The Brent Magazine - Spring 2014

Your magazine about life in Brent • Published by Brent Council

Spring 2014 • Issue 139

Celebrating our citizens Get bitten by the running bug

WIN £200O

worth of LD vouchers Brent

Brushing away bad habits Helping children learn to look after their teeth and eat well

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In this issue Many of us aim to take more exercise and eat healthily but, when it comes to the crunch, end up postponing making those changes until tomorrow.

So it is heartening to see the youngsters on this edition’s front page and page 12 developing good habits.

What they are learning now should stand them in good stead for their adult lives.

Has the arrival of spring and lighter nights inspired you to be more active? We have the lowdown on running and cycling in this edition, along with an inspirational story on managing diabetes. There’s also a celebratory theme running through The Brent Magazine – congratulations to everyone who worked hard to become a British citizen and also to the borough’s first same-sex couple to get married.

The Brent Magazine has now gone quarterly, which means that this edition takes a longer view and covers upcoming events over the next three months. We hope you like it.

Update

Brent People: dealing with diabetes 9

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

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

Please call 020 8937 2700

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Volunteer Mavle Carby has important advice

Happy couple make history

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Congratulations to the first same-sex couple to tie the knot in the borough

Brushing away bad habits

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A new project is helping children learn to look after their teeth and eat well

Building for the future

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A new primary school expansion shows how Brent is creating more school places

Celebrating our citizens

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We hear from some of our newest citizens to mark ten years since the first ceremony

Put a spring in your step

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How you can follow in the footsteps of our marathon-running Mayor

All in a day’s work: on your bike

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Now is the time to get into cycling, says the woman working to improve safety

The lion roars

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The British Empire Exhibition 90 years on

Three competitions to win

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Prizes from the London Designer Outlet, Tricycle Theatre and Lee Valley VeloPark

What’s on Jason Grimsley, interim editor, The Brent Magazine

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News from around the borough

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Your detailed guide to what’s going on in Brent over spring

Issue No.139 Spring 2014 The Brent Magazine Contacts: Distribution queries and editorial: 020 8937 1062 tbm@brent.gov.uk Advertising: 020 8937 1076 advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by the London Borough of Brent, Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ The London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council of goods or services advertised.

Printed on 100% recycled paper.

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

Cover photo: Justin Thomas

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update

CityRead commemorates the Great War Brent Libraries is marking this year’s CityRead London festival with author talks and books which explore the legacy and history of the First World War. On 24 April writer Louise Miller will be at Kingsbury Library Plus to read from her work A Fine Brother: The Life of Captain Flora Sandes, which tells the amazing story of the only English woman to enlist and fight as a soldier during the war. The war in fiction will be explored by Elizabeth Speller, who wrote At Break of Day, when she appears at Kilburn Library on 29 April.

The experiences of soldiers of colour who fought during the

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war and their involvement in later independence movements will be discussed at Wembley Library on 30 April. All talks in the libraries are from 2-3pm.

All of the books promoted for this year’s CityRead festival are available to borrow for free in Brent’s libraries.

There will also be workshops for children and families, including modelmaking, painting and animation at Wembley Library on 10 April, Harlesden Library Plus 15 April 2.30-4pm, and Kingsbury Library Plus on 17 April. All workshops will run from 2.30-4pm.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries for more information.

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Elizabeth Speller who will be talking about her book at Kilburn Library on 29 April

Brent residents have until 6 May to make sure they are registered so they can vote in the local government elections for Brent Council and the European Parliament election, which are both on 22 May. To take part in the elections you must be registered to vote.You can check if you are by going to www.brent. gov.uk\amiregistered. If you are not registered, download an application form or we can send you one. It must be returned to Electoral Services by midnight on 6 May. About a month before the elections, a polling card will be sent to everyone who is eligible to vote. It provides information on where your polling station is located, including a map, and the hours that it will be open. If you do not receive a polling card, or receive one in somebody else’s name, it indicates you are not registered to vote or you may still be registered at your old address so please check. You will be able to register in time

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if you submit your registration form before 6 May. Peter Goss, Brent Council’s Democratic Services Manager, said: “Remember to make your voice heard by voting in this year’s elections. We recently canvassed the borough to try to get everyone on the register, but if you have any doubt about whether you are registered please check with us.”

Residents who want to apply to vote by post must submit a postal vote application form before 5pm on 7 May. This can be found at www.brent.gov.uk\elections.

The results of the elections will be posted on our website.

The results for the local election will be published on 23 May and the European election on 26 May. Contact 020 8937 1372 or email electoral.services@brent.gov.uk

Wembley’s lion roars again A concrete lion from the British Empire Exhibition in 1924-5 will be unveiled in its new home in Wembley.

The lion, which supported a flag pole on the former Palace of Industry before its demolition last year, will be installed on open space in Wembley Hill Road this spring.

The unveiling is another Brent Council project to help regenerate Wembley, which has included pop-up commercial spaces, public art and investment in the area.

Discover more about the British Empire exhibition at Brent Civic Centre on page 27.

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Supporting the borough’s carers Brent Carers Centre will be working to improve the lives of the borough’s carers by supporting the Carers’ Week Quest from 9 to 15 June.

The initiative aims to reach out to as many carers as possible within Brent who are missing out on support and services.

Many people do not see themselves as carers but they include people who look after a partner, family member or relative unpaid.

Brent Carers Centre offers advice, as well as a borough-wide carers’ awareness information and support to carers and drive. Visit www.brentcarerscentre.org.uk or during the week will run activities for carers, call 020 8795 6240 for more information.

Flexible childcare for unusual work patterns Brent’s Flexible Childminding Pool can help job-seeking parents and those who don’t work nine-to-five to find good quality, affordable childcare.

Childminders can look after children at unpredictable hours, short notice, overnight or during weekends.

The new initiative was introduced after a survey of local parents revealed that problems finding flexible, affordable childcare were a major barrier stopping people from working.

Brent has pioneered the service with Jobcentre Plus, NHS Brent and Citizens Advice Bureau.

Email cfis@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 3001 for more.

New look for sports centre

Keep smoking?

No ta!

Call 020 8908 6545 or visit www.everyoneactive.com for the full timetable.

Olympic swimmer Steve Parry (pictured above) was among the guests at a free day of activities to celebrate the completion of a £1.7 million transformation at Vale Farm Sports Centre.

Saracens rugby players demonstrated their skills and Bollywood dancers kicked off the day, which also included trampolining, badminton, basketball

and martial arts.

