The Brent Magazine 154 - Winter 2017

WINTER 2017/2018 • ISSUE 154

NEWS • VIEWS • WHAT’S ON • LOCAL INFO • FEATURES • ARTS & CULTURE

the

Brent Your magazine about life in Brent, published

by Brent Council

Celebrating Brent

Culture bid vid is a big hit

Riz and Raheem: our local, global stars join young and old to back Brent’s London Borough of Culture bid

Your route to SucceSS Courses to improve your career prospects in over 20 of London’s leading sectors.

Start a course in early 2018 or apply now for September start Next Open Evenings (4pm - 7pm): Weds 24 Jan - Willesden Campus Weds 31 Jan - Wembley Park Campus

www.cnwl.ac.uk

IN THIS ISSUE...

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SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

NEWS A round-up of the latest news in Brent

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GET FIT AND DO GOOD

CHRISTMAS RECYCLING

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CULTURAL BRENT

28 www.facebook.com/BrentCouncil twitter.com/Brent_Council

Brent Customer Services 020 8937 1234 www.brent.gov.uk

The Brent Magazine is available in large print and audio tape.

Please call 020 8937 1234

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Issue No.154 Winter 2017/2018 Distribution queries and editorial: tbm@brent.gov.uk EDITOR Orla McGreevy orla.mcgreevy@brent.gov.uk PRODUCTION EDITOR Middleton Mann middleton.mann@brent.gov.uk ADVERTISING SALES Jessica Trace jessica. trace@brent.gov.uk advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by Brent Council

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Brent Council 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 per cent FSC paper. Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this magazine and other paper.

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DEVELOPERS CASH FOR 22 PROJECTS Neighbourhood grants making a difference

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SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS Meet the faces behind our counters

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3O HOURS FREE CHILDCARE Could you be eligible?

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GET FIT AND DO GOOD Good Gym giving back to the community

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A FAMILY AFFAIR Brother and Sister greetings card duo

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#BACKBRENTSBID Will Brent be crowned Borough of Culture 2020?

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ACE RULES From ex offender to star attraction

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CHRISTMAS RECYCLING Tips on how to best dispose of festive rubbish

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IT’S A LOVE HATE THING Love Recycling, hate illegal dumping

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GENEROUS GEORGE Meet George the friendly libraries volunteer

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING 2018 Tips on how to start the new year right

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£6.6M TRICYCLE TRANSFORMATION The Kilburn High Rd theatre opening soon

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HELPING OUR HOMELESS New service launched

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ON THE WESTERN FRONT Trainspotting with GWR at Old Oak Common

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEK Listening to your views and suggestions

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ARTS AND CULTURE Theatre, music, events and more

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WHAT’S ON Classes, fitness and opportunities near you

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GENEROUS GEORGE

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#BackBrentsBid You’ve probably heard by now that Brent is entering the competition run by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to become London Borough of Culture.

This is a great new competition, recognising how London’s diverse cultural scene is a huge part of all of our lives.

Here in Brent, we’re bidding for the title in 2020 so we can build a year-long cultural programme to wrap around the sporting highlight of the year – the Euros – which will see Wembley Stadium play host to Europe’s top footballers.

The Mayor of London is right to recognise that culture isn’t just about the top international superstars London produces, or the iconic world-class venues our city has to offer – it’s every bit as much about the day-to-day experiences in our neighbourhoods and communities.

That’s why our bid in Brent not only celebrates the top artists and performers that the area produces, but also the unbeatable blend of cultural influences unique to our part of this great city.

No other part of London has the depth of cultural heritage that draws together such a rich mix of cultures from Britain to Ireland, the Caribbean, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Whatever your age, wherever you live in Brent, and whatever background you come from, we all taste Brent’s cultural diversity daily in our food, hear it in our music, and experience it in our range of dance, art, cinema, theatre and literature.

Our bid will be going in on December 1 and we know Brent’s got what it takes to win.

Watch this space!

Cllr Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council

Break the cycle of domestic violence An award of £300,000 from the Home Office has been given to Brent Council to help support an ongoing programme focused on tackling domestic abuse in the borough.

Making sure that victims and survivors of abuse get access to the support they need, when they need it.

The new programme is focusing on intervening in suspected cases of abuse at an earlier stage and increasing awareness of support options available to victims. More domestic violence advisors will be placed in hospitals and police stations around the borough, so that more victims can be identified early and to improve the speed at which they are given help.

On 22 November, Brent’s annual “White Ribbon Day” event was held, which highlighted the need to support children affected by domestic abuse, unhealthy relationships and girl gangs.

Men and women across the borough signed a pledge promising “never to commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.”

Council named as a Best Employer for Race in new listing

Big Man Ting to fight poverty

Brent Council has been named by Business in the Community as one of the UK’s Best Employers for Race in a new listing published – the only council to make the list.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said: “As a council, we celebrate Brent’s diversity and we work hard to ensure that council employees have the opportunity to rise within the organisation, Cllr Margaret regardless of their McLennan background.”

The Youth Committee of Sufra NW London launched their first project ‘Big Man Ting’ that supports young people to write, record and film their own music tracks to raise awareness of food poverty in the local community.

Over the next six months, the Youth Committee will work with 150 young people to produce a five-track album to highlight the tragedy of food poverty and engage a new generation in social activism and volunteering.

And why is the project called ‘Big Man Ting’? We’re reliably informed that it’s a compliment for someone’s style or actions.

For more information visit www.sufra-nwlondon.org.uk

NEWS Housing fraudsters exposed on BBC TV The work of Brent Council’s housing fraud team featured on three consecutive episodes of BBC1’s ‘Council House Crackdown.’

In the first episode presenter Michelle Ackerley revealed how Mark Grant from Willesden was found guilty of dishonestly sub-letting his two bedroom Genesis Housing Association tenancy in Melrose Avenue whilst living in Luton, and was

ordered by the court to pay over £20,000.

The second episode included the case of Ingrid Schutz, a woman who illegally sublet her Kilburn council house while living a champagne lifestyle.

The third examined the case of Kusheema Nurse, a student who was found guilty of illegally subletting her Stonebridge flat while studying and working in Bristol.

Michelle Ackerley presents Council House Crackdown

NEWS IN BRIEF

TASTE OF SUCCESS: BRENT SCOOPS GOOD FOOD AWARD Brent was named most improved borough at this year’s Good Food for London Awards.

Good Food for London measures progress and encourages London councils to take action on good food. Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that Brent has scooped this award.”

HATE CRIME: DON’T SUFFER ALONE

Council’s Dave Verma appears on Council House Crackdown

Wembley High Road gets a new look A partnership between Brent Council and Somali businessmen Ahmed and Yusaf is improving the look of Wembley High Road.

Their shops, Dahabshill and Almis Travel, are sporting a vibrant new look after the businessmen arranged a clean-up and installation of new shutters to their shop frontage.

Brent Council then organised a workshop with the two businessmen and local artists to discuss a plan for shutter artwork and provide help with visual merchandising.

A new manual called ‘Responding to hate crime: Advice and Support Services’ provides information and advice for both those who are the targets of hate crime and those who come into contact with them. The manual offers advice for support and reassurance. This is part of our commitment to challenge hate crime in Brent. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ strongercommunities.

INTER FAITH WEEK During Inter Faith week, Faith Leaders from different religions, and leaders of Brent Council, signed a Faith Covenant, pledging to work in partnership to deliver a relationship which benefits all of our cultures and communities.

THE ‘OLDER’ GENERATION GAME

Businessmen Ahmed and Yusef with Cllr Wilhelmina Mitchell Murray

Brent Pensioners Forum takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 10am12noon at Brent Civic Centre. The Forum provides a platform for older people to voice their opinions and contribute their views about relevant issues.

Membership is open to all older people in Brent.

For more information call 020 8937 4594 or email Brentdisabilityforum@ brent.gov.uk.

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NEWS

Final whistle for match day parking rogue Y T L I U G Pirate parking at the Hallmark site was breaching rules

A man who breached planning control by operating an event day car park he didn’t have permission for has been ordered to permanently cease trading by The Planning Inspectorate.

The spaces supplied by Hallmark Trading Centre Ltd (HTCL) were rented out to provide parking to those driving to events at Wembley National Stadium and Wembley Arena.

This is Brent Council’s first appeal against pirate parking in the borough and the decision has been welcomed by Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills, who explained: “Following the redevelopment of Wembley National Stadium, the number of car parking spaces at the venue was reduced from 7,200 to 2,900. The council wished to reduce car usage to alleviate congestion on local roads, promote more sustainable modes of transport and improve air quality.”

“The use of the Hallmark Site, which is close to the stadium, for parking was unacceptable and this decision has confirmed that our approach in serving the enforcement notice was correct.”

Cricklewood raises its profile with pop-up art The silhouettes of Cricklewood locals now run the whole length of a passage off Cricklewood Broadway.

Local artist Kevin Vincenzo Keating was commissioned

by NorthWestTWO Residents’ Association to produce a mural as part of their 10th birthday celebrations. It was a freestyle collaborative project where local passers-by got their silhouettes captured.

Kevin says that he hopes that the artwork will help brighten up the area and that locals will reclaim their alley. He added that it was a great honour to have worked on such an exciting project and hopes that Brent will step up its efforts to include more visual art in its agenda.

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Cricklewood local Tony assisted artist Kevin with the painting

NEWS Campbell Gordon Way residents are bloomin’ marvellous!

Bernie Fitzpatrick and his green-fingered neighbours continue to show their love for their local area and are celebrating winning the top accolade in this year’s London in Bloom Awards for the fourth year in a row.

Campbell Gordon Way won a Gold Community Award and five stars (Outstanding) in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category at the awards.

Bernie and Anita Fitzpatrick, who lead the horticulture project and its 30 garden club members, wowed judges with their beautiful displays of summer bedding, vegetable plots and hanging baskets.

Campbell Gordon Way residents celebrate their win with the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Muhammed Butt, The Leader of Brent Council and Dawn Butler MP

Channel 4’s Hang Ups filmed in Queen’s Park

Stephen Mangan in Hang Ups

Hang Ups, an unconventional comedy about an unorthodox therapist trying to keep his life and patients from falling apart was part-filmed on Kingswood Avenue near Queen’s Park recently.

The six part modern comedy, starring Stephen Mangan (Episodes, Green Wing) joins The X Factor, Bollywood feature film Crazy Hum, and TV series Hard Sun and Disobedience who chose Brent as a filming location this year.

Look out for Hang-ups on Channel 4 in 2018.

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NEWS

Free parking for Christmas shoppers in 11 local car parks Shoppers in Brent will be able to park for free every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas at: • Barham Park • Disraeli Road • Elm Road • Kingsbury Road • Lonsdale Avenue • Neasden Town Centre • Northwick Park • Preston Road • Salusbury Road • St John’s Road • Wendover Road The car parks will be open to motorists to park for free on the weekends leading up to Christmas, beginning on Small Business Saturday on 2 December.

Grunwick strikers remembered in Dollis Hill mural The ‘Lions of Grunwick’ iconic strike will always be remembered now that two murals have been unveiled in Dollis Hill.

The murals, part of the Grunwick 40 commemoration project, were painted by artist Anna Ferrie who said: “More than 60 people, including those who had been on the picket line, family members of local supporters, trade unionists, young activists and even the strikers themselves, were involved in creating these murals. They will be a significant visual presence in the local area and illustrate the value and benefits of community participation in public art.”

Vipin Magdani, a former striker who attended the event, said: “We are so happy that our struggle of 40 years ago is still being remembered by people today. Some of our memories have faded but the mural is bringing them all flooding back.”

