the brent magazine issue 130 february march 2013

How willyou beaffected?

www.brent.gov.uk/benefitcuts

YOUR FOUR PAGE TEAR OFF GUIDE TO THE CHANGES

We are here to provide advice andsupport, but there is only so much thecouncil can do – once you understandyour options it’s up to you to takeaction.

Our officers have already helpedhundreds of residents, here we lookat three cases, explain how the cutsaffect each family and help them toconsider their options.

The benefits of workingFinding work (for at least 16 hours aweek if you are single or 24 hours aweek if you are a couple), is one ofthe most effective ways you can stopthe benefit cap from affecting you.If you are not already getting helpto find work through a workprogramme, we recommend visitingyour nearest Jobcentre Plus.

Jobcentre Plus offers a range oftraining and support to help you findwork including a benefit cap coursewhich provides advice on the benefitsof working, starting and keepinga job, writing personal statements,job applications, CV creation andpreparing for interviews.

More information about the benefitcap is available on the government’sinformation line on 0845 605 7064 orspeak to a Brent welfare officer on020 8973 1800. For more informationon employment support turn to theback page. You can also find adviceon how many hours you need towork to be better off on the council’sbenefit cuts web pages.

Pensioners and some othergroups will not be affectedby any benefit cuts.

It’s for your benefit The government’s shake up of the benefit system will see thousands of Brent residents forced tomake decisions about where and how they live from April as millions of pounds gets cut from thebenefit budget. Brent’s advice to residents is – Act now – Get the facts.

Case study 1: The Alenzey family

The Alenzey Family could beaffected by the government’s limiton benefits for the unemployed to:

• £500 pw for lone parents orcouples (with or withoutchildren)

• £350 pw for single people.They would then have a maximumof £500 pw to pay their rent andall living costs.

Fahad Alenzey and his wife Nadiahave six dependent children withanother one on the way. They areconcerned about their finances andthe prospect of having to leave theborough as their daughter iscurrently studying for her GCSE’s.

Our adviceThe best thing is for Fahad to getsome part time employment for 24hours per week. The family wantsto stay in borough, so to afford thisthey must start working and qualifyfor working tax credit. If working isnot an option they can considerdown-sizing or moving to a cheaperpart of the country where theirbenefits can cover the cost of living.

Mr Alenzey said: “I don’t want tomove out of the borough all ourfriends, family and children’sschools are here.”

Brent is now working withthe family to help Mr Alenzeyfind suitable employment.

ISSUE NO.130 FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT PUBLISHED BY BRENT COUNCIL FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013ISSUE NO.130 FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN BRENT PUBLISHED BY BRENT COUNCIL FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

Look twiceThere’s so much going on at the Roundwood youth centre

Look twiceThere’s so much going on at the Roundwood youth centre

Features

10 Out of this world centre lands in BrentExciting facilities for 13-19 year olds

13 Council just a click away

First look at new council website

14 A teacher’s lasting legacyA teacher’s vision is realised thanks to new building

19 Building careers for local peopleRegeneration is benefiting local people and businesses

20 A community celebrationA new facility for anyone with learningdifficulties gives cause for celebration

Regulars

4 Update

9 Brent people

25 All in a day’s work

27 Secret history

29 Competitions

31 Time out

WelcomeA belated happy new year to youall. How's the new years resolutioncoming along… that good eh?

Well, how about making aresolution you can actually stick to,such as freshening up yourwardrobe with a clear out anddonating your once loved clothesto Traid - Brent's local clothing up-cycler? We visited their centre to find out what happens todonations (page 25) and wherethey end up.

New this year is the RoundwoodYouth Centre in Harlesden, thestate of the art facility is ‘out of thisworld’ modern. TBM checked it outrecently (page10) and asked youngpeople how they planned to use it.

The borough has also been joinedby two other buildings designedespecially for people witheducational or learning needs.

Users of the John Billam Centrecelebrated its opening recently(page 20) and TBM paysrecognition to a former teacherwhose vision to provide a neweducation centre for pupils withspecial educational needs has cometo life at Alperton CommunitySchool (page 14).

Happy reading,

Orla Sedze, Editor, The Brent Magazine

Brent Customer Service Office 020 8937 1200www.brent.gov.ukThe Brent Magazine is available inlarge print and on audio tape. Please ring 020 8937 2700Cover image: Revolution dancegroup. Photo Justin Thomas

Issue No. 130 February/March 2013 BDU 67786 1.13

The Brent Magazine contactsDistribution queries and editorial 020 8937 [email protected] Advertising 020 8937 1076 [email protected] by the London Borough of Brent,Town Hall,Forty Lane,Wembley Middlesex.

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

Printed on 100% recycled paper.Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other paper.

Contents13

27

10

UPdate

Go further this Fairtrade February

Adult social care survey kicks offIf you receive adult social care services or support from the council then you may get a survey in the post this month.

The survey will assess the quality of services the council provides and how we can improve our support to older and vulnerable people.

A random selection of clients will be contacted to take part in the survey and the results, which will be treated in strict confidence, will be reviewed by the Department of Health.

Please help us to deliver a better service by completing and returning the survey in the pre-paid envelope by 8 March 2013. If you have any questions, call Josephine Rodriques on 020 8937 2501 or email [email protected]

Brent unveils new sports facilities

Outstanding year for Mount StewartPupils at Mount Stewart Junior celebrated the school’s 60th anniversary and the outstanding status awarded after a recent Ofsted Inspection. The school improved from ‘good’ awarded in 2008 and the inspectors praised its vision as well as facilities such as a new year-six-teaching block and outdoor learning area.

Brent will be promoting trade justice and supporting producers in the developing world when Fairtrade Fortnight is celebrated again from 25 February to 10 March.

This year’s fortnight has a focus on the food we love and the people who grow it because farmers in developing countries face uncertain futures. Brent is supporting Fairtrade fortnight again after it won official recognition as a Fairtrade borough in 2012.

The campaign was led by the Brent Fairtrade Network, which will be organising events and activities across the community to support this year’s fortnight.

Brent Fairtrade Network was recently awarded £7,000 by the Big Lottery Fund Awards to develop and expand the Fairtrade volunteer network in the borough.

If you and your friends are up for a challenge, the Brent Fairtrade Network will be unveiling fun and creative ways to get even more involved in Fairtrade Fortnight. Contact the Brent Fairtrade Network at [email protected] or visit www.brent.gov.uk/fairtrade

Mayor of Brent Councillor Michael Adeyeye, artist Sally Buchanan and Brent Fairtrade Network chair Robin Sharp at Brent’s Fairtrade artwork.

Pupils at the school celebrate

Excellent new sports facilities have been unveiled to help encourage Brent’s next generation of sportsmen and women or anyone who wants to just try a sport.

Three new hard-surfaced tennis courts are now open in Roe Green Park, Kingsbury, and are the first new tennis courts

to be built in the borough for more than 20 years. In addition, a new multi use games area has been built in Sherren’s Farm Open Space, Wembley.

To keep up-to-date with sports facilities available right across Brent, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports or contact 020 8937 5619.

4 THE BRENT MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013

UPdate

Thanks a million for Wembley funding

Artwork by youngsters from Granville Youth Arts Plus

Anya’s own work Artwork by residents

Talk sexual politicsAuthor and campaigner Selma James will be at Kilburn Library on 7 February to talk about her new book and activism. Selma, who founded the International Wages for Housework Campaign, has campaigned for women’s rights, equality and social justice in the United States, the Caribbean and Britain. The talk is from 6.30-7.30pm.

