The Brent Magazine issue 96 November 2009

ISSUE NO.96 FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT NOVEMBER 2009ISSUE NO.96 FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT NOVEMBER 2009

Brent gets healthySports and activity classes for all

Better school meals More play spaces

Brent gets healthySports and activity classes for all

Better school meals More play spaces

Features

13 A mind to helpSports programme helps mental health recovery

14 Active for healthBrent Council’s innovative programme of activities

17 Swine flu adviceNHS Brent’s meeting for the community

19 Recovery at homeSocial care project helps vulnerable older people

21 Help with housingInitiative supports independent home living

22 Play for healthBrent increase play opportunities

Regulars

4 Update

9 Brent people

11 All in a day’s work

26 Secret history

29 Competitions

30 Time out

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One Stop Service 020 8937 1200

www.brent.gov.uk

The Brent Magazine isavailable in large print and on audio tape. Please ring 020 8937 1106Cover image: A mothers’ fitness class Photographer STUART EMMERSON

ContentsWelcome to TheBrent MagazineBrent is striving to become ahealthier borough.

In Brent People we profile thework of Mary Bryant and her sixdecades of keep-fit classes forresidents. School meals are vital forchildren’s health and a BrentCouncil officer explains how theyare improving further.

Brent is also proud of being able to develop more opportunitiesfor young people to play in theborough.

Then there is better mental healthand Brent Mind’s activity classes tohelp people’s recovery.

Swine flu is a concern for many,and NHS Brent explains why it hasorganised a meeting to helpresidents understand the responselocally to the illness.

By assisting others we canimprove health; we profile twoprojects which are doing just that.

James DiamondEditorThe Brent Magazine

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Issue No. 96 November 2009

The Brent Magazine contactsDistribution queries and editorial 020 8937 [email protected] Advertising 020 8937 1097 [email protected] by the London Borough of Brent, Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley Middlesex.

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

Printed on Near Wood Free Stock (10-30% mill spoilage recycledcontent). Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other paper.

A vintage Routemaster buswill be touring Brent topromote Not in MyNeighbourhood Week from 2-6 November.It has been organised by the Brent Community SafetyPartnership – run by BrentCouncil and Brent Police – to inform residents aboutinitiatives to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.Officers from the police,Neighbourhood Working,BARK, and British TransportPolice will be on the bus togive out information onproperty and bike marking,robbery and burglaryprevention, street careissues, and more. It will be in The Croft,Harlesden on 2 November,Kingsbury Road on 3

November, Willesden HighRoad (outside police station)on 4 November, Kilburn HighRoad (outside Cock Tavern) on5 November, and WembleyHigh Road (outside Argos) on 6 November, all visits willbe from 11-5pm.For more [email protected] or call 020 8937 1058.

Picture: www.timebus.co.uk

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The College of North WestLondon started its 75thcelebrations recently with aceremony joined by an oldstudent and former RAF pilot.

Ken Lewis, 85, cut a cakewith principal Vicki Fagg as thecollege marked the start of itsanniversary celebrations. Hestudied plumbing from 1938-40, joined the RAF and laterbecame a construction firmchairman; he continued flyinguntil the age of 80.

He studied at the oldWillesden Technical College,

which opened in 1934 inDudden Hill Lane. It mergedwith Kilburn Polytechnic in1991 to become today’s college.

The college began lifeteaching construction, auto,and engineering with just a fewhundred students and 34 staff,but now has around 14,000students and 900 staff.

“We are very proud of thesuccesses we have had over theyears and the college’scontribution to the area.Wehope that former students, andthose interested in education

and local history in Brent willhelp us celebrate,” saidprincipal Vicki Fagg.

“Students and staff fromdifferent areas of the collegewill be organising their ownactivities and contributions tothe celebrations on an ongoingbasis throughout the year.”

Other anniversary eventsinclude design studentscreating a 75th logo, andfashion students making 1930s-style clothes, visitwww.cnwl.ac.uk for moreinformation.

Take off for college’s 75th anniversary year

Judo champion Tom Davishelped to launch the BrentInspires Awards, which will begetting youngsters involved inthe next Olympics.

The event at The LearningZone@Wembley Stadium featured entertainment frompupils at Roe Green Primaryand First Impressions dancetroupe, and was attended byofficials from the LondonOrganising Committee of the

Olympic Games (LOCOG).Any group in Brent that

works with 0-19 year olds cansign up for the awards, whichfeature an online competitionfor activities promoting thevalues of the next Olympics.

Groups register their detailsand submit their activity aseither a bronze, silver or goldcategory on web pages atwww.brentbrain.org.uk/brentinspires.

Pupils’ Olympic hoop dreams

Roe Green pupils.

Play warns of doorstep dangers from conmen

THE BRENT MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009

Ken Lewis and Vicki Fagg

A play about distractionburglars and doorstep conmenwas put on at the TricycleTheatre for 80 older people.

‘Ma Kelly’s Doorstep’highlights how conmen canpose as an official from thecouncil, police or company togain entry to a person’s home

and offers tips to prevent them.Residents had a lunch and

spoke to police from KilburnSafer Neighbourhoods Teamafter the play, which wasorganised by Brent andHarrow Trading Standards.

“This gets the message across about how to stay safe

and not become a victim.Residents should call the police or Trading Standardsimmediately, if they feel thatthey have been a victim,” saidBill Bilon Head of Brent andHarrow Trading Standards.Contact Trading Standards on 020 8937 5555.

On board for neighbourhood week

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5NOVEMBER 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

Brent parents who hope tofind work but have poorEnglish can attend a freetraining course.

Make English Work coversEnglish for work situationssuch as job applications,how to improve speaking,listening, writing andinterview skills as well as ITand maths. Learners get ajob-search adviser fromBrent in 2Work, and thecourse varies from ten to 15weeks, and eight to 15hours a week, dependingon English ability, call 020 8838 8128.

Free Englishwork course

As world leaders prepare forthe Copenhagen summit,Brent is launching its ownClimate Change Strategy andAction Plan at a public eventon 2 December.

The event, which will be atthe Sattavis Patidar Centre in Forty Avenue, Wembley, will discuss the plan whichhighlights the future possibledanger of transport disruption,water shortages and flooddamage to local businesses andhomes among the threats posedby climate change to Brent.

It looks at how the boroughneeds to work to limit climatechange this century andprepare for its effects duringthe coming decades. The plansets out how Brent could be hitby 2050 and beyond and notesthe potential impact ofoverseas events on Brent’sdiverse communities.

The day-long launch eventincludes speakers, anexhibition, a drama, a showingof the environmental film ‘TheAge of Stupid’ starring PetePostelthwaite and a discussion

on what Brent should do. Brent Council’s Environmental

Projects and PolicyManager, JeffBartley, said:“Climate change isgoing to have a bigimpact on localpeople, the boroughand London.

“As well as beinginformative, theconference willdebate how weshould respondlocally. I urge

local people and organisationsto attend.”

The event runs from 9.30-4.15pm, please send an RSVP by 9 November to

[email protected] by calling 020 8762 0354

to confirm a place.

Brent addresses dangers from climate change

PetePostelthwaite

Two TV stars will switch on theChristmas lights in Wembley on20 November.

Jade Johnson and Ian Waitewill be in Wembley CentralSquare to perform the big lightsswitch on at 5pm. The build-upto the event begins at 2pm withfood stalls, Christmas street theatre, stage entertainment,carols and goodies from localbusinesses. Long jumper Jade is a European Championships’ silver medallist and Ian is a professional dancer and TV star.

Contact Brent Council’s TownCentre Team on www.wembley-town.com or call 020 8937 5064.

Stars switch onWembley lights

Thousands of people enjoyedthe Brent Eid festival withmusic, food and literature celebrating Muslim culture.

The event, held at theSattavis Patidar Centre inForty Avenue,Wembley,marked the end of Ramadanin October. Eid, an Arabicword meaning festivity, is oneof Islam’s most important festivals, celebrating family,peace, thanksgiving andremembrance.

Brent children took part in a poetry and 3D mosquecompetition with prizes wonby children at LeopoldPrimary in Willesden, andChalkhill Primary in Wembley.

“It was wonderful for thecommunity to celebrate andlearn about other cultures.Brent Eid was an enjoyableevent which celebrated theborough’s diversity,” saidMayor of Brent Councillor Jim O’Sullivan.

Brent celebrates Eid

Brent Youth Parliament issurveying residents to ask howstereotypes and negative imagesof the young can be challenged.

