The Brent Magazine issue 98 January 2010

ISSUE NO.98

FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT

JANUARY 2010

Send for the cavalry Mounted regiment’s historic visit to Brent Win tickets to the Masters Snooker final

Wembley’s shopping hub opens

Have you fallen into Council Tax arrears this year?

If so contact us for assistance

Call us now on 020 8937 1790 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday or email counciltax@brent.gov.uk

and we’ll try to help

www.brent.gov.uk

Contents 25

Features

13

Film to remember Youngsters mark Brent Holocaust Memorial Day

14

Central transformation

25

Waste watchers

Welcome to The Brent Magazine

First part of regeneration project completed

Residents help improve their neighbourhoods

14 9 Regulars Update Brent people All in a day’s work

27

James Diamond Editor The Brent Magazine

BDU 6135 12.09

4 9 11 27 29 30

I would like to wish all our readers a happy New Year from everybody at The Brent Magazine.

To those waking up from their new year slumber there is a lot to discover in Brent. One is Wembley’s renewal, as the developer behind the Wembley Central project explains.

This month many will be marking Brent Holocaust Memorial Day. However, this year there is the chance to see a documentary about survivors of the Holocaust made by young film-makers. On the subject of remembrance there is a Secret History about a memorial to remember civilians killed in Willesden during the Second World War. On a lighter note, Brent People profiles a performer from the borough who could help put your new year in the swing.

Secret history Competitions Time out

Issue No. 98 January 2010 The Brent Magazine contacts Distribution queries and editorial 020 8937 1068 tbm@brent.gov.uk Advertising 020 8937 1097 advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by the London Borough of Brent, Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley Middlesex.

The London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council of goods or services advertised.

Printed on 100 per cent recycled paper.

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

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

Please ring 020 8937 1106 Cover image: A Household Cavalry officer Photographer NADIA ATTURA

UPdate

Nominate your Brent community champion Residents have the opportunity to applaud someone who is helping their community or area by nominating them for a Brent Community Champions Award from 1 January.

The annual awards organised

by Brent Council open for nominations from January 1 to March 3 and will be presented in May at the local authority’s Annual Meeting.

Last year 25 people were

nominated including people who have volunteered or done work, such as a school governor, youth club worker, and being a good neighbour.

Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan said: “I have had the privilege of meeting so many unsung heroes who work tirelessly in the community making life better for others.

They have impressed me, not just for their commitment to

their activities, but for their values in being dedicated to voluntary work. I look forward to receiving nominations.”

Those who do not live in Brent, but work on behalf of others in the borough can be nominated, visit www.brent. gov.uk/communityawards or for a nomination pack, guidelines and criteria, email dipti.bhatt@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3673.

Green gathering Community groups involved in green projects can take part in an environmental festival on 25 February.

Brent Sustainability Forum is organising the festival and wants local organisations to get involved. They will be able to run a stall and promote what they are doing to a wider audience, email ines.carvalho@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 5326.

Ace is best Ace Café in the North Circular Road has won the overall Brent’s Best Bar None Award 2009. Other winners were best pub (gold), Masons Arms, Kensal Green (silver), The Bear, Wembley (bronze) The Green Man, Wembley; best bar (gold) Blue Ginger and Ace Café (bronze) – JJ’s Wine Bar; best club (gold) The Regency Club (silver) Blue Room, (bronze) Panthers.

Data pledge Brent Council has signed up to the Information Commissioner’s Personal Information Promise, which is a pledge to keep residents’ details and personal information secure.

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Ofsted head praises pupil unit Ofsted national director Shelia Brown congratulated Brent Council’s Pupil Referral Unit in Wembley on a recent visit.

She met pupils studying art while touring the unit, which works with young people who have been excluded from

school and recently received an outstanding Ofsted report.

“The ethos ensures pupils experience an education similar to the best mainstream secondary schools. Expectations are high and pupils rise to this challenge,” she said.

Bringing violence to light

Special candles were lit at Brent Town Hall to remember the 27 women killed by family violence in London last year.

Brent Borough Commander Mark Toland spoke at the event about action being

taken to stop violence against women in Brent. It was organised by Brent Community Safety Partnership, and supported by the campaigning organisation White Ribbon Campaign.

Award marks Simran’s success Simran Bhachu was one of 128 Brent pupils to receive a Jack Petchey Award for her dedication in school.

The 14-year-old, who goes to Preston Manor High School in Wembley, won the award for her work in special educational needs and supporting vulnerable students. Simran picked up her award with other pupils at a special ceremony held in Wembley recently.

Awards are granted each year by the Jack Petchey Foundation to mark the potential of young people aged from 11 to 25 in London. Visit www. jackpetcheyfoundation. org.uk

UPdate

Regiment’s horseback parade arrives on borough’s streets The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment paraded through Brent when they took part in a historic ceremony.

The regiment, formerly The Lifeguards and The Blues and Royals, did a ‘watering order’ outside central London for the first time as part of a community engagement initiative.

Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan received a troop at Brent Town Hall, which went on to Fryent Country Park before arriving at Olympic Way

by Wembley Stadium.

“I was absolutely delighted to welcome the regiment to Brent for this historic visit.

day’s Queen’s Life Guard.

Lt. Col. CA Lockhart, Commander of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: “We have a proud tradition of diversity and Brent is an excellent example of how people can come together successfully to create a prosperous and fascinating community.”

Zahra, from Fryent Primary School with Captain Mundawarara and cavalry.

Kick off for six book reading challenge Adults with low literacy skills can discover the pleasure of reading by taking up the Six Book Challenge from 4 January.

The programme, organised by Brent libraries, is encouraging people to read six fiction or nonfiction books by 22 May. For those who take up the challenge there is the opportunity to improve their reading, take part in readers’ groups in libraries, hear from authors, meet a celebrity

Those residents who are early risers saw the troop as they made their way through Brent and it was quite a spectacular sight,” said Councillor O’Sullivan.

The order has been done every day since the 1600s when they parade through central London to exercise horses and riders not participating in that

guest, and a celebration event for those who finish the challenge. Brent libraries will be displaying a ‘quick reads’ section including books

by Andy McNab, Cathy Kelly, Alvin Hall and others for people to read. Other events include activities by Queens Park Rangers’ community coaches and the chance to win QPR prizes such as signed T-shirts, and ground tours.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ whatson or call 020 8937 3507 for more information.

QPR goalkeeper Radek Cerny.

All change please for Freedom Passes Freedom Pass holders are being urged to renew their card in January so they can enjoy free travel.

The pass is for Londoners aged 60 and over or eligible disabled people and allows them to travel on tubes, buses, and trams for free. Brent Council will no longer be issuing disabled freedom passes to residents who are 60 and over, as the OAP pass can be now used without any time limit. Applicants 60 and over can get an application form from the Post Office from 4 January, which they need to return to a post office with a photograph. Brent Council will send an authorisation form for a

disabled Freedom Pass which applicants must also take to a post office. However, the post office will no longer issue the pass at the counter instead it will be posted out about ten days later.

To avoid a rush at post offices, Brent Council has allocated dates alphabetically by surname which are surnames starting A/B/C/D/E, 4-16 Jan; F/G/H/I//J, 18-23 Jan; K/L/M/N/O, 25-30 Jan; P to Z, 1-6 February; if you missed your week, please apply between 8-13 February. Call Brent Council’s Freedom Pass team on 020 8937 4001/4078, visit www.freedompass.org or call 020 7934 9633.

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UPdate

Future is brighter for Brent’s school buildings Brent Council will receive up to £80 million to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools in the borough.

The money is from the government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, which has also been given to 11 other local authorities. It will be spent on redeveloping all secondary schools but the first priority will be to rebuild Alperton High, Cardinal Hinsley, Queens Park and Copland Community School, and then to later work on Wembley High School.

Building refurbishment will be followed up by further

improving learning opportunities in schools.

The money was awarded last month after a successful bid

by Brent Council.

Councillor Bob Wharton, Lead Member for Children and Families, said: “I am thrilled for the children and young people of Brent that we are now able to deliver on our promises to improve their schools. It’s been a long race but we have reached the finish line.”

Brent Council will now consult with schools, residents and others about its plans, visit www.brent.gov.uk/bsf

Mucking in for park’s trees Young people planted trees in Brent River Park to mark National Tree Week recently.

