Download - Westminster Reporter Autumn 2014
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AUTUMN 2014ISSUE 117
Silver SundayFree activities for older people
Local events, offers and discounts
First World War centenaryWestminster Remembers
3
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There are lots of ways to recycleYour collection service is just the start. Take a look at how to recycle other items.
YES PLEASE:
Questions? Contact us: Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycle-more • Call: 020 7641 2000 • Email: [email protected]
for London
Clothing and small electrical items
Find your nearest recycling bank online.
Garden waste
Order a discounted compost bin or put in your rubbish bin.
Plastic bags
Reuse your plastic bags when shopping.
NO THANK YOU:
Please do not put these items in your recycling bag or box. It means all your efforts to recycle are wasted as nothing in the bag or box can be recycled.
Black bags Food Polystyrene Clothing
WCC1430_RecyclingAdforReporter_ARTWORK5.indd 1 05/09/2014 09:42
4-5 News in brief 6 What’s on? 7 Westminster City Save offers and discounts 8 Life in the Reserve Forces 9 Voter Registration 10 Changes to parking 11 Historic Westminster: Maida Hill 12-13 Health 14-15 Your Westminster: North 16-17 Your Westminster: Central 18-19 Your Westminster: South 20-21 Silver Sunday – free events and activities 22 Starting your own business 24-25 First World War centenary 26 Employment support 27 Volunteering 28-29 Schools and admissions 30 Over to you
Local news and events
14-19
Silver Sunday
20 Victoria Embankment
Resident discounts
7
On the cover: Piccadilly marks 100 years since Britain entered the First World War. Westminster City Council and Land Securities worked closely with Coca-Cola, Hyundai Motors, TDK, McDonald’s, Samsung and One Piccadilly to make this project happen, who all kindly gave up their screens at Piccadilly Lights for the hour in remembrance.
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4 5News in brief
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Reducing emissionsTo help improve the air you breathe in Westminster we’ve asked coach operators to turn off their engines when they’re parked and have put up signs to remind them. If you see a parked coach with its engine running, please let us know. Contact [email protected]
Get fit by doing goodCombine exercise with volunteering through a new community scheme called GoodGym. Just turn up at a group run and get sent on a community mission. You can also drop in on lonely or older people. Runners meet at Impact Hub Westminster on Wednesdays at 6.30pm. To find out more or register visit goodgym.org/westminster
Save money on West End shows
Trafalgar Square came alive with the sound of music this summer, as over 500,000 people packed into the square for West End LIVE, a weekend of free performances from theatreland’s best loved musicals. If you missed out, you can still make the most of the West End with up to 70% off top West End musicals with your Westminster City Save card. Participating shows include We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot and many more. Visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave to claim.
Free stop smoking supportFed-up of smoking? Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but help is out there. Sign up to our free stop smoking service, Kick It, this October and you’ll receive six weekly sessions and up to £100 of stop smoking medication on prescription. Visit kick-it.org.uk or call 020 3434 2500.
@CityWestminster
Funded childmindingIf you have a two-year-old child you may be eligible for 15 hours of council-funded childminding a week. Westminster’s childminders can help you with flexible childcare, and children learn and develop within a secure home-based environment. To find out if your child is eligible visit westminster.gov.uk/pre-school
Do you look after someone else’s child?If you look after a child who isn’t a close relative for more than 28 days you could be in a private fostering arrangement and be eligible for support. Find out more on 020 7641 4000 or visit westminster.gov.uk/private-fostering
Free cycling training Whether you’re highly experienced or a complete beginner, improve your confidence on your bike with our free City Cycling Courses. Thirty per cent of you who responded to our cycling consultation earlier this year said that cycle training should be one of the council’s top priorities. Almost 2,000 people completed the survey and we will be using your feedback to influence our final strategy to be launched in October. Visit westminster.gov.uk/cycling
Host a tea partyWith over a million older people feeling lonely, Contact the Elderly is looking for volunteers. The charity organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people aged 75+ and needs volunteers to host small tea parties, help with transport or coordinate a group. Visit contact-the-elderly.org to find out more.
LEADER’S COLUMN
As the summer draws to an end, it is worth reflecting on another memorable and successful period for Westminster.
This summer saw the Tour de France return to Westminster, with 1000s of
people lining the streets as the city once again hosted the world’s biggest annual sporting event.
West End LIVE celebrated its 10th anniversary with a stellar line-up making it the most talked about topic on Twitter in the whole of the UK on its opening afternoon.
In early June, SohoCreate Festival – London’s first festival celebrating the creative industries – was held in the West End over three days, with nearly 1,000 people attending events.
And of course back in May, this year’s Westminster Mile officially became the most popular event of its kind in the world, with 5,600 people taking part against the iconic backdrop of The Mall.
The summer has also seen Westminster’s programme of events to mark the centenary of the First World War continue to build, with the marking of the 100th anniversary of the country going to war on 4th August. More details on the programme, which will continue to run through to the centenary of the end of the war in 2018, are included in this edition of the Reporter.
Of course, business as usual continues apace, and I am delighted that Westminster has secured considerable funding from central government through London’s Growth Deal to help long-term unemployed residents in the city get back into work (see page 26).
An extraordinary summer of events has served to reinforce Westminster’s position as a truly global city, but our top priority and focus remains the challenge of improving the lives and opportunities of everyone living and working in Westminster.
Cllr Philippa Roe, Leader of Westminster City Council
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Frieze London
15th-18th October
The contemporary art event of the year, Frieze art fair is an annual event in Regent’s Park and features some of the world’s leading artists.
Venue: Regent’s Park, Park Square West entrance, NW1 4NR
Cost: From £15
Nearest tube: Regent’s Park
friezelondon.com
Regent Street Motor Show
1st November
A free display of 300 cars spanning 125 years of motoring, from the earliest 19th century veterans to the cars of the future.
Venue: Regent Street
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus
regentstreetmotorshow.com
Remembrance Sunday parade
9th November
Remember the men and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Follow the parade down Whitehall to the Cenotaph where wreaths and tributes will be laid in remembrance.
Venue: Whitehall
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Charing Cross/Westminster
britishlegion.org.uk
Little Venice Music Festival
10th-12th October
This annual music event features three classical concerts held over three days.
Venue: St. Saviour’s Church, Warwick Avenue, W9 2PT
Cost: £10-£15
Nearest tube: Warwick Avenue
littlevenice-mf.com
Diwali in London
12th October, 2-7pm
Head to Trafalgar Square for the annual festival of lights. This year’s packed programme of free entertainment will include music and dance from community groups and professional artists, food stalls and a range of activities for children.
Venue: Trafalgar Square
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
diwaliinlondon.com
76 What’s on?
Thames Festival
Throughout September
A 30-day spectacular programme of events along the River Thames. Come along for arts, music and community festivals, colourful regattas, thrilling river races and environmental and educational activities.
Venue: Venues along the Thames
Cost: Most events are free but some have a cost. Check online for details
totallythames.org
The Big Draw
1st October-2nd November
Drawing activities for people who
love to draw as well as those who think they can’t.
Venue: Various. Check online for listings
Cost: Mainly free
bigdraw.org
London Restaurant Festival
8th-27th October
From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighbourhood bistros, London Restaurant Festival is your chance to taste London’s finest cooking.
