The Brent Magazine Issue no.154 Winter 2017/2018 Free for people who live and work in Brent

This is the large print edition of The Brent Magazine produced for people with visual impairment. If you have comments on how it could be improved, or if you would like a copy on audio tape please contact 020 8937 1062 . www.Brent.gov.uk Advertisement COLLEGE OF In this issue NEWS 6 IT’S A LOVE HATE THING 42 NORTH WEST A round up of the Meet the South Kilburn latest news in Brent entrepreneurs LONDON DEVELOPERS CASH FOR GENEROUS GEORGE 44 22 PROJECTS 20 Meet George the friendly Your route to Success Neighbourhood grants libraries volunteer making a difference HEALTH AND SHOP LOCAL THIS WELLBEING 2018 45 University CHRISTMAS 22 Tips on how to start the Meet the faces behind new year right Apprenticeship our counters £6.6M TRICYCLE 3O HOURS FREE CHILDCARE 24 TRANSFORMATION 48 Good Gym giving back to the The Kilburn High Road Job community theatre opening soon GET FIT AND DO GOOD 28 HELPING OUR HOMELESS 50 We follow the New service launched Career MetPatrol Plus team ON THE WESTERN FRONT 55 A FAMILY AFFAIR 31 Trainspotting with GWR Brother and Sister at Old Oak Common Courses to improve your career prospects in greetings card duo LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEK 56 over 20 of London’s leading sectors. #BACKBRENTSBID 32 Listening to your views Start a course in early 2018 Will Brent be crowned and suggestions Borough of Culture 2020? or apply now for September start ARTS AND CULTURE 58 ACE RULES 36 Theatre, music, events Next Open Evenings (4pm - 7pm): From ex offender to and more star attraction WHAT’S ON 64 Weds 24 Jan - Willesden Campus CHRISTMAS RECYCLING 38 Classes, fitness and Tips on how to best dispose opportunities near you Weds 31 Jan - Wembley Park Campus of festive rubbish www.cnwl.ac.uk

2 3 The Brent Magazine #BackBrentsBid

Issue 154 Winter You’ve probably heard by now that No other part of London has the 2017/2018 Brent is entering the competition depth of cultural heritage that run by Mayor of London Sadiq draws together such a rich mix of Khan to become London Borough cultures from Britain to Ireland, the Large print edition of Culture. Caribbean, Africa, the Indian This is a great new competition, sub-continent and beyond. Published by the London Borough of Brent, Brent Civic Centre, recognising how London’s diverse Whatever your age, wherever you Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ cultural scene is a huge part of all live in Brent, and whatever The London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goods of our lives. background you come from, we all or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not Here in Brent, we’re bidding for taste Brent’s cultural diversity daily imply recommendation by the council of any goods or services advertised. the title in 2020 so we can build a in our food, hear it in our music, Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other year-long cultural programme to and experience it in our range of newspapers and magazines. wrap around the sporting highlight dance, art, cinema, theatre and of the year – the Euros – which will literature. see Wembley Stadium play host to Our bid will be going in on Europe’s top footballers. December 1 and we know Brent’s The Mayor of London is right to got what it takes to win. recognise that culture isn’t just Watch this space! about the top international superstars London produces, or the iconic world-class venues our city Councillor Muhammed Butt has to offer – it’s every bit as much Leader of Brent Council Brent magazine contacts about the day-to-day experiences in our neighbourhoods and BACK Editorial : [email protected] communities. THE BID 24 hour contact number: 020 8937 1234 That’s why our bid in Brent not Brent Email: [email protected] only celebrates the top artists and LONDON BOROUGH OF performers that the area produces, Advertising: [email protected] CULTURE 2020 but also the unbeatable blend of www. www.brent.gov.uk cultural influences unique to our brentculture2020.co.uk part of this great city.

4 5 News Update Final whistle for Council named as a match day parking Best Employer for rogue Race in new listing Break the cycle of Housing fraudsters A man who breached planning Brent Council has been named by domestic violence exposed on BBC TV control by operating an event day Business in the Community as one car park he didn’t have permission of the UK’s Best Employers for Race An award of £300,000 from the The work of Brent Council’s housing for has been ordered to in a new listing published – the Home Office has been given to fraud team featured on three permanently cease trading by The only council to make the list. Brent Council to help support an consecutive episodes of BBC1’s Planning Inspectorate. Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy ongoing programme focused on ‘Council House Crackdown.’ The spaces supplied by Hallmark Leader of Brent Council, said: tackling domestic abuse in the In the first episode presenter Trading Centre Ltd (HTCL) were “As a council, we celebrate Brent’s borough. Making sure that victims Michelle Ackerley revealed how rented out to provide parking to diversity and we work hard to and survivors of abuse get access to Mark Grant from Willesden was those driving to events at Wembley ensure that council employees have the support they need, when they found guilty of dishonestly sub- National Stadium and Wembley the opportunity to rise within the need it. letting his two bedroom Genesis Arena. organisation, regardless of their The new programme is focusing on Housing Association tenancy in This is Brent Council’s first appeal background.” intervening in suspected cases of Melrose Avenue whilst living in against pirate parking in the abuse at an earlier stage and Luton, and was ordered by the borough and the decision has been Wembley High increasing awareness of support court to pay over £20,000. welcomed by Cllr Shama Tatler, options available to victims. More The second episode included the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Road gets a new domestic violence advisors will be case of Ingrid Schutz, a woman who Growth, Employment and Skills, placed in hospitals and police illegally sublet her Kilburn council who explained: look stations around the borough, so house while living a champagne “Following the redevelopment of A partnership between Brent that more victims can be identified lifestyle. The third examined the Wembley National Stadium, the early and to improve the speed at case of Kusheema Nurse, a student Council and Somali businessmen number of car parking spaces at the Ahmed and Yusaf is improving the which they are given help. who was found guilty of illegally venue was reduced from 7,200 to On 22 November, Brent’s annual subletting her Stonebridge flat look of Wembley High Road. 2,900. The council wished to reduce Their shops, Dahabshill and Almis “White Ribbon Day” event was while studying and working in car usage to alleviate congestion on held, which highlighted the need to Bristol. Travel, are sporting a vibrant new local roads, promote more look after the businessmen support children affected by sustainable modes of transport and domestic abuse, unhealthy arranged a clean-up and installation improve air quality.” of new shutters to their shop relationships and girl gangs. Men “The use of the Hallmark Site, and women across the borough frontage. Brent Council then which is close to the stadium, for organised a workshop with the two signed a pledge promising “never to parking was unacceptable and this commit, condone or remain silent businessmen and local artists to decision has confirmed that our discuss a plan for shutter artwork about men’s violence against approach in serving the women in all its forms.” and provide help with visual enforcement notice was correct.” merchandising.

6 7 Big Man Ting to collaborative project where local Free parking for During the week she encourages passers-by got their silhouettes team members through group talks fight poverty captured. Christmas shoppers on WhatsApp and occasional meets Kevin says that he hopes that the where possible. Their ethos is to The Youth Committee of Sufra NW artwork will help brighten up the in 11 local car parks encourage people who have not run London launched their first project area and that locals will reclaim in their entire life to get started. ‘Big Man Ting’ that supports young Shoppers in Brent will be able to their alley. He added that it was a park for free every Saturday and The Fly Girls meet on Sunday people to write, record and film great honour to have worked on mornings at 9am in the main foyer their own music tracks to raise Sunday before Christmas at: such an exciting project and hopes • Barham Park of Brent Civic Centre for a run awareness of food poverty in the that Brent will step up its efforts to around the iconic Wembley local community. include more visual art in its • Disraeli Road Stadium, except on event days. Over the next six months, the agenda. • Elm Road For more info email Youth Committee will work with • Kingsbury Road [email protected] 150 young people to produce a five- Campbell Gordon track album to highlight the • Lonsdale Avenue Channel 4’s tragedy of food poverty and engage Way residents are • Neasden Town Centre a new generation in social activism Hang Ups filmed and volunteering. bloomin’ • Northwick Park And why is the project called ‘Big • Preston Road in Queen’s Park Man Ting’? We’re reliably informed marvellous! • Salusbury Road Hang Ups , an unconventional that it’s a compliment for someone’s Bernie Fitzpatrick and his green- style or actions. • St John’s Road comedy about an unorthodox fingered neighbours continue to therapist trying to keep his life and For more information visit show their love for their local area • Wendover Road www.sufra-nwlondon.org.uk patients from falling apart was and are celebrating winning the top The car parks will be open to part-filmed on Kingswood Avenue accolade in this year’s London in motorists to park for free on the near Queen’s Park recently. Cricklewood raises Bloom Awards for the fourth year weekends leading up to Christmas, The six part modern comedy, its profile with in a row. beginning on Small Business starring Stephen Mangan ( Episodes, Campbell Gordon Way won a Gold Saturday on 2 December. Green Wing ) joins The X Factor , pop-up art Community Award and five stars Bollywood feature film Crazy Hum , (Outstanding) in the ‘It’s Your Fly Girls victory at and TV series Hard Sun and The silhouettes of Cricklewood Neighbourhood’ category at the Disobedience who chose Brent as a locals now run the whole length of awards. volunteer awards filming location this year. a passage off Cricklewood Bernie and Anita Fitzpatrick, who Brent’s very own Amanda Epe, Look out for Hang-ups on Channel Broadway. lead the horticulture project and its 4 in 2018. Local artist Kevin Vincenzo Keating 30 garden club members, wowed founder of running club Fly Girls, was commissioned by judges with their beautiful displays has won Leader of the Year at this NorthWestTWO Residents’ of summer bedding, vegetable plots year’s England Athletics Volunteer Association to produce a mural as and hanging baskets. awards. part of their 10th birthday Amanda volunteers to deliver celebrations. It was a freestyle running sessions in Wembley.

