Harrow People

Your Harrow, your stories 1

www.harrow.gov.uk • October 2012Your Harrow, your stories

Harrow

Help for familiesFind out how we can support you

Revamp for Town CentreHow you helped shape our vision for Harrow

60 years on Remembering Harrow and Wealdstone rail crash

WINNER! BEST COUNCIL MAGAZINE IN THE UK

WINFamily

Pantomime

tickets


contents For editorial and advertising enquiries contact:

Editor Angela Hart / 020 8424 7504

Design Nic Marucci

Photography Dermot Carlin

Please recycle this copy of Harrow People when you have finished or pass it to a friend.

Harrow People is published six times a year by Harrow Council as part of keeping local people informed. It is distributed to 100,000 homes, businesses and all local libraries. Comments, products and services published do not necessarily carry the council’s endorsement.

If you have any story ideas, please email the editor at [email protected]

myharrow If you have a favourite view of Harrow you would like to share, send us your pictures and a photograph of yourself. Every edition we will publish the best one on this page or on our website. Email [email protected]

4 Harrow’s hot topics

12 Support for families

26 What’s happening in your area

20 Your letters page

8 New improved Town Centre

29 History: Wealdstone Rail Crash

10 Neighbourhood Champs - Sign up

25 Youth Matters Having your say

Malcolm Grant: I took this picture of Headstone Manor from the moat just minutes after the passing of the Olympic torch on its way to the Civic Centre and Harrow Town Centre. I think this view of the Manor reflects the calm of that beautiful summer morning. What a wonderful day it was for Harrow and its people!

Harrow Council general enquiries 020 8863 5611

4 Your Harrow, your stories

Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Stephenson

What an amazing and inspiring golden summer we leave behind as we

move into the autumn months. The Diamond Jubilee, Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France, the Olympics and Paralympics. All capped by Andy Murray’s victory in the US Open final.

Special mention for Harrow’s Paralympic gold winner Naomi Riches in rowing and Olympic Silver Medallist Richard Hounslow in kayaking. Both took time out to meet local school children at a Civic ceremony held in their honour at the Civic Centre last month. It was an honour and privilege to meet them in person and listen to their answers to searching questions from our young children.

We intend to build on the 2012 legacy and have set up a dynamic programme of events and initiatives designed to help residents access leisure facilities, and encourage the take up of new sporting activities for all residents regardless of age or ability. To find out more visit www.harrow.gov.uk/download/11587/physical_activity_directory_2012

But that is just part of the story and the Olympics legacy means much more to Harrow. We want to capture the inspiring stories of the volunteers who supported the games and bring that enthusiasm into the heart of our local communities. Our Neighbourhood Champions scheme is a network of volunteers whose role it is to inform us about everyday problems that can occur in neighbourhoods such as litter, graffiti, fly-tipping or broken street lights. If you are interested in becoming a Neighbourhood Champion please fill in the form online at www.harrow.gov.uk/ncsignup

With over 1,300 plots in the borough on 33 different sites, Harrow residents have been making the most of their green and leafy borough.

John Salter has an allotment patch at Newton Park East. He said: “Allotments are such a valuable resource that give people the space to pursue their passions. They offer plenty of fresh air

and exercise plus the benefit of one’s efforts in the way of fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Allotments are run and managed by Harrow Council and cost approximately £30 a year for a five pole plot. To register for an

allotment call 020 8901 2605 or visit www.harrow.gov.uk/allotments

A popular street market has returned to North Harrow permanently.

The last time the market visited North Harrow in March the event attracted around 4,000 people.

In September, over 60 street traders set out their stalls for three days offering the widest choice of home wares, food, jewellery and fashion. Leasing a market stall gives small traders the opportunity to try out new ideas and get their business off the ground without too much cost. It brings new products and new ideas to the high street while helping to preserve the traditional feel of a high street.

Hosting street markets was one of over

30 recommendations set out in a study by retail guru Mary Portas in December last year designed to encourage shoppers to shop local and to support their local high streets.

