TheBrentMagazineIssue no.150 Winter 2016/2017

Free for people who live and work in Brent

www.Brent.gov.uk

This is the large print edition ofThe Brent Magazine produced forpeople with visual impairment.If you have comments on howit could be improved, or if youwould like a copy on audio tapeplease contact 020 8937 1062.

150th

BUMPER

EDITION

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News 6A round up of the latest news in Brent

It’s TBM’S 150th edition 20We look back through our archives

Dollis Hill award winners 22Campbell Gordon Way love where they live

The future is fast 24Brent’s high speed hub station

Pet project 26We pay a visit to theMayhew Animal Home

On location in Brent 30Behind the scenes of filming in Brent

New year, new you 35Meet our inspirational Activweight residents

Brent Outreach team 38 Helping people sleeping rough in Brent

Our day 40What the council gets up to in 24 hours

It’s Panto time 42Beauty and the Beast comes to Kenton

Just married 44Meet the council’s Registrar

All the world’s a stage 45Six new theatre venues launched

Landlord licensing 46

Should we extend private rental licensing?

Spotlight on mental health 48 Blogger Keith Dube speakshis mind

Could you foster? 55Meet the foster carer making a difference

Clean and green at Christmas 57 Handy recycling tips for the holiday season

Your benefits are being cut 59Will the benefit cuts affect you?

Find your home 61Find accommodation outside London

Arts and culture 62Theatre, opera, music and more

What’s on 68Classes, fitness and opportunities near you

THE GLOVES ARE OFF 74Straight talking from boxer Ashley Theopane

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It’s that time of year again: theweather has turned cold, we’rewrapped up in scarves and glovesand wondering where the past yearhas gone.In the past few weeks, our Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communitieshave celebrated Diwali, our Jewishcommunity is set to enjoy Hanukkahand our Christian community islooking forward to celebratingChristmas.For all of us, regardless of faith,this is a time of year when we enjoyquality time with our families,friends and loved ones.If, like me, you’ll be venturing outto stock up on food and presentsfor the festive season – why not visitone of our fantastic local highstreets? You can enjoy free weekendparking at eight of our local carparks, making it cheaper and easierto get those last minute supplieswhile supporting our localbusinesses.There are lots of benefits toshopping locally. Not only can youfind a really unique gift forsomeone special, or capture thatauthentic food or flavour, but it also

helps to protect and create localjobs for local people.This is so important, especially inhelping our young people findwork. To help them intoemployment, we’ve recentlylaunched our Brent Works apprenticeships service. As well assupporting the first step on thecareer ladder, the new service isoffering jobs where young peoplecan get practical experience whilestudying for a nationally recognisedqualification.These apprenticeships also helpensure that local businesses in Brenthave the workforce they need, withthe right skillset, right on theirdoorsteps. If you know someonewho could benefit from our appren-ticeship scheme, they can find outmore on the Brent Council websiteat www.brent.gov.ukFrom everyone at Brent Council, I’d like to wish you a very MerryChristmas and a prosperous New Year.

Councillor Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council

Support local traders this winter

The Brent Magazine

Issue 150

Winter 2016/2017

Large print edition Published by the London Borough of Brent, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJThe London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goodsor services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does notimply recommendation by the council of any goods or services advertised.Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and othernewspapers and magazines.

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Top comedian hosts‘Day of People withDisabilities’ Actress and comedian FrancescaMartinez compered Brent Council’sInternational Day of Disability atthe beginning of December. The theme of the day was‘Achieving Goals for the Future WeWant’ and aimed to increaseunderstanding of the barriers facingpeople with disabilities andpromote participation and inclusion.

Cap placed onmore bookies, take-aways andloan centresA new development blueprint,which aims to protect pubs andplace a cap on betting shops andpayday loan shops in town centres,has been agreed by Brent Council. The development managementplan also seeks to restrict newtakeaways and shisha cafes fromopening close to schools. CllrKrupesh Hirani, Cabinet Member forCommunity Wellbeing said: “Thispolicy helps contribute to thecouncil’s health and well-beingstrategy, in particular to addresschildhood obesity and, in the caseof shisha, the uptake of youngpeople smoking.”

Prince’s movingtribute to war deadThe Duke of Cambridge was inBrent last month to pay tribute tothose who lost their lives in theFirst and Second World Wars andsee how those lives were beingremembered in the borough. His Royal Highness, Prince William,visited Willesden New Cemetery tosee the work of “Living Memory”, aCommonwealth War GravesCommission project that aims toencourage communities to discovertheir local war graves andmemorials, explore the storiesbehind the names of those whogave their lives in wartime andremember their sacrifice. Cllr ParvezAhmed, Mayor of Brent, said: “Itwas an honour to welcome HisRoyal Highness to Brent and joinwith him in remembering thosewho gave their lives for this countryin the First and Second World Wars.“Too often we all take for grantedthe sacrifice they made, whichregardless of the passing of time,should never be forgotten.”

News Update

Sport and TV starAde Adepitan visitsKingsburyParalympic star and TV presenter,Ade Adepitan, visited Kingsburylast month to spend time at BrentCouncil’s short breaks centre inGrove Park.Adepitan is an accomplishedwheelchair basketball player and amember of team GB that won thebronze medal at the 2004 SummerParalympics in Athens and the goldmedal at the 2005 Paralympic WorldCup in Manchester. The centre, which is named afterAdepitan, is for local children andyoung people aged 5-18, withprofound and multiple learningdifficulties, complex health needs,physical disabilities and autisticspectrum disorders. Cllr Wilhelmina Mitchell Murray,Cabinet Member for Children andYoung People, who accompaniedAde to the centre, said: “My visit tothe centre reminded me why Ibecame a councillor; to provideyoung people like those who usethe centre with fantastic facilities tospend time and be given the toolsto reach their full potential.”

Have your say oncouncil housing12,000 council tenants andleaseholders are being invited togive their views on a proposal tobring the management of councilhousing in the borough back underdirect council control. Brent Council’s Cabinet agreed tohold a 12-week consultation on theproposal to bring the service backin-house after considering thechallenges presented by thegovernment’s housing reforms andconcerns raised with theperformance of Brent HousingPartnership, who currently managethe council’s housing stock. The results of the consultation willbe considered by Cabinet who willmake a final decision on futurehousing management servicearrangements early next year. Formore information, visitwww.brent.gov.uk

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Calais childrefugees welcomedChild refugees who had been livingin the refugee camp in Calais, havebeen housed in Brent. Eight children in total werereunited with their relatives in theborough or placed under the careof the council. Cllr WilhelminaMitchell Murray, Cabinet Memberfor Children and Young People,said: “I am extremely proud thathere in Brent we are continuing toplay our part, providing support forthose most in need. “Our borough, which is the mostculturally diverse in the country, hasalways welcomed people fromacross the world. “Despite the ongoing cuts to localgovernment funding, we hope thatother local authorities will followthe example set in Brent.” Brent currently has around 150unaccompanied asylum-seekingchildren in its care, the fourthhighest in London. Cllr Mitchell Murray added: “If youare a resident who would like tooffer your support to refugees,please get in touch with thecouncil.”

King of the MOBOswins top gongMOBO founder, Kanya King MBEwho was born and raised in Brentwas presented with the ‘MediaPioneer’ of the year award at thisyear’s Women in Music Awards. On receiving her award, King said:“I’ve dedicated my life tocelebrating the excellence of others,so it’s humbling to receive thisaward. To any young female, I would say, ‘Don’t strive to be aperson of success, but a person of merit.’”

Street tradersniffed outA rogue perfume street trader fromWillesden has been ‘sniffed out’and given a heavy fine by Brent’sMagistrates Court. Paul Hunter, 59was caught on 16 differentoccasions selling without a streettrading licence. The council’s Trading Standardsteam smelled a rat when theydiscovered Mr Hunter hadpurchased goods from local shops,repackaged them as gifts and wasselling them for £15. He was finedmore than £2,300 and given aCriminal Behaviour Order banninghim from unlawful street trading inBrent.

Hands are not forhurtingA pledge committing to opposeviolence against women and girlshas been signed by Councilmembers and the Chief Executive.The event, aimed at tackling gangrelated domestic abuse in Brent,was held in November and was partof national White Ribbon Dayactivities. White Ribbon Day is the annualcampaign to urge men and boys topledge never to commit, condone orremain silent about violence againstwomen. For more information, visitwww.brent.gov.uk

Free parking forChristmas shoppersin 8 local car parksShoppers in Brent will be able topark for free on the weekendsleading up to Christmas in eight carparks across Brent. Car parks on Elm Road, KingsburyRoad, Preston Road, Salusbury Road,Lonsdale Avenue, Neasden TownCentre, St John’s Road andWendover Road will be open tomotorists to park for free on 10-11and 17-18 December. In addition, allcouncil car parks will be free onChristmas Eve, Christmas Day andBoxing Day, to manage demand andprovide an alternative to on-streetparking. www.brent.gov.uk/parking

It’s time to talkabout extremismAn expert panel featuringacademics and community figurestook part in a special question timeevent on the issue of tackling allforms of extremism. Chaired by Hassan Mujtaba fromthe London Tigers youthdevelopment charity, the event waspart of the Council’s wider ‘It’s Timeto Talk’ campaign which aims toempower residents and communityleaders to talk about difficult issuesand work together with theauthorities to tackle them. After theQ&A, workshops were held to drivecommunity-led solutions to theissues raised. For more information, visit

www.brent.gov.uk/itstimetotalk

Young people takeover the council...for a dayIn late November, young peoplefrom six schools across Brent gotthe chance to take over the Councilfor the day. From regeneration andgrowth to schools effectiveness andgang crime, Brent’s young peoplehad their say on the big issuesfacing their generation.

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Living Wage goesup to £9.75An increase in the London LivingWage has been welcomed in theborough, as the bid to get moreemployers to pay their staff theLiving Wage continues. The new London Living Wage of£9.75 per hour has been calculatedas the minimum amount a personneeds to earn to afford a basicstandard of living in London. CllrRoxanne Mashari, Brent Council’sCabinet Member for Regeneration,Growth, Employment and Skills,said: “Many Brent businesses havealready gained their Living Wageaccreditation, but there is more todo to ensure that a fair day’s workequals a fair pay.” Brent Counciloffers a business rates discountscheme for Living Wage employers.www.brent.gov.uk/livingwage

Fireworks go offwith a bangMore than 18,000 people streamedinto Wembley Park to take part inthis year’s spectacular fireworkscelebration on November 6, despitethe wintry weather. The free, family friendly event –which was sponsored by WembleyPark this year – was buzzing withlive street music, incredibleperformance artists, and an array ofdelicious food stalls.