8 9 Grunwick strikers Sir Trevor Crackdown on Blue Be a Game Changer remembered in McDonald urges Badge fraudsters with a free Dollis Hill mural Brent residents to A successful operation to coaching course in clampdown on Blue Badge fraud in The ‘Lions of Grunwick’ iconic take up free NHS the borough saw six Penalty Charge Willesden strike will always be remembered Notices (PCNs) issued against now that two murals have been flu vaccine Track Academy by Connie Henry in vehicles for illegally displaying a Willesden has become the only club unveiled in Dollis Hill. Sir Trevor McDonald has joined Blue Badge in some way and a The murals, part of the Grunwick in London to offer a free accredited forces with the NHS in North West further 12 PCNs were issued for training course for the young 40 commemoration project, were London to launch a major campaign other parking offences. painted by artist Anna Ferrie who athletics coaches of the future. encouraging those aged 65 and Officers also seized four badges for The Game Changers programme said: “More than 60 people, over and others at risk to have their further investigation and arranged including those who had been on will see participants aged between flu vaccinations. for one vehicle to be impounded on 14 and 25 train to become assistant the picket line, family members of The campaign comes as Britain is suspicion of displaying stolen or local supporters, trade unionists, club coaches, gaining the equivalent warned to brace itself for a counterfeit badges. of a Level One coaching badge. young activists and even the strikers “pressurised flu season” this winter. themselves, were involved in Each participant will spend 21 hours “This year it’s more important than Ledley lights up at the academy, which includes creating these murals. They will be a ever because of the heavy flu significant visual presence in the assisting a designated senior coach. season being reported overseas. Wembley Students will be entitled to travel local area and illustrate the value And if you’re 65 or over, it’s free. and benefits of community partici - Wembley High Road festive lights expenses, while those under 18 Don’t put it off. Contact your GP or must obtain consent from their pation in public art.” pharmacist to arrange your flu jab.” were switched on by Ledley King, Vipin Magdani, a former striker Francis Henry, the Mayor of Brent parents/guardians. said Sir Trevor. Academy founder Connie Henry who attended the event, said: “We The flu vaccination is also free for and councillors. are so happy that our struggle of 40 The lights were sponsored by said: “This is a wonderful pregnant women and people opportunity for young people with years ago is still being remembered suffering from an underlying health Tottenham Hotspur and Wembley by people today. Some of our Futures. St Michael & All Angels a genuine interest in athletics. It is a condition like COPD, asthma, personal development platform for memories have faded but the mural diabetes, heart or kidney disease. Steel Orchestra played music for the is bringing them all flooding back.” switch-on. further training, while developing Visit www. their key skills and communication.” The project was funded by healthiernorthwestlondon.nhs.uk Ledley King, Tottenham Hotspur generous donations from more than Ambassador, said: “We are To apply contact for more information about how to [email protected] 300 individuals, trade unions, stay well this winter. delighted to be a proud sponsor of neighbours and a £24,800 grant this year’s Festive Lights in from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Wembley.” Francis Henry, Chair of Wembley Futures, said: “We are proud to have helped bring festive lights back to Wembley Central.”

10 11 On your marks for borough, meaning identifying New affordable the chance to become part of the incidents of crime will become growing community at Wembley London Youth easier in some cases. studio spaces in Park. To find out more visit www. Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet secondfloor.co.uk/studios/default.html Games Member for Environment, said: “This Wembley School children throughout Brent investment forms part of a wider Second Floor Studios & Arts (SFSA) Noisy neighbours are gearing up for another year of programme in Brent to improve the will be managing 6,500sq ft. of exciting sporting activity when the quality of air we breathe and help affordable studio space – the first fined despite London Youth Games recommences build a cleaner, greener and safer of its kind in Wembley Park. warnings later this month. borough for everyone. The deal has been delivered Last year saw an incredible 2,524 “The new lights will also deliver through a partnership with A business in Willesden Green has Brent children take part in 30 savings of around £850,000 per year Quintain, the developers behind the been fined £2,070 and its owner different sports, with 156 of those in reduced energy costs, which can Wembley Park regeneration, and £660 after repeatedly disturbing selected to represent the borough be better spent on important supported by Brent Council, who neighbours with loud music. 43 at London Youth Games services for residents elsewhere.” are providing grant funding for the year old Mr Jason Neish, owner of competitions. fit-out of the studios through the Fallen Angel in Willesden, failed to Could we perhaps be getting ready Rogue landlords GLA’s New Homes Bonus funding attend his court hearing and was to see the next sporting superstar programme. It will see 26 new high found guilty in his absence. emerge from Brent? We’ll have to named and shamed quality studios offered, providing In another case, Mr Donovan wait and see. Brent is one of the first London long term affordable employment Palmer, of Acton Lane, was found boroughs to roll out the Greater space for artists’, makers and guilty and ordered to pay £300 at LED lamps shine a London Authority’s Rogue Landlord designers. Willesden Magistrates’ Court for and Agent Checker. Cllr Shama Tatler, Lead Member for playing rap music loud enough to light on safer, Tenants will be able to check Regeneration, Growth, Employment cause vibrations in his neighbours greener future whether the landlord they want to and Skills said: “There is significant flat. rent a property from is named in demand for artist space across Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Member The streets of Brent will soon be the rogue landlord database. London and the Council is delighted for Stronger Communities, said: “If illuminated with new Light Emitting Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of to be able to fund the fit-out of the you are suffering because of noisy Diode (LED) street lamps as part of Brent Council, said: “Our inclusion studios, helping to provide a long- neighbours, report it to the a multi-million pound investment in in this first wave reflects the term, affordable home for a range council.” street lighting. The move will cut trailblazing work carried out by our of creatives. The studios will support carbon emissions in the borough by licensing enforcement team in small businesses, contribute to the Hard to swallow half. cracking down on rogue landlords.” local economy and add vibrancy to The light from the new lanterns the area.” fine for spitters Applications for the studio space will be more clearly directed Two men have received hefty fines towards brightening pavements and have now opened and local residents, artists, makers and of over £500 each after being found roads and will also create a clearer guilty of spitting on the streets of picture for CCTV cameras within the designers are being encouraged to submit their application to SFSA for Brent.

12 13 School children of homosexuality in the UK, Jai, Boxpark signs deal Piano prodigy who is heterosexual, said: “Equality do their bit for is something all young people to open in school success should care about and so cleaner air supporting our LGBT peers is Wembley Nine year old pianist Deeksha Datta something we should all be doing. from Wembley has passed her School children in Brent are Award winning retail revolutionary Grammar School entry exam with spearheading a new campaign “The fight for LGBT rights is not Boxpark and Quintain have one for the LGBT community to full marks in music. designed to reduce vehicle announced a joint venture to open Her music teacher Mignonette, emissions outside schools in the fight alone. We should all pull our Boxpark Wembley. The brand new weight in pushing for equality.” who runs piano classes in Kingsbury, borough. dining and event destination will be said: “I’m very proud of Deeksha. With the help of a campaign toolkit located in the heart of the 85-acre She is very talented. To achieve full created by Brent Council, schools in Worlds collide at site. marks in the exams is extremely the borough can develop their own It will be the first Boxpark for the difficult.” campaigns to help reduce air 2017 MTV EMAS, north west of the capital and the pollution near their grounds. Wembley third for London joining Shoreditch John Keble Church of England and Croydon. Boxpark Wembley will Make a difference Primary School in Harlesden were the All eyes were on Wembley as fuse together modern street food this Christmas first to launch their campaign back in Eminem opened the 2017 MTV with cool bars to create a unique November, where a number of pupils EMAs with his new track ‘Walk on dining and cultural destination just Would you like to give something showed hearty enthusiasm for Water.’ The rapper took the mic in a minutes from central London. back to your community? protecting our environment. London pub before joining the EMA The venue in Wembley Park will Many people choose to start This comes after a group of 95 stage at The SSE Arena. include up to 29 independent and volunteering at this time of year as children and accompanying adults Following this exclusive up and coming food and beverage a way to share their skills and donned their waterproofs to brave performance, the audience saw pop traders. Set out in a bespoke layout experience in a way that really the autumn rain on two wheels in star and hometown hostess Rita Ora covering 4,000 sq m on Olympic makes a difference. There are also late October for the Park2Park event. run through London’s streets to get Way (known to fans around the lots of benefits to volunteering: to the show, with UK radio crew world as Wembley Way) it will gaining friends, building confidence LGBT rights a Kurupt FM of British sitcom “People create a new entertainment space and having fun while you do it! Just Do Nothing” and a cameo from for those living in, working at and What are you waiting for? Contact matter for us all the Mayor of London himself. visiting Wembley Park. Gaby at Volunteering Brent to find The star-studded show included Boxpark will also provide an out how to start volunteering: Brent resident Jai Patel has performances from global artists such innovative fan village experience for [email protected] delivered a speech in the House of as Liam Payne, Stormzy, Demi Lovato, visitors to the National Stadium and Commons calling on young people Shawn Mendes, French Montana, U2 The SSE Arena, Wembley and across London to speak out for and Camilla Cabello. provide a local venue for the 4,000 those from the LGBT community. Later, Rita Ora was presented with students and 2,000 people who Chosen as part of an extremely the first-ever ‘MTV EMA Power of already live at Wembley Park. competitive process to be London’s Music Award’ honouring the Boxpark Wembley is set to open voice in an event to mark the 50th charitable efforts on behalf of all the in late 2018. anniversary of the decriminalisation artists who responded to Grenfell.

14 15 Faster repairs to Challenges for 30th anniversary of The Borough Civic Remembrance Service and Parade, held in the tackle potholes borough’s home Black History Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Barham Park, are the two services that the A £50,000 pilot programme to care faces new Month Mayor of Brent traditionally attends improve local roads has blasted off each year to remember those in the in the borough. scrutiny group More than 250 guests attended a Brent Council celebration to mark borough and beyond who gave The process known as injection The challenges in providing some of their lives in the two world wars patching means a large number of the 30th anniversary of Black the borough’s must vulnerable History Month. and other conflicts. potholes can be treated quickly – residents with home care are being with a repair taking on average two The event celebrated the examined by a new scrutiny task achievements of black and ethnic Help the aged this minutes in comparison to 10-15 group. minutes taken for a conventional minority communities within Brent, The group will look at options for as well as raising awareness of Christmas repair. The works are carried out commissioning home care and under normal conditions, meaning issues still faced. Starting a conversation with an reablement services, which support It featured presentations on no road closures or parking around 1,800 people in Brent to live elderly neighbour, volunteering suspensions are required. A short African ancient civilisations and with an older persons organisation independently. Black History, a panel discussion on video demonstration is available on Task group chair Cllr Ketan Sheth, and offering help with household Brent Council’s YouTube channel. Black Excellence, live poetry and tasks such as taking the rubbish out said: “Home care is one of the singing as well as an inspiring toughest challenges the council is and changing lightbulbs are just presentation by Althea Loderick, some of the things that residents Date for your diary facing. The number of people who Strategic Director at Brent Council. are receiving the service is rising can do to help elderly neighbours – Thursday 3 May Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy this Christmas, according to Brent every year, but the resources the Leader of Brent Council, said: “I'm council has are declining so that Council. 2018 proud of the diversity of our Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s means new thinking is required. I communities, and events like these Residents will be called to the polls also want to make sure that our Cabinet Member for Community really go to show that culture is Wellbeing, said: on Thursday 3 May 2018 to elect residents and their families and thriving in Brent." their local councillors for the next carers are able to receive the best “Many consider the things that four years. possible care and support which can really matter in life at Christmas and All 63 council seats – three in each be provided.” War dead so it’s a good time of year to remind ward in Brent – will be up for grabs, For more information, visit remembered ourselves to keep an eye out for our with the overall result determining www.brent.gov.uk/scrutiny or elderly neighbours as we should. who controls Brent Council. tweet @Brent_Council with The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Bhagwanji “Offering practical support such as Residents need not wait until 3 #scrutinybrent Chohan led tributes to Britain’s war posting letters or picking up May to have their voices heard on dead at two remembrance services prescriptions, to preparing a meal local issues, with opportunities for on Sunday 12 November. which can be reheated, to keeping residents to stream, attend or even The services, which were the Royal an eye out for signs of winter illness speak at council meetings. For more British Legion Remembrance Service and getting the proper help are all information or to register to vote, at St John the Evangelist Church, simple things we can do that can visit www.brent.gov.uk/elections Crawford Avenue, Wembley and make a big difference.”