Street markets are a great way of trying out a new business and getting a foot on the retail ladder. Harrow Council has brought back the market and got rid of a lot of the red tape that prevents the take up of retail outlets and has reversed the trend for empty retail units in North Harrow.

If you are interested in holding a stall or would like further

information contact Rachel Jenman on 020 8736 6083, or email [email protected]

Green fingered Harrow residents can still register for an allotment.

Market back by popular demand

We’re digging it!

hot topics

Green fingered residents grow their own


The number of young people in education, employment, or training in Harrow is the best in the country, according to a recent Government report.

The report, published by the Department of Education, found that a record 95.6% of 16-17 year-olds in Harrow are in full-time education, training, or employment - outperforming all London boroughs.

The council has achieved this by working with schools in the borough and supporting vulnerable young people to engage in education. Harrow Tuition Service plays a significant role in working with young people at risk of exclusion or who have been excluded from school. Young people are supported in taking

up a range of opportunities that are not always available to them in school.

Harrow Council’s youth services carries out mentoring and intense support work with vulnerable young people in youth centres, community venues, police stations and clinics which has ensured the borough’s figures have gone from strength-to-strength.

The council is also working with construction partners to develop training opportunities through onsite apprenticeships.

In more recent years the council has given full support to the establishment of sixth forms in local schools and these have achieved excellent results.

Thousands of residents signed up to the electoral register online as Harrow became the first council in the country to put the entire process online.

More than 12,000 residents have now checked or updated their electoral registration details online. Of that number more than 8,000 opened a MyHarrow Account, which is a personal online account allowing you to change your electoral registration details as well as make your council tax payments, check bin collections, reserve or check overdue

library books, or report issues affecting your street such fly-tipping and broken street lights.

To register for a MyHarrow Account visit www.harrow.gov.uk/register If you

have any problems completing the electoral registration process online call 020 8901 2660.

Congratulations to Dennis Fleet from Kenton, winner of the electoral registration iPad competition.

Harrow Council is working with the Mayor of London and Willmott Dixon to offer all residents free loft and cavity wall insulation, which could save you up to £300 a year on energy bills. The offer applies to all residents who do not currently have any wall or loft insulation in their homes.

Book a free assessment on 0800 612 8879 or visit

www.london.gov.uk/renew

The council’s graduate scheme is helping young people back to work

Allotments are such a valuable resource that give people the space to pursue their passions. John Salter, allotment holder

Free home insulation for residents

Young people work best in Harrow!

Electoral registration at the click of a button

‘Swish’ yourself a new wardrobe Harrow residents had the chance to boost their wardrobes by attending the council’s very own clothes swapping event, inspired by London Fashion Week, last month.

‘Swishing’ events are a fun and social way to reuse clothing, shoes and accessories and are being run by the council in partnership with the West London Waste Authority to encourage everyone to swap or trade their good quality unwanted clothes.

Residents needed to bring in at least one good quality item of clothing, pair of shoes or accessories in order to be allowed to take something from the event. Tokens were then given in return for each item brought in, which were then used to get new items without spending.

On average each of us throw away £400 worth of clothing every year. Around half of these are rarely worn, and in some cases have never been worn.

For more information on Swishing visit:

www.westlondonwaste.gov.uk/swishing

REDDIFORD SCHOOLAn independent day school for boys and girls

aged 2 years 9 months to 11

OUR SCHOOL IS ALWAYS OPEN FOR INDIVIDUAL VISITSLIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR AGES 3 TO 7

• Academic excellence in a warm caring environment

• Wrap around care available

• Regular scholarships gained to leading independentsecondary schools

• Children prepared for grammar/independent school entrancein English, Maths,VR & NVR

• Situated in the heart of Pinner, close to tube & bus links

• Scholarships available for exceptional children

For a prospectus, or to visit the school at work, please contact:The Admissions Secretary, Mrs Di Murro,Reddiford School,38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx HA5 5HHTel 020 8866 0660 Fax: 020 8866 [email protected] Charity Number: 312641