The sports centre in Watford Road, Wembley, has been significantly improved with new changing areas, dance studio and cycle studio, and a new gym as well as new classes and more sessions for members, non-members and children. It is managed by Everyone Active on behalf of Brent Council.

A six-foot tall cigarette appeared on the streets recently to promote Brent Council’s services to help smokers quit.

Smokers who want to quit can get 12 weeks of free support, including regular clinics and free or affordable medication. Last year 2,370 smokers gave up in Brent. A pack of cigarettes costs around £8 so quitting will save a 20 a day smoker around £1,000 a year.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/stopsmoking or call 020 8795 6669.

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update Professor Tony Attwood who gave a talk on Asperger’s at the Civic Centre earlier this year

Tony’s BOAT visit from Australia A leading expert on Asperger’s Syndrome travelled from Australia to speak at an event on special educational needs attended by 300 parents and young people.

Professor Tony Attwood, who has researched autistic spectrum disorders for 30 years, was a speaker at the sell-out event run by the Brent Outreach Autism Team (BOAT).

Delegates described his talk on managing anxiety, sadness and anger in children who have autism as ‘inspirational’ and ‘enlightening.’

As well as chatting to members of the 300-strong audience, Professor Attwood signed copies of his international bestselling book Asperger’s Syndrome A Guide for Parents and Professionals, which has sold more than 350,000 copies.

Celebrate World Book Night You can celebrate World Book Night and Shakespeare’s birthday on 23 April with an evening of pop-up theatre books and reading at Wembley Library from 5-8pm.

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Firm fined for fly-tipping Brent Council is stepping up its campaign against fly-tipping after two more separate prosecutions.

DC Impex Ltd, which trades as Home Choice in High Street, Harlesden, pleaded guilty to one offence of fly-tipping under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 33. On 10 June last year about 10 bags filled with cardboard, plastic, empty household goods, packaging and litter were dumped in Harlesden High Street on a footpath near Harlesden Plaza by its staff.

An investigation by Brent Council’s Environmental Crime Prevention Team traced the bags to DC Impex Ltd, and its director admitted in court that the receipts found in these bags belonged to his company.

The company was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs and compensation for clearing the rubbish of £200 plus a victim surcharge of £20 to Brent Council.

In an entirely separate prosecution, Krasen Petkov was fined £100 for flytipping after a pile of wood was dumped from the back of his car.

Petkov, of Rugby Avenue, Wembley, pleaded guilty to one offence of fly-tipping under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 33. He was also ordered to pay costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £20. In April last year an enforcement officer saw a silver Renault Espace dumping wood outside a small recycling site in Mulgrave Road, Dollis Hill. Petkov, who owned the vehicle, was traced with DVLA records.

New Brent borough Have your say – join our citizens’ panel commander Brent has a new borough commander at the head of Brent Police. Michael Gallagher, who grew up in London, started as a police constable at Bexleyheath Police Station. In 1990 he became a Detective Constable and was posted to Kings Cross where he worked on Operation Welwyn, which dealt with community safety problems in the area. He also served in Lambeth before transferring to the Specialist Crime Directorate at Scotland Yard.

He later returned to Lambeth where he was promoted to Detective Chief Inspector, based at Brixton Police Station.

Want to have more of a say on how the council provides services such as education or housing?

Now’s your chance!

More local people are wanted to join Brent Citizens’ Panel, a representative group of around 2,000 residents, which Brent Council consults to find out local people’s views. If you volunteer, you can devote as much or as little time to it as you want.

Panel members are asked to complete regular postal and online questionnaires – sometimes up to three a year – and may also be contacted by telephone occasionally.

You can sign up by emailing consultation@brent.gov.uk or calling 020 9837 1073.

update

New schedule for TBM The Brent Magazine (TBM) won’t arrive in May or June, but that doesn’t mean you are missing out.

The magazine has now gone quarterly so the summer edition will drop onto your doormats in July.

Please make sure you take our new schedule into account if you want to publicise summer events in TBM. For editorial, contact the editor on 020 8937 1062 or email tbm@brent. gov.uk. For advertising, contact Louise McKenna on 020 8937 1076.

Your magazine about

Inside Brent Civic Centre

Award for civic centre Brent Civic Centre has won a prestigious Civic Trust Award for 2014. The civic centre, on Engineers Way, Wembley, which is Brent Council’s new HQ and a hub for Brent’s community, opened last year.

Civic Trust Awards go to projects that demonstrate high quality architecture or design and recognise buildings which demonstrate sustainability, are accessible to all users and make a positive cultural, social or economic contribution to the local community.

by Brent Council life in Brent • Published

Spring 2014 • Issue 139

Celebrating our citizens Get bitten by the running bug

00 Win £2LD O

worth of rs vouche Brent

Brushing away bad habits

Helping children learn to look after their teeth and eat well

Timothy’s our top young musician Violinist Timothy Crawford (left) was crowned Brent Young Musician of the Year 2014 after impressing the judges with a performance from Prokofiev’s 1st Violin Concerto.

Timothy’s name will now go on the magnificent Len Williams Memorial Trophy and he will receive £400 towards his musical development.

Second place went to tuba player Hafsa Jalisi and another violinist, Liam Shinar, came third. Other finalists included Iona Brandt on clarinet, and flautists George Conacher and Bokun Wei. Timothy will perform in a solo spot at Wembley Arena on 15 July 2014.

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brent people Volunteers like Mavle Carby (left) play a vital role in helping to raise awareness of the condition, which can lead to serious, even fatal, health complications if left untreated.

When did you discover you had diabetes?

I was diagnosed with diabetes 20 years ago.

I felt thirsty and tired and was passing a lot of urine. My sugar and protein levels were high, so my GP referred me to the hospital. They were amazing, and started me on medication immediately.

How do you control it?

I don’t eat too many starchy foods, sweets, crisps or fizzy drinks; I stick to water, tea or coffee, and my food is always without much seasoning.

I must eat regularly, take my insulin and have dialysis.

How did you become involved in the Brent Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK?

I joined through my church, the New Testament Church. It’s a fantastic group which meets every six weeks. I give lectures and hand out information leaflets at supermarkets. We support each other by talking through our problems and seeking advice.

What do you say to people who have some of the symptoms?

If you think something isn’t right, please get it checked by your doctor. Early diagnosis is vital to avoid serious complications.

Don’t be afraid - I was extremely scared at the beginning. I have good days and bad days, but I still enjoy my life. I have to take things a bit slower than other people, but I am able to cope with my condition with the help of some great medical care. The toughest part has been accepting that I have diabetes.

The Brent Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK next meets at the Willesden Centre for Health and Care on Robson Avenue, Willesden Green at 5.30pm on Friday 18 April.