‘Break the Stereotype, Fix theImpression’ runs until 15November for responses and isopen to people of all ages. Itasks if negative perceptions ofyoung people are correct and ifthe media accurately reflects thebehaviour of most youngresidents.

“Young people need tounderstand older generations’perception of them. This surveywill help to bridge the gap,”said parliament member KishanParshotam.

Visit www.brentbrain.org.uk/byp where it will be publishedonline on 25 November.

Parliament asksthe people

A winter fair is being held atCapital City Academy inDoyle Gardens,Willesden,on 5 December.Entry costs £1, althoughunder fives are free and stallscan be run for £15, call 020 883 8687 or [email protected] to book a space.

Capital winter fair

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6 THE BRENT MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009

Brent Council is launching asurvey in November of carerswho receive social care services after being assessedby the local authority.

A sample of around 750carers who receive supportfrom Brent Council willreceive a copy of the survey,which needs to be returnedby 30 November. All replies tothe survey will be treated inthe strictest confidence; noresponses will be disclosed toany other organisation except

to the Department Of Healthin an anonymous format.

The research is to assess thequality of council services forcarers and indicate how services and support to carerscould be improved. TheDepartment Of Health willgather the responses fromBrent and other local authori-ties for a national picture.

All councils in England andWales which provide socialcare must survey carers andreport back the findings to

the Department Of Health.Only carers who have beenassessed or reviewed in thelast 12 months will be part ofthe survey’s sample.

If you are a carer andreceive a survey form andletter, please take a little timeto complete the survey andreturn it in the reply paidenvelope by 30 November.

For more email PaulChennell at Brent Council [email protected] call 020 8937 4143.

Brent Council launches surveyof borough’s carers this month

Sixty thousand people enjoyedBrent Diwali, which lit upWembley with fireworks, a lasershow, and parade last month.

The celebrations organised byBrent Council started at the ShriSanatan Mandir in Ealing Roadand ended at Barham Park. Itfeatured performances by Indiandance groups and dhol drum-mers, later on Diwali lights wereswitched on in Ealing Road.

Councillor Harshadbhai Patelsaid: “We are immensely proudthat this year was the biggest

and best Brent Diwali yet.We areone of the most diverse boroughs and it’s great to seepeople of all backgrounds andfaiths celebrating each otherscultures.”

A competition for EalingRoad shops to decorate theirpremises on a Diwali theme waswon by Teen Deep; the rangolicompetition winners were MitaPatel (over 18s), Uruashi Mistry(12-17 years), Hrithik N.Dattani (six-11 years), and DiyaKanti (under fives).

Biggest ever turnout forBrent Diwali celebration

Brent Council’s freefireworks display is beingheld in Roundwood Park,Harlesden, on 5 November.Gates open at 6.45pm withthe display starting at 8pmand lasting for an hour. It also includes the ChannelOne sound system, children’srides, and food and drink,but no dogs or personalfireworks are allowed. If the 5 November event hasto be cancelled because ofbad weather it will be heldon 7 November, visitwww.brent.gov.uk/parksor call 020 8937 5619.

Brent’s free firework display

Brent Council has a webpage giving residentsadvice on housing, benefits,jobs, training and more tohelp during the recession,visit www.brent.gov.uk/recession.

Club needsyour helpNorthwick Park Youth Clubis appealing for volunteerleaders to run itsprogramme of pool, tabletennis, air hockey tables,and craft activities.

It was started up bySudbury Court Residents’Association, St Cuthbert’sChurch and Brent Police,and meets at NorthwickPark Pavilion on Tuesdaysfrom 7.30-9pm.

Director of YouthMinistry at St Cuthbert’sBen Lovell said: “Noexperience is required tovolunteer at the club, just apassion to engage withyoung people.”

A Criminal RecordsBureau check is required tovolunteer, [email protected] or call07734 775102.

Barham Park Library isclosing from 8 Novemberand will be transformedinto a new library andchildren’s centre byFebruary 2010.

The new library willhave self-service machines,improved IT, and newtraining and meetingfacilities. The children’scentre will offer a crèche,children’s activities, anddrop-in advice. Thenearest libraries duringthe work at Barham Parkare Brent Town HallLibrary, and Ealing RoadLibrary, visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries for moreinformation.

Barhamlibrary closes forupgrade

Downturn help

Brent Musician of the Year 2010has opened for young performersto take part in the prestigiousmusic competition.

The event, organised by BrentCouncil’s Brent Music Service, isan opportunity for youngsters toshowcase their talents and has aprize of £800. It is open to thoseaged from 13 to 18 who attendschool in Brent or live in the bor-ough.The overall event winnerwill be invited to appear as a guestsoloist at Brent Makes Music2010.

The deadline for entering is 11December this year;preliminary auditions will be on18, 19, and 20 January 2010and six finalists willcompete at theevent on 25 March 2010 atClaremont Schoolin Kingsbury.It is supported by

the Wembley CharitableFoundation.For an entry form,visit www.brentmusicservice.com or call 020 8204 8096.

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NOVEMBER 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

Brent will stop to remember thesacrifices of servicemen andwomen for their country onRemembrance Sunday (8November).

The Royal British LegionRemembrance Service will beheld at St John the EvangelistChurch in Wembley in themorning, and the BoroughCivic Remembrance Serviceand parade will be held inQueen Elizabeth Gardens inBarham Park,Wembley in theafternoon.The borough eventwill be attended by the Deputy

Lieutenant of Brent, MPs,councillors, and civic leaders,and there will be march-past andwreath-laying at the memorial.

Mayor of Brent CouncillorJim O’Sullivan said:“Remembrance Sunday is oneof the most important dates inthe civic calendar. It is anopportunity to remember thesacrifices of brave servicemenand servicewomen for thefreedoms we enjoy today.”

Visit www.brent.gov.uk formore details of theRemembrance Sunday events.

Remembrance Sunday

Picture courtesy ofRoyal British Legion.

Young musician contest opens

2008 winner David Wong.

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Pupils’ dinner service Pupils from Wykeham Primary School.

Top musicians from theworlds of jazz, blues, andAfrican music will play livewith young Brent musicianson 7 November.

The Triangle ProjectConcert is open to all andfeatures stars such as theJames Brown Band’s PeeWee Ellis and Ramon Goosefrom Ace Bluesman, playing

with Brent’s youngsters. It has been organised byBrent Music Service andDNA Culture, which ranhalf-term workshops for theyoung musicians. It will beat Claremont High School,Kenton, starting at 7.30pm,tickets are £4. Visitwww.brentmusicservice.com for more information.

Hear Brent’s musical youth

Wykeham Primary Schoolpupils served up a lunch toolder people recently tomark Meals on Wheels Week.

They served the food atBrent Council’s KingsburyResource Centre, which

offers support to olderpeople in the borough.The council’s contractorApetito delivers up to160,000 meals on wheels ayear, including kosher,Caribbean and halal food.

Brent Council-runPaddington Old Cemeteryin Willesden Lane wasrunner-up in the Cemeteryof the Year Awards 2009organised by the MemorialAwareness Board.

Bob Langford, Head ofCemetery and MortuaryService, said: “This is atremendous achievement. It shows our commitmentto excellence in suchsensitive services.”

Old cemetery’ssuccess

1THE BRENT MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2009XX

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BRENTpeople

Why did you start dancing?A lovely woman called Ivy Bell saw me performing at a show heldby my Brownie troop in Dollis Hill, where I grew up. She saw Ihad potential. Ivy went up to my mother and said she wanted meto go to her dancing school in Cricklewood.We did not have muchmoney, but Ivy said ‘I will pay for the tuition; you just buy thedancing shoes’. I was about ten when I started at Ivy’s classes.

Did you train as a dancer?The Brown Owl at Brownies saw an advert in the paper by MaudAllan – a famous American dancer. She was offering classes forgirls who could not afford the fees. I passed the audition andtrained with her after school until I was 15. It was wonderful. She

had a large house in St John’sWood with chandeliers

and an outdoor theatre. I was taughtby some of the best

people, includingdancers from theRoyal Ballet.Wewere trained in ballet, tap,jazz dancing;

even speechtraining. After

Maud went back toAmerica because of ill

health Minnette Gould ofthe Royal Ballet offered me

a place at her dance business in Holborn.