A leading independent school for girls aged 4 – 16Nursery for boys and girls aged 2½ +

OPEN DAYSaturday 10 November 201210.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.• Excellent results• Mini bus service / close to bus routes• Small classes0208 950 [email protected] charity number 293623

Peterborough & St Margaret’s School, Stanmore


Heena Rabadiya

Walk this way

guest editor

If you would like

to be a guest editor

in the next Harrow

People, contact

angela.hart@

harrow.gov.uk

I’ve lived in Harrow for the past nine years and since then, sadly, a number of close family and friends have had to use the services of the Northwick Park Cancer Unit. This trek is my way of trying to give back, thank the unit for the tireless work the staff put in and help them to offer even more to the patients and relatives who need their help.

Northwick Park is our local hospital, and none of us know when we or someone we love might need it. My grandfather and two uncles have passed away over the past five years after battling with cancer and the three of them used the Northwick Park Cancer Unit during their illness. We always hear complaints about hospitals, either through the media or from family and friends, but we can easily forget the hard work that all the staff do and the pressures they are under.

My passion for getting involved with charity events grew after I took part in the Midnight Walk in aid of St Luke’s Hospice in Harrow.

This was an amazing experience and something I would definitely encourage other women to try.

I own a business in Harrow providing décor for weddings and events, which I love as it gets my creative juices flowing and takes up a lot of my time. When I do have spare time, I like catching up with friends. We spend a lot of time socialising in Harrow – usually just going out for dinner in the area. This is something I love about living in Harrow - there are so many places to choose from so we are never stuck for somewhere to go, whether it’s for a quick drink or a nice meal. One of my favourite restaurants is Tian Hu in Belmont Circle and, although it’s not good for the waistline, I also love visiting the many dessert places which have opened up like Only Eggless in Kenton and Indulge in Pinner.

In order to prepare for the trek I have been visiting local parks for long walks. I have been walking in Kenton Recreation Ground

and also around Harrow Viewpoint. Both spaces have been great for me to walk around as they are lovely open spaces and provide me with a good area to train in.

I’m Heena Rabadiya, I’m 25 and live in Stanmore and I am about to embark on a six-day trek of a lifetime in the Sahara Desert to raise money for the Northwick Park Cancer Unit.

Celebrating Diwali

I am Hindu and on the 13th and 14th of November I will be looking forward to celebrating Diwali with friends and family and attending events to celebrate the occasions, for example the fireworks display which is held at Stanmore Temple. Also on the day of Diwali I will visit various other Temples in the area to get into the spirit of the occasion.

Anyone can attend the Temple to view the fantastic show that is put on. If you would like to join in,

you can find out more by going to www.swaminarayansatsang.com/temples/templeevents.asp?Mandirid=240

If you would like to get involved in volunteering please visit www.harrow.gov.uk/howto

You can

help me raise

money

for Northwick Park

by donating at

www.justgiving.

com/Heena-

Rabadiya


Town centre revamp moves a step closer Thanks to your positive feedback Harrow Council can now finalise its vision for the regeneration of St Ann’s Road and Havelock Place before work begins in the New Year. Hundreds of shoppers, businesses, and residents backed our plans to redesign St Ann’s Road and Havelock Place at our public consultations held outside St George’s Shopping Centre in August.

We can now finalise our plans, developed in partnership with award-winning architects David Kohn, and create a place where people can come together, meet friends, have fun, sit down or relax. Following on from the improvements to Station Road a couple of years ago, our vision is to create a shopping environment in St Ann’s Road that will match the quality of any town centre in London.

Jeff Jackson, Centre Manager, St. Ann’s Centre said: “We are looking forward to working closely with Harrow Council and we very much welcome the opportunity to make long-lasting improvements to the Town Centre. The regeneration of St Ann’s and Havelock Place could potentially stimulate the local economy and put Harrow on the map with other shopping centres across North West London.”

