The Brent Magazine Issue no.157 Autumn 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 • Brahmaswarup Pramuk Swami Maharaj The UK’s In this issue • Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj Largest Hindu • Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj New Year NEWS 6 GETTING READY FOR A round-up of the UNIVERSAL CREDIT 41 Celebrations latest news in Brent Universal Credit is coming HALF WAY THERE 22 to Brent soon An update on the QUESTION TIME RETURNS 43 Diwali & Annakut South Kilburn regeneration The panel event is back CELEBRATIONS HELPING YOU INTO WORK 24 OUR SURVEY SAYS… 45 Find out about some of the The results from our BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir apprenticeships on offer residents survey – LONDON – MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS 27 YOU ARE THE CHAMPIONS 47 Diwali Fiona Heffernan discusses A new scheme to help renters her mental health journey know their rights WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2018 Diwali Darshan: 9.00am to 8.00pm MUSIC TO YOUR EARS 31 A HOME FROM HOME 48 Chopda pujan: 5.30pm to 7.00pm – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Brent Makes Music on stage at Jamal’s story from Syria to Brent Fireworks display: 8.15pm to 8.45pm – The Swaminarayan School The SSE Arena in Wembley BRENT’S NEW FESTIVAL OF LOVE 33 FUNERAL SERVICE 49 Hindu New Year Annakut Celebrating the life of Brent Council’s low-cost Quamari Serunkuma-Barnes funeral service is here THURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2018 Annakut Darshan: 12.00 noon to 9.00pm GCSE AND A’ LEVEL RESULTS 35 ARTS AND CULTURE 51 Half-Hourly Arti: Until 9.00pm The results are in! Theatre, music, events PARENT POWER 40 and more Hot delicious snacks will be available on both days from food stalls Two families on the parenting WHAT’S ON 59 Please kindly note: For security reasons, bags and cameras will not be support programmes Classes, fitness and allowed into the Mandir complex. Please deposit them in the security opportunities near you baggage cabin across the road in Shayona car park. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir LONDON 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London NW10 8LD For further information, please visit londonmandir.baps.org +44 (0)20 8965 2651 [email protected] @neasdentemple Organisers: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, UK Inspirer: His Holiness Mahant Swami MaharajDiwali

2 3 The Brent Magazine Achieving our potential

Issue 157 September marks the start of Unfortunately, not every young Autumn autumn as well as the start of the person with great potential is able 2018 academic year. While many students to fulfil it. Quamari Serunkuma- will be joining a new form in their Barnes was tragically stabbed and existing school, for others, lost his life in January 2017. His Large print edition September means leaving their parents Paul and Lillian, organised friends and their family home to the One Love festival to celebrate Published by the London Borough of Brent, Brent Civic Centre, begin a new life in a different town his life and it was really moving to Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ as university beckons. see so much love and support for The London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goods Huge congratulations to all the the family and what they are trying or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not students who have achieved great to achieve on the day (page 33). imply recommendation by the council of any goods or services advertised. results in their GCSEs and A’ Levels. Despite the pressure all public Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other I wish you all the best for the future services are under, including the newspapers and magazines. (page 35). council and the police, we won’t let The council was also delighted to crime thrive in this borough and our receive our best ever Ofsted rating recently opened state-of-the-art for Brent’s children’s services as we CCTV control room is just one of the strive to give every child the best many different ways we are helping start in life. to keep residents safe (page 10). Of course, we know university is Violent crime has no place in Brent not the only way for ambitious and we will continue to work residents to develop themselves and closely with the police and other further their careers. Brent, and partners – and most importantly, Brent magazine contacts Wembley in particular at the the community – to ensure that all moment, is home to some really of us who live or work in Brent feel Editorial : [email protected] exciting regeneration projects and safe and secure as we go about our 24 hour contact number: 020 8937 1234 residents are benefiting from this daily lives. Email: [email protected] through the many apprenticeships and jobs on offer (page 24). Councillor Muhammed Butt Advertising: [email protected] Leader of Brent Council www.brent.gov.uk

4 5 News Update Stars pitch up at London-wide Wembley to mark Mayoral plan to International make roads safer Best ever Ofsted Since the inspection, the council has made progress in addressing the Busking Day rolled out in Brent rating for Brent’s four areas identified for improvement in the report, of Legendary record producer, A plan from Mayor of London, children’s services better case recording, alignment of songwriter and guitarist Nile Sadiq Khan, which aims to ensure Rodgers topped the bill in a day no-one is killed or seriously injured Ofsted has rated Brent procedures, escalating cases where children’s circumstances don’t of music, circus and dance at on the capital’s roads by 2041, is ‘Outstanding’ for the support it Wembley Park to mark being backed by Brent Council. provides children in care and care improve and the council’s response when children go missing from International Busking Day. The council recently completed the leavers, with children’s services The Chic star was joined by Dream first section of Quietway Cycle overall receiving a ‘good’ rating. home and care. Cllr Mili Patel, Brent Council’s Catch Me singer Newton Faulkner as Route 3, a safe 3km route between Brent’s overall rating has moved to Wembley Park played host as the Gladstone Park and Kilburn station, good from ‘requires improvement’ Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social official global destination for the as well as the Carlton Vale Cycle in 2015. day, now in its third year. Route, a segregated 1km cycle lane. Ofsted praised the, “strong Care, said: “As a council, we are 100% committed to ensuring that Newton Faulkner said: “Busking is Other measures to reduce road leadership at a political level and the soundtrack to the underground danger include 35 new LED speed- throughout the council, which has every young person in Brent has the best start in life possible, and this and the streets. It’s part of living in reduction warning signs, a pilot resulted in significant improvements London. I don’t think the city would scheme to allow motorcycles and in the quality of social work practice report, together with Brent’s highest-ever Ofsted rating, is be the same without it.” power two-wheelers to use bus for children since the last Wembley Park’s hosting of the lanes, introducing more 20mph inspection.” testament to what we have achieved in recent years. event formed part of the Summer zones, safer crossings, and road Ofsted also noted how, “Children of Play programme which presented safety campaigns. benefit from the very high “My thanks go to everyone in our children’s services department, as more than 300 hours of free Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member proportion of schools in Brent entertainment, music, magic, for Regeneration, Highways and judged to be good or outstanding. without their effort, profes - sionalism, passion and dedication, comedy, physical theatre, living Planning, said: “With funding from A high proportion of children and statues and dance. TfL, Brent is well under way with young people come into care with we wouldn’t have reached this milestone.” Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of projects to make the borough safer significant gaps in their learning Brent Council, said: “It was an for walking and cycling, which and attendance, many with complex Read about some of the fantastic A’ Level and GCSE results achieved absolute pleasure to host includes new cycle lanes, safer needs and substantial barriers to International Busking Day in junctions and major projects such as overcome. Despite this, they are by Brent students on p35-39 or read more about apprenticeships, and Wembley Park and celebrate the Kensal Corridor which include now making better progress in busking and street performance. I plans to improve traffic flow, road care.” how they are helping to improve the lives of Brent residents on p24-25. hope it gave audiences a little taste safety and bus services along of what’s to come as we warm up Chamberlayne Road, Kilburn Lane for Brent’s year as London Borough and Station Terrace.” of Culture 2020.”

6 7 £28m leisure centre The centre, which is open seven Rogue landlord in Governors volunteer their time to days a week, was opened by super- help provide the strategic direction opens in middleweight boxing champion Kingsbury exposed of the school holding executive James DeGale, light welterweight leaders, including the head teacher, Kensal Green champion and local boxing star in TV sting to account and making sure the Residents in Kensal Green and Ashley Theophane and double gold More than a million viewers school’s money is well spent. The across Brent can now take Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock. watched Brent Council officers in role is rewarding and is an excellent advantage of the new Moberly action on a raid on an overcrowded way to make a positive impact in Sports Centre. Children celebrated and unlicensed shared home. your local community. If you are The new leisure centre, which The raid was part of Channel 5’s over 18 years old and would like flung open its doors to eager by National Young series, Bad Tenants, Rogue more information please visit: punters in July, boasts two Writers’ Awards Landlords . Police and council www.brent.gov.uk/governors swimming pools, a huge sports hall officers entered a two bedroom flat with seating for 500 people, a fully Two local children have been above a shop during a dawn raid in Willesden dog equipped gym, dance and exercise celebrated for their writing after and found 16 people crammed studios, a café and crèche. being named local ‘centre winners’ inside. owner fined for Located just inside Brent on by their Explore Learning centre in Mattresses, bunkbeds and sofa failing to update Chamberlayne Road, the new centre Wembley. beds had been packed together in was built by Westminster Council Abira Rameshkanna, 10, from two bedrooms and living room. his pet’s microchip but thanks to a deal struck at the Sudbury Primary School and Keya Fire escapes had been blocked and planning stage, Brent residents can Madhani, 13, from Claremount High a smoke alarm was found hanging A dog owner has been fined £761 by claim discounts for activities by School in Kenton were selected as off the ceiling. Brent Magistrates after ignoring signing up to the B.Active card. local winners in the Explore Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet repeated warnings to update his Brent residents with a B.Active card Learning National Young Writers’ Member for Housing and Welfare dog’s microchip. will get a discount of 25% when Awards competition, which was Reform, said: “People can see the The Willesden resident was advised using the centre, with holders of a entered by more than 38,000 shocking conditions tenants were by Brent’s Animal Welfare team to concession card getting a 40% children. Children were asked to living in. Every renter has the right update the chip after the animal discount. write a 500 word story about their to a decent standard of living.” was collected as a stray. After Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet heroes. ignoring numerous reminders about Member for Public Health, Culture David Walliams, who judged the Schools seeking microchipping his dog, court and Leisure, said: “This is a great entries, said: proceedings began. Microchipping is example of two councils working “I was overwhelmed by the quality new Governors harmless to the animal and costs together for the benefit of residents and creativity of the stories I was just £20. If you wish to microchip and it’s a particularly good deal for reading and was so impressed that Local schools are seeking new your dog, contact the Animal people in our borough. It’s a really this broad range of exciting ideas governors to make a real difference Welfare Team at Brent at exciting development and has the have come from such young to the lives of local children, as well [email protected] potential to transform the leisure writers.” as learning and developing new and fitness experience of the whole skills themselves. community.”