A new parking system is being launched which allows you to apply for parking permits online or over the phone instead of having to go to a parking shop. The new system will also replace scratch cards, with visitor parking being bought and used online or over the phone. Existing scratch cards remain valid up until 31 October

2013. Customers will be required to set up a parking account to buy parking products or renew permits. The new system will also automatically check whether customers are resident within Brent. Pyramid House and Walm Lane parking shops will close in early 2013. www.brent.gov.uk/parking

Artwork created by local people and inspired by Kilburn and Queen’s Park is on display at Kilburn Library until 28 February.

The collages and 3D works using paper

and other materials were created during a residency by artist Anya Beaumont at the library in Salusbury Road. She worked with young people in South Kilburn, older people in NW6 as well as

running workshops for residents at the library. Anya’s own work inspired by the library is also on display.

The exhibition is open to visit seven days a week at the library.

£1million has been awarded to Wembley Central to improve the area even further - and residents will be making the decisions on how the money should be spent.

The ward will get the funding over the next ten years as part of the Big Local scheme from the Lottery and it will bring together individuals, groups and organisations who want to make a lasting difference in their community. Residents will receive training and support to help them identify priorities and develop a plan for Wembley Central.

More information on the Big Local scheme is available at www.localtrust.org.uk

Parking shops are closing

Artwork goes on display at Kilburn Library

5FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

UPdate

Who should get housing in Brent?

Members of Brent Libraries can take part in an exciting competition to design a new library card to mark the opening of the library at the new Brent Civic Centre.

The competition will have two winners - one from the 4 to 13 years old category and the other for library members aged 14 and over – and will be decided by public vote.

To help generate your creativity and ideas there will be workshops with artists run in the libraries, which are free to attend and will teach you some new creative skills. The deadline will be 31 March for entries to both categories and the winner announced shortly afterwards. www.brent.gov.uk/arts

Young people will be attending a special conference on 20 March to discuss how Brent addresses climate change.

The event has been

organised by Brent Council with the College of North West London and Brent Campaign against Climate Change. It is for anyone in years 11 to 13 or in further education, and will be held at the college’s campus in Dudden Hill Lane, NW10.

It will increase awareness of climate change and discuss ways to lessen and adapt it’s effects, as well as provide advice on environmental

careers and workshops. A highlight of the

conference will be the announcement of the winners of the Brent Student Climate Change competition, which invites youngsters to submit work that either raises public awareness of climate change or offers a practical means to lessening its effect. Work can be submitted as new media, apps, websites, music, art,

poetry, video, drama, 3-D models or a poster.

Ken Montague, secretary of Brent Campaign against Climate Change is available to visit your school or club venue to explain the competition. The deadline for submissions is 13 March 2013, but you must register by 8 February 2013.

Email [email protected] for more.

Albert’s door is open to youThe Albert has now officially opened its doors and is providing monthly events from art classes to yoga - many of which are free!

The grand opening took place last month but The Albert has already successfully held winter markets and a Christmas Dance show.

For the full low down of events and activities visit www.thealbert.org.uk or pop into 1-5 Albert Road NW6 5DT.

Brent is fundamentally reviewing its housing allocation scheme, including who qualifies for social housing and how it is allocated.

The aim is to provide a simple, fair scheme which meets housing needs, makes best use of Brent’s stock, and encourages regeneration.

The review has been launched in response to the Localism Act 2011, which gave local authorities new responsibilities for housing allocation. Brent welcomes your views on the proposals, including:- who qualifies for social

housing

changes to the housing waiting list how households are

prioritised for social housing.Please respond by 15 March

2013 at www.brent.gov.uk/consultation where you can download a copy of the scheme and complete the online questionnaire.

Brent’s youngsters tackle climate change

Brent library card competition


UPdate

Help your neighbours this winter

Free advice for older peopleOlder residents can get regular help and support at two new drop-in advice surgeries run jointly by Age UK Brent and Brent Council.

The free drop-ins, open to anyone aged 60 or over, offer advice on everything from filling in forms to information about social events and activities. Advice surgeries at Cricklewood Homeless Concern are on Mondays with the next one taking place 11 and

25 February from 2-4pm at Cricklewood Homeless Concern, 60 Ashford Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6TU. The surgeries in the Clement Close Estate are on Wednesdays and the next will be on 13 and 27 February from 10am to 12noon at the portable cabin in Clement Close Estate, Milverton Road, NW6 7AL.

The surgeries are funded by Brent Council’s Ward Working Team call 020 8208 8590 or 020 8965 7711.

If you are worried about how a vulnerable neighbour is coping in the winter months then you can refer them to a project for support and advice to help them keep warm.

Keep Warm and Healthy is an initiative run by Brent Council, Energy Solutions and the NHS. If you are concerned about an older person, family with young children or a vulnerable resident you can refer them to Energy Solutions who can arrange a home visit to provide practical support and survey their home for free. Energy Solutions can also help if you have concerns about energy bill debts, a cold home, or know a vulnerable household with a broken down heating system or if you are unable to afford heating.

The project also offers fuel debt advice, advocacy, energy saving advice, budgeting and tariff swapping help as well as the repair or replacement of central heating boilers and radiators – where appropriate. It aims to help those at risk of fuel poverty by offering expertise and practical help.

Call 0800 169 5693 or visit www.keepwarmandhealthy.org.uk the initiative runs until late March.

Brent widens access to affordable housing

Pitch perfect at Vale FarmFA Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking, and

England women’s international goalkeeper, Siobhan Chamberlain, officially opened a new £230,000 state-of-the-art artificial grass pitch with floodlights at Vale Farm Sports Centre.

The new pitch is a first-class facility for local footballers, provides a base for local clubs’ training sessions, creates new opportunities for women and girls’ teams and will be a venue for Middlesex FA to host courses.

Brent worked in partnership with Middlesex FA to secure a £100,000 grant from the Football Foundation towards the project, with the council covering the additional cost.

Brent is set to introduce a new way of helping residents find affordable accommodation in the private rented sector via a free self-service property website.

brent.letshelpyou.co.uk will assist residents who use housing benefit to cover the cost of their home, by searching for affordable housing in Brent and outside of the borough, based on their benefit allowance.

The website, which is free to use by prospective tenants and landlords, has a built-in housing allowance calculator, which indicates the number of bedrooms housing benefit recipients might be

entitled to according to their circumstances.

Properties available for rent are compared to the maximum housing benefit entitlement for that type of home. If the rent is equal to or below the maximum allowance it is highlighted in green, or in red if the rent is more than the maximum amount of housing benefit, in which case a tenant will have to decide if they can afford to pay the difference.

Residents and landlords wanting to know more about this new service can email [email protected] or telephone 0208 937 1800 for further details.



Change a child’s life

If you’ve been asking yourself if fostering or adoption is for you, why not talk to us?

Call, or come along to one of our information evenings:Thursday 7 February, Thursday 7 March or Thursday 4 April 20136.20pm startThe Unity Centre, 103 Church Road, NW10 9EG

020 8937 4538 www.brent.gov.uk/fas

Indhu Rubasingham is the new

artistic director at the Tricycle

Theatre. A former director

at the National Theatre, The

Royal Court and The Almeida,

this is her fi rst time leading an

organisation, and she’s very

much embracing the challenge.

What does it mean to you to be artistic director at the theatre where you fi rst worked in 1998?It’s a big job and a big responsibility.

Sometimes I feel exhilarated and excited

about being able to make changes that I

believe in and other times I am very scared

and daunted by the responsibility of the job.

The Tricycle is a very special place. It’s a very

unique community and location. Sometimes I

think ‘am I being very naive or too optimistic,

or can I really make what I want happen?’

This is your fi rst time in charge, what have the greatest challenges been since you took over?

Like a lot of arts organisations at the

moment, money is a big concern for us.

And it’s only going to get tougher and

tougher as everyone feels the pinch. I have to

make diffi cult decisions all the time. Thinking

about how we fund raise and bring in new

audiences to the theatre is a big element to

our success.