Venue: Various venues across London
Cost: Various, check online for details
londonrestaurantfestival.com
WH
AT
’S O
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Offers
40% off your first haircut at Claudia & Nobuko Bespoke Hair
Create an individual hairstyle based around your look and lifestyle. The offer includes a free bespoke hair consultation.
Venue: Headonizm Hair, 29 Page Street, SW1P 4JS
10% off private treatment at Gentle Dental Care
A professional, ethical and caring practice that offers treatments including preventative, general and cosmetic dentistry.
Venue: 12 Chapter Street, SW1P 4NP
10% off removal and storage services
A removal company that’s also a social enterprise offering house and office removals and clearances, storage and packing.
10% off Candy Clothing
Get 10% off this unique, urban clothing line selling jewellery, crop tops, beanies and sweaters with a sweet twist.
1/3 off personal shopping and styling services
Let Style Elite organise your wardrobe and take you on a bespoke shopping trip.
Offers and discounts with your Westminster City Save cardMake the most of your city with your resident card, exclusively for people who live in Westminster. Apply for your free card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or take your old ResCard into your local library or leisure centre to swap it on the spot. You can also sign up for our Value for Money Friday enewsletter for exclusive previews of the latest offers. Full listings are available online at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or pick up a brochure from your local library or leisure centre.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave for all offers and more details.
£2 swimming
in council pools
FREE admission to Westminster
Abbey
Up to
70%
off West End
theatre and
musicals
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98 Citizenship and voting
The Army Reserve
Streetlife is a new social network which can help
you find local tradespeople, discover local events and get recommendations for whatever interests you.
“Each day on the way to and from work I walked
past the Army Reserve Centre. After attending an open day around Christmas I decided that it was something I wanted to do, so, in January 2002, I signed up for the Reserves.
“During my time as a Reservist, I’ve had the opportunity to go abroad and serve for six months in Northern Ireland, as well as twice serving in Afghanistan.
“With the current changes happening across the Armed Services, the role of the Reserves is becoming more important and the support we’re providing is growing. We’ve got people out in Cyprus supporting the Irish Guards and have had guys take part in regular army exercises in Spain and in Canada. There are lots of training opportunities that you can
use in every part of your life.“Most of my social circles
revolve around the army in some form or another – whether that is people I’ve served with or soldiers that I know.
“Joining the Reserves is a commitment, but, in my opinion, one worth making.”
What are the Reserve Forces? A Reservist is someone who combines their civilian career with a paid job in the Armed Forces in their spare time. You can choose from 100s of roles either related to your career or try something new.
TrainingAfter your initial training you will train with your unit for a minimum number of days each year and will also need time off if you’re mobilised. Training takes place in the evening and on weekends plus 16 days continuous training.
Can I join?You need to be aged 18-43 to join.
Neil Scott, 37, works for Transport for London in Victoria and is a member of the London Regiment of the Army Reserve.
Discover a new career in the Army Reserve If you’re considering
applying to become a British Citizen, we can help.
Applying for British Citizenship
Our Nationality Checking Service is fast, affordable
and located at Westminster City Hall in Victoria and the Registration Office on Harrow Road.
An appointment with a Home Office trained registrar takes 40 minutes. You will need to take your completed application form and original supporting documents to your appointment. The registrar will copy, certify and send them to the Home Office on your behalf. The service cost £57. Applications made using a Nationality Checking Service have a 99% success rate.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 020 7641 7500 or visit westminster.gov.uk/citizenship
The way we all register to vote is changing. Look out for your letter that will tell you moreIndividual electoral registration is a new way of registering to vote. It’s the biggest change to voter registration in 100 years. Previously the head of the household was responsible for registering everyone at their address to vote, but now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration.
Most people who are already registered
have been transferred automatically to the new register, but some people will need to re-register. There are also people in the area who are not registered to vote at all, and so need to register to have their say in elections. For the first time you can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote
We have written to you about the change. If you received a letter inviting you to register, it’s important you respond so that you can have your say in future elections and referendums. We are also visiting homes from October to answer questions from people who need to register.
To register online visit gov.uk/register-to-vote To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Se precisar de ajuda na sua inscrição para votar, na sua língua materna, visite westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote
westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote
westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote Visit streetlife.com to join the 1,600 users in Westminster already taking part.
Open evening with the London Regiment
Find out more about the Army Reserve
at this informal drop-in session.• meet local Reservists• find out about the
different roles on offer, from chefs to signallers and clerks to infantry and more
• ask questions• watch the Army
Reserves train so you can see what’s involved (from 7.30pm)
• handle the equipment and try on the clothing
Venue: Army Reserve Centre, 95 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2DX
Date: Tuesday 18th November, drop in any time from 6-9pm
Transport: 10 minute walk from Victoria Station, St. James’s Park or Pimlico
What can the Reserve Forces offer me?• travel and new experiences • you can fit it in around your career and other
commitments • you will get paid for training and deployment • there are many roles to choose from, not just combat
Want to learn more about the Reserves? Your local unit is The London Regiment, Army Reserve Centre, 95 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2DX. Call 020 7630 0411, email [email protected] or visit westminster.gov.uk/reserve-forces
Open day – 15th November
You can also attend an open day on Saturday 15th November at the Army Reserve Centre, 27 St. John’s Hill, Battersea, SW11 1TT at any time from 10am to 4pm.
Transport: Opposite Clapham Junction Station
YOUR VOTE MATTERS
MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN
You need to make sure that you’re
on the updated register, or you
might not be able to vote in future.
For more information please go to
www.gov.uk/yourvotematters
THE WAY WE ALL REGISTER
TO VOTE IS CHANGING
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Harrow Road in 1930
Maida Hill market today
Within a few years the first houses were built,
together with a pub called the Hero of Maida. The hero in question was Major-General Sir John Stuart, who in 1806 led British troops to victory over a larger French force on the plain of Maida in southern Italy.
The name Maida Hill faded into obscurity for a while, when the whole area to the north of the canal was united as Maida Vale. Its exact location has shifted over time, and it is now widely used to refer to the area west of Maida Vale and north of Notting Hill, encompassing parts of the Harrow Road.
Maida Hill is now the home of a burgeoning new market. The recently launched Maida Hill Market is attracting a selection of food, drink, design and antique stalls to the junction of Harrow Road and Elgin Avenue every Saturday. The market also supports young local talent with pitches for graduates from the University of the Arts and artists from The London Print Studio.
Harrow Road in 1930
Maida Hill market today
The ParkRight app allows you to see parking spaces near your destination and will soon include real-time
information on over 3,000 spaces in central London. Find a space before you arrive and the app will direct you straight to it.
Pay by app
You can now also pay for your parking via our ParkRight app. It takes less time than calling and
makes it easy to top up if you’re going to be longer than you thought.
11Heritage
Maida Hill began to exist as a place in its own right after the opening of the Paddington branch of the Grand Union Canal in 1801.
Historic Westminster: Maida Hill
10 Parking
Register onlineSince July, our pay to park services are provided by
RingGo – one of the largest phone parking operators in the country. To pay for parking you will now need to register with RingGo, which is quick and easy to do online or through your ParkRight app.