8 9 State-of-the-art Stronger Celebrate the garden or one of the public parks and spaces locally. digital CCTV control Communities people who put the To be in with a chance of winning a £100 photographic voucher, for centre opens consultation Pride in Brent the winning adult entry, or £40 A new £2.3m digital CCTV control The Stronger Communities consul - Nominations are now open for the London Designer Outlet voucher for room using the latest in high tation seeks residents’ views on a 2018 Pride of Brent Awards; the the winning under-8s entry, fill in definition technology has been range of key values and priorities new name for the Brent Community the form and send us your image at unveiled at Brent Civic Centre. for creating more cohesive Champions award scheme. www.brent.gov.uk/wildlife The updated control centre has a communities within Brent. The Pride of Brent Awards new monitor wall with 14 huge Issues such as dealing with the celebrate those selfless individuals, Job show coming screens, letting operators keep a effects of poverty, promoting community groups and local close eye on all the borough’s high gender equality, engaging newer businesses who contribute so much to Wembley in streets. High resolution images are communities and tackling to the borough and who have gone October streamed in from enhanced high- extremism all form part of the the extra mile to make Brent a definition cameras across Brent’s consultation which closes on 31 better place to live and work in Around 60 employers are ready to town centres and from deployable October, 2018. 2018. meet Brent jobseekers and mobile cameras for hotspot Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Member Winners will be announced at a showcase their job and appren - locations when issues arise. for Community Safety, said: “Brent’s ceremony at Brent Civic Centre on ticeship opportunities at the Job “The old system served Brent well diverse communities have been a Thursday 22 November 2018 and Show this October. for over 20 years but needed source of strength for the borough, the deadline for nominations is West London’s top employers, replacing, and now our residents helping to make it the exciting, Wednesday 12 September 2018. training providers, universities, and can rest assured that our public successful place it is. To find out more about the colleges will be at the event at spaces are being protected by the “The council is committed to awards, including how to nominate Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 10 very latest digital system. It will lead building on this heritage so that someone you know, visit October 2018, 11am-7pm, to meet to better surveillance and help our Brent remains somewhere everyone, www.brent.gov.uk/prideofbrent local job seekers face-to-face. security patrols and the police whatever their background, can be Councillor Amer Agha, Cabinet respond to incidents quickly,” said proud to call home. We want to Photo competition Member for Employment and Skills Cllr Tom Miller, Brent Council’s make sure everyone is part of this for Brent Council, said: “Our Cabinet Member for Stronger journey so get involved and have goes totally wild ambition is for every Brent resident Communities. your say today.” to have the right skills to access To find out more about the work Complete the consultation survey There is still time to get your employment that pays the London to create a safer Brent, visit www. at https:// entries in for the Brent Wildlife Living Wage, and this event at brent.gov.uk/strongercommunities brent-consult.objective.co.uk/ Photography Competition. Wembley is part of a wider plan to portal/ce/sp/stronger_communities From squirrels to swallows, achieve that aim.” Wembley to Willesden, Brent For further information and to Council is looking for your pictures register to attend, visit of wildlife across the borough. www.thejobshow.com All photos must be taken in Brent and this can include your own

10 11 Super fast We want to offer residents and Vibrant mural Recycling stolen business better choices when it broadband is on comes to getting online, and access brightens up Ealing bikes to get kids for those who may otherwise be the way by 2020 unable to afford it.” Road moving Residents and businesses in Brent A colourful new mural, which Stolen bikes which have not been are set to get some of the fastest Inspiring the next depicts the diverse culture of Ealing reunited with their rightful owners broadband speeds in Britain by Road, has been unveiled on the but have been confiscated by the 2020. generation of walls of the Brent Indian police are being given to local Brent Council has given the entrepreneurs Association. schools. go-ahead to two high-speed The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad As well as bicycles, students receive broadband providers, Hyperoptic South Kilburn was buzzing with Mahmood, cut the tape to reveal helmets, high visibility jackets and and Community Fibre, to roll out anticipation, ideas and creativity for the lively painting which was special training as part of Brent full-fibre broadband, aiming to the extremely popular Ultra designed with local community Council’s ReCycle scheme, in deliver up to 1 gigabit per second Education Kids Business Fair. groups, residents and traders and partnership with the Metropolitan broadband to an estimated 14,500 Hosted at the newly redeveloped created by street art specialists Police. council homes and a number of business and enterprise hub, The Positive Arts. Cllr Shama Tatler, Brent Council businesses in the borough. But it’s Granville, more than 30 young The borough’s newest artwork Cabinet Member responsible for not just for residents in council- entrepreneurs showcased their received funding from the council’s transport, said: “Children are being owned properties. Around 80% of passion and energy for their Community Infrastructure Levy pot encouraged to get more active and all residential properties and 50% of businesses in July. allocated to community projects. cycle to and from school but some, businesses in Brent will have access Visitors, including the Leader and The Brent Indian Association through no fault of their own, don’t to the new network at more Mayor of Brent, enjoyed the work community and advice centre was have access to a bike and are affordable prices than many of authors, bakers, YouTubers, established more than 50 years ago missing out. internet providers. motivational speakers and so much and offers practical assistance on “This new initiative is a fantastic Community centres will benefit more. immigration and benefits as well as opportunity for fun and exercise, from free broadband connections, Ultra Education founder and community activities including yoga, whilst encouraging more where training sessions will give Harlesden entrepreneur, Julian Hall, meditation, dance and singing. sustainable forms of travelling and local people and businesses the 43, said: “I’m truly inspired by the Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member making use of bikes that would tools they need to get online. The diverse range of kid entrepreneurs for Regeneration, Highways and have otherwise been destroyed.” council is also in talks with other that we had on the day. They’ve Planning, said: “This is a stunning If you have an old bicycle you providers to offer residents a wider worked incredibly hard and are a mural to recognise a building that would like to donate please email selection of internet providers to great example of what’s possible has played a vital role in bringing gerardo.guercio@ choose from. when you do what you love.” local communities together. We are cyclinginstructor.com Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy creating spaces in Brent where local Leader of Brent Council, said: “In an residents are able to demonstrate increasingly digital future, the need pride of place and this new mural for fast broadband has grown will be a real boost for the rapidly. surrounding area.”

12 13 Thousands more looking for work, not to mention it Kensal Rise actor School in Wembley, alongside being fantastic news for those former Deputy Head, Dr Richard homes approved needing a place to live.” gets ready for Evans, former HR Manager Michele for Alperton Strictly McKenzie, and former School Bursar A bright idea to Columbus Udokoro, were found to A proposal to redevelop an Red Dwarf and Death in Paradise have benefitted from the “vast industrial estate in Alperton and tackle litter louts star Danny John-Jules is joining sums” they received in illicit bonuses build thousands of new homes, celebrities to strut his stuff on the over several years before Mr Davies Students and teachers from was suspended in May 2009. new business spaces and new Alperton Community School are BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing this community facilities has been autumn. Davies, who had previously been starring in a short film which uses knighted for services to education, agreed by Brent Council’s planning bright pink litter to highlight the The 57-year-old actor said he committee. couldn’t wait to put on his dancing took home more than £400,000 in problem of dropped rubbish. one year, three times the going rate Property firm St George’s The video, which is part of Brent shoes as he prepares for the live Developments have been approved shows. As well as starring as Cat in for the job, and was convicted of Council’s Love where you live false accounting in 2013. He was to redevelop Northfields Industrial campaign and is being promoted on cult TV show Red Dwarf , Danny – Estate. The remaining buildings on who is a trained dancer – has also stripped of his knighthood in 2014 social media, is designed to remind following his conviction. the 21 acre site will be replaced. litter louts of their responsibility to appeared in Death In Paradise and There will be new workspaces, retail films including Little Shop of The purported bonuses to Davies put their rubbish in a bin, or take it and the others were sanctioned by premises, restaurants, a community home with them, or face the Horrors, Lock, Stock and Two centre, health clinic, a children’s Smoking Barrels , and Blade II . He former Chair of Governors Dr consequences. Indravadan Patel and former Vice nursery, a public open space and Council enforcement officers said he was “absolutely delighted” 2,900 new homes, 1,015 of which at the chance of performing in Chair of Governors, Martin Day, issued more than 250 fixed penalty both of whom were criticised by the will be affordable. notices of £100 each for littering in “glittery spandex”. The plans also include public Judge for “breach of fiduciary July alone. duty”, “wholesale failures” and transport improvements, Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member Shamed ‘super enhancements to Beresford Avenue “reckless indifference”. for Environment, said: “We want Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy and better lit pedestrian and cycle people to take pride in where they head’ and bonus routes through to Stonebridge Leader of Brent Council, said: “We live and either put their litter in a scandal colleagues are delighted with the verdict as it Underground station. bin or take it home with them. Cllr Shama Tatler, Brent Council’s means the money, which had been We’re working closely with face hefty bill swindled, will be returned and can Cabinet Member for Regeneration, residents and businesses across the Highways and Planning, said: “This A former head teacher, who now be used for the benefit of local borough to proactively tackle the people. It has taken years of scheme will breathe new life into a menace of litter, and are arranged to pay himself a worn-out and redundant industrial whopping £400,000 in one year, stamina and determination to win determined to get our zero this victory but justice has finally estate while bringing new homes, tolerance message across.” and previous colleagues face paying jobs, and improvements to the back thousands of pounds they been done.” Check out the The exact sums that each of the six public realm and local transport video at received unlawfully as part of a networks. It’s brilliant news for L ve school bonuses scandal. must now pay back will be decided www.brent.gov.uk/ n at a further Court Hearing in those looking to start-up a business, lovewhereyoulive where you live Alan Davies, the former Head teacher of Copland Community October.

14 15 Get involved in Map of Brent Healthier food APOLOGY Brent’s year in the to be redrawn on the menu An editing mistake in issue 156 of The Brent Magazine meant that the cultural spotlight The areas that local ward Transport for London canteens are article about the record breaking councillors represent are set to the latest catering contract in Brent Brent won the bid to be named fine for illegal rubbish dumping in change as the number of councillors to sign the Healthy Catering Kingsbury printed the incorrect London Borough of Culture 2020, is reduced. Commitment (HCC) which is an beating off stiff competition from address for Ommegas Services Residents are being asked to take award scheme that acknowledges Limited. Their correct address is 470 22 other London boroughs, and part in the Boundary Commission’s businesses that promote healthier now Brent is giving it back to the Church Lane. We apologise for this consultation before 5 November, to choices for their customers. mistake. people. find out where the ward Examples include offering smaller Brent is kicking off engagement constituency boundaries for the portions, allowing the customer to with two summits drawing in borough should be drawn. add their own salt, offering water WEMBLEY PARK cultural organisations, artists and The consultation comes after and alternatives to sugary drinks, COMMUNITY FUND residents who will be involved in significant population changes since having a side of vegetables/salad the delivery of this 2020 initiative the last boundary review in 1999 available. For more information on REVEALS WINNERS early in September. Local people and aims to make the people-to- the HCC and to see which businesses and especially young people, who politician ratio across Brent more have the award, check out The Wembley Park Community Fund were key to formulating the equal. www.brent.gov.uk/healthyliving has announced its round two winning bid, are now shaping how Carolyn Downs, Brent Council winners. There are 13 Brent-based the London Borough of Culture will Chief Executive, said: “We know organisations receiving grants, impact their community. that by the 2022 local council including; AQ Arts CIC, Learning The London Borough of Culture election, we will be electing six NEWS IN Through The Arts and Track award is a new initiative by the fewer councillors than we have BRIEF Academy, all of which were Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to done in the past, but what’s not yet awarded £10,000 each. celebrate the wealth of creativity known are the areas that those across every corner of London. councillors will be representing.” HEALTH APP NOW SIGN LANGUAGE Cllr Hirani, Brent’s lead member Have your say at HAS A NEW LOOK for Public Health, Culture and www.brent.gov.uk/boundaryreview WORKSHOP Leisure said: “It’s a great honour to Health App Now, the app launched SIGN UPS be chosen as the London Borough by Brent Clinical Commissioning of Culture 2020. Young people and Group, has been updated and has a A new workshop to enable more local groups played a key role in fresh, new look. Designed with people to learn sign language as an winning the bid, so it is vital that patients in mind, the app takes the extra language skill is now available they continue to shape the ideas for guesswork out of common in Brent. If you would like further Brent’s year in the cultural symptoms. Users are instantly information about the Signs4Life spotlight.” provided with advice and local workshops, please get in touch with If you would like to get involved services that may be able to help Sara on 07964 019 764 or visit visit: www.brentculture2020.co.uk them. www.signs4life.org for more information.