The Town Centre will come alive under the proposals with a range of activities, events, better trading opportunities and a ‘café culture’, once the layout of the street is redesigned with high quality paving and street furniture. To complement the changes, Havelock Place will be redesigned and improvements for vehicle and pedestrian access made in Greenhill Way. Havelock Place and the surrounding area provide

an important pedestrian connection and service delivery route between the main shopping centre, as well as Station Road, College Road, and surrounding residential streets.

A budget of £735,000 has been made available to fund the St Ann’s project from the council’s Capital Programme for 2012/13. This will be supplemented by a further £182,000 for Havelock Place from the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund (OLF). The proposals are part of Harrow Council’s broader project, ‘The Heart of Harrow’, which will deliver the council’s vision for major regeneration over the next 15 years and beyond.

To let us know your views or to find out more about our plans email [email protected]

A £1million town centre revamp that will change the look of the shopping centre has moved a step closer following a series of public consultations.


Town centre revamp moves a step closer

Business Improvement District proposed for Town Centre

Harrow Town Centre businesses will now have the chance to make improvements to the area after the council received funding from the Mayor of London to develop a Business Improvement District.

The development of a Business Improvement District (BID) means that businesses can now raise money and spend it as they wish to promote and regenerate their business area. A BID team is currently going out to Harrow town centre businesses to hear what retailers, restauranteurs, publicans, solicitors, accountants and other local businesses would like to see in Harrow Town Centre. The BID team hope to develop a programme that will attract more shoppers and visitors and new businesses to the town centre.

Businesses will decide how much money they would like to pay towards a BID, and how they want to allocate the BID’s money. There is the potential for town centre-based businesses to raise more than £250,000 each year to spend on activities to increase their profile and footfall. The activities could include a programme of entertainment events, marketing, additional street cleansing, safety and security measures, or other priorities that businesses feel should be targeted.

Kathy Whitaker, from Pinner, said: “I’ve lived in Harrow for most of my life, and it used to have a

very twee feel, a bit like a country market

town. It’s lost that feel and I know that it won’t ever go back to that, but it really does need rejuvenating.”

Angela Morrissey, from Harrow Weald, said: “I really think that the plans are excellent, it

sounds like the uplift that Harrow’s

crying out for. By making the town centre more attractive it will bring in much-needed business for the area. It has to be made to look more attractive. It would be nice if everyone shopped locally.”

A space for the future

Alongside the redevelopment of St Ann’s shopping area, an outdoor performance venue and open space will bring the Town Centre alive. The council has now appointed award-winning architects to oversee the £1.28m regeneration project.

Lowlands Recreation Ground, by Harrow-on-the-Hill Station, will be transformed into a multi-use shared activity and performance space by the end of August 2013.

But before a single brick has been laid we want residents, local businesses, and shoppers to think creatively and decide how they would like the space to be used. Your views will help us plan and deliver a design that matches the needs of the local community.

The final plans will be put in place by March 2013 and could include an outdoor performance space, a café, play area and

will improve the links across the park and into Station Approach.

Tell us what you think by emailing [email protected]

Prashant Sanghani, 44, from Stanmore, has been a Neighbourhood Champion for almost a year. Champions volunteer to inform the council about any street level nuisances such as litter, graffiti, fly-tipping and even defective street lamps that they see in their own streets. He tells us how the scheme works.

“It’s almost a year since I’ve been a champion and I think the role is a very natural one where you get to know your neighbours, the council and police. You try to keep communications flowing by listening, acting and feeding back. This is made easier by being able to report issues online where you can check progress on issues you have reported.

“As a Champion I enjoy meeting everyone on the street. Each neighbour thought the scheme was a good idea and welcomed the initiative. It is great to hear such positive attitudes! Knowing the local police is a bonus too and it sets a great example for all the younger neighbours who see the Safer Neighbourhood Team as part of the community.