Register online before you set off:
1. visit westminster.gov.uk/parkright
2. register your vehicle
3. register your card payment
4. set up free reminder text messages
You can use your ParkRight app to pay quickly and easily when you arrive at your destination.
To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/parkright
Over 600 people a day are downloading our free ParkRight mobile app. Join them and see how it makes it easy and quick for you to find and pay for parking in the city.
Pay by phone parking has changed
Maida Hill Market is on Twitter @MaidaHillW9Resident parking permits are free for low emission cars
saving you £140. Visit westminster.gov.uk/resident-permit-costs
To download the app search ‘parkright’ in the app store or visit westminster.gov.uk/parkright
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Improve your health with a Health Trainer
Do you want to improve your health but aren’t
sure where to start? Health Trainers are local people who have been trained to help you identify changes that could improve your health. Book a free appointment with an NHS funded Westminster Health Trainer who can help you to develop an action plan to be more active, eat more healthily, stop smoking or drink less.
Visit westminsterhealthtrainers.com or call 020 8964 2727 to find out more or book an appointment.
Protect your children
Immunisations ensure that your children are
protected from serious preventable illnesses. By the age of five, your child should have had:• two doses of the ‘five in
one’ vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib
• the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella
• a Meningitis C vaccination• an annual children’s flu
vaccineAsk your GP if your child
has had all of their immunisations, particularly the MMR vaccination.
Information and advice surgeriesIf you’re over 50 and worried
about your finances, you can use a free advice service funded by the council. Age UK Westminster runs drop-in sessions to help you with welfare benefit, Taxicard applications, correspondence, direct payments and personal budgets, pensions and utility bills.
Drop-in session times
Mondays, 10am-12 midday, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ
Wednesdays,10am-12 midday, Ada Court, 10-16 Maida Vale, W9 1TD
Wednesdays, 2-4pm, The Hill room, The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU
Thursdays, 2-4pm, Penfold Community Hub, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ
Call 020 3004 5610 for more information or visit ageuk.org.uk/westminster
Health12
Staying healthyFree support for carersThere are lots of services for unpaid
carers in Westminster. The council funds Carers Network to give you the advice and support you need. They can help you to apply for a personal budget for funding that will help you as a carer, make a plan for the person you look after in case of an emergency and let you know about support groups and social events to meet other carers.
Your magazine to find out more about services for people aged 65+.
Westminster PLUS
INSIDE50 free Silver Sunday eventsHow to register to vote is changingTea Dance 2014 Don’t forget to apply for tickets
PLUSKeeping activeCelebrate Carers
Silver Sunday special • 5th October 2014
LISTINGS AND BOOKING DETAILS INSIDE PAGES 4-13
Westminster PLUSEssential information for Westminster’s older residents
Issue 23 – September 2014
WCC1420_Westminer_Plus_Issue_23_AW.indd 1
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Keeping you on your feet
If you feel unsteady on your feet or are worried about falling, the Falls Prevention Service can help. You can get free advice and support from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists on a 12-week programme of support.
For more information and to find out if you are eligible, contact the Westminster Falls Prevention Service on 020 7641 4001.
Urgent healthcareIf you need an urgent weekend appointment or to book a same-day appointment with your GP there are five practices in Westminster that are open on Saturdays and Sundays. You do not need to be registered at these surgeries.
The Connaught Square Practice
41 Connaught Square, W2 2HL
020 7402 4026
Westminster and Pimlico Health Centre
15 Denbigh Street, SW1V 2HF
020 7834 6969
The North West London Medical Centre
56 Maida Vale, W9 1PP
020 7624 2804
Third Floor Lanark Medical Centre
3rd Floor, 165 Lanark Road, W9 1NZ
020 7624 8616
Shake up your day and keep activeDisney has teamed up with Change4Life to help keep your children active. Children can take part in a series of 10-minute shake ups to help them get their recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Sulley’s Scary Feet workout• be inspired by Sulley’s Scary Feet routine –
start by tip-toeing on the spot so no-one can hear you coming!
• follow it up with some star jumps, running on the spot or hopping on one leg. Use your whole body
• why not add in your own super monster moves for extra scare? Roar, shout and jump as high as you can!
• can your friends follow your moves and keep up?• see if you can keep scaring for 10 minutes
For more ideas on how to keep your children active, sign up for a free pack of activity ideas, wall charts and reward stickers, Disney character activity cards and a stopwatch. Visit nhs.uk/Change4Life
To make sure you’re up-to-date with the services available to you, register for our carers enewsletter at westminster.gov.uk/carers or contact Carers Network on 020 8960 3030.
The council is now responsible for some aspects of public health. This means giving you the information and services you need to live a healthy lifestyle. Here is a round-up of some of the services available to help you and your family stay active and well. Health checks
Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 is entitled to a health check every five years. It will help you to identify any health risks and reduce your risks of developing diabetes or heart conditions by supporting you to make changes. Health checks are available from your GP, the Westminster Health Trainers on 020 8964 2727 or from 10 pharmacies across Westminster.
Apek Pharmacy
107 Praed Street, W2 1NT
Benson Pharmacy
276 Harrow Road, W2 5ES
Collins Chemist
113-115 Church Street, NW8 8HA
Curie Chemist
445 Edgware Road, W2 1TH
Market Chemist
91-93 Church Street, NW8 8EU
Medicare
568 Harrow Road, W9 3QH
Nashi Pharmacy
55 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UA
Portman’s Pharmacy
93-95 Tachbrook Street, SW1V 2QA
Simmonds Chemist
105 Lupus Street, SW1V 3EN
St. John’s Wood Pharmacy
142 St. John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7SE
For more information visit centrallondonccg.nhs.uk
© Crown copyright 2014. C4L342 Activity Cards, 250k July 14 (GNS)
To find your local GP surgery visit centrallondonccg.nhs.uk
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Vera Brittain (1893-1970) served during the First World
War as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse in Malta, France and London. With her brother, fiancé and two closest male friends fighting on the front,
she wrote to her brother: “If the war spares me, it will be my one aim to immortalise in a book the story of us four.” The war did spare Vera, but not her loved ones and she came to write Testament of Youth, one of the most widely read war memoirs of all time. She lived at 117 Wymering Mansions in Maida Vale from 1923 to 1927.
Dr John Alcindor (1873-1924) was known as the ‘Black Doctor of
Paddington’. He served as a volunteer in the British Red Cross during the First World War despite first being rejected from the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1914 because of
his ‘colonial origin’. Far from being disheartened, Alcindor helped wounded soldiers at London rail stations as they returned from the battlefields. Following the war, Alcindor became a doctor and later senior district medical officer for Paddington. A blue heritage plaque at 209 Harrow Road marks the site of his former surgery in Paddington.
For more local First World War history visit westminster.gov.uk/remembers
Local First World War heroes
14 15Your Westminster
Your Westminster
north
If you have fond memories of playing in the street after school, your children can now follow in your footsteps
through a new initiative called Play Streets. From September, Play Streets will be trialled in Fisherton and Luton Street in the Church Street area and Crompton Street in Paddington Green. On weekdays after school, on holidays and weekends, these quiet streets will be closed to traffic except for access, and the council’s sports team will run regular activities.
