academies isn’t just going to benefit students and staff - it is also providing a wide range of opportunities for local people and businesses too. currently working for sub-contractor Toureen Mangan including Lonez Rusu, of Kingsbury, and Patrick Campbell, of Neasden, both pictured here with Conor.

Over £250,000 of materials for the project

300 over the next five years.

has also been bought from six Brent

Local people will be able to use some of

businesses during the last few months.

the facilities and the project will help regenerate Neasden.

Brent’s contract with Wates Construction

Brent lead member for Regeneration and Major Projects Cllr Gerorge Crane said: “The council is committed to using investment

in construction and I can work my way up

Limited to design and build the project

in capital projects to support local

the ladder. I’m very happy and it’s so close

ensures the local community benefits by set-

regeneration and jobs and we monitor the

to where I live.”

ting targets that must be met around

contractor to make sure this happens.

The Brent Council-led project (sponsored

employing apprentices, using local

“Not only is the Crest re-build going to

by E-ACT) to rebuild the academies will

businesses and buying materials and

create fantastic facilities for students and

create excellent, modern facilities, including:

services from within the borough.

staff but there are also huge benefits for the

• buildings in an attractive park setting

As a result, nine Brent residents are

rest of the community.”

Conor, centre, with two local employees Lonez Rusu and Patrick Campbell

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

19

A community celebration It’s a fresh start for the users of a new centre for adults with learning difficulties which officially opened its doors at the end of last year. And users intend to see 2013 through with as much gusto as they did at its launch, which saw them showcase and celebrate their independence.

Amazing Indian dance, percussion and physical theatre performed by centre users were all part of the party package to mark the opening of the John Billam Community Resource Centre in Kenton.

The state-of-the-art centre, for adults with learning difficulties, has been hotly anticipated by regular users and the wider community alike.

Located in the John Billam Playing Fields in Woodcock Hill, Kenton, the centre’s been built by Brent to give adults with learning difficulties a place to be themselves − whether that’s by hanging out at the swish new café, having a treatment, working in the office or enjoying the sensory garden.

The idea behind it all is to encourage independence and banish social exclusion so the John Billam also serves as a support base or hub from where users can go out or go to work or college; go tenpin bowling or take in a movie.

Designed to give a feeling of space and freedom of movement, the amazing new building also has bespoke facilities for adults who need more support and specialist care. And outside of daytime hours, it’s also available to the wider community for all sorts of activities by arrangement.

Another special guest at the opening was Brent’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Krupesh Hirani, who was especially proud of the new centre; “I’m so delighted that we’ve come this far and I can’t wait to hand over this fantastic building to service users and the wider community.

“This centre marks a new era in adult social care by promoting independence and I would like to thank everyone Council representatives, family, friends and service users shared in the celebrations.

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THE BRENT MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013

involved for all their hard work in delivering such a first rate building that will benefit the community for years to come.”

GreenPages Green ages February / March 2013

Disposable income?

The true cost of your household waste

Brent

www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore

Don’t throw your money away…

On average, every household in Brent produces one tonne of waste every year – the equivalent of a small family car. We are still sending more than half a tonne of waste per household to landfill every year. There is still so much more we can do.

53%

33%

The amount of materials that can be recycled which still end up in landfill waste bins, it’s made up of both food waste and other materials.

of food waste is still placed in landfill waste bins instead of in organic bins and food waste containers.

Using your blue top bins can save £83 for every tonne of waste recycled rather than sending it to landfill.

www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore

20%

of materials like paper, cardboard, glass, metal and rigid plastics still end up in landfill waste bins instead of in your blue top recycling bin.

Recycling saves a ton of money The cost of sending household waste to landfill is more than four times greater than recycling it. By recycling we can save a lot of money in Brent.

£22

£43

£93

The current cost of recycling one tonne of materials from blue top recycling bins.

The cost of composting one tonne of food and garden waste from organic bins and food waste containers.