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20 21 Regeneration Peel Stephen Lawrence Countryside has been chosen as the Charitable Trust development partner along with As well as providing the homes that Half way there Housing Association, Home Group, people need, we’re working with to work on this scheme which the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Now at the half-way point, with the South Kilburn will see the Peel site flats and Trust to help ensure the Regeneration programme’s anticipated completion in 2029 maisonettes, shops and temporary regeneration benefits local studio site replaced. This is due to residents. The Brent Magazine caught up with and an enhanced and improved include 308 new homes, a health The Trust offers mentoring, work Marie Frederick, Senior Project public realm. centre, gym and new shops. placements and bursaries for Manager, for an update on how the For more information please see: Carlton and Granville students from diverse backgrounds South Kilburn Programme is www.southkilburnnwcc.co.uk The Granville centre reopened a interested in a career in architecture or other areas of construction. progressing. Chippenham Gardens/ couple of months ago offering The South Kilburn Regeneration community space, venue hire and Email [email protected] Stuart Road for more information programme’s anticipated We aim to start demolition of the space for new start-up businesses. completion in 2029 will provide blocks in the winter 2018 to early In the long-term, the site will be Awards approximately 2400 new high 2019 to provide 52 new quality high redeveloped, but the current The regeneration in South Kilburn quality homes, of which 50 per cent homes and the adopted highway facilities will be included in any has won so many awards. We’ve are affordable for existing secure adjacent to it will be improved to plans brought forward. won awards from the Royal Institute tenants of South Kilburn, as well as form an enhanced new high quality Hereford and Exeter of British Architects, the British new health centre, retail, a new public square. The concrete block and low rise Association for Landscape Industries, school for primary age provision, blocks are earmarked for redevel - the Royal Institute of Chartered energy solution, a larger park and Queens Park/Cullen House/ Surveyors, New London Architecture Falcon Pub/Keniston Press opment to provide approximately improvements to public spaces and 200 new homes, new retail space Awards and many others, and we the public realm. We’re working with our Limited were even a finalist for the Liability Partner, London Newcastle and a new park. Karakusevic Carson 1-8 Neville House, Architects are working on the European Union Prize for on this scheme and demolition work Contemporary Architecture. 1-64 Winterleys, 113-128 Carlton on some of the site has already proposals and consulting residents House and Carlton Hall and stakeholders, with a planning What we do, we do for the people started. This scheme will provide of Brent, but winning these awards (together defined as NWCC) 137 new high quality homes, new application expected to be We’ve chosen Pollard Thomas submitted later this year. provides recognition that we’re offices for Transport for London, doing things right and meeting the Edwards as our architects to design new retail space and parking. For more information please see: the scheme and put it in for www.herefordandexeter.co.uk council’s aspirations for high quality. planning permission this winter. Gloucester and Durham Court The concrete tower block and low As part of the process, we’re Want to know more about the rise blocks have been demolished engaging with residents and South Kilburn Regeneration and work is being carried out by stakeholders on our plans which if Programme? Visit Telford Homes. 235 new homes will approved will see approximately www.brent.gov.uk/regeneration 260 new high quality homes built be provided on the site with the first units expected in 2020.

22 23 Jobs and skills The Living Room YOUR SHOUT Helping you into work Advisors at The Living Room offer FATIMA ASMOUNI, 30 one-to-one sessions and ongoing WEMBLEY RESIDENT, TEAM support to help visitors identify the 1,000 Brent residents will have been supported by Brent’s MEMBER, PREMIER INN right career path, with help on “I am really happy. I like this job a employment team into jobs and apprenticeships by 2019 writing CVs, applications, and advice lot, I have met a lot of really nice on finances and benefits too. They people, and we are doing training With some of the country’s biggest all their hard work, support and can also help you to find the right and most exciting regeneration care I have been able to find the with our work at the moment. This training and development is a very good job for me, so I taking place right here in the right role for myself. “I will always opportunities to support you into borough, residents are set to be grateful and feel they deserve a wanted to send an email to say work. thank you for what you do. benefit from the apprenticeships special mention for all the people Fatima Asmouni, 30 years old, and jobs on offer, including they have been able to help.” I have spoken to other people from Wembley, got into work after about what your team do and will opportunities in construction, retail, Brent Works provides help and visiting the Living Room. hospitality, IT, engineering and the support for jobseekers throughout tell them to come and see you as “I am really happy. I like this job a well! “ creative industries, as well as the the application process, with advice lot, I have met a lot of really nice opportunities that will grow from on preparing for interviews and people, and we are doing training EWA JEDRZEJOWSKA, 43 Brent’s successful 2020 London guidance throughout the with our work at the moment,” said BRENT COUNCIL, BUSINESS Borough of Culture bid. recruitment process. It’s a service Fatima. “This is a very good job for ADMINISTRATION APPRENTICE that is also proving to be a hit with “ I am so happy to be here as it has Brent Works me, so I wanted to send an email to employers, as Karin Holmes. say thank you for what you do. almost been ten years since I have The Brent Works team assists Manager at Premier Inn explains, “I have spoken to other people been out of work as I was raising local residents to get onto appren - “During the opening recruitment about what your team do and will my children. This has been a great ticeships and into jobs both in Brent for London Wembley Stadium tell them to come and see you as opportunity for me, it has given me and across London. Premier Inn, Brent Works worked well!” the chance to gain real life It’s a service that’s already helped closely with us to get a good Councillor Agha, Cabinet Member experience and a qualification at scores of residents into work since understanding of the types of for Schools, Employment and Skills, the same time. I never imagined April and can help find the job or positions available and exactly what said: “I am delighted to see the that I would be here and I am apprenticeship that’s right for you. we were looking for, to organise wealth of opportunities from excited about developing my career. One resident who got into work candidates for our recruitment Brent’s exciting developments and It’s amazing!” through Brent Works is 25-year-old days,” Karin said. “It has been a the benefits for local people.” KARIN HOLMES Arsell Aziz from Neasden, great partnership and together we Visit www.brent.gov.uk/livingroom HOTEL MANAGER, PREMIER INN “I was extremely privileged to were able to recruit seven for more information. “During the opening recruitment have the support of Brent Works candidates into permanent Team for London Wembley Stadium who opened doors for me, without Member positions. They have been Premier Inn, Brent Works worked which I would’ve found it a lot in training for the last three weeks closely with us to get a good more difficult,” said Arsell. and are now ready to welcome our understanding of the types of “They were always on hand to first guests to Premier Inn!“ support me and answer any Visit www.brent.gov.uk/brentworks questions I had. And as a result of for more information.

24 25 positions available and exactly what Happy & healthy we were looking for. It has been a great partnership and together we were able to recruit seven Mental health matters candidates into permanent Team Member positions! “ Mental health issues have been more in the news recently, ELLIS MCNORTHEY-GIBBS with public figures such as Prince William and Prince Harry GETJAR, ENGINEERING APPRENTICE speaking openly about their personal experiences “ This experience has changed my life and outlook. It’s given me On Monday 10 October 2009, I had anything nice for myself. That’s confidence and a career. The Brent a very bad breakdown when I was when I decided to travel to Ireland Works team, K10 and Getjar have working on a project with homeless alone. The trip didn’t go without its answered every question I asked people,” explains Fiona Heffernan, challenges. I had a panic attack at and supported me at various points. long time Brent resident, mother the airport and felt exhausted by Working on site has allowed me to and grandmother who is also a the end of it. However, I also felt a utilise my previous training and Brent Council employee. big sense of achievement.” forge working partnerships with “That week, when I went to see some great people. “ three of them, I came to know that Taking time out all three had died of natural causes. Fiona has been able to implement Advertisement I took it to heart. There should have the tools she learned in CBT been someone to talk to me about throughout her day-to-day life and it but there wasn’t and so I kept it notices a real difference in her GET A to myself. ability to cope with everyday LICENCE “I couldn’t get off the sofa for five stresses. LANDLORD? Apply online days, I struggled to breathe, and it “To this day, I ensure I make some www.brent.gov.uk/ didn’t occur to me that I hadn’t had time for myself every week. The Dudden Hill prslicensing a bath, or even a wash, for five counselling and CBT helped me to AGENT? days. The distress grew and grew say ‘no’ when I am asked to do too Harlesden and things began to swamp me. I much by others. I think taking Kensal Green struggled to organise events at notice is so important. I live in the work, do the housework, shopping moment. Kilburn You now need a licence to or cooking.” “I make sure I’m there for anyone rent in eight Brent wards. After speaking to her GP, Fiona who doesn’t seem OK. I tell them to Mapesbury It’s the law. was referred to CBT (Cognitive look after their mental wellbeing Queen’s Park Behavioural Therapy) provided by and that I’m here to talk. I think it’s Brent Talking Therapies service. important you realise you’re not the Wembley Central “The therapist asked me to keep a only one with the problem. Apply online diary and it didn’t take me long to Everyone has mental health.” Willesden Green www.brent.gov.uk/prslicensing realise that I wasn’t actually doing

26 27 Advertisement Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet ARE WE OK, BRENT? Member for Public Health, Culture Friday 28 September 9:30am-1pm, Attention all landlords and Leisure, said: Brent Civic Centre Come along to “Around one in four of us deal this free event and hear about Properties wanted with mental health issues each year ‘The five ways to wellbeing’ and so it’s vital that no one should ever discover more about help services let and managed by SBHA hesitate or feel embarrassed to seek and facilities available. For further Since 1968 Shepherds Bush Housing Association has been a help. There is support available if support and resources on mental you need it.” wellbeing, visit trusted part of the local community, now managing more For further support and resources brent.gov.uk/mentalwellbeing than 5,000 homes. For 25 years, we’ve been managing, on mental wellbeing, visit brent.gov.uk/mentalwellbeing maintaining and guaranteeing rents for landlords. We are looking for properties in all areas on GUARANTEED GIVE or MARKET rent. Cash incentives offered. KEEP GUARANTEED RENT SCHEME MARKET RENT SCHEME LEARNING BE We can take on ‘hard to let’ or • Yearly contracts large properties including HMOs • Free rent guarantee ACTIVE TAKE • Advance monthly rent even if • Tenant referencing for your NOTICE your property is empty CONNECT chosen tenant • No management fee or • Free photo inventory commission – we pay what we quote • 24/7 repairs service and furniture supply • Flexible three or five year leasing Rent Collection option • Grants funding advice • No void works if the property becomes empty within lease (exceptions apply)

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28 29 Advertisement Arts & culture Music to your ears