Primary schools puttheir best footforwardThe Daily Mile, a simple, butpopular well-being routine, hasbeen introduced at seven of Brent’sprimary schools – and more areconsidering taking it up. It involves pupils taking 15 minutesout of class to walk, jog or run amile around their playgrounds,sports facilities or nearby areas,each day. Speaking about theinitiative, Cllr Krupesh Hirani,Cabinet Member for CommunityWellbeing, said: “As well as helpingchildren’s fitness, it also helpsengagement and attainment inclasses, boosting friendships andconfidence – and it is also takeslearning outside.” For more information visit

www.brent.gov.uk/heartbeats

Game of clonesA man caught selling fake DVDs ofpopular TV series, includingBreaking Bad and Game Of Thrones,was prosecuted by Brent TradingStandards. Mr Gupta pleaded guilty totrademark and money launderingoffences.

London Mayorquizzed inWembleyThe Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan,was quizzed about a range ofissues as he chose Brent for his firstPeople’s Question Time event inNovember.Hundreds of residents from acrossLondon flocked to the Brent CivicCentre to hear the Mayor answerquestions on a range of topics fromtransport, housing and hate crimeto female genital mutilation, inwardinvestment, Brexit and poor airquality. Cllr Muhammed Butt, BrentCouncil Leader, said: “It wasfantastic to welcome the Mayor ofLondon to the Brent Civic Centre forhis first People’s Question Time andeven better to have a packed hallfull of residents asking challengingand thought provoking questions. “Of course London has it’schallenges just like any other citybut it is the greatest city on earthand we in Brent will play our part inworking closely with the Mayor todeliver our shared priorities.”.

Dr Loan Shark fromKenton sentencedA Kenton-based doctor has receiveda 10 month suspended prisonsentence and been ordered tocomplete 120 hours of unpaid workafter a court found him guilty ofbeing a loan shark.49-year-old Dr Arjan DamjibhaiSavani, a Consultant at CentralMiddlesex and Northwick ParkHospitals in Harrow, pleaded guiltyto two counts of illegal moneylending. “Often when people think of loansharks, they think of big, burly localgangsters but they can be anybody,even people in respectable jobs,”said Simon Legg, of Brent TradingStandards. “This case shows that loan sharksare being brought to justice, so ifyou suspect someone of being aloan shark, call the Illegal MoneyLending Team on 0300 555 2222.”

Willesden Templelights up for DiwaliDiwali is the celebration of hope,love and light. Hindus all aroundthe world take part in thesebeautiful festivities. At WillesdenTemple, the local devotees havebrought a bit of sparkle by sharingthe festive season with the wholecommunity

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Council set to payfor extra beatpolice officers inBrent More police officers could take tothe streets of the borough afterBrent Council’s Cabinet gave theirapproval to a new funding initiativewith the Metropolitan Police lastmonth. Under the agreement, Brent willcontribute around £400,000 to helpfund 12 extra police officers in theborough through the MetPatrol Plusscheme, who will then be deployedto tackle Brent’s crime hotspots. Cllr Tom Miller, Brent Council’sCabinet Member for StrongerCommunities, said: “These 12 additional police officerswill be a high profile deterrent toanyone involved in criminal orantisocial behaviour. Brent Councilwill continue to work hard with thepolice to ensure our community is asafe and welcoming place to live.”The scheme, which is subject to

Full Council approval in February,will complement the introduction ofnew camera body suits worn bypolice officers. Brent is the secondborough in London to introducepolice-worn cameras. Around 500 body worn videodevices will be in use across all

front-line officers, which whenactivated will flash and beep. Thefootage from the body camera isautomatically uploaded to secureservers once the device has beendocked and flagged for use asevidence at court or otherproceedings. Cllr Miller added: “Research hasshown that the use of body wornvideo cameras can help to preventcrime in diffusing difficult situationswhile also providing strongerevidence which can lead to moresuccessful prosecutions in our fightagainst crime.”

Hollywood legendMorgan Freemanvisits Queen’s ParkmosqueOscar winner Morgan Freemanvisited the Al-Khoei Islamic Mosquein Queen’s Park recently as part ofhis documentary series on differentfaiths called The Story of God withMorgan Freeman. The actor spent three hours at theChevening Road Mosque speakingto its members, and took part in theholy day Ashura Ceremony. Thedocumentary will air on NationalGeographic in January.

Strictly the best –Kenton teacherdances away withawardStrictly Come Dancing’s BrendanCole presented Kenton’s very ownJashu Vekaria with the 2016 Teacherof the Year award at UxendonManor Primary School recently. Brendan swapped the ballroom forthe classroom when he surprisedStrictly fan Jashu during class andeven took the award winningteacher for a ‘quick step’. When Mrs Vekaria arrived atUxendon Manor, the percentage ofchildren who achieved Level 4+ inreading, writing and maths at theend of Key Stage 2 was 64%. Year on year this figure rose underher influence with it currentlystanding at 93%. Mrs Vekaria was nominated forthe award by Mr Jon Parry, Headteacher of the school. He said:“Jashu is an exceptional teacherwho really does go the extra milefor our pupils. She’s not afraid totackle any task, from deliveringfantastic results and giving ourpupils one-on-one tailored help, to organising lunch time and afterschool clubs. I’ve even seen herhoovering the school at times!” A pupil of Mrs Vekaria’s, said: “I think I can do anything nowbecause I am more confident than

I used to be. I love Maths becauseMrs Vekaria makes it fun.” Cllr Wilhelmina Mitchell Murray,Cabinet Member for Children andYoung People, said: “We are verylucky to have Mrs Vekaria workingat one of our local schools.”

Star of The Chaselaunches tech busat Wembley schoolBrent based technology company‘Fresh’ have come up with a way totake technology such as VirtualReality and 3D printing to schoolsfor free. They officially launched The IDEASBus, an American style school busfilled with the latest technology, atOakington Manor Primary School inWembley with help from ShaunWallace, star of popular TV showThe Chase.

Fly tipperspenalisedLancaster Retail Ltd was foundguilty of illegally dumping a largeamount of waste in a service roadat the rear of 73 CricklewoodBroadway and fined just under£2000. Two other businesses received £400fixed penalty notices for illegalrubbish dumping.

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The Good Ship sailson as it keeps late-night licenceA popular live music venue whereAdele, Kate Nash and The XX allhoned their acts, has kept its late-night licence, after review of thepremises was called for by thepolice. The licence for The Good Ship onKilburn High Road was called-in forreview by the police who raisedconcerns at the number of incidentsoccurring after 2am in and aroundthe venue, as well as the securitythat the pub had in place. Bar owner John McCooke toldBrent Council’s licencing committeethat an earlier closing and last entrytime on those days would make thebusiness unviable, forcing the live-music venue on Kilburn High Roadto close. The Good Ship had reduced itsclosing time to 3am, which willremain, and agreed to take steps toensure pub-goers are kept safe,including the introduction of betterCCTV, ID scanners and new securityteam. Brent Council’s licencingcommittee also agreed with the pubthat a last entry time of 1.30am wasnecessary to help the businesssurvive.

Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Memberfor Stronger Communities, said:“This is a common-sense outcomethat helps support our local businessand the London night-timeeconomy, whilst making sure thatthose enjoying nightlife in Kilburnare not put in harm’s way.”

Tackling socialisolation near youSocial Isolation Brent Initiative (SIBI)was established to address isolationin the local community and withthe arrival of winter, isolation canoften get worse. If you or someoneyou know is at risk of feelingisolated or lonely, the SIBI project ishere to help. Mabel’s* husband died two yearsago and she has no children. After afew months on her own and a kneeproblem which restricts her mobility,depression set in. After contactingSIBI, Mabel (63) was told aboutWillesden Sports Centre whichoffers free swimming for over 60s.She now also attends IT classes, hasmade friends with other SIBI clientsand is making excellent progress. To find out more or to spare sometime to volunteer with SIBI contactsibi@cvsbrent.org.uk*name has been changed toprotect identity

Council budget –have your say...Six years of budget cuts by centralgovernment has meant BrentCouncil has needed to find newways to maintain services, withsome very difficult decisions madealong the way. Despite growingdemand for local services from anincreasing and ageing population,the funding that Brent receivesfrom the government will be cuteven further, with a proposedcouncil tax rise of 3.99 per cent tohelp plug the gap and protectservices."Imagine your household billswent up every year, but your salarykept being cut. You would have tomake some tough choices and findnew ways to make your money gofurther,” says Cllr Muhammed Butt,Leader of Brent Council. "We know how important ourlocal services are to the people ofBrent which is why, rather thancutting back on those vital services,the option of raising incomethrough a small council tax increaseto protect these services is beingconsidered. "The choice we face in Brent isthis: will we pay a bit extra eachmonth to keep our services availableto those who need them, or will welet the Government cuts furtherlimit the services we can provide?Have your say by visiting

www.brent.gov.uk/budget

Housing fraudsterin Kensal Rise feelsthe heat after gascheckA man from Willesden has beenfound guilty of illegally sub-lettinghis Brent Housing Partnership flatby Brent Magistrates Court.Mr Harry Lambert (38) was notpresent for a gas check and theillegal sub-tenant allowed a gasengineer into the one-bedroomcouncil property in ChamberlayneMansions, Kensal Rise. The case was investigated andbrought to court by Brent Council’sInvestigation Team who obtainedevidence to show that Mr Lamberthad been unlawfully subletting theproperty for the past three years. Mr Lambert pleaded guilty todishonestly sub-letting his councilproperty under the Prevention ofSocial Housing Fraud Act 2013 andwas sentenced to a 12 week curfewand fined £9,276. Councillor Harbi Farah, CabinetMember for Housing, said: "Withcouncil properties in such highdemand, it is completelyunacceptable that some individualsare trying to break the law forpersonal gain. The council propertycan now be offered back to localresidents who genuinely need it."

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TFL set to alterpopular 112 busroute Transport for London (TfL) isproposing to make changes to a busroute used by over 2,000 peopleevery day between Ealing Broadwayand Brent Cross Shopping Centre.The changes would mean the 112 –running via Madeley Road – wouldsee three new bus stops built there,but the service would no longer runin Hanger Lane, Uxbridge Road, TheMall and The Broadway. Find outmore www.tfl.gov.uk

Crack down closescrack-houseA Stonebridge home being used fordrug dealing has been closed downby Brent Council and the Police. Aclosure notice issued by WillesdenMagistrates Court on 17 Novemberended anti-social behaviour andnuisance suffered by local residentsin Mordaunt Road.

Thumbs up forenvironmentalservices 80% of residents are satisfied withthe council’s recycling and wastecollection service, while 81% ofresidents are happy with their localpark, and 71% of residents arehappy with the overall streetcleaning service, according to tworecent surveys.

