Issue no.160 Summer 2019 Free for people who live and work in Brent - Brent Council
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Issue no.160 Summer 2019 Free for people who live and work in Brent This is the large print edition of The Brent Magazine produced for people with visual impairment. If you have comments on how it could be improved, or if you would like a copy on audio tape please contact 020 8937 1062. www.Brent.gov.uk
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ATTENTION ALL In this issue
LANDLORDS! NEWS
A round-up of the
6 BEES BUZZ IN TO BRENT
Open spaces in Brent are
36
latest news in Brent being converted into meadows
The law around houses in multiple occupation to help insects and bees thrive
SUMMER IN THE CITY 23
(HMO) changed last year. Now, any property The best things to do in Brent OWL: NEIGHBOURHOOD
rented out to five or more unrelated people will require this summer WATCH 2.0 39
a Mandatory HMO licence. DIAMONDS AND MERLES 25 A new email system can alert
We speak to South Kilburn’s you to local crime
Aunty Merle A WEEK IN THE LIFE 41
DON’T GET PROSECUTED... BLOOMIN’ GREAT
New trees are brightening up
27 We spend a week with an
Anti-Social Behaviour Officer
Get licensed online now: the Harrow Road COMPETITION 43
www.brent.gov.uk/prslicensing HOME SWEET HOME
We speak to Colette in her
29 Your chance to win tickets
to Dinosaur World Live
new adapted home USEFUL CONTACTS 44
IT’S NOT BLACK AND WHITE 31 A cut out and keep list on
40 years on, how much has useful contact details
16,000 gardeners changed for race relations
in Brent
OUT OF THE COLD
Homeless people in the
46
can’t be wrong DARE TO CARE
We find out how fostering
can change lives
33 borough are welcomed
by night shelters
ARTS AND CULTURE 47
STRONG FOUNDATIONS 35 Theatre, music, events
Sign up for garden waste collections, A local architecture firm and more
is helping students in the
just £60 for the year! community
WHAT’S ON
Classes, fitness and
55
opportunities near you
READER SURVEY 61
The results of our 2019
reader survey are here
brent.gov.uk/yourgardenwaste
2 3New look, fresh start
Welcome to the new look Brent excellent work our teams are doing,
magazine, Your Brent. Thank you to alongside partners, to combat
Summer 2019 everyone who took the time out to serious youth violence.
fill in the reader survey (page 61). The start of June marks the start of
Following your feedback, we are summer so we’ve selected some of
making some changes and additions the best fun local activities for you
Large print edition to give you more of what you want. to enjoy with your families. From
Published by the London Borough of Brent, Brent Civic Centre, For example, you said you would dinosaurs to dancing, plays to parks
Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ like the mag to include more there is something for everyone. We
The London Borough of Brent does not accept responsibility for any goods inspiring and positive community even have a competition to win a
or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not stories so, if you have a story to tell, trip to Dinosaur World Live at the
imply recommendation by the council of any goods or services advertised. please contact the editor at new Troubadour Theatre, in
Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this and other sarah.whyte@brent.gov.uk. Wembley (page 43).
newspapers and magazines. We’ve also added in a regular new Finally, we are just six months
service information page which away from becoming the London
should help you find the contact Borough of Culture 2020. This is an
details for a wide range of public exciting time for Brent and we can’t
services in Brent more easily. You wait to shine a spotlight on all the
can find these on page 44. amazing culture we have in the
Violent crime is a national borough. Show your support for
epidemic which is affecting too ‘The London Borough of Cultures’
many of us, whether directly or by displaying the free poster in your
indirectly. Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet window and tweeting us a picture
Member for Community Safety, has for your chance to win culture
Brent magazine contacts written a column which details related prizes.
Editorial : tbm@brent.gov.uk some of the ways we are trying to
prevent more people from being
24 hour contact number: 020 8937 1234 victims of knife crime. The Secretary
Email: customer.services@brent.gov.uk of State for Justice also visited Brent Councillor Muhammed Butt
Advertising: advertising@brent.gov.uk in May to learn more about the Leader of Brent Council
www.brent.gov.uk
4 5Brent showcases was pleased to talk the Secretary of
News Update State through the outstanding work
excellent work our teams do alongside partners.
The staff at Brent River College do
combatting youth an excellent job delivering a range
Turn your street This year will be bigger and better,
and we want the whole community offending of practical measures from building
into a playstreet to get involved. self-regulation and resilience to
“Car Free Day is just one day but Justice Minister David Gauke MP mentoring and other activities
for 2019’s World we can all make a difference visited Kingsbury’s Brent River aimed at reducing serious youth
College in May to see some of the violence.”
Car Free Day throughout the year by walking or
cycling instead of hopping in the outstanding work being delivered
Residents who want to swap cars car. These small steps will help us to by Brent Council in preventing
youth offending.
Wembley business
for space hoppers by turning their create a cleaner, greener Brent.”
streets into playgrounds on World Apply before 30 June to turn your Over the past two years, the woman wins
number of permanent exclusions in
Car Free Day 2019 can now do so
for free. Brent Council is cancelling
road into a play street on 22
September for free: Brent has halved while the number National Mentee of
Lve
the £200 road closure fee for www.brent.gov.uk/playstreets of first-time offenders entering the
youth offending service is also falling.
the Year
anyone wanting to host a ‘play
street’ on 22 September. David Gauke MP was welcomed by Khadija Abdelhamid from Wembley
Celebrated around the world, Brent River College headteacher has been named National Mentee
World Car Free Day encourages where you live Vivien Dean, Brent Council’s director of the Year 2019 at the National
people to walk, cycle and use public of children’s services, Gail Tolley, Mentoring Awards.