Hundreds of the borough’s talented young musicians STARTING SCHOOL? performed on the iconic arena stage for Brent Makes Music 2018 at The SSE Arena in Wembley in June Will your child be starting school for the first time in September 2019 or transferring from infant to Young singers and instrumentalists teaching me to this day. Overall, I’m from around Brent were given the so grateful for all they’ve done for junior school? opportunity to showcase their me, all the amazing opportunities PRIMARY SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL talents at the beginning of the they have given me, all of the Apply if your child was born Apply if your child is in year 2 at summer. incredible friends I’ve made and all between 1 September 2014 and an infant school and born between The event, which takes place every of the amazing people I’ve met.” 31 August 2015 1 September 2011 and 31 August two years, was presented by Brent Attendees of the event were also 2012 Music Service (BMS) and included a lucky enough to witness the world record number of BMS ensembles, premiere of Time Rolls On ; a piece DEADLINE TO APPLY OFFER DAY as well as the youngest performers by young songwriter Theo Laird. 15 January 2019 16 April 2019 at the event, the 1,000 voice Brent Theo said: “I grew up in Brent and Primary Schools Massed Choir. used to take part in Brent Makes APPLY ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION Brent Young Musician of the Year Music so I found being back in the www.eadmissions.org.uk www.brent.gov.uk/admissions 2018, Anna Sinko-Uribe, a year nine arena incredibly emotional. student from Queens Park “The song Time Rolls On is about Community School, was welcomed the inevitable change and growth TRANSFERRING SCHOOL? as a special guest soloist and that life brings, and this notion was performed Chanson & Waltz from definitely intensified when Suite Antique on the flute. watching so many children sing my Will your child be transferring to secondary school Anna said: “Performing on stage words back to me as a young adult. in September 2019? felt very good – it was less scary “Each experience given to me to than I anticipated. It was also create and perform in my younger SECONDARY SCHOOL strange because I’d never years has contributed to my passion Apply if your child was born between 1 September 2007 and performed with another orchestra and skill.” 31 August 2008 as the accompaniment. However, I This occasion was particularly enjoyed it very much. poignant as it marked the DEADLINE TO APPLY OFFER DAY “BMS has been crucial in my retirement of Paul Fensom, Head of 31 October 2018 1 March 2019 musical development, I started Service, following 40 years with APPLY ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION doing lessons aged seven with a BMS. After a short tribute and www.eadmissions.org.uk www.brent.gov.uk/admissions teacher from BMS who I still have presentation there was a special

30 31 encore of ‘Thank You for the Music’, As the lead partner in the Brent Safer Brent whilst Paul declared that “Brent Music Education Hub, BMS strives to children are the best!”. promote music and the teaching of Cllr Mili Patel, Cabinet Member for it to young people. BMS, a council- Festival of love Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help run service, provides musical tuition and Social Care, said: “This was a to over 17,000 children every week, The local community sang One Love as they celebrated the brilliant event which helped to who either reside or attend school life of murdered local school boy Quamari Serunkuma- showcase how much talent we have in Brent, and has taught around in the borough, and allowed the 160,000 students over the past 26 Barnes at the One Love anti-knife festival in Roundwood children and young people to years. Park in July experience performing on the stage of a world renowned venue which is Roundwood Park was the venue for young people that knives destroy really impressive. Brent one of the biggest outdoor two sets of lives – the victims, and “Brent Music Service do an LONDON gatherings of the summer as also the perpetrators. Both sets of outstanding job and I’m grateful to BOROUGH thousands of people gathered to families suffer. So the message is them for their dedication to OF CULTURE 2020 remember Quamari Serunkuma- simple: Don’t carry a knife.” teaching young musicians and #Brent2020 Barnes, who was just 15 when he Lillian, together with Paul, providing them with a well- was fatally stabbed outside Capital Quamari’s father, has now started deserved spotlight.” City Academy in January 2017. the QSB Foundation, which will His parents, Paul and Lillian, work with other community groups Advertisement invited the whole community to the to tackle knife crime. ‘One Love Memorial Festival’ in July Cllr Tom Miller, Lead Member for to hear rappers, singers, dancers Stronger Communities, said: “This is What is Private Fostering and families of knife crime victims an issue that seems to be on the celebrate Quamari’s life, and also news nearly every day now, and we Have you, or someone you know made an arrangement send out a strong anti-knife crime have got to try harder to find a to look after someone else’s child for more than a message. solution as it’s destroying lives on month? Brent Council supported the event both ends of the blade. The One and is running its own anti-knife Love memorial festival was a great If so, you could be fostering privately! crime campaign to deter youngsters success and I want to work with Brent Council has a responsibility to ensure that all from carrying knives. Quamari’s family and the QSB children in Brent are being cared for properly and Quamari’s mum, and One Love Foundation to explore ways we can that carers are supported. organiser, Lillian, said: “It was a tackle the knife crime problem.” If you know of, or are caring for a child who is really fantastic day and I want to The event brought together young being privately fostered please let us know. thank everyone who turned up to and old from all sections of the support the event. community, but there was also a www.brent.gov.uk/privatefostering Knife crime is becoming a real strong ‘no violence’ message from foster menace in our society and we have families of knife crime victims who Brent Family Front Door: got to get the message across to our travelled across the UK to speak at 020 8937 4300 (option 1) Brent the event.

32 33 The festival ended poignantly with Metropolitan Police Service as well Education a mass sing-a-long of Quamari’s as supporting our local favourite song, the Bob Marley neighbourhood teams to work with classic One Love . communities to target weapon Another great year for The council is now campaigning to carriers and provide alternative stop youngsters carrying knives. It activities. Bearing down on violent Brent students will be working with the QSB crime on the streets of Brent is a Foundation, other community top priority for us, which is why we A’ Level and GCSE results are in! groups, schools and the London are working tirelessly day and night Mayor to try to get the message to identify and pursue offenders, [A’ LEVELS] HANNAH MASTERS across. help bring perpetrators to justice, JFS Commander Simon Rose says: support victims, engage and SAMIYA MOHAMUD “I got four A*s I’m really, really “Brent Police are working tirelessly, reassure the public, and keep our PRESTON MANOR happy! I’m going to Bristol to study using a range of tactics and communities safe.” Samiya Mohamud achieved three As Maths.” technologies, to tackle and prevent Look out for the hardhitting video, and will now study Dentistry at JULIETTE GRAHAM violence. These tactics include large poster and social media campaign Sheffield. “I am really delighted QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY scale proactive operations using coming this autumn, or visit www. with my results and I am proud of SCHOOL different assets from across the brent.gov.uk/ strongercommunities my efforts which have paid off. I am Juliette Graham achieved two A*s very grateful for the unconditional and an A and is headed to support from all my teachers.” Cambridge. She said: “I’m really Advertisement RAJVI PATEL really pleased. I’m going to study Do something PRESTON MANOR History and French, and beyond that Head Girl Rajvi Patel, received three maybe I’d like to work in advocacy As and will now go on to study or diplomacy. I’m really excited to Medicine at Queen Mary’s. She said: start university!” AMAZING! “I am very happy with my results, all HUSSEIN, MICHAEL AND HUSSAN the effort that the teachers and my QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY Keep a family together and foster today parents have put in for me had paid SCHOOL off. I couldn’t have done this Twins Hussein and Hassan Mottam, www.brent.gov.uk/fostering without them but I am so excited achieved an A*, four As and a B for the next year.” grade between them. They are off 020 8937 4538 PREET PATEL to Nottingham, Hassan to study PRESTON MANOR Aeronautical Engineering and Preet Patel, achieved two A*s and Hussain to read Physics. Hussein FOSTER IN an A. Preet is going to study said: “I had no idea whether I mechanical Engineering at UCL and would get an offer or not and when said: “A massive thank you to all the I was walking here I was extremely BRENT teachers for their hard work and nervous. When I realised I got A A B support. I can’t wait to start I was so pleased and excited!” university.”

34 35 ALANNAH MCGRATH, GUI MOVOI LINA, ALAIT, SHUELL AND MELEY YASMIN LERMER RIO FERNADES ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC SCIENCE ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC SCIENCE JFS ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE COLLEGE “I just got three A*s and I’m going SCIENCE COLLEGE Alannah McGrath got two As and a Lina, Alait, Shuell and Meley are all to Nottingham to study Law. I “I got a few 9s and 8s and 7s. I C. She will be reading RE and heading to University following wasn’t expecting this at all, I’m just think I did very well and it’s all Sociology at Leeds University. “I’m their results. Shuell received an A* really, really happy.” thanks to the school.” really happy, I can’t wait for the and two As and is going to read URI SHINE SULEGA ADEN, FATIMA ELMI next stage of my journey. The Medicine at Imperial College JFS ALPERTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL teachers at St. Gregory’s have London. Shuell said “I’ve always “I got three A*s and a B which I’m Fatima: “We’re both so relieved and always been really supportive wanted to be a doctor. Hard work pretty happy with. I’m going to excited with our results, it’s been especially through our tough pays off!” Meley is also going to Israel to study for a year and spend quite a stressful few months but it’s times.” study Medicine at Imperial. “I am time in Jerusalem, then I’m going to been worth it.” Gui Movio will be reading medicine really pleased. I have wanted to Bristol after that.” Sulega: “I’m just really pleased that at Lancaster University. He achieved study medicine since doing work all the hard work has paid off. four As. ‘I am absolutely delighted experience over the holidays. [GCSEs] We’re both staying on at Alperton that I got in to read Medicine and Medicine was my first choice.” for our A levels and I hope to go to I’m looking forward to the next few ADAM BERNSTEIN ZCHENELLE ANTOINE university after that.” years at university.” JFS CAPITAL CITY ROPA SITOLE SAMEER BAIG Adam Bernstein achieved A* and “I was extremely pleased when I PRESTON MANOR PRESTON MANOR two As. “I logged on to UCAS and I saw my results because it proved “I’m over the moon, I didn’t expect Deputy Head Boy, Sameer Baig, who found out I got in to Oxford to that as long as you believe in the results to be this good achieved an A* and two As is going study Philosophy, Politics and yourself, you can achieve anything especially, the 9s in Geography, to Oxford to study Law. Sameer Economics. When it came on the you want. I was still nervous as English language and literature. My said: “I am over the moon! This is a screen I had to read it six or seven results day approached but overall I advice to year 10 would be to carry huge stepping stone for me in my times before I actually believed it. was not completely surprised as I on pushing for the end goal and academic career. I must say thank It’s all very, very exciting!” did work really hard.” don’t give up!” you to the school and especially my ZAK HASSELL ADAM MANSOURI AHMED SHUKRI teachers who went above and JFS QUEENS PARK SCHOOL beyond the call of duty to help me.” CAPITAL CITY “I’ve just received 3 A*s at A’ Level “I’m really pleased, especially as “I thought I was dreaming! “I am NATHALIE SADIE and I feel absolutely amazing. I’ve with a lot of the new exams, we really grateful for the amazing JFS worked so hard for this moment had absolutely no idea what to support given to me by all the Nathalie Sadie achieved two A*s and to finally be here with these really expect. The time and effort teachers, especially in German and and one A. “I found my A levels sheets of paper which decide my our teachers put in has been Maths. They gave their all to ensure really hard so I wasn’t expecting future is brilliant. In about a month brilliant.” I achieved the best grades possible them to be this good, I’m delighted! I’ll be off to Warwick to study NAZIM MOHAMED including giving up their break I’m taking a gap year to do Management. It’s absolutely PRESTON MANOR times and after school to help.” volunteering but I hope to study amazing.” “I worked really hard and am BioMed at Uni.” especially proud of the 9s I achieved in Maths and Biology.”