What’s your vision for the Tricycle?My vision for the theatre is that it’s a local

theatre with an international vision. I want

to make it a theatre that the local community

are very proud of and that the international

community want to be part of. I want to

develop its national profi le and help make

it a training ground for future artists –

encouraging a new generation of artists

is very important to me.

BRENTpeople

Brent’s theatre of dreams

Know a Brent person? [email protected]

Turn to

page 29 for a

chance to

win tickets for

Paper Dolls at the

Tricycle theatre

9 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

6786 TBM 130 p09.indd 1 16/1/13 10:08:29

When Micah Mcleod got his

fi rst look at the spectacular

new Roundwood Centre, he

knew which bit he liked most.

The 13-year-old, who is a keen dancer with

the local dance group Revolution, said:

“I really like the dance studio at the

Roundwood Centre, with the wooden fl oors

and the balcony, it is my particular favourite.

“But the whole centre is very good. I went

with a few friends and they really liked it. It’s

a really good centre and will be especially

good for people living locally.”

Roundwood has lots of other exciting

features to wow young people in Harlesden

and the surrounding areas.

Brent Council worked hard to get the £5

million Big Lottery ‘myplace’ funding which

paid for the facility in Longstone Avenue. It

replaced the earlier, ageing youth club and

opened in November 2012.

The futuristic looking three-storey facility is

built around a large central hall which can be

used for shows, performances, social events,

meetings and a range of youth activities.

As well as the dance studio, there is a

high-tech music studio, an arts and crafts

room, IT suite and café area and an exciting

range of youth activities will be staged in

the other rooms. A variety of sports can also

be played on the multi-use games

area outside.

Young people will suggest what activities

the centre will host - fi tness tests, sexual

health education, arts and crafts, football

and team building exercises have all been

proposed - and, as part of Roundwood

Youth Board, take important decisions

about how it will run.

Out of th


centre lan

Left to right: Denzil Emmanuel, Jordy Mumbini, Micah Mcleod

6786 TBM 130 p10-11.indd 2 16/1/13 12:28:39

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE 11

is world

Youth board member Kubra Shah, aged

16 from Harlesden, was instrumental in

designing the building.

She said: “I feel very connected to the

Roundwood Centre. It’s very exciting and

I look forward to taking part in activities I

have always wanted to do.”

There are lots of opportunities for

young people to get invaluable skills and

experience. For example, in the enterprise

zone, young people will have the chance to

learn how to set up their own business and

projects.

Alan Woolford, Service Manager, said:

“Our aim was to build a world-class youth

facility within Brent, which would cater

for the needs of local youngsters.

“Young people can relax and enjoy

themselves in a safe, welcoming

environment. There are free or inexpensive

activities most days and the programme

will change regularly.

“Our ethos is to empower young

people. The Roundwood Youth Board will

be instrumental in deciding what takes

place within the centre.

“We want young people to enjoy

themselves and make new friends at

Roundwood, but it is also a learning

environment, where they can gain new

skills, take on responsibilities, participate in

a range of challenging pursuits and acquire

accredited awards at the same time.

“The centre will also host youth shows,

exhibitions and presentation events,

enabling parents, families and the wider

community, the opportunity to visit the

centre and see what the young people are

achieving.”

Ring 020 8937 6680 or visit

www.bmyvoice.org.uk/roundwoodcentre

for more information.

What’s ‘poppin’ at Roundwood?

If you are aged between 13

and 19 why not head down to

the centre and check it out for

yourself - there’s lots happening

including:

• cookery classes

• dance

• taekwondo

• homework clubs

• ability project meetings

for young people with

special needs

• career guidance from Prospects

• the Duke of Edinburgh’s

Awards Scheme

• the award-winning

Mosaic LGBT project.

ds in Brent

6786 TBM 130 p10-11.indd 3 16/1/13 12:28:47

Exercise instructors wantedWe are looking for suitably qualifi ed fi tness instructors to lead sessions at our new outdoor gyms (coming soon) and suitably qualifi ed ‘exercise to music’ instructors and instructors with a specialism in working with older adults and adults with long term conditions. Send your CV to [email protected] with ‘Exercise instructor’ in the subject line.

50+ gentle aerobicsBrent Town Hall, Tuesdays 10-11am, £2.No need to book, just turn up!

Kingsbury Fitness First, Kingsbury Road, NW9. Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm, £2. Call 020 8937 3722 for details.

Chalk Hill Community Centre, Thursdays, gentle exercise based on salsa steps, 10.30-11.30am, £2. This is not a Brent Council session. Call Tamara on 020 8450 1016. No need to book, just turn up!

Return to Netball (women)Back to Netball at Bridge Park. Mondays from 7 January, 5.30-6.30pm, £3

Ongoing Next Step Netball at Bridge Park. Tuesdays 6-7pm, £3.10.

Back to Netball with License To Shoot Netball Club at Kingsbury High School, Princes Avenue NW9. Wednesdays 7.45-9.15pm, £4.

Return to Football (men)St Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5SN, Mondays 6-7pm, FREE.

Albert Road Day Centre, Albert Road NW6 5DT, Thursdays 7pm-8pm, from 31 January, FREE.

Woodcock Park (artifi cial pitch)Woodcock Hill, Kenton HA3 0JG (next to St Gregory’s High School)Mondays 7-8pm, FREE. No need to book for any session, just turn up!

Ready, get set...

Kick off the new year with Brent’s exercise programme and opportunities for adults. Here are some ideas to get you inspired. See the full range at www.brent.gov.uk/sports

Become a walk leaderDo you have time to volunteer? Do you enjoy walking? Can you motivate people? Would you like to be part of Brent’s Healthy Walks Programme and volunteer your time to lead walks in parks across the borough? Email [email protected] with ‘Walk leaders’ in the subject line.

Walking to keep fi tWalks programme – www.brent.gov.uk/sports

Antenatal and postnatal yogaAntenatal Yoga at Bridge Park Sports Centre, Brentfi eld, Harrow Road, NW10 0RG. Wednesdays 11am-12pm, £2.

Postnatal Yoga at Bridge Park Sports Centre. Wednesdays 12.15-1.15pm, £2. No need to book for either session, just turn up!

Council just a click away

It may be a new year but visitors to our website still have the same

goals. To make them easier to achieve, a new and improved

website for Brent will be launched in the coming weeks.

Designed with a modern and fresh ‘look

and feel’, the new Brent Council

website will be more user friendly and

focussed on your needs, whether that’s

fi nding information on school admissions

or bin collection dates.

The redesign includes a dramatic

reduction in visual clutter giving a cleaner,

simpler experience to the 182,000 visitors

the website gets on average every month.

Web and online services manager,

James Watson, said: “This is only the fi rst

phase of the website redevelopment and

signifi cant effort has gone into the design

to ensure the site is straight-forward to use

and information is clear and easy to fi nd.

Further improvements will continue to be

made to develop the best

possible website for residents

and our customers.”

The new website will also

be mobile friendly, meaning

you can do everything you

would expect to do on your

computer, from fi nding out

where your nearest library is

to paying a parking fi ne, on

your handheld smartphone.

That’s because we’ve

invested in

technology that

will take you to a

special version of

the website that

makes it easier

to navigate on

a small screen.

New web

technology means we

can also make changes to the

site more fl exibly, allowing us to

be really responsive in fast moving

situations such as road closures or

providing gritting updates, as well

as build in great features that we

think will work well for you based on your

visiting habits.

Before we remove the current site, we

will make the new site available for a period

of time so that you can provide us with

feedback prior to its launch.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the

new website drop us a line at webteam@

brent.gov.uk or leave a

comment on the Leader’s

blog at www.brent.gov.uk/

brentconnects

we

nges to the We’d love to hear your thoughts on the

Your new look council website

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013 THE BRENT MAGAZINE 13

6786 TBM 130 p13.indd 1 16/1/13 10:11:11

A new education centre at Alperton Community School for pupils

with special educational needs has been named after a popular teacher

who championed the inclusion of students whatever their ability.