Junior parkruncomes to Queen’sPark Children aged from 4-14 can nowtake part in a FREE 2km timed runin Queen’s Park every Sundaystarting on 11 December. Registerfor a barcode atwww.parkrun.org.uk/register

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From our first issue in 1998 to thisone, we are extremely proud to callBrent home and hope you, ourreaders, continue to enjoy ourunique mix of news, views,features, competitions, arts andculture and what’s on. We’re continuing to grow andimprove the only magazinededicated to covering all thingsBrent. Over the past 18 years, we’veinterviewed a host of famouspeople from GMTV’s Mr Motivatorand One Foot in the Grave starRichard Wilson to Olympic Goldmedallist Audley Harrison, BoneyM’s Liz Mitchell and more recentlyTottenham and England forwardHarry Kane. And it’s not just the celebs thathave kept you reading. 47 per centof Brent residents said they gettheir news from The BrentMagazine. We’re now reachingmore than 300,000 residents andbusinesses in the borough with ourprint version while our digitaledition gets more than 2,000 viewsevery month.

We want to hear your ideas orstories so if you have a suggestionfor something we could coversimply email us at:tbm@brent.gov.uk or for advertisingenquiries email:advertising@brent.gov.uk With more than 100,000 copiesdistributed quarterly to localhouseholds, libraries, leisure centresand businesses, The Brent Magazineis the go-to publication for Brentresidents and reaches more than320,000 local people.

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The Campbell Gordon WayResidents’ Association are one ofonly six communities in London towin the gold award in the ‘OurCommunity’ category of the Londonin Bloom awards. The project has also done muchmore than just improve the area’sappearance according to Bernard,who is also a Brent CommunityChampions Award recipient. He said, “It’s a very multiculturalneighbourhood with people fromall over the world living here, andbefore hardly anyone talked to each

other. But now it’s a really greatcommunity and everyone is reallygetting along. We’ve even inspiredoverseas relatives of our neighboursto start their neighbourhoodinitiatives, in places as far-flung asMumbai and Egypt.” The awards celebrate the efforts oflocal authorities, community groupsand schools across London whowork tirelessly to make their localarea a safer, cleaner, greener andall-round better place to be.

Bernie Fitzpatrick and his 30greenfingered neighbours(including 15 children from ages 3-15 years) have joined forces toimprove the appearance ofCampbell Gordon Way and arecelebrating winning the top prize inthe esteemed London in Bloomawards, for the third year in a row. “We’re all over the moon with thehat trick,” said Bernie. “This is ourfifth year in London in Bloom andwe’ve improved from four stars in2012 and 2013 to five stars in 2014,2015 and again this year.” Explaining how it all started,Bernie said: “After the recession, myhours reduced at work and I foundmyself with extra time on my hands.I decided to take up gardening andplant some flowers outside myhome. My garden got bigger andbigger and my neighbours startedto take notice. I encouraged themto start planting and make theirgardens nice too. If they bought theflowers I would help with theplanting and show them what to do– and the rest is history.”

As well as winning the five starsagain this year, The CampbellGordon Way residents’ associationalso achieved gold in London inBloom’s new ‘Our Community’award. “One of the criteria for a 5-star‘our community’ award is that youhave to inspire, and we have,”Bernie said. “We want to inspireother communities in Brent to dowhat we are doing. We aren’t incompetition with each other. Youcan have as many gold communitiesas possible. For example Kingstonand Chelsea go home with 25awards whereas we take home theonly awards in Brent. I just want tosay ‘come on Brent!’ take pride inwhere you live. The community will get involved itjust takes one person to be thedriving force and get it up andrunning.” “The community arestarting to see what can beachieved and the Torah TemimahJewish primary school has evenasked me to help the kids work ongardening patches!”

Cleaner and greener

It’s bloomin’ marvellous inaward-winning Dollis Hill Residents who love where they live in Dollis Hill arekeeping Brent in bloom with a string of prestigious awards

1. Report illegally dumped rubbish on the Cleaner Brent smartphone app. Download the app at www.brent.gov.uk/cleanerbrent

2. Organise a community clean-up.Visit www.brent.gov.uk/cleanupor email recyclemore@brent.gov.uk to arrange or to take part in a clean-up in your area.

3. Recycle your waste. Find out more by downloading Recycleopedia, our smartphone app, or by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/recycling

4. Put your bins out on time. If you’re unsure of your bin collection times, visit www.brent.gov.uk/recyclingand enter your postcode into ‘Find Your Collection Day’.

5. Report graffiti on the Cleaner Brent smartphone app.

You can find out more about the campaign at www.brent.gov.uk/lovewhereyoulive

FIVE EASY WAYS YOU CAN HELP MAKEBRENT CLEANER AND GREENER

L�vewhere you live

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DID YOU KNOW?As a borough, Brent is exceedinghousebuilding targets: more than5,000 new homes were built overthe last five years, with 45 per cent

affordable. The council is now aiming for aneven higher target, to build at

least 15,000 over the next 10 years.

SEE THE 3D MODELVisit and view the model

if you missed it.

Read more about the scheme

on our website at

www.london.gov.uk/opdc

Over the next 20 years, the stationis set to act as a catalyst to createmore than 25,000 new homes andaround 65,000 jobs. A 3D model of the plans was onshow at Brent Civic Centre duringthe autumn with residents andvisitors flocking to see how thescheme is set to come alive. The scale of transformation is hugewhich is why Brent Council and OldOak and Park Royal DevelopmentCorporation, and the Mayor of

London are focused on ensuringthat the regeneration is aimed atimproving the lives of local peoplein Brent, especially aroundHarlesden and Willesden. Willesden Junction is set forstunning changes that will create ahigh tech, easy to access station. The council’s aim is to get the verybest outcome for Willesden Junctionand Harlesden High Street, with asmuch affordable housing in Old Oakand Park Royal as possible.

Regeneration

The future is here ... and it’s fastBritain’s first high speed hub station is coming to Old Oakand Park Royal

the great team that we have here,”added the 40-year-old. The Mayhew are always looking tofind a good home for their cats anddogs as well as little Mocha. For more information, visit

www.themayhew.org

Put a classified ad in The Brent MagazineClassified ads in The Brent Magazine start

at £83.33 + VAT

The next issue will be distributed in early March,

copy deadline 31 Jan 2017.

For more information please contact us at:

020 8937 4817 advertising@brent.gov.uk

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My community

Animal house Our ‘rovering’ reporter, Nick Skoric, visits the Mayhew Animal Home

JMocha was sold outside Kilburntrain station to a young couple butwhen the poor Border Collie fell illthey were unable to afford the vetbills and the 11-week-old puppyended up at the Mayhew AnimalHouse in Kensal Green. The animal charity has been savingthe likes of cuddly Mocha for anastonishing 130 years in TrenmarGardens and the tremendous jobthat they are doing there will makeyou think twice about gifting apuppy or kitten to a loved one forChristmas. Zoe Edwards, the animal welfaremanager, forms part of the teamthat has rehoused 70 dogs and 234cats this year, which is just a fractionof the work they do for the welfareof animals. “There is a constant flow of catsand dogs into the centrethroughout the year. It is usuallyafter six months when the puppieshave lost their cute factor that theyare brought in. A puppy is a 24/7job and requires a lot of work, justlike a child would,” said the mother-of-one.

Pet foster carersneeded “Even if we had bigger facilities,the kennels and cat cabins wouldsimply fill up. We need more fostercarers to help us with the numberof pets coming through the door.These carers are crucial and evenmore critical is the need for peopleto truly understand what it takes tohave a pet.” Zoe has been making the 60-mileround trip to Kensal Green everyday for the past nine years but it isher love for the work they aredoing at the Mayhew whichenergises her. “Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 keepsme going in the morning on theway to work. Some people say Imust be crazy but it is my love forthe job which makes it allworthwhile. We get to the root ofthe welfare issue which is why weare different from many of theother animal homes around. I lovethe work that I am doing here andit would not be possible without

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THE YELLOW PAVILION AT WEMBLEY PARK

Targeting people who live and/or work within a twenty-minute walk of Brent Civic Centre, the first YellowPavilion opened in a temporary building off OlympicWay in October 2015. The project then moved to its newspace in Yellow Parking, just off Engineers Way, early in2016. Have you visited yet?

Quintain set up Yellow Pavilion as a community projectto test out ideas and activities for programmes, as wellas to find ways of bringing the community in to helpwith the design and management of future spaces acrossWembley Park.

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The Yellow Pavilionhas grown steadilymonth by monthand delivered astrong programmethis year.

HighlightsYELLOW PAVILION’S ‘COUCH TO 5K’A local trainer delivered this freeprogramme for twenty three localnon-runners. After six weeks oftraining they were given free entryto Wembley Park’s Color Run on 12 June. Twelve participants havesince joined a regular 5k run.

BLACK HISTORY MONTHHeld on Sunday 13 November, theYellow Pavilion’s Black Historymonth event was attended byninety local people.

OPEN MIC The year’s second Open Mic washeld on 26 October and attractedninety attendees and fifteenspectacular acts.

RUN BY LOCAL PEOPLEOne of our biggest successes hasbeen our group of nearly onehundred volunteers who suggestand lead regular activities and one-off events. So far these haveincluded: keep fit, urbangardening and creative coffeemornings. If you have time tospare we’d love to hear from you.

NEW FOR 20172017 will see a development of theYellow Pavilion’s skills offering.London Designer Outlet’s RetailSkills Academy will move in, joinedby a new Construction Skills project.

If you’d like to get involved please email:yellowpavilion@wembleypark.com

T. 0734 206 0976

Facebook/twitter/instagramwembleypark #yellowpavilion

YELLOW PAVILIONat Wembley park

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work experience placement on NW.On my first day I was given theopportunity to work as a cameraassistant within a Bafta awardwinning crew. I learnt a lot of thetechnical aspects of camera workfrom first-hand experience,including changing and chargingbatteries, and from talking to thecrew members. On my last day I met Zadie Smith, it was a great experience.”

Did you know? ITV’S MR SELFRIDGE WAS

FILMED IN BRENT.

The set of the 1908 Selfridges

store was built and filmed in

Neasden Studios, which is an old

carpet warehouse in Willesden.

With Fountain Studios in Wembleybeing home to The X-Factor anddozens of prop stores and studiosin the Park Royal industrial estate,there’s probably a lot more filmingin Brent than you think. Earlier this year, the small screenadaptation of Zadie Smith’s NW wasfilmed in locations around Brentand was recently screened on BBC2. NW actress Phoebe Fox said:“Filming in Kilburn brought anauthenticity to the shoot – it’s reallyvibrant and bustling, and we hadquite a lot of audience interaction.There was a moment where I waschasing a character down the streetyelling “Thief!” and the number ofpeople that tried to run down thestreet with me yelling “What’s shetaken!” I was like “No! She’s anactress, it’s OK!”NW joins a long list of productionsthat were filmed in Brent and thecouncil’s flagship building BrentCivic Centre has played host tomany of these. In 2014, the Hulkand Iron Man ‘smashed up’ Brent

Civic Centre’s foyer in The Avengers:Age of Ultron and Sky One filmedthe entire series of hospital drama‘Critical’ in the building too. Filming not only helps to raise theprofile of Brent to a wider audiencebut generates much needed moneyto the local economy. The makers ofNW, Mammoth Screen who workedwith Brent Council’s Film Officeestimate that the productionbrought in nearly £250,000, as notonly council locations were used,residents’ homes and local schoolswere too. Brent Council also encouragesproducers to offer opportunities tolocal budding filmmakers to workon set and give them much neededwork experience. Smith Dowell, akaSpesh from Kilburn, is a shiningexample of this. Spesh worked onthe NW shoot back in June whenthey filmed at South KilburnHousing Estate. Mature student,Spesh (37) from Kilburn said: “I wasdelighted when South KilburnStudios got in touch to offer me a

Arts & culture

Lights, camera, actionSpotlight on BrentLondon is the third busiest city in the world for filming andBrent gets its fair share of the action

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RSC LIVE: THE TEMPEST (12A)

Wednesday 11 January, 7pm

The Royal Shakespeare Companyhas partnered with Intel for thisgroundbreaking productionstarring Simon Russell Beale as Prospero.