For more information call Ruth Austin on 07956 040 521.

Dealing with diabetes Diabetes levels in Brent are the highest in England – one in ten people has the condition – and many more are thought to be undiagnosed.

If you suspect that you are diabetic see your GP or call the Diabetes UK hotline on 0345 123 2399. You can also take an online risk assessment at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/2013

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER SPRING 2012 2014

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If you are not on Brent’s electoral register you will not be able to vote in the local and European elections on 22 May

Download the registration form at: www.brent.gov.uk/elections

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

Brent

Happy couple make history Words by Rachel Fox

Colin Smith and Eric Craig have become the first same-sex couple to tie the knot in Brent.

The happy couple got married at the very earliest opportunity, on the day samesex marriages became legal in England and Wales.

They exchanged vows at Brent Civic Centre on 29 March, celebrating their big day in the wedding suite and the lovely marriage garden.

Colin said: “We wanted to do it on the first day we could. We now have a wonderful day we can look back to where we joined our lives together and danced the night away in celebration. It was fantastic to bring together our friends and family to see that we are as committed to each other as they are to their partners.”

Previously, same-sex couples only

had the option of entering into a civil partnership. Now Colin and Eric have been able to follow in the steps of many other couples and have also paved the way for more same-sex ceremonies.

Eric, a manager for mental health services, and Colin, who is a tax manager, have been together for 12 years and have thought about marriage for a while.

Eric said: “To be quite honest, both of us worked in organisations where samesex partnerships are recognised, so a civil partnership didn’t give us much more than the acknowledgment of our relationship.

“In the future I’m going to be able to tick a box to say I’m married – that official recognition is important.”

Mark Rimmer, Head of Registration and Nationality Services at Brent Council, said: “Marriage is an important institution, which is now open to people who have fallen in love with someone of the same sex or opposite sex.

“The council’s registration team looks forward to sharing in the ceremonies of everyone who chooses to get married at the civic centre, and ensuring that they have a day to remember.”

For more about getting married at the civic centre, email reg@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 1010. Photographs of the wedding suite and garden are at www.brent.gov.uk

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Brushing away bad habits the experts Top tips from

h ur child’s teet • Make sure yo ushed twice a br and gums are at bedtime, ly al ci pe day, es toothpaste. using fluoride on h a dentist so • Register wit or , rn bo is ild after your ch s, t tooth appear when the firs . ar ye a e ic ast tw and visit at le ren ild ch r fo EE FR Dental care is .

17 r de un ed ag eat a youngsters to • It’s best for es ud hich incl healthy diet w uit and fr of ns io five port Save foods y. da a es bl vegeta r gh in sugar fo and drinks hi mealtimes. ren eakfast: child • Don’t skip br t rs fi mething should eat so orning. m e th thing in st. ater are the be • Milk and w lute di d an ks drin Avoid sugary h water. fruit juice wit

A new project in Brent is aiming to help children adopt better habits when it comes to looking after their teeth and eating healthily.

Anuja Sonawane with children from Kindervine Nursery

The Healthy Early Years Project, jointly run between Brent Council and the NHS, aims to teach families about a wide range of issues relating to their children’s physical and emotional health, such as immunisation, breast-feeding, how to stop smoking and physical activity.

As part of the project, Dental Nurse Anuja Sonawane, Oral Health Promoter Sharon McLaggan and Dietician Connie Pena, all from Ealing Hospital NHS Trust, visited Kindervine Nursery, on Abbey Road, NW10, to run a fun workshop with a serious message about healthy eating and oral health.

Anuja explained: “By the time children come to us for treatment, they already have a lot of decay. The worst case I saw was a young boy who had ten decayed teeth and was in a lot of pain.

He had to go to hospital for an operation under general anaesthetic.

“Parents don’t realise that, if you don’t look after your child’s milk teeth, there is a high chance of decay in their permanent teeth, which could affect them for the rest of their lives.

“So much trouble can be avoided in the future by basic dental care. From an early age, children need to develop a few good habits and pay attention to what they eat.

“We show families that prevention can really make a difference. A lot of people don’t know that the dentist is free for children. And sometimes their children brush their teeth in the morning but forget to do it at night. It’s really important to brush twice a day.”

Connie added: “Nutrition is an essential part of a child’s life.

Some parents for example cannot comprehend the importance of fruit or vegetables, and some children fill up on foods that are high in fat and sugar instead.

Getting into good habits now could prevent serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease when they are older.”

Workers from the project are visiting 47 local nurseries, childminders and children’s centres holding workshops and training for staff and families. By the time their work is done, they will have reached around 700 children, aged from two to five this year.

Kindervine’s nursery manager Gosia Nowocinska said: “We get lots of parents from all sorts of backgrounds who don’t feel comfortable about asking questions or visiting their GP. So doing this at a nursery is brilliant.

“The parents are very excited about the nutritionist and the oral health people visiting. This is the first time they’ve been able to ask about these things.”

Andrea Lagos, Brent Council’s Public Health Specialist, Early Years, said: “This project is really important in reducing obesity and improving oral health among young children.

“Raising awareness now will prevent problems for these children when they are older and give them the best chance of a healthy life. The early years are the best place to start.”

Sharon McLaggan and Gosia Nowocinska use Maggie the Dragon to show youngsters how to clean their teeth

Find your nearest NHS dentist at www.nhs.uk or by calling NHS Direct on 111.

For more on healthy eating visit www.nhs.uk/livewell

Connie Pena shows the way to five-a-day

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Building for the future After a year of drilling, dust and demolition, pupils at Barham Primary have celebrated the long-awaited opening of their £4 million school extension.

The popular Wembley school has been expanded to help meet the soaring demand for places in Brent and now boasts nine additional classrooms, a new ICT suite, a larger hall and extra play and outdoor space. By 2018 it will be able to take 930 pupils, rising from its current intake of 690.

One of the most striking features of the new, high-quality building is its colourful library, which is designed to create a stimulating reading environment and features giant, unusually-shaped seats called ‘reading nooks’.

Head teacher, Karen Giles, said: “We wanted to create a 21st century learning environment that would make our pupils feel special and proud and I think we’ve achieved it. We felt we had a moral obligation to do something to create school places and there is a real sense of pride that all this work has come to fruition.”

Demand for schools in Brent is so high that it’s estimated nearly 5,000 more places will be needed by 2019. Brent Council is working closely with schools to provide

short and long-term solutions.

One such project is the revitalising of the authority’s former administrative building, Gwenneth Rickus in Neasden, which is currently providing four new reception classes, being run by Leopold Primary School.