How did you begin teaching?When the Second World War started the government said factoryand office workers were not getting enough exercise. Most fitnessinstructors had joined the Forces so they started to recruit newpeople, including me. I was working in a drawing office inHarlesden at the time, but taught evening classes after work. Myfirst class, was at a reform school run by nuns in Brondesbury,teaching ballroom and keep fit, I was 17. I did classes at the JuniorAir Corps, when I arrived the leader asked me where my uniformwas because I looked so young. She nearly fell off her chair when Isaid I was the teacher!

Where have you taught?I taught dance and keep fit evening classes for the old WillesdenDistrict Council, and when it became Brent in 1965. For 26 yearsI was a full-time dance and sports lecturer at Hammersmith andWest London College, having Daley Thompson as one of my students for three years. One day a week I did voluntary work atHarperbury Hospital for seven years – which is for people withlearning disabilities. I still teach five days a week for over 50s. Ihave been with Vale Farm Sports Centre since it opened, teachingkeep fit, tap dancing and ballroom dancing. Some of the membershave been with me for 40 years and are still with me. I also teachkeep fit at Knowles House care home in Harlesden and at Kentonand Sudbury Methodist Church. I have been an honorary lifemember of the Keep Fit Association for 50 years, and performed aspecial tap dancing concert for them at the Royal Albert Hall.

What recognition have you received?Brent Council gave me a long-service award and an award for mycommunity work in 2001.This year I was nominated for the Prideof Britain Awards run by ‘The Daily Mirror’. I performed once forAge Concern at the Royal Albert Hall with a tap dancing groupand was on the ‘Michael Aspel Show’ on TV teaching tap. I alsotaught Sting to tap dance for the film ‘Brimstone and Treacle’;he’s a lovely man. Life has been very kind to me, allowing me toteach such lovely people.

To find out about keep fit in Brent, visit www.brent.gov/sports

A moving legendMary Bryant has taught dance and keep fit classes in Brent for 66 years as well as receiving nominations for national awards, and working with famous stars.

Pictures by Isabelle Plasschaert



The Brent Magazine is distributed to 99,000 households in theborough and is also available in local libraries, One Stop Servicesand a number of key businesses.

Competitive advantages of advertising include:

• it’s free for all residents and businesses in Brent

• print run of 105,000; highest circulation of any local publication

• available online at www.brent.gov.uk.

Advertise in The Brent Magazine

For more information and rates, call 020 8937 1097 or email [email protected]


She probably studies a school lunch menumore closely than a hungry pupil waiting to be served.

However, Karen Wood is not looking forwhat is tasty, but to work out the amount ofnutrients in a dish as part of her job as BrentCouncil’s School Meals Support Officer.

“School meals must now meet a newnutrient-based standard, which is tougherthan the old food-based standards,”explains Karen. “I look at menus over athree to four week cycle, and checkthe nutrients in each mealagainst a database of 2,300different recipes.” Karenhelps the 14 schools whichprovide their meals in-house rather than use a contractor. Meals mustmeet minimum or maxi-mum amounts of 14 nutrients in a lunch, includ-ing carbohydrates, energy,fats, fibre, sodium, and protein.

“The schools do a lot of excellent cooking, but sometimes they might slipback. If it turns out there are not enoughnutrients I can advise on changing the dishor the recipe. It might be offering morepulses or beans in vegetarian dishes ratherthan too much cheese, or it could be theway it was cooked is not retaining enoughnutrients,” she adds. “I’ll meet with thehead teacher or catering staff to discussany changes. Of course, meals in allschools have improved dramatically - fruit,vegetables, dairy products, and fish are onthe menus instead of junk food such aschips and sweets.”

She is also aiming at increasing thenumber of children enjoying free schoolmeals. Brent Council estimates that 28 percent of primary, 25 per cent of secondary,and 43 per cent of special school children areentitled to free meals. “There are childrenwho are entitled to free school meals, butare not taking them up. Parents do have theright to choose a packed lunch for theirchild, but we would recommend a meal.

“It may be a cultural factor around food. Ihave organised a food-taster evening

with parents in schools to letthem know more about food

on offer. It could be aboutthe paperwork to claimfree meals, but Brent is now working on an online systemwhich will make it

a lot easier.”Brent recorded a

three per cent rise inchildren having school

meals in 2007– 08, andlaunched a ‘Munch on aHealthy Lunch’ campaigntogether with NHS Brent.

“A healthy school mealhelps a child to developgood eating habits forlife,” adds Karen. “If a youngster eats poor quality food; it is harder for them to flourish. Healthymeals also help prevent obesity in children, and improve educational performance in school.”

ALL IN Aday’s work

Fresh thinkerKaren Wood is helping pupils enjoy a healthy school meal.

For more information on school meals, visitwww.brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3000.

Karen Woodwith CapitalCity Academychef MadanAkhal, inset.


Brent has a £1.1 million grant* to improve or develop between20 and 25 play areas by 2011.

Up to £50,000 will be available to fund one or more community proposals, which will need to demonstrate that:

• Children and local communities have been in involved developing your plans

• The project will meet real needs in the local community

Your play space will also need to be:

• Innovative and creative and make use of natural, sustainable materials

• Accessible for all children

• Feel safe but incorporate elements of challenge and adventure

The Brent Fair Play PlaybuilderProgramme invites communityorganisations to develop innovative and inclusive open-access play spaces aimed at 8-13 year olds.

Community groups representing children, young people and families are invited to become involved. For more information or to ask for an application pack, please call 020 8937 3096 or [email protected]

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 22 January 2010.

*Grant awarded in 2008 by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)

photograph Sue Gutteridge,Stirling Council

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A project organised by mental health charityBrent Mind is showing that being active isgood for the mind, and not just the body.

Healthy Minds, which was set up in2008, now has more than 300 peopletaking part in its activities.

“The project aims to improvemental health by getting peoplemore physically active,”explains Brent Mind ChiefExecutive Jan Knight.“We are offering themthe chance to take part infun, sociable activitieswhich are organised in asafe and sensitive way.”

Healthy Minds is aweekly programme includinggym sessions, acquafit, football,badminton, yoga, keep fit classes,and tai chi.Trained coaches from BrentMind lead the sessions, which are held atWillesden Sports Centre. Its users can self-refer or are recommended to take partby a Community Mental Health Team atBrent Mental Health Service – the jointBrent Council and NHS Brent body.

“Playing sport or doing physical activityleads to people being less isolated, beingfitter, sleeping better, and helps to managetheir recovery,” adds Jan. “Exercise andtaking part in sports is good for anyone,but especially those who have experiencedmental distress. It also helps to challenge thestigma about what they can and can’t do.”

The project recently organised a specialcommunity day at Willesden Sports Centre,which featured sports, workshops, therapy,and advice sessions run by Brent UserGroup and Brent Mental Health Serviceand Healthy Minds.There was also a ‘living

library’ in which people talked withsomeone with experience of

a mental health issue. A mini-football tournamentsaw three teams of serviceusers – includingRoundwood Rovers whoare linked to the ParkRoyal Centre for Mental

Health – competing.“Mind is campaigning to

reduce stigma surroundingmental health and to make sure

that people are properly informedabout these issues,” adds Jan. “We know

that at some point in their lives, at least onein four people will experience a problemwith their mental health so it is an issuewhich is of concern for everyone. It mightnot be you, but it could be a friend, familymember, or work colleague. Projects suchas Healthy Minds show that there are manypositive, sociable, and engaging therapiesfor those who do experience mental distresswhich can help people to recover.”


Healthy Minds service users playin a football tournament, take

part in a walk, and ‘living library’at the community day.

Pictures by Nadia Attura

The activeremedies

Brent Mind is helping peopleto overcome mental distressby getting them involved inphysical activities and sport.

Brent Mind is based in Dyne Road,Kilburn, for more information on HealthyMinds visit www.brentmind.org.uk,email [email protected] or call 020 7604 5177.

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From bracing walks around a park togentle aerobics in a church hall, residentsin Brent are exercising more each week.

Many are taking part in the classesorganised by Brent Council’s SportService as part of its Get Activecampaign.The initiative is encouragingeveryone to do 30 minutes of exercise;three times a week, to help improve theirhealth and wellbeing.

Get Active activities include gentleaerobics classes for adults aged 50 andover on Tuesdays at Kingsbury FitnessFirst, and Wednesdays at St Margaret’sand St George’s United ReformedChurch and Moravian Church Hall inHarlesden; a diabetic weight managementclass for those with type-two diabetes atVale Farm Sports Centre in Wembley,and a healthy walks programme in Brent’sgreen spaces.