Twenty field maple and alder trees were put in the ground, and volunteers then wrote environmental pledges on giant leaves tied

to trees with edible ‘shoe laces’. Young Friends of Brent River Park member Cassandra Cheng said: “We hope the newly planted trees will be still flourishing when we plant new ones next year.”

Nilma Maide, Ayesha Patel, Cassandra Cheng, Rebecca Evans, Jayna Mistry. Picture by Lucy Williams.

Climate change pledge launched The Brent Climate Change Pledge has been launched with school pupils among the first to sign up.

Roe Green School children joined up when the initiative was unveiled at Brent’s Climate Change Strategy event last month.

They signed up with Brent Council Leader Councillor Paul Lorber and Ben Coles, director of Groundwork London, who both spoke at the event.

The pledge is five actions such as using public transport, recycling more,

cutting energy use, and eating seasonal food which local people can do to help limit climate change.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ climatechange or call 020 8937 5326.

Left to right: Ben Coles, Councillor Paul Lorber, pupils Naveen Ramchandani, Saran Sritharan, Jennika Vadher, Ali Reda, Thulsi Easwarakumar, Dimple Parmar, Bilal Abbasi, Harsh Chudasama, Mahima Vekaria.

Dishing out the presents Meals on Wheels staff gave a Christmas plant to resident Peter Rouse and 600 other service users.

Staff will also be working on Christmas day to ensure people get a traditional lunch of turkey, vegetables and Christmas pudding, or kosher, Halal and vegetarian dishes.

Brent Council’s contractors Apetito deliver 160,000 meals a year to residents who qualify for the service, call 020 8937 1200.

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Find out about club’s future Two consultation events are taking place at Roundwood Youth Club on 14 and 16 January about plans to turn the building into a new centre.

The architect will be on hand to speak about his designs, and there will be feedback sheets for people to leave comments before a planning application is submitted in February.

The new £5 million building in Longstone Avenue, Harlesden, will replace the club by 2011 and will have an IT suite, café, workshop, climbing wall and performance area.

The consultation events are from 5-8pm on 14 January and from 10-1pm on 16 January, email taiwo.adedeji@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8965 3475.

UPdate

New memorial honours civilian war dead A new memorial dedicated to Willesden’s civilians killed by aerial bombing during the Second World War has been unveiled by Brent Council.

Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan joined relatives of those who died at an official ceremony in Willesden New Cemetery in Franklyn Road to mark the unveiling.

It lists 230 civilians who were killed during the air raids. Their names were not on an existing memorial put up by the old Willesden Urban District Council to the 73 people killed in the raids and buried by the then council because they had no relatives to help arrange funerals. The two memorials now stand next to each other in the cemetery.

The new memorial was dedicated and blessed by vicar of St Mary’s Church Reverend David Clues, who is also a Brent councillor. Brent Council’s Director of Cemeteries Bob Langford, who led the project to create a new memorial, also attended the ceremony. It lists the names and ages of those who died – including a family of six people.

“The memorial is unique.

No other London borough has such a comprehensive and detailed memorial to civilians who died from the air raids. Including the ages of those killed makes the memorial more poignant and meaningful. We should also remember the brave people who volunteered to help and rescue others from

Left to right, Sylvia Davis, Shelia Gould, Andrew Gould, Bob Langford, Cliff Wadsworth and Councillor Jim O’Sullivan.

collapsed buildings such as the ARP wardens, police, and medical workers,” said Councillor Jim O’Sullivan.

Willesden was heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe because of its concentration of industry, rail, and roads and came under sustained attack in 1940 and 1944. The new memorial, designed by

Football fun day

Our day with the Duchess

A football academy day featuring a tournament, prizes, and training led by FA coaches will be held on 16 January, from 10am-1pm.

The free event, organised

by Splash Football Academy, will be at Claremont High School in Kenton and will be attended by the Mayor of Brent. Call Michael Randall on 07863 165 737.

A family from Brent were delighted to meet the Duchess of Cornwall when she visited the Freeman Family Centre in Harlesden.

Celeste Masoudi and three of his children greeted Her Royal Highness at the centre in Longstone Avenue. She was visiting as president of Barnardo’s which runs the centre in partnership with Brent Council.

Mr Masoudi, who originally comes from Congo, spoke to the royal visitor who also met his children Benita, Jonathon and Emmanuel; his other son David could not be there.

The Masoudis were among other families and parents to meet the Duchess; she also met centre staff and Brent Council officers before a plaque and Cornish flag was unveiled in her honour.

Say on parks Local people have until 22 January to give their views on the future of Brent’s parks and green spaces.

Residents’ opinions will help shape Brent Council’s new strategy for 2010-2015 which looks at parks, sports areas, open spaces, children’s play areas in parks and allotments.

A draft strategy and questionnaires are available, email aine.ryan@brent.gov.uk or call 07714 069 311.

Bob Langford, and Grahame Carstens of Bronze Plaques Ltd, includes sculpted reliefs of Willesden after the bombing created by Gillian Carstens. It is cast in 13 bronze resin plaques which have the appearance of bronze.

See page 27 for Secret History on the memorial.

Brent film competition An Olympics inspired film competition is asking film-makers to capture their favourite Brent spot in just over a minute.

Film Brent in 90 Seconds, run

by Brent Artists Resource and Brent Council, opened on 1 December and runs until 15 January 2010. There is a £300 prize and the opportunity to have your film screened in public this year. The theme of the films must be a favourite place in the borough which would promote Brent to a visiting Olympic athlete. All films must be submitted by YouTube, e-mail info@brentartistsresource.org.uk for more information.

Leaf nothing out

Celeste Masoudi with his children Benita, Jonathon, Emmanuel and the Duchess.

More than 79 tonnes of leaves have been collected for recycling and composting so far this year by Brent Council after they fell from the borough’s trees.

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BRENTpeople

Swing sensation Louis Hoover grew up in Brent and has played Frank Sinatra in a hit West End show.

Where did you live in Brent?

Was your family artistic?

Why Frank Sinatra?

We lived in Robson Avenue,Willesden. My mother and father owned a café called the Devonshire Restaurant opposite Willesden Bus Garage. It was an old Edwardian coffee shop with wooden panels and was popular with the bus drivers and shoppers.

Willesden was very multi-cultural even then; I’d play in the street and hear Irish and Jamaican music drifting over from people’s houses. In those days I was Stephen Sparling; I only changed my name later on in my career.

Both my older sisters were singers. My oldest sister Ann, who performed as Candy Sparling, had a few top ten hits in the early Sixties as a solo artist. One of the songs was ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’ and was a big hit.

I was actually used to journalists and film crews outside the house from a young age.

My other sister Lesley was a great singer as well and had a long career performing on cruise ships. My parents were not pushy, but they wanted us to make the most of our talents and abilities.

My parents took me to see him three times, and I’d sing along to his records in my bedroom. After he died in 1998 I was asked to put together a show on him and other swing artists. It became ‘The Rat Pack’ and has been in the West End for ten years with me performing as Sinatra. It has even been a big hit in America. It’s amazing to think a boy from Willesden could end up selling back Sinatra to the Americans!

How did you start performing?

How did your career develop?

I went to Malorees Junior School in Kilburn.Then later to Cardinal Hinsley School in Harlesden, which had a great drama teacher called Eileen Brophy. She saw my potential and turned up on my parents’ doorstep one evening saying I should be at stage school. I applied to Arts Education School in the Barbican, got in and was even given a grant from Brent Council to pay most of the fees. I studied drama for three years, which included regular ballet classes. I kept quiet about the ballet to friends back in Willesden; it was the 1970s and a long time before anything like ‘Billy Elliot.’

After my studies I was a green coat for Warner Holidays in Yarmouth and in Ibiza, which was a great experience. Later I joined a pop group called Wall Street Crash who had 11 hit albums in Europe. But I’d always loved swing and jazz and was still performing at Ronnie Scott’s.

Later on I recorded a few records on Scott’s label.

Louis Hoover as Frank Sinatra

Louis Hoover is in ‘Rat Pack Live’ at the Adelphi Theatre, The Strand, until 2 January, visit www.louishoover.co.uk JANUARY 2010

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Nominate your champion:

www.brent.gov.uk/communityawards For a nomination pack call

020 8937 3673 Nominations must be returned by 2 March 2010

The awards honour local people for outstanding voluntary and community service.