16 17 A fair society needs Speaking at the event Cllr Butt HATE CRIME: DON’T said: “I’m proud that Brent is an NEWS IN a real living wage accredited Living Wage employer. I SUFFER ALONE want everyone in Brent to have the BRIEF for its workers same opportunity regardless of their A new manual called ‘Responding to hate crime: Advice and Support The Leader of Brent Council, Cllr background and to be paid a fair TASTE OF SUCCESS: wage.” Services’ provides information and Muhammed Butt hosted a coffee BRENT SCOOPS advice for both those who are the morning to discuss the London The Living Wage is independently calculated each year, and is based targets of hate crime and those who Living which was increased to GOOD FOOD come into contact with them. £10.20 during Living Wage Week . on the cost of living. There are currently 32 accredited organi - AWARD The manual offers advice for The event brought together support and reassurance. This is part employers from a range of sectors sations in the borough. For further information on how Brent was named most improved of our commitment to challenge in the borough to network and borough at this year’s Good Food hate crime in Brent. Visit www. share their experiences. to become an accredited employer email: for London Awards. brent.gov.uk/strongercommunities [email protected] Good Food for London measures progress and encourages London THE ‘OLDER’ councils to take action on good food. Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet GENERATION GAME Member for Community Wellbeing, Advertisement said: “I’m delighted that Brent has Brent Pensioners Forum takes place scooped this award.” on the first Wednesday of every FREE TO YOUR INBOX month from 10am- 12noon at Brent Civic Centre. INTER FAITH WEEK The Forum provides a platform for All the latest Brent... During Inter Faith week, Faith older people to voice their opinions Leaders from different religions, and contribute their views about • news and leaders of Brent Council, signed relevant issues. Membership is open a Faith Covenant, pledging to work to all older people in Brent. • views in partnership to deliver a For more information call relationship which benefits all of 020 8937 4594 or email • offers our cultures and communities. [email protected] • what’s on Your Brent www.brent.gov.uk/yourbrent

18 19 Regeneration KILBURN WEMBLEY Total £30,000 TO SUPPORT Total £7,457 TO ENCOURAGE Cash 22 - developer’s cash for CREATIVE BUSINESS, PROFES - EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SIONALS AND TRAINEES PROJECT: PROJECT: Destiny House – after schools 22 community projects Music studio and signage homework club Mark Allen, South Kilburn Trust, “We are so pleased to have secured Community projects across Brent have been awarded said: “We were really pleased to this funding. It will allow children £730,000 from a new pot of money paid for by developers find out about the funding. It the opportunity to do their allows us to do three things in the homework in a helpful environment newly refurbished Granville which with access to resources, facilities, The money, from the community HARLESDEN will open in Spring 2018: free public and guidance from teaching staff. infrastructure levy (CIL), is paid Total £75,500 TO RESTORE A MUCH WiFi; new music studios so we can This will make the homework club to council to be spent on LOVED COMMUNITY ASSET continue to support the music more efficient and enjoyable in its infrastructure in the borough. PROJECT: businesses and projects that have delivery.” 15% is spent on neighbourhood Kensal Rise Library been happening in South Kilburn WILLESDEN projects that meet the needs of Stephanie Schonfield, Friends of Studios; and some new street that area. Total £3,500 TO INSPIRE THE NEXT Kensal Rise Library, said: “The much- signage so people can easily find TECH GENERATION Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member loved Kensal Rise Library has been the building. We can’t wait until our for Regeneration, Growth, closed for years, so it’s become a big launch next year.” PROJECT: Employment and Skills said: “I am Code Clubs and STEM Clubs in Brent shell – missing all its basics like KINGSBURY delighted that an amazing £730,000 flooring, heating and lighting. The Libraries in CIL funding is going to local Total £40,000 TO PROTECT AND Sarah Smith, The Library at community has worked long and ADD TO GREEN SPACES community projects and that a hard to raise funds towards its Willesden Green, said: “We further round of payments will be refurbishment, and now thanks to PROJECT: launched our first Code Club in made in early 2018. the CIL funding, we can finally start Barnhill trees January 2016 with the help of local “CIL is collected from developers initial works to bring it back to life. Sherine Kefel, Barn Hill Residents software developer Neil Benn. Neil’s to improve infrastructure and aid “Completing these works will mean Association, said: “We are very lucky passion for working with computers growth which is needed as a result we’ll be able to use the library as a to live in Barnhill – it’s a beautiful led him to want to volunteer with of development. The added benefit ‘meanwhile space’ for further place. The neighbourhood CIL Brent Libraries and run digital of the Neighbourhood CIL is that fundraising and performance events funding will allow us to plant new making workshops for children, communities have an opportunity to to help us buy furniture, shelves, trees, adding to the greenery of our thereby offering new learning access funding to improve their computers, Wi-Fi, new books and all area.” opportunities for local children in local area. I am proud that residents the other things a modern library the community. We are delighted to and community groups can benefit and community space need.” have received funding to help us to from this money.” Brent has been continue to deliver the Code clubs divided into five CIL For those interested in and launch our STEM club. The Neighbourhoods... submitting future project future’s bright for Brent Libraries.” applications, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/cil

20 21 Business Sophia Edwards, owner of Reine When we lose our small businesses, Noire Boutique on Harlesden High we lose the soul and character of Street , started her business while our streets,” says Geeta Sarin, Small business at the heart she was on maternity leave. “I was owner of Rivaaz Boutique on Ealing passionate about doing something Road, Wembley . A specialist in of COMMUNITY that would benefit the community, Indian couture, Geeta has noticed a so I opened a clothing store for big change in her area over the last From the smallest of micro businesses to the 500-year-old women of all ages and sizes.” ten years. Sophia is determined to persevere “Ealing Road used to be the ‘hat family firm, small businesses are a vital part of our thanks to customers who support and garden’ of Brent. We had community providing goods and services, creating jobs and her on a regular basis. “My business wonderful high-end boutiques and binding our neighbourhoods together. To encourage these has brought many positive people customers coming from all over the into my life,” she explains. “I have country,” she explains. According to businesses to grow and thrive we need your support incredible conversations with Geeta, increased rates and taxes, customers who tell me stories that the influx of online shopping and a Moaz Salahi, co-owner of a Syrian Another passionate Brent based you would never imagine. Some lack of parking have gradually and Lebanese restaurant Aleppo entrepreneur is Christine Coke, struggle with depression and simply driven out small businesses and House in Willesden Green , also owner of the Early Bird restaurant come in to talk - it’s very brought in big chain stores. understands the challenges of in Wembley . Having been in rewarding.” “We now also have more betting entrepreneurship. A trained medical business for 13 years, Christine On competing with bigger stores, shops than ever before and our doctor, he opened his restaurant, knows just how important Sophie says, “It’s tough, but I pride small businesses have been replaced Aleppo House, alongside his long- community support is. myself on running a true by Sainsbury’s and Iceland.” time friend who had come to “It’s the community support I’ve community-spirited shop.” She As an established business owner London from Damascus. received over the years that’s firmly believes in the power known for producing high quality “My friend comes from a allowed me to build my business,” reciprocity, “It’s a matter of me customised garments, Geeta has to hardworking family and is an she says. Specialising in traditional helping the community and the rely on her industry reputation to excellent cook, so when he English and Caribbean food, community helping me.” pull her through. suggested we open a restaurant, I Christine uses only the most “Many of my orders come through was keen to give it a go,” explains authentic ingredients, which she referrals, but overall the small- Moaz. sources from speciality Caribbean SMALL business climate is tough,” she They opened their restaurant in a shops. BUSINESS explains. “We’d love to restore building on High Road in May this “My regular customers come back Ealing Road to its former glory, but year. “Our customers always come to me for the quality of my food. SATURDAY we can only do this through the back to us once they’ve tasted The big chain restaurants just can’t 2nd DECEMBER support of the community.” our food.” offer this kind of authenticity,” she says. SHOP LOCALLY FREE car parking in 11 car parks across Brent every Saturday and Sunday in December.

22 23 Advertisement Happy & Healthy Attention all landlords FREE childcare for Properties wanted your family let and managed by SBHA Since 1968 Shepherds Bush Housing Association has been a Working parents in Brent are now eligible for up to 30 hours trusted part of the local community, now managing more free child care for their three and four year olds. We caught than 5,000 homes. For 25 years, we’ve been managing, up with one parent... maintaining and guaranteeing rents for landlords. I’m sure a lot of parents know that Emma told The Brent Magazine of We are looking for properties in all areas on GUARANTEED childcare is extremely expensive” says her options if she didn’t have free Wembley resident Emma Franklin, childcare: “There is a possibility that or MARKET rent. Cash incentives offered. mother to Kayden, aged three. I would have had to reduce my GUARANTEED RENT SCHEME MARKET RENT SCHEME “There’d been a lot in the media hours at work, so some days he We can take on ‘hard to let’ or • Yearly contracts about thirty hours free (childcare) so would have to spend with me large properties including HMOs I thought I’d do a bit of googling instead of nursery. I know many • Free rent guarantee and a few weeks later the nursery parents do find themselves in those • Advance monthly rent even if • Tenant referencing for your sent me a link to apply. circumstances. your property is empty chosen tenant “It’s definitely impacted our “I thought (the application • No management fee or • Free photo inventory finances in a positive way. For us, it process) was quite simple, the commission – we pay what we means that the money we are saving nursery were very good and gave us quote • 24/7 repairs service and we can channel into doing other a slip with the details of the website furniture supply • Flexible three or five year leasing Rent Collection things for Kayden such as swimming to apply, everything seemed quite option lessons and he currently goes to straight forward.” football, but there are lots of other For parents looking to take • Grants funding advice activities we can now fund.” advantage of the scheme from • No void works if the property The new national childcare scheme January, they must submit their becomes empty within lease allows households in England where applications by 31 December 2017, (exceptions apply) parents of children aged three or with the next deadline falling in four are working, earning at least a March for the start of the summer Contact us to discuss your options and to arrange £120 a week, but less than £100,000 term. 850 families in Brent have a no obligation visit a year, to claim 30 hours free already benefitted from this childcare over 38 weeks of the year. scheme. Landlords hotline: If you are eligible you’ll have the “Why don’t you apply for 30 hours 020 8996 4271 SHEPHERDS BUSH option to split the funded hours free childcare?” says Emma. “It can HOUSING GROUP between different providers, such as really make a difference.” [email protected] between a childminder and a www.sbhg.co.uk/landlords The home of guaranteed rents session at pre-school.