Another class – run at WillesdenSports Centre on Wednesdays,ValeFarm Sports Centre on Thursdays, andBridge Park Community Leisure Centreon Tuesdays – is a postnatal exerciseclass for mothers who are aged 18 orover and their babies.

“The class is designed just for newmums and their babies,” explainsFrancesca Saccone, a personal trainerwho runs the Bridge Park and Willesdenclasses. “It helps them to get back intoshape after having a baby. But it is more

than that.The classes are sociable and achance to meet other mums; they can bea lot of fun.”

Her class attracts up to 20 mothers andtheir babies who are between six weeksand 15 months old. “It is a greatworkout,” added Francesca.“We do push-ups, muscle andabdominal exercises; spineexercises and squats. Babies joinin by being picked up and downby their mum. I’m a mum, andknow it’s important to get fitafter birth.”

So far, Get Active has had good results.People doing their ‘3x30’ of exercise aweek are up to 19.5 per cent of Brent’speople, according to a Sports Englandsurvey.There are also more peoplejoining sports clubs, and people nowdoing organised sport.

At the same time as Get Active, manyresidents can swim for free at leisurecentres. Free swimming is open foranyone aged 60 or over, or 16 and underduring public swimming session times atVale Farm Sports Centre in Wembley,and Willesden Sports Centre in Willesdenuntil 31 March 2011.There is also the B Active card offering discounts between40 and 25 per cent for activities at theleisure centres.

For full details of Get Active’s differentclasses visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports, or e-mail [email protected] call 020 8937 3707.

Francesca Saccone leads the classes atWillesden Sports Centre.

Brent Council’s Get Active campaign is getting peoplehealthier by organising innovative physical activity classes.

THE BRENT MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009 15NOVEMBER 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

“The classes are sociable and achance to meet other mums;

they can be a lot of fun.”

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NHS Brent is involving the local community in tackling the challengeof swine flu.

It is inviting Brent residents, local voluntary organisations,and community group representatives to attend a communityaction event at Bridge Park Leisure Centre in Stonebridge on 12 November.The event, which will have a panel of NHS professionals to answer questions, will look at protecting vulnerable people, preventing the spread of flu, vaccinations,and support networks in the community.

Mark Easton, Chief Executive of NHS Brent, said: “We would likeBrent residents, and anyone who can contribute to local community action to attend.At the meeting we will explain what ishappening nationally on swine flu and how we are responding in Brent.We’ll dispel some of the myths about vaccination and explain howimportant it is to look after yourself and follow good hygiene practice toprevent infection.

“We’re particularly concerned to make sure that vulnerable peopleget the support they need and that they can find a ‘flu friend’ if theyneed someone to collect antiviralmedicines for them and tohelp them access localNHS services.”

This could be the toughest ever winter for the NHS, as swine flu combines with other seasonal pressures, including seasonal flu.Getting yourself vaccinated is a simple way of helping to make sureyou’re fit and healthy. In mid-October NHS Brent was preparing to give the first vaccinations to front-line health and social careworkers and to people most at risk from the complications of swineflu, including pregnant women. If you are in a high-risk group yourGP will write to you offering a vaccination.

Jim Connolly, NHS Brent’s Director of Public Health, said:“Swine flu is generally mild for healthy people, but for pregnantwomen and those with underlying or existing health problems it can be much more serious.The vaccines contain inactivated fluviruses so they can’t give you flu – any side-effects are usually very mild and pass within 48 hours. Most people suffernothing worse than a slightly sore arm.

“Many of us have built up resistance to seasonal flu but swineflu is a completely different virus, meaning that those of you who

are lucky enough to avoid normal flu may find you get sickfrom swine flu. It is safe to have both vaccinations at the same

time. Don’t underestimate the virus. If you’re at risk, getyourself protected!”

If you think you have swine flu, stay at home andget advice by contacting the National Pandemic

Flu Service at www.directgov.uk/pandemicfluor call 0800 1 513 100.

A meeting organised by NHS Brent this month will give residents the chance to find out about the local response to swine flu in the borough.

Get flu advice

The community action event will be on 12 November in Community Suite, BridgePark Leisure Centre, Harrow Road,Stonebridge, from 6-8pm. If you wouldlike to attend contact Khadiee Campbell atNHS Brent on 020 8795 6678 or [email protected]


Look after yourself and follow goodhygiene practice to prevent infection,illustrations from NHS Brent.


CEROC is a fusion of Jive and Salsa.

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

Tuesdays 8pm-11pm

Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD

Also at West Drayton and Uxbridge

Tel: 020 8933 4350 or 07860 250961Email: [email protected]: www.clubceroc.com

Cut out this voucher for free life membership and free admission for the first week and free DVD.(New members only)

Freebeginners

dvd with thisvoucher

Brent Community TransportTransport for all

• Hire of coaches and accessible

minibuses available

• We offer competitive tailored quotes

• Hire us for daytrips, educational trips,

weddings, airport journeys and self-drive

Tel: 020 8838 1353Email: [email protected]: www.brentct.org.ukRegistered charity No. 280698

BCT has been successfully providing transportservices to the community for over 32 years.

19

Ann Rooney endured seven difficult operations in a year-and-a-half. She cameout of hospital, but found it difficult to live on her own at home.

“I was not well and in poor healthy mentally and physically,” Ann said. “I wasscared of falls, did not go out, and found ithard to even cook food. I have a lot offriends, but many live a distance away andthey could not keep doing things for me. I had always been very independent, but Icould not rely on myself; my independencehad gone.”

Then a few months later, Ann’s doctorreferred her to Yvette Beckley, a care coordinator at Brent’s Integrated CareCoordination Service. The project, run byBrent Community Services and NHS Brent in partnership with Brent Council, is helpingpeople who have come out of hospital,

preventing readmission and helping recovery. Yvette assessed what support Ann

needed. It included getting minor repairsdone to her home to prevent falls, installingsmoke alarms, and arranging for Ann tohave a pendant that can alert a friend oremergency centre if she has an accident.

“I could have staggered on coping on my own, but it would have been very difficult for me and would have delayed my recovery,” said the former actress andTV production manager. Yvette alsoarranged for work to be done to hergarden, and found that Ann was entitled toan Attendance Allowance, which pays for afriend to do work around the home, and aTaxi Card that provides transport. Ann, whois a passionate reader, now gets talkingbooks through the home library service.

“Yvette has been invaluable,” adds Ann.

“The garden bothered me. But she madesure the bushes were cut back, and thegate was fixed. It cheers me up no end to know the work has been done. I lovereading and the talking books will be agreat enjoyment for me.”

The service has been hailed a success inBrent. An independent assessment foundper case it saved the NHS up to 29 hospitalbeds a year, and thousands in spending.

“A lot of people are like me and don’twant to ask for help,” added Ann. “But the care coordination service means youcan be independent but not feel you areon your own; there is someone there whowill help. Now I have not given up the ideaof doing anything, except work. I am not100 per cent, but a lot better,” she added.

For more information on the service call 020 8438 7204.


Yvette Beckley and Ann Rooney.

Recoveryat home Older people out of hospital are recovering and living at home independently without being re-admitted thanks to a new service.

We are here to help you with any council enquiry. If you need a council service, information or you want tocomplain or make a suggestion, phone or email us first:

One Stop onlinewww.brent.gov.uk/oss [email protected]

One Stop telephones

020 8937 1200*General customer service enquiries

020 8937 4300Adult and Children Social Services

020 8937 1234Switchboard and Emergency Out of Hours

020 8937 5050*StreetCare

020 8937 1790*Council Tax

020 8937 5252*Environmental Health

020 8937 1800*Housing and Council Tax Benefit

020 8937 1993*For people with a hearing impairment

• Town Hall • Brent House • Harlesden • Willesden

One Stop local offices

*Telephone us Monday to Friday

from 8am-8pm andSaturdays 9am-1pm

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

Brent Council One Stop Customer Services

Photos: www.JohnBirdsall.co.uk

www.brent.gov.uk/recycling 020 8937 5050

Remember, recycling is now compulsory in Brent.



Addressing needs

For more information on Supporting Together, e-mail [email protected] or call 020 8937 2190.

Older people are being helped to live independently at home thanks to a new project.

It can be difficult to live on your own,and even harder if you are vulnerable.

However, Brent Council,WillowHousing and Care, and the charities StMungo’s and Elders Voice have cometogether to offer vunerable older peoplethe housing support they need.