Meeting the need Jenny Dunne has been named Brent Council’s Employee of the Year 2009 for her work in tackling homelessness in the borough.

Jenny Dunne is greatly improving Brent Council’s performance in a very challenging area.

The Homelessness Strategy and Projects Manager is responsible for the five-year homelessness strategy, which is now running from 2008 to 2013.

It sets out how the council will meet housing needs, targets for preventing and resolving homelessness, and reducing the number of people who are living in temporary accommodation. In 2008-09, there was a 36 per cent fall in homelessness applications.

While numbers in temporary accommodation rose every year for a decade until 2005, it has fallen in the last three years up to 25 per cent. However, the figure is still around 3,300 people.

“Preventing homelessness is the key,” says Jenny, who started in 2006 and is based in Housing and Community Care Department in Mahatma Gandhi House, Wembley. “Instead of people waiting up to three weeks for an interview we changed things to give them specialist, face-to-face advice straight away about their housing options. For example, if somebody came before with a notice of repossession they might have had to come back weeks later, but now we will try to help in ways such as offering legal help or if necessary use a small prevention fund to stop them from becoming homeless.”

She leads a team of three, but works with the Housing Resource Centre in Mahatma Gandhi House on how its 150 officers can best meet

housing needs in the borough. Brent Council has a legal responsibility to house those who have met criteria set out in law for homelessness. “Most of the people we have a statutory duty towards are those with children or families, 16 and 17-year-olds, and pregnant women,” says Jenny.

“But there are also rough sleepers, people escaping domestic violence, and those discharged from the Armed Forces who we must try to help with housing issues.”

Partnership work is also important.

The council works with local voluntary groups and funds others such as Brent Community Law Centre to give advice to residents. “Homeless people trust the voluntary sector,” says Jenny.

“Cricklewood Homeless Concern set up a rough sleeping and resettlement project with us, and the Single Persons’ Advice Scheme is held there.

Also Safe Partnership runs a scheme to help people who suffer domestic violence, and we are working with Paradigm Housing Association on a project helping vulnerable people in private sector accommodation.”

“Brent faces a lot of challenges,” she adds. “The number on the Housing Register is very high But working with vulnerable people and helping improve their life chances is very rewarding. It is great to see someone who is off the streets, in a hostel place, thinking of a job and starting to moving back into the mainstream of society again.”

“Working with vulnerable people is very rewarding.”

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Letting our voice be heard, say no to female genital mutilation.

It is estimated that over 24,000 girls under the age of 16 years old are at risk of female genital mutilation in England and Wales.

Brent Council will be marking International Women’s day on Wednesday 10 March 2010 with a conference discussing female genital mutilation.

This free event will be held at: Brent Town Hall, Committee Rooms 1,2 and 3, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 9HD 10-3pm, registration begins at 9.30am and is open to all Brent residents.

Book early, as places are limited.

Please email your full name and contact number to corpcommunications@brent. gov.uk or call 020 8937 1106 to reserve your space.

Brent Council One Stop Customer Services We are here to help you with any council enquiry.

If you need a council service, information or you want to complain or make a suggestion, phone or email us first:

One Stop online www.brent.gov.uk/oss

Photos: www.JohnBirdsall.co.uk

customer.services@brent.gov.uk

One Stop telephones

020 8937 1200*

General customer service enquiries

020 8937 5252* Environmental Health

020 8937 4300

020 8937 1790*

Adult and Children Social Services

Council Tax

020 8937 1234

020 8937 1800*

Switchboard and Emergency Out of Hours

Housing and Council Tax Benefit

020 8937 5050*

020 8937 1993*

StreetCare

For people with a hearing impairment

Calls may be monitored and we may telephone you to help us improve services.

One Stop local offices

• Town Hall 12

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• Brent House

• Harlesden

• Willesden

*Telephone us Monday to Friday from 8am-8pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm

Survivors’ story Young people have interviewed Holocaust survivors for a documentary to be shown on Brent Holocaust Memorial Day this month. Words by SHARON DONOVAN Pictures by ISABELLE PLASSCHAERT. When a Jewish girl arrived in AuschwitzBirkenau she could not have imagined that a talent for music would save her life.

Anita Lasker Wallfisch was deported to the concentration camp in 1943. “When I arrived I mentioned in passing that I played the cello,” she said. “From that moment on I was a member of the all-female orchestra in Auschwitz.That was a ticket for survival.

As long as they wanted music they couldn’t put us in the gas chambers.”

Today she lives in Brent and is one of five Holocaust survivors who speak in a film made by young film-makers to mark Brent Holocaust Memorial Day organised by Brent Council.The day is being held to remember more than six million Jews and millions from other groups including gypsies, gays and lesbians and disabled people killed in the Holocaust.This year marks the 65th anniversary of AuschwitzBirkenau’s liberation on 27 January 1945, where the Nazis alone murdered more than one million people from across Europe.

“We never thought we’d get out of Auschwitz,” said Anita. “We were sat five metres away from the gas chambers and saw everything that happened.” She and the other orchestra members were made to play as people were sent to their deaths in the gas chambers and marched in and out of the camp to work as slaves by the SS

Auschwitz Birkenau: picture courtesy of Holocaust Memorial Trust

guards. Jack Hecht is another survivor in the film who speaks about being sent to a camp with his parents and siblings. “My mother and father were taken to the gas chambers and killed immediately. We were sent to labour camps,” he said.

When the Nazis fled the advancing Soviet forces in 1945 he was forced on a death march into Germany.

with film-maker Simon Drew on the documentary. Daniel Basu, from South Kilburn said: “This has made me appreciate what I’ve got. In this country we’ve got freedom, democracy, and civil rights.We should not complain about our day-to-day routines.”

“We were sat five metres away from the gas chambers and saw everything that happened.”

Jack Hecht, left, and Anita Lasker Wallfisch, right.

“We knew it was a death march, because people used to drop dead along the way,” he said. “Two of my brothers were killed there.They fooled us.The SS said that anyone who can’t walk should march out this side and go by lorry. But as we marched off, we heard gunfire, they shot everybody.They fooled us.”

Anita was transported to Bergen-Belsen where she was liberated in in 1945.

Their testimony has had a powerful effect on seven young people who worked

The film will be shown at Brent Holocaust Memorial Day on 24 January from 2.30-4pm at Brent Town Hall visit www.brent.gov.uk/whatson or call 020 8937 3144.

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The heart of Wembley is being transformed as the latest stage of a multi-million pound regeneration project is completed.

Pictures by SIMON HANNA

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How the square became hip

Osita Udenson and Killian Morris

It was once a shabby eyesore of concrete where pigeons rather than shoppers were more at home.

Wembley Central Square was a shopping area built in the 1960s which by the early 2000s was a byword for brutal architecture and run-down surroundings. Today the old square is no more and the smart new Wembley Central is rising up in its place.

The development, which had an official opening ceremony for its first phase last year, began in 2006 and has been led by the specialist regeneration company St Modwen and supported by Brent Council.

The new design by Dexter Moren Architects replaces the old shopping area with a mixed-use development including shops and homes next to Wembley Central Station, just off Wembley High Road.

“The area always had economic potential,” explains Killian Morris, senior manager at St Modwen. “There are

excellent transport links and it sits next to an established town centre. I see Wembley Central as an extension of the town centre and a new urban quarter. It is a lively outdoor place with a buzzing atmosphere.

There is an open square and a place where people will want to come to and also spend time.”

A key to the new development’s success has been attracting leading stores such as TK Maxx, Peacocks, Bonmarche, Iceland, and Betterspecs. A leading food store will also be opening shortly and smaller units will be for cafes, restaurants and smaller shops. It is also a residential area. So far 85 affordable homes in Station Grove are complete, and new apartments facing the high road are being finished. The old Ramsey House on one side of the square has been given a facelift, and is now a mixed-use development of homes, offices and businesses. The car park, which in

December costs only 50 pence an hour for parking, has also been refurbished, and security improved by comprehensive closed-circuit television.

“It is tremendously uplifting to see the public square open for the local community to enjoy,” added Killian. “The square is a far more pleasant and safer environment with people around all the time. It is a meeting place for shoppers, residents and visitors.”

However, the new development, which is expected to be finished in spring this year, still complements Wembley High Road. “We have many great independent retailers and chains on the high road,” says Wembley Town Centre Manager Osita Udenson.

“With this development it is a sign of a new confidence back in Wembley.”