transport. Brent is among 16 and the council’s chief executive, Khadija, who runs a networking
London boroughs that have signed Carolyn Downs, before meeting platform to inspire, support and
London Play’s Play Street Pledge World’s first some of the pupils who attend the motivate young people, said:
Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). “Winning National Mentee of the
ahead of the global event, helping
children to play out on the streets
hydrogen powered Justice Minister David Gauke MP, Year is a testament of how far I’ve
where they live and bringing double-decker bus said: “I was delighted to visit Brent’s
Youth Offending Service to hear
come in both my personal and
professional life. With the
communities together while
tackling air pollution. While the The number 245 bus route, which from young people and dedicated mentorship of Julian Hall of Ultra
roads were closed for the 2018 starts in Alperton and runs through staff about the positive work they Education I’ve started my own social
London Marathon, air pollution Wembley and Neasden, to Golders are doing to help tackle serious enterprise. To be recognised on a
dropped by 89% in the capital. Green, is one of the first routes to violence in the area.” national level means I am able to
Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member benefit from the world’s first Gail Tolley, Brent Council’s Director expand my professional network
for Environment at Brent Council, hydrogen double decker bus. of Children’s Services, said: and provide young people from
joined Deputy Mayor of London Producing no pollution from their “Supporting vulnerable young across the UK mentoring opportu-
Heidi Alexander at City Hall in May exhausts, the ultra-green red buses people and helping reduce serious nities through my social enterprise
to sign the pledge. She said: “We’re also provide a smoother and quieter youth violence is one of the most Speak Dreams.”
proud to support World Car Free journey as well as on-board USB important jobs the council does so I
Day for the second year running. charging points.
6 7School places for 300 single people Panel tackles job mentoring our young people will go
some way to helping them reach
all Brent children helped by new inequality their dreams by giving them the
tools needed to do so.”
as 88% get first homelessness Race, inequality and employment If you would like to be a mentor
were the main topics of debate at
preference service the ‘Moving on Up’ employment
and are able to spare a couple of
hours to provide guidance to a
Every Brent child whose parents A service to prevent homelessness event which aims to help young young person, please email:
applied on time has been offered a and find homes for single people black men to find jobs and careers in paul.hadfield@ brent.gov.uk or for
primary school place for September has helped more than 300 residents London’s competitive labour market. more information visit:
2019, figures reveal. to secure accommodation since Young black men from across www.bteg.co.uk
The figures, published in April, launching a year ago. Brent joined the Black Training and
Enterprise Group for a discussion
show that Brent Council received
3,602 on-time applications for
The Single Homeless Prevention
Service (SHPS) has successfully found about ways employers can help Stonebridge
places at primary school reception homes for 311 people in Brent more young black men reach their
full potential. A panel discussion
councillor elected
classes. 87.65% were offered their following the introduction of the
first preference primary school (up Homelessness Reduction Act last year. with Bola Abisogun OBE, mayor
0.9 % since 2018). The referral service, based at the DiverseCity Surveyors, Rants ‘n’
Bants, social media activist, Aquilla Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi was sworn in as
97% of applicants were offered a Brent Civic Centre, has also First Citizen of Brent at the council’s
place at one of their top three completed more than 740 personal Lindo-Cozzella, leadership
management coach, and Ambrose Mayor Making Ceremony in May.
schools and 98% were offered one housing plans for people in danger Born in Nigeria, Cllr Ezeajughi has
of their preferred schools. of losing their homes or who are Quashie, skills manager for HS2 Ltd,
gave advice on running a successful lived in Brent since moving to the UK
Cllr Amer Agha, Brent Council’s already homeless. in 2004 and has chosen two charities
Cabinet Member for Schools, Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet business and building a great career.
Khaleel, 18, said: “It’s been very to support – Harlesden’s Sickle Cell
Employment and Skills said: “We Member for Housing and Welfare Society and the Jason Roberts
have invested £96million in primary Reform, said: “We are doing all we useful for us black people.
Historically, we’ve never had it easy. Foundation, which supports young
school expansion over the past five can to tackle the fallout of the people in Britain and Grenada.
years and with 94% of schools in housing crisis in Brent.” This is a good opportunity to get
people through the door.” He said: “It is an amazing privilege
Brent rated good or outstanding by and honour to be appointed as
Quewayne, 18, added: “This event
Ofsted, we are confident that we
are giving young people in the
Justice for Josh has been interesting. It’s something Mayor of Brent and to serve this
we need in our community. This is great borough. In my Mayoral year,
borough every opportunity to In the spring issue we spoke to I hope to be able to work with all of
succeed.” Tracey and Brooke who were still great to acknowledge, but we need
to focus on the core reason why we Brent’s rich and diverse communities
For more information, visit waiting for justice for the murder of and look forward to raising money
www.brent.gov.uk/admissions their son and brother Josh. aren’t getting those jobs. We need
to build strong black values so that for my amazing charities.”
We can confirm that Shane Mapesbury’s Cllr Lia Colacicco was
O’Brien, who was on Interpol’s we can sustain ourselves.”
Cllr Amer Agha, Cabinet Member elected as deputy mayor. Keep up
most-wanted list, was extradited with the Mayor’s engagements by
and charged with Josh Hanson’s for Schools, Employment and Skills,
said: “Every resident should have following his Twitter feed:
murder in April after more than @mayorofbrent
three years on the run. the opportunity to succeed and
8 9Pedal power helps Young council prize £500,000 boost Make sure you take up the support
on offer to get the best out of your
to beat London’s goes to Brent for culture and applications.” For more information
on the 2020 Culture Fund or on the
toxic air Council employees Elaine Cleland- creative groups programme generally, visit
Awity and Emily Willmott won the
School children and parents from Young Local Authority of the Year in Brent www.lboc2020.com/
2020culturefund
across Brent cycled, walked and Award title for Brent earlier this
scooted a massive 71,787 journeys Local people, organisations and
over just 10 days as part of this
year.
The competition aims to
creative groups across the borough
are benefitting from a new
Brent
year’s Big Pedal Challenge. contribute to the personal and LONDON
The nationwide competition £500,000 grant scheme to lead their BOROUGH
professional development of people own cultural activities during
encourages active, green travel in a in the early stages of their local OF CULTURE 2020
bid to boost fitness and reduce air Brent’s year as London Borough of #Brent2020
government careers. Elaine and Culture in 2020.
pollution. Schools competed to get Emily scooped the top prize with
the highest number of pupils, staff Individuals are now able to bid for
their presentation asking: Are we up to £3,000 while organisations can
and parents cycling, walking or
scooting to class. Kilburn Park and
doing enough to protect children apply for grants up to £10,000. This Talented Harlesden
from county lines?