24 25 Advertisement Advertisement Sudbury DIVORCE Neighbourhood Centre Day Care and Friendship IS NEVER Spend the day with us Day Care from £35.00 a day – huge discounts available! We have a fantastic range of services including :- EASY • Specialist day care • Chiropodist services • Lunch • Hairdressing salon But we try to make it easier. • Transport to and from the • Outings, events and day trips Centre on our own minibuses to the seaside What you can expect • Activity and social groups • Assisted bathing service • Tai Chi exercise classes • Health and wellbeing advice • Direct lawyer contact Contact us on the details • Art classes and support • Computer classes • Information and advice below to see if we are • Same-day response • Movement to Music classes service the right solicitors for you • Fixed predictable fees • Music Therapy

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26 27 Advertisement Happy & Healthy Feel good, do good SLIDEATRON GoodGym is a community of runners who get fit by doing good at Wembley Park The act of giving is beneficial to purpose - it’s now a part of who I both the receiver and the giver, am.” according to the people at Ellie Hutch, GoodGym’s Brent- GoodGym. By showing generosity, based trainer, says that she always you can actively reduce your own feels elevated after doing stress levels, improve your overall something for the greater good in wellbeing and even prolong your an active way. “London can be quite life. a selfish city with an urgent energy, Something free, fun and GoodGym is a London-based social which makes it all the more enterprise where volunteers run to important to do something for festive is coming to visit elderly people and is a good others,” she says. “I always see a example of how being charitable wonderful sense of community Wembley Park can give you a greater sense of among our runners and the joy they belonging. “Many of our runners get from doing something that join the GoodGym, because they really matters.” feel isolated,” explains GoodGym’s Not only is giving back a great way Alex Kenmure. “By connecting with to meet new people, but studies 30.11.17 elderly people and other runners, show that we’re able to alleviate our team build confidence and depression, prolong our life and resilience, discover new members of strengthen our hearts by interacting their society and enjoy the social with others in a meaningful way. elements of giving back.” From Fryent Country Park to Pre-register and be the Alex also volunteers as a runner Roundwood Park, Brent GoodGym GoodGym, which means that he runners pound the streets helping first to ride: runs weekly to visit an elderly those most in need. They’re always woman. “I’ve learnt so much from up for welcoming new runners, so if her – she used to be an actress and you’re interested in getting fit and is very extroverted, while I’m a shy giving back to your community, visit kind of guy,” he explains. “These www.goodgym.org/areas/brent www.slideatron.co.uk runs have given me a great sense of Twitter @GoodGymBrent

28 29 Advertisement Competition There are Ideas on a card

Create your own Christmas cards rather than use the bland MANY WAYS ones we usually send Muffin and Me, run by brother and hand writing all the Christmas cards to sister, Luke and Lauren Foster, from for Muffin and Me in July while Kilburn, will produce the top three Luke organised with suppliers, and ideas sent in by the residents of did the marketing and production. Brent as they take some time out “Most people describe our cards as from penning their witty greeting cute and quirky with a twist. From a PREVENT cards. distance, the cards look really cute The seemingly adorable cards that but when you read them they often ‘tell it as it is’ as Luke, 29, likes to have a sting in their tail!” says put it; have had people in fits of Lauren. “It’s strange working in an laughter since Muffin and Me industry where you have to think a HIV opened shop four years ago. few seasons ahead.” Lauren, 27, started out writing “We were writing and designing cheeky one-liners at work on the Christmas cards in July!” whiteboard to put a smile on the Since Luke moved to the borough faces of her fellow colleagues over four years ago, he has fallen in before teaming up with her older love with the area and the beautiful Do it your way at brother. parks. “I love living in Kilburn. It’s easily doitlondon.org A family business commutable to and from central “No books and pens have gone London, and has loads to offer on flying across the room since we our doorstep. We’ve lived here for started working together so I would over four years now and love it. LONDON DO IT say it’s not that bad working with There are so many fantastic places • TEST • PROTECT : PREVENT HIV family,” said Luke. “Lauren is truly to go but one of my absolute the ‘creative’ one and I’m more favourites is Queen’s Park, especially business orientated. I studied law at in the summer,” added Luke. university so I’m the responsible one So, get your creative caps on and LONDON HIV PREVENTION PROGRAMME PROUDLY apparently. We often have to get in touch with Lauren and Luke SUPPORTED BY LONDON BOROUGHS change our mindset from family to to see if your idea is good enough business partners.” to be produced and on the shelves While the rest of us were enjoying for next Christmas. the summer this year, Lauren was

30 31 Arts & Culture 5. Brent’s got its own canal walk 10 things you with some fantastic views - the #backbrentsbid might not know Grand Union Canal which stretches from Alperton to Kensal Green. about Brent We’ve been gathering together 6. Since being built in 2014, Brent’s Civic Centre has already been the Brent’s cultural partners over the last 1. Bob Marley once called Neasden home - look out for the plaque on set of films and TV including The couple of months as we pull together the street where he lived. Avengers, Channel 4’s GameFace our bid to win the Mayor of London’s new competition 2. Mapesbury Dell is an award 7. Dollis Hill is home to an to be named London Borough of Culture for the year 2020 winning park that was set up by underground bunker used by and for the local community, Winston Churchill during WW2. The bids from all the different every different art form, from hidden between the houses of the 8. The 1977 Eurovision Song London boroughs hoping to win renowned world class talent to the Mapesbury Estate. Contest was held in Wembley! the title are going to be submitted grassroots, and from every corner of 3. Clean Bandit recorded their Despite its name the UK’s entry, on 1 December, so we’re keeping the borough. number 1 hit ‘Rather Be’ at the Rock Bottom finished an impressive the ideas in our bid a closely Watch this space for some exciting South Kilburn Studios for free in second. guarded secret until then, so as to news, and in the meantime, show exchange for the band taking on 9. Brent has its very own ‘castles’, keep our ideas away from the eyes your support and join in by visiting some local young people as houses in Kingsbury designed by of our competitors. www.brentculture2020.co.uk and by apprentices. architect Ernest Trobridge Rest assured though, if we are sharing your favourite local cultural named the winner next February, venue, event, artist or performer 4. Held in 1924, the British Empire 10. Welsh Harp is one of the that will give us nearly two years to along with the hashtags #mylocal - Exhibition brought the world to largest lakes in London and one of work up the details of what we culture and #backbrentsbid Wembley. Wembley Stadium was the few places where you can learn deliver in 2020 with even more originally built as a centrepiece to to sail within London. people across Brent, so you’ll have the exhibition plenty more chances to shape our plans. Your top Tweets The title of London Borough of Culture comes with a prize of £1.1 Jeska Hayter MR KC million from the Mayor of London, BACK • Gladstone Park and cute cafe • A little of back home in Ealing to spend on cultural events in the THE BID #mylocalculture #backbrentsbid Road @brentcouncil #mylocal - winning area over that year. This is Brent @brentcouncil culture #backbrentsbid a big prize, well worth winning. LONDON BOROUGH OF Kiddy Gemma Brent has maybe the widest and CULTURE 2020 • I love Brent born writer Zadie • Can’t beat a Wembley event and most exciting mix of cultures of any www. Smith who writes lovingly a free one #mylocalculture part of London – from across the brentculture2020.co.uk embracing and celebrating Brent in #backbrentsbid at that so lucky to world, from young to old, from her books #backbrentsbid live in Wembley @brentcouncil #mylocalculture

32 33 Emmy winning actor Riz Poem by Chris Beschi AKA Poet Curious Ahmed says: “Brent is an incredible borough (art teacher from Kingsbury High School) bursting with energy, talent and twitter.com/poetcurious creativity. Much of that is down to the influences of different communities and cultures that In the home of lonely stadium, The blueprint burbs have come from all over the world Where nation dreams are built and Of future worlds to make my home borough the dashed, On verges of metropolis, unique place that it is today. I’m The country comes and travels Patchwork maps of backing Brent’s bid and am tipping Mariah Idrissi, H&M hijab back, Paths and tracks, it to win London Borough of model, says: Where youts on road spit freestyle The fields, the parks, Culture 2020.” “Brent being one of the most raps, The black tarmac, multicultural boroughs in the The centre of community, The yin, the yang, country is just one thing that made Whose voices clash, avoid the The gun, the gang it great to grow up in. With so traps. Are poverty never stopping we, much diversity in one borough, we Bold and brash; their red brick We fight the rising rents have seen loads of talented and Rhetoric, high rise like flats, on Our multi-culture is our property, Shaun Wallace, The Chase influential people emerge and I’m these Remain in this authority star says: proud to call Brent home! ” chalk hills and church roads. Representing properly. “Brent is fantastically versatile, Books wrote from our post codes. A cacophony of colour welcoming worldwide food, music We are hushed shubs tones Cousin-brothers of diaspora, arts and fashion. It is definitely And rowdy Irish pub homes Sisters of resistance worthy of London Borough of Brent… Twisting struggle into laughter, Culture 2020 so that we can Raheem Sterling, England The Twain, Zadie, Charlie, Marley Poets of a poison chalice showcase our creativity to the international footballer, says ends, Holding onto heritage, world. This award will help the “Growing up in Brent, I lived right Hawkeye for reggae blends, We open doors to future generations of Brent have behind Wembley Stadium – With Rajasthani sari trends, Empire’s fall, the chance to be creative and probably the most iconic thing you Mahogany masqueraders We welcome all and let ‘em live, enjoy living and playing.” could see in your lifetime. I parade your carnival Shape positive from negative remember seeing it getting built We can’t pretend, And never seek acceptance, from scratch and to this day, It’s hard in ends, In Brent we’re building futures, whenever I’m on the team coach North Weezy, never easy, We don’t follow trends, to the stadium I get flashbacks. It’s We caste off our creeds we set them. great to see how the area is really To carve our paths freely. developing and how culture is such a massive part of the community.”

34 35 Safer Brent Speaking about what’s next for the comeback kid, Ace says: “I’m looking to write a book as well as Beyond the stereotype continue to hold more workshops in schools across London. My book will In 2007, Willesden’s Ace Ruele was sentenced to eight years be titled Beyond The Stereotype in prison for robbery with an imitation firearm. Fast and will come with a DVD featuring interviews with 30 black men who forward to 2017, he now owns an entertainment company have been involved in crime, or and has starred in a Hollywood blockbuster and a much- lived in areas affected by crime, but loved TV soap opera gone on to become successful in other areas.”