For more information visit www.wembley-central.co.uk or www.wembleytown.com

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Brent Community Transport CEROC is a fusion of Jive and Salsa.

Great fun, easy to learn and you don’t need to bring a partner.

Tuesdays 8pm-11pm

Free beginners dvd with this voucher

Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD Also at West Drayton and Uxbridge

Starting

19

th

January

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Tel: 020 8933 4350 or 07860 250961 Email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com Info: www.clubceroc.com Cut out this voucher for free life membership and free admission for the first week and free DVD. (New members only)

JANUARY 2010

Transport for all BCT has been successfully providing transport services to the community for over 32 years.

•

Hire of coaches and accessible minibuses available

• •

We offer competitive tailored quotes Hire us for daytrips, educational trips, weddings, airport journeys and self-drive

Tel: 020 3114 7022 Email: enquires@brentct.org.uk Web: www.brentct.org.uk Registered charity No. 280698

Happy new you!

Find out where you can Get Active, have fun, make new friends and improve your health and fitness‌ Brent Council’s Sports Service 020 8937 3707 www.brent.gov.uk/sports sportsservice@brent.gov.uk

Make your move Most adults need to move more and include physical activity in their daily routines. We should all do 30 minutes, five or more days a week, either in one session daily or through several shorter sessions of ten minutes or more.

This guide will help you to move more, whatever your age, size or ability!

Why get active?

• Make new friends and have fun • Improve your fitness and strength

B.Active

• Manage your weight

Get great price reductions at Brent Council’s sports centres with the B.Active scheme.

• Increase your energy and confidence levels

Regular users and concessionary groups can save on a range of sports.

• Reduce stress and sleep better

Pick up an application form from a sports centre, contact Brent Council’s Sports Service on 020 8937 3707 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports to download a form.

Speak to your GP first if you have concerns about getting active. Start slowly, at a level that suits you.

You don’t need the latest sportswear, everyday, comfortable clothes will do.

.

Sports centres Contact our sports centres to find out about their wide range of activities.

Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, Brentfield, Harrow Road, NW10 0RG. 020 8937 3730

Swim for free If you are disabled, over 60 or 16 and under, you can now swim for free during all public swimming sessions.

Timetables may change during the school holidays and over the year.

Please check at the sports centre or at www.brent.gov.uk/freeswimming or see the centre before your visit at www.brent.gov.uk/virtualtours

Charteris Sports Centre, 24-30 Charteris Road, Kilburn NW6 7ET. 020 7625 6451 Vale Farm Sports Centre, Watford Road, North Wembley HA0 3HG. 020 8908 6545 Willesden Sports Centre, Donnington Road, Willesden NW10 3QX. 020 8955 1120

Over 75 per cent of adults who take part in our Healthy Walks Programme feel fitter and have experienced positive effects on their lifestyle.

Mums and babies postnatal exercise class

Jog programme Jog your way to a happier, healthier you.

No need to book, just turn up. Beginners and intermediates welcome.

Tokyngton Recreation Ground Monks Park Road, Wembley, HA9 Sundays, 10.30 - 11.30am. Meet at Vivian Avenue park entrance. Cost: free

There are 10,080 minutes in a week so find 5x30 minutes to Get Active!

Willesden Sports Centre Thursdays, 7 - 8pm. Meet at café area.

Cost: £2.20 to non-Willesden Sports Centre members. Please note, this is not a Brent Council jog. Contact 020 8955 1120 and ask for the Sport Development Officer.

Exercise, have fun, get back into shape, improve your strength and meet new mothers.

Willesden Sports Centre Wednesdays, 10.30 - 11.30am £2 per session Vale Farm Sports Centre Thursdays, 10.45 - 11.45am £2 per session

Sudbury Court Running Club Various routes. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.15pm. Wembley and Sudbury Tennis Club, Sylvester Road, Wembley, HA0 3AB. Cost: Free taster session. Full membership costs: £40 annually. Changing room with hot showers and toilets, kitchen area and bar. Please note, this is not a Brent Council jog. Visit www.sudburycourt.org

Capital City Academy, Doyle Gardens, Willesden, London, NW10 3ST. Thursdays, 7.30 - 8.30pm. Cost £2 per session.

No need to book, you can just turn up.

Starting 21 January 2010.

Gentle aerobics class for adults aged 50 and over

Exercise class for people with type 2 diabetes

Mixed ability classes for both men and women in a safe, friendly environment.

Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre Thursdays 2 - 3pm £2.50 per session To book, phone Doug, 020 8903 1728

You’ve seen it on TV, now it’s your turn to learn!

Strictly come salsa

For more information on these classes contact 020 8937 3722.

St Margaret’s and St George’s URC and Moravian Church Hall Nicoll Road, Harlesden, London NW10 9AX Wednesdays 11.30am - 12.30pm £2 per session No need to book, just turn up.

Strictly ballroom

Patidar House, 22 London Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 7EX, Tuesdays, 7.30 8.30pm, £2 per session. No need to book, just turn up. Starting 12 January 2010.

Return to football

Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11.30am £2 per session

Kingsbury Fitness First 632-640 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury London NW9 9HN Tuesdays, 1.30 - 2.30pm £2 per session To book, phone 020 8937 3722/3727

W E N

W E N Have you still got the skills to bend it like Barnes?

Bring your mates, have a laugh and get some exercise.

The Pavilion, Stonebridge Recreation Ground, Hillside, London, NW10 8LW Tuesdays, 7 - 8pm, £2 per session No need to book, just turn up.

A class purposely designed for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Vale Farm Sports Centre, Tuesdays, 12.30 - 1.15pm To book, phone 020 8937 3722. Cost: free.

How will you make your move?

Become a walk leader If you enjoy walking, are enthusiastic, able to motivate others and like meeting new people.

Free training provided.

Contact Jo Creary on 020 8937 3722 or email jo.creary@brent.gov.uk to register your interest.

Healthy Walks Programme Come rain or shine, people are enjoying our free walks programme in Brent parks. Led by qualified walk leaders, walk at your own pace, improve your health and make new friends.

For more information phone 020 8937 3707 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports Barham Park Harrow Road, Sudbury, HA0 2HB. Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11.30am. Meet at the entrance opposite the police station and post office on Harrow Road.

Bus routes: 18, 92, 182, 204.

British rail/tube: Sudbury Town Station (Piccadilly Line).

Fryent Country Park Fryent Way, Kingsbury, London, NW9.

Wednesdays, 1.55pm. Meet at Bush Farm, at the junction of Slough Lane and Salmon Street. Bus routes: 83, 302.

British rail/tube: Kingsbury Station (Jubilee Line). Please note this is not a Brent Council walk. Contact Kingsbury Walkers on 020 8907 2836.

Gladstone Park Dollis Hill Lane, London, NW2.

Fridays 1.30 - 2.30pm and Sundays, 10.30 - 11.30am. Meet at Dollis Hill Lane entrance (by the car park). Bus routes: 16, 182, 226, 232, 245, 332.

British rail/tube: Dollis Hill (Jubilee Line).

King Edward VII Park Park Lane, Wembley, HA9 7RX. Thursdays, 10.30 - 11.30am. Meet at Park Lane entrance, adjacent to Park Lane School. Bus routes: 18, 79, 83, 92, 182, 204, 224, 233, 297. British rail/tube: Wembley Central (Bakerloo Line).

Queens Park Harvist Road, London NW6. Sundays, 2 - 3pm. Meet outside the café. Bus routes: 6, 36, 187, 206, 316. British rail/tube: Queens Park (Bakerloo Line).

Nature walk Welsh Harp, Birchen Grove, Kingsbury, NW9. Thursdays, 10 - 11am. Meet at Welsh Harp Open Space car park.

Bus routes: 83, 182, 245, 297, 302.

Parent and baby walk Roundwood Park. Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11.30am. Meet outside the café.

Bus routes: 52, 98, 206, 226, 297. British rail/tube: Willesden Junction (Bakerloo Line and BR), Dollis Hill (Jubilee Line).

Roe Green Park Kingsbury High Road, Kingsbury, NW9.

Sundays, 10.30 - 11.30am. Meet outside the adventure playground. Bus routes: 183, 204. British rail/tube: Kingsbury Station (Jubilee Line).

Roundwood Park Harlesden Road, London, NW10.

Wednesdays, 10.30 - 11.30am and Sundays, 11 - 12noon. Meet outside the café.