The project was funded by generous donations from more than 300 individuals, trade unions, neighbours and a £24,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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NEWS Fly Girls victory at volunteer awards Brent’s very own Amanda Epe, founder of running club Fly Girls, has won Leader of the Year at this year’s England Athletics Volunteer awards.

Amanda volunteers to deliver running sessions in Wembley. During the week she encourages team members through group talks on WhatsApp and occasional meets where possible. Their ethos is to encourage people who have not run in their entire life to get started.

The Fly Girls meet on Sunday mornings at 9am in the main foyer of Brent Civic Centre for a run around the iconic Wembley Stadium, except on event days. For more info email mail@msroseblossom.org

Award winning running group ‘Fly Girls’ before their weekly run in Wembley

Crackdown on Blue Badge fraudsters A successful operation to clampdown on Blue Badge fraud in the borough saw six Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued against vehicles for illegally displaying a Blue Badge in some way and a further 12 PCNs were issued for other parking offences. Officers also seized four badges for further investigation and arranged for one vehicle to be impounded on suspicion of displaying stolen or counterfeit badges.

Hard to swallow fine for spitters Two men have received hefty fines of over £500 each after being found guilty of spitting on the streets of Brent.

Sir Trevor McDonald urges Brent residents to take up free NHS flu vaccine Sir Trevor McDonald has joined forces with the NHS in North West London to launch a major campaign encouraging those aged 65 and over and others at risk to have their flu vaccinations.

The campaign comes as Britain is warned to brace itself for a “pressurised flu season” this winter.

“This year it’s more important than ever because of the heavy flu season being reported overseas. And if you’re 65 or over, it’s free.

Don’t put it off. Contact your GP or pharmacist to arrange your flu jab.” said Sir Trevor.

The flu vaccination is also free for pregnant women and people suffering from an underlying health condition like COPD, asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney disease.

Visit www. healthiernorthwest london.nhs.uk for more information about how to stay well this winter.

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NEWS

Ledley lights up Wembley Wembley High Road festive lights were switched on by Ledley King, Francis Henry, the Mayor of Brent and councillors.

The lights were sponsored by Tottenham Hotspur and Wembley Futures. St Michael & All Angels Steel Orchestra played music for the switch-on.

Ledley King, Tottenham Hotspur Ambassador, said: “We are delighted to be a proud sponsor of this year’s Festive Lights in Wembley.”

Francis Henry, Chair of Wembley Futures, said: “We are proud to have helped bring festive lights back to Wembley Central.”

xxxx The lights on Wembley High Road were turned on by football legend Ledley King (centre)

Be a Game Changer with a free coaching course in Willesden Track Academy by Connie Henry in Willesden has become the only club in London to offer a free accredited training course for the young athletics coaches of the future.

The Game Changers programme will see participants aged between 14 and 25 train to become assistant club coaches, gaining the equivalent of a Level One coaching badge.

Each participant will spend 21 hours at the academy, which includes assisting a designated senior coach. Students will be entitled to travel expenses, while those under 18 must obtain consent from their parents/guardians.

Academy founder Connie Henry said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people with a genuine interest in athletics. It is a personal development platform for further training, while developing their key skills and communication.”

To apply contact admin@trackacademy.co.uk

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A coach and young athlete at Track Academy in Willesden

NEWS On xxxyour marks for London Youth Games School children throughout Brent are gearing up for another year of exciting sporting activity when the London Youth Games recommences later this month.

Last year saw an incredible 2,524 Brent children take part in 30 different sports, with 156 of those selected to represent the borough at London Youth Games competitions.

Could we perhaps be getting ready to see the next sporting superstar emerge from Brent? We’ll have to wait and see.

School children are getting set for the London Youth Games

LED lamps shine a light on safer, greener future The streets of Brent will soon be illuminated with new Light Emitting Diode (LED) street lamps as part of a multi-million pound investment in street lighting. The move will cut carbon emissions in the borough by half.

The light from the new lanterns will be more clearly directed towards brightening pavements and roads and will also create a clearer picture for CCTV cameras within the borough, meaning identifying incidents of crime will become easier in some cases.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This investment forms part of a wider programme in Brent to improve the quality of air we breathe and help build a cleaner, greener and safer borough for everyone.

“The new lights will also deliver savings of around £850,000 per year in reduced energy costs, which can be better spent on important services for residents elsewhere.”

Rogue landlords named and shamed Brent is one of the first London boroughs to roll out the Greater London Authority’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker. Tenants will be able to check whether the landlord they want to rent a property from is named in the rogue landlord database.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “Our inclusion in this first wave reflects the trailblazing work carried out by our licensing enforcement team in cracking down on rogue landlords.”

Noisy neighbours fined despite warnings FINE A business in Willesden Green has been fined £2,070 and its owner £660 after repeatedly disturbing neighbours with loud music. 43 year old Mr Jason Neish, owner of Fallen Angel in Willesden, failed to attend his court hearing and was found guilty in his absence.

In another case, Mr Donovan Palmer, of Acton Lane, was found guilty and ordered to pay £300 at Willesden Magistrates’ Court for playing rap music loud enough to cause vibrations in his neighbours flat.

Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “If you are suffering because of noisy neighbours, report it to the council.”

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NEWS New affordable studio spaces in Wembley

School children do their bit for cleaner air

Second Floor Studios & Arts (SFSA) will be managing 6,500sq ft. of affordable studio space – the first of its kind in Wembley Park.

The deal has been delivered through a partnership with Quintain, the developers behind the Wembley Park regeneration, and supported by Brent Council, who are providing grant funding for the fit-out of the studios through the GLA’s New Homes Bonus funding programme. It will see 26 new high quality studios offered, providing long term affordable employment space for artists’, makers and designers. Cllr Shama Tatler, Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills said: “There is significant demand for artist space across London and the Council is delighted to be able to fund the fit-out of the studios, helping to provide a long-term, affordable home for a range of creatives. The studios will support small businesses, contribute to the local economy and add vibrancy to the area.” Applications for the studio space have now opened and local residents, artists, makers and designers are being encouraged to submit their application to SFSA for the chance to become part of the growing community at Wembley Park.

To find out more visit www.secondfloor.co.uk/studios/ default.html

School children in Brent are spearheading a new campaign designed to reduce vehicle emissions outside schools in the borough.

With the help of a campaign toolkit created by Brent Council, schools in the borough can develop their own campaigns to help reduce air pollution near their grounds.

John Keble Church of England Primary School in Harlesden were the first to launch their campaign back in November, where a number of pupils showed hearty enthusiasm for protecting our environment.

This comes after a group of 95 children and accompanying adults donned their waterproofs to brave the autumn rain on two wheels in late October for the Park2Park event.

26 new studios for creatives opening soon

Pupils join Cllr Eleanor Southwoood to spread the clean air message

Make a difference this Christmas Would you like to give something back to your community?

Many people choose to start volunteering at this time of year as a way to share their skills and experience in a way that really makes a difference. There are also lots of benefits to volunteering: gaining friends, building confidence and having fun while you do it! What are you waiting for? Contact Gaby at Volunteering Brent to find out how to start volunteering: enquiry@volunteeringbrent.org.uk

LGBT rights a matter for us all Brent resident Jai Patel has delivered a speech in the House of Commons calling on young people across London to speak out for those from the LGBT community.

Chosen as part of an extremely competitive process to be London’s voice in an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, Jai, who is heterosexual, said: “Equality is something all young people should care about and so supporting our LGBT peers is something we should all be doing.

“The fight for LGBT rights is not one for the LGBT community to fight alone. We should all pull our weight in pushing for equality.”

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Jai Patel stands up for the LGBT community

NEWS Worlds collide at 2017 MTV EMAS, Wembley All eyes were on Wembley as Eminem opened the 2017 MTV EMAs with his new track ‘Walk on Water.’

The rapper took the mic in a London pub before joining the EMA stage at The SSE Arena.

Following this exclusive performance, the audience saw pop star and hometown hostess Rita Ora run through London’s streets to get to the show, with UK radio crew Kurupt FM of British sitcom “People Just Do Nothing” and a cameo from the Mayor of London himself.

The star-studded show included performances from global artists such as Liam Payne, Stormzy, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, French Montana, U2 and Camilla Cabello.

Later, Rita Ora was presented with the first-ever ‘MTV EMA Power of Music Award’ honouring the charitable efforts on behalf of all the artists who responded to Grenfell.

Hometown hostess Rita Ora welcomes global superstars to Brent

Eminem makes his comeback onstage at The SSE Arena, Wembley

Piano prodigy school success

Practice makes perfect: Deeksha and her music teacher Mignonette

Boxpark signs deal to open in Wembley Award winning retail revolutionary Boxpark and Quintain have announced a joint venture to open Boxpark Wembley. The brand new dining and event destination will be located in the heart of the 85-acre site.

It will be the first Boxpark for the north west of the capital and the third for London joining Shoreditch and Croydon.

Boxpark Wembley will fuse together modern street food with cool bars to create a unique dining and cultural destination just minutes from central London.

The venue in Wembley Park will include up to 29 independent and up and coming food and beverage traders.

Set out in a bespoke layout covering 4,000 sq m on Olympic Way (known to

Nine year old pianist Deeksha Datta from Wembley has passed her Grammar School entry exam with full marks in music.

Her music teacher Mignonette, who runs piano classes in Kingsbury, said: “I’m very proud of Deeksha. She is very talented. To achieve full marks in the exams is extremely difficult.” fans around the world as Wembley Way) it will create a new entertainment space for those living in, working at and visiting Wembley Park.

Boxpark will also provide an innovative fan village experience for visitors to the National Stadium and The SSE Arena, Wembley and provide a local venue for the 4,000 students and 2,000 people who already live at Wembley Park.

Boxpark Wembley is set to open in late 2018.

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NEWS

Faster repairs to tackle potholes A £50,000 pilot programme to improve local roads has blasted off in the borough. The process known as injection patching means a large number of potholes can be treated quickly – with a repair taking on average two minutes in comparison to 10-15 minutes taken for a conventional repair. The works are carried out under normal conditions, meaning no road closures or parking suspensions are required. A short video demonstration is available on Brent Council’s YouTube channel.

Date for your diary – Thursday 3 May 2018 Residents will be called to the polls on Thursday 3 May 2018 to elect their local councillors for the next four years.

All 63 council seats – three in each ward in Brent – will be up for grabs, with the overall result determining who controls Brent Council.

Residents need not wait until 3 May to have their voices heard on local issues, with opportunities for residents to stream, attend or even speak at council meetings.

For more information or to register to vote, visit www. brent.gov.uk/elections

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Zara Dieobi performs at the event

30th anniversary of Black History Month More than 250 guests attended a Brent Council celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of Black History Month.

The event celebrated the achievements of black and ethnic minority communities within Brent, as well as raising awareness of issues still faced.

It featured presentations on African ancient civilisations and Black History, a panel discussion on Black Excellence, live poetry and singing as well as an inspiring presentation by Althea Loderick, Strategic Director at Brent Council.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said: “I'm proud of the diversity of our communities, and events like these really go to show that culture is thriving in Brent."

NEWS War dead remembered The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Bhagwanji Chohan led tributes to Britain’s war dead at two remembrance services on Sunday 12 November.

The services, which were the Royal British Legion Remembrance Service at St John the Evangelist Church, Crawford Avenue, Wembley and The Borough Civic Remembrance Service and Parade, held in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Barham Park, are the two services that the Mayor of Brent traditionally attends each year to remember those in the borough and beyond who gave their lives in the two world wars and other conflicts.