£4.6m

The cost of sending 52,280 tonnes of household waste to landfill between October 2011 and September 2012.

£621,000

The cost of sending 15,400 tonnes of food and garden waste for composting between October 2011 and September 2012.

£383,250

The cost of sending 17,420 tonnes of material for recycling between October 2011 and September 2012.

The cost of sending one tonne of household waste to landfill, rising to £105 in April 2013.

If you want to save money in 2013, choose the right bin to dispose of your waste…

Tel: 020 8937 5050

Use the right bin Choosing the right bin for the right materials when getting rid of your waste will help save money. Here’s a reminder of what can be placed into each bin. For full details please visit www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore

Organic waste bin TM

Paper, cardboard, Tetra Paks , cans, tins, plastic bottles, rigid plastic containers, glass bottles and foil.

All food waste, including vegetable peelings, food scraps (cooked and uncooked), bread, rice, pasta, tea bags and coffee grounds and any garden waste including twigs, branches, leaves and plant cuttings.

Food waste container

Landfill waste bin

All food waste, including vegetable peelings, food scraps (cooked and uncooked), bread, rice, pasta, tea bags and coffee grounds.

Nappies, pet litter, polystyrene packaging, crisp packets, broken glass.

Food waste can be wrapped in newspaper, paper bags or kitchen caddy liners made of corn starch that meet environmental regulation EN13432. Kitchen caddy liners can be purchased at www.caddyliners.com

GreenPages, Brent’s quarterly residents’ recycling newsletter, is produced by Brent in association with Veolia.

For further information visit www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore or call 020 8937 5050.

www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore

01.13BD6783

Blue top recycling bin

ALL IN Aday’s

We

How

work

works…

This natty little number’s been hanging about too long.

TRAID

Eagle-eyed sorters know quality when they see it

It’s February and love is in the air, so spare a thought for all your old unworn clobber lurking in the back of the wardrobe. Why not give them the affection they deserve by donating to TRAID – Brent’s favourite re-users and revampers of old clothes.

Back on the market The made-in-Wembley textile recycling

money from the public. Instead we rely

charity with global connections has not

solely on donations of clothes to raise

only been working with Brent Council to

charity funds. In Brent alone, residents

help reduce what we send to landfill; it’s

donate nearly 300 tonnes of textiles

also educating Brent school children about

to TRAID every year!

sustainability and making a real difference

“Visiting Brent schools to talk about the

to the lives of textile workers in some of the

lifecycle of clothing and how to upscale

world’s poorest countries.

garments is an important part of our work,

On a recent visit to their head office and warehouse, a stone’s throw from Wembley

so far we’ve done 58 sessions in 19 schools.

“Fashion is a great platform to get young

Stadium, we met TRAID’s Communications

people in the classroom to investigate the

Manager, Leigh McAlea who talked about

impact of our clothes on lives and the

their work and their special relationship with

environment. When we start out the students

Brent.

often say they don’t like second hand clothes

“TRAID transforms unwanted clothes and shoes into funds to educate children in the UK, and fight global poverty worldwide. All

they’re more open minded.

“Vintage clothes are really trendy anyway, TRAID’s constantly getting

charity shops takes place in Brent where our

name-checked by stylists and fashion

team of sorters can tell at a glance which

bloggers so we’ve got a bit more street

items will sell best.

cred with young people now.”

because we don’t get government grants or

What a bargain! So glad I snapped this one up.

but by the time they’ve finished a session

the work we do to get donations into TRAID

“We’re a bit different from other charities

at TRAID in Kilburn

You can find your nearest textile bank or TRAID charity shop at www.traid.org.uk

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

25

SECREThistory

Historical beauties The 1924-5 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park attracted a staggering 27 million visitors to the borough, providing the curious with a taste of life from almost every

The bustling exhibition grounds boasted an amusement park and many restaurants as well as commercial kiosks, run by newspapers, cigarette companies and other businesses.