Bus routes: 52, 98, 206, 226, 297. British rail/tube: Willesden Junction (Bakerloo Line and BR), Dollis Hill (Jubilee Line).

Over 1,000 adults have got active with Brent Council’s Sports Service in the past year.

GreenPages WWW.BRENT.GOV.UK/RECYCLING

JANUARY 2010

Ten for 2010

Easy steps you can take to make a big difference in the new year!

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

You can make a difference!

We all know that we should be doing something to tackle climate change.

But did you know that it’s easy to make a difference to the greenhouse gases we all cause?

Please try a few of these small steps in 2010 and make big changes.

3 1

Recycle more. Around 75 per cent of what we put in the bin can be recycled. Please put all your paper, glass bottles and cans in your green recycling box. If your green box is full after all the festivities, why not order another box free of charge. You can recycle more that you think.

4 2

Save while you shop. Take your own bag, instead of relying on plastic carrier bags. Buy bottles you can refill. Avoid disposable items like razors.

Love food, hate waste.

Wasting food costs the average household £480 a year. Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for tips and great recipes for leftovers.

020 8937 5050

5

Reuse. Worn out clothes can be cut up for dusters or cleaning cloths. Stick a label over the address and use envelopes again. Try rechargeable batteries instead of single use ones.

6

Reduce junk mail delivered to your door.

Sign up for the Mail Preference Service on 0845 703 4599 or www.mpsonline.org.uk.

Order a free ‘no junk mail’ sticker from Brent Council on the number below.

Buy recycled products such as tissues and paper.

www.brent.gov.uk/recycling

7 8

Use your car less. Most car journeys are under two miles, so why not walk instead? It's easy, it'll help keep you fit and it won't cost you a thing. Try walking the children to school instead of driving.

9

Water is precious. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, take short showers instead of baths and collect rainwater for the garden in a water butt.

Turn it off. Unplug any electrical items not in use and turn off lights. Open your curtains to let the light in during the day.

Want to do more?

Then please sign up to the Brent Climate Change Pledge.

We are asking local people to cut the greenhouse gases they cause by signing up to the Brent Climate Change Pledge.

The pledge details a number of small steps you can take in your daily life that will add up to big changes.

If you sign up, you promise to: • waste less energy • cycle, walk or use public transport • reduce and recycle rubbish • waste less water • and eat food when it’s in season.

10

Sweet charity. Give unwanted but still useable clothes and toys to charity shops rather than throwing them away. Small steps like these add up to big changes.

The pledge is part of Brent’s new Climate Change Strategy.

It’s easy to make a difference. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/climatechange or call 0208 937 5326.

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

Seasonal recycling tips You can recycle more than you think at this time of year!

Real Christmas tree recycling

Christmas card recycling Raise money for the Woodland Trust by putting cards in special bins at the following stores:

Chop it up and put it into your green organics bin so the lid can be shut or put • WH Smith at: it in your Brent bio-sack.

113 Kilburn High Road, NW6 You can also take it to Brent Council’s Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 Recycling and Reuse Centre, Abbey Road, NW10 or to one of the following • Marks and Spencer at: 66 High Road, Kilburn, NW6 park depots.

Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 • Barham Park, • TK Maxx at: Harrow Road, Sudbury, HA0 St Georges Centre, HA1 • Gladstone Park, Kendal Road, NW10 • Queens Park, Kingswood Avenue, NW6 (a Corporation of London park) • Roe Green Park, Kingsbury Road, NW9 • Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, NW10

Christmas tree and card recycling sites in Brent • Roe Green Park, Kingsbury Road, NW9

• Gladstone Park, Kendal Road, NW10

• Recycling and Reuse Centre, Abbey Rd, NW10

• WH Smith 113 High Road, Kilburn, NW6 • Marks and Spencer 66 High Road, Kilburn, NW6

Or take cards to your children’s school, if their school is collecting.

Please don’t forget to donate any unwanted gifts to your local charity shop.

GreenPages

12.09 BDU 6137

Brent Council’s quarterly residents’ recycling newsletter produced by Brent Council in association with Veolia. For further information please visit ww.brent.gov.uk/ recycling or call 020 8937 5050

• Barham Park, Harrow Road, Sudbury, HA0

• Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, NW10

• Queens Park, Kingswood Avenue, NW6

Brent Council – working for a cleaner, greener Brent

Green guardians Streetwatchers is marking a decade of helping local residents to improve the environment of their neighbourhoods.

They are the people who perhaps care about their local areas more than anyone.

Streetwatchers are residents who go out and about, reporting ‘envirocrime’ such as fly-tipping, rubbish, graffiti, fly-posting, abandoned vehicles and dumped goods. The work they do is reported back to Brent Council StreetCare officers who deal with the problem.

The initiative was set up in 1999 and there are 200 individual Streetwatchers across Brent.

Hasmukhrai Kothari joined ten years ago because he was concerned about his area. “Neasden had terrible problems then,” he explains. “Builders’ waste and shops’ rubbish was being dumped here. There were rotting vegetables and litter in the roads. Many alleyways were filled up with rubbish from people fly-tipping in them.”

Mr Kothari, also known as ‘Hush’ and chairman of the residents’ association, joined Streetwatchers and started to report what he saw to Brent Council’s StreetCare unit. “The first thing the council did was to start alley-gating or blocking in the alleys to make sure people couldn’t fly tip. Then we started to tackle the litter and rubbish. I know council officers can’t be every-

where and we are there to report on particular problems. We have a very good relationship and understanding with the council.”

He also asks other association members to report problems to him, which he feeds back to the council. Problems solved by other Streetwatchers include broken street furniture such as lamp-posts and benches, and abandoned vehicles in the streets.

It was Harlesden Streetwatcher Lorraine Skinner’s idea to set up Green Zones while others have helped tackle excess packaging by big supermarkets, visited recycling plants in Brent and been involved in the Echo Action project around sustainability.

Brent Council provides training for Streetwatchers, and organises trips and a yearly conference.

‘Hush’ Kothari They are also encouraged to get involved in some decision making, for example, the Streetwatchers were consulted For more on Streetwatchers, over a new tree policy for the email streetwatchers@brent.gov.uk borough. or call 020 8937 5050.

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I love spuds. So I store mine in a cool dark place to make them last longer.

Any sprouty ones get a good peel and are perfect for mash. Lovely jubbly. lovefoodhatewaste.com has more tips and recipes to help you waste less food and save up to ÂŁ50 a month.

SECREThistory

Lives remembered The families of civilians killed by air raids in World War Two in Willesden have been remembering their loved ones after Brent Council opened a new memorial.

On a terrible day in 1940 Sylvia Davis lost six members of her family in an air raid attack; now almost 70 years later there is a memorial inscribed with the names of them all.

Sylvia (neé Edmonds) attended the recent opening of the new memorial in Willesden New Cemetery which lists the names of 230 civilians killed in the area in the war. It stands next to an older memorial put up by the old Willesden District Council to the 73 people killed in the raids and buried by the then council because they had no relatives to arrange funerals.

“The memorial is tremendous. We forget how many ordinary people died in factories, streets or in shelters. Now they have more recognition.”

“They were killed in a direct hit on Granville Road in Kilburn,” explains Sylvia. “They were my mother’s side of the family – aunties, uncles and nieces called Cook. They wanted to go to the air raid shelters, but the raid started and I think they had no time.

“Dad was in a shelter near Queen’s Park Station. They heard a tremendous bang; it was only later they realised what had happened. Luckily, my mother was in Harlesden.”

Willesden was one of the most heavily bombed areas of London: in 1940 during the Blitz and in 1944 during the Nazis’ V1 and V2 campaign. Five civilians, three of them ARP officers, won George medals for heroism including James Brennan, Dr John Beeston, RJ Nicholls and FTW Rogers. Bernard Ireland won his for rescuing four people trapped in the ruins of an air raid shelter in Willesden Technical College.

“The memorial is tremendous. We forget how many ordinary people died in factories, streets or in shelters. Now they have more recognition,” added Sylvia.

Shelia Gould attended the opening to remember her father Frederick who died when a bomb hit Ivy Road, Cricklewood, in 1940. “There is somewhere he belongs now. Seeing his name on the memorial was very powerful,” she said.