If you’re a parent or carer and would like to help to run Play Streets when your children are playing, please contact Jane Fifield at Vital Regeneration on 020 7245 2861 or email [email protected]
Playing out
Hidden gemsTell us your favourite places in Westminster. Tweet them to @CityWestminster
“ For us it’s Violet Hill Park. It’s a tiny little
park in St. John’s Wood with a playground and garden and there’s always a lovely calming and friendly vibe there whenever you go. It’s kept lovely and clean too and the flowers are always blooming.” Amy Joubert
If you’re aged 65+ and would like to take a look around RAF Northolt, join Squadron Leader Richard Willis
on a guided tour. The tour takes place on 12th November from 8.30am to 12 midday and transport is provided from and to The Stowe Centre on Harrow Road courtesy of Westway Community Transport. Places are limited and booking is essential. Please call Westminster City Council on 020 7641 6194 to book. The tour is part of Silver Sunday.
Find out more about Silver Sunday on page 21 or visit silversunday.org.uk
Free tour of RAF Northolt
“ I love walking along the Grand Union Canal
past Little Venice and Paddington. There are some lovely sights, from ducks with new baby chicks to art made from upcycled materials and garbage by local children.” Nicola Walsh
Offers in your area
Up to 15% off fitness bootcamp
Lose weight, tone up and get strong with outdoor bootcamp sessions.
Date: Ongoing
Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD
Free activities for people over 50
Try out aerobics, art, meditation or line dancing. Your first class is free at our Open Age Community Hubs.
Date: Ongoing
Venue: Across north Westminster, call 020 8962 4141 to find your nearest Community Hub
20% off six passes for The Nia Technique®
If you don’t believe in ‘no pain, no gain’ you will enjoy The Nia Technique®, a sensory-based movement that draws from martial, dance and healing arts.
Date: Until 18th October
Venue: Boys’ Club, St. Gabriel’s Halls, off Lupus Street, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AA
OFFERS IN YOUR AREA
Value for Money Friday Value for Money Friday is a round-up of short-term offers, discounts, activities and events to help you make the most of your area and council services. Register for our fortnightly enewsletter or take a look at westminster.gov.uk/vfm for details.
History in pictures
What’s on?Money advice fair
22nd October, 1-6pm
Free, impartial money advice from the experts from budgeting and borrowing to retirement planning and protection.
Venue: London Lighthouse, 111-117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove
westminstercab.org.uk
Meet the author
31st October, 10-11am
Award-winning children’s author Michael Foreman will tell stories as part of the First World War centenary project led by Westminster Archives Centre.
Venue: Paddington Library, Clifford Hall, Porchester Road, W2 5DU
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Royal Oak
westminster.gov.uk/remembers
Active 50+ morning
Wednesdays, 9am-1pm
If you’re aged 50 or over join in aerobics, table tennis, gym sessions, short bowls and more.
Venue: Moberley Sports Centre, Kilburn Lane, W10 4AH
Cost: £1.75
Nearest tube: Queen’s Park
020 7641 4807
Serpentine Junior Athletics Club
Tuesdays, 5-6.30pm
A junior disability athletics club with wheelchair racing.
Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD
Cost: First session free then £10 annual membership
Nearest tube: Maida Vale
0771 839 4761Terms and conditions apply to all offers. For details visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm
The interior of Paddington Station in 1892.
Photo: Westminster Archives Centre
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Berwick Street Market, Soho 1980.
Photo: Westminster Archives Centre
Work is underway to improve the long-term future of Berwick Street Market, which dates back to
around 1820. Over the next year, improvements will create an attractive street that makes the most of the space for trading as well as better access for pedestrians.
There will be new street lighting, a new hard-wearing surface and a raised crossing point at the junction with Broadwick Street.
Visit westminster.gov.uk/markets for more information on all of Westminster’s markets.
Photo: The Retail Group
16 17Your Westminster Your Westminster
Your Westminster
central
Hidden gemsTell us your favourite places in Westminster. Tweet them to @CityWestminster
“ In Marylebone, Le Vieux Comptoir is a great
place for lunch and there is a lift to go downstairs with space for two buggies. It’s hard to find places to go to with another mummy sometimes.” Aude Lagorce
Offers in your area What’s on?
Music production and sport
Various dates, please call for details, 4.30-7.30pm
Activities for teenagers including gym, football, music recording, beats production, cooking fitness, cricket and more.
Venue: Amberley Youth Project, Millennium Centre, 11 Clearwell Drive, W9 2JZ
Cost: Free but there may be a fee for offsite trips
Nearest tube: Warwick Avenue
020 7286 1014
Raindance Film Festival
24th September-5th October, various times
Europe’s leading independent film festival, which supports and promotes independent films and filmmakers comes to London with 100 feature films and over 150 short films.
Venue: 10 Craven Street, WC2N 5HE
Cost: Tickets from £8
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
raindance.org
Free dog microchipping
7th October, 10am-2pm
From 2016 all dog owners will be
legally required to get their dog microchipped. Come along to our microchipping event and get it done free.
Venue: Porchester Square Gardens, Porchester Square, W2
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Royal Oak
westminster.gov.uk/microchipping
Goodbye Piccadilly exhibition
Daily until 8th March 2015, 10am-6pm (11am on Fridays)
An exhibition at the London Transport Museum looking at the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War and how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort.
Venue: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB
Cost: Free for under 17s or £13.50 for adults with a Westminster City Save card
Nearest tube: Covent Garden
ltmuseum.co.uk
Suffragettes: Deeds not Words
Daily until 10th May 2015, 10am-6pm (9pm Thursdays and Fridays)
Take a look back to the spring and summer of 1914 when suffragettes staged their final violent protests to campaign for votes for women. The display includes photographs of Emmeline Pankhurst and Mary Richardson, notorious for attacking the Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez at the National Gallery.
Venue: National Portrait Gallery
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Charing Cross/Leicester Square/Embankment
npg.org.uk
Free health and fitness courses for families
Sign up to free weekly workshops and learn more about healthy food choices, fun activities to keep the family fit, managing fussy eaters and more.
Date: Ongoing
Venue: Various locations across Westminster
35% off selected wines
Hyde Park Wines directly imports from small wineries and distributes throughout Britain to source undiscovered gems.
Date: Until 31st October 2014
Venue: 3 Hyde Park Steps, St. George’s Fields, W2 2YQ
Build your own website – 15% off training
Learn to use WordPress to create your own website to promote yourself or your business with the how to: Academy.
Date: 10th November
Venue: 16-17 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4DR
“ Porchester Spa. I go here most Sundays for
ladies spa-day as it is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. With my Westminster City Save card I get a great discount too.” Fatima Busefi
“ The secret garden in Regent’s Park, near the
allotment garden, is very little known as the gated entrance looks private.” Maida Vale Mums
When the council receives a planning application affecting your area, the planning department
will write to you if you live adjacent to the application site. We will also post notice of the application on your street. Keep an eye out for the yellow posters marked ‘public notice’ on local lampposts.
The easiest way to keep up-to-date with planning issues is to register on the online planning database and you will get email updates of new applications. Visit westminster.gov.uk/planning
Planning notices
Berwick Street Market
OFFERS IN YOUR AREA
History in pictures
Terms and conditions apply to all offers. Visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm for details.