Stonebridge Primary School topped To listen to their winning spoken
could be for projects of all shapes
and sizes and across all art forms.
teenager stars in
their categories in Brent and will be
presented with awards in the
word piece, visit Brent Council’s
YouTube page.
The Culture Fund launched in BBC documentary
January and the first round of
summer.
Overall, Brent schools recorded funding has now closed after many Growing up Gifted
seven times more journeys than Bringing joy to care applications were received. There A teenager from Harlesden took
are two further rounds of funding
they did in the 2018 competition.
Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet
home residents available, with the next round
centre stage in the latest instalment
of a BBC programme which
Member for Highways, joined a Big Two women from Kingsbury are opening 13 June 2019. explores how gifted children across
Pedal Challenge assembly at Kilburn helping to change the lives of care Lois Stonock, Artistic Director of the country are working to defy the
Park Junior School. She said: “We all home residents thanks to their London Borough of Culture 2020, odds stacked against them and
need to do our bit to create a dedication, donations from the said: “The 2020 Culture Fund is an realise their full potential.
cleaner, greener Brent. It’s been community, and a Love Where You opportunity for Brent to be Talented pianist and aspiring
brilliant to see how enthusiastic the Live grant from the council. ambitious and will help to fill the record producer Jamarley Richards,
Kilburn Park children are about Geraldine Reid, Cathryn Walsh and 2020 programme with a range of 15, has been one of the shining
cycling, walking and scooting into volunteers held afternoon teas and diverse and high quality events and lights in BBC2’s Growing Up Gifted
school. Well done to everybody who coffee mornings at local care projects.” documentary which has been
took part in the challenge.” homes. Cathryn said: “I couldn’t Cabinet Member for Public Health, following bright young people from
See how each of the schools did at: believe how much food and gifts Culture and Leisure, Cllr Krupesh low-income households. The
www.bigpedal.org.uk/lists/133 people donated when we asked for Hirani, said: “This fund is a fantastic programme shows how Jamarley is
help. It’s great to see that there are opportunity for the diverse and determined to succeed at school,
still so many good people in creative communities in Brent to be studying to take three GCSEs early,
the area.” part of such an exciting programme. including music.
10 11Landlord hit with and we’ll hold them accountable.
Our aim is to drive up housing
Councillors go people in crisis. The READ
foundation works to create school
huge fine after lies standards by supporting good behind the scenes places in the developing world for
landlords and enabling vulnerable children affected by poverty.
uncovered tenants to be aware of their rights.” at House of Cllr Arshad Mahmood said: “I was
A rogue landlord has been hit with If you are a Brent landlord who
lets out shared accommodation, you
Commons overwhelmed by the amount of
support I received during my
a fine of £24,000 after trying to con
her tenants and the council with a can apply for a licence online at A group of Brent Councillors took Mayoral year. I would like to thank
complex web of lies. www.brent.gov.uk/prslicensing advantage of a special opportunity everyone who supported these
Diana Thompson of Barn Way, If you suspect that someone is to go behind the scenes at a worthy causes.”
Wembley, was prosecuted by Brent renting out an unlicensed property Westminster Select Committee in www.readfoundation.org.uk
Council for failure to licence a in Brent, please report them March. www.sufra-nwlondon.org.uk
House in Multiple Occupation anonymously at Cllr Matt Kelcher, took a
(HMO) and failure to comply with www.brent.gov.uk/reportaproperty delegation of his committee to
learn more about the work of the
Lottery cash
fire safety regulations.
Thompson convinced tenants living Bob Marley and Parliamentary Select Committee on provides more
Housing, Communities and Local
in her unlicensed, detached two-
storey HMO property that she was a Boney M on Government. dementia support
The councillors spent time with
lodger.
The property was raided in July
Jamaican High Committee Clerks and Researchers
People living with dementia can
now attend drop-in sessions at a
2018 following a tip-off from Commissioner’s to learn about how they gather
evidence for their investigations.
new dementia café, thanks to a
council tax officers that Thompson cash boost from the National
was trying to claim a single person’s tour Lottery.
discount when in fact she was living The former Neasden home of music Gala dinner The Watling Gardens Tenant
in the home that she was also Management Organisation has been
letting to seven other people.
legend Bob Marley, and the homes
of Boney M star Liz Mitchel and
pushes Mayor’s given more than £9,000 to support
When council enforcement officers
swooped, Thompson said she was a
‘The Crown Prince of Reggae’ fundraising above the work of the Watling Gardens
Creative De-Café which is linked to
Dennis Brown featured in a tour of
relative of the landlady and that the Brent’s rich Jamaican cultural roots £80,000 the popular Dementia Garden that
first floor was owned by another by Jamaican High Commissioner opened last autumn.
landlord. She was ordered to pay Families in poverty are set to Running every Wednesday from
Seth George Ramocan in April. benefit from £80,000 through two
fines totaling £20,000 by Willesden Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, Mayor of 11-1pm, people who go to the café
Magistrates on 25 April and a charities chosen by outgoing Mayor will be able to meet like-minded
Brent, said; “Our borough has a of Brent Cllr Arshad Mahmood.
further £4,678 in costs and £170 great wealth of Jamaican culture people, have a chat and take part in
victim surcharge. More than 300 guests attended a craft activities.
and history and it is wonderful that sold out gala dinner in April in a
Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet we had the opportunity to celebrate This follows the opening of
Member for Housing and Welfare final push to raise funds for the another Dementia Café in Alperton.
this together.” charities.
Reform, said: “If a landlord or agent The Memory Lane Café is open at
is breaking the law, we will find out Sufra NW London provides the Boat Hotel every Saturday
emergency food aid and support for afternoon between 1-3pm.