NT LIVE: AMADEUS (12A)

Thursday 2 February, 7pm

Lucian Msamati stars in anacclaimed revival of Peter Shaffer’s Olivier and Tony Award-winning play about music, power and jealousy.

NT LIVE: SAINT JOAN (12A)

Thursday 16 February, 7pm

Josie Rourke directs GemmaArterton as Joan of Arc, in Bernard Shaw’s classic playbroadcast live from the Donmar Warehouse.

NT LIVE: HEDDA GABLER (12A)

Thursday 9 March, 7pm

Tony Award-winning director Ivovan Hove returns to NT Livescreens with a modern productionof Ibsen’s masterpiece starringRuth Wilson.

TRICYCLE CINEMASPRING 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

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Admission to St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary SchoolTHE EXECUTIVE HEADMISTRESS, MRS TITUS INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR:

RECEPTION CLASS 2017Applications are invited for admission to Reception Class in St Joseph’s

Roman Catholic Primary School, Goodson Road, London NW10 9LS for

children born between 1st September 2012 and 31st August 2013. Please

be aware that in addition to the supplementary application form for the

school you must also apply to Brent either online via the Brent Website or

by completing a Brent ‘Common Application Form’ (CAF). Please contact

the school for an application pack.

Closing date for both forms is 15 January 2017.

NURSERY CLASS SEPT 2017Applications are also invited for our Nursery Class for children

born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014.

The closing date is 15 January 2017.

Call: 020 8965 5651

Email: admin@stjo.brent.sch.uk

www.stjosephsrc.co.uk

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School plays a vital role in developingeducational excellence within the Diocese of Westminster.

St Joseph’s is an ‘Outstanding’ school where ourexpectations for our children are limitless.

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Your health

The Fab 5 take on diabetesDiabetes is a growing problem across the country andparticularly in Brent where a range of factors from a poordiet to lack of exercise and even genetics can all lead topeople being diagnosed with diabetes

New Year New You! If you’reworried about your weight and dietand want to make a change, there’sno better time than in the NewYear. Like our Activweightadvocates, you too can make achange to your health andwellbeing by being that little bitmore active and making changes toyour diet. Just 30 minutes of activity a day isproven to have massive benefits toyour health and the good news isthere are hundreds of places andways to get active in Brent. Thecouncil is also encouraging peopleto really think about how muchsugar they are consuming. The health statistics of theborough suggest that hundreds ofus are consuming more sugar thanwe should. As part of the Slash Sugarcampaign, the council isencouraging residents to pledge notto eat any refined sugar on aTuesday. This includes cakes, biscuits,

sugary cereals, chocolate bars. Fruit is allowed! The campaign is focused on oneday of the week – Tuesday – so thatcolleagues and friends can do ittogether and you can support eachother through it. Tweet us @Brent_Council withwhat alternatives you are eating tosugar or how you are finding it. Use the hashtag #SugarFreeTuesday

Mina“Not only have I lost 2 stone andsignificantly reduced my bloodglucose levels, but I’ve made realfriends who support me. If you’reworried about diabetes speak toyour GP, help is available.

Joan“The continuous support from ourdietitian Julia and the friends I’vemade within the group is amazing.We have our own Whatsapp groupso support is only a text away.”

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Admission to St Mary’sCatholic Primary School

RECEPTION 2017Applications are invited for admission to Reception Class at St Mary’s

Catholic Primary School, Canterbury Road, Kilburn NW6 5ST for children

born between 1st September 2012 and 31st August 2013. Please be

aware that in addition to the supplementary application form for the

school you must also apply to Brent either online via the Brent Website

or by completing a Brent ‘Common Application Form’ (CAF). Please

contact the school for an application pack.

Closing date for both forms is 15 January 2017.

NURSERY CLASS JAN 2017Applications are also invited for Nursery Class children born between 1st

September 2012 and 31st August 2013.

The closing date is 15 January 2017.

Email: admin@marycps.brent.sch.uk

www.marycps.brent.sch.uk

Call: 020 7624 1830‘The leadership and management in promoting the Catholic life of the school are judged to be outstanding. ’ Westminster Diocese Inspection

There are a small number of places in other year groups. Please visit the school to collect an application form.

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is tosuch as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Mark 10:13-16

(In Federation with St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School,judged Outstanding By Ofsted)

MY HEART BEATS FOR

BRENT

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Durga“Being diagnosed with Type 2diabetes can be frightening, but theprogramme helped me understanddiabetes and food better. I’vechanged my eating habits and nowlook at food labels. Regular exercisehas improved my mood and I havemore energy.”

Tock“The programme has prevented mefrom having to start insulin as I amafraid of needles. I now know howto control my blood glucose levelsthrough diet and regular exerciseand have had some support fromthe diabetes specialist teamregarding my medication. It ispossible to change your life and livewell with diabetes.

Michael“Type 2 diabetes is entirelymanageable by making dietary andlifestyle changes. I have lost overtwo and a half stone. I come froman engineering background andthink in an analytical way so Ienjoyed learning about food labels,calories and portion control andthanks to Fiona the diabetesspecialist nurse, I now have a betterunderstanding of my blood results.Diet is one thing but it has to becoupled with regular exercise.”

Approximately 25,000 Brentresidents have Type 2 Diabetes.If you think you have diabetes, it isimportant to speak to your GP. If you have Type 2 Diabetes andwould like more information aboutthe Activweight programme askyour GP or emailhealthyliving@brent.gov.uk

FREE ACTIVITIES:• Brent Healthy Walks

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• Over 50s Zumba Gold starting inFebruary at Kingsbury Library

For a whole host of activities logonto our activity finder at

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MY HEART BEATS FOR

BRENT

He changed his sleeping sitebecause he did not want to beassociated with this negativebehaviour and he wanted to be leftin peace.Alex was referred to START Plus,an assessment and referral team tosupported accommodation, butwhen his referral was accepted, hewas no longer sleeping rough in thesame place. After a few months,Brent Outreach managed to trackAlex down again and built up agood relationship. He agreed to bereferred to the assessment bed for31 days and the team workedclosely with him to identify the bestsolutions for him.

Alex got the support he needed toclaim benefits, engage with thelocal alcohol support service and GPfor a health check-up; and workedwith him to help manage his moneymore effectively. Alex was referred to supportedaccommodation and is currentlysharing with three other residents.He is happy and working towardshis recovery.*Name has been changed toprotect the person’s identity

Download theStreet Links app .Available on the

App store/google play

Advertisement

HOW CAN LIFE GO ON?We need to ask what we can do tohelp nations and individualsaffected by genocide come toterms with the past and try torebuild the future. Please join usfor an evening of reflection withspeakers and communities whohave been affected by theHolocaust and other Genocidesaround the world including Bosnia,Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda.The programme will also includemusic performances, memorialprayers and refreshments.

Thursday 26 January 2017 7-8.30pmConference Hall, Brent CivicCentre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJThis event is free to attend.Booking or registration is notrequired in advance.For more details please visitwww.brent.gov.uk/hmd

BRENT HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDEMEMORIAL DAY

2 0 1 7

HOW CAN LIFE GO ON?

Anyone can become homeless, andsleeping rough can be dangerousand can damage your health.To support these members of ourcommunity, St Mungo’s has beencommissioned by Brent Council todeliver a street outreach servicecalled Brent Outreach. The longer someone sleeps rough,the greater the risk that they willbecome trapped on the streets andbecome vulnerable to being a victimof crime, developing drug or alcoholproblems, or developing healthproblems. The number of peoplesleeping rough has risen dramat-ically across the capital with 55rough sleepers recorded in Brentalone last year – up from just threein 2010. Not all people sleeping rough areaware that advice and support isavailable to them. If you areconcerned about someone sleepingrough in Brent, you can help.Download the StreetLink.org.ukapp or contact them atwww.StreetLink.org.uk and providedetails about where you saw themsleeping. StreetLink volunteers then

pass those details on to the StMungo’s Outreach staff in Brentwho follow up, find the person andhelp support them off the streetsand into housing, health or otherservices.

Life on the streets: Alex’s storyAlex* (47) has been sleeping roughsince 2006. Before that he was livingin private rented accommodationbut due to his alcohol dependence,he got himself into arrears and wasevicted from his flat. His friends andfamily tried to help by letting himstay with them some nights but heslept on the streets mostly. InJanuary 2015, Alex was providedwith temporary accommodation buteverything collapsed when hismother passed away and he startedto drink heavily and returned to thestreets. When Brent Outreach first metAlex, he was sleeping rough withtwo heavy drinkers who wererecognised as the focus of anti-social behaviour in theneighbourhood when intoxicated.