“During my time as a Neighbourhood Champion, I’ve made a difference by helping to get things fixed and cleaned up in my street, I’ve also been lucky enough to be allowed to speak at the Neighbourhood Champions Conference.

“For people interested in becoming a Champion, it is not at all difficult. You get great support from the council, police and best of all from your neighbours. If you want to make a difference, this is a great way of going about it.”

The Neighbourhood Champion scheme launched in 2009 and now has over 900 champions around the borough helping to make Harrow a cleaner, greener and safer place to live.

Neighbourhood Champions also help to create a sense of community spirit in their areas by organising street parties, coffee mornings and encouraging neighbours to get to know one another.

If you would like to get involved and look out for your neighbours, sign up to become a Neighbourhood Champion – your street needs you!

What does a Neighbourhood Champion do?The main role of a Champion is to help keep their area clean and communicate directly with the council on issues such as:

• Street cleaning• Broken street lights• Fly-tipping• Graffiti• Abandoned vehicles• Noise nuisance• Petty vandalism• General anti-social behaviour

Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/ncsignup, email [email protected] or call 020 8901 2666 to join.

Your street needs you!


‘There is so much to do for families’Families come in all shapes and sizes and are an important priority for the council - from our children’s centres which provide drop-in parenting sessions and toddler groups, to entertainment at the arts centre and healthy activity at Harrow Leisure Centre. One local family tells us about some of the activities they are involved in.

Your Harrow, your stories 13 Your Harrow, your stories 13

Umesh and Reshma Shah live and work in Harrow and have two children Vivek, 7, and Jina, 5.

Reshma says: “As a family we use a number of the different services offered by the council.

“Our children love using the libraries which we use every few weeks so that they constantly have new books to read. Now that we know that it’s possible to renew books online we’ll definitely sign up for a MyHarrow account. When the children were younger we also used to go to some of the library events for young children such as Storytime.

“We use Harrow Leisure Centre fairly regularly and the kids are members of Harrow School of Gymnastics - we’ve also hired halls there for children’s birthday parties.

“I think one of the best things offered by the council has been the free holiday swimming sessions at Hatch End Pool which went down very well over the summer holidays. The kids really enjoy swimming so it’s great that swimming lessons are heavily subsidised by the council - they only cost £5 per child. We also love being outdoors and so use the

parks a lot such as Kenton Recreation Ground. I think the outdoor gyms in the borough are a fantastic idea.

Umesh adds: “Our children attend Priestmead School which like most of the schools in Harrow is rated as Outstanding. We enjoy helping out at their Summer Fayre, organising stalls and raising money for charity.

“As a family we attend various events which go on around the borough and we have been to the council’s annual festival Under One Sky for the last few years which is always great. We also attended the North Harrow Market which was good as they had locally sourced goods for sale. We hope to see it grow in the future to allow even more stalls to take part.

“The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this summer was the perfect excuse to hold a street party especially after the council waived the fee to close the road. It allowed everyone to get together and the entire street came out to celebrate. It was phenomenal and gave us a chance to get to know everyone who lives on our street. We also managed to raise £2,700 for charity. Due to how successful this has been, we are already planning to hold another street party next year.”

We have created a special section of the website dedicated to highlighting all of the support that is available for families in Harrow. You’ll find all the information you need by visiting www.harrow.gov.uk/families

Free cycling lessons are available for children and adults who live, work or study in the borough. www.harrow.gov.uk/cycling

Harrow has over 60 areas of parks and open spaces and many of them have children’s play facilities and have six free outdoor gyms. Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/parks

Harrow has some of the best schools in the region and the latest GCSE results have bucked the national trend by maintaining excellent grades.

The borough has 16 Children’s Centres offering a range of services for babies and young children to have the best possible start in life.

There are 11 libraries in Harrow all offering activities for children, newspapers, magazines and internet access. There are also special events organised throughout the year.

Discover Harrow’s historic past at Harrow Museum. Entry is free and with a number of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year there is always something to see and do.