36 37 ADAMSON BAMISEDUN KUNAL MAGAR Cllr Amer Agha, Cabinet Member ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC ALPERTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL for Schools, Employment and Skills SCIENCE COLLEGE “We’ve all done better than we said: “This year has been another “I got decent grades, I’m happy expected so we’re buzzing right strong year for GSCE results in with them. I feel like it’s good.” now! I’m staying on here to study Brent. Pupils in the borough continue to achieve well and are SHARDONNA’E EKUN maths, chemistry and biology, but once again performing well above ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC right now we’re just going to chill the national average. I’d like to say SCIENCE COLLEGE out and enjoy ourselves before we a massive congratulations to all the “I passed everything and I’m very have to come back!” pupils who received their results this glad I passed everything. I doubted TWINS KILLIAN AND LORCAN summer. It was great to meet some myself for a little while but by God’s O’KANE students as they were getting their grace I made it through.” ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC SCIENCE results . I know that pupils across COLLEGE MARVYNE OURAGA Brent will have studied very hard in Killian said: “I very pleased with ARK ELVIN ACADEMY preparation for their exams and will what I got. It was better than “I feel really happy, especially about have made their teachers and expected actually, but I did put a lot having done an extra GCSE and the families proud with their brilliant of work in before.” 9s in science because I want to do grades .” physics and chemistry at A’ level. I Lorcan said: “I’m also very happy. I had more work to do because of think healthy competition between the extra GCSE – I had to come in the two of us has led to good Advertisement early in the mornings and have results. I’m over the moon that I got revision sessions in the evening. I this many 9s.” THE GOVERNMENT IS CHANGING had to sacrifice football, playing ALEXANDRU MIHAILA games on my Xbox and socialising ARK ELVIN ACADEMY THE LAW AROUND HOUSES IN in order to study.” “I feel proud that I passed MULTIPLE OCCUPATION ALKA VIMARKANT everything. Most of my grades just ALPERTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL improved by the end of the year “I wasn’t expecting to get such high from pushing myself and from a lot From 1 October 2018 any property grades and it hasn’t quite sunk in of work from the teachers. Normally rented out to five or more I would get a 6 for history and the yet, but I’m so happy! I’m staying at unrelated people will require Alperton for my A’ levels and am fact that I got a 9 makes me feel planning on studying maths, super, super proud. I’m going to a Mandatory HMO licence. chemistry and biology.” study history and economics at Sixth form.” DON’T GET PROSECUTED... Get licensed online now: www.brent.gov.uk/prslicensing

38 39 Happy & healthy Your benefits Parent power Getting ready for... From Mellow Parenting to Stepping Stones, parents in Universal Credit Brent can take advantage of a wide range of different parenting support programmes Your benefits are changing due to the government’s roll out of Universal Credit The ‘Stepping Stones’ parenting they completed. Roberto says: “My London is one of the great global monthly payment called Universal programme has made a huge wife and I did the Strengthening cities of the world. But for too Credit. difference to me and my son. I had Families, Strengthening many, it can be quite a tough place Given how big and complicated a a fantastic experience taking part in Communities (SFSC) course last year. to live in. change this is, it’s simply not this course,” says Wembley resident Five years ago, we adopted two Here in Brent, at various points in possible to guarantee that Janki Upadhyay, mum to Mann, boys and as they grew, we became their lives, plenty of people find everything will work perfectly first aged five. concerned about their slow that they need a helping hand, time. Cllr Eleanor Southwood, “My son has autism and social development and how hard it had whether it be paying rent, putting Cabinet Member for Housing and services referred this course to me. become to manage their behaviour food on the table, or moving to a Welfare Reform, said: “Our priority The trainers were really friendly and when they were together. better paid job. is to get all of our residents through approachable, if there was anything “This programme was suggested And that’s what this country’s these changes without skipping a that I didn’t feel comfortable to us and we can’t rate it any welfare state was designed to do - beat. Obviously, that’s easier said discussing in a large group, they higher. It was a broad and effective to help those in need to get by and than done, but the sooner we can were available for one on one course. One of the best aspects of get on. Now, after a number of talk to people the sooner we can be sessions as well. the programme helped to raise delays and teething problems in sure that they are all sorted.” Janki took part in the Stepping awareness about why certain other areas, the government’s long- Stones course in 2018 which is an methods of discipline should be awaited welfare changes are being What should you do? evidence based support programme applied. It has given us the tools to rolled out in Brent. We’re asking anyone who is for parents who have a child with a help understand ourselves and concerned that these changes will developmental disability. especially our children. What will this mean? leave them in financial difficulties to “I loved the fact that the course “I would recommend the In a nutshell, where a person get in touch. Council officers will be had parents of teenagers in it, as programmes to everyone as I think currently receives a weekly or able to provide advice, make well as people with younger kids. there is always something you can fortnightly mixture of benefits appointments with Citizen’s Advice This meant that I could learn from learn about parenting and this will including Housing Benefit, Job Brent (CAB) and get you the the parents of the older kids and it only help to make your family Seeker’s Allowance, Employment information you need. gave me an idea what children with stronger.” and Support Allowance, Child Tax Please contact the Income autism can go on to do if they have All parenting courses are free and Credit, Working Tax Credit, and Management Team on the right guidance and support.” are run during term time. Find out Income Support, from November, 020 8937 2400 or email housing - The Colombo family are also more at they’ll start getting a single, [email protected] pleased with the parenting course www.brent.gov.uk/parenting

40 41 My council • Housing Benefit Question Time returns • Job Seeker’s Allowance • Employment and UNIVERSAL Community figures and local politicians will make up Support Allowance the panel for a Question Time event at Brent Civic Centre CREDIT as part of European Local Democracy Week on • Child Tax Credit 15-21 October this year • Working Tax Credit « Inspired by the popular BBC1 Democracy Week, which also • Income Support political television programme, the includes opportunities to discuss All About Brent Question Time issues with council Scrutiny event returns for another year as Committee Chairs over a coffee, a part of the week aimed at getting debate among young people and an residents more involved in local open mic night at the Library at democracy to influence local Willesden Green. decisions. Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy The event will adopt an identical Leader of Brent Council, said: “The Advertisement format, with Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Question Time event last year really chief executive of the Local lived up to its billing as the Government Information Unit highlight of Local Democracy Week The Rise (LGIU), returning for the fourth-year as it was so well attended, partic - running to emulate David Dimbleby ularly by our younger residents who as chair of the panel. demonstrated how incredibly 1,2 and 3 bedroom As with the popular BBC1 show, well-informed they are on political residents are asked to submit issues. appartments coming to questions before the event to “It’s all of our responsibility to identify the main areas of interest know about local and national for the audience, before one issues and when things aren’t right, Alperton this summer resident will read out their question to do something about it; whether to kick-start the discussion. that’s by voting, signing a petition, Audience members will then be able campaigning on an issue, standing to join in to ask a question or for election or by holding elected 020 3535 2555 comment on the issues raised. figures to account. The All About Brent Question Time “I hope that along with the other event is set to be the highlight of a events in the week, Brent residents therise.london week of planned activities of all ages and backgrounds get organised to mark European Local involved and are inspired to engage

42 43 more in our democracy going My community forward.” For a full list of events taking place in Brent to mark Local Democracy Our survey says… Week, and to book your place at an event please visit Every four years, Brent Council carries out a large survey www.brent.gov.uk/ldw. to get the views of residents on a range of issues. The results are now in

The council launched its most recent The information gathered is then survey with BMG Research, who used to help inform the borough spoke to 2,100 residents in May and plan and council policy and June this year - 100 in each ward. spending.

Here’s what you said: • 59% are PROUD to live in Brent. • 45% said it was EASY to carry Advertisement • 69% said Brent is a place where out council transactions online. people from different backgrounds 21% said that it wasn’t easy. HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL get on well together. • 66% of people are HAPPY with Learning together Achieving together • 76% are SATISFIED with their the way Brent Council runs things. AN EDUCATION FOCUSSED ON PROGRESS local area as a place to live. This is A figure higher than the 61% slightly below the national average national average. of 79%. Hampstead School Our drive to continually • 45% said the council provides improve remains the single most • ONLY 35% of residents surveyed GOOD VALUE for money. OPEN MORNINGS important attribute in our felt that they could influence This figure is in line with the 45% Tuesday 18th & 25th September determination to be a truly great decisions affecting the local area. national average for councils. Tuesday 2nd, 9th & 16th October school for all our learners. 27% disagree STARTS 09:00 PROMPT Jacques Szemalikowski, Head • 45% agreed that the council is 28% indifferent OPEN EVENING HELPFUL when contacted. This is in line with the national Thursday 27th September 020 7794 8133 25% disagreed average. STARTS 17:30 30% neither agreed nor disagreed hampsteadschool.org.uk SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Thursday 22nd November [email protected] STARTS 18:00 Westbere Road, London NW2 3RT

44 45 Brent Council satisfaction rates have Housing risen from a low of 30% in 2006 MAIN ISSUES and have remained at 66% since 2014. Interestingly, over the same IN BRENT You are the champions 10 year period nationally rates reached a peak in 2014 of 68% but • 57% of residents agreed Not everyone in privately rented homes knows their rights. rubbish and litter lying around have dropped down to 61% in The launch of a new community champions scheme aims to 2018. was a problem change that. The Brent Magazine went along to find out • 41% said people being drunk • 10% of residents feel unsafe more when out after dark. or rowdy in public places Main reasons residents said they felt • 40% of residents said people Leading figures from Brent’s to get advice from Brent Council this way: were hanging around the streets voluntary and community sector about renting in the private sector,” 41% Crime levels came together over the summer to Alison said. 21% Gangs/people hanging • 42% said people were using or put themselves forward to become “We see people who don’t know around dealing drugs Community Champions and provide that their deposit should be important information to those protected or that a landlord has to • 23% said their local area had who provide and live in privately make an arrangement with a tenant IMPROVED over the last four years. rented accommodation in the to enter the property before coming (+2% from 2014) borough. around.” • ONLY 2% of residents said that “For various reasons, our clients The launch event was also useful roads and pavement maintenance is have difficulties with their housing,” for Leroy Simpson, community the thing that they value most said Zuzanna Krzemien, manager at liaison officer at Harlesden Hub. locally. Victims Support in Stonebridge. “Ninety per cent of the people 6% saying they would like to see A quarter of Brent residents have “I decided to come to the who come into the hub rent from more money spent on it. no formal qualifications. community champions workshop to private landlords, so it’s important see if there are other services that I to be able to assist them,” said • 59% said the council keeps could direct them to for support Leroy. residents either very well or fairly with private rental issues. I have “They tell me about the conditions well INFORMED , compared to the English is the first main language learned so much from the session, they live in, the maintenance issues, national figure of 52% . for 51% of residents. such as the difference between a the overcrowding. The community HMO and a selective licence.” champions training session has • IN HARLESDEN 49% of residents Alison Plaku, reception manager at taught me the terminology and thought their local area had Brent Community Law Centre, what Brent has in place to support improved over the last four years, 28% of residents have in the last welcomed the launch of the new tenants.” almost double the 27% who 12 months read for pleasure. scheme. Find out more about the thought this in 2014. “The community champions community champion programme project will be a way for people by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/ prscommunitychampions