Cliff Wadsworth lost his 16-year-old cousin Ivy Blackburn who was killed in Pember Road, Kensal Rise. He said: “There was an air raid. The family went down into the cellar, but she left to go upstairs to get something from her bedroom. There was a direct hit on the house and she was killed instantly. Ivy was at the start of her life.”

For more on the bombing of Willesden see ‘Willesden at War’ by KJ Valentine in Brent Archives by emailing archives@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3541.

Cliff Wadsworth, left, Sheila Gould, right.

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Services for babies, young children and people aged up to 20 For information about • Activities and services at Brent’s Children’s Centres • Parent and toddler groups • Nurseries and playgroups • Special needs services • Funding for childcare • After school services • Careers in childcare • Holiday schemes • Childminders • Tax credits • Leisure

Children and Families Information Service 020 8937 3001 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 24 hour voicemail Chesterfield House, Park Lane, Wembley HA9 7RW

www.brent.gov.uk/childcare cfis@brent.gov.uk 28

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JANUARY 2010

Photography: www.JohnBirdsall.co.uk

Brent Children and Families Information Service (CFIS)

COMPETITIONS

Win your 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium An escorted tour of Wembley Stadium makes an exciting day out for the whole family. Stroll into the player's dressing room and walk through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf, then climb 107 steps, standing triumphantly in front of the royal box and see the FA Cup. For Brent residents, we have four pairs of tickets for the Wembley Stadium tour. For a chance to win, send in the correct answer to the following question:

Which band is playing at Wembley Stadium on 19 June?

Send or email your answers to Wembley Stadium competition at the address below. For information on event times visit: www.wembleystadium.com/events Competition Terms and Conditions • Only one entry per person allowed • Prizes/tours must be redeemed within 12 months of receiving confirmation • Children under 16 must be accompanied on the Stadium Tour by an adult and have consent of their parent/guardian • No cash alternatives for any prize will be offered • Employees of Wembley Stadium and their families are not eligible to enter. Prize winners must adhere to Wembley Stadium Tour’s terms and conditions, available at www.wembleystadium.com/tours • All prizes/tours are subject to availability and pre-booking is required.

Wembley Stadium Event Calendar 13 Feb 2010 28 Feb 2010 3 Mar 2010 28 Mar 2010 10 and 11 Apr 2010 17 April 8 or 9 May 2010 15 May 2010 16 May 2010 22 May 2010 29 May 2010 30 May 2010 19 June Date tbc 28 August 2010 4 September 8 September

Event starts

Saracens v Worcester Warriors Carling Cup Final England Friendly Johnstone’s Paint Trophy FA Cup Semi Finals Saracens v Harlequins FA Trophy / Vase FA Cup Final Conference Play Off Championship Play Off League 1 Play Off League 2 Play Off Green Day The FA Community Shield Rugby League Challange Cup Final Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier Potential England Euro 2012 qualifier

TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC 3pm TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC

This events calendar is correct at the time of going to print and is subject to change and updates. More events are expected to be booked for 2010 – these will be added to the calendar as and when confirmed. Please visit www.wembleystadium.com/events for the very latest information.

Win tickets to the Masters Snooker Final at Wembley Arena Masters Snooker returns to Wembley Arena from 10-17 January 2010 with some of the best players in international snooker. Last year saw the dramatic final between Mark Selby and Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Brent Magazine has teamed up with World Snooker and Wembley Arena to bring readers an exclusive competition to win one pair of tickets to the Masters Snooker final on 17 January. To be in with a chance, simply answer the following question:

Who won last year’s Masters Snooker at Wembley Arena?

Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: The Brent Magazine, Room 9, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD or email competition@brent.gov.uk (add name of competition to subject line). The deadline for the Masters Snooker Competition is Friday, 8 January and the Wembley Stadium Competition is Friday, 15 January.

Stadium competition winners: Yousuf Ale, Peter Dew, Richard Woodcock, Janine Borgeat Tricycle Cinema Club competition winners: G Bown, Adele Phemister

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TIMEout

What’s going on…

The essential guide to music, drama, sport, workshops and much more. Find out what’s going on in Brent during January 2010. To get your event listed email tbm@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 1068.

CHILDREN AIR CADETS Mon and Thurs 7pm 406 Squadron Willesden 020 8451 0406 ALPERTON CHILDREN CENTRE Mons 9.30-12noon citizens’ advice, 1012noon childminding; Tues 10-12noon family support, 10-1pm job advice (appointment only), 1-3pm pop in and play; Weds 10-12noon music speech therapy, 1.30-2pm story speech therapy; Thurs 9.3012.30pm baby health clinic (appointment only), 12.30-2pm cooking; Friday 9.30-12noon citizens’ advice, Ealing Road, Alperton 020 8937 3860 ARTALIKE Sats 10am term-time; Sats 10-noon ARTTEEN 7-14 £5, Kensal Rise call Wilda on 07946 755 847 ART CLASSES Mini Picassos for children aged 4-6 yrs and 7-11yrs; toddler Picassos 15 months-3 yrs, Gracelands Cafe, Kensal Green, 07903638817 CHURCH LANE CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 9.30-11.30am twins club, 2-4pm baby club; Tues 1.30-3pm cooking.

9.30-noon citizens’ advice by appointment; Weds 9.15-10.45am and 1112.30pm stay and play, dietician; Thurs 9.3011.30am family workshop with crèche; Friday 9.3010.30am rhyme time and speech therapy by appointment, 9.30-noon citizens’ advice by appointment, Fryent Primary School, Church Lane, Kingsbury 020 8937 3890

DANIEL’S DEN Mons 1-3pm, Thurs 9.3011am, 11.30-1pm, Fris 9.30-11am, 11.30-1pm St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Ave, Tokyngton. Tues, 1-3pm, Gladstone Park Primary School, Dollis Hill. www.danielsden.org.uk DRAMA WORKSHOPS Sats 7-16 yrs Duddenhill Centre, NW10 07958 653 725 FAWOOD CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons, Tues & Fris 9.3011.30am under 5s pop in and play, Weds 9.3011.30am childminder’s network, Fawood Avenue NW10 020 8965 9334 GIRLS’ BRIGADE Weds 5.15-8.30pm for five-year-olds and upwards, Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive 07961 321 237 GOALKEEPING SCHOOL Mons 6-7pm 7-11 yrs, 7.15-8.15pm 12-18yrs JFS, The Mall, Kenton £5.75 07931 359 323 HATHA YOGA Mons 5-8yrs 5pm, 12 weeks £42, Willesden Green Library.

07764 159 318 LITTLE BEEPS MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Mons 10.30am Willesden Community Hospital, Weds 10.30am Salvation Army Harlesden, Fris 10.30am dad-led session at Willesden Community Hospital.

MINI-SOCCER Suns Year 3 9.4510.45am Year 4-Year 6 10.45-12noon Uxendon Manor School, Vista Way, Kenton, 6 weeks £30, call George Lappas 07957 229 518 MUM AND TODDLER Thurs 10-noon, Preston Mall Community Centre, Kenton £2 020 8204 1148 PARENT AND CARER TODDLER GROUP Thurs 9-10.30am 50p Barham Primary, Danethorpe Road, Wembley 020 8902 3706 PARENT AND BABY WALK Tues, 10.30am Roundwood Park, NW10 07958 292 524 PIONEER EXPLORER SCOUTS Weds 8-10pm for 14-18 years, Stember Hall, Leighton Gardens, NW10 01582 703121 SEA TRAINING CORPS Thurs 7.15-9.15pm Sea Pirates 7-9 yrs; Thurs 7.15-9.15pm juniors; Mons and Fris 7.159.30pm Sea Cadets; Mons and Fris 7.159.30pm Marine Cadets; youth group for boys and girls, Cool Oak Lane, NW9 020 8205 4492 www.seacadet.org SING AND SIGN CLASSES Mon-Fri, for babies 6-18 months. Willesden Green and Kensal Rise 07790 955 576 SPLASH ACADEMY Sats 10am-12pm, ages 514. Claremont High School, Kenton, £28 for 5 weeks. 07863 165 737

SOCCER TRAINING Fris, 6-8pm, for children, first session free Capital City Academy NW10 mdipaola@cyworks.co.uk TREE TOPS CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 10am-12noon childminders’ network, 2.15-4.15pm stay and play; Tues 10am-12noon healthy eaters, citizens’ advice (appointment only) 1.30-4pm, under ones’ club 2-4pm; Weds 10am12noon, 2-4pm stay and play, 10.30-11.30am parents’ workshops; Thurs 10am-12noon, stay and play with speech therapist, 12noon12.30pm one-to-one with speech therapist, 2.153.15pm music and movement, 2-4pm stay and play; Fris 9.30am12noon citizens’ advice (appointment only), 10am-12noon and 2.304.30pm stay and play, 10am-12noon meet the dietician, Kings Edward’s Park, Doyle Gardens NW10 020 8838 3901 WILLESDEN SURE START CHILDREN’S CENTRE Mons 1.30-3.30pm dropin nutrition, Mons 1.303.30pm Tues 10-noon and 1.30-3pm stay, play and learn, Weds 10.30noon Baa Baa Babies, Thurs and Fris 9.3012.30am citizens’ advice bureau (appointment only) Fris 10-noon parents’ talk. Willesden Centre for Health and Care Sure Start Children’s Centre, Robson Avenue NW10 0208 459 7256

TNA Wrestling.