Going to prison was a transfor - with my criminal record and history, mative experience for me”, says Ace I could still become someone of Ruele. “I learned to let go of the value and have a career in the field IT’S TIME TO TALK Community and Father Figure; desire to live up to a particular I desired.” IN BRENT Ashton Thomas aka K Triggz, image of being a youth from the Ace’s drive, mixed with the support rapper, songwriter and animator streets to paying attention to the he received from Access, UK led to Brent’s Time to Talk campaign aims from Stonebridge and Nequela things I loved, such as psychology, major success – from playing Rowan to tackle some of the more difficult Whittaker, former gang member spirituality, health and fitness.” in EastEnders earlier this year to issues we face locally by fully and author of ‘Street Girl’ . When he was released from prison starring in Hollywood blockbuster involving residents and local Three shows have taken place so in 2012, Ace set out to make a Legend of Tarzan and British film communities in creating grassroots, far on Gangs and Serious Youth success of his life and achieve his Brotherhood . In addition to his community-led solutions. Events in Violence, Domestic Abuse and goals despite his criminal record and entertainment business, Ace also the past have focused on tackling Culture in Brent. To listen to the the stereotypes this can create. founded the Self Success gangs, hate crime, extremism and shows, please visit Ace sought the help of Access UK programme which works with radicalisation. www.brent.gov.uk/ which is an employment service for schools, charities and youth groups A new series of Time to Talk shows strongercommunities Afro Caribbean people. “I spoke to help younger generations have been taking place on Beat FM, with the founder of Access UK who achieve their own goals. a radio station which transmits within a 7 mile radius from helped me to develop my enterprise “Self Success is about having the IT’S TIME TO skills and tapped into my creative ability to be totally aware and in Harlesden High Street, where it’s abilities to set up my own business, control of your own actions and located. The radio shows include a an entertainment agency. He had a know the correct formula for panel discussion and phone in TALK clear understanding of the lifestyle I achieving personal goals. The chaired by Claire Clottey, had lived and environment I was programme is designed to help Community Development Specialist. from, and appreciated my reasons individuals live up to their full Panellists have included David for not wanting to pursue a nine to potential by focusing on these key Mullings, founder of Action in the five role. I now believed that, even principles.”

36 37 Arts & culture INFORMATION EVENINGS What does it mean to be a Brent organises regular fostering information FOSTER CARER? events at Brent Civic Centre, Wembley every month: • Thursday 1 February 2018, 5.45pm

“A foster carer doesn’t need to opportunity to develop my profes - • Thursday 1 March 2018, 5.45pm have an endless list of qualifi - sional skills and use some of those cations. What they really need is skills in the workplace. I feel that I More information is available at the experience of working with have learnt so much since I started www.brent.gov.uk/fostering children and young people in a fostering.” To find out how you can take on the most caring environment” says Wembley “Fostering has made such a resident, Julie Long, who has been difference to our lives. It has made fulfilling, challenging and rewarding role of fostering in Brent with her us more open, empathetic and a lifetime, visit husband, Kevin Long, since 2015. compassionate as a family. We have www.brent.gov.uk/fostering foster Busy mum Julie knows this very young children of our own and they well, as she manages her fostering are fully supportive of our fostering or call 020 8937 4538 Brent role, along with her part time job as role. They enjoy having another a Centre Manager for an organi - sibling around! It has really opened sation which supports young their eyes and made them more people.“ appreciative of what it means to Your rubbish, your As a manager, my responsibilities have a family. I would definitely lean more towards general recommend fostering to anyone responsibility maintenance of the unit - making who has the space in their hearts sure we have everything we need and home. Even my sister decided and keeping things in good repair to go for it. She was approved as a Are you doing the right thing for the people who use our services. foster carer earlier this year. Making with your waste? I have a lot of contact with young that tiny difference to someone’s people and this has really helped life is so rewarding. Despite the me in my fostering task.” challenges, I am enjoying every Find out or you could end up It’s not just a one way street. Julie minute of it!” with a criminal record. believes fostering has helped her If you would like more information better understand her current role. please contact our Fostering Team www.brent.gov.uk “The training and support I have on 020 8937 4538 or email received as a Brent foster carer has [email protected] been fantastic. I have had the Lnve where you live

38 39 Advertisement Advertisement Help Brent Sparkle WINTER GARDEN WASTE SERVICE CHANGES during the holidays Keep in mind, from December to February your garden waste collection will take place once a month. Have a With three bank holidays over Christmas look at your collection calendar or visit and New Year, there will be some changes www.brent.gov.uk/recycling for more information. to the days your bins are collected WHAT DO I DO WITH MY REAL COLLECTION DAY CHANGES OVER CHRISTMAS TREE? CHRISTMAS • If you are signed up to our garden waste service, you If your bin is due to be collected on... It will now be collected on... can cut your tree into pieces and place these in your Monday 25 December ...... Saturday 23 December green bin. Tuesday 26 December ...... Sunday 24 December • You can also take it to Monday 1 January ...... Saturday 30 December the Refuse and Recycling Centre, Abbey Road NW10 7TJ, ‘FIND YOUR COLLECTION DAY ONLINE’ but keep in mind that this will be closed on Search at www.brent.gov.uk/recycling if you’re unsure December 25, 26 and 27 and also on January 1. what dates apply to you. • Arrange for it to be taken as part of our bulky waste GET 2018 OFF TO A GREEN START service which costs £35 for up to five items. From Tuesday 3 January you can sign up to receive the • You will also be able to take your Christmas tree to a 2018/19 garden waste service. If you sign up before 31 drop-off point in a local park or green space in January. March, you will save £10. Visit Please visit www.brent.gov.uk/recycling for exact www.brent.gov.uk/gardenwaste locations and dates. JINGLE ALL THE WAY…TO YOUR RECYCLING BIN Find out which bin to use when all of your food has been eaten and presents are unwrapped by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/recycleopedia

40 41 Cleaner & greener DO YOUR BIT ! FINED § Report illegally dumped rubbish IT’S A CRIME LOVE where you LIVE on the Cleaner Brent smartphone NOT TO CARE app. Download the app at We’re dishing out a dose of tough “At the heart of what makes Brent such a great place to www.brent.gov.uk/cleanerbrent love to those who continue to dump rubbish illegally in our streets live and work is the pride that residents have in their local § Organise a community clean-up. areas. Our Love Where You Live campaign is about Visit www.brent.gov.uk/cleanup or and parks. Since January 2017, we have issued: encouraging everyone in the borough to care for the email [email protected] to arrange, or to take part in, a clean- • 69 Fixed Penalty Notices for landscape around us and to create a better environment.” up in your area. illegally dumping rubbish Cllr Eleanor Southwood • 800+ Fixed Penalty Notices for § Recycle your waste. Find out littering Brent Council Cabinet Member for Environment more by downloading Recycleopedia, our smartphone app, • 427 Fixed Penalty Notices for domestic Duty of Care non- WE LOVE WE HATE or by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/recycling compliance We love the enthusiasm that so We hate illegally dumped rubbish • 252 Fixed Penalty Notices for many residents show day in, day and littering as much as you do, § Put your bins out on time. If business Duty of Care non- out, to improve their local which is why we are cracking down you’re unsure of your bin collection compliance neighbourhoods and build and prosecuting those who commit times, visit community spirit. this selfish crime in Brent. www.brent.gov.uk/recycling and Our Love Where You Live But we need your help to do even enter your postcode into ‘Find Your campaign is about putting you in more. Report illegally dumped Collection Day’. the driving seat to improve your rubbish and let us know if you local environment and bring your know who’s dumping it and our § Report graffiti on the Cleaner community together. team will investigate. Brent smartphone app Find out L ve If you’re thinking of organising a We don’t need you to go all James more at www. n where you live community activity, or have a plan Bond on us, but keep your eyes brent.gov.uk/lovewhereyoulive for how to bring the sparkle back to peeled and help us make Brent’s your neighbourhood, let us know streets clean and safe for everyone. what you’ve got planned and we’ll Eight- year-old Sam Peacock, Our anti-gum littering campaign tell you what we can do to support Sudbury Town Residents’ gave commuters something to you. From organising a community Association’s youngest litter ‘chew on’ as Willesden Green clean up or event to starting a picker, has been doing his bit and tube station was transformed into coffee morning for your vulnerable Lnve helping clean up the streets and a wild woodland to highlight neighbours – the sky is the limit. where you live parks in Sudbury. Sam’s dedication responsible gum disposal. You and love for his neighbourhood is wouldn’t throw your gum in a inspiring others to make a beautiful forest, so why drop it on difference in their communities. our streets?

42 43 My community Happy & healthy Generous George New year new start

When George Branch retired five years ago, he decided he Make a promise to take charge of your health this year. wanted to use some of his spare time to give something The Brent Magazine has tips on diet, fitness and giving up back to the community – by becoming a home libraries those addictions to transform your well-being in 2018 delivery volunteer health. We offer up to 12-weeks of 1 Make small weight-loss • free support for would-be quitters, Each week George delivers to library London, which is an area I know well goals and achieve big results which includes regular clinics and customers across Brent. Some are so we spend a lot of time chatting Losing just 10 pounds can do a free or affordable medication. housebound and others are mobile about our memories.” whole lot more for you than You will normally be offered weekly but struggle to visit the library “Lots of the customers like to chat, helping you look better in your one-to-one appointments with an regularly and carry home the books, some have a cup of tea and plate of favourite jeans. It can also lower advisor, but we also offer group, so they find the Home Libraries biscuits ready for me each time I your blood pressure, reduce your drop-in services and telephone service much more convenient. visit and we can talk for quite a risk of a stroke, ward off dementia, support as well. Please contact the “I enjoy it tremendously,” said while, with others it is just a quick lower your risk of cancer, and lower Brent Stop Smoking service at George. “At first, I was nervous as I friendly ‘Hello, how are you?’ as I your cholesterol up to 10%. Visit [email protected] hadn’t worked with the community deliver the books. I have learned www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss- before but now I wish I had started lots doing this role. Many of the guide for lots of advice and tips TOP TIP – If you’ve drank a little too much over the Christmas holidays volunteering sooner, in my spare customers are keen readers and 2 Cut the excuses and • and feel like a detox why not take time, even before I retired. The work recommend books to me. get fit now part in Dry January – for more is just so rewarding. It’s nice to feel “Seeing how much they appreciate You don’t need expensive exercise details visit www. you are helping others but I also get the books, DVDs and audio books I equipment to get in shape. Leading alcoholconcern.org.uk/dry-january a lot out of it. The role allows me to bring is the other aspect of the role an inactive lifestyle can lead to pain meet interesting new people and I love. I find it very satisfying in your body, and put a damper on 4 • Mindfulness helps me to keep active.” knowing that I am playing a part in your mental and emotional state. We all know we need to eat well Most of George’s customers are helping people to keep reading and Stop the excuses and get moving and keep active to ensure we are elderly but the service is also learning throughout their lives.” today! There are lots of FREE physically fit and healthy, but what available to people who have HOME LIBRARIES activities in Brent that you can get do we do to ensure good mental disabilities or are temporarily involved with visit and emotional well-being? One in unable to get out and about easily Home Libraries is a service that is www.brent.gov.uk/heartbeats for four adults will suffer from mental due to illness or injury. “I visit all provided free to Brent residents. more details. health issues at some stage in their kinds of interesting people,” said If you would like to make use of life, so it’s important that everyone George. “That is the part of this role I this service, or know someone you 3 • Ditch smoking for good Every 15 cigarettes you smoke will finds a way to make sure your mind enjoy the most. One of my favourite think would benefit, or if you stays fit and healthy too. Visit customers is 105 years old and has so would like to know about cause a mutation that can lead to cancer, so there’s no better reason www.brentmind.org.uk for help many interesting stories about volunteering opportunities, please and advice. growing up in the East End of email [email protected] for quitting than for your own