12 13500 people find saved the council £600,000 and by
2021, aims to have 360 homes for
Willesden winner: Planners scoop
homes through 1,200 residents. i4B is also looking Gifted youngster is prestigious prize
at supporting residents through
council-owned more affordable housing. Brent’s Junior Brent Council’s planning team has
won a national award in
company i4B Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy
Leader of the Council, said: “i4B is
Musician of the recognition of the projects, plans
More than 500 previously homeless one of Brent’s solutions to tackling Year and commitments made by the
team to borough.
Brent residents have found new the housing crisis.”
homes though i4B Holdings new Talented recorder player Saul The team picked up the award,
Cuthbertson, from Willesden Green, from the Royal Town Planning
figures from Brent Council have
revealed.
A fresh lick of paint impressed the judges to win the Institute (RTPI), ahead of nine other
Since it was set up two years ago, A team of volunteers from the FA title of Brent’s Junior Musician of shortlisted authorities.
the council-owned company has and Wembley Stadium gave a much the Year 2019. The judges acknowledged Brent’s
bought over 200 properties – the loved Wembley community centre a Hailing from a talented family desire to continually reflect on its
majority of which are in the makeover in April. Saul, 10, played his way to the top performance, and look for ways to
borough – to provide affordable Chalkhill Community Centre is a prize with three folk pieces, one of develop and improve its service.
housing to Brent residents who hub for local groups, from kids clubs which was his own composition.
might otherwise have been placed to exercise classes, there is Singer Apollonia Margetson of the
Lycee Francais Charles De Gaulle
Dementia Action
into bed and breakfast accommo- something for everyone to enjoy.
dation or other temporary Trustee Kathleen Fraser-Jackson school in Wembley, was the runner Week
accommodation. said: “There is a great community up at the competition which was
hosted by the Brent Music Service The borough celebrated Dementia
Donnette Martin, 40, moved into who use the centre at Chalkhill. It’s Action Week in May. Cllr Harbi
her two-bedroom apartment in been a lifeline for so many people, (BMS) in March.
Cllr Mili Patel, Cabinet Member for Farah, Cabinet Member for Adult
Neasden with her two children a young and old, which is why it Social Care, said: “Brent is well on
year ago. “I don’t know what would deserved a bit of TLC.” Children and Young People, said:
“There are a huge number of the way to becoming a dementia
have happened if i4B hadn’t Anthony Angol, who picked up a friendly borough.
stepped in.” paintbrush on the day said: “It was talented children in our borough
and I’m glad we can encourage, There are a lot of resources
Gertrude Awere, 52, moved into a pleasure volunteering to paint the available if you would like to find
her new i4B home with her two centre - a great team effort. The support and reward them.”
Saul will be a special guest soloist out more about dementia and the
children in January this year. “It is centre provides a much needed number of dementia cafés in Brent
better than where we were before,” service and we hope our contri- at the forthcoming BMS Junior Fest
2019 event on July 7. is growing steadily.”
she said. “The rooms are quite big. bution makes the experience a little Visit www.brent.gov.uk/dementia
We have some space now. You can more pleasant.” for more information.
sense some fresh air.”
As well as helping people like
Donette and Gertrude, i4B has also
14 15Kilburn Hub opens Ade Adepitan Paan spitting ‘stain Uxendon Manor
A new centre of local information, Centre young on our community’ celebrates deputy
advice and support for residents is
now open in South Kilburn. people help pick must stop head’s MBE
Based in the former housing office
in Albert Road, local voluntary,
new deputy Community volunteers are leading Children at a Kenton primary school
an initiative to tackle paan spitting dressed up as Kings and Queens for
community and support services are manager – a habit which costs the council the day to celebrate their teacher
now all available under one roof. around £30,000 a year to clean up. collecting an MBE.
The Kilburn Hub is the second to Young people from the Ade
Adepitan Short Break Centre helped Paan is a tobacco leaf-based Jashu Vekaria, Deputy
open in Brent and follows the mixture which is chewed but if spat Headteacher at Uxendon Manor
success of the original hub in to appoint a new Deputy Manager
earlier this year. on the ground leaves a dark red, Primary, visited Buckingham Palace
Harlesden. The aim of the hubs is to blood-like stain. in April to collect her gong, after it
work with residents who find it The Ade Adepitan centre in
Kingsbury is designed for children Supported by street cleaning and was announced in the New Year’s
difficult to access the support they enforcement teams from Brent Honours list that she would be
need through mainstream services. and young people with multiple
learning difficulties, complex health Council, volunteers took to the made a Member of the Most
The hubs are focused on supporting streets of Wembley to drum up Excellent Order of the British
people to help themselves and each needs, physical disabilities and
autistic spectrum disorders. support for the Brent Paan Action Empire.
other, while solving problems and Network and talk about the It was the latest honour for the
building knowledge. Four young people joined the
interview panel and were supported environmental, health and hygiene teacher since she joined the school
Residents in Kilburn have told the issues of paan spitting. in 2010, having been awarded
council what they want from their by parents, staff and educational
professionals to ask the “Paan spitting is disgusting and a Teacher of the Year at the 2016
hub and so far it includes: housing stain on our community,” said Cllr Pearson Teaching Awards, and
advice; employment support, money interviewees the questions that
mattered to them. Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s receiving a commendation at the
management; wellbeing support; Cabinet Member for Environment. Asian Women of Achievement
food bank access; benefits advice The young people had a real say in
who got the job and following the “It is heartening to see members of Awards in 2018.
(including Universal Credit) and the Wembley community taking Jashu said: “To be in a job that you
digital support (including online interviews were presented with ‘job
well done’ certificates. positive actions to help put an end enjoy doing is a blessing, but to be
applications and accessing services). to this anti-social act.” able to see first-hand the difference
New community hubs are set to be Council enforcement patrols have you are making to the kids is truly
rolled out in a phased approach been stepped-up with anyone heart-warming and I thank my lucky
over the next two years to areas caught spitting Paan given an on- stars to have found a job I adore.”
including Willesden, Wembley and the-spot fine of £100.