Ambrose Godfrey (1660-1741) was a German-born
phosphorous manufacturer who set up his successful phosphorous exporting business at 31 Southampton Street in Covent Garden. Godfrey and his family
lived above the business and made phosphorous in a narrow strip of land behind the building. Godfrey has been credited with inventing the first fire extinguisher, a cask containing a fire-extinguishing liquid and gunpowder that would explode and scatter the solution within burning buildings.
Visit westminster.gov.uk/green-plaques-scheme for details of other green plaques in Westminster.
Green plaques
Join a day of free activities
at Paddington Library on Porchester Road on 5th October as part of Silver Sunday for people aged 65+. Research your family
history at midday, join an online shopping class or a play reading group at 1.30pm or join a computer session at 3pm. Call Laurence Foe to book on 020 7641 4490.
Find out more about Silver Sunday on page 21 or visit silversunday.org.uk
Silver Sunday at Paddington Library
Berwick Street Market, Soho 1980.
Photo: Westminster Archives Centre
Photo: The Retail Group
Attend your local session on xxxxx to have your dog microchipped
for free. We’ll also be offering practical advice to dog owners.
Tamplin Mews Open Space, Warlock Road,
Paddington W9 3LP
Thursday 25th July 11am-2pm
Location
Date
For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/microchipping
Porchester Square Gardens, Porchester Square, W2
Tuesday 7th October, 10am to 2pm
Location
Date
Have your dog microchipped for free at Porchester Square Gardens on
Tuesday 7th October.
Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall
64 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QP
020 7641 6000
westminster.gov.uk
WCC1435_MicrochippingEventPoster_A3_AW.indd 3
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The west front of Westminster Abbey circa 1903.
Photo: Westminster Archives Centre
18 19Your WestminsterYour Westminster
Your Westminster
south
Hidden gemsTell us your favourite places in Westminster. Tweet them to @CityWestminster
“ The secret gardens at the back of Westminster
Abbey. Such beautiful and peaceful grounds a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Parliament Square. And free to get in!” Missy Sparks
Offers in your area
What’s on?
A new university technical college
(UTC) is coming to Westminster – a government-funded school to teach 14 to 18-year-olds the skills they need to become Britain’s future inventors, engineers and scientists. Students at the Sir Simon Milton
Westminster UTC will have access to state-of-the-art machinery and facilities, and work to a curriculum designed by the University of Westminster and local businesses, including Network Rail, BT Fleet, Land Securities, Transport for London and Crossrail. It will be built on the site of the former Ebury Bridge Centre on Sutherland Street and work has already begun with doors scheduled to open to students in September 2016.
Find out more at sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com
A new university technical college for Westminster
Laura Ashley (1925- 1985), the British
designer who founded the international clothing empire, began hand-printing textiles with her husband on their kitchen table in a flat at 83 Cambridge Street in Pimlico. Together the pair
visited major London stores to sell their tea towels, scarves and place mats and in 1957 moved to Surrey to set up Laura Ashley Ltd.
Visit westminster.gov.uk/green-plaques-scheme for details of other green plaques in Westminster.
Green plaques
History in picturesOFFERS IN YOUR AREA
Soapbox at Tate
Free monthly social event at Tate Britain for people aged 60+. Each lively session is dedicated to debate and discussion on topical issues and current affairs. Places must be booked in advance.
Date: 8th October and 12th November, 11am-1pm
Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG
£40 free driving credit
Access 185 vehicles in 130 locations across Westminster and 1,500 cars London-wide
with Westminster Car Club through Zipcar.
Date: Ongoing
Venue: Zipcars around Westminster
10% off your first three months at Impact Hub Westminster
Get your business off the ground at this workspace. Quote HUBREPORTER in your membership application.
Date: Until 31st December
Venue: Impact Hub Westminster, 1st Floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE
There are 40 free activities for people aged 65+ on 5th October as part of Silver Sunday. Start your
day with a 10am screening of the film The 100 Year Old Man who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, courtesy of Screen Channel and The Empire Cinema in Leicester Square. Places are limited and booking is required. Call Harry Sorensen at Westminster City Council on 020 7641 6194.
There’s also a Tea Dance at Lillington and Longmoore Gardens Community Centre in Pimlico at 4pm. Call David Larking at CityWest Homes on 020 7245 2920 to book.
Find out more about Silver Sunday on page 21 or visit silversunday.org.uk
Free Silver Sunday film screening
Terms and conditions apply to all offers. Visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm for details.“
Playing in the Queen’s front garden – the playground at St. James’ Park.” Nancy DeBroka“
St. James’s Hotel courtyard, perfect for an al fresco drink.” Mirjana Vujovic
The west front of Westminster Abbey circa 1903.
Photo: Westminster Archives Centre
Free dog microchipping
2nd October, 10am-2pm Venue: Victoria Embankment Gardens, Temple Place, WC2N Nearest tube: Embankment
14th October, 10am-2pm Venue: Lower Grosvenor Gardens (next to Hobart Place), Grosvenor Gardens, SW1 Nearest tube: Victoria
From 2016 all dog owners will be legally required to get their dog microchipped. Come along to our microchipping event and get it done free.
Cost: Free
westminster.gov.uk/microchipping
First World War walks
2nd October, 10.30am-12.30pm
Registered guides from Westminster Archives Centre will help you to discover Westminster during the First World War through local war memorials, learning about the Zeppelin raids on London and hearing stories of the brave men and women who fought in the war.
Venue: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3EY
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Pimlico
westminster.gov.uk/remembers
Recycling swap shops
4th October, 10am-4pm
Venue: Lillington and Longmore Residents Hall, Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 2TA
Nearest tube: Pimlico
11th October, 9am-5pm
Venue: Grosvenor Estate Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4LD
Nearest tube: Pimlico
Have a clear out and drop off your unloved clothes, shoes, toys,
books and electricals then bag yourself something new without spending a penny.
Cost: Free
westminster.gov.uk/events-and-roadshows
Meet the author
29th October, 2-3pm
Award-winning children’s author Michael Foreman presents his novel War Game about the First World War in this family event, part of the council’s schedule of First World War centenary commemorations.
Venue: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3EY
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Pimlico
westminster.gov.uk/pimlico-library-events
Halloween party
31st October, 3-4.30pm
Spooky stories, crafts and games for little witches and wizards in this free event which is suitable for children of all ages. Booking is essential. Call 020 7641 6200 and ask for Victoria Library.
Venue: Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Victoria
westminster.gov.uk/victoria-library-events
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21Silver Sunday
This national day for older people was set up in 2012 by Councillor
Christabel Flight, Westminster City Council’s champion for older people. It’s now gone national, with over 200 events across the UK thanks to the support of voluntary and community organisations, businesses and councils.
In Westminster, you can take part in over 40 free events and activities including afternoon tea at Lord’s Cricket Ground, a trip to RAF Northolt and a tour of HQS Wellington. Many people come on their own to meet new people and try something new, or you can bring a friend.
If you have a neighbour or family member who you think would like to take part in Silver Sunday let them know or offer to go along with them if necessary.
Silver Sunday is supported by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation. Find out more about the
Foundation at sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com
Ines Cheney and Margaret Garrity from the Edgware Road area went
for afternoon tea and entertainment at Octavia Leonora House in Maida Vale last year.
Below are just some of the events taking place this Silver Sunday.