My community

Hitting the wallThere’s a sharp increase in the number of people sleepingrough, so Brent Council has commissioned St Mungo’s todeliver an outreach service to work with the streethomeless

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@Brent_CouncilOur crews are still out at nightclearing dumped waste from Brent’sstreets #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilLocal democracy & national footballongoing side by side here inWembley. #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilIt's a tough time for families when aloved ones passes on. Big thanks toour Mortuary team who work hardand remain professional #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilScaling new heights, with a dramatically different view@wembleystadium for@carolyndowns8 our CE on#OurDay @officialFA

@Brent_CouncilWe just married Anastasia and Ihor.Congratulations to the newleyweds!#BrentCivicCentre #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilWelcome to one of our newest#Brent residents baby Neevah whohas just been registered #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilOur pest control team are on handto get rid of any uninvitedhouseguests 24 hours a day! Whoyou gonna call... #OurDay

@Brent CultureGetting kids interested in books at ayoung age with our under 5's storyand rhyme events! #OurDay@Brent_Council

@Brent_CouncilToday our senior leaders have takensome time out to hear views directlyfrom our employees, many who arealso #Brent residents #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilWell done to Yasir who has justreceived his Certificate from thesuccessful completion of his workplacement in HR #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilBrent Start running a hairdressingcourse out the community at StRaphael’s estate. Fantastic stylingskills developing! #OurDay

@BrentCulture Learning about transport safety aspart of the Brent Junior CitizenshipScheme #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilThanks to our Parks services takingcare of the leaves in one of ouraward winning Parks @VeoliaUK #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilOne of the many bulb plantingactivities carried out with localschools, Parks services and Veolia#lovewhereyoulive #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilBrent Start's pottery students aregetting into the festive spirit bymaking Christmas tree decorations#OurDay

@Brent_CouncilGreat news - The Ade AdepitanShort Break Centre was judged‘Outstanding’ for the second yearrunning #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilWe start off with an early morningtimed waste collection & removingflytips to keep the streets clean@EllieSouthwood #OurDay

@Brent_CouncilOur friendly Customer ServiceAdvisors are here to answer yourcalls Mon-Fri 9am until 5pm#OurDay @BrentCustServ

@Brent_Council@MPSBrent Constable Carne andHarris speak to school childrenabout youth crime –“don’t carryknives, save lives” #brentsafertransport

@Brent_CouncilOur Rehab & Reablement teamhelping residents to regain theirindependence #OurDay

Natalie Ruth Corney@welshnat007This is the start of my day. Might beearly for some, but many local govcolleagues have already beenworking for hours #OurDay

My council

#OurDay 2015#OurDay is an annual tweetathon to give you a look into the work of local government on a typical day inNovember. It gives you an insight into all the services that you get for the tax you pay.

Follow us on Twitter@Brent_Councilor sign up

to receive e-news atwww.brent.gov.uk/

yourbrent

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On its 50th anniversary, thethespians of north-west Londonhave more surprises for all thefamily as writers Robert Spolanderand Stuart Everett work their magiconce again on this year’spantomime. Robert, who was born and raisedin Wembley Park, joined the societyas a 12 year old and it was therethat he first met Stuart. They bothtook part in the children’s choruswhich still selects its members fromthe local community, as was the casefor Beauty and the Beast. The writing duo had their scriptselected by the Chameleons’committee as all members can pen aplay to put forward. “We bounce off each other so it isgood fun sitting down and writingwith Stuart as there is a lot ofbanter and we can gauge howeffective the script will be. AtChameleons, we are all about

creating traditional family pantoswith larger than life characters andthat quirky element to keep theaudience on their toes,” saidRobert. “Everyone at Chameleons is avolunteer, from the backstage crewto the actors. It is like one bigfamily. It plays a huge part in my lifeand it is a chance to forget about allyour worries and detach yourselffrom the 9 to 5. We love what wedo and hope to continue producingplays and pantos that audiences canenjoy.” It really is a family affair at theChameleons as Robert remembershis own parents getting involvedwhen he first joined the society asthey rolled up their sleeves andhelped with raffles and seatingguests. The 41- year-old is more thanaware of what it takes to puttogether a show as he is the

Arts and culture

It’s Beauty and the Beast – oh yes it is! From flying witches to real ponies on stage, Brent’srenowned amateur dramatic society have done it all, andthe Chameleons are not slowing down in their old agewith their eagerly anticipated rendition of the classicBeauty and the Beast

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production manager for Beauty andthe Beast and rehearsals are alreadyunderway. “It can be rather frantic at timeswith many balls in the air but oncethe curtain goes up on the openingnight, I take a breath and realisethat it was all worth it after all thesweat and tears that go into aproduction,” added Robert.Chameleons were formed in 1966

by Joan Mundy and Jim Snell andwere originally known as theNeasden Methodist Church DramaSociety. They performed their firstpantomime in 1971 and continue toproduce one every year as well astwo plays. They called the old Brent town hallhome for over 30 years before itwas closed in 2011 and performedin front of audiences of up to 2,000people. It was there that theygraced the stage with real lifeponies for Cinderella.

“We all love what we are doinghere and hope to continue toproduce productions that thepeople enjoy. I remember the lookon the kids’ faces when we had theWicked Witch fly onto the stage forThe Wizard of Oz back at the oldBrent town hall. It is those types ofmoments which stay with theyoungsters when they leave thetheatre and gets their imaginationrolling,” explained Robert. Chameleons will be performingBeauty and the Beast from 5 -8January at Claremont High School,Kenton. For ticket information visitwww.thechameleons.co.uk or call020 8123 6443.

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There was an early Christmaspresent for the young residents ofBrent when the Tricycle Theatregifted six new theatre companies tothe borough, which are all free toattend. Kilburn’s Tricycle Theatrehave launched the venues inNeasden, South Kilburn,Stonebridge, Wembley Park,Harlesden and Kilburn where theparticipants will be put through agruelling 20 session programme inpreparation for the six plays theywill perform next year. Artistic director IndhuRubasingham, who has been at thehelm of the distinguished groupsince 2012, wants to give theyounger members of society thechance to have a voice via the stage. “Today more than ever it is vitalfor us to give young people a voiceand a platform to be heard. Thework our young companies producewill tell us what matters to them,what’s on their mind and how theyview the world today. We want tomake a commitment to work withyoung people from across Brent,engage with people in theircommunity and to form lastingrelationships,” said Rubasingham.

With the support of fundingsecured from Brent Council, TheAndrew Lloyd Webber Foundation,John Lyons and Arts CouncilEngland, the Tricycle Theatre wasable to provide the sessions free ofcharge, which includes a group forall ages. Rubasingham recently won theGG2 Media & Creative Arts Awardwhich recognises the UK’s mostinfluential and high achieving Asianprofessionals. Since taking over thetheatre, which was a formerforesters’ hall in Kilburn High Road,the artistic director has put on theaward-winning Handbagged, whichwon an Olivier award in 2014portraying Margaret Thatcher’smeetings with the Queen, and RedVelvet, about the first big blackShakespearean actor Ira Aldridge. For more information visit

www.tricycle.co.uk

Arts and culture

A dramatic moveThe Tricycle Theatre is launching six new venues for youngpeople across Brent

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As a registrar, I do several weddingseach week, which over threedecades means that I’ve marriedmore than 5,000 people,” saysMark. “So much has changed sincethe late 1980’s when I joined. In thetime I have been here we have seenthe arrival of civil partnerships,same-sex weddings, citizenshipceremonies and marriages atvenues other than the registeroffice or place of worship.” After twenty-nine years at Brent,this December will see Markconduct his last wedding as hebegins retired life. “It will be strange. I will miss theteam but I will also miss meetingBrent residents every day. “Looking back over my time here,Brent’s hosting of the first citizenshipceremony in the UK which wasattended by Prince Charles wasdefinitely a highlight, as was pickingup an OBE for running a registrationservice that was an example forother councils to follow. And ofcourse, it was through work that Imet my wife Alison who is also aregistrar, quite well known formarrying Paul McCartney. To NancyShevell I might add!

“There’ll be no winding downbetween now and then though,Brent is very popular for weddingsand so we’ll be busy. We offer animpressive, state-of-the-art modernvenue that can cater for weddingceremonies and receptions largeand small. “I’ve loved being a registrar atBrent. People come to you at life-changing moments, be it registeringthe birth of a child or the death of aloved one, getting married orbecoming a British citizen. These arelife-changing events and you arethere with them, sharing theseimportant moments. It has trulybeen a privilege to serve theresidents of this borough.” To find out more about tying the knot in Brent visit:www.brent.gov.uk

My council

“I’ve married 5,000 people”After nearly 30 years working in Brent’s Register Office,Mark Rimmer has heard his fair share of “I do’s”

1,000Brent’s Civic Centre’s Grand Hallcan cater for weddings for 1,000people

50,000Fifty thousand Brent residents have become British citizens atceremonies that Mark hasofficiated at

SHOULD ALL PRIVATE LANDLORDS IN BRENT BE LICENSED?

At the start of 2015 Brent Councilintroduced a selective licensingscheme for all private rentalproperties in Harlesden, WillesdenGreen and Wembley Central, and all Houses in Multiple Occupation(HMOs). The council is nowproposing to introduce selectivelicensing of privately rentedaccommodation in other areas ofthe borough and is running aconsultation to get the views of as many people as possible.

Why it’s so important There is evidence that poorly-managed privately rentedproperties are having a negativeimpact on some neighbourhoods. Anti-social behaviour, nuisanceneighbours and accumulations ofrubbish can be linked to the failureof private landlords to effectivelymanage their properties andtenancies. Poor housing and levelsof deprivation and crime are alsofeatures of the private rented sectoron the back of the huge demandfor housing in the borough.

Most of the private rented sectorin Brent offers good accommo-dation and is well run.Unfortunately some private rentedaccommodation is badly managedwith poor quality accommodation,which can sometimes even beunsafe. The council’s licensingscheme has been successful inhelping tackle the problem of roguelandlords.

How to give us yourviews The council is now consulting aboutextending Brent’s selective licensingscheme and is keen to hear from asmany people as possible, includinglandlords, tenants and neighboursof rented properties. For more information visitwww.brent.gov.uk/landlordlicensing

The consultation ends on Friday 16December 2016.

Your chance to HAVEYOUR SAY on licensing forprivate rental propertiesBrent has one of the largest number of privately rentedhomes in London

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Around 35% ofproperties in Brent are

rented privately

Have your say atwww.brent.gov.uk/landlordlicensingPREFER TO POST US YOUR WRITTEN VIEWS?Get in touch by ringing, writing or emailing us and we’ll send you

a paper copy of the questionnaire and a freepost envelope to

send it back to us.

Private Sector Licensing, Private Housing Services

5th Floor Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ

Email: prslicensing@brent.gov.uk Phone: 020 8937 2384

BRENT DESIGNCONTACT BRENT DESIGN FOR CREATIVE AND FAST WORK AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

middleton.mann@brent.gov.uk

020 8937 6167

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If you, or someone you know, hasbeen affected by mental healthissues, there are many people whocan help: • Book an appointment to see your GP – they will be able to refer you to the most appropriate formof help.

• Ask your GP to refer you to the “talking therapy” service run by Brent IAPT. There are group or single therapy sessions available.

• Speak with someone at Brent MIND – www.brentmind.org.uk

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Your health

Being black, going crazyBlack men in the UK are facing a mental health crisis. A new BBC series examines why

If you are a black man in Britain,you are 17 times more likely to bediagnosed with a serious mentalhealth condition and six times morelikely than a white man to be aninpatient in a mental health unit. These statistics are truly shocking,but what’s more, these problems areoften suffered in silence. Zimbabwe-born, London-basedwriter and presenter, Keith Dube setout to uncover just why the blackcommunity is facing such a crisis inthe BBC 3 documentary Being Black,Going Crazy with scenes filmed atPark Royal Centre for Mental Healthin Harlesden. Keith Dube had depression himselfand says the environment he grewup in intensified his illness. “When I moved to London at 18, I got into a few things that Ishouldn’t have been getting into,which led to my struggles withmental health. If you showedweakness you’d get eaten alive,” hesays. “I think men in general growup being told that you have to betough, that to show emotion is asign of weakness.”