An army cadet lays Remembrance Sunday wreath in Barham Park

Challenges for borough’s home care faces new scrutiny group The challenges in providing some of the borough’s must vulnerable residents with home care are being examined by a new scrutiny task group.

The group will look at options for commissioning home care and reablement services, which support around 1,800 people in Brent to live independently.

Task group chair Cllr Ketan Sheth, said: “Home care is one of the toughest challenges the council is facing. The number of people who are receiving the service is rising every year, but the resources the council has are declining so that means new thinking is required. I also want to make sure that our residents and their families and carers are able to receive the best possible care and support which can be provided.”

For more information, visit www.brent.gov.uk/scrutiny or tweet @Brent_ Council with #scrutinybrent

Help the aged this Christmas Starting a conversation with an elderly neighbour, volunteering with an older persons organisation and offering help with household tasks such as taking the rubbish out and changing lightbulbs are just some of the things that residents can do to help elderly neighbours this Christmas, according to Brent Council.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “Many consider the things that really matter in life at Christmas and so it’s a good time of year to remind ourselves to keep an eye out for our elderly neighbours as we should.

“Offering practical support such as posting letters or picking up prescriptions, to preparing a meal which can be reheated, to keeping an eye out for signs of winter illness and getting the proper help are all simple things we can do that can make a big difference.”

A fair society needs a real living wage for its workers The Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt hosted a coffee morning to discuss the London Living which was increased to £10.20 during Living Wage Week. The event brought together employers from a range of sectors in the borough to network and share their experiences.

Speaking at the event Cllr Butt said: “I’m proud that Brent is an accredited Living Wage employer. I want everyone in Brent to have the same opportunity regardless of their background and to be paid a fair wage.”

The Living Wage is independently calculated each year, and is based on the cost of living. There are currently 32 accredited organisations in the borough.

For further information on how to become an accredited employer email: BrentBusinessHub@brent.gov.uk WINTER 2017/2018

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REGENERATION

2 2 h s a C

JECTS

MUNITY PRO M O C 2 2 R O F H S A C ’S R DEVELOPE

Community projects across Brent have been awarded £730,000 from a new pot of money paid for by developers

T

he money, from the community infrastructure levy (CIL), is paid to council to be spent on infrastructure in the borough. 15% is spent on neighbourhood projects that meet the needs of that area.

Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills said: “I am delighted that an amazing £730,000 in CIL funding is going to local community projects and that a further round of payments will be made in early 2018.

“CIL is collected from developers to improve infrastructure and aid growth which is needed as a result of development. The added benefit of the Neighbourhood CIL is that communities have an opportunity to access funding to improve their local area. I am proud that residents and community groups can benefit from this money.” Brent has been divided into five CIL Neighbourhoods...

Kilburn

Total

£30,000

TO SUPP ORT CRE ATIVE BU SINESS, PROFESS IONALS AND TRA INEES

PROJECT: Music studio and signage

Mark Allen, South Kilburn Trust, said: “We were really pleased to find out about the funding.

It allows us to do three things in the newly refurbished Granville which will open in Spring 2018: free public WiFi; new music studios so we can continue to support the music businesses and projects that have been happening in South Kilburn Studios; and some new street signage so people can easily find the building.

We can’t wait until our big launch next year.”

Tony from Kas-tro productions is looking forward to producing in the new studio at the Granville

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REGENERATION Total

£75,50

0

TO RES TORE A MUCH L OVED COMMU NITY AS SET

PROJECT: Kensal Rise Library

Harlesden

Stephanie Schonfield, Friends of Kensal Rise Library, said: “The much-loved Kensal Rise Library has been closed for years, so it’s become a shell – missing all its basics like flooring, heating and lighting. The community has worked long and hard to raise funds towards its refurbishment, and now thanks to the CIL funding, we can finally start initial works to bring it back to life.

“Completing these works will mean we’ll be able to use the library as a ‘meanwhile space’ for further fundraising and performance events to help us buy furniture, shelves, computers, Wi-Fi, new books and all the other things a modern library and community space need.”

Total

£40,00 0

TO PRO TECT A ND ADD TO GREEN SPACES

Total

£7,457

TO ENC OURAG E EDUC A AND DE VELOPM TION ENT

Kingsbury

Wembley

PROJECT: Barnhill trees

PROJECT: Destiny House – after schools homework club

Sherine Kefel, Barn Hill Residents Association, said: “We are very lucky to live in Barnhill – it’s a beautiful place. The neighbourhood CIL funding will allow us to plant new trees, adding to the greenery of our area.”

Total

£3,500

TO INSP IRE THE NEXT T ECH GENER ATION

Willesden FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING FUTURE PROJECT APPLICATIONS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.BRENT.GOV.UK/CIL

“We are so pleased to have secured this funding. It will allow children the opportunity to do their homework in a helpful environment with access to resources, facilities, and guidance from teaching staff. This will make the homework club more efficient and enjoyable in its delivery.”

PROJECT: Code Clubs and STEM Clubs in Brent Libraries Sarah Smith, The Library at Willesden Green, said: “We launched our first Code Club in January 2016 with the help of local software developer Neil Benn. Neil’s passion for working with computers led him to want to volunteer with Brent Libraries and run digital making workshops for children, thereby offering new learning opportunities for local children in the community. We are delighted to have received funding to help us to continue to deliver the Code clubs and launch our STEM club. The future’s bright for Brent Libraries.”

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The many faces behind the counters on our high streets

Small business at the heart of

C

MMUNITY

Moaz Salahi, co-owner of Aleppo House

The team at Early Bird restaurant in Wembley

Moaz Salahi, co-owner of a Syrian and Lebanese restaurant Aleppo House in Willesden Green, also understands the challenges of entrepreneurship. A trained medical doctor, he opened his restaurant, Aleppo House, alongside his long-time friend who had come to London from Damascus. “My friend comes from a hardworking family and is an excellent cook, so when he suggested we open a restaurant, I was keen to give it a go,” explains Moaz. They opened their restaurant in a building on High Road in May this year. “Our customers always come back to us once they’ve tasted our food.”

SHOP LOCALLY FREE car parking in 11 car parks across Brent every Saturday and Sunday in December.

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Another passionate Brent based entrepreneur is Christine Coke, owner of the Early Bird restaurant in Wembley. Having been in business for 13 years, Christine knows just how important community support is. “It’s the community support I’ve received over the years that’s allowed me to build my business,” she says. Specialising in traditional English and Caribbean food, Christine uses only the most authentic ingredients, which she sources from speciality Caribbean shops. “My regular customers come back to me for the quality of my food. The big chain restaurants just can’t offer this kind of authenticity,” she says.

BUSINESS

From the smallest of micro businesses to the 500-year-old family firm, small businesses are a vital part of our community providing goods and services, creating jobs and binding our neighbourhoods together. To encourage these businesses to grow and thrive we need your support

Sophia Edwards with her young son

Sophia Edwards, owner of Reine Noire Boutique on Harlesden High Street, started her business while she was on maternity leave. “I was passionate about doing something that would benefit the community, so I opened a clothing store for women of all ages and sizes.”

Sophia is determined to persevere thanks to customers who support her on a regular basis. “My business has brought many positive people into my life,” she explains.

“I have incredible conversations with customers who tell me stories that you would never imagine. Some struggle with depression and simply come in to talk - it’s very rewarding.” On competing with bigger stores, Sophie says, “It’s tough, but I pride myself on running a true community-spirited shop.” She firmly believes in the power reciprocity, “It’s a matter of me helping the community and the community helping me.”

Geeta Sarin has dressed Diana, Princess of Wales

When we lose our small businesses, we lose the soul and character of our streets,” says Geeta Sarin, owner of Rivaaz Boutique on Ealing Road, Wembley. A specialist in Indian couture, Geeta has noticed a big change in her area over the last ten years.

“Ealing Road used to be the ‘hat and garden’ of Brent. We had wonderful high-end boutiques and customers coming from all over the country,” she explains. According to Geeta, increased rates and taxes, the influx of online shopping and a lack of parking have gradually driven out small businesses and brought in big chain stores. “We now also have more betting shops than ever before and our small businesses have been replaced by Sainsbury’s and Iceland.” As an established business owner known for producing high quality customised garments, Geeta has to rely on her industry reputation to pull her through. “Many of my orders come through referrals, but overall the small-business climate is tough,” she explains. “We’d love to restore Ealing Road to its former glory, but we can only do this through the support of the community.”

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HAPPY & HEALTHY

FREE CHILDCARE

FOR YOUR FAMILY Working parents in Brent are now eligible for up to 30 hours free child care for their three and four year olds. We caught up with one parent...

I

’m sure a lot of parents know that childcare is extremely expensive” says Wembley resident Emma Franklin, mother to Kayden, aged three.

“There’d been a lot in the media about thirty hours free (childcare) so I thought I’d do a bit of googling and a few weeks later the nursery sent me a link to apply.

“It’s definitely impacted our finances in a positive way. For us, it means that the money we are saving we can channel into doing other things for Kayden such as swimming lessons and he currently goes to football, but there are lots of other activities we can now fund.”

The new national childcare Emma Franklin: scheme allows households in the new childcare England where parents of funding has made a children aged three or four are massive difference working, earning at least a £120 a week, but less than

“It’s definitely impacted our finances in a positive way”

Kayden, aged 3, now enjoys swimming and football lessons

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£100,000 a year, to claim 30 hours free childcare over 38 weeks of the year.

If you are eligible you’ll have the option to split the funded hours between different providers, such as between a childminder and a session at pre-school.

Emma told The Brent Magazine of her options if she didn’t have free childcare: “There is a possibility

that I would have had to reduce my hours at work, so some days he would have to spend with me instead of nursery. I know many parents do find themselves in those circumstances.

“I thought (the application process) was quite simple, the nursery were very good and gave us a slip with the details of the website to apply, everything seemed quite straight forward.”

For parents looking to take advantage of the scheme from January, they must submit their applications by 31 December 2017, with the next deadline falling in March for the start of the summer term. 850 families in Brent have already benefitted from this scheme.

“Why don’t you apply for 30 hours free childcare?” says Emma. “It can really make a difference.”

responsible for planning and designing many health services in the borough.

For more information please email: brentccg.engagement@nhs.net or call 020 8795 6107/6122

Attention all landlords

Properties wanted Since 1968 Shepherds Bush Housing Association has been a trusted part of the local community, now managing more than 5,000 homes. For 25 years, we’ve been managing, maintaining and guaranteeing rents for landlords.

Contact us to discuss your options and to arrange a no obligation visit

We are looking for properties in all areas on GUARANTEED or MARKET rent. Cash incentives offered.

GUARANTEED RENT SCHEME We can take on ‘hard to let’ or large properties including HMOs • Advance monthly rent even if your property is empty • No management fee or commission – we pay what we quote • • Grants funding advice • No void works if the property becomes empty within lease (exceptions apply)

MARKET RENT SCHEME • Yearly contracts • Free rent guarantee • Tenant referencing for your chosen tenant • Free photo inventory • 24/7 repairs service and furniture supply • Full Management or Rent Collection

Landlords hotline: 020 8996 4271 psateam.sbha@sbhg.co.uk www.sbhg.co.uk/landlords

The home of guaranteed rents

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DIV RCE IS NEVER

THE BRENT MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2014

7135_TBM141_ P28 Brent CCG SBhousing.indd 2

EASY But we try to make it easier.