Events are free unless otherwise stated and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Free swimming and gym use, 8am-7pm
Venue: Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ
Contact: Flora Hadjivarnava on 020 7535 2020
Booking: No booking required, just turn up on the day.
Dance workshops with English National Ballet, 11am-1.30pm
Venue: English National Ballet, Markova House, 39 Jay Mews, SW7 2ES
11am-12 midday: ballet class
12 midday-12.30pm: refreshments
12.30-1.30pm: Coppélia dance class
Contact: The Engagement Department on 020 7581 1245
Booking: Booking required, 30 places per workshop and participants can attend one or both workshops.
Regent’s Park walk, 11am-12 midday
Venue: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RO. Meet at Clarence Gate (wait by the noticeboard on your right). Walk ends at The Hub Café in Regents Park.
Contact: Marian Starrett on 020 7563 6211
Booking: Booking required, 12 spaces available.
Lord’s Cricket Ground tour and afternoon tea, 11.40am-1.40pm
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, St. John’s Wood, NW8 8QN
Contact: Club events department on 020 7616 8521
Booking: Booking required, 200 spaces available for a £5 booking fee which is fully refundable on arrival.
50’s/60’s themed games afternoon, 1.30-3.30pm
Venue: Eileen Anderson Court, Johnson’s Place, SW1V 4BD
Contact: Ashley Young, Open Age, on 07818 884 553
Booking: Booking required, 20 spaces available.
HQS Wellington exhibition and tour, 2pm
Venue: HQS Wellington, Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN
Contact: Melany Rose on 020 7836 8179
Booking: Booking required, 40 spaces available.
Music showcase at Wigmore Hall, 2.30-4.30pm
Venue: Wigmore Hall, Bechstein Room, 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP
Contact: Kathryn Gilfoy on 020 7321 2702
Booking: Booking required, 15 spaces available.
Friday 10th October
John Williams tribute concert at the Royal Albert Hall, 3pm
Venue: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Contact: 020 7589 8212
Booking: Booking required, tickets are £5.
Wednesday 12th November
Guided tour of RAF Northolt, 10am-12 midday (pick up at 8.30am)
Venue: Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG. Transport is provided courtesy of Westway Community Transport from outside The Stowe Centre, 260 Harrow Rd, W2 5ES at 8.30am.
You will be dropped off at The Stowe Centre on your return.
Contact: Westminster City Council Communications on 020 7641 6194
Booking: Booking required, 25 spaces available. Please note transport can facilitate a maximum of three wheelchairs.
Silver Sunday20
If you’re aged 65+ or an unpaid carer, Silver Sunday on 5th October is the perfect chance to try new activities, meet new people and find out about the services on your doorstep all year round.
Get involved in Silver Sunday
Terms and conditions: Most activities require booking direct with the venue and are first come, first served. Others are unlimited and you can just turn up on the day. Visit silversunday.org.uk for details.
For a full list of events visit silversunday.org.uk
“It’s nice to get dressed up to go out for the day and be looked after. It’s good to meet new people so I look forward to these events.” Ines Cheney Margaret Garrity and Ines Cheney
Photography class at Silver Sunday 2013
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22 Business
Great Western Studios: studio and workspace in Westminster.
Maida Hill PlaceAspiring food entrepreneurs can use pay-as-you-go commercial
kitchen facilities, event space and set up a pop-up restaurant at Maida Hill Place which also offers business support.
2-4 Fernhead Road, W9 3ET. Visit maidahillplace.co.uk or call 020 8964 2549.
Impact Hub WestminsterImpact Hub Westminster is home to 420 entrepreneurs offering its
members access to 200 hot-desking spaces, events and training.
1st floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE. Visit westminster.impacthub.net or call 020 7148 6720.
Great Western StudiosStudio space for the creative industries plus exhibitions, talks, events and networking.
65 Alfred Road, W2 5EU. Visit greatwesternstudios.com or call 020 7221 0100.
TrueStartIf you have an innovative product, service or business in the retail or consumer sector you can apply to join the TrueStart programme. Successful applicants gain access to office space, retail space and financial investment in return for an equity stake in the business.
Francis House, 11 Francis Street, SW1P 1DE. Visit truestart.co.uk or call 020 3740 6945.
Homeownership Westminster is delivered byCatalyst Housing Group, a charitable housing association
Get priority for properties in WestminsterHomeownership Westminster is a council service that prioritises those currently living or working in the City of Westminster for homeownership and rental opportunities through a number of different options.
Arrange a face-to-face meeting to find out more and see how we can assist with your housing aspirations!
Register today
Call: 0845 437 9701 Visit: www.homeownershipwestminster.co.ukEmail: [email protected]
Find us on Facebookat Homeownership Westminster
Follow us on @HOW_Catalyst
WES 014_Ad_210x265_HOW - The Reporter brief_May2014v1.indd 1 16/05/2014 15:38:03
Starting your own business can be a daunting task, no matter how good your idea. But if you’re ready to take the next step, there’s guidance and support to help.
Resources and networkingOur Business Information Points are located in five Westminster libraries. Alongside weekly business support events and information on funding opportunities, high-quality business resources such as Mintel, Experian and Cobra databases are available free of charge. The regular business support events and workshops also provide a valuable opportunity for networking. Visit westminster.gov.uk/business-information-points
ExpertiseThe Neighborhood Enterprise Centre and the Westminster Business Council offer bespoke coaching and mentoring
services as well as events, seminars and business training throughout the year. Visit westminster-enterprise.org.uk or westminsterbc.org.uk
Monthly news, events and business updatesKeep up-to-date with special offers, discounts, advice for start-ups, events and training in our monthly business enewsletter. Visit westminster.gov.uk/business-e-newsletter to register.
Government supportYou can also get support, advice and inspiration on starting, growing and accelerating your business from the government. Visit greatbusiness.gov.uk
Starting your own business
Your business could get up to £3,000 towards the cost of installing a faster broadband connection. Apply for a voucher at connectionvouchers.co.uk/london
Find office spaceIf you need access to office space on an ad hoc basis, there are lots of options.
For more information on how we can help your new enterprise visit westminster.gov.uk/business-support
Great Western Studios: studio and workspace in Westminster.
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On Christmas Eve 1914 there was a lull in the
Great War. Although it had only been raging for four months, it was already shaping up to be one of the bloodiest wars in history.
On December 24th, widespread spontaneous ceasefires took place along the Western Front. In the south east of Neuve Chapelle, France, the Indian Corps fighting for Britain and the opposing Prussian side put down their weapons.
On the enemy side, the Prussian unit began opening their Christmas parcels and singing songs. They decorated some small Christmas trees they received with candles and put them in rows along their trench.
After heavy fighting in the first few months of the war, the Garhwal soldiers were spending Christmas far from home, having been mobilised from the Garhwal Hills in the Himalayas. The conditions of the flooded trenches were poor – they had to trudge through freezing water, diseases were spreading and there was a constant fear of shellfire.
The Garhwal troops looked across at their
enemies celebrating Christmas. The twinkling lights in the darkness were a familiar sight as it
25First World War24
This year marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. To commemorate this important time in our history there are events and activities throughout the year, including personal accounts of the war from Westminster Archives Centre.