See: Wembley Arena

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COMMUNITY ACE CAFÉ 16 Jan 11-4pm NSX Honda meet, 23 Jan 114pm Vauxhall VXR O.C. meet. 24 Jan all day Australia Day, 30 Jan 4pm all American cruise-in www.ace-cafelondon.com BRENT PENSIONERS FORUM 6 Jan 10am-12noon Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley 020 8998 0564 BRENT AND HARROW NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WIDOWS 12 Jan 8pm. Mince pies and mulled wine evening; 26 Jan 8pm bring-andbuy fund-raising night.

Contact Rhona, 76 Marlborough Hill, Harrow 020 8969 3198 CHALKHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE Mons women’s keep fit 10-11am £3, toddler group 11am-2pm, over 50s keep fit 2-3pm £1.50, karate 6-7pm £1.50, genesis 5-7pm; Tues Somali group 10am1pm, toddler group 10am-2pm, taekwondo 4.30-6.30pm, groundworks 5.307.30pm; Weds 50s keep fit 10-11am £1.50, playgroup 11am-1pm, salsa 6.30-7.30pm £3; Thurs women’s keep fit 10-11am £3, pensioners’ group 1-3pm, table tennis 5-7pm, keep fit 78pm £1.50; Fris Muslim women coffee morning 9.30-11am, archery 56pm, line dancing 6.157.15pm £3, WICC church 7.15-9.15pm; Sats taekwondo 9-11am, Somali group 10am-2pm, WICC learning club 10am-2pm; Suns Somali group 10am-2pm, WICC church and learning club 10am-2pm, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836 bookings@chalkhill communitycentre.org GALLERY IN THE PARK Mon-Fri, 9-3pm café and training for people with learning disabilities, Wembley, 07833 374 696 MOSAIC Weds, for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people aged under 19, 07931 33668 NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707884

OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUP Tues 11-12.30pm The Gallery, Willesden Green Library 020 8452 8739

CRAFT FLOWER ARRANGING Weds, 8pm Kingsbury Horticultural Association, The Pavilion, Old Kenton Lane Allotments 020 8205 3457 KNITTING GROUP Mons, 6pm Lewis Cresent, Neasden 07775 984 316 WEMBLEY QUILTERS 2nd and 4th Fris, 7.309.30pm, Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane, 020 8902 9934

DANCE ADULT BEGINNERS BALLET COURSE Weds evenings 3 Feb - 31 Mar 2010 The Corrib Rest, 76-80 Salusbury Rd, NW6 6PA 07956 260108 www.balletforyou.co.uk ADULT AFRICAN DANCE Weds 7.30-8.30pm £5 Willesden Sports Centre 020 8955 1120 ADULT STREET DANCE Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, £5.15 New Bridge Park Complex 020 8937 3730 ARGENTINEAN TANGO Thurs, 7.30-9pm, beginners, 9-11pm The Cricklewood Pub, NW2 www.corrientessocial club.co.uk

BELLY DANCE Tues 8.30-10pm NY Pilates Studio, Lonsdale Rd NW6 020 7372 3490 Mons 7.30-8.30pm, Fitness First Wembley, £8 drop and £40 for 6 weeks 07855 362 849 www.hayaam.com CLUB CEROC Tues 8-11pm Brent Town Hall, Wembley www.clubceroc.com LINE DANCING Fris 6.15-7.15pm, free, beginners, Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8976 1099 MAMBO CITY Mons, 7.30-8.30pm Cuban Salsa £6 St Joseph’s Social Club, Empire Way, Wembley jean@mambocity.co.uk

TIMEout SALSA Fris 7.30-8.30pm Willesden Sports Centre Thurs 8.15-9.30pm £4.50, Vale Farm Sports Centre 07961 281 989 SALSA AND KAZOMBA Thurs, 8pm class, 9pmmidnight dancing £5 Club Casa Nossa, NW10 07723 696 318 SCOTTISH DANCING Mons 8-10pm, £2 Youth Centre, Church of the Ascension, Wembley 020 3078 0018 SELF EXPRESSIVE DANCE Tues 8-9.30pm, £7.50, Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane 020 8205 6751 TEA DANCE Mons and Weds, 1.304.30pm, £3, Brent Town Hall, Wembley 020 8937 6206

DRAMA CHAMELEONS Mons and Thurs 8pm, Neasden Methodist Church, NW10 07968 965 038 DRAMA WORKHOUSE Tues and Weds 8-10pm, adult workshops, Dudden Hill Centre, NW10 07958 653 725 EAST LANE THEATRE CLUB 11-13, 17-20 Feb 7.45pm ‘Out of Order’ by Ray Cooney tickets £9 (in advance) box office 07762 622 215 MADHATTERS Weds 8pm amateur dramatics, Stables Arts Centre, Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane.

020 8452 5239

ENVIRONMENT BRENT FRIENDS OF THE EARTH 5 Jan 7.30pm, Labour and Trades Hall, 375 High Road, NW10 07793 244 408 FARMERS’ MARKET Suns, 10-2pm, Salusbury Road, School, Queens Park www.lfm.org.uk KENSAL RISE MARKET Sats, 10-5pm, outside Minkie’s Deli, Chamberlayne Road, NW10 07807 057 808 KINGSBURY WALKERS Weds 1.55pm, Meet Bush Farm, Slough Lane and Salmon Street junction.

020 8907 2836 ROE GREEN WALLED GARDEN Tues, Thurs, Sats 10am2.30pm gardening and wildlife work in the garden, organised by Barn Hill Conservation Group 020 8206 0589

WEMBLEY NATIONAL TRUST 3rd Thurs in month, 7.30pm St John’s Church, Crawford Avenue, Wembley 020 8904 5940 WELSH HARP CONSERVATION GROUP 10 Jan 10am winter birds walk, starts Cool Oak Lane Bridge 020 8447 1810

EXHIBITIONS BRENT ARTISTS RESOURCE 12 Jan-4 Feb daily 2-6pm, preview 21 Jan 6-9pm, ‘Minimalism Massimo’ minimalist works by Carl Andre, John Baldessari, James Ireland 020 8459 1421 www.brentartists resource.org.uk STABLES GALLERY 7-31 Jan Thurs-Sun 115pm ceramics by Nathan Smith, Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane 020 8452 8655

LOCAL HISTORY WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY 15 Jan 7.30pm ‘The History of the Welsh Harp’ by Leslie Williams St Andrew’s, Church Lane, Kingsbury 020 8205 3263 WILLESDEN HISTORY SOCIETY 20 Jan 7.30pm ‘Postcards of Old Willesden’ archivist Malcom Barres-Baker talks about Dilwyn Chambers’ collection of 330 postcards Scout House, Strode Road NW10 020 8965 7230 cliffwadsworth@ btinternet.com

MUSIC ACE CAFÉ 9 Jan 9pm-2am Jailhouse Rock Elvis night with The Memphis Flashers and DJ Bill Guntrip £10, over 18s; Sat 16 8-11pm Motown special with DJ Little Diane free www.acecafé-london.com GUITAR LESSONS Mon-Thurs, Kensal Rise contact Udi 07528 016 583 www.udiguitar.com JAZZ Suns 8-10pm, Hugo’s, Lonsdale Road, Queen’s Park www.jazz7.co.uk 020 7372 1232