46 47 My community My community A home from home An affordable and Brent has been working with the Home Office’s Syrian dignified send-off Vulnerable Persons Resettlement programme since 2017. Syrian farmer Jamal Al Khaled explains how it has helped With funeral costs rising by more than 70% in the past 10 him to thrive here years, Brent Council has launched a service to help residents give their loved ones an affordable, yet dignified Jamal has been living in Neasden accommodation, healthcare, since March 2017 with his wife and education, benefits, English courses, send-off two children aged seven and four. and so much more. The service has only been up and and attention they need to give “My home country had many The aim is not just to adapt to a running since June, but already their loved one the kind of send-off problems,” says Jamal. “Every day new life and culture but to build we’ve had some extremely positive they really want. there were bombs.” their confidence, self-esteem and testimonials from the families “I’m always very clear and Before arriving in Brent as part of independence so that they feel we’ve served,” says Alex Kerr, Brent transparent about our prices, but the Syrian Vulnerable Persons integrated into their local Council’s funeral director. I assure families that dignity, care Resettlement Scheme run by the community. Rising costs of burying or and respect are central to our council, Jamal and his family lived as “I like fixing things,” Jamal says cremating loved ones had led to service.” refugees in Lebanon for five years with a big smile. “So I have been increases in the number of people David Bounds had praise for the where Jamal worked as a plumber helping other Syrian families with seeking parish funerals – a very way Alex dealt with his cousin’s and builder. His family struggled to things that need fixing in their basic funeral, usually for people funeral. live a normal life. homes. I’m good at it so I help who pass away without any family. “From the beginning, I found Alex “In Lebanon, the children couldn’t because I like to.” Brent’s new low-cost funeral to be very professional, very go to school and we couldn’t access Jamal has done more than depend service however gives bereaved efficient and extremely doctors and hospitals,” Jamal on the support provided to him. He friends and family the opportunity approachable. explains. “But here, my children are came to London with basic level to bury or cremate their loved one “Nothing seemed to be too much going to school and we have a GP schooling and speaking no English at a fraction of the cost of a trouble for him and he was quickly and can do normal things like go to but after starting his ESOL course, standard funeral. instrumental in the lifting of the the park.” he progressed rapidly in just a Alex says it’s not just the price that huge pressure I felt to be on my Jamal’s family is the first to have couple of months. He was awarded is attracting people, it’s also the shoulders in organising my cousin’s benefitted from the resettlement by the City of Westminster College personal service he likes to offer. funeral. programme which works to make for his outstanding achievement “For me it starts on the phone “Alex proved to be a great asset to sure Syrian refugees in Brent can do and dedication. when a family first gets in touch” me and, in my opinion, this has ‘normal things’ and build a good Jamal said: “My dream is to one Alex says. “They are grieving and it’s reflected impressively on Brent life in their new home country. day continue to work as a plumber a very difficult time for them, so I Council in its desire to offer these The programme provides holistic or builder here so that I can make a like to make sure they get the time services to the public.” support to refugee families so that better future for me and my they can access appropriate family.”

48 49 Cllr Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s CREMATION COSTS Cabinet Member for Environment, A recent Cost Of Dying report put Arts & Culture said: “We were concerned about the average cost of a cremation in the high cost of funerals and so London at around £4,591. >> Theatre >> Music >> Dance >> Comedy >> Exhibitions introduced this new service, which A cremation through Brent’s new >> Cinema >> Talks >> Tours caters to all faiths, as well as those funeral service costs £1,500. of no faith. “The actual send-off can be kept 21 JUNE - 30 OCTOBER 8 AUGUST - 30 OCTOBER dignified and relatively basic, but there is also the option of adding BRENT’S PIONEERING 2018 CELEBRATION SUFFRAGETTE more services if the family should WINDRUSH GENERATION BANNERS want it. Exhibition exploring Brent’s Inspired by suffragettes, such as “I’m really pleased we’ve found a Caribbean heritage with portrait local woman Mary Blake, young way of helping our residents in photographs. Experience a people from Convent of Jesus and what can be a very difficult time for traditional West Indian ‘front room’ Mary Language College created this them.” with our installation highlighting exhibition. Project funded by the items from the local community and Heritage Lottery Fund to Brent Museum. The Library at commemorate the centenary of the Willesden Green. 9am-8pm Monday Representation of the People Act. to Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday and Community Wall, Brent Civic Centre. Advertisement Sunday. Free. Civic Centre opening times. Free.The Library at Willesden Green. 9am- 10 AUGUST - 28 SEPTEMBER 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm UP TO £500 PAID Saturday and Sunday. Free. CNWL ARTS IN HEALTH An exhibition of art work produced AUGUST - MARCH FOR YOUR SCRAP CAR by NHS patients inspiration from pieces in the Wellcome Collection THE EVOLUTION OF BUSINESS IN MOT failure • Damaged • Non Runners • Insurance Write offs and Brent Museum and Archives. KINGSBURY The Library at Willesden Green. This fascinating photographic Quality used spares available off the shelf for most 9am-8pm Monday to Friday, 10am- exhibition charts the growth of vehicles at bargain prices 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free. businesses in Kingsbury from the 1930s until the present day. Contact our driver on 07979 350 352 or 020 8205 2100 Kingsbury Library. 10am-8pm or email [email protected] Monday and Thursday, 10am-6pm Brent Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, Our yard – Colindeep Lane, Hendon, NE9 6HD LONDON 10am-5pm Saturday, 12noon to 5pm Recycling the past – Saving the Future BOROUGH Sunday. Free. www.met4parts.com OF CULTURE 2020 #Brent2020 Licensed by the Environment Agency – Certificates of destruction issued.

50 51 WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER - TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 29 SEPTEMBER - 27 OCTOBER MONDAY 1 OCTOBER SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER THE ICE MIGRATION WITH FAMILY LEARNING FESTIVAL LEXI FILM SCHOOL: THE HOLY SH!T AUTHOR JACQUELINE CROOKS Free events in all Brent libraries VANISHING + LIVE Simone and Sam will do anything to Gather with author Jacqueline including: puppetry workshops, INTRODUCTION get their daughter into the local Crooks as she reads from her new cooking classes, and arts and craft Lexi Film School resumes on with 6 Church of England school. Juliet and book The Ice Migration, a collection events. Various venues. Various curated film choices, each hosted by Nick agree to show them the ropes. of linked short stories which draw times. Free. someone working in the film The bonds of family, faith and on the migration of her Jamaican, industry. This perennially intriguing friendship are stretched to Indian and German ancestors. The OCTOBER - JANUARY film will be presented by New breaking-point as four forty- Library at Willesden Green. 11am. Statesman film critic Ryan Gilbey. somethings wrestle for school Free. SOMALIS IN THE FIRST WORLD The Lexi Cinema. 6.30pm. £8. places. The Kiln Theatre. 7.30pm WAR (except 10 and 12 September, at 19 SEPTEMBER, 17 OCTOBER, An exciting collection of interviews, FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER 7.00), plus 2.30pm matinees on 21 NOVEMBER photos and objects exploring the Wednesdays and Saturdays. £10- involvement of Somalis in the First AFTER THE STORM £32.50. POETRY OF MANY WORLDS World War. The Library at Willesden It is 1918. Okoli Madu, a returnee A place to read your own poetry. To Green. 9am-8pm Monday to Friday, Soldier returns from the Western THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER share poems that you love. Or just 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Front with hopes and aspirations, to come and listen. Rumi’s Cave, 26 Free. but his hopes are dashed and his NT LIVE: JULIE (12A) Willesden Lane, Kilburn, London. 7- resettlement plans become This new version of August 9pm. 8 MONDAY 1 OCTOBER dishevelled. Produced by Learning Strinberg’s play Miss Julie is Through The Arts; part of The Back broadcast live from the National WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER WINDRUSH 70: STORIES FROM from The Western Front Project. The Theatre. The Kiln Theatre. 7pm. THE FRONT ROOM Library at Willesden Green. 6pm. £15/£13 concessions. ARTIST NETWORKING An afternoon of conversation with £12, book via www.brent.gov.uk. An opportunity to network with Brent Museum and Archives as we TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER other artists and creative profes - celebrate the impact of the MONDAY 8 OCTOBER sionals as well hear from previous Windrush generation in Brent, using CARIBBEAN CONNECTIONS artists who have exhibited at the the West Indian Front Room as a GOODNIGHT BOOKSTART BEAR Listen to multiple award winning gallery. The Library at Willesden reference point. Bridge Park PJ fun for all little ones. Come in poet Hannah Lowe discuss Green. 6-8pm. Community Leisure Centre. 12noon- your PJs, enjoy the charming Caribbean immigration and what it 2.30pm. Free. bedtime story of Lulu reads to Zeki means to be British. The Library at THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER by Anna McQuinn, plus make a Willesden Green. 6.30-7.30pm. Free crown of dreams before waving NT LIVE: KING LEAR (12A) good night to the Bookstart Bear. Broadcast live from London’s West Kilburn Library. 10.30-11am. Free. End, see Ian McKellen’s ‘extraordi - narily moving portrayal’ (Independent) of King Lear in cinemas. The Kiln Theatre. 7pm. £15/£13 concessions. 52 53 TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER

ANCIENT LIBRARIES UNCOVERED THE HARDER THEY COME VIEWERS’ CHOICE GALA BLACK GENEALOGY: WHEN Here’s another chance to see Will Cult 1973 film starring Jimmy Cliff, SCREENING BLACK HISTORY MEETS BLACK Bird’s illustrated talk that travels the the film that brought reggae to the An audience poll will decide the ANCESTRY ancient world – from Mesopotamia world. Each ticket includes a Lexi’s Top Title, and we provide fizz Trailblazing author and family to Alexandria and beyond – delicious Caribbean meal. The Lexi and cake to help the evening go historian Paul Crooks captivates his exploring some of the most famous Cinema. 8pm. £15. with a bang. The Lexi Cinema. audience with an account of how libraries in history, the people who 6.20pm. £10.50. he traced his African forebears created them and the fate of their MONDAY 15 OCTOBER enslaved on a sugar plantation in priceless collections of knowledge. FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER - Jamaica, 200 years ago. Find out The Library at Willesden Green. THE WIFE - CARERS AND BABIES SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER how to start exploring your family 6.30-7.45pm. Free. BIRTHDAY BRUNCH history. The Library at Willesden Our carers and babies screening will WHITE TEETH Green. 6.15-7.45pm. Free. THURSDAY 11 OCTOBER include cake and Bucks Fizz, to Rosie Jones, the Iqbal twins, their celebrate 10 years. The Lexi Cinema. parents, their grandparents, Mad THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER SONGS AND STORIES FROM A 11am. £7. Mary and others who make up the PIONEERING GENERATION everyday chaos of Kilburn High LAUNCH OF HARLESDEN LIBRARY Join us for an evening of conver - TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER Road come together in an extraor - CULTURAL SPACE sation as we reflect on the impact dinary revelry of NW6. Zadie Smith’s Join us for the unveiling of the new of Windrush 70 years on. With guest THE PUNKAWALLAH’S ROPE novel is adapted for stage by commissioned artwork at Harlesden curators from the British Library. Join award-winning poet Chrys Salt acclaimed playwright Stephen Library. Harlesden Library Plus. The Library at Willesden Green. for a spicy Indian takeaway. Gods, Sharkey and directed by Artistic 6.30pm. 6.30-8pm. Free. The Raj, viscous monkeys vie with Director Indhu Rubasingham in a Hindu funerals, sacred cows and major world premiere. The Kiln FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER rickshaws in a performance that Theatre. 7.30pm (except 5 explores the colour of India. The November), plus 2.30pm matinees COME MEK WE LARF: FROM ASHPHALT TO Library at Willesden Green. on Wednesdays and Saturdays from FIREWORKS SPECIAL MAPLEWOOD FLOOR... 6.30-7.30pm. 10 November. £10-£32.50. An evening of side splitting comedy Namron OBE travelled from Jamaica hosted by Mr Cee. The Library at to Brent joining the Willesden Jazz FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER Willesden Green. 8pm-Late. £15 Ballet in 1961 and was the first (plus booking fee) in advance, £20 black dancer to be employed by a COME MEK WE LARF: on the door. Book via British dance company. Spend an BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL www.brent.gov.uk/events evening with him sharing his An evening of side splitting comedy dance/life journey through hosted by Mr Cee. The Library at Brent storytelling, audio visuals and live Willesden Green. 8pm-Late. £15 LONDON solo dance work. The Library at (plus booking fee) in advance, £20 BOROUGH Willesden Green. 7-8.30pm. £8 in on the door. Book via OF CULTURE 2020 advance (booking fees apply) £12 www.brent.gov.uk/events #Brent2020 on the door. 2 for1 for over 65s.