44 45 Advertisement Advertisement Would you like Register to vote The next local elections are due to take place in May. to have your voice In order to have your say, you must be registered to vote. If you have recently moved or turned 18, please heard and see local register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote decision making in action? You will need your National Insurance Number and must also be a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or There are various ways you can get involved: European Union citizen. REMEMBER you are not automatically registered to vote.  You can request to speak at one of our Council, Paying Council Tax, for example, does not mean you are Cabinet or Scrutiny meetings or submit a petition on a included on the Electoral Register. local issue For more information please visit www.brent.gov.uk/  Most of our meetings are open to the public and you services-for-residents/voting-and-elections can also watch a live broadcast of our Full Council meetings online SAVE THE DATE  You can be kept updated on meetings by registering Full Council Meetings to receive emails letting you know when reports are • Monday 22 January 2018 available • Monday 26 February 2018  You can raise an issue with your local ward councillor Meetings start at 7pm and are held by email or in person at one of their advice surgeries or at Brent Civic Centre via your local Brent Connects meeting Cabinet Meetings  If you would like to share your views on resident • Monday 11 December 2017 engagement and how you would like to get involved • Monday 15 January 2018 please complete the following survey – www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UQM5A/ • Monday 12 March 2018 For more information visit Brent’s Democracy pages at • Monday 9 April 2018 www.democracy.brent.gov.uk or contact Meetings start at 6pm and are held at Brent Civic Centre the Governance Team: [email protected] Register to vote deadline: Tuesday 17 April 2018

46 47 Arts & culture Indhu was pleased that the Tricycle’s original 232-seater BACK auditorium and stage that was THE BID The Tricycle Theatre THE designed by Tim Foster when the T Brent HEAT theatre opened in 1980 has found a LONDON BOROUGH OF IS RE IN THE WINGS SET T new home after it was donated to a CULTURE 2020 REO O PEN I school in Kent; providing a theatre www. EA N The Tricycle Theatre is undergoing a RLY space that youngsters can put on brentculture2020.co.uk 2018 shows from. major £6.6m refurbishment to bring Brent’s beloved theatre into the 21st century.

The works are well underway on to bring it up-to-date and bring the Kilburn High Road and artistic Tricycle into the future. The Capital director Indhu Rubasingham could Project is about creating a better not be happier. Artistic director version of ourselves,” said Indhu. Indhu Rubasingham, who has been “It will allow us to attract new at the helm of the distinguished audiences and put on even more group since 2012, wants to give the ambitious shows. Even the front of younger members of society the house is getting a makeover with a Advertisement chance to have a voice via the new cafe as we want to give the stage. audience a memorable experience Obviously she would rather be from the moment they walk into What is putting on shows like the award- the building to the moment they Private Fostering winning Handbagged , which won leave.” Have you, or someone you know made an arrangement an Olivier award in 2014 portraying The project will increase the size of Margaret Thatcher’s meetings with the auditorium by approximately to look after someone else’s child for more than a the Queen and the hugely successful 25%, and quadruple the number of month? Red Velvet about the first big black permanent wheelchair accessible If so, you could be fostering privately! Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge seats in the auditorium from 2 to 8. but the renovation was desperately “In refurbishing the theatre and Brent Council has a responsibility to ensure that all needed. front of house spaces with this children in Brent are being cared for properly and When the project is finished, the ambitious and exciting project, the that carers are supported. theatre’s capacity will rise to 325 Tricycle is reaffirming its place at the If you know of, or are caring for a child who is which means an additional 93 seats. heart of Kilburn for the local being privately fostered please let us know. “The theatre has not been community,” said actor Jim Carter, updated for a while so it was time who is best-known for playing Mr for us to get our hands dirty. Our Carson in Downton Abbey . He also Call 020 8937 2749 foster disability access was poor and the performed at the Tricycle in the auditorium was in need of a revamp 1990s in Doug Lucie’s Fashion . www.brent.gov.uk/privatefostering Brent

48 49 Housing “In the first month since launching we saw more people than we were HOMELESSNESS expecting,” Alfie said. “The highest Show homelessness cause of homelessness is people IN THE UK being evicted from private rented • More than 307,000 people in the door accommodation.” Britain are homeless today Cllr Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member • The number of homeless people A financial blow lands out of nowhere. You’re wondering for Housing and Welfare Reform, in Britain has increased by 13,000 said: “Until now, we've not been in a year how to make ends meet. Your landlord won’t accept a able to give enough help to most • One in every 200 people in shortfall on your rent. You’re going to be homeless. You single people facing the prospect of England is currently homeless. need help. What can you do? homelessness. Now, we have the *According to research by Shelter tools we need to get involved Soaring house prices, rising rental Centre last week and was given a earlier and to work with people for rates, government cuts to benefits SHPS appointment for today.” longer.” and a limited social housing stock Alfie Startup is the SHPS Show homelessness the door at: mean that the fear of being Prevention and Relief Worker who www.brent.gov.uk/homelessness without a home is a problem is helping Sajid to find a home. He affecting an increasing number of has been in touch with Street Link, households. a charity that ensures people Advertisement With the Homelessness Reduction sleeping rough are connected to Act due to be implemented in April local services and support, while he next year and the government’s works with Sajid on finding a Boost your business! benefit cap hampering tenants’ suitable home in the private rented ability to pay their rent, housing sector. Alfie has also identified what Advertise in The Brent Magazine experts used the council’s additional support Sajid can access Distributed quarterly to 100,000 households, libraries, leisure centres ‘Homelessness Summit’ held in to make sure his next home is more and community centres across the borough, The Brent Magazine is the October to highlight the services sustainable. go-to publication for news, information and special features available to help residents either Before the SHPS scheme, single find, or keep, their home. homeless people, or those at risk of One Brent-based solution is the homelessness with few support You could reach 328,800 people in new ground-breaking scheme needs, would not be eligible for any the area, and over 115,000 businesses known as the Single Homelessness direct assistance to help them with Prevention Service, or SHPS Scheme. their housing issues. The SHPS Display advertising prices start from £275 +vat Sajid Mallal, 55, is one of the service pre-empts the requirements people the SHPS Scheme is helping. of the Homelessness Reduction Act, Classified advertising prices start from £83.33 +vat “I have been homeless for 10 days which will work with anyone due to with only the sky for shelter,” Sajid become homeless within 56 days to If you would like to advertise in The Brent Magazine , please explained during his first SHPS try and prevent or relieve their call 020 8937 4817 or email [email protected] appointment. “I came to the Civic homelessness.

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54 55 My council needed. Afterall, change always “Living in ignorance is not the starts with one’s self.” way. Something like Brexit is Power to the people www.brent.gov.uk/elections potentially one of the biggest things to happen in the history of 100s of Brent residents attended a series of events to mark “I think it’s important for people this country. There are things Local Democracy Week 2017, to get people more involved to become involved and have their happening now and people need voices heard in an arena such as to get clued up. It doesn’t matter in democracy this, because it lets them know what side of the fence you are on, that they really count.” just get informed.” Democracy is so important. It not the same as yours. If you get Yasmin Hai Rants n Bants ensures that the voices of all the involved in local democracy, your people are heard rather than voice can be heard and you might decisions being made by a single even see some of your ideas get person or group of people” says implemented.” 27-year-old Stonebridge resident 36-year-old Kilburn resident Alina Dapo Ewuyemi, who spoke to The Balatchi, shared Dapo’s view. “The Brent Magazine at Brent Question word democracy comes from Greek Time, the main event of Local and literally means the power of Democracy Week in the borough. the people, but people who don’t Lowering the voting age to engage are missing out on sixteen, Brexit and making Brent an everything. Advertisement accessible borough for all were “They have no say and no opinion among the issues put to the to be considered, but you can’t live UP TO £500 PAID Question Time panel which included in a bubble like that, you have to Wembley-born author, broadcaster get involved. It doesn’t have to be and television producer Yasmin Hai on a formal level, but you do need FOR YOUR SCRAP CAR and Harlesden-born social media to be aware of what’s around you. star Rants n Bants. “You learn from different people “This was my first time attending you meet. The more you discuss MOT failure • Damaged • Non Runners • Insurance Write offs anything like this and it’s curiosity issues the more you learn the Quality used spares available off the shelf for most that brought me here,” said Dapo. different angles to them and you vehicles at bargain prices “As I get older, I want to become get the information you need to more involved in the decision complete a picture of them. Contact our driver on 07979 350 352 or 020 8205 2100 making process. If you don’t get “If you aren’t taking part in involved, your voice will not be democracy and voting in elections, or email [email protected] heard. you can’t really complain about the Our yard – Colindeep Lane, Hendon, NE9 6HD “It is easy to assume there is a system you live in. You have the Recycling the past – Saving the Future group of people who will always opportunity and a civic duty to take make the best decision for you but part, as well as a duty to yourself to www.met4parts.com sometimes their life experiences are help make a change where it’s Licensed by the Environment Agency – Certificates of destruction issued.