Westminster Remembers
First World War
reminded them of Diwali, the Hindu ‘festival of lights’. Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness and this moment in the trenches helped the troops on both sides feel closer to home.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The Christmas Truce continued the next day across the Western Front as both sides met in No Man’s Land to shake hands, exchange food and play football.
From the Westminster Archives Centre Stephen Miller says: “The Christmas
Truce shows the humanity of the War. The Indian troops don’t typically come to mind when you think of the Truce.”
Trafalgar Square is celebrating the Diwali festival this year on 12th October. There will be dancing, music, craft activities and First World War stories involving the Indian Corps.
Miller says: “The First World War has gone out of living memory. The centenary is a good opportunity to bring it to the fore again.”
Local history
If you are interested in researching your own local and family First World War heritage, you can access
history resources free in all Westminster libraries and Westminster Archives Centre, with staff on hand to help with your enquires. Visit westminster.gov.uk/remembers
If you are part of a community group, Heritage Lottery Fund is running a grant programme for First World War community projects that encourage new perspectives and stories not previously told.
If you would like to apply for a grant and need some advice on the application, please contact Westminster Archives Centre on 020 7641 5180.
Commemorative events
There are many events and activities taking place across Westminster to commemorate the First
World War centenary. Visit westminster.gov.uk/remembers for local listings or 1914.org for events taking place across the UK.
If you’re organising a community event you can submit your listing by emailing [email protected]
Get involved
“The First World War has gone out of living memory. The centenary is a good opportunity to bring it to the fore again.” Stephen Miller, Westminster archivist
Diwali in Trafalgar SquareWhen: Sunday 12th October, 2-7pm
What: The National Army Museum and Westminster Archives Centre will be holding a story telling and family craft workshop about how the Christmas Truce in 1914 inspired Indian soldiers to think of Diwali.
Booking: No booking necessary - just turn up at the Playing the Game stall at the marketplace on Trafalgar Square.
westminster.gov.uk/remembers
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27Employment support26 Volunteering
There are lots of opportunities to volunteer either on an ad hoc or more regular basis and many projects to get involved with, from helping out at high profile events to
spending time with older neighbours. The council funds One Westminster to provide volunteering opportunities for residents to help you get started.
Is volunteering for you? Gareth Owen, Chief Executive of One Westminster, is passionate about volunteering and gives some advice to those considering it for the first time:
“The first thing I would advise is to think about what it is that interests you and how much time you’re able to give to a cause or organisation. There are lots of different types of opportunities out there to suit most people. I would urge you to look online at the sheer number of volunteering posts that exist because you’ll most likely be surprised at the variety.
“You can then register with One Westminster so we are able to help find the right opportunity to suit you.”
Visit volunteer.co.uk or call 020 7266 1992 to find out more about local volunteering.
Sports Makers Nik Nedic volunteers with Westminster Sports Makers:
“I’ve always had a keen interest in sport and am always looking for new challenges. I signed up to One Westminster because I couldn’t find the sorts of opportunities and challenges I was looking for at work.
“I currently volunteer at CityWest Leisure, a social enterprise which provides opportunities to participate and work in sport. My role is to help generate funding and sponsorship for the CityWest Leisure Youth football club, help with training sessions and help with the future direction of club.
“Because of my interest in football, I find my time spent here really enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding. Looking to the future, I hope to start an FA course Level 1.”
If you’re interested in becoming a coach, referee, administrator or instructor, drop in to a One Westminster sports information session on Wednesdays from 10.30am-1pm, 4 Sutherland Avenue, W9 2HQ or email [email protected]
Westminster City Guides Nellie Khossouri signed up to the Westminster City Guides when she was 16 and had the opportunity to work at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
“My volunteering has been really good for my CV. I always get asked about it in interviews and I’ve been able to line up some work experience in the summer with two production companies.”
Find out more at volunteer.co.uk
Have you ever thought about using your spare time to help your community or get involved in local issues?
Employment support is available to help you find work during difficult times.
Following an 11-month prison sentence, 19-year-old Adam* had
no job or permanent home. “I had just come out of prison and
was feeling very low. I was away from all my friends and family, had no job, no money and no idea where to start.
“The help of my caseworker has been brilliant. She has been there every day to see me. She helped me get a job and still phones me nearly every day to check I’m OK.
“My life is very different now I’m working. I’m living on my own and I can support myself financially. This really makes me feel good about the future. With the help of my
caseworker I am hoping to get into university in September to study graphic design and I’ll keep my job part time to support myself.
“I am definitely more positive about my future, I have had a very hard few years but it feels like things are finally coming together for me.”
If you would like find out if you’re eligible for help to get into work, contact the council’s Families and Communities Employment Service on 020 7641 3336 or visit westminster.gov.uk/faces
Getting into work
Get involved in local volunteering
“It feels like things are finally coming together for me.”
*Name has been changed
Westminster Works
Dedicated to helping local people to find local jobs, Westminster Works can offer you support with training, interview skills and job hunting. Call 020 3603 2301.
Recruit LondonRecruit London’s Workplace Coordinators build relationships with local businesses and prepare local residents for their vacancies. Workplace Coordinators continue to mentor and support candidates once they are in their new role. Contact [email protected]
Employment adviceWestminster libraries hold drop-in employment surgeries including help and advice on job hunting, CV writing and cover letters. Visit westminster.gov.uk/employment-advice
Council apprenticeship scheme
The council’s apprenticeship scheme matches young people with opportunities at the council, helping them gain practical skills and experience in the workplace. Visit westminster.gov.uk/council-apprenticeship-scheme
The London Growth DealA pilot scheme is being developed in which at least £10 million will be invested to help long-term unemployed people into work as part of a growth deal between London and central goverment.
Become a Westminster Recycling Champion Could you help your friends and neighbours to recycle? Become a recycling champion and put in as little or as much time as you like to help people in your area to recycle. You could help out at a swap shop, show friends and neighbours how to recycle or talk to local community groups.
Visit westminster.gov.uk/volunteer-recycling-champions or call 020 7641 6598.
More advice and support
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Schools28
Year 6 pupils at St. Mary’s Bryanston Square Church of England
Artwork by a student at Westminster City School
if your child was born between 1st September 2003 and 31st August 2004, you will need to apply for a secondary school place by 31st October 2014
if your child was born between 1st September 2010 and 31st August 2011, you will need to apply for a primary school place by 15th January 2015
you can apply for a school place online at westminster.gov.uk/admissions. It’s quick, easy and means you’ll be notified of the outcome of your application a day before those who apply by paper
you can state up to six schools in your application, but make sure you list them in order of preference. If an offer can be made it will be the highest possible from your list and all the schools listed lower down will be withdrawn
our admissions brochures are a step-by-step guide to applying for a primary or secondary school place and can be found at westminster.gov.uk/admissions
Your guide to school admissions The
foster carer diaries We need more people to come forward to be foster carers to give children a loving and supportive home.
Most people are eligible to foster so if you’ve been thinking about it, take
the first step and find out more.Cathy, a foster carer for the council says:
“Fostering is my career. In the beginning I thought I would miss work and the adult company I got from my job, but now I’m always out and meeting up with other people who foster. There are excellent support groups I go to in the daytime or evening where you can talk to other carers and social workers. They are really supportive and I’ve made a lot of friends who I can rely on.