Contact us on the details below to see if we are the right solicitors for you

What you can expect Direct lawyer contact Same-day response Fixed predictable fees

QualitySolicitors Alexander & Partners 0208 965 7121 admin@alexanderandpartners.co.uk

www.qualitysolicitors.com/alexanderandpartners

9/9/14 15:06:26

Day Care from £35.00 a day – huge discounts available!

We have a fantastic range of services including :• Specialist day care • Lunch • Transport to and from the Centre on our own minibuses • Activity and social groups • Tai Chi exercise classes • Art classes • Computer classes • Movement to Music classes

• • • •

Music Therapy Chiropodist services Hairdressing salon Outings, events and day trips to the seaside • Assisted bathing service • Health and wellbeing advice and support • Information and advice service

Come and see us! To book a visit to see what we do, please call 0208 908 1220 or email office@sudburyneighbourhoodcentre.co.uk Location Sudbury Neighbourhood Centre 809 Harrow Road Wembley HA0 2LP (located behind Sudbury Methodist Church)

Transport Free car parking is available at the Centre Trains: Sudbury & Harrow Road (Chiltern Railways) Sudbury Town (Piccadilly Line) Buses: 18, 92, 182, 204, 245, 487, H17, N18

HAPPY & HEALTHY

T

FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD

GoodGym is a community of runners who get fit by doing good

The team get ready for their Monday run

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Trainer Ellie Hutch (left) leads the Brent runs

he act of giving is beneficial to both the receiver and the giver, according to the people at GoodGym. By showing generosity, you can actively reduce your own stress levels, improve your overall wellbeing and even prolong your life.

GoodGym is a London-based social enterprise where volunteers run to visit elderly people and is a good example of how being charitable can give you a greater sense of belonging. “Many of our runners join the GoodGym, because they feel isolated,” explains GoodGym’s Alex Kenmure. “By connecting with elderly people and other runners, our team build confidence and resilience, discover new members of their society and enjoy the social elements of giving back.”

Alex also volunteers as a runner GoodGym, which means that he runs weekly to visit an elderly woman. “I’ve learnt so much from her – she used to be an actress and is very extroverted, while I’m a shy kind of guy,” he explains. “These runs have given me a great sense of purpose - it’s now a part of who I am.”

Ellie Hutch, GoodGym’s Brent-based trainer, says that she always feels elevated after doing something for the greater good in an active way.

“London can be quite a selfish city with an urgent energy, which makes it all the more important to do something for others,” she says. “I always see a wonderful sense of community among our runners and the joy they get from doing something that really matters.”

Not only is giving back a great way to meet new people, but studies show that we’re able to alleviate depression, prolong our life and strengthen our hearts by interacting with others in a meaningful way.

From Fryent Country Park to Roundwood Park, Brent GoodGym runners pound the streets helping those most in need. They’re always up for welcoming new runners, so if you’re interested in getting fit and giving back to your community, visit www.goodgym.org/areas/brent Twitter @GoodGymBrent Alex Kenmure visiting a resident in her home

YourBrent

FREE TO YOUR INBOX

All the latest Brent...

• NEWS • VIEWS • OFFERS • WHAT’S ON www.brent.gov.uk/ yourbrent

Something free, fun and festive is coming to Wembley Park 3 0 .11 .17 Pre-register and be the first to ride: www.slideatron.co.uk

COMPETITION

d r a c a n o s a e Id

rds rather a c s a tm s ri h C n w o r Create you ually send s u e w s e n o d n la b e than use th n was hand

M

Luke and Lauren Foster opened Muffin and Me four years ago

ure summer this year, La as cards for tm uffin and Me, run by ris Ch the all g writin ke ile Luke wh ly brother and sister, Lu Ju Muffin and Me in m and did the rs, lie pp and Lauren Foster, fro su th organised wi e th e uc od pr ll wi , ction.

Kilburn marketing and produ in by nt se as ide e e our cards as re th top “Most people describ t as ist. From a tw a th the residents of Bren wi cute and quirky ing nn pe m out fro k really cute but they take some time distance, the cards loo s. rd they often have a ca their witty greeting when you read them t ‘tell tha s rd ca le ab Lauren. “It’s or ys ad The seemingly sting in their tail!” sa it; have t pu to ustry where es ind lik , an 29 , in ke it as it is’ as Lu strange working n ffi Mu ce sin ghter seasons ahead.” had people in fits of lau you have to think a few o. ag ars ye r designing d fou “We were writing an and Me opened shop eeky ch g itin wr t ” ou ly! d Ju rte Lauren, 27, sta Christmas cards in the whiteboard to the borough over Since Luke moved to one-liners at work on low fel r he es of fallen in love with put a smile on the fac four years ago, he has r he th wi up ing m tiful parks. colleagues before tea the area and the beau It’s easily rn. bu “I love living in Kil older brother. central London, m fro d an commutable to on our doorstep. and has loads to offer er four years now ve gone flying We’ve lived here for ov “No books and pens ha ng rki many fantastic wo so d we starte and love it. There are across the room since absolute d ba my t of tha e t on t no y it’s places to go bu together so I would sa is rk, especially in the said Luke. “Lauren favourites is Queen’s Pa working with family,” . e and I’m more summer,” added Luke t truly the ‘creative’ on at ative caps on and ge law d cre die ur yo stu t I . ge ed , tat So en if e business ori se to and Luke ponsible one in touch with Lauren university so I’m the res r ou gh to be produced ge ou an en ch od to go ve is ha a your ide apparently. We often . ” ers next Christmas. rtn to business pa and on the shelves for mindset from family re enjoying the While the rest of us we

A family business

S TO TWEET IN YOUR IDEA AIL EM OR K @MUFFINANDMEU K O.U E.C DM LUKE@MUFFINAN

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ARTS & CULTURE

b s t n e r b k c a b # We’ve been gathering together Brent’s cultural partners over the last couple of months as we pull together our bid to win the Mayor of London’s new competition to be named London Borough of Culture for the year 2020

T

he bids from all the different London boroughs hoping to win the title are going to be submitted on 1 December, so we’re keeping the ideas in our bid a closely guarded secret until then, so as to keep our ideas away from the eyes of our competitors.

Rest assured though, if we are named the winner next February, that will give us nearly two years to work up the details of what we deliver in 2020 with even more people across Brent, so you’ll have plenty more chances to shape our plans.

The title of London Borough of Culture comes with a prize of £1.1 million

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from the Mayor of London, to spend on cultural events in the winning area over that year. This is a big prize, well worth winning.

Brent has maybe the widest and most exciting mix of cultures of any part of London – from across the world, from young to old, from every different art form, from renowned world class talent to the grassroots, and from every corner of the borough.

Watch this space for some exciting news, and in the meantime, show your support and join in by visiting www.brentculture2020.co.uk and by sharing your favourite local cultural venue, event, artist or performer along with the hashtags #mylocalculture and #backbrentsbid

YOUR TOP TWEETS

s bid Festival of Fire and Light: a colourful extravaganza

Mr C is backing Brent’s bid

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T KNOW ABOUT BRENT 10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NO ire Exhibition . Wembley bley Wem to ld wor brought the a centrepiece as t buil ly inal orig was ium Stad

4. Held in 1924, the British Emp

1. Bob Marley once called

Neasden home - look out for the plaque on the street where he lived.

2. Mapesbury Dell is an award by winning park that was set up hidden between and for the local community, Estate. the houses of the Mapesbury ber 1 hit num r thei rded reco 3. Clean Bandit ios for Stud urn Kilb th Sou the at Be’ ‘Rather on some ng taki d free in exchange for the ban . ices rent app as local young people

to the exhibition

with d Union Gran the s view c asti some fant rton to Canal which stretches from Alpe Kensal Green. t’s Civic 6. Since being built in 2014, Bren of films set the n bee ady alre Centre has nnel 4’s Cha and TV including The Avengers, GameFace

5. Brent’s got its own canal walk

Emmy winning actor Riz Ahmed says: “Brent is an incredible borough bursting with energy, talent and creativity. Much of that is down to the influences of different communities and cultures that have come from all over the world to make my home borough the unique place that it is today. I’m backing Brent’s bid and am tipping it to win London Borough of Culture 2020.”

erground bunker ng WW2. duri ll rchi Chu used by Winston test was held Con g Son n visio Euro 8. The 1977 the UK’s entry, in Wembley! Despite its name ive second. ress imp an Rock Bottom finished ses in hou , ’ tles ‘cas own 9. Brent has its very t itec arch by d gne desi ry Kingsbu Ernest Trobridge 10. Welsh Harp is one of the largest lakes in London and one of the few places where you . can learn to sail within London

7. Dollis Hill is home to an und

Mariah Idrissi, H&M hijab model, says: “Brent being one of the most multicultural boroughs in the country is just one thing that made it great to grow up in. With so much diversity in one borough, we have seen loads of talented and influential people emerge and I’m proud to call Brent home! ”

Shaun Wallace, The Chase star says: “Brent is fantastically versatile, welcoming worldwide food, music arts and fashion. It is definitely worthy of London Borough of Culture 2020 so that we can showcase our creativity to the world. This award will help the future generations of Brent have the chance to be creative and enjoy living and playing.”

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Raheem Sterling, England international footballer, says “Growing up in Brent, I lived right behind iconic Wembley Stadium – probably the most mber reme I e. lifetim your in see could you thing this to and ch scrat from built g seeing it gettin the day, whenever I’m on the team coach to how stadium I get flashbacks. It’s great to see re is cultu how and g lopin deve the area is really such a massive part of the community.”

HI AKA POEM BY CHRIS BESC ACHER TE RT (A S OU POET CURI HI FROM KINGSBURY COGH SCHOOL) TWITTER.S M/ POETCURIOU

In the home of lonely stadium, Where nation dreams are built and dashed, The country comes and travels back, Where youts on road spit freestyle raps, The centre of community, Whose voices clash, avoid the traps.

Bold and brash; their red brick Rhetoric, high rise like flats, on these chalk hills and church roads.

Books wrote from our post codes.

We are hushed shubs tones And rowdy Irish pub homes Brent…

The Twain, Zadie, Charlie, Marley ends, Hawkeye for reggae blends, With Rajasthani sari trends, Mahogany masqueraders parade your carnival We can’t pretend, It’s hard in ends, North Weezy, never easy, We caste off our creeds To carve our paths freely.

The blueprint burbs Of future worlds On verges of metropolis, Patchwork maps of Paths and tracks, The fields, the parks, The black tarmac, The yin, the yang, The gun, the gang Are poverty never stopping we, We fight the rising rents Our multi-culture is our property, Remain in this authority Representing properly.

A cacophony of colour Cousin-brothers of diaspora, Sisters of resistance Twisting struggle into laughter, Poets of a poison chalice Holding onto heritage, We open doors to Empire’s fall, We welcome all and let ‘em live, Shape positive from negative And never seek acceptance, In Brent we’re building futures, We don’t follow trends, we set them.

Rita Ora at the Europe MTV Music Awards

Singer Songwriter Arjun performing at the Colours Festival of Fire and Light

SAFER BRENT

Beyond the stereotype In 2007, Willesden’s Ace Ruele was sentenced to eight years in prison for robbery with an imitation firearm.

Fast forward to 2017, he now owns an entertainment company and has starred in a Hollywood blockbuster and a much-loved TV soap opera

G

oing to prison was a transformative experience for me”, says Ace Ruele. “I learned to let go of the desire to live up to a particular image of being a youth from the streets to paying attention to the things I loved, such as psychology, spirituality, health and fitness.”

When he was released from prison in 2012, Ace set out to make a success of his life and achieve his goals despite his criminal record and the stereotypes this can create.