John Boyle, who taught at Alperton for many years, died of lung cancer in January 2012, just four months after being diagnosed with the disease.

The £550,000 John Boyle Centre, which offi cially opened in December, has been built by Brent Council in partnership with the school and is giving pupils with SEN the chance to be taught in a mainstream environment.

Eight former pupils from Woodfi eld Special School in Kingsbury are the fi rst students to start studying at the centre, where they are working towards their GCSEs. The group, who all have moderate learning diffi culties, spent an introductory week at Alperton last summer and have received training from the council to enable them to make the journey to school independently.

Maggie Raffee, head teacher at Alperton Community School, said: “We worked with Woodfi eld for about 18 months to ensure that this transition was successful for everyone. The students and their parents are delighted that they can integrate into a mainstream school and have the opportunity to take a wide range of GCSE options.

“The centre is named after our dear colleague John Boyle who was an

outstanding advocate of inclusion. John would have enjoyed working with our new students and we will continue to ensure that everyone who uses this centre achieves as much as they can in the way John would have expected.”

The centre at Alperton’s Ealing Road campus includes classroom space, small group and ‘life skills’ rooms and a staff base. Up to 20 students with SEN will be offered a place there by September (2013).

Increasing places for students with SEN is a priority for the council. It is hoped the John Boyle Centre as well as other expansion projects will create an extra 85 SEN places in Brent by September 2013. This will mean fewer pupils having to make long journeys to schools outside the borough, saving the authority up to £2.5 million over the next four years.

Mary Arnold, Lead Member for Children and Families, said: “Integrating these students from Woodfi eld Special School into Alperton Community School is an important step forward in Brent’s strategy for expanding SEN places within the borough. With the specialist teaching provided, these students will benefi t from a mainstream school environment and inclusive school community.”

A d i Al C i S h l f il

A teacher’s lasting legacy

ownenaJoJ

ccagggbb

bm

CtSistpa

“The centre is named after our dear colleague

John Boyle who was an outstanding advocate

of inclusion.”

Left to right: Michael Semera, 14, Hoamen Seitar, 14, Drasti Dalal, 14

Michael Semera, 14, Mohammed Hersa, 15


6786 TBM 130 p14 Opening Sen centre.indd 2 16/1/13 10:12:44

Your quarterly guide to what’s on in Brent Libraries Spring 2013

BrentLibraries

INSIDENeal Zetter – speed datingfor book lovers and…Make a date withyour libraryMills and Boon eroticfiction nightPLUSHalf-term children’s funGet the job you wantWrite that winning CVWIN: An ereader with theSix Book Challenge

Book LoversValentine’sSpecial

www.brent.gov.uk/libraries

READER BOOK PICKMaya MitchellWillesden GreenLibrary memberDiary of a Wimpy Kid: TheThird Wheel – Jeff Kinney“I enjoyed it so much! It’s agreat book and is hilarious. I

would recommend it for childrenaged nine or over because it’s agreat read and you will get so stuckinto the book, you will not want to

stop reading!”

STAFF BOOK PICKEmma PalmerWillesden Green LibraryIs it Just Me– Miranda Hart“If you like slapstickcomedy, British wit,and all round

bumbling cheer, thenI would definitelyrecommend yougive this book a go.A word of cautionthough, do not readin public as snort-laughing willoccur. I loved itand couldn'trecommend itenough.Such fun!”

“Snort-laughingwill occur…”

Brent Libraries:On your sideIf you’re job searching, trying to polish up your CV or boost yourconfidence for interviews then Brent’s libraries are here to help you.

Act now!

The

Teenagers’ job advice Brent Connexions can help you withadvice on jobs as well as benefits,training and careers at its weeklydrop-in service for those aged 13-18.Willesden Green Library CentreWednesdays 1-5pm. Call Leonie on07775 552 404 or 020 8438 1650

Get on in your career Professional careers advisers showhow to write a winning CV and sharetips to search for job vacancies online.Ealing Road Library 18 February from 10am-12noon.

Get ahead job workshopNational Careers Service explain jobmarket challenges, job searching, andwhat skills employers are looking for. Town Hall Library22 February 10am-12noon

Start up your own businessWant to run your own business? Joinconsultants Abi Associates and findout how to start up a small business.19 February 11am-1pm Town HallLibrary, 2-4pm Ealing Road Library,28 February 2pm-4pm HarlesdenLibrary Plus

Our top 5 employment booksThe 10 Keys to Success John Bird, CV and Interview Handbook SueTumelty, You're hired! Corinne Mills,Brilliant CV Jim Bright and JoanneEarl, Great Answers to ToughInterview Questions Martin John Yate.

CV writing workshopsCV writing workshops are held mostweeks in Brent’s libraries, for timesvisit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries

IT for beginnersEaling Road LibraryMondays 2-3.30pm*;Kingsbury Library PlusTuesdays 11am-12noon,Saturdays 11am-12noon*,Sundays 12.30-1.30pm*;Willesden Green LibraryMondays 10.30am-12noon,Tuesdays 3-4.30pm,Saturdays 10.30-11.30am,Sundays 12.05-1.05pm.Town Hall LibraryFridays 10.30am-12noon*;Harlesden Library Plus11am-12.30pm.* Booking is required.

Confidence for interviews:workshopsNeal Zetter helps youimprove your confidencefor interviews and boostyour presentation skills.Kingsbury Library PlusTuesdays 19, 26 March;16, 23, 30 April; 7, 14,21 May, 2-3.30pm

Save cash: get onlineLibrary members can readHello!, New Scientist, WeightWatchers and Esquire and more forfree at www.brent.gov.uk/librariesThe format of the digital publicationsis compatible with an iPhone, iPad,Windows and other new tablets.

Plus, there are 500 education coursesyou can take with Universal Class aswell as discover around 1,800 titlesavailable as ebooks. Up to five ebookscan be borrowed at any one time.If you’re taking a citizenship testtry our online Life in the UK service.

All Brent libraries havefree Wi-Fi and computersfor use seven days a week.

“You willnot want

to stopreading!”

MAKE A DATE WITH YOUR LIBRARY!There’s a lot going on in your libraries which you’re going to love in February and March.We’ve got everything from speed reading for book lovers to author talks and workshopson writing erotic and romantic fiction. Plus, if you’re free on 14 February from 10-11.30amthere’s a free coffee morning happening in all Brent libraries, so drop by for cakes and a chat.

Speed reading for book loversIt’s the alternative Valentine’s Daycelebration and there’s going to be

some speed dating with a twist!Join your host Neal Zetter for a fun,

evening not to be missed withraffle prizes and live music.

Willesden Green Library14 February 6-8pm

Eroticwritingworkshop Join top Mills & Booneditor Anna Boatman foran erotic writing workshopto show you the craft of writingromantic and erotic fiction. The classwill discuss the art of crafting a goodintro, plots, and will reveal more aboutromance and sex in fiction. Maybe youcould write the next erotic blockbuster?Mills & Boon are famous for publishingnew writing so this workshop couldmake your writing fantasies a reality.Willesden Green Library21 February 6-8pm

Take the Six Book ChallengeIt’s for anyone 16 or over who wants toread more or is too busy for books.Read six books and finish a learner’sdiary and you could win great prizes.Join footballer and author CharlieOatway at our Six Book Challengeevent, who’ll tell you how bookschanged his life, or pop into your Brentlibrary for more information. HarlesdenLibrary Plus 5 February 2-3pm

World Book Day – Judy Astley Judy Astley is the author of 16 booksincluding Other People’s Husbands,Laying The Ghost, and Just For TheSummer – join her to hear about herbooks inspired by life and love. Willesden Green Library 7 March 7-8pm

Join Essie Fox, author of The Somnambulist and

Elijah’s Mermaid, for a reading and talk about her

novels inspired by the darker side of Victorian

England. Elijah’s Mermaid merges the worlds of

Victorian art and literature with a sinister twist. The

Somnambulist is a Victorian gothic mystery taking in

the music halls of London's East End and a desolate

Herefordshire mansion as 17-year-old Phoebe

embarks on a journey to unlock the darkest of family

secrets. The Somnambulist was chosen by Channel

4’s TV Book Club as one of the Best Reads of 2012.