The exhibition stands, designed by the architect Joseph Emberton (1889-1956), added an element of fantasy, and at the heart of the amusement park was one of the largest exhibition venues – Pears Palace of Beauty.

The Palace of Beauty was white with two curved staircases leading up to a domed gazebo which was supported by columns and acted as an exhibition space.

Visitors entered a ‘richly decorated hall’ with ‘luminous plaster’, flanked by ten soundproofed, glass-fronted rooms, each containing an actress/model dressed as a beautiful woman from history, with accompanying reproduction furniture.

The ten beauties were Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, Scheherazade, Dante’s Beatrice, Elizabeth Woodville (Edward IV’s Queen), Mary Queen of Scots, Nell Gwynn, Madame de Pompadour, the actress Mrs Siddons and Miss 1924.

There were also two soap-related characters, Bubbles and The Spirit of Purity with souvenir soap also for sale.

The palace was open 13 hours a day, so each beauty was depicted by two actresses/models working shifts. They had been selected from over 5,000 applicants, and were watched over by a chaperone.

Fourteen of the performers were depicted on souvenir postcards. Although the first three were not of European origin, the actresses were. There were also no black or Indian beauties from the Empire and two of the historical beauties were fictitious.

Admission was 1/3d for adults and 8d for children. Nearly 750,000 people visited the palace.

Brent Archives has a number of photos of the exhibition as well as two postcards and a view of the palace.

Visit Brent Archives today and take a look for yourself. www.brent.gov.uk/archives Left: Pear’s palace of beauty.

land in the Empire.

Main: Miss Dido Carter as Mrs Siddons.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

27

COMPETITIONS

Win sweet treat for lovers’ month Fancy something sweet or just fancy treating your other half to a romantic meal with a sweet ending?

Then look no further this Valentines, The Brent Magazine has teamed up with the sumptuous Sugar Mill restaurant to offer six residents the chance to win a three course meal with a glass of wine for two.

Located on Lakeside Way – adjacent to Wembley Arena – Sugar Mill Desserts is the boroughs only restaurant and dessert lounge, ‘where desserts come first’, a simple philosophy made possible by a menu of more than 30 handmade desserts. Diners can also choose from the savoury menu which offers equally delicious dishes starting from £10 for two courses.

Show someone you care and tell us: Sugar Mill Desserts is located next to which landmark?

And if you don’t win this time, fear not, we’d never leave you broken hearted, quote ‘The Brent Magazine’ to get 15 per cent off food orders – valid until 28 February 2013.

Prize value upto £50 per couple, open 8am till 11pm, kids under 8 eat free with 2 adults dining. www.sugarmill-desserts.com Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: (Name of competition), 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).

Competition deadline is Monday 11 February 2013

Win tickets to Madagascar Live

The Tricycle Theatre is offering four pairs

Win a night at the Hilton Wembley for two

of tickets to see new play Paper Dolls.

Hilton London Wembley are giving

Wembley Arena and bagged a pair

two residents the chance to win a

of tickets to watch Madagascar Live

the extraordinary true story of a group

night stay for two with breakfast at

between 1-3 March.

of Filipino immigrants who work as

the fabulous new hotel.

Win tickets to see Paper Dolls

Set in Tel Aviv, Israel, Paper Dolls tells

live-in carers but transform into a sassy

Brent Council has teamed up with

Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria

The plush hotel offers modern British

and the plotting penguins as they

musical drag act on weekends.

dining at the Association Restaurant, a

escape from New York’s Central Park

To win tell us:

spectacular roof bar and 24 hour

Zoo and find themselves on a journey

fitness centre where you can relax in

to the madcap world of King Julien’s

the indoor pool. To win tell us:

Madagascar. To win tell us:

what is the name of the

which New York zoo did the

restaurant at Hilton Wembley?

characters escape from?

where is the play set?

Valid 28 February – 5 March.