Ace sought the help of Access UK which is an employment service for Afro Caribbean people. “I spoke with the founder of Access UK who helped me to develop my enterprise skills and tapped into my creative abilities to set up my own business, an entertainment agency. He had a clear understanding of the lifestyle I had lived and environment I was from, and appreciated my reasons for not wanting to pursue a nine to five role. I now believed that, even with my criminal record and history, I could still become someone of value and have a career in the field I desired.”

Ace’s drive, mixed with the support he received from Access, UK led to major success - from playing Rowan in EastEnders earlier this year to starring in Hollywood blockbuster Legend of Tarzan and British film Brotherhood. In addition to his entertainment business, Ace also founded the Self Success programme which works with schools, charities and youth groups to help younger generations achieve their own goals.

“Self Success is about having the ability to be totally aware and in control of your own actions and know the correct formula for achieving personal goals. The programme is designed to help individuals live up to their full potential by foclusing on these keys principles.”

Speaking about what’s next for the comeback kid, Ace says: “I’m looking to write a book as well as continue to hold more workshops in schools across London. My book will be titled Beyond The Stereotype and will come with a DVD featuring interviews with 30 black men who have been involved in crime, or lived in areas affected by crime, but gone on to become successful in other areas.”

“

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IT’S TIME TO TALK IN BRENT

IT'S T

ME T O TAIL K

Brent’s Time to Talk campaign aims to tackle some of the more difficult issues we face locally by fully involving residents and local communities in creating grassroots, community-led solutions. Events in the past have focused on tackling gangs, hate crime, extremism and radicalisation.

A new series of Time to Talk shows have been taking place on Beat FM, a radio station which transmits within a 7 mile radius from Harlesden High Street, where it’s located. The radio shows include a panel discussion and phone in chaired by Claire Clottey, Community Development Specialist. Panellists have included David Mullings, founder of Action in the Community and Father Figure; Ashton Thomas aka K Triggz, rapper, songwriter and animator from Stonebridge and Nequela Whittaker, former gang member and author of ‘Street Girl’.

Ace Ruele: come-back kid

Three shows have taken place so far on Gangs and Serious Youth Violence, Domestic Abuse and Culture in Brent. To listen to the shows, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/strongercommunities.

Ace has starred in Hollywood blockbuster The Legend of Tarzan (top) and British film Brotherhood (below)

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❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

What does it mean to be a

R E T S F❤ CARER? “A foster carer doesn’t need to have an endless list of qualifications.

What they really need is the experience of working with children and young people in a caring environment” says Wembley resident, Julie Long, who has been fostering in Brent with her husband, Kevin Long, since 2015.

Busy mum Julie knows this very well, as she manages her fostering role, along with her part time job as a Centre Manager for an organisation which supports young people.

“As a manager, my responsibilities lean more towards general maintenance of the unit - making sure we have everything we need and keeping things in good repair for the people who use our services. I have a lot of contact with young people and this has really helped me in my fostering task.”

It’s not just a one way street. Julie believes fostering has helped her better understand her current role.

“The training and support I have received as a Brent foster carer has been fantastic. I have had the opportunity to develop my professional skills and use some of those skills in the workplace. I feel that I have learnt so much since I started fostering.”

“Fostering has made such a difference to our lives. It has made us more open, empathetic and compassionate as a family. We have young children of our own and they are fully supportive of our fostering role.

They enjoy having another sibling around! It has really opened their eyes and made them more appreciative of what it means to have a family. I would definitely recommend fostering to anyone who has the space in their hearts and home. Even my sister decided to go for it. She was approved as a foster carer earlier this year.

Making that tiny difference INFORMATION EVENINGS to someone’s life is so Brent organises regular fostering rewarding. Despite the information events at Brent Civic challenges, I am enjoying Centre, Wembley every month: every minute of it!”

• Thursday 1 February 2018, 5.45pm If you would like more information please contact • Thursday 1 March 2018, 5.45pm our Fostering Team on More information is available at 020 8937 4538 or email www.brent.gov.uk/fostering fostering@brent.gov.uk

e most fulfilling, th on ke ta n ca u yo To find out how of a lifetime, visit le ro ng di ar w re d challenging an ll 020 8937 4538 ca or g in er st fo k/ .u www.brent.gov

foster Brent

Help Brent Sparkle during the holidays

With three bank holidays over Christmas and New Year, there will be some changes to the days your bins are collected COLLECTION DAY CHANGES OVER CHRISTMAS If your bin is due to be collected on... It will now be collected on...

Monday 25 December...............................Saturday 23 December Tuesday 26 December..............................Sunday 24 December Monday 1 January.......................................Saturday 30 December ‘FIND YOUR COLLECTION DAY ONLINE’

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY REAL CHRISTMAS TREE?

• If you are signed Search at www.brent.gov.uk/recycling if you’re unsure what up to our garden waste dates apply to you. service, you can cut your tree into pieces and GET 2018 OFF TO A GREEN START place these From Tuesday 3 January you can sign up to receive the in you r green bin.

2018/19 garden waste service. If you sign up before 31 March, you will save £10. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/gardenwaste • You can also take it to the Refuse and Recycling Centre, JINGLE ALL THE WAY…TO YOUR RECYCLING BIN Abbey Road NW 10 7TJ, but keep in mind that this will be Find out which bin to use when all of your food has closed on December been eaten and presents are unwrapped by visiting 25, 26 and 27 and also www.brent.gov.uk/recycleopedia on January 1.

• Arrange for it to be taken as part of WINTER GARDEN WASTE SERVICE CHANGES our bulky waste service which costs £35 Keep in mind, from December to February for up to five items. your garden waste collection will take place once a • You will also be able to take month. Have a look at your collection calendar or visit www.brent.gov.uk/recycling for more information. your Christmas tree to a drop-off point in a local park or green space in Januar y.

Please visit www.brent.gov.uk/recycling for exact locations and dates.

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CLEANER & GREENER

→

L u o y e r e h w E LOV WE LOVE

We love the enthusiasm that so many residents show day in, day out, to improve their local neighbourhoods and build community spirit.

Our Love Where You Live campaign is about putting you in the driving seat to improve your local environment and bring your community together.

If you’re thinking of organising a community activity, or have a plan for how to bring the sparkle back to your neighbourhood, let us know what you’ve got planned and we’ll tell you what we can do to support you. From organising a community clean up or event to starting a coffee morning for your vulnerable neighbours – the sky is the limit.

→

WE HATE

We hate illegally dumped rubbish and littering as much as you do, which is why we are cracking down and prosecuting those who commit this selfish crime in Brent.

But we need your help to do even more. Report illegally dumped rubbish and let us know if you know who’s dumping it and our team will investigate.

We don’t need you to go all James Bond on us, but keep your eyes peeled and help us make Brent’s streets clean and safe for everyone.

FINED!

→

FINED! “At the heart of what makes L VE Brent such a great place to live and work is the pride that residents have in their local areas. Our Love Where You Live campaign is about encouraging everyone in the borough to care for the landscape around us and to FINED! create a better environment.”

LiVe WHeRe You

Cllr Eleanor Southwood Brent Council Cabinet Member for Environment 36

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u LIVE

→

Our anti-gum littering campaign gave commuters something to ‘chew on’ as Willesden Green tube station was transformed into a wild woodland to highlight responsible gum disposal.

You wouldn’t throw your gum in a beautiful forest, so why drop it on our streets?

FINED!

IT’S A CRIME NOT TO CARE We’re dishing out a dose of tough love to those who continue to dump rubbish illegally in our streets and parks.

Since January 2017, we have issued:

Your rubbis h

• 69 Fixed Penalty Notices for illegally dumping rubbish

your

,

responsibilit

y

• 800+ Fixed Penalty Notices for littering • 427 Fixed Penalty Notices for domestic Duty of Care noncompliance

→

Are you doing the right thi your waste? ng with Find out or you end up with a criminal rec could ord.

www.brent.g ov.uk

→

Eight- year-old Sam Peacock, Sudbury Town Residents’ Association’s youngest litter picker, has been doing his bit and helping clean up the streets and parks in Sudbury. Sam’s dedication and love for his neighbourhood is inspiring others to make a difference in their communities.

• 252 Fixed Penalty Notices for business Duty of Care noncompliance

DO YOUR BIT

→ R eport illegally dumped rubbish on the Cleaner Brent smartphone app. Download the app at www.brent.gov.uk/cleanerbrent.

→ O rganise a community clean-up. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/cleanup or email

recyclemore@brent.gov.uk to arrange, or to take part in, a clean-up in your area.

→ R ecycle your waste. Find out more by downloading Recycleopedia, our smartphone app, or by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/recycling.

→ P ut your bins out on time. If you’re unsure of your bin collection times, visit www.brent. gov.uk/recycling and enter your postcode into ‘Find Your Collection Day’.

→ R eport graffiti on the Cleaner Brent smartphone app Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/lovewhereyoulive.

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MY COMMUNITY

Generous George When George Branch retired five years ago, he decided he wanted to use some of his spare time to give something back to the community – by becoming a home libraries delivery volunteer

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ach week George delivers to library customers across Brent. Some are housebound and others are mobile but struggle to visit the library regularly and carry home the books, so they find the Home Libraries service much more convenient.

“I enjoy it tremendously,” said George. “At first, I was nervous as I hadn’t worked with the community before but now I wish I had started volunteering sooner, in my spare time, even before I retired. The work is just so rewarding. It’s nice to feel you are helping others but I also get a lot out of it. The role allows me to meet interesting new people and helps me to keep active.”

Most of George’s customers are elderly but the service is also available to people who have disabilities or are temporarily unable to get out and about easily due to illness or injury.

“I visit all kinds of interesting people,” said George.

“That is the part of this role I enjoy the most. One of my favourite customers is 105 years old and has so many interesting stories about growing up in the East End of London, which is an area I know well so we spend a lot of time chatting about our memories.”

“Lots of the customers like to chat, some have a cup of tea and plate of biscuits ready for me each time I visit and we can talk for quite a while, with others it is just a quick friendly ‘Hello, how are you?’ as I deliver the books. I have learned lots doing this role. Many of the customers are keen readers and recommend books to me.

“Seeing how much they appreciate the books, DVDs and audio books I bring is the other aspect of the role I love. I find it very satisfying knowing that I am playing a part in helping people to keep reading and learning throughout their lives.”

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George with Diana, aged 105

HOME LIBRARIES Home Libraries is a service that is provided free to Brent residents. If you would like to make use of this service, or know someone you think would benefit, or if you would like to know about volunteering opportunities, please email libraries@brent.gov.uk.

e

George Branch gives back to the community by volunteering with Brent Libraries

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HAPPY & HEALTHY

New year new start Make a promise to take charge of your health this year.

The Brent Magazine has tips on diet, fitness and giving up those addictions to transform your well-being in 2018

1

MAKE SMALL WEIGHTLOSS GOALS AND ACHIEVE BIG RESULTS

Losing just 10 pounds can do a whole lot more for you than helping you look better in your favourite jeans. It can also lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of a stroke, ward off dementia, lower your risk of cancer, and lower your cholesterol up to 10%.

Visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ weight-loss-guide for lots of advice and tips

2

CUT THE EXCUSES AND GET FIT NOW

You don’t need expensive exercise equipment to get in shape. Leading an inactive lifestyle can lead to pain in your body, and put a damper on your mental and emotional state. Stop the excuses and get moving today! There are lots of FREE activities in Brent that you can get involved with visit www.brent.gov.uk/heartbeats for more details.