Kingsbury and Kenton. The campaign is also supported by
For more information, visit: Diu Kadia Nyati Samaj UK,
www.brent.gov.uk/brenthubs Bharatvasi On Duty, Federation of
Patidar Associations, and Shri
Sanatan Hindu Mandir, a Hindu
temple in Wembley which is beset
by paan stains.
16 17Chalkhill children HONEY I SHRUNK MOVES TO EASE
NEWS IN
meet award BRIEF THE BIN! WEMBLEY PARK
winning editors on Big hefty bins can be difficult to TRAFFIC
World Book Day FOUL PLAY move for people with mobility
problems, or perhaps you’re Wembley Park residents are set to
Did you know you can be fined up recycling more than you used to benefit from a new connection
Children from Chalkhill Primary between North End Road and
School shared poems and raps they to £1,000 if you don’t clear up after and have less need for a large
your dog? Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet general waste bin. A reminder that Bridge Road which will offer quicker
had written to welcome a fictional access to the North Circular Road.
new pupil to their school as part of Member for Environment, says: you can request a smaller bin
“Letting your dog make a mess through the council’s website. Just Buses and road users will be able to
a storytelling exercise on World use the new road all year round as
Book Day. without cleaning it up is an offence go to www. brent.gov.uk and search
and we will take action against ‘order new bin’. it will not be affected by event day
The event was hosted by the closures. Work starts in June with
editors of the award-winning essay inconsiderate dog owners. You have
the new route expected to open in
collection The Good Immigrant. been warned.” EUROPEAN early 2020.
Nikesh Shukla and Chimene
Suleyman visited Wembley Library CELEBRATE ELECTIONS – BRENT
MERLE COURT
on the day the international version
of their book, The Good Immigrant DIVERSITY AND DECIDES
Significant internal and external
USA, was published.
During the event Nikesh and
COMMUNITY WITH At the time of going to press, Brent
residents had yet to decide who
works at Merle Court, South
Kilburn, may take more than two
Chimene discussed the themes of THE GREAT GET they wanted to represent them in years to complete. Because of how
immigration and identity which the the European Parliament. The
book explores. After taking TOGETHER results are now available at
disruptive the works will be,
developer Catalyst is working with
suggestions from the children about The Great Get Together was www.brent.gov.uk/elections residents to rehouse them during
what the fictional new pupils name, inspired by the murdered MP Jo Cox the works. Catalyst is meeting each
age, country of origin and hobbies
were, Nikesh and Chimene then
who lived her life spreading her SPACE TO GROW household individually to find the
belief that we have more in right long-term solution for
asked the pupils to write a letter to common than what divides us. This Community groups can apply for up everyone. Merle Court was
their new school friend welcoming year it will take place on 21-23 June to £2,000 match-funding to support completed in 2012 and has 50
him to the country. 2019, the weekend that would have local projects through the Spacehive households.
Nikesh, who was born in Brent, been Jo’s 45th birthday. Grants of ‘Better Brent’ movement. If you
said: “Brent is London’s most diverse up to £500 are now available for would like to apply or find out
borough and it’s important that resident groups and community more, go to www.spacehive.com/
children learn the power and organisations wanting to run a movement/betterbrent
importance of celebrating their own community lunch, BBQ, picnic, or
identities and backgrounds as well coffee morning. For more
as the power of storytelling.” information about how to apply,
check the Brent Council website.
18 19COMMENT exploited or drawn into crime, in
partnership with the Metropolitan
at the whole package and that
means more prevention. We need
Police and Mayor’s office. We have the resources to enable us to work
Tackling violent programmes that divert criminals more closely with teachers, social
from re-offending. Earlier this year, workers, parents and young people
crime in Brent more cameras were installed as part themselves to prevent the
by Cllr Tom Miller, Cabinet Member of a £2.5m investment in CCTV bloodshed on our streets before it
for Community Safety, Brent across the borough. Behind the happens rather than just locking
Council scenes, these cameras are already people up.
helping to capture images that are Violent crime affects us all, be it
Since the beginning of the year, leading to convictions. directly or indirectly. The sooner we
more than 100 people have been We work closely with families like realise this and see it as a problem
murdered on the streets of the UK – the Serunkuma-Barnes’, who that we all need to try and prevent
with nearly half of those being tragically lost their son in an together – rather than just an
caused by stabbings. unprovoked attack, to explore more enforcement issue – the better it
Each death is a huge waste of a ways we can tackle violent crime will be for the people who are
life. Each life taken leaves huge together. dying on our streets.
gaps and ripples of grief that spread We are also focused on long-term
as family and loved ones try to pick preventative solutions. We know
up the pieces. that there can be a link between
Earlier this year, the murders of exclusions and young people going
Jodie Chesney in east London and on to commit crime, which is why
Yousef Makki in Greater Manchester we’re proud that we have reduced
sparked a national debate on knife the number of children being
crime. In March and April, it seemed excluded in Brent by 48% over the
every day brought more bloodshed. past two years.
There have been a number of The good news is that we’ve seen
incidents in Brent in recent months a large fall in knife crime in Brent.
that have torn apart lives and Over the past year, there’s been
shaken communities. I would like to around a 20% reduction in knife
reassure everyone that we are crime incidents. This shows we’re on
working extremely hard not just to the right track, but we must
tackle incidents like this, but to continue on this trajectory.