Supporting Together offers help andadvice on many housing and supportissues so they are able to live at home andbe independent. It will arrange GP andhospital services, benefits advice, housing-related difficulties, and even details ofcommunity activities.The project also hasa team of five handy people, who work forthe Brent-based charity Elders Voice, whowill fit adaptations, safety alarms, or fixproblems in the home, which put olderpeople at risk of falling such as loosecarpets or trailing wires.

Ignatius Temba, who lives in Wembley,has had work done at his home by Elders

Voice handyman Andy Cook. He hasmade Ignatius’s home more secure byinstalling Venetian blinds, patio doorlocks, bars on the windows, and bolstereda side gate and trellis fence. He has alsomade it safer inside for the former operasinger and performer by putting in grabrails by the bath, hand rails by doors,tacking down loose carpets, dealing withtrailing telephone wires, and powerpoints in some rooms.

“It is fantastic. I have had a kneeproblem and been in hospital so I was notable to do all these things on my own,”said Ignatius. “Andy is very friendly and

skilled and has done a great job. It isvery important to me to be able to stayin my home.”

Supporting Together was launched atNewcroft House run by Willow Housingand Care in Stonebridge recently, whichwas attended by Brent Council’s Directorof Housing and Community Care MartinCheeseman OBE, Luton Sinfield from StMungo's, and Elizabeth Spring of EldersVoice and Mary Whitfield from Willow.

“This partnership approach ensuresadvice and services are tailored to theneeds of the individual to enable them tomaximise their independence and qualityof life in the community.The investmentalso delivers significant benefits for healthand social care providers, particularlyreducing the need for older people to beplaced in residential care or admitted tohospital,” said Judy Peaker, chief executiveof Willow Housing.

“This partnership approachensures advice and services are

tailored to the needs of the individual.”

Andy Cook andIgnatius Temba.

Creatingplay fortoday

Play time in Brent is undergoing will beundergoing some exciting changes overthe next couple of years.

Brent Council started its three-year FairPlay Playbuilder project in 2008 to enhancethe experience of play for children.Around 25 play spaces are being sprucedup with new equipment and designs, anda greener feel in areas of parks, openground, and the smaller corners of Brent.

“Play is vital to children’s health, development, and wellbeing,” explainsCouncillor Bob Wharton, Brent Council’sLead Member for Children and Families. “Itis a key part of every child’s life, which iswhy the council is so committed to thisproject. Play develops children’s wellbeing,and helps them to manage risk. It improvestheir interpersonal skills, learning, and ability to get on with others. The otherbenefits are helping prevent obesity, feeling independent, and above all; play is simply fun!”

The council is spending more than £1.1million it has been given by the Departmentof Children, Schools and Families on the initiative. New areas will be accessible tochildren who have a disability. As part ofthe scheme, community organisations can bid for up to £50,000 to develop areasfor eight to 13 year olds. Last year

Mapesbury Dell and the Gladstone ParkConsultative Committee won funding afterthey applied.

Identified play areas improved underthe scheme in 2008-09 include CarltonVale, Franklyn Road Open Space, GrovePark, Woodcock Park, Neasden RecreationGround, One Tree Hill, Springfield OpenSpace, Streatley Road Open Space, andEton Grove. During 2009-10 Villiers Road,Mount Pleasant, Brent River Park,Kimberley Road will be developed and in2010-11 Bramshill Road, Crouch RoadOpen Space, Barham Park, RoundwoodPark, Sunny Cresent, Hazel Road OpenSpace, and King Edwards Park will haveimprovements made to them.

“The focus for some areas will be on‘natural’ play,” added Councillor Wharton.“That could include introducing elementssuch as water and sand, opportunities to make dens, make use of the naturallandscape such as hills and trees as well aspieces of equipment which children havesaid that they would like. They will beclean, safe, and welcoming. We know‘stranger danger’ is an issue for parents,and we have given that and the variety ofspaces top priority.”

However, the improvement of play areasis just one part of Brent’s commitment to

play. The adventure playground inStonebridge, which first opened in 1976,was recently re-opened after money fromthe Big Lottery Fund was spent on its refurbishment. During the summer holidays,Brent Play’s Lottery-funded team of mobileplay workers provided free activities for children and young people in a number ofparks in Brent, including Gladstone Park,Woodcock Hill, Brent River Park, Kingsbury ,King Edwards and Roundwood. In term-timethe mobile team is continuing to work with local schools outside of lesson times,including Chalkhill Primary in Wembley.

“Stonebridge adventure playground hasbeen an important part of children’s livesever since it opened, added CouncillorWharton. “There have been changes to itsuse over the years, but it’s once again a playground in its own right, offering a safe,fun, and enjoyable environment for children– something we should all be proud of.”


Brent Council is promotingbetter health among children by transforming play spaces and creating more opportunities to play.

“The focus will be on ‘natural’

play – introducing elements such

as water and sand, opportunities

to make dens and making

use of the natural landscape.”

For more on the Fair Play Playbuilder programme, visit www.brent.gov.uk, or to find out about the Playbuildergrants for play spaces and an applicationpack email [email protected] orcall 020 8937 3096. Or see the advert inThe Brent Magazine.

NOVEMBER 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE 23

Children at Chalkhill Primary School enjoy play equipment from a Mobile Play Team.


Contact the legal team at:Palis Solicitors, First Floor 157 KilburnHigh Road, London, NW6 7HU

Tel: 020 7604 3572Fax: 020 7328 9232

Email: [email protected]

Fa m i l y , H o u s i n g a n d I m m i g r a t i o n L a w S p e c i a l i s t s

Experienced advice and representation on:

Palis SolicitorsFamily Law• Divorce and family matters• Children Care Proceedings• Contact with children

Housing Law• Housing issues including

homelessness• Landlord and tenant

Immigration Law• Bail applications• Asylum applications• Immigration appeals• Immigration deportations• Judicial reviews

26 THE BRENT MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009 27NOVEMBER 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

SECREThistory

How Willesden’s wards were wonWillesden Cottage Hospitalwas founded because of thecivic spirit and dedication ofmany local Victorian citizens,as LEN SNOW explains.

Tuesday, 18 July 1893 – the great day had arrived for Willesden – its new hospital was due to be opened; this is how it happened.

By the 1890s Willesden was the fastestgrowing district in London. It had a localboard with a surveyor, Oscar ClaudeRobson, and a medical officer of health, Dr Branthwaite. Together they recognisedthat since the district came into being in1875, under the chairmanship of theformidable but well-liked George Furness,that the health of the community wasgood. But there was no hospital in thewhole area to cater for the needs of thelarge and growing population.

The local residents – then as now – sawan opportunity to help their community.A group of ladies, led by the formidablynamed Mrs Birkett Foster and encouragedby a local GP, Dr Sidney Hamilton Taylor,

set out to make the sterling efforts toraise the funds and collected about £800(about £100,000 in today’s money). Butthen things went quiet for a while.

In 1890, Dr Taylor tried to kick-start the efforts and succeeded in setting up a committee with some notable local worthies including Sir Bradford Leslie (an engineer who had built the HowrahBridge in Calcutta) became the chairmanwith local Councillor James Stewart (whoran a draper’s shop in Kilburn High Road)and Archdeacon Atlay among others.

Sadly, Dr Taylor did not live to see the success of his scheme, but with a lot of hard work from hundreds of localcitizens through fairs and bazaars and raffles and all sorts of other fund-raisingactivities, enough was raised to guaranteethe start of building the hospital. A sitewas found in Harlesden Road and leasedfrom All Soul’s College, Oxford. Architectswere appointed – brothers Newman andNewman (who would also build theWillesden Town Hall and the originalWillesden Green Library). The schemeagain ran into money problems, but wassaved by the Cornish philanthropist JohnPassmore Edwards who made a gift of

£2,000. Work now moved to a conclusionand soon the two-ward, nine-bed hospitalwith offices for a matron was ready.

Here we are at the special Tuesday. Sir Bradford left his house, Tarrangower,on Willesden Lane in his carriage with hisyoung granddaughter beside him. As hereached the new building in HarlesdenRoad a crowd of about 700 cheered theband of the West Middlesex Regimentplayed and Sir Bradford went into themarquee to great the principal guest, Miss Alice Balfour who was accompaniedby her brother, Arthur Balfour MP (later tobe prime minister).