To meet the unprecedented pupil influx expected in the coming academic year, Brent is also urgently creating an extra 450 temporary school places for this September by setting up provisional classrooms in existing schools and re-commissioning ex-council buildings to house lessons.

Cheryl Painting, Brent Council’s Capital Programme Manager, said: “Our achievements so far are down to partnership working and we would like to thank the schools for their continued support and collaboration.

“These projects not only provide much-needed school places, but significant financial investment locally, with job opportunities, apprenticeships and training schemes for residents as well as facilities for the wider community.”

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Celebrating our citizens This year marks a decade since Brent Council hosted the first ever citizenship ceremony in the UK. Words by Zuleika Henderson.

Life is sweet for Ramona Mirauta

That pioneering first event was a major occasion. Dignitaries including Prince Charles and the then-Home Secretary David Blunkett came to the borough to watch as 19 people swore allegiance to the Queen, sang the national anthem and pledged to respect the UK’s values and laws.

Since then, the council has hosted 1,560 citizenship ceremonies, welcoming over 40,000 new British citizens, more than anywhere else in London.

People of 160 nationalities have become British in Brent in the last ten years, the highest number being from India, followed

by Somalia and Sri Lanka.

Mark Rimmer OBE, Brent’s Head of Registration and Nationality, said: “To be eligible for citizenship, migrants must be resident in the UK for a minimum of six years and, for many, Britain has been their home for much longer than this.

“These are people who have already made a substantial emotional and financial commitment to the UK. It’s a life-defining, very moving event and you can see the joy and emotion on people’s faces.

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“The citizenship ceremony celebrates everything that’s exceptional about Britain and recognises the remarkable contribution of new citizens to our borough.

“Here in Brent we’re enormously proud to lead the way in welcoming people who have found comfort and joy in our unique part of the world and are now making an enduring commitment to the United Kingdom as their home.”

‘Proud to have made it’ When Jose Torres Ruis, 34, arrived to stay with a family in Brent for three months in 2004 to learn English he didn’t know his life was going to change forever.

The Columbian-born Brent resident has just celebrated becoming a British citizen at the tenth anniversary ceremony at Brent Civic Centre.

Jose, Ramona Mirauta, originally from Romania, and Smita Patel, born in India, were among 25 migrants at the event.

Jose said: “It’s been a long journey and I’ve worked in a café, as a waiter, and even did a stint as a rickshaw driver while I got on my feet here. When I originally came to Brent I had a job waiting for me back in Colombia but every time I thought about going back there’s been a reason to stay.

“I’ve completed a Masters, set up a business, sold my stake in the business and now I am a marketing executive with a travel agency. I feel proud to have made it here, and I’m very happy to be in Brent, which is where I have been since the start. Now my wife and I are thinking of buying a house here and starting a family.”

Ramona, 29, who lives in Kingsbury with her husband and two children, said: “I’m a qualified dental nurse, so after a few years working in my profession I set up my own training centre.

Part of the union: Smita Patel and her husband, Pankaj Flying the flag with cakes made specially for the ceromony

“It’s been such a pleasure to attend the formal ceremony and finally make it official.”

SMITA PATEL “I enjoyed the ceremony, it feels good to be here and celebrate how far I’ve come.

I first arrived in the UK as an au pair ten years ago and now I have my own business here and am a British citizen.”

Smita Patel celebrated her new citizenship with her husband, Pankaj.

Originally from Mumbai, they met in India, where they got married before moving to the UK ten years ago to set up and run a number of small businesses including a card shop and a healthy food business.

Smita said: “My husband got his citizenship some years ago and I’m the last in my family to get mine.”

On a journey: Jose Torres Ruis with his wife Irina Alaya

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You can change a child’s life…

We need Love fosterBrent 18

THE BRENT MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

www.brent.gov.uk/fostering

Look out for ‘We need Love’ – 100 hearts with well-known people from Brent and beyond – like Ellie Goulding and Jennifer Hudson, pictured left. Come and spot the celebrities at our fostering fortnight event at Bridge Park on 23 May.

Brent fostering team need more people to foster school-age children, sibling groups and teenagers.

Applicants with previous experience of working with young people with challenging behaviour are also encouraged to apply.

Better rates of pay for Brent foster carers Brent has improved the financial support it makes available to approved foster carers. This is to reflect our appreciation of the important task foster carers do and to ensure that Brent children receive every opportunity to enjoy and achieve new things.

Our new financial support arrangements start in April and to find out more about this and other fostering work contact us now.

Fostering and Adoption information evenings Thursday 1 May, 5 June and 3 July from 5.45pm at Brent Civic Centre.

Contact us to book your place: 020 8937 4538/4525 Email: fostering@brent.gov.uk / adoption@brent.gov.uk Or visit: www.brent.gov.uk/fas for more information

Find out about: ❤ Foster carer experiences – Brent foster carers speak about their own experiences

Share the Love Join us on Friday 23 May for Brent’s Fostering Fortnight extravaganza, 4 - 8pm at Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, Harrow Road, London NW10 0RG

❤ Learn more about the route to becoming a Brent foster carer ❤ Find out about short and long term fostering ❤ Q&A session – get answers to your questions from a member of the fostering team ❤ Kids’ zone – plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained ❤ Special guest appearances and performances ❤ Refreshments ❤ Prizes to be won ❤ Fun, fun, fun For more information telephone 020 8937 4538 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/fostering

Joanna Gumm has been a Brent foster carer for almost 18 months. She says it’s the most rewarding job she has ever had. Interview by NANCY LUDWIG Photo by KIT OATES “I love it but it’s very hard letting the children go.

I tell myself that every baby needs to be with their family though so if they can go back and live with mum or dad and they’re happy, then that’s a good thing.

“Fostering through Brent is really good. You get lots of support and training. It’s easier now that everything’s based in the Civic Centre under one roof too and there’s always a social worker at the end of the phone offering support.

“All you need to foster is a spare room and lots of love really. Brent helps you financially to get you set up. They provide all the equipment; like beds, mattresses and wardrobes that you need.

“I only foster babies because my kids are still in school and it’s just easier to fit in things like the school run “Brent helps and trips to football practice and clubs with a baby. you financially “I also feel that with babies to get you you’re giving them the best possible start in life they could set up.” have. My social worker says I should remember that whenever I say goodbye to a baby so now I take with me what I’ve given them and it makes me feel a lot happier.”

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ing and follow Put your best foot forward this spr hon-running mayor. in the footsteps of Brent’s marat a gentle Whether you’re a beginner aiming for ing to look er runn jog or a more experienced nities ortu opp of ty plen are push yourself, there t.