54 55 TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER VENUES STADIUM EVENTS HISTORY TALK: RAF HENDON NT LIVE: THE MADNESS OF Ace Cafe SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER The story of the historic site at GEORGE III (12A) Ace Corner, North Circular road, England v Spain Hendon from the days of aviation Multi-award-winning drama The Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER pioneer Claude Grahame-White Madness of George III will be 020 8961 1000, Joshua v Povetkin through the Hendon air shows of broadcast live to cinemas, in www.london.acecafe.com the twenties and thirties, RAF National Theatre Live’s first ever SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER Brent Civic Centre Seattle Seahawks v Oakland Raiders Hendon’s role in both World Wars broadcast from Nottingham Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ and the development of the RAF Playhouse. The Kiln Theatre. 7pm. SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER Museum. The Library at Willesden £15/£13 concessions. Harlesden Library Plus Tennessee Titans v Los Angeles Green. 6.30-7.45pm. Craven Park Road, Chargers THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER Harlesden NW10 8SE SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER Kingsbury Library ARCHIVE WEEK Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville 522-524 Kingsbury Road, Jaguars TABLETOP WARGAMING 71 years since the NHS was founded Kingsbury NW9 9HE Be a general and fight a battle in we are celebrating Archive week by THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER the Napoleonic Wars or command exploring the history of caring in Kilburn Library England v USA an army in WW2. Booking essential. Brent. The Library at Willesden 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER Reserve your place at the library. Green. 7-8pm (drop-in). Free. England v Croatia The Library at Willesden Green. Lexi Cinema 1.30-4.30pm. Free. 194B Chamberlayne Rd, For more information on London NW10 3JU stadium events visit SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 020 3011 5523 wembleystadium.com www.thelexicinema.co.uk INTERNATIONAL GAMES DAY A day of fun playing traditional The Library at Willesden Green indoor games; Chess, Draughts, 95 High Road, Willesden, Scrabble, Connect 4 and more. London NW10 2SF. Suitable for ages 5 plus. Booking 020 8937 3400 recommended. Reserve your place www.brent.gov.uk/lwg at the library. The Library at Tricycle Theatre Willesden Green. 11am-4pm. Free. 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000 www.tricycle.co.uk Brent Wembley Library LONDON Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, BOROUGH Wembley HA9 0FJ OF CULTURE 2020 #Brent2020

56 57 Arts & culture Arts and culture Brent White Teeth comes LONDON What’s on BOROUGH to the Kiln Theatre OF CULTURE 2020 Your guide to what’s on in Brent during Spring 2018. #Brent2020 If you would like your event included on these pages, submit the details at www.brent.gov.uk/events Kilburn’s Kiln Theatre premiers the What were the main first ever stage adaptation of Zadie challenges of adapting the ARTS & CRAFTS CARIBBEAN TAPESTRY FUN Smith’s novel White Teeth this book? FAMILY SEWING CLASS autumn. We caught up with The biggest challenge was honestly POTTERY CLASSES FOR ALL Have a go at tapestry, with designs Stephen Starkey who adapted the the day I heard that I’d been given ABILITIES AT KINSGBURY inspired by the Windrush era. novel, set in the heart of Brent, to permission to adapt White Teeth. I Pottery classes suitable for all Suitable for all. The Library at find out more. was thrilled – then terrified. How abilities, from students who are Willesden Green, 95 High Rd, What drew you to wanting am I going to do this? The main fairly new to ceramics, to those London NW10 2SF. Tuesday 23 to adapt White Teeth for the challenge of the work itself has more experienced. Masons House, October. 2.30-4pm. Free but arrive stage? been leaving behind some scenes 13 Valley Drive, Kingsbury. early as spaces are limited. I realised I wanted to work on a and characters I’d grown very fond Mondays-Fridays. See www. play set in London, about of, for the sake of dramatic regentskillstraining.com/ CHILDREN Londoners, as I’ve lived in the city economy. creative-courses/pottery or contact since the early nineties. I’d read all [email protected] YOUNGER YOUTH THEATRE How important was the of Smith’s work except this one – as STONE CARVING CLASSES AT Brent Youth Theatre invites young soon as I started reading White setting of Brent in your people to enhance their performing adaptation? KINGSBURY Teeth I knew I wanted to see it on Teaches the historic practice of arts skills this September. stage. The story of White Teeth is Participants will think of characters, anchored, rooted in its NW stone carving and skills required to become a competent carver. For develop storylines and design set, Could you tell us how you’d locations, there’s an infectious joy in props and costume. Ages 7-12. the way Smith revels in writing beginners and those who want to sum up the essence of the improve their skills. Masons House, Yellow Pavilion. Tuesdays. 4.30- novel? about her neighbourhoods. The 5.30pm. £30 per term, £15 play does its best to follow suit. 13 Valley Drive, Kingsbury. Smith packs so much in to her Thursdays. 9.45am-12.45pm, concessions. nataliya.kharina@ wondrous novel. I try to do justice White Teeth is on at 1.15pm-4.15pm. uniquecommunity.org to the breadth of it, while focusing the Kiln Theatre from [email protected] CODE CLUB on the essential messiness of family, 26 October–22 December 2018 For children aged 8-11. Learn how of relationships, and what it means to code. Reserve your place at the to belong to a place, a country, a library now as space is limited. religion, or another person. An epic Kingsbury Library, 522-524 celebration of the chaos we make Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, NW9 while we’re all trying so very hard 9HE. Fortnightly, 13 September to 6 to live, love and be loved. December. 4-5pm. Free. 58 59 FIT FOR SPORT COMMUNITY ROUNDWOOD PARK HALLOWEEN ANIMAL BLESSING & Our Camps are designed to engage ULTIMATE FUNFAIR THANKSGIVING SERVICE all children through multi-sports, KINGSBURY DEMENTIA CAFÉ Get ready for the spooky thrills and FOR PETS games, arts and crafts, to make The dementia café is a friendly spills of Roundwood Park’s Ultimate The event provides an opportunity friends and keep active throughout meeting place for anyone affected Halloween Funfair! Harlesden Road, for pet owners to come together the holiday! Vale Farm Sports by memory loss, dementia or forget - London. Friday 19-Sunday 28 and celebrate the special Centre, Watford Road, North fulness and are free to drop-in. October. 1-9pm. Entrance £1 per relationship we have with the Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 3HG. Elder’s Voice Dementia Cafe, Father person. Venue ticket hotline: animals who share our lives. Monday 22 to Friday 26 October. O’Callaghan Hall, St Sebastian and 020 8795 4282. St.Martin’s Anglican Church, www.fitforsport.co.uk St Pancras R.C. Church, Hay Lane, DEMENTIA CAFE - WILLESDEN Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, or call 0845 456 3233 . Kingsbury Green NW9 0NG. SPORTS CENTRE NW10 5SN. Saturday 6 October. 2- UNDER 16S SWIM FREE Wednesdays. 2-4pm. 020 8968 8170 The Dementia Cafe is a place for 3pm. 07778 453 578 or email Under 16s Swim Free during the or email [email protected] people with dementia and their [email protected] school holidays. Vale Farm and CRICKLEWOOD DEMENTIA CAFE carers to relax, socialise, do activities FREE BIKE SAFETY AND Willesden Sports Centres. Monday The dementia café is run by the and get support. All ages are MAINTENANCE CHECK 22-Friday 26 October. charity Ashford Place and if you are welcome. Willesden Sports Centre, Free Dr Bike session. Bring your bike STEM CLUB affected by memory loss, dementia Donnington Road, Willesden, and get a FREE safety check and Fun learning workshops for children or forgetfulness and you are free to London NW10 3QX. Tuesdays. service. aged 8-11 in science, technology, drop-in. Ashford Place, 60 Ashford 1-3pm. [email protected] Outside Kensal Green Station, engineering and mathematics. Road, Cricklewood, London NW2 NORTH WEST LONDON WOMENS College Road, London. Saturday 1 Space limited so reserve your place. 6TU. Tuesdays. 3-4pm. INSTITUTE September. 10am-2pm. Harlesden Library Plus, Craven Park 07595 631 167 or email Local branch of the National Outside Willesden Green Station, Road, Harlesden, London, NW10 [email protected] Federation of Womens Institutes - Walm Lane, London. Saturday 8 8SE. 24 October and 7 November. FOSTERING AND ADOPTION a group of women with wide September. 10am-2pm. INFORMATION EVENINGS ranging interests, who meet Outside Kingsbury Station, Hool KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS Close, London. Sunday 16 Craft event for children. Ealing Road Our fostering and adoption regularly for socialising and an information evenings are in a interesting talk or activity. Upstairs September. 10am-2pm. Library. Tuesday 23 October. Salusbury Farmers Market, Salusbury 2.30-3.30pm. Free. relaxed atmosphere where you can at: The Masons Arms, 665 Harrow talk to a member of staff and find Road, Kensal Green, London. School, Salusbury Road, London. CODERDOJO CLUB out more about the process. Brent Second Wednesday of the month. Sunday 30 September. 10am-2pm. Learn how to build a website, Civic Centre, Engineers Way, 7.30-9.30pm. Guests £5, first Willesden Sports Centre, create an app or a game, and Wembley HA9 0FJ. Thursday 6 meeting is free. Full membership Donnington Road, London. Saturday explore technology in an informal, September, Thursday 4 October. £41. [email protected] 22 September. 10 am-2pm. creative, and social environment. 5.45-8.30pm. For young people aged 9-13. Wembley Library. First Saturday of each month September to December. 1-2pm. Free.