“When I saw the diagnosis stats, Ithought it was outright racism. But,as I went on, I discovered a lot ofblack people report their issues awhole lot later. If you or I gothrough mental health issues at thesame age, but you report yourissues at 12 years old and I waituntil I’m 28 to report mine, ourproblems are at different stages —mine will be a lot further gone,because you’ve started dealing withyours earlier. “It’s not even that we have worsemental health issues, it’s because ofthe taboo in the community. Mostpeople don’t talk about it. Theirissues fester, and that’s how it leadsto problems such as sectioning.” Dube adds that the feeling ofshame is particularly pronounced inimmigrant communities wherepeople struggle with a sense offailure and of letting their familiesdown. “Lots of us grow up withparents who just got on with things.They came over to the UK, workedcrazy long hours and didn’t complain,so to say ‘I feel this way and I don’tknow why’ just feels wrong.”

fosterBrent

Have you, or someone you know made anarrangement to look after someone else’s child formore than a month?If so, you could be fostering privately!

What is Private Fostering

Call 020 8937 2749

www.brent.gov.uk/privatefostering

Brent Council has a responsibility to ensure that allchildren in Brent are being cared for properly andthat carers are supported.

If you know of, or are caring for a child who isbeing privately fostered please let us know.

Advertisement

Being Black, Going Crazy? isavailable to watch on the BBC

iPlayer at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer

WE OFFER YOU

• the opportunity to join a highly professional, dedicated and supportive team

• a strong Catholic ethos

• enthusiastic staff, committed to raising standards

• fantastic children

• an excellent CPD programme and a strong commitment to your professional development and career management

YOU WILL

• be a committed practitioner who is able to make a positivecontribution towards the extra-curricular activities on offer at the school

• have the ability to raise standards and fully adhere to the professional teaching standards

• be highly motivated and committed to excellence with high expectations of both yourself and pupils

• inspire and motivate children to learn and achieve

• hold a CCRS (Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies) or be willing to study to obtain this

Application forms can be downloaded directly from the

Catholic Education Service website

www.catholiceducation.org.uk/employment-documents/application-formsPlease send your completed forms to

admin@stjo.brent.sch.ukNQTs and secondary trained teachers are welcome to apply

No recruitment agencies – direct applicants ONLY

Closing date: Open until position filled

Interview date to be arranged

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School

Class TeacherSalary: Main ScaleRequired for January 2017

The Governors wish to appoint an enthusiastic teacherto work across the federation.

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School is an outstanding

school (Ofsted 2013). This outstanding school is one of the top

performing primary schools in London and offers an excellent

working environment. The school is currently in a soft

federation with St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The

Executive Head Teacher of both schools is Dawn Titus.

What is a ‘soft federation’?A soft federation is an interim measure where two schools

work closely together to ensure rapid and sustained progress

in all areas of the school. St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary

School has expertise in improving standards, raising

attainment and progress for all pupils, improving quality of

teaching and learning and ensuring a learning environment

that reflects a happy and cohesive place for learning.

We believe that every student deserves an outstanding

learning experience. In order to achieve this we ensure that

every teacher receives high quality professional development

and feedback on their teaching so that they can be an

excellent teacher.

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School

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WE OFFER YOU

• the opportunity to join a highly professional, dedicated

and supportive team

• a strong Catholic ethos

• enthusiastic staff, committed to raising standards

• fantastic children

• an excellent CPD programme and a strong commitment

to your professional development and career management

Applications are invited from graduates, or those graduating

this year, with a minimum 2:1 degree in a subject relevant to

primary education.

Please visit the School Direct section of our school website for

further information on the application process -

www.stjosephsrc.co.uk/school/schooldirect

Closing date: Open until position filled

020 8965 5651www.stjosephsrc.co.ukadmin@stjo.brent.sch.uk

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School

Teacher Training PostsSchool Direct (Salaried) routeSalary: Unqualified Teacher PayScale–UQ2Required for September 2017 (or sooner –to be agreed)1 Year Fixed Term Contract

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School works in partnership

with St Mary’s University in Twickenham to provide School

Direct teacher training opportunities.

During 2017-18, St Joseph’s will be the lead school in

partnership with other local Catholic primary schools. We will

have 5 primary teacher training posts available and these will

be on the School Direct (Salaried) route leading to Qualified

Teacher Status (QTS).

St Joseph’s is an ‘Outstanding’ school (Ofsted 2013) and

recently entered a Federation partnership with St Mary’s

Catholic Primary School in Kilburn to lead them from ‘Special

Measures’ to ‘Good’ (Ofsted 2016) in an eight month period.

Trainee teachers will benefit from the high quality CPD and

training package which is available to all staff across the

Federation.

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School

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Debbie Krieger knows very well theimpact a good foster care home canhave on a child in need. Debbie first discovered fostering10 years ago when she was anominated carer for a close friend. A nominated carer is someonewho provides emotional andpractical support to approved fostercarers. Her experience helped herbegin her own journey as anapproved foster carer in Brent. “When I was a nominated carerfor my friend, I enjoyed lookingafter the children so much that itmade me realise that it wassomething I could do myself. At thetime, my son was young so I decidedto wait until he was bit older (hejust turned 11 years old last month),when I had more time on my hands.I chose to foster for Brent because

I wanted to be a baby carer andthey were looking for baby carers atthe time. I was approved in 2015and haven’t looked back since.

Fostering has given me the chanceto help children who’ve had adifficult start in life and it gives megreat joy knowing that I’ve helpedmake a difference to a child’s life. Looking after children has alwaysbeen a part of my life. Whether it’scaring for my friend’s baby or mybrother’s child, I have always beenaround children and fostering is nodifferent. It’s about helpingchildren, whatever their age, andgiving them the childhood andfamily life they deserve. I really enjoy fostering and wouldencourage anyone who has a bit ofspare time on their hands and a bigheart to think about it. It is such arewarding experience, givingsomething of yourself to help achild in need have the best start tolife.” If you would like more informationplease contact our Fostering Teamon 020 8937 4538 or emailfostering@brent.gov.uk

My community

Thinking of fostering in Brent 2017?There are many children and young people in Brent whoneed the stability and support of a family home to thriveand succeed

VOLUNTEER WITH USLearn new skills, meet new people. Be there.

� 020 8961 7633� � admin@brentsams.org

www.samaritans.org/brent�Local charges apply.

A charity registered in England and Wales no. 252048(Brent).

A lot of people need us. That’s why our volunteers arealways around to give anyone who is struggling to cope

the space and time to talk

Find out about joining SamaritansCome along to one of our information sessions

1 Leopold Road, Harlesden, London NW10 9LN

• Wednesday 28 September 2016 7.30-8.30pm

• Wednesday 26 October 2016 7.30-8.30pm

Get in touch to find out more

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WRENTHAM AVENUEWWW.MAQAMCENTRE.COM

MAQAMC E N T R E

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JINGLE ALL THE WAY… TO YOURRECYCLING BINDo you know which bin to use torecycle your Christmas bits and bobs?Our Recycleopedia search tool willmake is easy for you. So don’t getcaught up in a tangle of fairy lights,find out which bin to use when all ofyour baubles are broken and presentsare unwrapped by visitingwww.brent.gov.uk/recycleopedia

CHANGES TO YOUR GARDENWASTE SERVICEFrom December to February yourgarden waste collection will takeplace once a month. Visitwww.brent.gov.uk/recycling formore information.

GET 2017 OFF TO A GREENSTART!You don’t need to wait until Marchto sign up for next year’s gardenwaste service. From Tuesday 3January you can sign up to receivethe 2017/18 service which starts inApril 2017. Visitwww.brent.gov.uk/gardenwaste tofind out more.

COLLECTION DAY CHANGES OVERCHRISTMAS WEEK• If your bin is due to be collected on Monday 26 December it will now be collected on Tuesday 27December

• If your bin is due to be collected on Friday 30 December it will now be collected on Saturday 31 December

Remember, you can also go onlineand use the ‘Find Your CollectionDay’ search bar atwww.brent.gov.uk/recycling ifyou’re unsure.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY REALCHRISTMAS TREE?If you are signed up to our gardenwaste service, you can cut your treeinto pieces and place these in yourgreen bin. You can also take it tothe Refuse and Recycling Centre,Abbey Road NW10 7TJ, but keep inmind that this will be closed onDecember 25, 26 and 27 and also onJanuary 1.You will also be able to take yourChristmas tree to a drop off point ina local park or green space inJanuary. Please visitwww.brent.gov.uk/recycling forexact locations and dates.

Waste collection timesthis ChristmasStay clean and green during the Christmas holidays byfollowing these top tips…

For all other service changes andholiday opening hours, visit

www.brent.gov.uk

INFORMATIONEVENINGSBrent organises regular fosteringinformation events atBrent Civic Centre, Wembley every month: • Thursday 12 January 2017, 5.45pm

• Thursday 2 February 2017, 5.45pm

More information is available atwww.brent.gov.uk/fostering

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SWIMMING, SAUNA, F ITNESS, CAFE

OPENING SOON

WHAT ARE THECHANGES?Couples and families of working agewho are on Housing Benefit couldpreviously receive up to £500 perweek in total benefits from thegovernment, and a single personwith no dependents, up to £350.This is known as the Overall BenefitCap. From November, the benefitcap in London was reduced to£442.31 per week for couples andfamilies and £296.35 for singlepeople. This is a reduction of morethan £50 a week – a significantamount for many households.If you currently receive more thanthis new amount, your housingbenefit will be reduced to bringyour total benefits into line withthe new cap level.

WHEN WILL I BE TOLD IF I AM AFFECTED?Brent Council and Job Centre Plushave been notifying people of thegovernment’s changes over the pastsix months.. If you are affected, you

will either have been notified of theprecise reduction in your HousingBenefit already or will be before theend of January 2017.

WHAT CAN I DO?Don’t wait any longer! If you areaffected, take action now andconsider some of these options:

Find work If you are working on a low wageand with high housing costs, youmay still be entitled to someHousing Benefit and help with yourCouncil Tax. If you need help indeveloping your skills or in gettingyourself job ready, the council mighthelp.

Apply for working tax credit If you’re entitled to working taxcredit, your benefit won’t becapped. To qualify, you will need towork at least 16 hours per week ifyou are a single parent; 24 hoursper week between you if you are acouple – with one of you working atleast 16 hours per week; or 30 hoursper week if you are a single person.

My money

Benefit cuts – are you ready?Are you affected by the recent government cuts, or anxiousabout paying your bills or keeping up with the rent?