Help with money worries – There is a section on the website full of advice and resources so that you can get the help you need. For information on benefits, jobs and training and debt management visit www.harrow.gov.uk/help.

Free advice is available for residents with mortgage or rent arrears from Harrow’s Housing Advice Service. Call 020 8424 1093.

Vivek Shah: “The best thing about living in my area is that we have a great park nearby and me, my sister and parents really like to go cycling. We love going swimming together as a family at the weekends at the leisure centre. We also visit the library regularly with mum and dad.”

You’ll find lots more information at www.harrow.gov.uk/families

A special new policing team has also been created solely for Wealdstone High Street. The team started patrols in July, and has made arrests for anti-social behaviour, drugs and public order offences. During the summer months, extra help arrived in the form of police officers from around the country. They have been patrolling the area, helping to make the public feel safer and reducing burglaries. Since this action, there has been a decrease in calls made to the police.

Another way we are helping to reduce crime is through The Wealdstone Partnership, a group made up of Harrow Council, The Ignite Trust - a local youth organisation - and Harrow Police. This partnership allows the three organisations to work together to better communicate, allowing information and intelligence to be shared more easily. Most importantly, it aims to increase community involvement, engage those thought to be at risk of

getting involved with gangs, and positively empower those people to help change their behaviour for the long term.

Wealdstone Youth Centre has a broad programme of events to keep young people occupied, to get them off the streets and help them to develop skills which will improve their lives. The centre now has more than 250 members on their books. Young people can take part in gym sessions, homework clubs, sports programmes and movie nights. The youth centre offers apprentice and employment workshops as well as providing a space to nurture their talents. It is home to a state of the art 16 track studio and a music space complete with instruments. Leading fashion designer, Shantelle Walters, also hosts fashion and craft workshops.

The Wealdstone Partnership has seen some great results, with a rise in young people in employment, training and education, reductions in community fear

and a decrease in the numbers of people involved in serious youth crime.

Wealdstone’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT’s) have also been working hard to help tackle crime in the area.

It’s important to remember that Harrow is one of the safest boroughs in London and youth offending, anti-social behaviour and other social indicators are very low compared to other areas. However, if you have any concerns about Wealdstone, you can contact the Wealdstone Safer Neighbourhood Team by calling 020 7161 9276, or by emailing [email protected]

If you fancy getting involved with Wealdstone Youth Centre,

please call If you are interested in any of the events offered by the Ignite Trust, call 020 8863 2089 or email [email protected]

Improving Wealdstone

We know there are concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in Wealdstone and some young people hanging around the streets. We want to reassure you that we are working with the Police to deal with this so that residents can feel safe and happy there.

Wealdstone Youth Centre helps keep young people off the street


Borough Commander Chief Supt. Dal Babu

As part of our plan to improve the area, we have begun a once in a lifetime £320million regeneration project which will create hundreds of family homes and employment opportunities on the former Kodak site in Wealdstone.

For the last three years the council has

been working with Land Securities, the country’s largest commercial property company in the UK, to transform the Kodak and Zoom Leisure sites in Wealdstone into a new business and residential area. The site is the largest single development site in the borough for a generation, covering 40 acres.

The plan for the site, which was developed after a series of workshops with the local community and local councillors, forms an important part of the council’s ‘Heart of Harrow’ project. The project seeks to create more than 3000 new jobs and 2500 new homes close to the town centres of Wealdstone and Harrow to regenerate both areas of the borough.

Together with new parks, the plans for the Kodak site include a new primary school, local medical centre, community centre, supermarket, offices and workspaces and new specialist housing for older residents. The proposals are also expected to result in 200 new affordable homes and over £9million to enable the council to make the improvements to public transport and local roads and to improve sports facilities and pitches.

Work is expected to start on the site in early 2014, with the whole development taking an estimated ten years to complete.

