Westminster Reporter Autumn 2014

FREE!

AUTUMN 2014ISSUE 117

Silver SundayFree activities for older people

Local events, offers and discounts

First World War centenaryWestminster Remembers

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The Westminster Reporter is produced as part of Westminster City Council’s customer service programme.

Cabinet Member responsible for The Reporter: Councillor Robert Davis, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for the Built Environment.

The Westminster Reporter is delivered to homes and businesses throughout Westminster.

If you encounter delivery problems, please call the communications team on 020 7641 8088.

Also available from libraries and leisure centres.

For general enquiries, call the council switchboard on 020 7641 6000.

To discuss editorial matters, please contact: The Editor, The Westminster Reporter, 18th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria St, London, SW1E 6QP. Telephone: 020 7641 5713 Fax: 020 7641 2958 Email: [email protected] Minicom: 020 7641 2948

The editorial team: Kate Holmes, Claire Appleby and Clym Sutcliffe.

Advertising: please contact Mohsin Lahkim on 020 7641 6088, or [email protected].

Reference copies of The Westminster Reporter are available in large print and audiotape format. To have a free copy sent to your home call 020 7641 5713.

Published by Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.

Printed by Service Point UK Ltd, 161-165 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3AL.

Printed on FSC® certified material.

Please recycle The Westminster Reporter.

For more information on recycling call the Environmental Action Line on 020 7641 2000.

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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

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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

29/08/2014 11:07

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.


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


“ 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.


Silver Sunday at Paddington Library

Berwick Street Market, Soho 1980.


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.


18 19Your WestminsterYour Westminster

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“ 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.


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.


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


Recycling swap shops


Venue: Lillington and Longmore Residents Hall, Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 2TA



Venue: Grosvenor Estate Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4LD


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


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


HQS Wellington exhibition and tour, 2pm

Venue: HQS Wellington, Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN

Contact: Melany Rose on 020 7836 8179


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


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.


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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.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.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.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

AD

“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

SOMETHING TO GET EVERYBODY FEELING BETTER

CONTRACT-FREE

MEMBERSHIPS

You’ll find everything you need to get in shape at your local Westminster leisure centre. With a range of activities for all ages and abilities, as well as flexible membership options, there’s something to get everyone feeling better.

With 8 centres throughout the City of Westminster, we’ve got your fitness needs covered.

Find out more or join online at www.better.org.uk/westminster

REGENT’SPARK

ST JOHNSWOOD

NOTTING HILL

LADBROKEGROVE

WEST END

COVENTGARDEN

HYDE PARK

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TUFNELLPARK

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ROYALOAK PADDINGTON

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TOTTENHAMCOURT ROAD

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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.

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Westminster Reporter Autumn 2014

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