“I also feel I’m developing and learning new skills as the training you get is excellent. I have been on 20-25 days of training in the last two years, all paid for and the council pays for your childcare. The sessions are all really relevant and helpful and you get to meet other foster carers and share ideas. I can’t imagine going back to working a nine-to-five job now.”
The council’s Westminster Wiser Walking Scheme
teaches children potentially lifesaving road safety skills to help them walk safely to school. Instructors take groups of children out on walks near the school, helping them to identify both safe and unsafe places to cross. Two hundred and forty children have taken part in the scheme since it launched in April this year.
Originally designed for children in Years 2 and 3, St. Mary’s Bryanston Square Church of England School is the first school to extend the scheme to pupils in Year 6.
Danni, one of the Year 6 pupils who took part, says: “There were so many things to be thinking about on the crossings. I saw some drivers making wrong turns
and I thought the green man meant I’d be safe, but I now know I still have to check.”
Sheelagh Leith, the school’s learning mentor, says: “It’s so exciting to see the children gain the confidence they need to make independent decisions about when to cross the road. It’s a pleasure for the school to be able to bring in an expert who can equip the kids with the sorts of skills that might end up saving their lives.”
Follow these simple steps to make your child’s walk to school as safe as possible.
Primary school • take time to talk to your child about
road safety. They will be seeing things from a lower eye level, so get down and look at the street from their viewpoint to help you explain
• remember, the green man at a crossing does not mean it is safe to cross. You will still need to look and listen to make sure traffic has stopped
• let your child walk alone, but agree rules that that he/she will stop at the kerb and wait for you and only cross when holding your hand
Secondary school • by now, your child will probably want
to walk to school with friends, but make sure you do a practice run of the route to familiarise your child with the local area
• practice reading bus and tube maps so you are confident that your child can navigate getting to and from school
• refresh road safety tips such as not using phones when crossing the road
Visit westminster.gov.uk/road-safety for more information.
Walking to school is a great way for children to get exercise at the beginning of the day and arrive at school fresh and alert.
Walking to school
Get regular updates about the latest local activities and exclusive offers for families by signing up to our Families First newsletter at westminster.gov.uk/families-first or like ‘Westminster Parents’ on Facebook.
Artwork by a student at Westminster City School
Take the first step and talk to us about fostering so we can answer any questions you may have. Call 0800 169 3497, visit westminster.gov.uk/fostering or come to our next fostering information event:
Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP 23rd October, 6-8pm
Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU 30th September, 10am-12 midday 2nd October, 6pm-8pm
Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX 13th November, 6-8pm
The school year may have only just started, but many parents will already be thinking about school places for their children from September 2015.
For more information on admissions and to apply visit westminster.gov.uk/admissions
Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
westminster.gov.uk
APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEwestminster.gov.uk/admissions
WestminsterYour choice for secondary educationA guide for parents with children transferring to secondary school in 2015
Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
westminster.gov.uk
WestminsterYour choice for primary educationA guide for parents with children starting primary school in September 2015
APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACEwestminster.gov.uk/admissions
“It’s a pleasure for the school to be able to bring in an expert who can equip the kids with the sorts of skills that might end up saving their lives.” Sheelagh Leith, learning mentor
Year 6 pupils at St. Mary’s Bryanston Square Church of England School
29
Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
westminster.gov.uk
WestminsterYour choice for primary educationA guide for parents with children starting primary school in September 2015
APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACEwestminster.gov.uk/admissions
Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
westminster.gov.uk
APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEwestminster.gov.uk/admissions
WestminsterYour choice for secondary educationA guide for parents with children transferring to secondary school in 2015
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30 Over to you
Meet the people who are involved in their local area, creating better lives by giving
something back to their community
“I first became involved in
the community when I was 16-years-old and started to teach Sunday School at
church. From there I went on to help at a youth group and the Cubs and Scout Association when I was 18.
“I’ve been helping with the Scouts now for 60 years and received recognition for making a difference to Scouting in Greater London for my time with them.
“I recently took the Scouts to the North Paddington food bank as I serve there every Wednesday morning. They served the food as well as helped in asking people for donations. By the end of the week they had filled 18 wheelie bins full of food.
“Whatever you give comes back
and the more you give the more you get. Being involved with different projects has helped me build up a strong and wide community. I walk up the road and people smile – people sometimes recognise me even if I don’t know them.
“Winning the Inspirational Award at the Westminster Community Awards was the ultimate accolade for me because it was from the area I live in. I love where I live and for me, that’s what it’s all about.”
Over to youBrenda Meadows, 82, from Harrow Road, has lived in Westminster all her life. An active member of the community, Brenda won the Inspirational Award at the this year’s Community Awards.
Brenda’s Westminster favouritesWalk
I love walking along the canal to Little Venice. I enjoy watching the birds and speaking with the boat owners. They are always so friendly. I have fond memories of it because my brothers used to go fishing there.
Leisure Centre
Up until I was 70 I regularly played tennis at Paddington Recreation Ground. I still play table tennis there whenever I can. I really enjoy walking around the grounds and I normally end up bumping into people I know.
Activity
I attend the Reminiscent History Group on a Tuesday and love it. It means I get to do a lot of varied things. I particularly enjoyed a heritage walk along Queen’s Park Estates. It involved a lot of walking and I found out so much I didn’t know.
Reminiscence at Rayne HouseWhen: Every Tuesday, 10.30am-12.30pm
What: Discover local history, reminisce and swap stories about your local neighbourhood.
Venue: Rayne House, 170 Delaware Road, W9 2LW
Cost: £2
Contact: Jemma or Elizabeth at Open Age on 020 3713 8737
Adult learning in the heart of Westminster
For more information visit www.waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297 Find us at 219 Lisson Grove London NW8 8LW.
We offer courses at over 80 locations across Westminster, and with hundreds of courses from accounting to fine art,
you are sure to find a course you’ll love.
Enrol now for new
2014 courses
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“Winning the Inspirational Award at the Westminster Community Awards was the ultimate accolade... I love where I live and for me, that’s what it’s all about.” Brenda Meadows
Little Venice canal
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Find out more or join online at www.better.org.uk/westminster
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1. Jubilee Sports Centre Caird Street London W10 4RR
2. Little Venice Sports Centre 10 Crompton Street London W2 1ND
3. Marshall Street Leisure Centre 15 Marshall Street London W1F 7EL
1. Jubilee Sports Centre Caird Street London W10 4RR
2. Little Venice Sports Centre 10 Crompton Street London W2 1ND
3. Marshall Street Leisure Centre 15 Marshall Street London W1F 7EL
4. Moberly Sports and Education Centre The Quadrant Kilburn Lane, London W10 4AH
5. Paddington Recreation Ground Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale London W9 1PD
6. Porchester Centre Queensway, Bayswater
London W2 5HS
7. Queen Mother Sports Centre 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EL
5. Paddington Recreation Ground Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale London W9 1PD
6. Porchester Centre Queensway, Bayswater London W2 5HS
7. Queen Mother Sports Centre 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EL
8. Seymour Leisure Centre Seymour Place London W1H 5TJ
Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered address: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX IPS Registered No. 27793R Inland Revenue Charity No. XR43398.
GLL_PCR_Wetsminster_Advert_WestminsterReporter_September2014_210x265_fv.indd 1 21/08/2014 17:13