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Words by Lucy Bailey

nd you “Once you start running I’ve fou form of can’t stop. It’s a very therapeutic the mind.” exercise and really helps to clear CLLR BOBBY THOMAS

Warm up with the Willesden Triathlon Club

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etre A great starting point is the five kilom rday Satu on Park e ston Glad at run (5K) park is ties, abili mornings, which is suitable for all friendly and FREE. ard Or why not put your best foot forw Club, ning Run rt Cou bury Sud for charity? y rsda which meets on Tuesday and Thu e’s Luk St evenings, is teaming up with ily fun Hospice in Kenton to organise a fam .

May 18 on bley Wem Run d event calle £10 Entry costs are 10k for £15, 5k for are or children can do 1k for £5. Runners ice. hosp the for raise encouraged to fund Another option is the new Willesden ions at Triathlon Club. The group holds sess nights, sday Tue on Willesden Sports Centre ming, swim and ing runn on focusing mainly . year the out ugh thro ts even as well as Member James Winter said: “Our we cater members are aged 16 to 40 plus so hlon triat a re you’ ther for everyone – whe n’t does It t. fi get to t wan just or st enthusia do or th leng matter if you can barely swim a club dly frien ll, a lap of the track; it’s a sma their and everyone is encouraged to go at .” own pace

Don’t be a couch potato

Born to run: Training at Willesden Sports Centre

If you prefer runner beans to running, then gardening could make you thin as a rake .

According to the experts, a few hou rs gardening can do wonders for your health and well-being – and it’s cheaper than going to the gym.

Half an hour’s digging and shovellin g burns up to 250 calories, while haul ing out weeds and forking the ground will give you a great workout. If you don’t have your own garden, why not join one of Bren t’s gardening groups? We have several and can put you in touch with them.

Dig this: Half an hour of gardening could burn up to 250 calories. See page 24 for more

Sponsor good causes here:

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BobbyTh omas www.stlukes-hospice.org/runwe mbley or call 020 8382 8056.

On your marks, get set: Brent’s Mayor, Councillor Bobby Thomas (right) running for charity and James Winter (left)

Brent Council has just launched a number of self-lead walks, if going for a stroll is your thing. Available online, there are a variety of routes to choose from .

There is also a well-established walk s program, which runs weekly from eight local parks.

Whether it is walking, gardening or one of the other activities on offer in Bren t, as long as you are moving more and not sitting on the couch, your fitness is going to improve.

Gabrielle Harvey, Brent Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Manger, said: “It’s easy to be active in Brent, than ks to some new initiatives and our wide rang e of activities. We’ve got beautiful park s and great facilities, and now that sprin g’s arrived it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy being outdoors.”

Find out more:

www.brent.gov.uk/sports www.brent.gov.uk/healthyliving www.willesdentriathlon.co.uk www.sudburycourt.org.uk/index .php www.parkrun.org.uk/gladstone

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Leisure Discount Card

Up to

40% of f!

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

Brent Council Sports and Parks Service 020 8937 3707

www.brent.gov.uk/bactive

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Brent

bike on

your

If the spring weather has you thinking about enjoying the outdoors and getting fit, now could be the time to get into cycling.

all in a day’s work That’s the tip from Debbie Huckle, coordinator of some of the many Brent Council programmes to help locals get on their bikes.

Debbie, who is Brent’s Team Leader of Safety and Travel Planning, said: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit and be active and it is really enjoyable. This time of year is the perfect time to start.

“The two biggest things that put people off are road safety and the fear of getting your bike stolen.”

“We run cycling proficiency courses to give people the skills and confidence to cycle on the road, which leads to a Bikability award.The council also promotes Sky Ride Local rides, a series of friendly, led-rides for the family, which help people to develop more confidence.

“We work with Brent’s Safer Transport Police Team to run bike marking events and give information to people about preventative measures, like getting an appropriate lock and recording their bike’s serial number.”

“Cycling is a life skill like learning to swim. If we get children into it at a young age, they are more likely to cycle as adults.”

Debbie and her team also recently succeeded in a bid for nearly half a million pounds of extra funding over three years to pay for a wide range of measures to help local people cycle safely.

It will also pay for an expansion of Bike It, a scheme to get more kids to cycle to school.

She said: “As part of Bike It, we have held free breakfasts for children who cycle to school, a bike decorating competition and even a ‘bike ballet’ where children did a choreographed piece on their bikes.

“Cycling is a life skill like learning to swim. If we get children into it at a young age, they are more likely to cycle as adults.”

Cycle training is either free or costs £5, depending on circumstances. A new programme of free Sky Ride Locals starts in August and public bike marking events are now being held regularly.

Pictured here, Debbie with PC Andy Stracey of the Brent Safer Transport Team during a training session at Salusbury Primary School

For more information Go to www.brent.gov.uk/cycling

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Independent Persons for Brent Councillors’ Code of Conduct Are you interested in standards and conduct in public life?

Brent Council is required to appoint at least one Independent Person as part of its standards arrangements under the Localism Act 2011. Brent is seeking to appoint two Independent Persons who should live or work in the London Borough of Brent.

Those person’s views will be sought and taken into account before the council makes certain decisions about allegations that a councillor has breached the Code of Conduct. Some experience of maintaining standards and ethics in the public or private sector would be useful. However, it will be more important to be able to provide clear thinking, make objective independent decisions and be impartial.

The appointments will be for five years. These are voluntary posts, but travel expenses will be payable.

Please note that you cannot be appointed if you have the following connection with Brent Council: a If you are (or have been in the last five years) a councillor, co-opted member, or officer of the council b If you are a relative or close friend of a councillor, co-opted member, or officer of the council.

You can download application details from www.brent.gov.uk/imsc For an informal discussion about the role please call Kathy Robinson, Senior Corporate Lawyer, Brent Council, on 020 8937 1368 Closing date for applications: Friday 2 May 2014.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 15 May 2014.

Brent www.brent.gov.uk

Help for the vulnerable to arrange visitor parking Brent Council can help arrange visitor parking for anyone who is unable to use a telephone or the internet, through the following alternative options: ■

visitor household permits a paper-based annual ‘season ticket’ for visitors. It can be displayed in any visiting vehicle

■

trusted virtual visitor passes allow a trusted person to arrange visitor parking for the vulnerable person using their mobile phone

■

a health emergency badge for medical professionals making home visits

■

essential user permits annual permits for people who make home visits to care for more than one household.