make sure they never happen. While I welcome the recent police
We are out on the streets coordi- funding announcement, I know that
nating interventions and activities enforcement alone isn’t going to
to support those at risk of being solve this problem. We need to look
20 21Advertisement
Happy & healthy
Attention all landlords
Summer in the city
Properties wanted
let and managed by SBHA From helter-skelters, tug of war and limbo, to balloon
Since 1968 Shepherds Bush Housing Association has been a splatters and dinosaur puppets, Brent’s summer of fun is
trusted part of the local community, now managing more warming up. Here are the hottest ways to make the most
than 5,000 homes. For 25 years, we’ve been managing, of summer in the city
maintaining and guaranteeing rents for landlords. INTERNATIONAL BUSKING DAY Volunteers are needed to help
We are looking for properties in all areas on GUARANTEED 2019 explore the neighbourhood’s proud
Music, magic, comedy, physical history and interview people to
or PRIVATE rent. Cash incentives offered. theatre and dance will bring gather stories to help build material
GUARANTEED RENT SCHEME MARKET RENT SCHEME Wembley Park to life for the fourth for this interesting project. Find
We can take on ‘hard to let’ or • Yearly contracts International Busking Day on more information about how to get
involved at www.kilntheatre.com
• Free rent guarantee
large properties including HMOs Saturday 20 July. Market Square,
Wembley, will be filled with live GET ACTIVE IN WOODCOCK PARK
• Advance monthly rent even if • Tenant referencing for your music at three mini stages and pop-
your property is empty Go hard or go home! Get fit at
chosen tenant up music boxes in Olympic Way, as Kenton’s Woodcock Park with a free
• No management fee or • Free photo inventory Wembley Park buzzes with activities instructor led outdoor gym training
• 24/7 repairs service
commission – we pay what we for all the family. session on 5 June or 3 July. There is
quote www.wembleypark.com no need to book, so just come along
and furniture supply
• Flexible three or five year leasing BE A PART OF THE KILN’S FIRST and join in. Can’t make those days?
option • Full Management or COMMUNITY PLAY There are plenty of sessions
Rent Collection Untold stories of social care and available at free outdoor gyms
• Grants funding advice
migration in Brent are set to be across the borough:
exceptions apply
• No void works if the property revealed in A Friendly Society – and www.brent.gov.uk
becomes empty within lease
charges apply
you can get involved! The Kiln BARHAM PARK FUNFAIR
(exceptions apply) Theatre is calling for people who Bumper cars, inflatables, a giant
want to act, dance, sing, sew or helter-skelter and more! Thrilling
Contact us to discuss your options and to arrange make things. No prior experience rides await at the Green Flag
a no obligation visit needed. www.kilntheatre.com award-winning Barham Park this
Landlords hotline: VOLUNTEER AT KILN THEATRE June, as the funfair with lots to do
SHEPHERDS BUSH Delve into the rich heritage of the for the whole family returns this
020 8996 4271 Kiln Theatre, its newly transformed summer.
psateam.sbha@sbhg.co.uk HOUSING GROUP building and the diverse www.irvinleisure.co.uk
www.sbhg.co.uk/landlords The home of guaranteed rents communities surrounding it.
22 23VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL TROUBADOUR DINOSAUR WORLD My community
COMMUNITY GARDEN LIVE
Can you dig it? Green fingered
gardening enthusiasts can plant
The earth-shaking smash hit
production comes to the
Diamonds and Merles
flowers and grow vegetables in Troubadour Theatre in Wembley South Kilburn’s legendary Aunty Merle tells Your Brent the
community gardens around the Park on Thursday 18 July for a
borough. Open to everyone from 12-week run. Children and grown- secret of what helps make a community great
the community, young and old, with ups alike are sure to enjoy the
any level of experience. Find your dazzling live dino puppet action. Walk through South Kilburn with Rumour has it, superstar Beyonce
nearest garden via More information here: one of its most famous residents, was even a fan of Merle’s famed
www.bigdig.org.uk www.wembleypark.com and it’s not long before Aunty home recipes.
SPACE CHASE SUMMER GARDEN WEMBLEY PARK PRESENTS Merle is recognised. Merle said: “It started out just for
FAMILY FAIR SUMMER ON SCREEN Her status is deserved. the young people. Then it got
Musical chairs, tug of war, limbo, Free outdoor screenings featuring Protecting The Granville, cooking bigger and bigger. We started doing
balloons splatter plus face painting Hollywood Blockbusters, Sing-ALong for the needy and helping the meals for single parents, older
and lots of raffle prizes to be won. Classics and South Asian Cinema will young and old are just three of 73- people.
It’s all go in Kilburn Library! The be showing in Wembley Park from year-old Merle Barriteau’s proudest “All we wanted was for everyone
whole family are sure to enjoy the 31 May to 23 July. successes. who couldn’t afford to pay much to
exciting range of Space Chase In a first for North West London, She has spent over 40 years eat, to have a good meal.
activities on 28 August. the Royal Opera House will supporting her local community. “Before I knew it, we had all these
Email libraries@brent.gov.uk or broadcast productions of Romeo And she has no plans to slow down famous people coming down.
call 020 8937 3400 and Juliet, Carmen and The any time soon. “One of Beyonce’s people on the
Marriage of Figaro. Merle said: “I’ve always wanted to road tried our sky juice. Well, she
www.wembleypark.com help people. And I’ve met so many sent one of her bodyguards back in
wonderful people along the way. to buy a couple of gallons.”
Every day it’s ‘Hi Aunty Merle’. Merle’s passion for helping others
Everyone knows me.” saw her mentor young men
Now a great-grandmother, Merle, involved in crime and drugs, helping
who was born in Trinidad, first many back on to the straight and
moved to London with her family in narrow. She also helped organise
1961 aged 17. She settled in South the legendary annual South Kilburn
Kilburn 10 years later. festival.
Her former café, Merle’s Diner, And, for good measure, working
first opened at The Granville in the with other local activists, she helped
1980s. protect The Granville’s position at
When it closed, 30 years later, the heart of the community.
Princess Anne, former Mayor of In 2012, to thank Merle for her
London Ken Livingstone and cricket tireless work with the community,
legend Brian Lara were just three of Brent Council named a new
the famous faces to have visited. building in South Kilburn after her.
24 25Merle said: “Can you imagine, as a “But we also need to build a Cleaner and greener
teenage black woman arriving here community together. There are
from the West Indies, that there
would one day be a building named
people here from all over the world.