The appropriate speeches were made andthen Miss Alice took the key from MatronFrost and declared the hospital open. Herbrother responded to the welcome to hissister and himself, the band played thenational anthem and a great day was nearly over. Willesden Cottage Hospital was officially open and ready for business.

Willesden Cottage Hospital, pictures from Brent Archive.

Len Snow’s book ‘Well Done: A Historyof Willesden Hospital’ is in BrentArchive, email [email protected] orcall 020 8937 3541.


There are over 90

vehicles available in Brent

for advertising. This is a great opportunity to promote

your products or services and receive unparalleled local coverage and frequency.

Rates start at only £70 per bus for a six week campaign. Call 020 8937 1097 or email [email protected]

Advertise on Brent buses

COMPETITIONS

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

Which team are Saracens playing on 17 November?

Send or email your answers to Wembley Stadium competition at the address below. For information onevent times visit: www.wembleystadium.com/events

Competition Terms and Conditions• Only one entry per person allowed • Prizes/tours must be redeemed within 12 months of receiving confirmation • Children under 16 must be accompanied on the Stadium Tour by an adult and have consent of their parent/guardian • No cash alternatives for any prize will be offered• Employees of Wembley Stadium and their families are not eligible toenter. Prize winners must adhere to Wembley Stadium Tour’s terms andconditions, available at www.wembleystadium.com/tours • Allprizes/tours are subject to availability and pre-booking is required.

Wembley Stadium Event Calendar Event starts

25 Oct 2009 NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers v

New England Patriots 5pm

14 November England U21s v Portugal U21s 12.30pm

17 November Saracens v South Africa 7.45pm

13 Februaury Saracens v Worchester Warriors 3pm

28 Feb 2010 Carling Cup Final TBC

3 Mar 2010 England Friendly TBC

28 Mar 2010 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy TBC

10 and 11 Apr 2010 FA Cup Semi Finals TBC

17 April Saracens v Harlequins 3pm

8 or 9 May 2010 FA Trophy / Vase TBC

15 May 2010 FA Cup Final TBC

16 May 2010 Conference Play Off TBC

22 May 2010 Championship Play Off TBC

29 May 2010 League 1 Play Off TBC

30 May 2010 League 2 Play Off TBC

28 August 2010 Rugby League Challange Cup Final TBC

Win your 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium

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

Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: (Name of Competition), The Brent Magazine, Room 9, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD or email [email protected] (add name of competition to subject line). The deadline for all competitions is Friday 13 November 2009.

Last month’s winners: Wembley Stadium: J Chauhan, G Mitchell, Gerard Martin, K Daniels

Lebara Mobile: 1st prize: Rehana Dalwai; runners up: O Perren, I Lekai, L Nicholas French, Paul Davies,

Labdhi Mehta, T Kemp, M Segall, Smita Narotam, BK Aggarwal, Naresh Patel

NOVEMBER 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE 29

The Griot's Tale competitionAuthor Ron Ramdin has intertwined Regency London with the Caribbean in his magical new novel.

‘The Griot’s Tale’ is a novel about multicultural London. It tells the story of Adamah who is a griot – a traditional storyteller in African societies. With his master, he makes the journey from the slave plantations of the Caribbean to England where he gains his freedom. The novel explores the griot’s life in Regency England as it twists and turns and he begins to reveal his special tale.

Ron Ramdin who was born in Trinidad and now lives in Brent, is the internationally known author of other books, non-fiction and fiction, visit www.ronramdin.com

We have five copies of ‘The Griot’s Tale’ to give away. To win a copy of the book, please answer this question.

What is a griot?

CHILDRENAIR CADETSMon and Thurs 7pm 406 Squadron Willesden020 8451 0406

ARTALIKESats 10am term-time; Sats10-noon ARTTEEN 7-14 £5,Kensal Rise call Wilda on07946 755 847

ART CLASSESMons, 10-11am, Thurs, 10-11am, Toddler Picassos,aged 15 months to 3Mons, 4-6pm, JuniorPicassos, aged 7-11 Weds,4.15-5pm, Mini Picassos,Station Terrace, NW1007903 638 817

BRENT YOUTH MATTERS 23 Nov 6pm Bridge ParkComplex, Hillside, NW10020 8937 3680

CHURCH LANE CHILDREN’S CENTREMons 9.30-11.30am twinsclub, 2-4pm baby club;Tues 1.30-3pm cooking9.30-noon citizens’ adviceby appointment; Weds9.15-10.45am and 11-12.30pm stay and play,dietician; Thurs 9.30-11.30am family workshopwith crèche; Friday 9.30-10.30am rhyme time andspeech therapy by appoint-ment, 9.30-noon citizens’advice by appointment,Fryent Primary School,Church Lane, Kingsbury020 8937 3890

DANIEL’S DENMons 1-3pm, Thurs 9.30-11am, 11.30-1pm, Fris9.30-11am, 11.30-1pmSt Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Ave, TokyngtonTues, 1-3pm, GladstonePark Primary School, Dollis Hill www.danielsden.org.uk

DRAMA WORKSHOPSSats 7-16 yrs DuddenhillCentre, NW10 07958 653 725

FAWOOD CHILDREN’SCENTREMons, Tues & Fris9.30-11.30am under5s pop in and play,Weds 9.30-11.30amchildminder’s network, FawoodAvenue NW10 020 8965 9334

GIRLS’ BRIGADEWeds 5.15-8.30pm for five-year-olds and upwards,Queensbury MethodistChurch, Beverley Drive07961 321 237

GOALKEEPING SCHOOLMons 6-7pm 7-11 yrs,7.15-8.15pm 12-18yrs JFS,The Mall, Kenton £5.7507931 359 323

HATHA YOGA Mons 5-8yrs 5pm, 12 weeks £42, WillesdenGreen Library07764 159 318

HERTS AND MIDDLESEXWILDLIFE TRUST8 Nov 10.30-12.30pm treesurvey in Fryent CountryPark; children must beaccompanied by parent orguardian, meet car park onFryent Way 0208 386 2502

LITTLE BEEPS MUSIC ANDMOVEMENTMons 10.30am WillesdenCommunity Hospital, Weds10.30am Salvation ArmyHarlesden, Fris 10.30amdad-led session atWillesden CommunityHospital07976 379 520

MINI PICASSOSTues 9.30-10.30am tod-dlers – 3 yrs £7 drop in,Tues 4-4.45pm 4 yrs-6 yrs£7, £8 drop in, Tues 5-6pm7yrs-11yrs £8 or £9 drop inGracelands Cafe 118College Rd NW10; MiniPicassos Art at Their Nibs,Chamberlayne Rd NW107yrs-11yrs Mons 4-5pm £8,£9 drop in

MINI-SOCCERSuns Year 3 9.45-10.45amYear 4-Year 6 10.45-12noon Uxendon ManorSchool, Vista Way,Kenton, 6 weeks £30,call George Lappas07957 229 518

MUM AND TODDLERThurs 10-noon, PrestonMall Community Centre,Kenton £2 020 8204 1148

PARENT AND BABY WALKTues, 10.30am RoundwoodPark, NW10 07958 292 524

PIONEER EXPLORERSCOUTSWeds 8-10pm for 14-18years, Stember Hall,Leighton Gardens, NW1001582 703121

SEA TRAINING CORPSThurs 7.15-9.15pm SeaPirates 7-9 yrs; Thurs 7.15-9.15pm juniors; Mons andFris 7.15-9.30pm SeaCadets; Mons and Fris7.15-9.30pm MarineCadets; youth group forboys and girls, Cool OakLane, NW9 020 8205 4492www.seacadet.org

SING AND SIGN CLASSESMon-Fri, for babies 6-18months. Willesden Green & Kensal Rise 07790 955 576

SOCCER SCHOOLSats 10am-12pm, ages 5-14. Newfield PrimarySchool, Longstone Ave,Harlesden, £28 for 5weeks. 07863 165 737

SOCCER TRAININGFris, 6-8pm, for children,first session free Capital CityAcademy, Doyle Gardens,[email protected]