Willesden Green Library, 14 March 6.30-7.30pm.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES9 FebruaryChinese New Year snake workshop11am-12noon, Kingsbury Library PlusValentine hearts & flowers crafts2-3pm Kingsbury Library PlusValentine’s pop-up cards workshop2-3pm Brent Town Hall Library

10 February Chinese New Year snake workshop2-3pm Kingsbury Library Plus

16 FebruaryFabulous fun craft workshop

2.30-3.30pm Harlesden Library PlusFamily learning craftworkshops

10.45am-1pm Kingsbury Library Plus2.15-4.30pm Town Hall Library

18 FebruaryPicture perfect family art workshop1-3pm Ealing Road LibraryMake a Valentine’s heart butterfly2.30-3.30pm Kilburn Library

19 FebruaryPicture perfect family art workshop1-3pm Harlesden Library PlusCreate weird wacky animals2.30-3.30pm Kingsbury Library PlusMake a love dove2.30-4pm Willesden Green Library

20 FebruaryFamily learning craft workshop2.15-4.30pm Kilburn LibraryFabulous fun craft workshop2-3pm Town Hall LibraryPicture perfect family art workshop1-3pm Willesden Green Library

21 FebruaryFabulous fun craft workshop2-3pm Ealing Road LibraryPicture perfect family art workshop1-3pm Kilburn LibraryBook design craft workshop 2.30-3.30pmKingsbury Library PlusCreate weird wacky animals2.30-3.30pm Town Hall LibraryFamily learning craft workshop 2.15-4.30pm Willesden Green Library

23 FebruaryFamily learning craft workshops10.45am-1pm Ealing Road Library2.15-4.30pm Harlesden Library Plus

All activities forchildren aged 5-12

READING GROUPS

Reading groups are an exciting andsociable way to discover more aboutbooks and get to know more people.

Kilburn Library Reading Group Last Thursday of month 6.45-7.45pmKingsbury Library PlusReading Group2nd Friday of month 11am-12noon

Town Hall Library Reading GroupLast Thursday of month 6.30-7.30pm

Harlesden Library PlusBlack Identity Zone Reading GroupLast Thursday of month 6.30-7.45pmBACES reading classTuesdays 1-2pm

Willesden Green LibraryBook Circle Reading GroupLast Tuesday of month 6.30-7.45pmGujarati Reading GroupFirst Saturday of month 2.30-4.30pmTamil Reading GroupLast Saturday of month 2.30-4.30pmWillesden Green Reading GroupSecond Sunday of month 2.30-4pm

SOCIAL GROUPSSilver SurfersIT for older peopleWillesden Green LibraryMondays 3-5pmHarlesden Library PlusFridays 11am-12.30pm

Scrabble ClubThe Scrabble Club meets at WillesdenGreen Library on the 1st Wednesday ofevery month from 1.30-3.30pm

Knitting ClubEnjoy a natter and learn about knitting. Town Hall LibraryThursdays 10.30am-12noon

English Conversation ClassesEaling Road LibraryWednesdays & Fridays 10.30am-12.30pmKingsbury Library PlusMondays & Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pmKilburn LibraryFridays 10.30am-12.30pmTown Hall LibraryMondays 10.30am-12.30pmWillesden Green LibraryTuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays10.30am-12.30pm, Fridays 12.30-2.30pm

Teen Fun ClubSociable club for teenagersWillesden Green LibraryWednesdays 3.30-5pm,Fridays 3.30-5.30pm,Saturdays 11am-12.30pm

Teen Ceramic Art WorkshopsMake pottery, badges, earrings, hoodieand rapper jars or a ceramic self-portraitwith ceramic artist Chris Bramble.Town Hall Library 16, 23 February; 2,9,16, 23, 30 March; 6 April 2.30-4.30pm

Go Green WorkshopsUse recycled textiles to create jewellery,patchwork and redesign some clothing. Wednesdays Kingsbury Library Plusfrom 6 February 11am-12.30pm

Social media classesLearning to use social media suchas Facebook and Twitter willprovide you with new skills and

will help you search for job andtraining opportunities.Willesden Green LibraryThursdays 6pm (book in advance),Harlesden Library PlusThursdays 11am-12.30pm,Kilburn Library Mondays 2-3pm

Try something new at your Brent libraryHomework clubsHomework clubs are for children in Brentaged 8 to 14 years. They are free and youdon’t need to book. Children and parentscan turn up on the day. Term-time only.Town Hall LibraryMondays 3.30-5.30pmKilburn Library Tuesdays 3.30-5:30pmKingsbury Library PlusWednesdays 3.30-5.30pmWillesden Green LibraryThursdays 3.30-5.30pm (ages 4-6),3.30-5.30pm (7+)Harlesden Library PlusFridays 3.30-5.30pm (ages 4-6)3.30-5.30pm (7+)Ealing Road LibrarySaturdays 10.30am-12.30pm

Libraries at HomeDo you or a loved one have difficultygetting out and cannot visit a library?Brent Libraries will deliver books, CDsand DVDs to your door every month!Call 020 8937 3566 for more information.

BRENT’S LIBRARIESBrent’s six libraries are open sevendays a week. For exact opening times,please visitwww.brent.gov.uk/libraries

Ealing Road LibraryCoronet Parade Ealing Road,Wembley, HA0 4BATel: 020 8937 3560Harlesden Library PlusCraven Park Road, Harlesden,NW10 8SE Tel: 020 8937 3570Kilburn Library42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NNTel: 020 8937 3530Kingsbury Library Plus522 - 524 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury,NW9 9HE Tel: 020 8937 3520Brent Town Hall LibraryKing’s Drive Entrance, Forty Lane,Wembley, HA9 9HUTel: 020 8937 3500Willesden Green Library95 High Road, Willesden NW10 2SFTel: 020 8937 3400

Homework clubsare for childrenin Brent aged 8

to 14 years.

BrentLibraries

www.brent.gov.uk/librarieswww.twitter.com/brentlibraries

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Conor O’Dowd, of Cricklewood, is one of

three apprentices working on the Neasden

project, which got underway last year.

Conor was unemployed when he landed

the role but now spends two days training

and three days on site as he works towards

a GNVQ in groundwork.

He said: “I don’t think I’d be working

without this. I’m enjoying it and I’ve learned

a lot and hopefully this will lead to a career

in construction and I can work my way up

the ladder. I’m very happy and it’s so close

to where I live.”

The Brent Council-led project (sponsored

by E-ACT) to rebuild the academies will

create excellent, modern facilities, including:

• buildings in an attractive park setting

• fl exible classrooms and learning spaces

with state of the art ICT equipment

• resources such as a library, drama studios

and extensive outdoor facilities

• capacity to expand student numbers by

300 over the next fi ve years.

Local people will be able to use some of

the facilities and the project will help

regenerate Neasden.

Brent’s contract with Wates Construction

Limited to design and build the project

ensures the local community benefi ts by set-

ting targets that must be met around

employing apprentices, using local

businesses and buying materials and

services from within the borough.

As a result, nine Brent residents are

currently working for sub-contractor

Toureen Mangan including Lonez Rusu,

of Kingsbury, and Patrick Campbell, of

Neasden, both pictured here with Conor.