If you are vulnerable and can’t use the phone or internet to arrange visitor parking, ask a family member, friend or carer to give us a ring and we will be happy to help.

www.brent.gov.uk/visitorparking or 020 8937 4972

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The lion Roars

The moment King George VI struggled to say the words to open The British Empire Exhibition at the old Wembley Stadium was made famous in hit film The King’s Speech.

Exactly 90 years later, the exhibition, which brought 27 million visitors to Wembley and put the area on the world stage, is being commemorated in The Lion Roars: The World in Wembley, which opens at Brent Civic Centre on 24 April.

The British Empire Exhibition was held from 1924-25 and was the biggest public event of its kind in the world.

The sights probably seemed highly exotic to British people of that era: a village of African huts, wooden Burmese pagoda and a pavilion modelled on the Taj Mahal.

Curator Antonia Grant explains; “The main motives behind holding an event of this kind was to demonstrate and promote the industry, natural resources and cultures

of the British Empire”.

“The former pleasure grounds at Wembley Park were developed as the chosen site, due to their size and accessibility to London, with good railways links.”

The exhibition halls demonstrated British industrial achievements and the pavilions showcased the countries of the empire.

“Our public programme will explore the legacy of the empire as well as give an insight into culture, fashion and life in the 1920s with many fascinating free events”, Antonia added.

The lion Roars: The World in Wembley runs until 31 July at Brent Civic Centre. Booking of some events is required. www.brent.gov.uk/bee

Main image, one of the two lions outside the exhibition entrance, and above, the offical guide

EVENT HigHligHTs 29 April, 12.45-1.45pm The Bee’s Knees perform dances from the 1920s.

Civic Centre Foyer

8 May, 2.30pm screening of The King’s speech. grand Hall

29 May, 5pm Creative writing workshop with poet Malika Booker.

Wembley library

5 June, 6.30-7.30pm Talk on dress of the 1920s by Jessica Proudman from the National Theatre.

Wembley library

17 June, 6.30-7.30pm Talk on the Empire Exhibition

by Professor Denis Judd.

Wembley library.

25 July, 6-9pm Brent Celebrates Dance.

Details TBC see www.brent.gov.uk/dancemonth for announcements grand Hall.

13 July, 1.45pm Philip grant of the Wembley History society leads a walking tour of exhibition sites.

Meet outside Wembley Park station.

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Brent

WIN a £200 LDO gift voucher In celebration of welcoming Brent Civic Centre’s newest neighbour, London Designer Outlet (LDO) in Wembley Park, which opened on 24 October 2013, is giving a £200 gift card away to one lucky winner to spend anywhere in the centre.

There is a fabulous selection of 70 shops for the shopper, 20 restaurants and coffee shops for the foodie and a nine-screen Cineworld cinema for the movie-goer.

With something for everyone, this is not just shopping – this is shopping and then some.

If you want the chance to win this fabulous prize, please answer the following question:

What date did the London Designer Outlet open?

Make sure you keep up to date with special offers and competitions by signing up to the LDO newsletter at www.london-designer-outlet. com/newsletter.

Situated within walking distance of Wembley Park Tube, and located next to Wembley Stadium, LDO is open from 9am-8pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am-5pm on Sunday.

competitions WIN two tickets to see Rachel De-lahay’s Circles at the Tricycle Circling the outskirts of Birmingham on the Number 11 bus, two teenagers develop an unlikely friendship.

Meanwhile, a mother watches as her daughter attempts to leave a destructive relationship.

Against the backdrop of the city, generations caught in a cycle of violence are forced to re-examine all they thought they knew about love, trust, family and friendship.

Rachel’s De-lahay’s vivid and powerful new play boldly explores cycles of violence and what it takes to break them and is a visceral examination of the effects of such violence on a generation of young women.

Rachel De-lahay recently won the Evening Standard’s Most Promising Playwright Award. Her previous work includes Routes and The Westbridge (Royal Court), which also won the Writers Guild Award for Best Play. Rachel was also joint winner with Roy Williams of the Alfred Fagan Award in 2010.

To win tell us: What award did Rachel De-lahay win recently?

Circles is at the Tricycle Theatre from May 27 to June 14 2014.

For the above two competitions, send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: (name of competition), The Brent Magazine, 4th floor, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ or email your details to competition@brent.gov.uk (name of competition in subject). These competitions close 30 April 2014.

WIN the ultimate London 2012 sporting experience Lee Valley VeloPark offers the ultimate two-wheeled experience, it’s the first venue in the world to have four cycling disciplines in one place.

Choose from a session on the state-of-the-art London 2012 velodrome track, mountain bike trails, one-mile floodlit road circuit or remodelled Olympic BMX track.

Be in complete awe as you cycle at the same venue that saw Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Sarah Storey ride to victory during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Vouchers can be purchased for Lee Valley VeloPark which make fantastic gifts for a birthday or any occasion.

The Brent Magazine and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority can now offer two lucky readers the chance to cycle at the world-class Lee Valley VeloPark with a friend.

Answer this question for a chance to win: How many different cycling disciplines can you experience at Lee Valley VeloPark?

A. One B. Three C. Four Enter online at www.visitleevalley.org.uk/competition or by mail to: Brent Magazine/VeloPark Competition, Marketing Department, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield EN2 9HG. The closing date is 30 April 2014.

www.visitleevalley.org.uk

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what’s on

What’s going on…

Your guide to what’s on in Brent during spring 2014.

CHILDREN

Get creative with Wembley Art Society

SING SPANISH

Spanish classes for children aged 3-8, NW6/ NW10, 07976 050 977 www.espanaviva.biz

LGBT YOUTH CLUB

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

HILLSIDE PERFORMING ARTS

Anchors 5-8, juniors 8-11 meet 6.15-7.30pm Thurs. Company section meet 7.15-9pm.

Park Lane Methodist Church Wembley www. parklanemethodist. org.uk

4TH BRONDESBURY BROWNIES/GUIDES/ SENIOR SECTION GIRLS ONLY

Thurs, Willesden Green Brownies 7-10 yrs 6.308pm 07961 315 153.

Guides 10-14 yrs 7-8.30pm 07981 174 634. Senior Section 14-25 yrs 7-8.30pm 07739 016 985

4TH NEASDEN BROWNIES

Girls aged 7-10 only, Tues 6-7.30pm, St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Church Hall, Dollis Hill Lane, NW2 07794 018 819

KIDS BOXING CLASSES (8 YEARS +)

In a safe environment, our fun (non-contact) boxing classes help kids to develop and improve their technical boxing abilities, physical fitness and self-defence. FIRST CLASS FREE. For more information call: 07572 433 412

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ENCEE ACADEMY - DANCE

Encee Academy. Kathak dance classes: Sat and Sun. Bharatnatyam dance classes: Tues and Sat. Bollywood: Wed and Fri, Senior Citizen Yoga: Fri morning. Starting soon: tabla, Hindustani vocal classes. At Patidar House, 22 London Road, Wembley. Call: 020 8795 1648. Email: encee@ patidars.org

THE YOUNG PEOPLES THEATRE COMPANY (TYPTC) STREET DANCE

Hillside Performing Arts Children’s group piano class at The Stonebridge Centre, NW10 8LE. Every Sat £5 per class.