• Specialist day care

• Lunch

• Transport to and from the

Centre on our own minibuses

• Activity and social groups

• Tai Chi exercise classes

• Art classes

• Computer classes

• Movement to Music classes

• Music Therapy

• Chiropodist services

• Hairdressing salon

• Outings, events and day trips

to the seaside

• Assisted bathing service

• Health and wellbeing advice

and support

• Information and advice

service

Day Care from £35.00 a day – huge discounts available!We have a fantastic range of services including :-

Come and see us! To book a visit to see what we do, please call 020 8908 1220 or email

office@sudburyneighbourhoodcentre.co.uk

LocationSudbury Neighbourhood Centre809 Harrow RoadWembleyHA0 2LP(located behind Sudbury MethodistChurch)

TransportFree car parking is available at theCentreTrains: Sudbury & Harrow Road(Chiltern Railways)Sudbury Town (Piccadilly Line)Buses: 18, 92, 182, 204, 245, 487,H17, N18

SudburyNeighbourhood Centre

Day Care and Friendship

Spend the day with us

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London is in the middle of ahousing crisis. Despite Brent beingone of the top London boroughs forbuilding social and affordablehousing, supply just simply cannotkeep up with demand. Historically, councils could helpsomeone who was homeless byproviding them with a council flat;this is no longer the case.Increasingly, councils are having tooffer people accommodation in theprivate rented sector. There isn’t a lot of affordableaccommodation in London so BrentCouncil has introduced ‘Find YourHome’ – a scheme which gives Brentresidents the opportunity to findtheir own affordable accommodation in an area of their choice, outside London oranywhere across the UK.

If you qualify for the scheme, thecouncil will: • Give you the chance to find your own affordable accommodation in an area of your choice, anywhere in the UK and assist you along the way

• Pay one month’s deposit and one month’s rent directly to the estate agent or landlord.

Housing

Find your own homeAre you worried about being made homeless? Let us help before it’s too late!

PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE HOMELESSVisit www.brent.gov.uk/findyourhome for more information.

Speak to your landlordYou may be able to renegotiateyour rent; your landlord may accepta lower amount if they are satisfiedthat you will pay regularly and notdefault on payment.

Find more affordable accommo-dationIf you are unable to negotiate amore affordable rent with yourlandlord, you may need to move tocheaper accommodation. It is alwaysbetter to plan ahead and look intoa move now, rather than later.Budgeting If you need help withbudgeting or debt advice, Citizens’Advice Brent (CAB) may be able tohelp you. You can arrange anappointment with CAB via BrentCustomer Services.

Access other benefitsYou will be exempt from the cap ifyou are in receipt of any of thesebenefits:• Attendance Allowance;

• Disability Living Allowance;

• Personal Independence Payment;

• The support component of Employment and Support Allowance;

• Industrial Injuries Benefit and equivalent payments as part of a War Disablement Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme;

• War Widow or War Widower’s Pension;

• Carer’s Allowance

• Guardian’s Allowance

• Housing Benefit

• Income Support

• Job Seeker’s Allowance

• Employment and Support Allowance (except where it is paid with the support component)

• Child Benefit

• Child Tax Credit

• Maternity Allowance

• Incapacity Benefit

• Severe Disablement Allowance

• Widowed Parent’s and WidowedMother’s Allowance

• Widow’s Pension

• Bereavement Allowance

WHAT BENEFITS COUNT TOWARDS THE CAP?

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?Please visit our website at www.brent.gov.uk/benefitchanges for access tothe benefit cap toolkit, benefit calculator and further information.

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BABY DISCO: WINTER PARTYBaby Disco returns in Decemberwith a wintery theme so bring yourlittle ones in their finest festivedress for themed music and play.Tuesday 20 December, 11am-12noon. The Library at WillesdenGreen.

HERITAGE WITH A BEVERAGEJoin us for a cup of tea and a biscuitto find out what the Brent Heritageteam has been up to; let us knowwhat you would like to see in yourlocal Museum and Archives and findout how you can get involved increating exhibitions about yourlocal area. Tuesday 24 January,10.30am-11.30am. Thursday 23March, 6.30-7.30pm. The Library atWillesden Green. Free.

PLAY STREETSCould this be your street? It’s easyto apply for your road to be closedto through traffic – but open forplay, tea and chats over the frontfence – for a few hours each month.Even better, the charity London Playis now offering Brent residentssome funding to buy chalks,skipping ropes or other games andtoys to use on the street. They’ll alsogive you all the help you need tomake it a success. Happy streets,guaranteed! To find out more visitwww.londonplay.org.uk

CAN YOU HANDLE IT?Get hands on with local history! Aunique chance to get up close andpersonal with some of the gems inyour local Museum and Archives.Join us for a drop-in object handlingsession. Wednesday 1 and Saturday4 February, Wednesday 1 andSaturday 4 March, 2-3pm. TheLibrary at Willesden Green. Free.

UPSWING PRESENTS: BETWEENTHE STACKSTry a new art form and experiencethe library environment in adifferent way. Between the Stacksuses contemporary circusperformance and play activitieswhich explore stories based onnight time, fantasy and journeys.For children and their families.Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15February, 11am and 2pm on eachday. The Library at Willesden Green.

BRENT LIBRARIES ANDCOMMUNITY LIBRARIES CULTUREFORUM DAYGet an update and progress reporton forthcoming services, events andactivities. Meet the Culture andCommunity Library teams. Enjoysome drop in workshops for all agesplus stories and fun for children.Saturday 18 February, 12noon-4pm.Wembley Library.

ARTCREATE SPACEThe gallery at The LibraryWillesden Green is pleased topresent a group exhibitionfeaturing artists from Create SpaceLondon studios. This colourful,vibrant exhibition showcases thediversity of artists/ makers workingin Brent. An assorted group of 13artist members came together tocreate an eclectic mix of work in avariety of forms. Open 6-17December, Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm.The Library at Willesden Green.Free.

URBAN ART!Street art and graffiti workshopfor young people aged 10-16.Monday 13 February, 2.30-4pm.The Library at Willesden Green.

CINEMAIT’S A WONDERFUL LIFEFriday 23 and Saturday 24December. The Lexi Cinema,Chamberlayne Road. There’s a hostof seasonal films out there, butnone with the tear ductstimulating power as this one. TheLexi theatre invite you to journeyback to Bedford Falls to see whatthe world would be like withoutkind-hearted George Bailey. Tissueson the house.www.thelexicinema.co.uk

EVENTSBRENT MUSIC SERVICE WINTERCONCERTAn evening of seasonal song fromBrent’s youth choir. Thursday 13December, 6.30pm. The Library atWillesden Green.

AGATHA CHRISTIE: QUEEN OFCRIMEAn illuminating talk on the world’sbestselling author. Thursday 15December, 6.30-7.45pm. KilburnLibrary. Free.

Arts & Culture >> Theatre >> Music >> Dance >> Comedy >> Exhibitions>> Cinema >> Talks >> Tours

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TALKSSOCIAL CARE IN KINGSBURY...200 YEARS AGOWhat was life like for the poor inthe early 1800’s? Join Philip Grant,from Wembley History Society, for alook at what care provision was likein Kingsbury two hundred yearsago. You might be surprised!Wednesday 27 March, 11am-12noonKingsbury Library.

THEATRE“WE FAINTED ALTERNATELY ONTHE SOFA”: JANE AUSTEN IN THEMAKINGA one-woman performance of JaneAusten’s early work by KarinFernald. A fun performancecapturing the humour of theteenage Jane. Thursday 2 March,6.30-7.30pm, The Library atWillesden Green.

STADIUM EVENTSEFL CUP FINAL26 February 2017

NORTH LONDON HALFMARATHON12 March 2017

ENGLAND V LITHUANIA26 March 2017

SARACENS V HARLEQUINS8 April 2017

EMIRATES FA CUP SEMI-FINAL22 and 23 April 2017

SSE WOMEN’S FA CUP FINAL13 May 2017

THE STONE ROSES17 June 2017

JEFF LYNNE’S ELO24 June 2017

ADELE29 June and 1 July 2017

FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP:CREATE A COLOURFUL COLLAGEContribute to a colourful streetscene collage, by making houses,people and streets to go on displayin the “We Are The Lions” the storyof the Grunwick strike 1976 -1978exhibition. Wednesday 15 February,2.30- 4pm. The Library at WillesdenGreen. Free. All ages.

GREEN FINGERS: GARDENINGWORKSHOPSDelivered by the Willesden TownTeam. Wednesday 15 February :Planting for Winter Colour.Wednesday 15 March: The JapaneseGarden (with guest Speaker HelenBrown). 11.30am-12.30pm. TheLibrary at Willesden Green.

FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP:HINDU GOD GANESHACreate your own picture ofGanesha, the Hindu god of learning,to go on display in our CelebratingGanesha exhibition opening thisSpring. Friday 17 February, 2.30-4pm. The Library at WillesdenGreen. Free. All ages.

EXHIBITIONSFOUNDFOUND is a living art installationcelebrating the beauty of Brent.FOUND explores why Brent is andalways has been loved by so many,and how our relationship to Brentas ‘home’ changes as the cityaround us develops and grows awayfrom the one we hold in ourmemories. A partnership projectwith Tricycle Theatre’s YoungProducers. On until Tuesday 31January. Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm.Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.The Library at Willesden Green.

WE ARE THE LIONS: THE STORY OF THE GRUNWICKSTRIKE 1976-78Led by Asian women the Grunwickstrike challenged stereotypes,changed the face of trade unionsand inspired others to stand upagainst injustice. Visit this movingexhibition to find out more. Onuntil Sunday 26 March. Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm. Saturday andSunday, 10am-5pm. The Library atWillesden Green. (See feature articleabove for more information}.