56 57 Arts & Culture WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER HOT ROD NIGHT WITH DJ BILL INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE >> Theatre >> Music >> Dance >> Comedy >> Exhibitions GUNTRIP WITH DISABILITIES Live music. Ace Cafe. Brent is celebrating the >> Cinema >> Talks >> Tours 6pm-11pm. Free International Day of People with Disabilities. Marked across the DECEMBER - MONDAY 8 JANUARY FIRST WEDNESDAY AND FIRST THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER globe, this day has been celebrated SATURDAY OF THE MONTH by the United Nations since 1992. BACK FROM THE WESTERN NT LIVE: YOUNG MARX (12A) Grand Hall, Brent Civic Centre. FRONT: AFRICAN SOLDIERS OF CAN YOU HANDLE IT? MUSEUM It’s 1850, and Europe’s most feared 11am-2pm. [email protected] THE GREAT WAR IN BRITAIN OBJECT HANDLING SESSION terrorist is hiding in Soho. Broadcast Exhibition exploring the legacy of Opportunity to handle objects from live from the newly-opened Bridge SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER African soldiers in the First World the Brent Museum and Archives. Theatre, this new comedy from War. A partnership between Brent The Library at Willesden Green Richard Bean and Clive Coleman ROMANIAN CHRISTMAS CAROLS Museum & Archives and Learning 2-3pm. stars Rory Kinnear and Oliver Chris ‘Soul of a Child (Suflet de copil)’ through the Arts, funded by the as Marx and Engels, directed by Romanian children’s choir will sing Heritage Lottery Fund. The Library SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER former National Theatre chief traditional Christmas carols. The at Willesden Green. 9am-8pm Nicholas Hytner. Tricycle Theatre. traditional costumes and the joyful Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm UPFRONT COMEDY 7pm. £15 / £13 concessions. Box carols will bring our communities Saturday and Sunday. Free In their final event of the year, Office: 020 7328 1000 together. Join us for a merry event! Upfront founder John Simmit The Library at Willesden Green DECEMBER - MARCH introduces a heavyweight line-up THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 3-3.30pm. Free featuring comedy’s don Curtis TREASURES OF BRENT MUSEUM Walker, alongside edgy Australian AUTHOR TALK: ANNE CORLETT – TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER AND ARCHIVES if.award-winner Brendon Burns and THE SPACE BETWEEN THE STARS Exhibition: Discover unearthed finds East Londoner Teddy Bear (The Jamie Allenby wakes, alone, and FESTIVE FAIRIES AND SPARKLING from our stores! Kingsbury Library. Story of Lovers realises her fever has broken. But STARS 10am-8pm Monday and Thursday, Rock). Tricycle Theatre. 7.30pm. could everyone she knows be dead? Make a Christmas tree wand. 10am-6pm Tuesday, Wednesday and £15/£12 concessions. Months earlier, Jamie had left her Christmas craft fun for under-fives. Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, Box Office: 020 7328 1000 partner Daniel, mourning the Ealing Road Library. 12noon-5pm Sunday. Free miscarriage of their baby. She’d just 11.15am-12noon. Free WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER had to get away, so took a job on a FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH distant planet. Then the virus hit. ACTORS’ NIGHT BACK CHATTERBOOKS READING AND Anne Corlett joins us to discuss her Some of the country’s favourite THE BID CRAFTS CLUB latest book The Space between the actors, like Tamsin Greig, will be Monthly reading group for children. Stars; a genre defying moving and Brent performing their favourite readings. LONDON BOROUGH OF The Library at Willesden Green. emotional literary sci-fi adventure. Also live music. Raffle, bar and CULTURE 2020 4-5pm Kilburn Library. 6.30-7.30pm. Free home-made nibbles. St Martins, but advanced booking essential, www. Mortimer Road NW10 5SD. Doors book at www.brent.gov.uk/events brentculture2020.co.uk open 7pm. Starts 7.30pm £10 58 59 TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER SUNDAY 28 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY

LAUREL AND HARDY: FROM SOUP IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE AN EVENING WITH LIONEL RSC LIVE: TWELFTH NIGHT (12A) TO NUTS Classic Christmas film with Jimmy SHRIVER AND TIM LOTT Christopher Luscombe, Director of Laurel and Hardy’s first film as a Stewart at his most genuinely Award-winning writer of We Need the ‘glorious’ (Daily Telegraph) double act was made exactly 90 endearing. Lexi Cinema. 2.30pm. to Talk About Kevin , Lionel will be Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado years ago. 107 movies later they’d Box Office: 020 3011 5523 talking to fellow award-winning About Nothing (2014 and 2016), become the world’s best-loved novelist Tim Lott - and afterwards, returns to the Royal Shakespeare comedy team, influencing SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER taking audience questions. Book Company to tackle Shakespeare’s generations of performers. This talk signing and bar. greatest comedy, a brilliantly will explore the secrets behind their RHYTHM N’ CRUISE ROCKIN’ See website for venue/time: bittersweet account of “the comic genius and give fans a chance RECORD HOP WITH DJ JIMMY www.savekensalriselibrary.org £12. whirligig of time”. Starring Kara to share their memories of Stan and GUNTRIP Tointon and Adrian Edmonson. Ollie. The Library at Willesden Live music. 7-11pm. FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY Tricycle Theatre 7pm. £15/£13 Green. Tickets £2, book at Ace Cafe. Free concessions. 020 7328 1000 www.brent.gov.uk/events THE ART OF FALLING SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER Author event. Meet Anthony THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER McGowan The Library at Willesden NEW YEAR’S EVE ROCKIN’PARTY Green. 6.30-7.30pm Free NT LIVE: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF STAR WARS: THE FORCE WITH THE FIREBALLS MONDAY 12- (15 TBC) AWAKENS/ STAR WARS: THE + DJ FLATTOP DAVE Following his smash hit production LAST JEDI New Year’s celebration including SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY of A Streetcar Named Desire , Star Wars double bill, including the hot supper, free raffle, party Benedict Andrews directs Sienna premiere of the hotly anticipated poppers. Ace Cafe. 9pm-2am. WEEE Miller, Jack O’Connell and Colm latest film in the series. Lexi Cinema. £12 Advance/£15 Door WEEE is waste electrical and Meaney in Tennessee Williams’ 20th electronic equipment. Bring in your 9pm. Box Office: 020 3011 5523 SATURDAY 13 JANUARY century masterpiece. Captured live unwanted equipment and leave in in front of an audience and TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER - special disposal boxes. The Library at broadcast by NT Live. Tricycle SATURDAY 6 JANUARY ELVIS BIRTHDAY PARTY NIGHT Willesden Green. All day. Free WITH PAUL ANSELL’S NO. 9 + DJ Theatre. 7pm. £15/£13 concessions. Box Office: 020 7328 1000 TIMELESS PATTERNS BILL GUNTRIP WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY Photography exhibition by Mateusz Ace Cafe. 9 pm–2am Entry £10. CRICKLEWOOD CHRISTMAS Lapsa-Malawski. The Library at Sorry, no under 18s OUT OF THIS WORLD LIGHTS SWITCH-ON Craft for children. Design an alien Willesden Green. 9am-8pm Monday SATURDAY 27 JANUARY GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT to Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday and space ship. Ealing Road library. WITH THE CRICKLEWOOD TOWN 2.30-3.30pm. Free Sunday RHYTHM N’ CRUISE ROCKIN’ TEAM ON FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER RECORD HOP WITH DJ JIMMY 2017, FROM 6PM WHEN THE GUNTRIP TOWN WILL BE LIT-UP WITH Ace Cafe. Entry Free SPARKLING LIGHTS. Town Square, Cricklewood Lane, Cricklewood NW2 1DQ

60 61 STADIUM EVENTS Lexi Cinema Arts and culture 194B Chamberlayne Rd, SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY London NW10 3JU Carabao Cup Final 020 3011 5523 GETTING WITH THE PROGRAMME: CODE SUNDAY 8 APRIL www.thelexicinema.co.uk CLUBS AND THE DIGITAL CHALLENGE IN Checkatrade Trophy Tricycle Theatre BRENT LIBRARIES SATURDAY 5 MAY 269 Kilburn High Rd, SSE Women’s Cup Final London NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000 www.tricycle.co.uk Brent Libraries launched their first children from ages 7-11. SATURDAY 26 MAY Code Club at Willesden Green Each session lasts one hour and Championship Play Off SSE Arena library in January 2016 with the although the projects are Arena Square, Engineers Way, help of Neil Benn, a local software structured, children are encouraged For more information on London HA9 0AA engineer who volunteered to run to take each project in whatever stadium events visit 020 8782 5566 the programme. direction they choose and to display wembleystadium.com www.ssearena.co.uk Neil’s own introduction to the their creativity. A successful session Wembley Stadium world of computer programming is one where the answer to “Did Wembley, London, HA9 0WS began in his mid-to-late teens you enjoy that one today?” is a 0844 980 8001 through simple “Hello, World” style resounding “Yes!” from all the kids. VENUES www.wembleystadium.com programs in languages such as Brent Libraries are hoping to The Library at Willesden Green Willesden Sports Centre BASIC and Pascal. This was also recruit more volunteers so that they 95 High Road, Willesden, Donnington Road, around the time that the World can offer these digital making clubs London NW10 2SF. London, NW10 3QX Wide Web was gaining popularity in all six of their libraries on a 020 8937 3400 020 8955 1120 so he dabbled with making simple weekly basis during term time. www.brent.gov.uk/lwg www.1life.co.uk/ websites and then decided to study For more information email Kingsbury Library london-borough-ofbrent/willesden- Computer Science at University. [email protected] 522-524 Kingsbury Road, sports-centre/home Neil’s passion for working with Kingsbury NW9 9HE computers led him to wanting to The Yellow Pavilion volunteer with Brent Libraries and Kilburn Library Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0EG run digital making workshops for 42 Salusbury Road, 020 3219 2176 children, thereby offering new Kilburn NW6 6NN www.wembleypark.com learning opportunities for local Brent Civic Centre The Good Ship children in the community. “He’s Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ 289 Kilburn High Road, London done amazing work with the NW6 7JR children and the programme BACK Harlesden Library Plus THE BID Craven Park Road, 07949 008253 certainly would not have achieved Harlesden NW10 8SE www.thegoodship.co.uk so much without him on board”, Brent says Sarah Smith, Libraries LONDON BOROUGH OF Wembley Library Development Manager CULTURE 2020 Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Since the first code club Brent www. Wembley HA9 0FJ Libraries has worked with dozens of brentculture2020.co.uk