Prize valid until 30 April 2013

Tickets available from www.wembleyarena.co.uk

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

29

Advertise here from only £275 and reach 99,000 households.

Brent

advertising@brent.gov.uk OR CALL 020 8937 1076

Discount Card

Free gift!

*

• No membership required • No monthly fees • Just great savings Get a card and receive up to 40% off on a range of sports at Brent's sports centres.

30

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013

Cut out this advert and take it along to one of our sports centres to claim your free gift when you purchase a B.Active card. * Terms and conditions apply.

Valid until 31 March 2013. While stock lasts.

Brent Sports and Parks Service 020 8937 3707 www.brent.gov.uk/bactive

Brent

TIMEout

What’s going on…

VENUES BRENT MUSEUM High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600 BRENT ARCHIVES Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3541 archives@brent.gov.uk

Your guide to what’s on in Brent during February / March 2013 HELP GETTING A JOB Ealing Road Library, Free CV and Job search workshop 18, Feb 10am-12noon. Free CV workshop 25, Mar, 10am-12noon Harlesden Library Plus Live music at the ACE Cafe See: Music

CHILDREN LITTLE STARS DANCE CLASESS Weekly dance & performing arts classes for 2-8 yrs at Hazel Road Community Centre, NW10, call Kirstie on 07949 136 224

BABY BOP Local weekly song & dance class for baby’s to pre-schoolers. Every Thursday at 10am (excluding half terms).

St Mary & St Andrews Church Hall, Dollis Hill, NW2. Call Debbie on 07903 563 660

DRAMA WORKHOUSE Sat crew workshop for children 1-2pm 7-9 yrs; 2-4pm 10-12 yrs; 4-6pm 13-18 yrs; under 10s. £25 a term, over 10s £40, Dudden Hill Centre, 19 Dudden Hill Lane, NW10; Adults Mons 8-10pm. £9.50 Tricycle Theatre, NW6 07958 653 725

SOCCER TRAINING Fri 6-8pm, for children, first session free. Capital City Academy NW10. mdipaola@cyworks.co.uk

LGBT YOUTH CLUB Lesbian, Gay, Bi and unsure under 19s youth club every Wednesday in Kilburn 07931 336 668 www.mosaicyouth.org.uk

COMMUNITY WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 15 Feb at 7.30pm Everything Electrical, a talk by John Tritton at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane Kingsbury NW9 8RZ, 15 Mar at 7.30pm. What is Sudbury? with Len Snow at 977 Harrow Road, Sudbury HA0 2SF 020 8200 0211

NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707 884

DANCE TEA DANCE Mons, Weds 1.30-4.30pm £4 Brent Town Hall 020 8937 6206 Fri 2-4.30 pm Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836.

Mon & Thurs 2-4pm, King’s Hall Community Centre, 155 Harlesden Road, Willesden Green, £1.50

BALLROOM AND LATIN Mons 7.30-11pm Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane Wembley 020 8855 6868

DRAMA FRESH ARTS THEATRE SCHOOL Sat, 10am-1pm, drama, dance and singing taught by industry pros for ages 3-13. Classes at Newman Catholic College, Harlesden Road, NW10 3RN. 0845 269 9529 or 07506 363 585 www.fresh-arts.co.uk

LEARNING TRADE SCHOOL AT LIBRARY LAB 19 Feb, 9-10am, Creative Workshop, ages 5-10.