For further information on the proposals go to

www.harrowview.info/

Improving Wealdstone


Borough Commander Chief Supt. Dal Babu said: “Keeping Harrow safe is a top priority for the council and the police, and it is still one of the safest boroughs in London. We are working hard with our partners in Wealdstone. There is still some way to go, but crucially, we need the help of the community in the fight against crime. If you know who is responsible for crime and anti-social behaviour in your area, tell us and together we will make it stop.”

Green light for hundreds of new homes

Architect’s vision of Wealdstone


We want to hear your viewsHarrow Council is committed to listening to you and working closely with you, our residents. So we have provided a number of ways for you to make your views known to us. We spoke to Kenton resident, Pamela Gershan, 86, to get the inside track on being part of the council’s Resident Panel.

Pamela has lived in Harrow most of her life, having moved here in the 1940’s. “I heard about the residents’ panel through word of mouth as I was invited to go along to the meeting to see if I wanted to become a member of the panel. It was great to be able to discuss issues and decisions which affect residents in the borough.

“There were about 50 people who live in the borough attending the meeting, which also included council members. It was very good to see a range of different age groups attending too. Questions are asked on the main topic and suggestions and opinions are given by residents.

“We discussed things like fly tipping, rubbish collection and recycling.

“As part of being on the panel I receive questionnaires in the post every so often which are based on a specific topic that affect local residents. There are usually about 30 questions to answer which

include both closed and open questions allowing you to write down your thoughts and opinions.

“I think more residents should be involved with this and it never hurts to attend such events. I would definitely encourage others to come along. You hear about issues and decisions that are important to residents and have the opportunity to discuss and voice your opinions. Though I have only been to one meeting, I have found it to be rather helpful to residents and definitely plan to attend the next meeting.”

What is a Resident Panel

The Resident Panel is made up of almost 1,200 representative members of the public and is set up by the council to respond to surveys and give their views on a number of issues.

If you would like to volunteer as a member of the resident panel,

please call 020 8424 1390 or email [email protected]

There are lots of ways Harrow residents can get involved in local decision making. You can find out about other ways to have your say by going to www.harrow.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Councillors

If you are unsure of who your councillor is visit www.harrow.gov.uk and insert your postcode.

Online surveys

The council runs a number of online surveys each year, dealing with a whole range of issues from highways to planning. Details can be found at www.harrow.gov.uk/consultations

Other ways to get involved


Over the last three months the council has been asking residents what they think about the changes to Council Tax Benefit being introduced by the government. We have spoken to more than 3,000 residents directly about the scheme and met many of you at road shows, open days, meetings and surgeries.

As well as the roadshows, more than 350 residents have been in touch to tell us what they think, either by completing an online survey or sending us their comments by post. The website has been visited by 3,400 people and more than 1000 telephone surveys have been completed.

Following your feedback our proposals include:

• Introducing a maximum limit to the amount of Council Tax Benefit that can be paid

• Changing the rate at which Council Tax Benefit is withdrawn where a person

has more income than the law says they need to live on

• Removing extra benefit for people who work longer hours

• Including Child Benefit as an income

• Increasing contributions from other adults in the household

• Changing the amount of savings a person can have before benefits are given

• Capping the Council Tax Support to a band D or E property

• Removing second adult rebate

Our priority is to design a scheme which protects the borough’s most financially vulnerable residents. Your feedback will help us to achieve this and will be used to inform the final design of the scheme.

If you have any questions about how you might be affected, please email [email protected]

or call 020 8416 8266

Harrow Libraries

Back in May the council asked residents for their views on the library service and what improvements they would like to see. We have worked hard to respond to your ideas and suggestions; here is a summary of what you told us you would like to see in your library and what we are going to do about it.

Opening HoursYou said: You wanted

more libraries to be open on Friday afternoons, and for the libraries to remain open until 6pm on Saturdays.

We did: Library opening hours are currently being reviewed in order to enable more libraries to open on Friday afternoons, and for all libraries to remain open until 6pm on Saturdays.