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DITCH SMOKING FOR GOOD

Every 15 cigarettes you smoke will cause a mutation that can lead to cancer, so there’s no better reason for quitting than for your own health. We offer up to 12-weeks of free support for would-be quitters, which includes regular clinics and free or affordable medication. You will normally be offered weekly one-to-one appointments with an advisor, but we also offer group, drop-in services and telephone support as well. Please contact the Brent Stop Smoking service at stopsmoking@brent.gov.uk TOP TIP If you’ve drank a little too much over the Christmas holidays and feel like a detox why not take part in Dry January – for more details visit www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/dry-january

4

MINDFULNESS We all know we need to eat well and keep active to ensure we are physically fit and healthy, but what do we do to ensure good mental and emotional wellbeing? One in four adults will suffer from mental health issues at some stage in their life, so it’s important that everyone finds a way to make sure your mind stays fit and healthy too. Visit www. brentmind.org.uk for help and advice.

SAVE THE DATE

Full Council M

Would you like to have your voice heard and see local decision making in action?

There are various ways you can get involved: ou can request to speak at one of our Council, Cabinet or Y Scrutiny meetings or submit a petition on a local issue ost of our meetings are open to the public and you can also M watch a live broadcast of our Full Council meetings online ou can be kept updated on meetings by registering to receive Y emails letting you know when reports are available ou can raise an issue with your local ward councillor by email Y or in person at one of their advice surgeries or via your local Brent Connects meeting I f you would like to share your views on resident engagement and how you would like to get involved please complete the following survey – www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UQM5A/ For more information visit Brent’s Democracy pages at www.democracy.brent.gov.uk or contact the Governance Team: committee@brent.gov.uk

Register to vote The next local elections are due to take place in May. In order to have your say, you must be registered to vote. If you have recently moved or turned 18, please register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote You will need your National Insurance Number and must also be a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen.

REMEMBER you are not automatically registered to vote.

Paying Council Tax, for example, does not mean you are included on the Electoral Register.

For more information please visit www.brent.gov.uk/services-for-residents/voting-and-elections

eetings ■ Monday 22 January 2018 ■ Monday 26 February 2018 Meetings st art at 7pm a n d are held at Bren t Civic Centr e Cabinet Me eti

ngs ■ Monday 11 Decemb er 2017 ■ Monday 15 January 2 018 ■ Monday 12 February 2 018 ■ Monday 12 March 2 018 ■ Monday 9 April 2018 Meetings st art at 6pm a nd are held at Brent Civic Centre Register to vote deadline: Tu esday 17 April 201 8

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ARTS & CULTURE

IN THE WINGS The Tricycle Theatre is undergoing a major £6.6m refurbishment to bring Brent’s beloved theatre into the 21st century.

THE T H IS SETEATRE REOP TO EARL EN IN Y 201 8

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he works are well underway on Kilburn High Road and artistic director Indhu Rubasingham could not be happier. Artistic director Indhu Rubasingham, who has been at the helm of the distinguished group since 2012, wants to give the younger members of society the chance to have a voice via the stage.

Obviously she would rather be putting on shows like the awardwinning Handbagged, which won an Olivier award in 2014 portraying Margaret Thatcher’s meetings with the Queen and the hugely successful Red Velvet about the first big black Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge but the renovation was desperately needed.

When the project is finished, the theatre’s capacity will rise to 325 which means an additional 93 seats.

“The theatre has not been updated for a while so it was time for us to get our hands dirty. Our disability access was poor and the auditorium was in need of a revamp to bring it up-to-date and bring the Tricycle into the future. The Capital Project is about creating a better version of ourselves,” said Indhu.

“It will allow us to attract new audiences and put on even more ambitious shows. Even the front of house is getting a makeover with a new cafe as we want to give the audience a memorable experience from the moment they walk into the building to the moment they leave.”

Artistic director Indhu Rubasingham

The project will increase the size of the auditorium by approximately 25%, and quadruple the number of permanent wheelchair accessible seats in the auditorium from 2 to 8.

“In refurbishing the theatre and front of house spaces with this ambitious and exciting project, the Tricycle is reaffirming its place at the heart of Kilburn for the local community,” said actor Jim Carter, who is best-known for playing Mr Carson in Downton Abbey. He also performed at the Tricycle in the 1990s in Doug Lucie’s Fashion.

Indhu was pleased that the Tricycle’s original 232-seater auditorium and stage that was designed by Tim Foster when the theatre opened in 1980 has found a new home after it was donated to a school in Kent; providing a theatre space that youngsters can put on shows from.

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HOUSING

Show homelessness

the door S oaring house prices, rising rental rates, government cuts to benefits and a limited social housing stock mean that the fear of being without a home is a problem affecting an increasing number of households.

With the Homelessness Reduction Act due to be implemented in April next year and the government’s benefit cap hampering tenants’ ability to pay their rent, housing experts used the council’s ‘Homelessness Summit’ held in October to highlight the services available to help residents either find, or keep, their home.

One Brent-based solution is the new ground-breaking scheme known as the Single Homelessness Prevention Service, or SHPS Scheme.

Sajid Mallal, 55, is one of the people the SHPS Scheme is helping.

“I have been homeless for 10 days with only the sky for shelter,” Sajid explained during his first SHPS appointment. “I came to the Civic Centre last week and was given a SHPS appointment for today.”

Alfie Startup is the SHPS Prevention and

Alfie Startup, SHPS Homelessness Prevention and Relief Worker, with Sajid Mallal at Brent Civic Centre

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A financial blow lands out of nowhere.

You’re wondering how to make ends meet.

Your landlord won’t accept a shortfall on your rent. You’re going to be homeless.

You need help. What can you do?

Relief Worker who is helping Sajid to find a home. He has been in touch with Street Link, a charity that ensures people sleeping rough are connected to local services and support, while he works with Sajid on finding a suitable home in the private rented sector. Alfie has also identified what additional support Sajid can access to make sure his next home is more sustainable.

Before the SHPS scheme, single homeless people, or those at risk of homelessness with few support needs, would not be eligible for any direct assistance to help them with their housing issues. The SHPS service pre-empts the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act, which will work with anyone due to become homeless within 56 days to try and prevent or relieve their homelessness.

“In the first month since launching we saw more people than we were expecting,” Alfie said. “The

HOMELESSNESS IN THE UK • More than 307,000 people in Britain are homeless today • The number of homeless people in Britain has increased by 13,000 in a year • One in every 200 people in England is currently homeless. *According to research by Shelter

highest cause of homelessness is people being evicted from private rented accommodation.”

Cllr Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said: “Until now, we've not been able to give enough help to most single people facing the prospect of homelessness.

Now, we have the tools we need to get involved earlier and to work with people for longer.”

Show homelessness the door at: www.brent.gov.uk/homelessness

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REGENERATION

TRAINSPOTTING AT OLD OAK COMMON Over 111 years since first servicing trains in 1906, Great Western Railway unlocked the doors of Old Oak Common depot to Brent residents and train lovers alike

T

the face of intercity travel in the UK. While celebrating the past there was also a glimpse of the future. The HST fleet, which still operates today, is soon to be replaced after over 40 years of service by the super-fast Hitachi Intercity Express Train, which will provide another change in passenger experience.

There were also displays on Britain’s first high speed hub station Old Oak and Park Royal station. The scale of the project is huge and Brent Council is focused in ensuring that the regeneration is aimed at improving the lives of local people in Brent, especially around Harlesden and Willesden.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council who attended the event, said: “What a fantastic event this was. Not only was it a fun family day

out it provided the perfect opportunity to encourage more of the local community to have their say in the future of Old Oak and Park Royal with the revised draft Local Plan consultation.

“Willesden Junction is set for stunning changes that will create a high tech easy to access station. The council’s aim in the project is to get as much affordable housing in Old Oak and Park Royal as possible.”

The proceeds from the event went to charities Place2Be, who support mental health support in schools.

For more information on Old Oak and Park Royal visit www.london.gov.uk/opdc

TH

his special event was held to celebrate Old Oak Common’s contribution to maintaining the Legends of the Great Western and showcased a unique gathering of old and new trains.

During its 111-year history, the depot and its dedicated and highly skilled staff have maintained everything from steam era Kings and Castles, to the diesel-powered Westerns and Warships. In 1976 the depot was the maintenance hub in the Western region for the newly introduced High Speed Trains (HST), the iconic trains which changed

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RE U T U F E

MY COUNCIL

L-R, Back Row: Paulette Harris-German, Cllr John Warren, Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Rants n Bants.

Front Row: Cllr Margaret McLennan, Yasmin Hai

Power to the peo ple

100s of Brent residents attended a series of events to mark Local Democracy Week 2017, to get people more involved in democracy

D

emocracy is so important. It ensures that the voices of all the people are heard rather than decisions being made by a single person or group of people” says 27-year-old Stonebridge resident Dapo Ewuyemi, who spoke to The Brent Magazine at Brent Question Time, the main event of Local Democracy Week in the borough.

Lowering the voting age to sixteen, Brexit and making Brent an accessible borough for all were among the issues put to the Question Time panel which included Wembley-born author, broadcaster and television producer Yasmin Hai and Harlesdenborn social media star Rants n Bants.

“This was my first time attending anything like this and it’s curiosity that brought me here,” said Dapo. “As I get older, I want to become more involved in the decision making process. If you don’t get involved, your voice will not be heard.

“I think it’s important for people to become involved and have their voices heard in an arena such as this, because it lets them know that they really count.” Yasmin Hai

“It is easy to assume there is a group of people who will always make the best decision for you but sometimes their life experiences are not the same as yours. If you get involved in local democracy, your voice can be heard and you might even see some of your ideas get implemented.”

36-year-old Kilburn resident Alina Balatchi, shared Dapo’s view. “The word democracy comes from Greek and literally means the power of the people, but people who don’t engage are missing out on everything.

“They have no say and no opinion to be considered, but you can’t live in a bubble like

“Living in ignorance is not the way. Something like Brexit is potentially one of the biggest things to happen in the history of this country. There are things happening now and people need to get clued up. It doesn’t matter what side of the fence you are on, just get informed.” Rants n Bants

the different angles to them and you get the information you need to complete a picture of them.

“If you aren’t taking part in democracy and voting in elections, you can’t really complain

“If you get involved in local democracy, your voice can be heard and you might even see some of your ideas get implemented.” that, you have to get involved. It doesn’t have to be on a formal level, but you do need to be aware of what’s around you.

“You learn from different people you meet.

The more you discuss issues the more you learn

about the system you live in. You have the opportunity and a civic duty to take part, as well as a duty to yourself to help make a change where it’s needed. Afterall, change always starts with one’s self.” www.brent.gov.uk/elections WINTER 2017/2018

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Arts & Culture

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

Back from the Western Front

DECEMBER MONDAY 8 JANUARY BACK FROM THE WESTERN FRONT: AFRICAN SOLDIERS OF THE GREAT WAR IN BRITAIN Exhibition exploring the legacy of African soldiers in the First World War. A partnership between Brent Museum & Archives and Learning through the Arts, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Library at Willesden Green. 9am-8pm Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free

FIRST MONDAY OF SUNDAY 3 THE MONTH DECEMBER

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER

CHATTERBOOKS READING AND CRAFTS CLUB

NT LIVE: YOUNG MARX (12A)

Monthly reading group for children.

The Library at Willesden Green. 4-5pm

FIRST WEDNESDAY AND FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH CAN YOU HANDLE IT? MUSEUM OBJECT HANDLING SESSION

Opportunity to handle objects from the Brent Museum and Archives. The Library at Willesden Green 2-3pm.

DECEMBER MARCH TREASURES OF BRENT MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

Exhibition: Discover unearthed finds from our stores! Kingsbury Library.