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An exhibition about the historicGrunwick strike is now open at theLibrary at Willesden Green. We are the lions is an exhibitioncommemorating the 40thanniversary of the start of a twoyear strike at the Grunwickphotograph processing factory inDollis Hill. Workers went on strike inprotest against poor workingconditions which includedcompulsory overtime and arequirement to ask permission to goto the toilet. They demandedimproved terms and the right tojoin a trade union. The strikers werepredominantly female Asianworkers, dubbed by the media asthe ‘strikers in saris’, and were ledby the formidable Jayaben Desai. As the strike went on many otherworkers showed solidarity with theGrunwick strikers. At the height ofthe strike 20,000 people came toprotest in Dollis Hill in a single day on11 July 1977. There were often violentclashes with police and the strikebecame big news across the world. It was the first time traditionallywhite male trade unions such as theNational Union of Mine Workershad shown real solidarity with non-

white female workers, who in thepast had been seen as a threat tojobs and pay rather than fellowworkers. The strike was ultimatelyunsuccessful but achieved bigimprovements in the status of non-white workers within the tradeunion movement and helpedActress Meera Syal spoke at theexhibition on the example given bythe strikers that Asian women canbe strong to challenge the widelyaccepted cliché that Asian womenwere meek and passive. Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Memberfor Stronger Communities, said:“We are immensely proud to behosting this excellent exhibition atin the Library at Willesden Green.Our dedicated team have workedclosely with Grunwick 40 to makesure that we do justice to our localhistory, and to pass on its lessons tothe next generation.” The exhibition seeks to celebratethe determination shown by thestrikers and runs until the end ofMarch 2017.The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, NW10 2SF Open 9am-8pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends Entry is free

Arts and culture

We are the lionsMuneera and Sukina talk to The Brent Magazine abouttheir performance and their message

ENGLISH MATHS SCIENCE

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Centres in : Willesden Green, West Hampstead, Neasden & Edgware

VENUESAce CaféAce Corner, North Circular Road,London NW10 7UD

Lexi Cinema194B Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JU 020 3011 5523www.thelexicinema.co.uk

SSE ArenaArena Square, Engineers Way,London HA9 0AA020 8782 5566www.ssearena.co.uk

Willesden Green Library95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 020 8937 3400

Tricycle Theatre269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000www.tricycle.co.uk

Wembley StadiumWembley, London, HA9 0WS0844 980 8001www.wembleystadium.com

Willesden Sports CentreDonnington Road, London NW10 3QX020 8955 1120www.1life.co.uk/london-borough-of-brent/willesden-sports-centre/home

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – AFAMILY PANTOBeauty and the Beast? Apantomime? Oh you'd betterbelieve it! In-house writers bringyou their own vibrant take on afairy tale told to so manygenerations before ours. 5, 7, 8 January. Claremont HighSchool, Claremont Avenue, Kenton, HA3 0UH. www.thechameleons.co.uk/site/tickets

MUSICJAILHOUSE ROCKSaturday 14 January. 9pm- 2am.Elvis “Jailhouse Rock” Birthday PartyNight with Paul Ansell’s No.9, plusDJ Bill Guntrip. Ace Café. Entry £10.Sorry no under 18s.

RHYTHM N’ CRUISE Saturday 28 January. 7-11pm.Rhythm n’ Cruise Rockin’ RecordHop with DJ Jimmy Guntrip. Ace Café. Free.

OVER 50'SZUMBA GOLD-ZUMBA IN ACHAIR!A chair based class exercise forpeople with mobility issues. Get active and have fun with thisnew class! Free. Kingsbury Library.Wednesdays from 1 February. 11am-12noon.

HOP-IT! HELPING OLDER PEOPLEWITH IThOp-IT! gives FREE guidance andadvice on how to use yourcomputer. On Mondays, 9am, EldersVoice, 181 Mortimer Road, London,NW10 5TN. Please note that thisevent does not run on the followingdate: 26 December.

WEPT SEWING CLASSES FORSENIOR CITIZENSSewing classes for senior citizens,dressmaking, pattern cutting,nursery cot set, bag making,cushions/ soft furnishings and othercraft pieces of your choice classes inBrent for all abilities. Runs until 27April 2017, on Thursdays, 11am to3pm, The Works, Ujima House, 388 High Road, Wembley, HA9 6AR.For more information telephoneVanessa on 07906 432 493.

CHILDRENFESTIVE FAIRIES AND SPARKLINGSTARS

Festive craft event for under 5s,make a Christmas tree wand! Free for Brent Library users. KilburnLibrary, Monday 12 December,10.30-11.30am. Ealing Road Library,Tuesday 13 December, 11.15-11.45am. The Library at WillesdenGreen, Wednesday 14 December, 10- 10.30am. Kingsbury Library,Wednesday 14 December, 2.15-3pm.Harlesden Library Plus, Thursday 15December, 10.30-11am. WembleyLibrary, Friday 16 December, 10.30- 11.30am.

QUEEN’S PARK JUNIOR PARKRUNIs a 2k run for juniors only (4-14year olds). Starts 11 December. Runsevery Sunday at 9am. Queen's Park,Kilburn, London, NW6 6SG. FREEwww.parkrun.org.uk/queensparklondon-juniors/

CODE GREEN: SCRATCHCOMPUTING CLUBCoding club for children 8-11. The Library at Willesden Green.Wednesdays 11 and 25 January, 22 February, 8 and 22 March. 4-5pm.Reserve your place at the library asspace is limited.

MAKE A CROWN OF BOOKS ANDHEARTS OR LOVE BUG BOOKMARKSCelebrate Valentine’s Day with thisfun craft activity for children aged5-11. Free for Brent Library users.Harlesden Library Plus, KingsburyLibrary-Tuesday 14 February. EalingRoad Library, Kilburn Library-Wednesday 15 February. The Libraryat Willesden Green, WembleyLibrary-Thursday 16 February. 2.30-3.30pm.

Your guide to what’s on in Brent during

Winter 2016/2017To get your event listed for free on this page, emailtbm@brent.gov.uk with ‘What’s On’ in the subject box. In no more than 50 words, tell us what your event is,where and when it takes place and if there is a cost or not.Please also include a picture or your event if you have one(maximum file size 1Mb).

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VENUESBRENT ARCHIVES George Furness House 2-12 Grange Road Willesden NW10 2QY020 8937 3541 archives@brent.gov.uk

THE DRUMBrent Civic CentreEngineers Way Wembley HA9 0FJ020 8937 4340

TRICYCLE THEATRE CINEMA AND GALLERY269 Kilburn High RoadLondon NW6 Theatre Box Office020 7328 1000Cinema 020 7328 1900Disabled access to auditorium and cafe, induction loop in auditorium Minicom 020 7625 5105

YELLOW PAVILLIONOlympic Way, HA9 0XJ

LIBRARIESEALING ROAD LIBRARY Coronet Parade, Ealing RoadWembley HA0 4BA 020 8937 3560ealingroadlibrary@brent.gov.uk

HARLESDEN LIBRARY PLUSCraven Park Road Harlesden, NW10 8SE020 8937 3570harlesdenlibrary@brent.gov.uk

KILBURN LIBRARY42 Salusbury Road Kilburn NW6 6NN020 8937 3530kilburnlibrary@brent.gov.uk

KINGSBURY LIBRARY PLUS522-524 Kingsbury Road Kingsbury NW9 9HE020 8937 3520kingsburylibrary@brent.gov.uk

WEMBLEY LIBRARYBrent Civic CentreEngineers WayWembley HA9 0FJ020 8937 3500wembleylibrary@brent.gov.uk

THE LIBRARY AT WILLESDENGREEN95 High Road, Willesden, NW10 2SF020 8937 3400willesdengreenlibrary@brent.gov.uk

COMMUNITYHARVEST 9/TERIANNE MAGLOIREThe aim of Harvest is to supportindividuals and families byproviding meals and packedlunches. People that attend theevent will be able to access informalinformation that may be able tosupport additional needs. Comber Close, NW2 7EG.Wednesday 21 December. Free.

CRICKLEWOOD DEMENTIA CAFEThe dementia café is run by thecharity Ashford Place and if you areaffected by memory loss, dementiaor forgetfulness you are free todrop-in. On Tuesdays, 2-4pm,Ashford Place, 60 Ashford Road,Cricklewood, London, NW2 6TU. For more information contactdanny.maher@ashfordplace.org.uk

COUNSELLING SESSIONSCounselling is the practice ofoffering professional psychologicalhelp and providing insight intobehaviour and feelings. Runs until 7 February 2017, onMondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Saturdays, 10am to 6pm. Emailkhaleda@womensconsortium.org.ukor therapywc@gmail.com

SPORTSBHANGRABLAZE FITNESS CLASSBhangraBlaze is an amazing funcalorie blazing workout which usesbasic but powerful moves of thebhangra style of dance. Suitable forall ages and levels of fitness.Wednesdays in December. 7pm-8pm.Oakington Manor Primary School,Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley,HA9 6NF.

CHALKHILL BMX SESSIONSRuns until 10 July 2017, onSaturdays, 1-3pm, Chalkhill BMXtrack, Chalkhill Open Space PlayingField, Barnhill Road, HA9 9BU.Equipment available: bikes, helmets,gloves on first come first serve basis.All ages and abilities welcome.

ZUMBA FITNESS WITH ALISONZumba Fitness is a fun-filled, dance-based exercise class which isguaranteed to get you moving andburn calories. Runs until 10 July2017, on Tuesdays, 7-8pm, St Mark'sKensal Rise (Church Hall), BathurstGardens, London, NW10 5HX.

FLY GIRLS AND WOMEN’SRUNNING COMMUNITYA women's wellbeing WembleyStadium walk/run for beginners toimprove their health and fitness. All ages are welcome from over 14 years to senior citizens. Runsuntil 28 May 2017, on Sundays, 9-10am. Meeting point outsideBrent Civic Centre for the WembleyStadium run.

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light at the end of the tunnel. Withteam work anything is possible.” Theophane has found a boxingfamily that believes in him and if allgoes to plan he will be retiring at40 with a world title to his name.Follow your local champion onTwitter @AshleyTheophane

Girls on the moveHelp us to get women and girls in Brent to be more active?We’re looking for organisations with innovative

ideas, a good track record and experience in organising

and running physical activity programmes for inactive

women and girls.

We can help with funding to make your ideas come alive!

The grant is between £500-£2500.

For further information email healthyliving@brent.gov.ukand add ‘Girls on the move’ to the subject line.

Closing date 17 February 2017.

www.brent.gov.uk/activenewyou

Fundingavailable!

Kilburn’s own prize fighter AshleyTheophane is aiming for his 40thprofessional victory in the ring nextyear.The 36-year-old will lace up hisgloves as he continues his quest fora world title in Las Vegas. It was his childhood dream to trainand fight in the States and now heis living it with one of the biggestnames in boxing – FloydMayweather – in his corner. It allstarted on the streets of Kilburnwhere Theophane grew up. “I enjoyed it during my teenageyears but there was a lot of povertyand crime around. It is nice to seethat the council is investing in theborough. I used to enjoy eating atthe restaurants around Queens Parkand Kensal Rise, there is a wideselection from Italian, Caribbeanand Indian just like the communityitself,” said the former British superlightweight champion. In his last outing, Theophane wasdenied the chance of clinching hisfirst world title when he lost out toAdrien Broner with a ninth roundstoppage in April.

One of the greats? But he has dusted himself downsince then and only three otheractive British fighters have morewins on their record which reflectshow close Theophane is tobecoming one of the boxing greats. “It’s taken hard work anddedication. There have been upsand downs but it’s been a fantasticride. My career proves that withhard work you can achieve yourgoals. I’ve achieved what I wantedto as a kid. Boxing the world’s best.I’m living my childhood dream,”said the Kilburn boxer. “Floyd has described me as afriend and family. I’ve got a closerelationships with world championBadou Jack and former worldchampion Ishe Smith. Everyonewants everyone to do well, so it’s agreat environment to be around. “My advice to anyone, regardlessof the sport or career you choose toenter, is surround yourself withpositive people and search for amentor. Being successful is a mind-set so if you are positive in the mostnegative situations you will find the

Sport

Boxing cleverKilburn boxer Theophane is targeting glory with hard work and dedication

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