WILLESDEN SURE STARTCHILDREN’S CENTREMons 1.30-3.30pm drop-innutrition, Mons 1.30-3.30pm Tues 10-noon and1.30-3pm stay, play andlearn, Weds 10.30-noonBaa Baa Babies, Thurs

and Fris 9.30-12.30am citizens’ advicebureau (appointmentonly) Fris 10-noon

parents’ talk.WillesdenCentre for

Health and CareSure StartChildren’sCentre,RobsonAvenue NW10

0208 459 7256

TREE TOPS CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Mons 10-noon childmin-ders’ network, 2.15-4.15pm stay and play; Tues10-noon healthy eaters, citizens’ advice (appoint-ment only) 1.30-4pm,under ones’ club 2-4pm;Weds 10-noon, 2-4pm stayand play, 10.30-11.30amparents’ workshops; Thurs10-noon, stay and playwith speech therapist,noon-12.30pm one-to-onewith speech therapist, 2.15-3.15pm music and move-ment, 2-4pm stay and play;Fris 9.30-noon citizens’advice (appointment only),10-noon and 2.30-4.30pmstay and play, 10-noonmeet the dietician, KingsEdward’s Park, DoyleGardens NW10 020 8838 3901

COMMUNITYACE CAFÉ7 Nov 11-4pm Split ScreenVan Club Autumn Jumble,8 Nov 10-5pm Poppy DayParade and Military VehicleMeet, 14 Nov 11-4pm UKPT Cruiser Meet, 14 Nov 8-11pm Johnny KiddTribute Night with DJ BigBeat Kris, 15 Nov 10-5pmTon Up Bike Day, 23 Nov 6-11pm Hyundai Meetwww.ace-cafe-london.com

BRAHMA KUMARIS3 Nov 7-8.45pm overcom-ing anger; 4 Nov 7-8.45pmpositive thinking course; 22, 29 Nov 2-5pm time management workshop; 19 Nov 7-8.30pm decision-making master class, Pound Lane, Willesden 020 8727 3350

BRENT MUSIC THERAPYPROJECTWeds 10-noon ChalkhillCommunity Centre 113Chalkhill Road, Wembley,07939443687www.brentmusictherapyproject.co.uk

BRENT PENSIONERSFORUM4 Nov 10-12noon BrentTown Hall 020 8998 0564

BRENT AND HARROWNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONOF WIDOWS10 Nov 8pm beetle drive;24 Nov 8pm Christmascard making; 1 DecChristmas meal out, contact Rhona, 76Marlborough Hill, Harrow020 8969 3198

GALLERY IN THE PARKMon-Fri, 9-3pm café andtraining for people withlearning disabilities,Wembley, 07833 374 696

GLAD CLUBGreater London Associationfor the Disabled, all olderand disabled people welcome. Wembley ParkUnited Reformed Church,East Lane, Wembley 020 8904 8668

MOSAICWeds, for lesbian, gay,bisexual and transgenderyoung people aged under19 07931 33668

NORTH WEST LONDONLESBIAN AND GAY GROUPMons 8.30pm, TenterdenSports Centre, Preston Road,Wembley 07941 707884

OVER 50S DISCUSSION GROUPTues 11-12.30pm TheGallery, Willesden GreenLibrary 020 8452 8739

ST MARY’S CHRISTMASBAZAAR28 Nov 12.30-4pm, StMary’s Parish Centre,Neasden Lane NW10www.stmarywillesden.org.uk

TAMIL READING GROUP14 Nov 2.30-4pm BrentTown Hall Library

CRAFTFLOWER ARRANGINGWeds, 8pm KingsburyHorticultural Association,The Pavilion, Old KentonLane Allotments 020 8205 3457

KNITTING GROUPMons, 6pm Lewis Cresent,Neasden 07775 984 316

WEMBLEY QUILTERS2nd and 4th Fris, 7.30-9.30pm, Perivale Community Centre,Horsenden Lane020 8902 9934

DANCEADULT AFRICAN DANCEWeds 7.30-8.30pm £5Willesden Sports Centre020 8955 1120

ADULT STREET DANCETues, 7.30-8.30pm, £5.15New Bridge Park Complex020 8937 3730

AMZAINA DANCESuns 1-2pm, Bollywoodand street style, EnergieHealth and Fitness,Wembley Point HarrowRoad 07943 158 105

ARGENTINEAN TANGO Thurs, 7.30-9pm, beginners, 9-11pm TheCricklewood Pub, NW2www.corrientessocialclub.co.uk

BELLY DANCE Tues 8.30-10pm NY PilatesStudio, Lonsdale Rd NW6020 7372 3490Mons 7.30-8.30pm, FitnessFirst Wembley, Fris 7-8pmat Energie Wembley£6 members, £7 non members 07855 362 849www.hayaam.com

CLUB CEROCTues 8-11pm Brent TownHall, Wembleywww.clubceroc.com

LATIN STAMPWeds 7-9pm £6/£4 UnityCommunity Centre ChurchRoad, NW10, Fris 7-10pm£6/£4 Preston MallCommunity Centre, TheMall, Preston Hill, salsa,soca, reggaeton classes07779 591 086

LINE DANCING

Fris 6.15-7.15pm, free,beginners, ChalkhillCommunity Centre, 113Chalkhill Road, Wembley020 8976 1099Weds 8-9.30pm, £4.50, StJosephs Social Club,Wembley 020 8907 7374

MAMBO CITYMons, 7.30-8.30pm CubanSalsa £6 St Joseph’s SocialClub, Empire Way,Wembley [email protected]

SALSAFris 7.30-8.30pm WillesdenSports Centre Thurs 8.15-9.30pm £4.50, Vale FarmSports Centre 07961 281 989

TIMEout

30

What’s going on…The essential guide to music, drama, sport, workshops and much more. Find out what’s going on in Brent during November 2009. To get your event listed [email protected] or telephone 020 8937 1068.

THE BRENT MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009

From Chalkhill to the Welsh Harp(see Exhibitions)

James Morrison(see Music)

TIMEout

BRENT MUSEUM WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARYHigh Road, NW10020 8937 3600THE BRENT ARCHIVEIst Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10020 8937 3541 [email protected] THE PAUL DAISLEY HALLForty Lane, Wembley, Middx HA9Box Office 020 8937 6206/6203THE STABLES GALLERY ARTS CENTREGladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane, London NW2 020 8452 8655Thursday – Sunday 11am-6pm TRICYCLE THEATRE CINEMA AND GALLERY269 Kilburn High Road,London NW6Theatre Box Office 020 7328 1000Cinema Box Office 020 7328 1900Disabled access to auditorium andcafe induction loop in auditorium Minicom 020 7625 5105WEMBLEY ARENABox Office 0870 060 0870www.livenation.co.uk/wembley

Barham Park Library Harrow Road, Sudbury, Middx 020 8937 [email protected] Library152 Olive Road NW2 020 8937 [email protected] Road Library Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 [email protected] LibraryCraven Park Road, Harlesden,London NW10 020 8937 [email protected] Rise Library Bathurst Gardens, NW10 020 8937 [email protected] LibrarySalusbury Road, London NW6 020 8937 [email protected] Library PlusKingsbury Road, Kingsbury,London NW9 020 8937 [email protected] Library 277 Neasden Lane, London NW1020 8937 [email protected] Road Library Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 [email protected] Library Monks Park, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 [email protected] Hall LibraryBrent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middx 020 8937 [email protected] Green LibraryHigh Road, Willesden, London NW10 020 8937 [email protected]

VENUES

LIBRARIES

31

SALSA AND KAZOMBAThurs, 8pm class, 9pm-midnight dancing £5 ClubCasa Nossa, NW1007723 696 318

SCOTTISH COUNTRYDANCINGMons 8-10pm, £2 YouthCentre, Church of theAscension, Wembley 020 3078 0018

SELF EXPRESSIVE DANCETues 8-9.30pm, £7.50, HolyInnocents Church Hall,Bacon Lane 020 8205 6751

TEA DANCEMons & Weds, 1.30-4.30pm, £3, Brent TownHall, Wembley 020 8937 6206

DRAMACHAMELEONS Mons and Thurs 8pm,amateur dramatics NeasdenMethodist Church, NW1007968 965 038

DRAMA WORKHOUSETues & Weds 8-10pm, adultworkshops, Dudden HillCentre, NW10 07958 653 725

EAST LANE THEATRE CLUB12-14 18-21 Nov 7.45pm‘Trespass’ by Emlyn Williamsseats £9 box office 07762 622 215

MADHATTERSWeds 8pm amateur dramatics, Stables ArtsCentre, Gladstone Park 26-29 Nov 8pm ‘Gismo’ byAlan Ayckbourn seats £9box office 020 8452 5239