We need to get to know each other Bloomin’ great
after me. I’d have said ‘not a and be friendly.”
chance!’” With all the changes taking place, Communities are being helped by money the council has
South Kilburn is changing. A 15- a new generation of South Kilburn secured from developers through the Neighbourhood
year regeneration programme is residents will soon be saying hello
half way through. It is building to Aunty Merle. Community Infrastructure Levy
high-quality affordable homes for She smiles and says: “I’ll be 73 this
existing residents, to improve living year. South Kilburn – you’re not Caroline Turriff, who is co-chair of else that will address the demands
conditions. gonna get rid of me yet!” the Kensal Green Residents’ that development places on an area
Merle said: “What I have seen so Association, received a £33,000 and has community support. Thanks
far is great, and people need better Neighbourhood Community to the money negotiated from
homes. Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) grant for developers, the council has so far
a street tree project on the Harrow awarded around £4.5million to
Road. more than 100 community projects
“This section of Harrow Road was to improve local neighbourhoods.
quite grimy with a lot of industrial Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member
yards and run down shops and for Regeneration, Highways and
there was only one tree between St Planning said: “We’re building a
Mary’s Cemetery and Wrottesley better Brent for everyone and the
Road - almost a mile,” says Caroline. investment from developers has
“Trees help the environment by allowed us to give over £4.5m to
absorbing pollution – a serious community projects since we started
problem on this section of Harrow the NCIL programme.”
Road as there are often diesel CVS Brent can help applicants to
lorries and buses going down it.” develop their ideas, review their
“A lot of residents and businesses application and provide guidance
have said how much they love the on areas such as project monitoring
trees – they have pink cherry and evaluation, and budgeting.
blossom flowers, so look beautiful Apply for this round of NCIL
in early spring. To anyone thinking funding before 30 June 2019 or for
about applying for the grant, I the next round by 1 December 2019.
would say go for it but get as much Search NCIL on the Brent website or
support as you can.” email NCIL@brent.gov.uk.
The Neighbourhood Community You can get in touch with CVS
Infrastructure Levy is a charge that Brent by emailing
local authorities can set on new support@cvsbrent.org.uk or
developments to raise cash to help phoning 020 3011 1696.
pay for infrastructure, or anything
26 27Advertisement
Housing
HOME TUITION SERVICE Home sweet home
Are you a Qualified Maths, English or
Science Teacher and have some free time A woman from Kingsbury has been handed the keys to a
during the week? newly built flat as the council aims to build more than 800
Are you a retired teacher, taking a career break or have other new council homes over the next five years
commitments who would like to continue teaching and have some extra
income? We are looking for experienced KS3 and KS4 teachers to provide Colette Wood, who has cerebral fuller and more independent life. I
1:1 home tuition to students who are unable to attend our centre. The palsy, has lived in Brent for more was also able to move close to my
duration of the placement is dependent on the young person’s individual than 35 years but struggled to live previous home and to my support
health needs. The hours can be flexible to suit your need. alone after her mum sadly passed networks. I am happy that the
We are a Pupil Referral Unit specialising in providing education for away a few years ago. Colette’s council are building new homes for
children and young people, 5-16 years of age, who are resident in Brent former property was not suitable those who need them, it is a move
and not attending mainstream school due to their health needs. Working for her needs and she faced in the right direction.”
with parents/carers, mainstream schools, support agencies and profes- significant barriers including Brent became one of the top five
sionals we strive ensure a continuity of care and education while they internal stairs that left her feeling boroughs to commit to a new
have a medical need preventing them from attending school. less independent. council housing building
Due to a lack of adapted programme worth £200m, with
The suitable candidate In return we offer: properties and a long council £65million of that coming from the
will have the following: housing waiting list, Colette was Mayor of London. The council aims
• KS3 and KS4 National • Competitive hourly rates unsure if she would be able to be to build more than 800 new homes
Curriculum knowledge in English, move to a property that would for social rent as well as 5,000
• Flexibility with hours of work to allow her to live independently but affordable homes over the next five
Maths or Science suit other commitments now that has all changed. years to help ease the housing crisis.
• Flexibility with • Centre based paid CPD Colette’s new home has been Some of the new homes being
• 2 years teaching or tutoring • Access to the Employee specially adapted to meet her needs built are on underused garage sites
experience in the UK Assistance Programme by the council’s Private Housing and on existing council estates.
• UK recognised teaching qualifi- Services and includes everything on Council homebuilding fell to nearly
• A supportive and inclusive team one floor, a mobility kitchen and zero in the 1990s with many
cation i.e. QTS consisting of subject specialists at bathroom, automatic doors councils’ ambition previously held
• Educated to a degree level the centre throughout and solar energy to back by Government restrictions
keep utility costs low. and rigid limits on their powers and
If you think you suit our provision and would like further Colette said: “I am really enjoying borrowing.
information, please contact Christine Cahillane: living here, the adaptations in my
recruitment@ashleycollege.brent.sch.uk, 020 8937 3330 new home allow me to live a much
Ashley College, Ashley Gardens, Wembley, HA9 8NP
www.ashleycollege.brent.sch.uk
28 29My community My community
Calling all writers! It’s not black and white
Are you a budding writer? Do you have a great story about Some of the people in the landmark 1970s documentary
Brent or about someone living in Brent? Or do you know The Way We Live Now - Race took centre stage at an event
someone who has done something amazing for the which asked how things have – or haven’t – changed since
community... If so, then we would love to hear about then
them. Email us at yourbrent@brent.gov.uk There’s a big rift and it’s getting inclusion had changed much since
deeper and deeper.” This was the the making of the documentary.
We are looking for people to contribute to Your Brent view of a Met Police Officer Guests also heard from a panel of
magazine, so send us an email with the story you have, working in Brent in the late 1970s, young people about what
before the race riots of the early challenges they face now as they try
or examples of your work, to yourbrent@brent.gov.uk 80s, as a BBC journalist reported on to make their mark in their
the state of race relations in what industries.
was then described as ‘Britain’s Delton Pink, who still lives in the
blackest borough’. borough, took part in the 1979
Advertisement The Way We Live Now – Race was documentary and was filmed along
a landmark documentary filmed in with his brothers in their family
ADVERTISE IN YOUR BRENT Brent which looked at race
relations, education and inclusion.
band called ‘True Pink’.