Feb 21, 9-10am. Financial literacy and Enterprise workshop for ages 9-13 23 Feb, 9-10am Free computer coding clubs for kids, web developers will be on hand to show children how to use code. 28 Feb, 2-4pm, Time Bank, a drop-in service in which people can learn skills and do activities through mutual volunteering. www. tradeschool.coop/ willesden/class

Town Hall Library, Free Interview Skills workshop, 10am-12noon. Free Job Search Workshop, 22 Feb,10am-12noon. Free Interview Skills Workshop, 22, Mar,10am-12noon. All are advanced booking at the library

ENVIRONMENT BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUP Suns, Fryent Country Park; Tues, Thurs, Sats Roe Green Walled Garden, 020 8206 0492 www.bhcg.btck.co.uk

MUSIC MANOR AND PHILBEACH SINGERS Tues 7.30 -10pm Goodwill Hall, Chichester Rd, Kilburn Park. No singing experience needed, no auditions 020 8455 8865

ACE CAFÉ

GENTLE EXERCISE CLASS FOR OLDER PEOPLE Age UK Brent is starting a new exercise class in Neasden on Friday afternoons. An hour’s gentle exercise at the SPA London Centre, 519 North Circular Road, Neasden, NW2 7QG. Call Ken at Age UK Brent on 020 8965 7711

SEA URCHINS Thurs 8pm, swimming club for young people and adults with learning difficulties. Willesden Sports Centre, NW10, free, call Jean 020 8452 6912

ROUNDWOOD PARK BOWLS CLUB Tues and Thurs afternoon from 2.30pm at Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, Willesden, London, NW10 3SH. Free tuition and loan of bowls available for beginners. 020 8459 1325 Tea Dance See: Dance

PAUL DAISLEY HALL Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9 Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203

LIBRARIES Drama Workhouse See: Children

BACK TO NETBALL 10-12 week reintroduction for adult females of all ages.

Sessions at Bridge Park Mon 5.30-6.30pm, £3 per session. Contact Adele Burnett on 07872 407 212 or adele.burnett@ englandnetball.co.uk www.englandnetball. co.uk/my-game/back-tonetball

SELF DEVELOPMENT INNER SPACE WEMBLEY Free courses and seminars: Meditation, Positive Thinking, Overcoming Anger etc. Inner Space, 528 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7BS. 020 8903 1911 www.innerspace.org/ wembley

Sat 2 Feb, 9pm-2am, Dale Watson & His Lond Stars (From Texas) + The Doggone Honkabilly Band + DJs Bill & Jimmy Guntrip. £12 (Door). Advance £10 Contact wguntrip@aol. com. No under 18s. Sat 9 Feb, 9pm-2am, Gene Vincent Tribute Nite with Dave Phillips & The Hot Rod Gang + DJ Bill Guntrip. £10. No under 18s. Sat 23 Feb, 7pm11pm, Rhythm n’ Cruise Rockin’ Record Hop with DJ Jimmy Guntrip. Free

EALING ROAD LIBRARY Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Wembley HA0 4BA, 020 8937 3560 ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk HARLESDEN LIBRARY Craven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10 8SE 020 8937 3570 harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk KILBURN LIBRARY 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN 020 8937 3530 kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk KINGSBURY LIBRARY PLUS Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury NW9 9HE 020 8937 3520 kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk TOWN HALL LIBRARY Brent Town Hall, King’s Drive, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HU, 020 8937 3500 townhalllibrary@brent.gov.uk WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY 95 High Road, Willesden NW10 2SF 020 8937 3400 willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk

WEMBLEY STADIUM EVENTS All times TBC England V Brazil 6 Feb League Cup Final 24 Feb FA Carlsberg Trophy Final 24 Mar Football League Trophy Final 7 April The FA Cup Semi Finals, 13 and 14 April Subject to change

SPORTS & LEISURES ACTIVE WITH BRENT Tue, Return to Football, 7-8pm, £2, Ark Academy, Bridge Road, Wembley, just turn up.

Tue, 50+ gentle aerobics, Brent Town Hall, 10-11am, £2, just turn up. Tue, 50+ gentle Aerobics, Kingsbury Fitness First, 1.30 -2.30pm, call 020 8937 3722. Healthy Walks Programme, visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports

To get your event listed for free email us using the subject heading ‘Whats on.’ Describe your event in no more than 50 words, tell us what section you want your ad to appear, include a pic and a title and email tbm@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 1062. ALL EVENTS ARE SELECTED AT THE EDITOR’S DISCRETION.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

31

– Act now It is so important to act now! From April thousands of others will be in a similar position, with many looking for new homes or work.