60 61 BRENT2020 LONDON BOROUGH GARDENING OVER 50s ELDERS VOICE WALKING CLUB OF CULTURE SUMMIT Join Sherita on the 3rd Saturday of Join us to hear about progress so far GREEN CLUB @ HARLESDEN ELDERS VOICE YOGA CONNECTS every month for an hour of walking and opportunities for Brent TOWN GARDEN Gentle yoga and relaxation class for in the great outdoors! Elders Voice, residents to get involved and shape Green Club Members get stuck in people aged 50+ who want to stay 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, the London Borough of Culture with making Harlesden Town fit and sharp. Elders Voice, 181 NW10 5TN. Saturdays. 10.30- 2020. The Granville, 140 Carlton Garden a better place. They also Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, 11.30am. £2.50 per session. Vale, London NW6 5HE. Saturday 8 learn how to grow their own fruit NW10 5TN. Thursdays. 1.30-2.30pm. [email protected] September. 2-4pm. and vegetables. Harlesden Town £4 on the day, or pay for 12 weeks LATIN DANCE [email protected] Garden, Challenge Close, St Mary’s or 6 weeks in advance and get a Join Meg on Wednesdays for Latin WILLESDEN JEWISH CEMETERY Road, Harlesden. Saturdays. discount (£3.50 per class). dance sessions for people age 50+! OPEN DAY 10am-2pm. [email protected] Everyone welcome, whether you are Explore, walk and share memories, [email protected] ELDERS VOICE DANCE recovering from a long-term health voice ideas, and discuss the past and MOVEMENT THERAPY issue, living with dementia or just future of this magnificent cemetery. HEALTH AND Improve your physical fitness, want to keep fit. Elders Voice, 181 Willesden Jewish Cemetery, emotional wellbeing and mind Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, Beaconsfield Road, London. Sunday WELL-BEING through free expressive movement NW10 5TN. Wednesdays. 11am to 16 September. 10am-4pm. PEER SUPPORT GROUP BIWEEKLY to music. Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer 12pm. £4 per class. [email protected] This is a biweekly peer support Road, Kensal Green, NW10 5TN. [email protected] GLOBALGIVING CROWDFUNDING group, set up by people with lived Tuesdays. 2-3pm. £4 on the day, or WORKSHOP experience, to offer support and pay for 12 weeks or 6 weeks in SPORT Do you want to raise money online wellbeing to each other-everyone is advance and receive a discount for your charity or community welcome. Ashford Place, 60 Ashford (£3.50 per class). BOOTCAMP IN ROUNDWOOD group, or improve your knowledge Road, Cricklewood, London NW2 [email protected] PARK and skills in crowdfunding and 6TU. Tuesdays. 1.30-3.30pm. ELDERS VOICE DRAMA AND A fitness boot camp session that online fundraising to raise more [email protected] SINGING CLASS mixes traditional calisthenic and body weight exercises, with interval funds for your projects? CVS Brent PARENTS AND TODDLERS PILATES Join Jenny every Tuesday for an Training Suite, 7 Rutherford Way, hour of singing and drama! We will and strength training. Roundwood AND NUTRITION CLASS Park, Harlesden Road, London Wembley HA9 0BP. Thursday 13 Discover healthy advice and bond be learning new songs, September. 2-5pm. £10- £25. remembering old songs, bringing NW10. Wednesdays. 6.30 -7.30pm. with your child while doing gentle www.ourparks.org.uk 020 3011 1690 or email relaxing pilates. Yellow Pavilion , our memories to life and having lots [email protected] Wembley HA9 OEG. Wednesdays. of fun. Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer PILATES IN BARHAM PARK 9.30-11.30am. Road, Kensal Green, NW10 5TN. Pilates is a system of controlled [email protected] Tuesdays. 11.30am-12.30pm. £4 on exercises that engage the mind and the day, or pay for 12 weeks or 6 condition the total body. Barham VITAMIN D TALK weeks in advance and receive a Park. Wednesdays. 6.30 -7.30pm. Learn how to boost your vitamin D discount (£3.50 per class). www.ourparks.org.uk levels. Harlesden Library Plus. [email protected] Thursday 18 October. 6.30-7.30pm. Free.

62 63 BOOTCAMP IN ROE GREEN PARK HIPHOP WITH ELAN ARTS BOOTCAMP AT QUEENS PARK WALKING FOOTBALL A fitness boot camp class that mixes Join us at Élan Arts for free of Classes involve power walking, non- Walking Football is a sociable, fun traditional calisthenic and body charge dance sessions every compulsory jogging and resistance and safe environment to help you weight exercises, with interval and Saturday. Yellow Pavilion, Wembley exercises. Queen’s Park Kilburn be a little more active. The rules are strength training. Roe Green Park. Retail, Park Engineers Way, HA9 London NW6 6SG. Thursdays. the same as football, with only one Saturdays. 9:30-10:30am. 0EG. Saturdays. 5.30-9pm. 10-11am. www.ourparks.org.uk difference – you can only WALK,. www.ourparks.org.uk [email protected] QUEEN’S PARK BOX FIT Vale Farm Sports Centre, Watford BOOTCAMP AT BRENT DOLPHINS A fun way to get fit through a high Road, North Wembley, Middlesex, STONEBRIDGE REC SWIMMING CLUB intensity full body work-out. The HA0 3HG. Mondays September to A fitness boot camp session that Brent Dolphins Swimming Club aims class incorporates solid boxing pad November. 7-8pm. £4. mixes traditional calisthenic and to promote the teaching and work with body conditioning. NO STRINGS BADMINTON body weight exercises, with interval coaching of all aspects of swimming, Queen’s Park Kilburn London NW6 The low cost way to play badminton and strength training. Stonebridge including teacher training and 6SG. Sundays. 10-11am. for relaxed, social game-play for Rec. Saturdays. 10-11am. lifesaving, for those aged 5 and www.ourparks.org.uk adult (16+) players of all abilities. www.ourparks.org.uk over. Vale Farm and Willesden FREE AMERICAN FOOTBALL Vale Farm Sports Centre, Watford BHANGRABLAZE FITNESS CLASS Sports Centres. WOMEN’S TEAM TASTER SESSION Road, North Wembley, Middlesex, An amazing fun calorie blazing [email protected] Wembley Stallions American HA0 3HG. Every Wednesday workout which uses basic but WOMENS ONLY SWIMMING - Football Club Women’s Team are September to November. powerful moves of the bhangra WEMBLEY LEISURE CENTRE running a FREE taster session.Try out 11am-1pm. £4.70 per session. dance style. Suitable for all ages and Womens Only Swim, sauna and a new sport and have fun!. London levels. Oakington Manor Primary steam every Saturday at Wembley Post Office Sports Fields, Hussain School, Oakington Manor Drive, Leisure Centre. Wembley Leisure Close, off 136 Greenford Road, Wembley HA9 6NF. Wednesdays. 7- Centre, Empire Way Wembley HA9 Sudbury Hill. Saturday 8 September. 8pm. £5 pay as you go or £40 to 0EF. Saturdays. 4.15-5.15pm. 10am-1pm. teammanager@ book the 10 week block. [email protected] wembleystallions.com Genna Panchani 07949 648 867. BOOTCAMP IN ONE TREE HILL LINE DANCE CLASSES FOR [email protected] RECREATION GROUND ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS- FIRST RUN WITH ANDY - ONE TREE HILL A fitness boot camp session that CLASS FREE! My aim is to get people out and mixes traditional calisthenic and These 11 week courses offer a clear show them running can be fun and body weight exercises, with interval introduction into line dancing using enjoyable! Group runs and walking and strength training. One Tree Hill a tried and tested programme sessions that are fun, friendly and Rec Ground, Norton Rd, London which is fun and great to improve free for adults, guys and girls twice HA0 4QR. Thursdays. 6.45-7.45pm. fitness. No partner needed. Kenton a week. One Tree Hill Park, Norton www.ourparks.org.uk Methodist Church. Fridays and Road, Alperton, HA0 4QN. Tuesdays Saturdays. 10.30am-12.30pm. First and Thursdays. 6.45-8pm. class FREE then £6 per class. [email protected] [email protected] or [email protected]

64 65 Advertisement Arts & culture Free firework celebrations

Sunday 4 November Wembley Park Leasing is a smart way to rent your property. Thousands of revellers will be coming to the free celebrations at Wembley Park fireworks and Network Homes has over 25 years experience in leasing. We are light parade this year leasing properties for up to 5 years within a 50 mile radius of London between the M4 and M11 corridor. On Sunday 4 November, Wembley The day will start around 4pm, the We Will - Park will light up for a spectacular light parade will then kick-off at fireworks and light parade for all 6pm and the day will conclude with • Guarantee rent for full lease period even when property the family to celebrate both Diwali the firework display at 7pm. is empty and Bonfire Night. Leader of the Council, Cllr • 0% management fee or commission charged Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Muhammed Butt, said: “I am Lights, will be marked with an delighted that we are once again • Rent payments monthly in advance from lease start date animated community light parade able to provide one of the few free • Property inspections every 6 weeks through the streets featuring music, fireworks events in London for all • Full property management service – Free dance and thrilling fire displays. The the family to enjoy. We’ve got a night will conclude with a whole afternoon of fun activities for • £500 incentive for leasing captivating firework display typical all the family planned as well as the • Guaranteed vacant possession at lease end. of Bonfire Night celebrations. iconic backdrop of Wembley We work with 15 London local authorities and manage over The event is one of only a handful Stadium for the fireworks finale.” of free major firework events in 1200 leased properties. London over the weekend of celebrations. Both British and South We work with 15 London local authorities Asian food and drink will be available, along with entertainment and manage over 1200 leased properties. celebrating the fusion of culture. Food stalls will be available from midday with activities such as Interested? Please contact us on: lantern making ongoing throughout 0300 373 3000 or 020 8459 9214 the weekend. [email protected] www.networkhomes.org.uk

66 67 Advertisement WEMBLEY MULTI ACADEMY TRUST WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE • EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL • NORTH BRENT SCHOOL TBC EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY Thursday, 22nd November 2018 Prospective parents are warmly invited to visit our brand new school. We will be running tours of the school every hour from 8.30am to 10.30am and from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Each tour will take about 30 minutes.

Outstanding Achievements in 2018: Reception: Good Level of Development – 92% Year 1: Phonics: 97% with 81% achieving 38+ out of 40 Year 2: Reading: 93% at expected level; 52% at greater depth Writing: 89% at expected level; 50% at greater depth Mathematics: 91% at expected level; 59% at greater depth Science: 96% at expected level

We provide a structured, Teachers are highly quali fied and have disciplined working a relentless focus on high expectations, environment in which every high aspirations and excellent student receives high-quality academic outcomes for their pupils. teaching and achieves his or her full potential. Our 12 million pound, state-of-the- art brand new primary school has We have created a happy and purpose built classrooms and facilities, caring environment, so that our learning resource centres for each key students are well-rounded stage, Science Laboratories and a young people, and have a Multi-use Games Area. passion and love of learning . East Lane Primary School, East Lane, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 3NT Executive Headteacher: Ms Gill Bal OBE Tel: 020 8289 4600 Web: www.whtc.co.uk or www.elps.co.uk E: [email protected]

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