Over £250,000 of materials for the project

has also been bought from six Brent

businesses during the last few months.

Brent lead member for Regeneration and

Major Projects Cllr Gerorge Crane said: “The

council is committed to using investment

in capital projects to support local

regeneration and jobs and we monitor the

contractor to make sure this happens.

“Not only is the Crest re-build going to

create fantastic facilities for students and

staff but there are also huge benefi ts for the

rest of the community.”

Building careers for local people

A £40 million project currently

underway to transform

Crest Academies isn’t just

going to benefi t students

and staff - it is also providing

a wide range of opportunities

for local people and

businesses too.

Conor, centre, with two local employees Lonez Rusu and Patrick Campbell


6786 TBM 130 p19.indd 1 16/1/13 10:15:22


A community celebration

It’s a fresh start for the users of a new

centre for adults with learning

diffi culties which offi cially opened

its doors at the end of last year. And

users intend to see 2013 through with

as much gusto as they did at its launch,

which saw them showcase and celebrate

their independence.

Amazing Indian dance, percussion and physical theatre

performed by centre users were all part of the party package

to mark the opening of the John Billam Community Resource

Centre in Kenton.

The state-of-the-art centre, for adults with learning

diffi culties, has been hotly anticipated by regular users and

the wider community alike.

Located in the John Billam Playing Fields in Woodcock Hill,

Kenton, the centre’s been built by Brent to give adults with

learning diffi culties a place to be themselves − whether that’s

by hanging out at the swish new café, having a treatment,

working in the offi ce or enjoying the sensory garden.

The idea behind it all is to encourage independence and

banish social exclusion so the John Billam also serves as a

support base or hub from where users can go out or go

to work or college; go tenpin bowling or take in a movie.

Designed to give a feeling of space and freedom of

movement, the amazing new building also has bespoke

facilities for adults who need more support and specialist

care. And outside of daytime hours, it’s also available to the

wider community for all sorts of activities by arrangement.

Another special guest at the opening was Brent’s Lead

Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Krupesh Hirani, who

was especially proud of the new centre; “I’m so delighted

that we’ve come this far and I can’t wait to hand over this

fantastic building to service users and the wider community.

“This centre marks a new era in adult social care by

promoting independence and I would like to thank everyone

involved for all their hard work in delivering such a fi rst rate

building that will benefi t the community for years to come.”

Council representatives, family, friends and service users shared in the celebrations.

6786 TBM 130 p20.indd 2 16/1/13 10:18:01

February / March 2013

www.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore

Disposableincome?

The true cost of yourhousehold waste

Brent

GreenGreenPagesages

On average, every household in Brent produces one tonne of waste every year –the equivalent of a small family car. We are still sending more than half a tonne ofwaste per household to landfill every year. There is still so much more we can do.


Don’t throw yourmoney away…

The amount of materialsthat can be recycledwhich still end up inlandfill waste bins,it’s made up of bothfood waste and

other materials.

of food waste is stillplaced in landfillwaste bins instead ofin organic bins andfood waste containers.

of materials like paper, cardboard,glass, metal and rigid plastics stillend up in landfill waste binsinstead of in your blue toprecycling bin.

20%

33%

53%

Using your blue top bins can save £83for every tonne of waste recycled rather

than sending it to landfill.

Tel: 020 8937 5050

If you want to save money in 2013,choose the right bin to dispose of your waste…

Recycling saves a ton of money

The current cost ofrecycling one tonneof materials from bluetop recycling bins.

The cost of sending52,280 tonnes ofhousehold wasteto landfill betweenOctober 2011 and

September 2012.

The cost of sending15,400 tonnes of foodand garden waste forcomposting betweenOctober 2011 and

September 2012.

The cost of sending17,420 tonnes of materialfor recycling betweenOctober 2011 andSeptember 2012.

The cost of compostingone tonne of food andgarden waste fromorganic bins and foodwaste containers.

The cost of sendingone tonne ofhousehold waste tolandfill, rising to £105 in April 2013.

£22

£43

£93

£4.6m

The cost of sending household waste tolandfill is more than four times greaterthan recycling it. By recycling wecan save a lot of money in Brent.

£383,250

£621,000


GreenPages, Brent’s quarterly residents’recycling newsletter, is produced byBrent in association with Veolia.For further information visitwww.brent.gov.uk/recyclemoreor call 020 8937 5050.

Landfillwaste binNappies, pet litter,polystyrene packaging,crisp packets, broken glass.

Blue toprecycling binPaper, cardboard, Tetra Paks

TM,

cans, tins, plastic bottles,rigid plastic containers,glass bottles and foil.

Food wastecontainerAll food waste, includingvegetable peelings, foodscraps (cooked and uncooked),bread, rice, pasta, tea bagsand coffee grounds.

Food waste can be wrappedin newspaper, paper bagsor kitchen caddy liners madeof corn starch that meetenvironmental regulationEN13432. Kitchen caddy linerscan be purchased atwww.caddyliners.com

Organicwaste binAll food waste, includingvegetable peelings, food scraps(cooked and uncooked), bread,rice, pasta, tea bags and coffeegrounds and any garden wasteincluding twigs, branches,leaves and plant cuttings.

01.1

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6783

Choosing the right bin for the right materials when getting ridof your waste will help save money. Here’s a reminder of whatcan be placed into each bin. For full details please visitwww.brent.gov.uk/recyclemore

Use the right bin

ALL IN Aday’s work


It’s February and love is in the air, so spare a thought

for all your old unworn clobber lurking in the back of

the wardrobe. Why not give them the affection they

deserve by donating to TRAID – Brent’s favourite

re-users and revampers of old clothes.

The made-in-Wembley textile recycling

charity with global connections has not

only been working with Brent Council to

help reduce what we send to landfi ll; it’s

also educating Brent school children about

sustainability and making a real difference

to the lives of textile workers in some of the

world’s poorest countries.

On a recent visit to their head offi ce and

warehouse, a stone’s throw from Wembley

Stadium, we met TRAID’s Communications

Manager, Leigh McAlea who talked about

their work and their special relationship with

Brent.

“TRAID transforms unwanted clothes and

shoes into funds to educate children in the

UK, and fi ght global poverty worldwide. All

the work we do to get donations into TRAID

charity shops takes place in Brent where our

team of sorters can tell at a glance which

items will sell best.

“We’re a bit different from other charities

because we don’t get government grants or

money from the public. Instead we rely

solely on donations of clothes to raise

charity funds. In Brent alone, residents

donate nearly 300 tonnes of textiles

to TRAID every year!

“Visiting Brent schools to talk about the

lifecycle of clothing and how to upscale

garments is an important part of our work,

so far we’ve done 58 sessions in 19 schools.

“Fashion is a great platform to get young

people in the classroom to investigate the

impact of our clothes on lives and the

environment. When we start out the students

often say they don’t like second hand clothes

but by the time they’ve fi nished a session

they’re more open minded.

“Vintage clothes are really trendy

anyway, TRAID’s constantly getting

name-checked by stylists and fashion

bloggers so we’ve got a bit more street

cred with young people now.”

You can fi nd your nearest textile bank or

TRAID charity shop at www.traid.org.uk

Eagle-eyed sorters know quality when they see it

Back on the market

at TRAID in Kilburn

What a bargain! So

glad I snapped this one up.

How works…

This natty little number’s been

hanging about too long.

We

TRAID

6786 TBM 130 p25 All in a days work.indd 1 16/1/13 10:20:17

The 1924-5 British Empire

Exhibition at Wembley Park

attracted a staggering 27

million visitors to the borough,

providing the curious with a

taste of life from almost every

land in the Empire.