Case study 2: Shenaaz Lalji Shenaaz Lalji knew the caps would affect her family so she attended CV workshops and brushed up on her interview skills and has already found herself a job.

“I feel more confident about interacting with people now I am working. It’s also nice to get out of the house during the day,” said Shenaaz.

Shenaaz has had to overcome a number of personal hurdles to get into employment but she is now better off financially and emotionally.

The ‘bedroom tax’ Did you know if you are of workingage and live in a council or housing association property with two or more bedrooms your housing benefit may be cut?

From April new rules mean: • couples and single adults are entitled to their own bedroom • two boys or two girls aged under 16 will be expected to share a bedroom • a boy and girl both aged under ten will be expected to share a bedroom.

If these changes mean you are classed as having one ‘spare’ bedroom your housing benefit will be cut by 14 per cent or by 25 per cent if you have two or more ‘spare’ bedrooms.

The end of Council Tax Benefit Council Tax Benefit will be abolished from 1 April 2013 and replaced with a new scheme called Council Tax Support (CTS). The government has cut millions from the funding to pay for it which means thousands of Brent residents will receive less financial help towards paying their Council Tax bill.

From April 2013 if you:

For example, if another adult in your household receives Job Seekers Allowance, your entitlement will be reduced by £6.60 per week. If they have a higher income, your reduction will be greater.

• have savings and investments over £6,000 you will not be entitled to any help paying your Council Tax.

• are claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or Working Tax Credit it is very likely that you will have to pay at least 20 per cent of your Council Tax bill.

For an average Brent household this is an extra £5 per week.

• are claiming CTS and have other

adults living with you, such as grown-up children or other relatives or friends, the amount of benefit you receive will be significantly reduced or withdrawn altogether. This is because they will be expected to contribute more towards your Council Tax bill.

Case study 3: Rebecca Fields Rebecca Fields is a trainee teacher and single mother, as she is getting Job Seekers Allowance she is entitled to full Council Tax Benefit, but from next year the cuts will mean she needs to contribute over £200 a year towards her Council Tax bill.

Rebecca said: “I feel better knowing how I will be affected – I’m going to set up a direct debit so everything is sorted.”

We have a dedicated team waiting to speak to residents affected by the end of Council Tax Benefit please call 020 8937 1610 or email counciltaxsupport @brent.gov.uk

Act now!

Help and resources Online help and support Central government website www.gov.uk (formerly DirectGov) Benefits advice www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser to find out what benefits you may be entitled to Money advice www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Online

Set up a Direct Debit to pay your council tax and you will be automatically entered into a free prize draw for a chance to win a life-changing

ÂŁ25,000

Citizens Advice Bureau www.adviceguide.org.uk Brent Council www.brent.gov.uk/benefitcuts benefitcuts@brent.gov.uk counciltaxsupport@brent.gov.uk

Employment support in Brent

General telephone number: 0845 604 3719 Harlesden Jobcentre Plus Harlesden House, 161 High Street, Harlesden, London NW10 4TL Kilburn Jobcentre Plus 3 Cambridge Avenue, Kilburn, London NW6 5AH Neasden Jobcentre Plus Chancel House, Neasden Lane, London NW10 2XH Wembley Jobcentre Plus 6 St Johns Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 7JD

On your side

Brent Council Tax Support Hotline 020 8937 1610

Brent in2 work www.brent.gov.uk/brentin2work Tel: 020 8903 6825 BACES Brent Adult and Community Education Service Stonebridge Centre, 1 Morland Gardens, London NW10 8DY Tel: 020 8937 3950 Email: guidance.baces@brent.gov.uk

www.brent.gov.uk/benefitcuts

01.13BDU6763

On the phone

Brent Council Benefit Changes Hotline 020 8937 1800