10am-8pm Monday and Thursday, 10am-6pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, 12noon-5pm Sunday. Free

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UPFRONT COMEDY

In their final event of the year, Upfront founder John Simmit introduces a heavyweight line-up featuring comedy’s don Curtis Walker, alongside edgy Australian if.award-winner Brendon Burns and East Londoner Teddy Bear (The Story of Lovers Rock). Tricycle Theatre. 7.30pm. £15/£12 concessions.

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER ACTORS’ NIGHT

Some of the country’s favourite actors, like Tamsin Greig, will be performing their favourite readings. Also live music.

Raffle, bar and homemade nibbles.

St Martins, Mortimer Road NW10 5SD. Doors open 7pm. Starts Tasmin Greig 7.30pm £10

WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER Upfront founder John Simmit

It’s 1850, and Europe’s most feared terrorist is hiding in Soho. Broadcast live from the newly-opened Bridge Theatre, this new comedy from Richard Bean and Clive Coleman stars Rory Kinnear and Oliver Chris as Marx and Engels, directed by former National Theatre chief

HOT ROD NIGHT WITH DJ BILL GUNTRIP Live music. Ace Cafe.

6pm-11pm. Free

ARTS & CULTURE

Nicholas Hytner. Tricycle Theatre.

7pm. £15 / £13 concessions. Box Office: 020 7328 1000

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER AUTHOR TALK: ANNE CORLETT – THE SPACE BETWEEN THE STARS Jamie Allenby wakes, alone, and realises her fever

Anne Corlett

has broken. But could everyone she knows be dead? Months earlier, Jamie had left her partner Daniel, mourning the miscarriage of their baby. She’d just had to get away, so took a job on a distant planet. Then the virus hit. Anne Corlett joins us to discuss her latest book The Space between the Stars; a genre defying moving and emotional literary sci-fi adventure.

Kilburn Library. 6.30-7.30pm. Free but advanced booking essential, book at www.brent.gov.uk/events

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER ROMANIAN CHRISTMAS CAROLS

‘Soul of a Child (Suflet de copil)’ Romanian children’s choir will sing traditional Christmas carols. The traditional costumes and the joyful carols will bring our communities together. Join us for a merry event!

The Library at Willesden Green 3-3.30pm. Free

VENUES The Library at Willesden Green 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 020 8937 3400, www.brent.gov.uk/lwg

Kingsbury Library 522-524 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury NW9 9HE

Kilburn Library 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN

Brent Civic Centre

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER

Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ

Harlesden Library Plus Craven Park Road, Harlesden NW10 8SE

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Wembley Library

Brent is celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities.

Marked across the globe, this day has been celebrated by the United Nations since 1992.

Grand Hall, Brent Civic Centre. 11am-2pm. equality@brent.gov.uk

Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ

Lexi Cinema 194B Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JU 020 3011 5523, www. thelexicinema.co.uk

Tricycle Theatre 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000, www.tricycle.co.uk

Ace Cafe

Young Marx Romanian Christmas Carols

Ace Corner, North Circular road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD 020 8961 1000, www.london.acecafe.com

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<< G ETTING WITH THE PROGRAMME: CODE CLUBS AND THE DIGITAL CHALLENGE IN BRENT LIBRARIES >> Brent Libraries launched their first Code Club at Willesden Green library in January 2016 with the help of Neil Benn, a local software engineer who volunteered to run the programme.

Neil’s own introduction to the world of computer programming began in his mid-to-late teens through simple “Hello, World” style programs in languages such as BASIC and Pascal. This was also around the time that the World Wide Web was gaining popularity so he dabbled with making simple websites and then decided to study Computer Science at University.

Code breakers club @The Library at Willesden Gren

STADIUM EVENTS SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY Carabao Cup Final SUNDAY 8 APRIL Checkatrade Trophy SATURDAY 5 MAY SSE Women’s Cup Final SATURDAY 26 MAY Championship Play Off For more information visit wembleystadium.com

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TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER

FESTIVE FAIRIES AND SPARKLING STARS

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS/ STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

Make a Christmas tree wand.

Christmas craft fun for under-fives.

Ealing Road Library. 11.15am-12noon.

Free

Star Wars double bill, including the premiere of the hotly anticipated latest film in the series. Lexi Cinema.

9pm. Box Office: 020 3011 5523

TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER SATURDAY 6 JANUARY TIMELESS PATTERNS Laurel & Hardy

TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER LAUREL AND HARDY: FROM SOUP TO NUTS

Laurel and Hardy’s first film as a double act was made exactly 90 years ago. 107 movies later they’d become the world’s bestloved comedy team, influencing generations of performers. This talk will explore the secrets behind their comic genius and give fans a chance to share their memories of Stan and Ollie. The Library at Willesden Green.

Tickets £2, book at www.brent.gov. uk/events

Photography exhibition by Mateusz Lapsa-Malawski. The Library at Willesden Green. 9am-8pm Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.

SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Classic Christmas film with Jimmy Stewart at his most genuinely endearing. Lexi Cinema. 2.30pm.

Box Office: 020 3011 5523

The Last Jedi

SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER

Rhythm n’ Cruise Rockin’ Record Hop with DJ Jimmy Guntrip Live music. 7-11pm.

Ace Cafe. Free

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER NEW YEAR’S EVE ROCKIN’ PARTY WITH THE FIREBALLS + DJ FLATTOP DAVE

It’s a Wonderful Life

New Year’s celebration including hot supper, free raffle, party poppers.

Ace Cafe. 9pm-2am. £12 Advance/£15 Door

ARTS & CULTURE Neil’s passion for working with computers led him to wanting to volunteer with Brent Libraries and run digital making workshops for children, thereby offering new learning opportunities for local children in the community. “He’s done amazing work with the children and the programme certainly would not have achieved so much without him on board”, says Sarah Smith, Libraries Development Manager Since the first code club Brent Libraries has worked with dozens of children from ages 7-11.

Each session lasts one hour and although the projects are structured, children are encouraged to take each project in whatever direction they choose and to display their creativity. A successful session is one where the answer to “Did you enjoy that one today?” is a resounding “Yes!” from all the kids.

Brent Libraries are hoping to recruit more volunteers so that they can offer these digital making clubs in all six of their libraries on a weekly basis during term time.

For more information email libraries@brent.gov.uk

SATURDAY 13 JANUARY ELVIS BIRTHDAY PARTY NIGHT WITH PAUL ANSELL’S NO. 9 + DJ BILL GUNTRIP Ace Cafe. 9 pm–2am Entry £10.

Sorry, no under 18s

SATURDAY 27 JANUARY RHYTHM N’ CRUISE ROCKIN’ RECORD HOP WITH DJ JIMMY GUNTRIP Ace Cafe. Entry Free.

SUNDAY 28 JANUARY AN EVENING WITH LIONEL SHRIVER AND TIM LOTT Award-winning writer of We Need to Talk About Kevin, Lionel will be talking to fellow awardwinning novelist Tim Lott - and afterwards, taking audience questions. Book signing and bar.

See website for venue/time: www.savekensalriselibrary.org £12.

space ship. Ealing Road library.

2.30-3.30pm. Free

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY

THE ART OF FALLING

RSC LIVE: TWELFTH NIGHT (12A)

Author event. Meet Anthony McGowan The Library at Willesden Green. 6.30-7.30pm Free

MONDAY 12SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY WEEE

WEEE is waste electrical and electronic equipment. Bring in your unwanted equipment and leave in special disposal boxes. The Library at Willesden Green. All day. Free

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY OUT OF THIS WORLD

Craft for children. Design an alien

Christopher Luscombe, Director of the ‘glorious’ (Daily Telegraph) Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing (2014 and 2016), returns to the Royal Shakespeare Company to tackle Shakespeare’s greatest comedy, a brilliantly bittersweet account of “the whirligig of time”.

Starring Kara Tointon and Adrian Edmonson. Tricycle Theatre 7pm. £15/£13 concessions. 020 7328 1000

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

Captured live in front of an audience and broadcast

by NT Live.

Tricycle Theatre.

7pm. £15/£13 concessions.

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY NT LIVE: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (15 TBC)

Following his smash hit production of A Streetcar Named Desire, Benedict Andrews directs Sienna Miller, Jack O’Connell and Colm Meaney in Tennessee Williams’ 20th century

Sienna Miller in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

<< CRICKLEWOOD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON >> Lionel Shriver and Tim Lott

GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH THE CRICKLEWOOD TOWN TEAM ON FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 2017, FROM 6PM WHEN THE TOWN WILL BE LIT-UP WITH SPARKLING LIGHTS.

Town Square, Cricklewood Lane, Cricklewood NW2 1DQ

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What’s On >> CHILDREN FOOD ACADEMY

Free cookery tuition for young people aged 11 to 18. Sufra NW London, 160 Pitfield Way, Stonebridge. Saturdays 9 December. 10am-2pm. admin@ sufra-nwlondon.org.uk

Yellow Pavilion, Wembley Retail Park, Engineers Way, HA9 0EG. Mondays.

10.15-11.15am. £3 Ali 07946 445 957

KINGSBURY DEMENTIA CAFÉ

Weekly event for people living with dementia and their carers.

Alzheimers Society Dementia Cafe, Father O’Callaghan Hall, St Sebastian and St Pancras R.C. Church, Hay Lane, Kingsbury Green NW9 0NG. Wednesdays. 2-4pm. adrian. pennington@alzheimers.org.uk, 07740 433472

CRICKLEWOOD DEMENTIA CAFE

STEM CLUB

Fun learning activities for children aged 8+ in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ealing Road Library, Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Middlesex, HA0 4BA. Wednesday 13 December.

4-5pm. Booking essential: www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/stem-clubtickets-38077104645

WONDERKIDS FOOTBALL ACADEMY

Does your tot love football? Come along and join in our academy, teaching a multitude of skills to develop your little one’s footie talents.

Weekly event for people that are living with dementia and their carers.

Ashford Place, 60 Ashford Road Cricklewood. London NW2 6TU”.

Tuesdays, 3-4pm. danny.maher@ ashfordplace.org.uk, 07595 631 167

FOSTERING INFORMATION EVENINGS Our fostering information evenings are presented in a very relaxed atmosphere where you will be given the opportunity to talk to a member of staff and find out more about each process. Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ. Thursday 7 December, 5.45-8pm.

BRENT CONNECTS - WEMBLEY

Brent Connects is one of the ways the council engages with residents.

For further info www.brent.gov.

>> Your guide to what’s on

uk/brentconnects. Wednesday 17 January. 8-9pm.

BRENT CONNECTS - HARLESDEN

Brent Connects is one of the ways the council engages with residents.

For further info www.brent.gov.uk/ brentconnects Thursday 25 January, 9-9pm.

BRENT CONNECTS - KILBURN

Brent Connects is one of the ways the council engages with residents.

For further info www.brent.gov.uk/ brentconnects Tuesday 30 January, 7-9pm.

BRENT CONNECTS - WILLESDEN

Brent Connects is one of the ways the council engages with residents.

For further info www.brent.gov.uk/ brentconnects Tuesday 6 February, 10-9pm.

BRENT CONNECTS - KINGSBURY AND KENTON Brent Connects is one of the ways the council engages with residents.

For further info www.brent.gov.uk/ brentconnects Thursday 8 February.

11-9pm.