62 63 Your guide to what’s on in Brent during BRENT CONNECTS - WEMBLEY to drop-in. St. Cuthbert’s Church, Brent Connects is one of the ways Carlton Avenue West, North the council engages with residents. Wembley HA0 3QY. Thursdays. Winter 2017-2018 For further info 11am-1pm. www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects [email protected], 01923 824 If you would like your event included on these pages, Wednesday 17 January. 8-9pm. 329, 01923 823 999 submit the details at www.brent.gov.uk/events BRENT CONNECTS - HARLESDEN CARERS SUPPORT GROUPS Brent Connects is one of the ways We run a number of peer support CHILDREN KINGSBURY DEMENTIA CAFÉ the council engages with residents. groups where you can meet other Weekly event for people living with For further info carers in a relaxed friendly FOOD ACADEMY dementia and their carers. www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects environment to discuss, share Free cookery tuition for young Alzheimers Society Dementia Cafe, Thursday 25 January, 9-9pm. experiences and support each other people aged 11 to 18. Sufra NW Father O’Callaghan Hall, St BRENT CONNECTS - KILBURN going through similar challenges. London, 160 Pitfield Way, Sebastian and St Pancras R.C. Brent Connects is one of the ways Wembley Health & Care Centre, Stonebridge. Saturdays 9 December. Church, Hay Lane, Kingsbury Green the council engages with residents. 116 Chaplin Rd, Wembley HA0 4UZ. 10am-2pm. NW9 0NG. Wednesdays. 2-4pm. For further info Thursday 14 December. 10am-12pm. [email protected] [email protected]. www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects [email protected] STEM CLUB uk, 07740 433 472 Tuesday 30 January, 7-9pm. THE HARLESDEN HUB Fun learning activities for children CRICKLEWOOD DEMENTIA CAFE BRENT CONNECTS - WILLESDEN Pop in to the Harlesden Hub from aged 8+ in science, technology, Weekly event for people that are Brent Connects is one of the ways 10am every Wednesday and engineering and mathematics. living with dementia and their the council engages with residents. Thursday if you would like Ealing Road Library, Coronet Parade, carers. Ashford Place, 60 Ashford For further info information or advice on Housing, Ealing Road, Middlesex, HA0 4BA. Road Cricklewood. London NW2 www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects Employment or Council tax. The Wednesday 13 December. 4-5pm. 6TU”. Tuesdays, 3-4pm. Tuesday 6 February, 10-9pm. Harlesden Hub, Harlesden Library, Booking essential: [email protected], Craven Park Road, Harlesden. BRENT CONNECTS - KINGSBURY Wednesdays, Thursdays. 10am-6pm. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stem-club- 07595 631 167 AND KENTON tickets-38077104645 FOSTERING INFORMATION Brent Connects is one of the ways SOCIAL EVENING WONDERKIDS FOOTBALL EVENINGS the council engages with residents. Come and meet your Brent ACADEMY Our fostering information evenings For further info neighbours. We offer free musical Does your tot love football? Come are presented in a very relaxed www.brent.gov.uk/brentconnects entertainment followed by along and join in our academy, atmosphere where you will be given Thursday 8 February. 11-9pm. refreshments when we can chat and teaching a multitude of skills to the opportunity to talk to a get to know each other. Kingsland WEMBLEY DEMENTIA CAFÉ Hall, behind Wembley Park, East develop your little one’s footie member of staff and find out more The Dementia Cafe is a friendly talents. Yellow Pavilion, Wembley about each process. Brent Civic Lane, Wembley HA9 7NN. Friday 15 meeting place for anyone affected December. 7-8.30pm. A voluntary Retail Park, Engineers Way, HA9 Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley by memory loss, dementia or forget - 0EG. Mondays. 10.15-11.15am. £3 HA9 0FJ. Thursday 7 December, donation of £2 is requested fulness. The cafe is run by the [email protected] Ali 07946 445 957 5.45-8pm. Alzheimers Society and you are free

64 65 CUSTOMER SERVICES SESSION of strength and flexibility training GARDENING PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE Got a query? Come and speak to us improves posture whilst shaping (INCLUDING SELF DEFENCE) at Ealing Road Library. Ealing Road and toning muscles. Barham Park. GARDENING AND WILDLIFE Personal safety course (including Library, Coronet Parade, Ealing Wednesdays. 6.30-7.30pm. WORK IN ROE GREEN WALLED self defence) - 10 week course for Road, Middlesex HA0 4BA. YOGA WITH CLAREY GARDEN women and& girls 13+ and over (no Thursdays. 10am-12.30pm. Synchronise your physical, mental Help Barn Hill Conservation Group upper age limit all welcome). HIPHOP WITH ELAN ARTS and spiritual needs with this in this thriving garden. Roe Green Wembley Youth Club, London Road, Join us at Élan Arts for free of wellbeing activity, filled with Walled Garden, Barn Hill Park. Wembley HA9 7EU. Saturdays. charge dance sessions. We are an relaxing, calm movements whilst get Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 11am-1pm. arts charity that aim to provide the you sweating. Yellow Pavilion, 10am-2.30pm. [email protected] community with recreational Wembley Retail Park, Engineers CONSERVATION PROJECTS AT activities. Yellow Pavilion, Wembley Way, HA9 0EG. Tuesdays. 5.30- FRYENT COUNTRY PARK SPORT Retail Park, Engineers Way, 6.30pm. £5 [email protected] Practical projects offering a choice Wembley HA9 0EG. Saturdays. of conservation work for all talents. INSTRUCTOR LED OUTDOOR 5.30-9pm. [email protected] OVER 50s Fryent Country Park. Sundays. GYM TRAINING SESSIONS IN 10am-12.30pm. BRENT PARKS HEALTH AND ELDERS VOICE CROCHET CLUB Led training sessions at our outdoor An opportunity to make new SELF-DEVELOPMENT gyms are free and there is no need WELL-BEING friends and relax in a warm and to book, so come along and join in. friendly environment whilst taking FREE IT, ENGLISH AND For venue information go to KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE part in a therapeutic crochet EMPLOYABILITY CLASSES www.brent.gov.uk/events Come to Wembley Library to get session. 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Barnardos is offering free IT and BOOTCAMP IN your blood pressure checked. Green, London NW10 5TN. Tuesdays. English classes on Tuesday evenings, ROUNDWOOD PARK Wembley Library, Brent Civic Centre, 10.30am-12noon. £2.50 per session and One to One Employability A fitness boot camp session that Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ. 020 8968 8170 support for adults at the Freeman mixes traditional calisthenic and Friday 15 December. 11am-2pm. ELDERS VOICE ZUMBA GOLD Family Centre. Freeman Family body weight exercises with interval FREE MONDAY MORNING CLASS Centre, 57 Longstone Avenue, and strength training. Roundwood MEDITATION FOR HEALTH AND The Elders Voice Zumba Gold class is Harlesden. Tuesdays. 6.30-7.30pm. Park, Harlesden Road, London ABUNDANCE 60 minutes of pure joy! Available to [email protected] NW10. Wednesdays. 6.30-7.30pm. A women only weekly group the over 50s and vulnerable adults 020 8965 3977 Book a class at focusing on health and wellness. over 18, the class is an opportunity ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES www.ourparks.org.uk Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, to make new friends and get fit!. (ESOL) BUGGY EXERCISE IN London NW10. Mondays. 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, English Language Course (ESOL) for QUEENS PARK 9.30am-11.30am. London. 11am-12noon. £3.50 per Adults at the Sattavis Patidar Buggy Exercise is an outdoor fitness [email protected] session [email protected] Centre, Wembley. All levels class for parents/carers and their 07985 387 021 buggies. Classes involve power welcome. Sattavis Patidar Centre, walking, non-compulsory jogging PILATES IN ROUNDWOOD PARK Forty Avenue, Wembley. and resistance exercises. Queens Pilates is a system of controlled Wednesdays. 9.30-11.30am. £15 per Park. Thursdays. 10.30-11.30am. exercises that engage the mind and lesson [email protected] Book a class at condition the total body. The blend www.ourparks.org.uk

66 67 BOOTCAMP IN ROE GREEN PARK BOX FIT IN QUEENS PARK FLY GIRLS RUNNING COMMUNITY swimmers and masters. Vale Farm A fitness boot camp class that mixes A fun way to get fit through a high Fly Girls Running Community is and Willesden Sports Centre. traditional calisthenic and body intensity full body workout. The open to girls aged 14 and women Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, weight exercises, with interval and class incorporates solid boxing pad only. It is a beginners to 2k run, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. strength training. Roe Green Park. work with body conditioning. however we walk, jog, run and fly, 5-10pm. [email protected] Queens Park. Sundays. 10-11am. Saturdays. 9.30-10.30am. Book a depending on your ability. More ACTIVE NEW YOU class at www.ourparks.org.uk Book a class at advanced runners go on to 5k. www.ourparks.org.uk A completely free eight weeks BOOTCAMP AT Meeting point Civic Centre, fitness course aimed at women and STONEBRIDGE REC BHANGRABLAZE FITNESS CLASS Wembley Stadium HA9 0WS. young girls living in Brent and who BhangraBlaze is an amazing fun A fitness boot camp class that mixes Sundays. 9-10am. are new to exercise or currently not calorie blazing workout which uses traditional calisthenic and body [email protected] active. Exercise, nutrition and much basic but powerful moves of the weight exercises, with interval and BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING more!. Ark Academy, Bridge Road, bhangra style of dance. Suitable for strength training. Stonebridge Rec. all ages and levels of fitness. CLUB Wembley Park. Friday 12 January. Saturdays. 10-11am. Book a class at Oakington Manor Primary School, Brent Dolphins Swimming Club is 6.30-7.30pm. www.ourparks.org.uk Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley the only competitive swimming club [email protected] BACK TO EXERCISE IN HA9 6NF. Wednesdays. 7-8pm. £5 in the borough. We run sessions for GLADSTONE PARK pay as you go or £40 for 10 weeks all: beginners (from age 5), This is a low intensity gentle circuit Genna Panchani 07949 648 867 session, fun and social for those [email protected] Advertisement who want to get back or are new to CUBAN VIBES SALSA exercise. Gladstone Park. Saturdays. DANCE CLUB Format created by EndemolShineGroup 11.30-12.30pm. Book a class at Cuban Vibes is a collective of dance www.ourparks.org.uk teachers and performers who RUN WEMBLEY WEDNESDAYS promote Cuban Salsa and Afro Things are going for a toss, A fun, friendly and free weekly Cuban dance in Brent and organised group run around the neighbouring borough. We deliver neighbours have arrived on Bigg Boss iconic Wembley Stadium whatever weekly dance classes and the weather. Wembley Stadium. workshops. The Cricklewood Wednesdays. 7-8pm. Railway Club. Mondays. 7.30-11.30 [email protected] pm. £7 for one class or £10 for two BIGG BOSS [email protected] BHANGRA DANCE LONDON Powered by Lebara money transfer Join us every Thursday at Vale Farm MUAY THAI Sports Centre as we host traditional Practise those stand-up strikes and Bhangra Folk Dance classes in a get that clinching tech nique nailed. Mon-Sun 9pm friendly, fun and keep fit An enjoyable and energetic martial colors viacom environment!. Vale Farm Sports art class for all levels. Yellow Centre. Thursdays. 8-9pm. Pavilion, Wembley Retail Park, Sky Ch.786/ Virgin Ch.826 [email protected] Engineers Way, HA9 0EG. Mondays. 6.30-8.30pm. £5 Humphrey 07849 873 237 68 69 Classified ads Classified ads PIANO, SINGING, THEORY LESSONS SPECIALIST GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

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70 71 Advertisement BRENT HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE MEMORIAL DAY THE POWER OF WORDS: Words can make a massive difference – both for good and evil! Please join us for an evening of reflection with speakers and communities who have been affected by the Holocaust and other Genocides around the world including Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda. The programme will also include poetry, music, Holocaust survivor speaker, choir and refreshments. Thursday 25 January 2018 7pm-8.30pm Conference Hall, Brent Civic Centre Engineers Way HA9 0FJ This event is FREE to attend.

Booking or registration is not required in advance and everyone is welcome to attend from any community. For more details please visit www.brent.gov.uk/hmd

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