Brand New See: Music

PIANO LESSONS Mon-Sun, all grades from beginner to advanced, £20 per hour, Cricklewood, call Edgardo Plasencia 020 8450 1067 WEMBLEY ARENA 10-17 Jan Masters Snooker; 19 Jan Nickelback; 23 Jan Brand New; 30 Jan TNA Wrestling, Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley www.livenation.co.uk

SPORTS & LEISURE AEROBICS Weds, 8-9pm, £4 Father O’Callaghan Centre, Hay Lane, Kingsbury 07861 377 214 ATLANTIS SWIMMING CLUB Weds, Wykeham Primary School, Thurs, Grove Park School, adults and children 07958 422 660 BRENT DOLPHINS Tues, Weds, Fris, Suns, Willesden Sports Centre, Mons, Thurs, Suns, Vale Farm Sports Centre, children’s swimming club 07805 611 956 bdsc@talktalk.net BRIDGE Fris pm Dennis Jackson Centre, London Road 020 8902 5331 BRONDESBURY BOWLING CLUB Evenings and daytime including free tuition, Chatsworth Road 0208 438 0302 BROTHERS PEARSE CAMOGIE CLUB Ladies hurling club, beginners and experienced players welcome, contact Mary Cahill 07904 685 276 www.brospearse camogielondon.com CENTURY BOWLS CLUB Daily indoor and outdoor bowls, new members welcome free coaching available, all-weather green, social actitivities, Logan Road, Wembley 020 8904 3261

KEEP FIT WHILE U SIT Mons 1.30-3.30pm.

Improve joint mobility, muscle strength and flexibility, £4, first visit free. Queensbury Methodist Church, Beverley Drive.

020 8537 0229 PRESTON PARK BOWLS CLUB New members welcome, free coaching and loan of bowls Preston Park Recreation Ground, Carlton Avenue East 020 8933 9358 020 8427 1590 QUEENS PARK HARRIERS Tues & Thurs 7-8pm, Willesden Sport Centre www.queenspark harriers.org.uk SUDBURY COURT BADMINTON CLUB Thurs 8-10pm, The Mall, Kingsbury 020 8904 6698 TAEKWONDO Tues 6-9pm, Thurs 67.30pm, Ealing Road Methodist Church 07832 447 763 TAG RUGBY Suns 11am, training for 7-11yrs, boys & girls, Gladstone Park, Kendal Road entrance Kilburn Cosmos RFC 07971 475 240 TAI CHI Tues, 6.30-9pm beginners 8-9.30pm advanced, Islamia School, Salusbury Road, NW6 07939 043 580 Weds 1.30-2.30pm, 55 yrs and over, beginners £2, Fitness First, Kingsbury 07957 185 367 WATERFISH SWIMMING CLUB Mons & Weds, Gemini Pool, Grove Park School, NW9 020 8428 3718 WEMBLEY CRICKET CLUB Men’s, boys’ and girls’ cricket teams, coaching for girls and boys Sats 10-11am at Oakington Manor School, Wembley 020 8902 6096 020 8904 2644 WEMBLEY FLY FISHERS Mons 7.30pm Conservative Club, Kenton Road 020 8427 9734

WEMBLEY TENNIS CLUB Coaching and playing, Vale Farm, Sudbury Avenue, opposite Rustic Place. To join call 020 8429 2289 for coaching call 07515 882 832 WILLESDEN AND BRENT CHESS CLUB Mons, 7pm, Scout House, Willesden High Road, NW10, 020 8961 7092 WOMEN’S FUN FITNESS CLASS Tues 8-9pm Kingsbury Baptist Church hall, Slough Lane, NW9 £4 07944 523 260 WOODCOCK PARK BOWLING CLUB Weds 6pm for new and seasoned bowlers, free coaching, Woodcock Park, Kenton 020 8907 2701 YOGA Mons 1-2pm, Sats 910am, £2,50 per lesson Dudden Hill Centre, Dudden Hill Lane, NW10 020 8459 1107 Tues 7.45pm sahaja yoga at Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow 020 8097 5985 Thurs 7.30-9pm experienced yoga students, Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow 020 8861 5663 Mons 6.30-7.30 pm, Thurs 7-8pm, Sun 1112noon, special Jan course £60, drop-in £10 Gladstone Community Centre, 162 Anson Road 07901 650 763

TALKS FRIENDS OF CRICKLEWOOD LIBRARY 28 Jan 7pm ‘Willesden Wordscapes’ poet Gavin Selerie discusses his local roots and reads from his book ‘Music’s Duel’.

Cricklewood Library, 152 Olive Road 020 8452 4072

VISUAL ARTS ART CLASSES Tues, 7-9pm starting 19 Jan until 17 March (half-term 16 Feb); drawing and painting, for all levels, over 15s, £24 concessions or £28 for four weeks, Brent Artists Resource, Willesden Green Library Centre NW10 call Mary Treherne after noon 020 8141 6367

JANUARY 2010

VENUES BRENT MUSEUM WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600 THE BRENT ARCHIVE Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10 020 8937 3541 archive@brent.gov.uk THE PAUL DAISLEY HALL Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9 Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203 THE STABLES GALLERY ARTS CENTRE Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane, London NW2 020 8452 8655 Thursday – Sunday 11am-6pm TRICYCLE THEATRE CINEMA AND GALLERY 269 Kilburn High Road,London NW6 Theatre Box Office 020 7328 1000 Cinema Box Office 020 7328 1900 Disabled access to auditorium and cafe induction loop in auditorium Minicom 020 7625 5105 WEMBLEY ARENA Box Office 0870 060 0870 www.livenation.co.uk/wembley

LIBRARIES Barham Park Library Harrow Road, Sudbury, Middx 020 8937 3550 barhamparklibrary@brent.gov.uk Cricklewood Library 152 Olive Road NW2 020 8937 3540 cricklewoodlibrary@brent.gov.uk Ealing Road Library Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3560 ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk Harlesden Library Craven Park Road, Harlesden, London NW10 020 8937 3570 harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kensal Rise Library Bathurst Gardens, NW10 020 8937 3660 kensalriselibrary@brent.gov.uk Kilburn Library Salusbury Road, London NW6 020 8937 3530 kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kingsbury Library Plus Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, London NW9 020 8937 3520 kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk Neasden Library 277 Neasden Lane, London NW1 020 8937 3580 neasdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Preston Road Library Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3510 prestonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Tokyngton Library Monks Park, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3590 tokyngtonlibrary@brent.gov.uk Town Hall Library Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 3500 townhalllibrary@brent.gov.uk Willesden Green Library High Road, Willesden, London NW10 020 8937 3400 willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk THE BRENT MAGAZINE

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Brent Adult & Community Education Service (BACES) – Taking learning into the community

New Year, new learning, new you Fancy trying your hand at something fresh in the New Year?

Brent Adult and Community Education Service (BACES) is Brent Council's direct provider of education and training, funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Our mission is ‘to broaden minds, create opportunities and change the lives of individuals and communities in Brent’.

Look out for the BACES course brochure 2009/10 for courses beginning in January 2010.

BACES offers a wide range of courses that cater for a diverse range of people with a variety of educational needs. There are accredited and non-accredited courses at a variety of levels and students can choose to progress at their own pace.

Some people love to learn just for the joy of it and there are plenty of courses on offer to stretch your mind and help you extend your skills, from event planning and car maintenance to music technology and drugs awareness. For other people, learning is a way of improving their employment chances and there are many courses that lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Enrol on a BACES course now and choose from a huge range of exciting opportunities. Courses cost just a few pounds per session – or you may even qualify to study at a concessionary rate. Sixteen to 19-year-olds who are not in full time education have free access to accredited courses.

Where do I find out more about enrolling?

Case Study Working with children

Stonebridge Centre Madison House Carlton Centre

tel: 020 8838 2882 tel: 020 8795 3977 tel: 020 7644 9460

Raksha Chauhan feels she owes a lot to BACES. She has combined

Visit our website

studying and caring for her two sons, now aged 16 and

www.brent.gov.uk/baces

11, with a busy career looking after children. She is now studying for the Diploma in Childcare and Education –

Or pick up a brochure at a Brent library or Brent One Stop Service.

CACHE Level 3, having progressed from various childcare

Get on course for your future

courses at Levels 1 and 2.

“Level 1 was the cornerstone for me – it gave me the confidence to work with children. The teachers have really opened doors for me and given me lots of opportunities to set my career up. I thank BACES and I am proud that these qualifications have put me on a firm footing and helped me to achieve my aim.”