TRICYCLE THEATREUntil 19 Dec ‘Not Black andWhite’ season of plays byblack playwrights on UKtoday; including ‘CategoryB’ by Roy Williams, ‘Seizethe Day by Kwame Kwei-Armah, ‘Detaining Justice’by Bola Agbaje; family the-atre: 7 Nov ‘The Ice-CreamMan and the Jelly Incident’14 Nov ‘Not Such An UglyDuckling’, 21 Nov ‘TheAdventures of Pinnochio’,28 Nov ‘The Snow Queen’020 7328 1000www.tricycle.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENTCATWEAZLE CLUBTues, 8pm live performanceof music, poetry, song;Paradise, 19 KilburnLane £5 www.catweazleclub.org

ENVIRONMENTBARN HILL CONSERVATIONGROUP1 Nov 10am hedgerow andpath work in Newlands,Warrens and Homefieldmeet at Bush Farm; 8 Nov10am Beane Hill, meetFryent Country Parkentrance; 15 Nov 10amconservation of grasslandand ant hills, meet Barn Hillparking bay; 22 Nov 10amhedgerows and ponds in atWarrens, Meade andGoldringe, meet in FryentWay car park lay-by; 29Nov 10am Beane Hill, meetFryent Country Parkentrance 020 8206 0589

BRENT FRIENDS OF THE EARTH10 Nov 7.30pm, Labourand Trades Hall, 375 HighRoad, NW10 07793 244 408

FARMERS’ MARKETSuns, 10-2pm, SalusburyRoad, School, Queens Parkwww.lfm.org.uk

KENSAL RISE MARKET Sats, 10-5pm, outsideMinkie’s Deli,Chamberlayne Road,NW10 07807 057 808

KINGSBURY WALKERSWeds 1.55pm, Meet BushFarm, Slough Lane andSalmon Street junction.020 8907 2836

ROE GREEN WALLEDGARDENTues, Thurs, Sats 10-2.30pm gardening andwildlife work in the garden,organised by Barn HillConservation Group020 8206 0589

WEMBLEY NATIONALTRUST3rd Thurs in month,7.30pm St John’s Church,Crawford Avenue,Wembley 020 8904 5940

WELSH HARP CONSERVATION GROUP8 Nov 10am autumn walkto see the first winter visitors 020 8447 1810

EXHIBITIONSBRENT MUSEUMUntil 3 Jan 2010‘UnderstandingContemporary Art’ modernart explained with worksfrom south Asia, BrentMuseum, first floor gallery;17 Nov 6-8pm ‘You’re the

Artist’ workshop onmixing colours and using

unusual textures WillesdenGreen Library Centre, 95

High Road, NW10 020 8937 3600www.brent.gov.uk/museum

BRENT ARTISTS RESOURCEUntil 13 Nov ‘Values’curated by Edward Bettellaten artists explore whatthey hold dear in painting,sculpture and photography;until 13 Nov ‘LifeTransitions’ show curatedby Sarah Harris on lifechanges Willesden GreenLibrary, High Road 020 8459 1421www.brentartistsresource.org.uk

FROM CHALKHILL TO THEWELSH HARP2-21 Nov changing historyof Kingsbury and Neasdensince the 1920s in picturesand text, Brent Town HallLibrary, Forty Lane,Wembley 020 8937 3500

STABLES GALLERYUntil 8 Nov ‘Painting’ byJohn Field; from 12 NovBrent Camera Club members’ work GladstonePark, Dollis Hill Lane, 020 8452 8655

LOCAL HISTORYWEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY20 Nov 7.30pm ‘176 Yearsof the Oxford Movement’by Father John Smith; StAndrew’s, Church Lane,Kingsbury 020 8205 3263

WILLESDEN HISTORY SOCIETY18 Nov 7.30pm ‘Eric Simmsand the Bird Life of DollisHill’ by Cathy Mercer; ScoutHouse, Strode Road NW10020 8965 7230 [email protected]

MEETINGSBRENT COUNCIL AREAFORUMS3 Nov 7pm Wembley AreaForum, Patidar House, 22London Road, Wembley020 8937 1055

MUSICACE CAFÉ4 Nov 6-11pm Hot RodNight with DJ Little Carl, 5Nov 6-11pm -Mod n MiniNight with DJ Little Dianewww.ace-café-london.com

GUITAR LESSONSMon-Thurs, Kensal Risecontact Udi 07528 016 583www.udiguitar.com

JAZZSuns 8-10pm, Hugo’s,Lonsdale Road, Queen’sPark www.jazz7.co.uk 020 7372 1232

WEMBLEY ARENA1 Nov 7.30pm Green Day,6 Nov Fleetwood Mac8pm; 14,15 Nov Kasabian7.30pm; 27 Nov JamesMorrison, Arena Square,Engineers Way, Wembleywww.livenation.co.uk

WEMBLEY OPERATIC SOCIETY11-14 Nov 7.30pm, Satmatinee 2.30pm ‘CalamityJane’ Winston ChurchillTheatre, Ruislip box officeopens 1 October tickets£13, £11, £8 07983 103 444

SPORTS & LEISUREAEROBICSWeds, 8-9pm, £4 FatherO’Callaghan Centre, HayLane, Kingsbury 07861 377 214

ATLANTIS SWIMMINGCLUBWeds, Wykeham PrimarySchool, Thurs, Grove ParkSchool, adults & children07958 422 660

BRENT DOLPHINSTues, Weds, Fris, Suns,Willesden Sports Centre,Mons, Thurs, Suns, ValeFarm Sports Centre, children’s swimming club07805 611 956 [email protected]

BRENT PARK WALKSGroup walks around parksto keep fit, call SportsService 020 8937 3707

BRIDGEFris pm Dennis JacksonCentre, London Road 020 8902 5331

BRONDESBURY BOWLING CLUBEvenings and daytimeincluding free tuition,Chatsworth Road 0208 438 0302

BROTHERS PEARSE CAMOGIE CLUBLadies hurling club, beginners and experiencedplayers welcome, contactMary Cahill 07904 685 276www.brospearsecamogielondon.com

CENTURY BOWLS CLUBDaily indoor and outdoorbowls, new members welcome free coachingavailable, all-weather green,social actitivities, LoganRoad, Wembley 020 8904 3261

CHINESE KICKBOXINGSats, 3-5pm, WillesdenSports Centre, DonningtonRoad, 07835 244 398www.wushukwan.com

CREATIVE MEDITATIONFris 7-8pm beginners toexperienced; BrahamKumaris, Pound Lane,Willesden 020 8727 3350

WOMEN’S FUN FITNESS CLASSTues 8-9pm KingsburyBaptist Church hall, SloughLane, NW9 £4 07944 523 260

GEMINI SWIMMING CLUBFor adults and children withdisabilities. Gemini Pool,Kingsbury. Call Jean on 020 8452 6912.

KEEP FITThurs, 7-8pm keep fit topop, R&B, house music,£1.50 Chalkhill CommunityCentre, Wembley 07947 451 525

KEEP FIT WHILE U SITMons 1.30-3.30pm.Improve joint mobility,muscle strength and flexibility, £4, first visit free.Queensbury MethodistChurch, Beverley Drive. 020 8537 0229

PRESTON PARK BOWLS CLUBNew members welcome,free coaching and loan ofbowls Preston ParkRecreation Ground, CarltonAvenue East 020 89339358 020 8427 1590

QUEENS PARK HARRIERSTues & Thurs 7-8pm,Willesden Sport Centrewww.queensparkharriers.org.uk

SUDBURY COURT BADMINTON CLUBThurs 8-10pm, The Mall,Kingsbury 020 8904 6698

TAEKWONDOTues 6-9pm, Thurs 6-7.30pm, Ealing RoadMethodist Church 07832 447 763

TAG RUGBYSuns 11am, training for 7-11yrs, boys & girls,Gladstone Park, KendalRoad entrance KilburnCosmos RFC 07971 475 240

TAI CHITues, 6.30-9pm beginners8-9.30pm advanced,Islamia School, SalusburyRoad, NW6 07939 043 580 Weds 1.30-2.30pm, 55 yrsand over, beginners £2,Fitness First, Kingsbury07957 185 367

WEMBLEY TENNIS CLUBCoaching and playing, ValeFarm, Sudbury Avenue,opposite Rustic Place. To join call 020 8429 2289for coaching call 07515 882 832


Fleetwood Mac (see Music)

The SnowQueen (see Drama)

1THE BRENT MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2009xx

The Brent Magazine issue 96 November 2009

Documents

Transcript of The Brent Magazine issue 96 November 2009