Delton, who describes himself as a
Previously shown only once, Cec survivor and has changed career
AND REACH OVER Richards, the CEO of opportunities
platform Slenky, worked with Brent
many times over the years said:
“Watching the documentary after
130,000 HOUSEHOLDS, Council and the FA to screen the
documentary again at a special
40 years brought back the same
hurt and frustration felt at the time
FROM ONLY £275. event at Wembley Stadium. The
screening was the centre piece of an
from comments made by the police
and some residents.
evening of discussion about how “Unfortunately, I feel that little
advertising@brent.gov.uk much – or how little – progress has
been made on race relations over
has changed in the way some
people are still treated in society.
the past 40 years and what more Racism is less obvious now - in the
needs to be done now. 60s and 70s we endured open
Three of the men featured in the abuse, today it’s covert - but still
1979 documentary, spoke to a exists.
crowd of businesses, community “I’m a positive person though, and
leaders and young people, about it was great to experience the work
whether the issues of race, class and that Cec has done in setting up an
30
31event like the one we had. He really Leader of the Council, Cllr My community
brought the community together Muhammed Butt said: “Brent has
and it impressed me how he was
able to get big names such as Brent
been the most diverse borough in
the UK for a very long time and this Dare to care
Council and the FA involved. It is something that we are very proud
showed that they care about of. Events like this highlight our A foster family provided a safe and stable home for a
working with the community and different communities and all the teenager and before long, a loving relationship blossomed
are positive about the future.” benefits diversity brings with it.
Clovis Bryan was still looking for “It was a pleasure to work with At 15, Sarah was placed into care as
work when he was featured in the Slenky and the FA on this event and Adjusting to trust
her parents couldn’t provide a safe
documentary three years after I hope that all those who attended and stable home for her to grow up Coming from an unsafe and
leaving school. Clovis is now a were able to learn from the in. Because her fostering experience unstable family home has affected
network architect, a career he challenges that Clovis, Bryan and started when she was a teenager, it Sarah’s ability to trust people and
enjoys, but which took him a long Trevor discussed. was harder for her to adjust to the open up – the troubled relationship
time to find. “Although a lot has changed in new family, their values and with her mother made it hard for
Clovis said: “When I was younger, I the past 40 years, there are still traditions, especially since they her to confide in almost anyone.
wanted to become a pilot. After 10 some issues we need to address came from a different cultural and Respect was something that she
years doing a variety of different with regards to race, inclusion and religious background. didn’t receive, and she ended up
jobs, I retrained to become a opportunity for everyone in the Getting on with her studies while being rebellious and disobedient.
network architect. borough. finding her feet in the new place She also felt unworthy of love and
“Companies need to become more “We are determined to make wasn’t easy. Thankfully, Sarah’s new care, but the carers were so patient
diverse, I can still go into a business Brent the best it can be and we are foster family was incredibly and supportive that Sarah
and be the only black or Asian doing this by working hard to accommodating and even though completely changed the way she
person there. A lack of diversity ensure that everyone in the Sarah was worried about how she thought about people and how she
means organisations are losing out borough, no matter what their would cope everything went behaved around them. She learned
on talent. Diversity brings change background, has the opportunity to smoothly. to be open, she gained the trust to
and new ideas. If your company is succeed.” “They gave me the space to be express her feelings and show her
full of people who have the same To find out more about Slenky myself and let me enjoy being a vulnerabilities, and became more
background, then it’s quite likely and the opportunities available teenager,” Sarah said. “Often, when trusting and honest.
that they will view things in the for young people, go to I got home from school, they would “The relationship with my mother
same way. www. slenky.me make me pancakes and in the made me put up a wall, which my
“I think there is a long way for us mornings they made the bed carers managed to break,” said
to go in this country with regards to for me.” Sarah.
race. I’d like to get to a point where Sarah changed her behaviour at
you are judged and accepted on her own speed, without being
merit, for what you can do rather forced to act in a certain way. Her
than the colour of your skin.” parents would do many nice small
gestures for her, which eventually
softened her heart and taught her
about giving without expecting
32 33something in return. This freedom motherhood. She appreciates every Jobs & skills
mixed with the unconditional love moment with her child and is
and all the nice things helped her to
develop as a person and to become
patiently answering all her “But
why, mummy?” questions. Strong foundations
the loving mother that she is to her Find out more about how
three-year old daughter. fostering is changing lives in Brent Students interested in a career in planning and designing
“They helped me figure out how I at: www.brent.gov.uk/fostering buildings spent a week being architects, thanks to
can be a good mother to my little
one. She’s now in her ‘no’ phase, Karakusevic Carson Architects and Brent Council
which I handle pretty well because I Visit brent.gov.uk/fostering
learned how important it is to be Pupils from Brent schools got hands- architects also volunteered time to
patient and supportive as a parent.” to find out how you can
on experience with drawing classes give something back to the borough,
Looking back, she’s learned a lot change a child’s life, by and CV and interview workshops most recently by supporting the
from both her birth and her foster fostering with with respected architects that have Brent Parks team to plant 3,450
parents. Each has made their own worked on the designs for various seedlings in the wildflower meadows
positive contribution to her life, Brent Council.
sites in Wembley Housing Zone and at King Edward VII Park this spring.
which is now helping her through the South Kilburn Estate Cllr McLennan, Deputy Leader of
Regeneration programme. the Council, said: “There are so many
Bupesh Hirani, an 18-year-old different ways to inspire young
student from Alperton Community people and help them plan their
School, said: “I wanted to take part future and this is a great initiative.
to see if architecture is really the I’d love to see more companies share
career for me. The placement gave their expertise and get more
me an amazing insight into what a involved in the community.”
day to day job would be like. I Karakusevic Carson Architects have
definitely want to go into the field recently partnered with social
now.” innovation and enterprise hub SEIDs
Ruzna Noukri, from Kilburn, said: to create a bursary for a Brent
“Architects play a significant role in resident to develop a creative
shaping our community, they bring business idea that would benefit the
people together through what they community.
create. I’ve had a great insight into Applications are welcome until 26th
the world of architecture and I’ve July. For more information and to
had a really great experience.” apply, email hello@seids.org.uk
As part of the agreement with the
council, employees from the
34 35You can also read