For info call Cher on 07507 424 080. FREE! Street dance at the Stonebridge Centre NW10 8LE Every Sat 1-2pm 07507 424 080

THE 2ND WEMBLEY BOYS’ BRIGADE AND GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

To get your event listed for free email us using the subject heading ‘what’s on’. Describe your event, in no more than 50 words, tell us what section you want your ad to appear, include a pic and a title and email TBM@brent.gov.uk or telephone 020 8937 1062. Pictures need to be a maximum of 1Mb

COMMUNITY WILLESDEN LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Wed April 16, “Willesden and St. Paul’s Cathedral.”

Talk by Fr. Andrew Hammond.

Wed May 21, “40 Years of Willesden History.” Talk by Irina Porter.

Both at 7.30pm, at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Neasden Lane, NW10.

Members free, visitors, £1

BRENT PENSIONERS’ FORUM Held the first Wed of every month 10-12noon at Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley.

Includes a variety of knowledgeable guest speakers, pensioners’ issues discussed etc.

Everyone welcome. Call Vi Steel on 020 8795 3151 or email violetmsteele@ yahoo.co.uk

QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY SALE

Every other Sun 10-2pm next to the Farmers Market at Salusbury School. Buy and sell good quality second-hand and handmade items. To book call: 07591 172 509 or email: plangeeevents@ gmail.com www. londoncommunitysales.co.uk

SPRING 2014

NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUP

Mons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley. 07941 707 884

WEMBLEY ART SOCIETY

Fri 10am-12noon at The Church of the Ascension, The Avenue, Wembley Park HA9 9QL. £30 per annum or £2 per morning.

Call Jean 020 8205 5734 Madeleine 020 8423 2223

WILLESDEN GREEN WRITER’S GROUP

We meet on the first and third Thurs of every month from 7.30-9.30pm.

Everyone is welcome and it’s only £3 per session to attend; no need to book, just turn up! At Brent Artists Resource, 4 Queen’s Parade, Willesden. Just three mins from Willesden Green Tube (Jubilee Line) www. willesdengreenwriters.com

TAI CHI

Practice in a lovely, calm, bright space, every Tues 10-11.30am. Ideal for older learners, Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley HA9 9FX. Call 07747 444 895. £6 per class drop-in or £20 per month

BACES

Spring into something new!

From art to yoga, at Brent Adult and Community Education Service, we’ll have a class for you to try! Pick up a brochure from libraries, from one of our four centres, call us on 020 8937 3950/3636/3940/3990 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/ baces for the full course listing

DANCE NEW TEA DANCE AT BRENT CIVIC CENTRE

Mon’s (not bank holidays) at The Grand Hall, Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley. Doors open 12.30, Tea Dance from 1.30-4.30pm. £5 per person. Licensed bar and refreshments available.

Call 020 8937 4340

MODERN JIVE+

At Oakington School Hall, Manor Drive, Wembley.

Every Tues at 7.30 pm onwards (Class: 7.308.30pm; Freestyle 8.3010.30pm). Turn up with or without partner. Free parking, £7 per person (first promotional entry for £5 per person). Contact: Uri 07427 113 227

5-8 years, Wed 4:305:30pm. 9-13 years Wed 5:30-6:30pm.

Learn urban dance moves to the latest dance tunes, taught by industry pros who regularly feature in pop music videos.

Kingsgate Community Centre, Kingsgate Road, NW6 2JH. To enrol or to book a free trial call 07572 929 168 www. theyoungpeoplestheatre. co.uk

DRAMA FRESH ARTS THEATRE SCHOOL

Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 3-14 at Newman Catholic College, Harlesden NW10 3RN and Ark Academy, Wembley HA9 9AB. Call us on 07506 363 585/0845 269 9529 for more info or visit www. fresh-arts.co.uk

MADHATTERS THEATRE CLUB

Wed evenings. We’re a small and friendly theatre group and looking for new members interested in community drama.

No experience needed!

020 8452 5239 www. madhatterstheatre.org.uk

LEARNING ART CLASSES - STILL LIFE

Bring your own materials, any medium. Next term is 29 April-July 1, ten weeks, 7-9pm. £8 drop-in per night. All levels welcome (over 18 years). Contact Mary at mstreherne@ gn.apc.org or 020 8141 6367 for further details

ART CLASSES

Tricycle Theatre Kilburn, 269 Kilburn High Rd NW2. Tues 7-9pm. £30 concessions £35 for five weeks. Call Mary (evenings) on 020 8141 6367 or mstreherne@ gn.apc.org

LEARN ENGLISH

Experienced, popular private/college teacher offers English tuition and exam preparation. SATs, 7+, 11+, GCSE Ms Randel, Wembley Park, 07983 085 746

GCSE TUITION AND REVISION CLASSES

Maths, science and English £14.50 per person per hour Wembley 020 8900 0505

TUITION CLASSES

For KS1, KS2 and KS3: maths, English and science. One-to-one/small groups. £10 per person per hour per subject, in NW10 area, by primary trained experience teacher with KS3 teaching experience. 07861 459 144

ENVIRONMENT BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUP OPEN DAY

Roe Green Walled Garden 26 April 2014 between 11-4pm. Plant sales, homemade cakes, refreshments, books and bric-a-brac etc. www.bhcg. btck.co.uk 020 8206 0492

MUSIC THE ACE CAFÉ - MAY MUSIC (ALL FREE ENTRY)

Wed 7 - 6-11pm - Hot Rod Night with The Flyin’ Leathernecks + DJ Little Carl Mon 26 - Noon - Margate Meltdown (Margate Seafront) with The Elbeats + DJs Bill & George Guntrip Sat 31 - 7-11pm - Rhythm n’ Cruise Rockin’ Record Hop with DJ Jimmy Guntrip

MANOR AND PHILBEACH SINGERS

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

what’s on RAPOLOGY!

Are you interested in making your own music?