The bustling exhibition grounds boasted an amusement park and many restaurants as well as commercial kiosks, run by newspapers, cigarette companies and other businesses.

The exhibition stands, designed by the architect Joseph Emberton (1889-1956), added an element of fantasy, and at the heart of the amusement park was one of the largest exhibition venues – Pears Palace of Beauty.

The Palace of Beauty was white with two curved staircases leading up to a domed gazebo which was supported by columns and acted as an exhibition space.

Visitors entered a ‘richly decorated hall’ with ‘luminous plaster’, fl anked by ten soundproofed, glass-fronted rooms, each containing an actress/model dressed as a beautiful woman from history, with accompanying reproduction furniture.

The ten beauties were Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, Scheherazade, Dante’s Beatrice, Elizabeth Woodville (Edward IV’s Queen), Mary Queen of Scots, Nell Gwynn, Madame de Pompadour, the actress Mrs Siddons and Miss 1924.

There were also two soap-related characters, Bubbles and The Spirit of Purity with souvenir soap also for sale.

The palace was open 13 hours a day, so each beauty was depicted by two actresses/models working shifts. They had been selected from over 5,000 applicants, and were watched over by a chaperone.

Fourteen of the performers were depicted on souvenir postcards. Although the fi rst three were not of European origin, the actresses were. There were also no black or Indian beauties from the Empire and two of the historical beauties were fi ctitious.

Admission was 1/3d for adults and 8d for children. Nearly 750,000 people visited the palace.

Brent Archives has a number of photos of the exhibition as well as two postcards and a view of the palace.

Visit Brent Archives today and take a look for yourself.

www.brent.gov.uk/archives

Left: Pear’s palace of beauty.

Main: Miss Dido Carter as Mrs Siddons.

SECREThistory

Historical beauties


6786 TBM 130 p27.indd 1 16/1/13 10:21:33

Win tickets to Madagascar Live

Brent Council has teamed up with

Wembley Arena and bagged a pair

of tickets to watch Madagascar Live

between 1-3 March.

Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria

and the plotting penguins as they

escape from New York’s Central Park

Zoo and fi nd themselves on a journey

to the madcap world of King Julien’s

Madagascar. To win tell us:

which New York zoo did the

characters escape from?

Tickets available from

www.wembleyarena.co.uk


Win a night at the Hilton Wembley for twoHilton London Wembley are giving

two residents the chance to win a

night stay for two with breakfast at

the fabulous new hotel.

The plush hotel offers modern British

dining at the Association Restaurant, a

spectacular roof bar and 24 hour

fi tness centre where you can relax in

the indoor pool. To win tell us:

what is the name of the

restaurant at Hilton Wembley?

Prize valid until

30 April 2013

Win tickets to see Paper Dolls

The Tricycle Theatre is offering four pairs

of tickets to see new play Paper Dolls.

Set in Tel Aviv, Israel, Paper Dolls tells

the extraordinary true story of a group

of Filipino immigrants who work as

live-in carers but transform into a sassy

musical drag act on weekends.

To win tell us:

where is the play set?

Valid 28 February – 5 March.

Win sweet treat for lovers’ month Fancy something sweet or just fancy treating your other half

to a romantic meal with a sweet ending?

Then look no further this Valentines, The Brent Magazine has teamed

up with the sumptuous Sugar Mill restaurant to offer six residents the

chance to win a three course meal with a glass of wine for two.

Located on Lakeside Way – adjacent to Wembley Arena – Sugar Mill

Desserts is the boroughs only restaurant and dessert lounge, ‘where desserts

come fi rst’, a simple philosophy made possible by a menu of more than 30

handmade desserts. Diners can also choose from the savoury menu which

offers equally delicious dishes starting from £10 for two courses.

Show someone you care and tell us:

Sugar Mill Desserts is located next to which landmark?

And if you don’t win this time, fear not, we’d never leave you broken hearted,

quote ‘The Brent Magazine’ to get 15 per cent off food orders – valid until 28 February 2013.

Prize value upto £50 per couple, open 8am till 11pm, kids under 8 eat free with 2 adults dining.

www.sugarmill-desserts.com

COMPETITIONS

Send your entries on a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: (Name of competition), The Brent Magazine, Room 9, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HD or email [email protected] (add name of competition to subject line).Competition deadline is Monday 11 February 2013

6786 TBM 130 p29 rough.indd 1 16/1/13 10:23:17


Discount Card

Get a card and receive upto 40% off on a range of sports at Brent'ssports centres.

• No membership required• No monthly fees• Just great savings

Brent Sports and Parks Service020 8937 3707www.brent.gov.uk/bactive Brent

Cut out this advert and take it alongto one of our sports centres to claimyour free gift when you purchase aB.Active card. * Terms and conditions apply.

Valid until 31 March 2013. While stock lasts.

Freegift! *

Advertise here fromonly £275 and reach99,000 households.

[email protected] CALL 020 8937 1076

Brent

What’s going on…Your guide to what’s on in Brent during February / March 2013

TIMEout

NORTH WEST LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY GROUPMons 8.30pm, Tenterden Sports Centre, Preston Road, Wembley 07941 707 884

DANCE

TEA DANCEMons, Weds 1.30-4.30pm £4 Brent Town Hall 020 8937 6206 Fri 2-4.30 pm Chalkhill Community Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley 020 8385 1836. Mon & Thurs 2-4pm, King’s Hall Community Centre, 155 Harlesden Road, Willesden Green, £1.50

BALLROOM AND LATINMons 7.30-11pm Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane Wembley 020 8855 6868

DRAMA

FRESH ARTS THEATRE SCHOOLSat, 10am-1pm, drama, dance and singing taught by industry pros for ages 3-13. Classes at Newman Catholic College, Harlesden Road, NW10 3RN. 0845 269 9529 or 07506 363 585 www.fresh-arts.co.uk

LEARNING

TRADE SCHOOL AT LIBRARY LAB 19 Feb, 9-10am, Creative Workshop, ages 5-10. Feb 21, 9-10am. Financial literacy and Enterprise workshop for ages 9-13 23 Feb, 9-10am Free computer coding clubs for kids, web developers will be on hand to show children how to use code. 28 Feb, 2-4pm, Time Bank, a drop-in service in which people can learn skills and do activities through mutual volunteering. www.tradeschool.coop/willesden/class

HELP GETTING A JOBEaling Road Library, Free CV and Job search workshop 18, Feb 10am-12noon. Free CV workshop 25, Mar, 10am-12noon Harlesden Library Plus

Town Hall Library, Free Interview Skills workshop, 10am-12noon. Free Job Search Workshop, 22 Feb,10am-12noon. Free Interview Skills Workshop, 22, Mar,10am-12noon. All are advanced booking at the library

ENVIRONMENT

BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUPSuns, Fryent Country Park; Tues, Thurs, Sats Roe Green Walled Garden, 020 8206 0492 www.bhcg.btck.co.uk

MUSIC

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

ACE CAFÉSat 2 Feb, 9pm-2am, Dale Watson & His Lond Stars (From Texas) + The Doggone Honkabilly Band + DJs Bill & Jimmy Guntrip. £12 (Door). Advance £10 Contact [email protected]. No under 18s. Sat 9 Feb, 9pm-2am, Gene Vincent Tribute Nite with Dave Phillips & The Hot Rod Gang + DJ Bill Guntrip. £10. No under 18s. Sat 23 Feb, 7pm-11pm, Rhythm n’ Cruise Rockin’ Record Hop with DJ Jimmy Guntrip. Free

SPORTS & LEISURES

ACTIVE WITH BRENTTue, Return to Football, 7-8pm, £2, Ark Academy, Bridge Road, Wembley, just turn up.Tue, 50+ gentle aerobics, Brent Town Hall, 10-11am, £2, just turn up. Tue, 50+ gentle Aerobics, Kingsbury Fitness First, 1.30 -2.30pm, call 020 8937 3722. Healthy Walks Programme, visit www.brent.gov.uk/sports