WEMBLEY DEMENTIA CAFÉ

The Dementia Cafe is a friendly meeting place for anyone affected by memory loss, dementia or forgetfulness. The cafe is run by the Alzheimers Society and you are free to drop-in. St. Cuthbert’s Church, Carlton Avenue West, North Wembley HA0 3QY. Thursdays. 11am-1pm. brent@alzheimers.org.uk, 01923 824 329, 01923 823 999

CARERS SUPPORT GROUPS

We run a number of peer support groups where you can meet other carers in a relaxed friendly environment to discuss, share experiences and support each other going through similar challenges. Wembley Health & Care Centre, 116 Chaplin Rd,

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Wembley HA0 4UZ. Thursday 14 December.

10am-12pm. email@ brentcarerscentre.org.uk

THE HARLESDEN HUB

Pop in to the Harlesden Hub from 10am every Wednesday and Thursday if you would like information or advice on Housing, Employment or Council tax. The Harlesden Hub, Harlesden Library, Craven Park Road, Harlesden.

Wednesdays, Thursdays. 10am-6pm.

CUSTOMER SERVICES SESSION

Got a query? Come and speak to us at Ealing Road Library. Ealing Road Library, Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Middlesex HA0 4BA. Thursdays.

10am-12.30pm.

SOCIAL EVENING

Come and meet your Brent neighbours. We offer free musical entertainment followed by refreshments when we can chat and get to know each other.

Kingsland Hall, behind Wembley Park, East Lane, Wembley HA9 7NN. Friday 15 December. 7-8.30pm. A voluntary donation of £2 is requested gracekybrown@gmail.com

HIPHOP WITH ELAN ARTS

Join us at Élan Arts for free of charge dance sessions. We are an arts charity that aim to provide the community with recreational activities. Yellow Pavilion, Wembley Retail Park, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0EG. Saturdays. 5.30-9pm. office@elanarts.org.uk

>> GARDENING GARDENING AND WILDLIFE WORK IN ROE GREEN WALLED GARDEN

Help Barn Hill Conservation Group in this thriving garden. Roe Green Walled Garden, Barn Hill Park. Tuesdays,

ARTS & CULTURE

at’s on in Brent during Winter 2017/2018

If you would like your event included on these pages, submit the details at www.brent.gov.uk/events

Dementia Cafe 57 Longstone Avenue, Harlesden.

Tuesdays. 6.30-7.30pm. hedviga. david@barnardos.org.uk, 020 8965 3977

Thursdays and Saturdays.

10am-2.30pm.

CONSERVATION PROJECTS AT FRYENT COUNTRY PARK

Practical projects offering a choice of conservation work for all talents.

Fryent Country Park. Sundays.

10am-12.30pm.

>> HEALTH AND WELLBEING

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES (ESOL)

YOGA WITH CLAREY

Synchronise your physical, mental and spiritual needs with this wellbeing activity, filled with relaxing, calm movements whilst get you sweating. Yellow Pavilion, Wembley Retail Park, Engineers Way, HA9 0EG. Tuesdays. 5.306.30pm. £5 c1clare1@icloud.com

>> OVER 50S ELDERS VOICE CROCHET CLUB

KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Come to Wembley Library to get your blood pressure checked. Wembley Library, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ. Friday 15 December. 11am-2pm.

PILATES IN ROUNDWOOD PARK

Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. The blend of strength and flexibility training improves posture whilst shaping and toning muscles. Barham Park.

Wednesdays. 6.30-7.30pm.

FREE MONDAY MORNING MEDITATION FOR HEALTH AND ABUNDANCE A women only weekly group focusing on health and wellness.

Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, London NW10. Mondays. 9.30am11.30am. vanessa@vanessaemile. co.uk 07985 387 021

An opportunity to make new friends and relax in a warm and friendly environment whilst taking part in a therapeutic crochet session.

181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London NW10 5TN. Tuesdays.

10.30am-12noon. £2.50 per session 020 8968 8170

ELDERS VOICE ZUMBA GOLD CLASS

The Elders Voice Zumba Gold class is 60 minutes of pure joy!

Available to the over 50s and vulnerable adults over 18, the class is an opportunity to make new friends and get fit!. 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London. 11am12noon. £3.50 per session annas@ eldersvoice.org.uk

>> SELFDEVELOPMENT FREE IT, ENGLISH AND EMPLOYABILITY CLASSES

Barnardos is offering free IT and English classes on Tuesday evenings, and One to One Employability support for adults at the Freeman Family Centre. Freeman Family Centre,

English Language Course (ESOL) for Adults at the Sattavis Patidar Centre, Wembley. All levels welcome.

Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley. Wednesdays. 9.30-11.30am. £15 per lesson info@protogenia.co.uk

and their buggies. Classes involve power walking, non-compulsory jogging and resistance exercises.

Queens Park. Thursdays. 10.3011.30am. Book a class at www. ourparks.org.uk

BOOTCAMP IN ROE GREEN PARK

A fitness boot camp class that mixes traditional calisthenic and body weight exercises, with interval and strength training. Roe Green Park. Saturdays. 9.3010.30am. Book a class at www. ourparks.org.uk

PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE (INCLUDING SELF DEFENCE)

Personal safety course (including self defence) - 10 week course for women and& girls 13+ and over (no upper age limit all welcome). Wembley Youth Club, London Road, Wembley HA9 7EU. Saturdays. 11am-1pm. info@ sevnecatitraining.com

>> SPORT INSTRUCTOR LED OUTDOOR GYM TRAINING SESSIONS IN BRENT PARKS Led training sessions at our outdoor gyms are free and there is no need to book, so come along and join in. For venue information go to www.brent. gov.uk/events.

BOOTCAMP IN ROUNDWOOD PARK

A fitness boot camp session that mixes traditional calisthenic and body weight exercises with interval and strength training.

Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, London NW10. Wednesdays. 6.307.30pm. Book a class at www. ourparks.org.uk

BUGGY EXERCISE IN QUEENS PARK Buggy Exercise is an outdoor fitness class for parents/carers

BOOTCAMP AT STONEBRIDGE REC

A fitness boot camp class that mixes traditional calisthenic and body weight exercises, with interval and strength training. Stonebridge Rec. Saturdays. 10-11am. Book a class at www.ourparks.org.uk

BACK TO EXERCISE IN GLADSTONE PARK

This is a low intensity gentle circuit session, fun and social for those who want to get back or are new to exercise. Gladstone Park. Saturdays.

11.30-12.30pm. Book a class at www.ourparks.org.uk

BOX FIT IN QUEENS PARK

A fun way to get fit through a high intensity full body workout. The class incorporates solid boxing pad work with body conditioning.

Queens Park. Sundays. 10-11am.

Book a class at www.ourparks. org.uk

BHANGRABLAZE FITNESS CLASS

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to girls aged 14 and women only. It is a beginners to 2k run, however we walk, jog, run and fly, depending on your ability. More advanced runners go on to 5k. Meeting point Civic Centre, Wembley Stadium

of the bhangra style of dance.

Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Oakington Manor Primary School, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley HA9 6NF. Wednesdays.

7-8pm. £5 pay as you go or £40 for 10 weeks Genna Panchani genna.panchani@bhangrablaze. com, 07949 648867

ACTIVE NEW YOU

A completely free eight weeks fitness course aimed at women and young girls living in Brent and who are new to exercise or currently not active.

Exercise, nutrition and much more!.

Ark Academy, Bridge Road, Wembley Park. Friday 12 January. 6.30-7.30pm. happy.gym@hotmail.com

RUN WEMBLEY WEDNESDAYS

CUBAN VIBES SALSA DANCE CLUB

Cuban Vibes is a collective of dance teachers and performers who promote Cuban Salsa and Afro Cuban dance in Brent and neighbouring borough. We deliver weekly dance classes and workshops. The Cricklewood Railway Club. Mondays. 7.30-11.30 pm. £7 for one class or £10 for two Info@cubanvibes.com

A fun, friendly and free weekly organised group run around the iconic Wembley Stadium whatever the weather. Wembley Stadium. Wednesdays. 7-8pm. besmartandgetfit@gmail.com

HA9 0WS. Sundays. 9-10am. mail@ msroseblossom.org

BHANGRA DANCE LONDON

Join us every Thursday at Vale Farm Sports Centre as we host traditional Bhangra Folk Dance classes in a friendly, fun and keep fit environment!. Vale Farm Sports Centre. Thursdays. 8-9pm. info@ bhangradancelondon.com

FLY GIRLS RUNNING COMMUNITY

Fly Girls Running Community is open

BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB

Brent Dolphins Swimming Club is the only competitive swimming club in the borough. We run sessions for all: beginners (from age 5), swimmers and masters. Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centre. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. 5-10pm. info@brentdolphins.org.uk

MUAY THAI

Practise those stand-up strikes and get that clinching technique nailed.

An enjoyable and energetic martial art class for all levels. Yellow Pavilion, Wembley Retail Park, Engineers Way, HA9 0EG. Mondays. 6.30-8.30pm. £5 Humphrey 07849 873 237

CLASSIFIED ADS PIANO, SINGING, THEORY LESSONS Experienced, dedicated teacher has vacancies.

All grades from beginners, adults and children.

Assistance with exams for grammar school entry and GCSE’s. Sensitive approach. Good results. Recognised by “The Best of Brent”.

Soundproof studio. Contact Mrs Mignonette Aarons for a free consultation.

020 8204 8778

mignonette@sky.com

SPECIALIST GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE TUITION Specifically for the new 9-1 GCSEs. BA in English Literature and Language.

PGCE in English Language and Literature.

AQA Examiner. London trained.

Currently lead as head of English in a good London school. information, call on...

07931 160 132 For more et@englishteacher.co.uk

To advertise here please email advertising@brent.gov.uk

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BRENT CHILDREN’S CENTRES SPEECH AND LANGUAGE TEAM Come along to Let’s Talk! Free, fun and interactive sessions which aim to: • S upport communication skills and parentchild interactions.

• Offer general information and advice on speech, language and communication development.

• Runs at all children’s centres in Brent for children 0-5 years.

Please contact children’s centres across Brent for further information.

Find us on Facebook @SLTinBrentCC

EVENT SPACE HIRE

WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST? Improve your health and fitness? Tone your body? Do you have medical conditions or injuries that are holding you back? With The 247 Fitness we will help you every step of the way to becoming a lighter, healthier YOU! Prices start from ONLY £10 for group sessions or from ONLY £12 for one person. Group fitness classes held outdoors in local parks are ONLY £4 per person Pay As You Go with NO CONTRACT (book in advance, limited spaces available). Contact now to book your first FREE session with The 247 Fitness PT Omar! Call for a free consultation.

07594 773380

info@the247fitness.co.uk

BRENT PEST CONTROL

Whether you’re looking to host a small, intimate wedding or a grand celebration, with a spectacular view of the iconic Wembley Stadium, The Drum at Wembley offers many stunning options which are all licensed for civil ceremonies. Contact us now.

Any type of pest within your premises could lose you valuable income, cause damage to stock and have a detrimental effect on your professional reputation and business.

Contact us now.

020 8937 4340

020 8937 5252

events@thedrumwembley.com

www.brent.gov.uk/pestcontrol

BRENT HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE

MEMORIAL DAY THE POWER OF WORDS:

Words can make a massive difference â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both for good and evil!

Please join us for an evening of reflection with speakers and communities who have been affected by the Holocaust and other Genocides around the world including Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda.

The programme will also include poetry, music, Holocaust survivor speaker, choir and refreshments.

Thursday 25 January 2018 7pm-8.30pm Conference Hall, Brent Civic Centre Engineers Way HA9 0FJ This event is FREE to attend.

Booking or registration is not required in advance and everyone is welcome to attend from any community.

For more details please visit www.brent.gov.uk/hmd