Do you have lyrics that you want to lay down on a track? London Urban Arts are offering workshops and accreditations in Music Production and running every Tues 6.30-8.30pm at Chalkhill Community Centre www. londonurbanartsacademy. org/enrol-for-free

SPORTS & LEISURE OUTDOOR GYM-LED SESSIONS:

Tues 9-10am at Tiverton Playing Fields; Tues 11am-12noon at Gibbons Recreation Ground Wed 9-10am at Roe Green Park; Wed 2-3pm King Edward VII Park; Thurs 2pm-3pm at Chalkhill Park; Sat 2-3pm at Gladstone Park. Run by qualified instructors on a weekly basis for those who require assistance in using the equipment.

Sessions are free and there is no need to book.

Call 020 8937 3707 or email sportsservice@brent. gov.uk

WU SHU KWAN CHINESE KICKBOXING

Sat 3-5pm, Willesden Sports Centre, Donnington Road, NW10 07835 244 398. Sat 10am-12midday, St Augustine’s Church Hall, Wembley Hill Road, HA9 8EW. 07958 908 892 www.wushukwan.com

OVER 50 FITNESS

Sociable exercise class for over 50s men and women. Welcome to our graded fitness session catering for high to low level needs. Fridays 6.158pm. Charteris Sports Centre, 24-30 Charteris Rd, NW6 7ET. Just turn up, email for info lloyd@

charterissports.org or text 07984 579 011 for info.

Free session

Venues Brent Archives George Furness House 2-12 Grange Road, Willesden NW10 2QY 020 8937 3541 archives@brent.gov.uk

WANT TO PLAY NETBALL FOR FUN OR COMPETITIVELY?

London Netball Academy welcomes junior members in Years 5-11 to our sessions on Sat 1-3pm at Preston Manor Academy, Carlton Avenue East, Wembley HA9 8NA. First two sessions are free. Contact londonnetballacademy@ gmail.com or Louisa on 07534 521 965

GENTLE EXERCISE CLASS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

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

SEA URCHINS

Thurs 8pm, swimming club for young people and adults with learning difficulties. Willesden Sports Centre, NW10 3QX, free, call Jean 020 8452 6912

BACK TO NETBALL

10-12 week re-introduction for adult females of all ages. Sessions at Bridge Park Mon 5.30-6.30pm, £3 per session. Contact Adele Burnett for more information on 07872 407 212 or Adele.Burnett@ englandnetball.co.uk www.englandnetball.co.uk/ my-game/back-to-netball

YOGA

Classes seven days a week, all levels, morning and evening classes, back care, meditation and relaxation classes, gentle yoga. Pay per class or £35 ongoing monthly

Yogaloft offers classes for everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners membership (unlimited classes). 133 Salusbury Road, Queens Park.

020 7328 7163 www. yogaindailylife.org.uk.

MOVEMENT, BREATHING, RELAXATION, MEDITATION.

Small and friendly class, ten places Monday 7-8.30pm Community Room, Donnington Court, Donnington Road, NW10 3TH www.thinkfeelbe. co.uk Contact Joanne 07902 922 671

YOGALOFT

This boutique studio offers yoga classes for everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners.

Their amazing value introductory offer is available to all new customers - £40 for 30 days. See the full range of classes at yogaloftlondon. com/timetable. 020 7625 2645. 3 Lonsdale Road NW6 6RA

AIKIDO CLASSES

Wed 8-10pm St Andrews Church, Scout Hall, Church Gardens, Harrow Road, Sudbury. Contact Steve on 07775 588 343

LADIES YOGA

Enjoy the benefits of yoga with a 15 years experienced yoga instructor and a member

of CTHA. Mrs Lata Shah.

07570 118 229 lata. shah@btconnect.com

ADULTS BOXING AND CROSS-TRAINING CLASSES Real Fitness, Willesden Green, offers boxing and cross-training classes for adults at all levels of fitness and ability.

In addition to gym and weights facilities, our classes include boxing/ kick-boxing, bootcamps, circuit training and personal training. FIRST CLASS FREE. For more information call 07572 433 412

ZUMBA

Zumba classes for all levels with Donna Sheehan, a fully qualified ETM level 2 and Zumba instructor.

St Mary and St. Andrews Parish Hall, Dollis Hill Lane, NW2 6HE. Sat 10am and Mon 8.15, Wed at Raw, Cinnamon Suite, West Hendon, NW9 7BP 8pm.

All welcome

PILATES

Beginners and new members welcome! Tone up, stretch and relax. 7.308.45pm on Thursdays at the Holy Innocents Church Hall, Bacon Lane (in Roe Green Park), Kingsbury.

Contact Di Hurley on 07958 140 003

SELF-DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL EVENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A BRAIN INJURY

Are you aged 14-19 and have a brain injury because of an accident or illness? Want to meet other young people like you? The Children’s Trust’s “Where’s your head at?” event is for you. Visit www.thechildrenstrust. org.uk/headat or call 01737 365 890 for more information

INNER SPACE WEMBLEY

Free courses and seminars: meditation, positive thinking, overcoming anger etc. Inner Space, 528 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7BS. 020 8903 1911 www.innerspace.org/ wembley

MEDITATION/COMBAT STRESS

Authentic mindfulness meditation techniques on a weekly basis in groups or 1-2-1 coaching.

Suitable for all levels.

Led by Karuna, a former Buddhist monk. Visit: www.akanista.com/ meditation-classes email: info@akanista.com or call 07784 436 783 ALL EVENTS ARE SELECTED AT THE EDITOR’S DISCRETION

The Drum Brent Civic Cente, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ 020 8937 4340 Tricycle Theatre Cinema and Gallery 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR, Theatre box office 020 7328 1000 Cinema 020 7328 1900 Disabled access to auditorium and café, induction loop in auditorium Minicom 020 7625 5105

Libraries Ealing Road Library Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Wembley HA0 4BA, 020 8937 3560 ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk Harlesden Library Craven Park Road, Harlesden NW10 8SE 020 8937 3570 harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kilburn Library 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN 020 8937 3530 kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk Kingsbury Library Plus Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury NW9 9HE 020 8937 3520 kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk Wembley Library Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ 020 8937 3500 townhalllibrary@brent.gov.uk Willesden Green Library The service is temporarily based at two buildings: 95 High Road, Willesden NW10 2SF 020 8937 3400 willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk The Lewinson Centre 165-167 High Road Willesden London NW10 2SG

Wembley Stadium All times to be confirmed 12 and 13 April - FA Cup Semi-final (Wigan v Arsenal and Hull v Sheffield United) 10 May FA Vase Final 17 May FA Cup Final 18 May Conference Premier Play-Off 24 May Championship Play-Off Final 25 May League One Play-Off Final

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