VENUES

LIBRARIES

BRENT MUSEUMHigh Road, NW10020 8937 3600

BRENT ARCHIVES Ist Floor, Willesden Green Library Centre, NW10020 8937 3541 [email protected]

PAUL DAISLEY HALLForty Lane, Wembley,Middx HA9 Box Office020 8937 6206/6203

EALING ROAD LIBRARY Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Wembley HA0 4BA, 020 8937 [email protected]

HARLESDEN LIBRARYCraven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10 8SE020 8937 [email protected]

KILBURN LIBRARY42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn NW6 6NN020 8937 [email protected]

KINGSBURY LIBRARY PLUSKingsbury Road, Kingsbury NW9 9HE020 8937 [email protected]

TOWN HALL LIBRARYBrent Town Hall, King’s Drive, Forty Lane, Wembley HA9 9HU,020 8937 [email protected]

WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY95 High Road, Willesden NW10 2SF020 8937 [email protected]


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

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

ROUNDWOOD PARK BOWLS CLUBTues and Thurs afternoon from 2.30pm at Roundwood Park, Harlesden Road, Willesden, London, NW10 3SH. Free tuition and loan of bowls available for beginners. 020 8459 1325

CHILDREN

LITTLE STARS DANCE CLASESSWeekly dance & performing arts classes for 2-8 yrs at Hazel Road Community Centre, NW10, call Kirstie on 07949 136 224

BABY BOPLocal weekly song & dance class for baby’s to pre-schoolers. Every Thursday at 10am (excluding half terms). St Mary & St Andrews Church Hall, Dollis Hill, NW2. Call Debbie on 07903 563 660

DRAMA WORKHOUSESat crew workshop for children 1-2pm 7-9 yrs; 2-4pm 10-12 yrs; 4-6pm 13-18 yrs; under 10s. £25 a term, over 10s £40, Dudden Hill Centre, 19 Dudden Hill Lane, NW10; Adults Mons 8-10pm. £9.50 Tricycle Theatre, NW6 07958 653 725

SOCCER TRAININGFri 6-8pm, for children, first session free. Capital City Academy NW10. [email protected]

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

COMMUNITY

WEMBLEY HISTORY SOCIETY15 Feb at 7.30pm Everything Electrical, a talk by John Tritton at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane Kingsbury NW9 8RZ, 15 Mar at 7.30pm. What is Sudbury? with Len Snow at 977 Harrow Road, Sudbury HA0 2SF 020 8200 0211

BACK TO NETBALL10-12 week re-introduction for adult females of all ages. Sessions at Bridge Park Mon 5.30-6.30pm, £3 per session. Contact Adele Burnett on 07872 407 212 or [email protected] www.englandnetball.co.uk/my-game/back-to-netball

SELF DEVELOPMENT

INNER SPACE WEMBLEYFree courses and seminars:Meditation, Positive Thinking, Overcoming Anger etc. Inner Space, 528 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7BS. 020 8903 1911 www.innerspace.org/wembley

WEMBLEY STADIUM EVENTS

To get your event listed for free email us using the subject heading ‘Whats on.’ Describe your event in no more than 50 words, tell us what section you want your ad to appear, include a pic and a title and email [email protected] or telephone 020 8937 1062. ALL EVENTS ARE SELECTED AT THE EDITOR’S DISCRETION.

Tea Dance See: Dance

Live music at the ACE Cafe See: Music

Drama Workhouse See: Children

All times TBC

England V Brazil 6 Feb

League Cup Final 24 Feb

FA Carlsberg Trophy Final 24 Mar

Football League Trophy Final 7 April

The FA Cup Semi Finals, 13 and 14 April

Subject to change

Council Tax Benefit will be abolishedfrom 1 April 2013 and replaced with anew scheme called Council TaxSupport (CTS). The government has cutmillions from the funding to pay for itwhich means thousands of Brentresidents will receive less financial helptowards paying their Council Tax bill.

From April 2013 if you:

•are claiming Job Seekers Allowance,Income Support, Employment andSupport Allowance or Working TaxCredit it is very likely that you willhave to pay at least 20 per cent ofyour Council Tax bill.

For an average Brent householdthis is an extra £5 per week.

•are claiming CTS and have otheradults living with you, such asgrown-up children or otherrelatives or friends, the amount ofbenefit you receive will besignificantly reduced or withdrawnaltogether. This is because they willbe expected to contribute moretowards your Council Tax bill.

For example, if another adult in yourhousehold receives Job SeekersAllowance, your entitlement will bereduced by £6.60 per week. If theyhave a higher income, your reductionwill be greater.

•have savings and investments over£6,000 you will not be entitled toany help paying your Council Tax.

– Act now

Case study 3:Rebecca Fields

Case study 2:Shenaaz LaljiShenaaz Lalji knew the caps wouldaffect her family so she attendedCV workshops and brushed up onher interview skills and has alreadyfound herself a job.

“I feel more confident aboutinteracting with people now I amworking. It’s also nice to get outof the house during the day,”said Shenaaz.

Shenaaz has had to overcome anumber of personal hurdles to getinto employment but she is nowbetter off financially and emotionally.

It is so important to act now! From April thousands of others willbe in a similar position, with many looking for new homes or work.

The ‘bedroom tax’Did you know if you are of working-age and live in a council or housingassociation property with two ormore bedrooms your housing benefitmay be cut?From April new rules mean:

• couples and single adults areentitled to their own bedroom

• two boys or two girls aged under 16will be expected to share a bedroom

• a boy and girl both aged under tenwill be expected to share a bedroom.

If these changes mean you are classedas having one ‘spare’ bedroom yourhousing benefit will be cut by 14 percent or by 25 per cent if you havetwo or more ‘spare’ bedrooms.

Rebecca Fields is a trainee teacherand single mother, as she is gettingJob Seekers Allowance she isentitled to full Council Tax Benefit,but from next year the cuts willmean she needs to contribute over£200 a year towards her CouncilTax bill.

Rebecca said: “I feel better knowinghow I will be affected – I’m goingto set up a direct debit soeverything is sorted.”

The end of Council Tax BenefitWe have a dedicated team waitingto speak to residents affected bythe end of Council Tax Benefitplease call 020 8937 1610or email [email protected]

Online help and support Central government websitewww.gov.uk (formerly DirectGov)

Benefits advicewww.gov.uk/benefits-adviser to find out what benefits you may be entitled to

Money advicewww.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureauwww.adviceguide.org.uk

Brent Councilwww.brent.gov.uk/[email protected]@brent.gov.uk

Employment support in Brent

General telephone number: 0845 604 3719

Harlesden Jobcentre PlusHarlesden House, 161 High Street,Harlesden, London NW10 4TL

Kilburn Jobcentre Plus3 Cambridge Avenue, Kilburn,London NW6 5AH

Neasden Jobcentre PlusChancel House, Neasden Lane,London NW10 2XH

Wembley Jobcentre Plus6 St Johns Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 7JD

Brent in2 workwww.brent.gov.uk/brentin2workTel: 020 8903 6825

BACESBrent Adult and Community Education ServiceStonebridge Centre, 1 Morland Gardens,London NW10 8DY Tel: 020 8937 3950Email: [email protected]

Act now!Help and resources

Online

On the phone

On your side

Brent CouncilTax Support

Hotline020 8937 1610

Brent CouncilBenefit Changes

Hotline020 8937 1800

www.brent.gov.uk/benefitcuts

Set up a Direct Debit to payyour council tax and you

will be automatically enteredinto a free prize draw for a

chance to win a life-changing

£25,000

01.1

3BD

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the brent magazine issue 130 february march 2013

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