Computers You said: You wanted the

public computers upgraded and Wi-Fi introduced, and to be able to receive reservation and overdue notifications by text message or email.

We did: We will upgrade the public computer network and introduce Wi-Fi by March 2013. Our new Library Management System will enable users to receive notifications by text message and email. You can also currently opt-in to receive electronic notifications via your MyHarrow account. If you don’t already have one then register here www.harrow.gov.uk/register

Events and activitiesYou said: You wanted your

local library to provide more events and activities for children, and you also wanted to be kept informed of forthcoming library events and activities by email.

We did: Two ‘Family Fun Days’ have been held involving a range of craft activities for children and four additional Chatterbooks reading groups for older children will be starting soon. Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/libraries for details on the current Chatterbooks reading groups.

Study spaceYou said: You would like

more study space to be available in the libraries, including areas for group study.

We did: We are intending to make more study space available at Harrow Leisure Centre during the peak study period next year to complement our existing space.

We want to hear your views

Other ways we are listening to you

A North Harrow resident who attended one of the roadshows said: “This is a positive consultation and we definitely need local people to carry out this work. I think it is important to raise awareness and involve the public in decisions about how public money is spent.”

Listening to your views at open days and roadshows

Looking for a local venue for hosting a private party/event?Harrow Teachers’ CentreLooking for a local venue for hosting private parties/events, then the Teachers’ Centre in Wealdstone is your affordable solution. Our facilities cater for maximum of 300 people.

There is limited free on-site parking, disabled access.

Contact details Tel 020 8416 8899 Fax 020 8427 2418 Email [email protected] Teachers’ Centre, Tudor Road, Wealdstone, Harrow HA3 5PQ

2 MONTHS RENT IN ADVANCE! (t & c applies)

We have recently moved to our new branch by North Harrow station and have registered awaiting tenants!

We require 1,2,3,4 bed houses, flats, studios, bedsits & rooms!

•Monthly rent direct into your account! •Guaranteed rent scheme available!•Full management!•Earn up to £4250pa tax free!

We are looking to sign up landlords in most london boroughs - Harrow/Watford/Ealing/Brent/ Hillingdon/Hounslow/Barnet

Contact Sheena Singh on 0208 427 [email protected]

ATTENTION LANDLORDS!!!


Councillor Asad Omar, the former Mayor of Harrow, spearheaded an appeal in September 2010 to help raise cash to build homes for some of the poorest families in Pakistan, whose lives were devastated by floods which hit after heavy monsoon rains. More than 20 million people were said to have been affected by the disaster – almost 2,000 people were killed and 11million were left homeless.

Cllr Omar initially set a fundraising target of £50,000, and held fundraising events such as bring and buy sales, and set up a website to make it easy for people to contribute online.

Donations soon started pouring in, and more than £70,000 was raised in a matter of months. Of that, an incredible £27,000 was given in personal donations. ”

Once the funds were raised, Cllr Omar had the difficult task of deciding how to spend the money. He was supported closely by one of the founding members of Harrow

Mosque, Ilyas Khan, who already had experience of building houses in his home country, having led a similar mission in 2005 following major earthquakes. The Kohistan region was chosen because it hadn’t received any relief so far due to its isolated location and difficult terrain.

Once they had decided who was most in need, the labour intensive task of building the houses began. Mr Khan said: “Every single penny that the Harrow community donated was spent solely on houses. Everyone flying over to Pakistan as part of the project funded their own trips and accommodation.”

The first nine houses, now housing 149 people, were completed in March 2011. Mr Khan said: “We met one man who was so traumatised he literally didn’t speak. He had lost his family and home and was too upset to do anything. When we showed him the home we had built for him, he thanked us – they were the first words he had spoken in months. That memory has really stuck with me. Being able to help

someone in that way made everything so worthwhile.”

To add a personal touch and to honour the people of Harrow who had so generously donated and enabled it all to happen, each house has been named after a ward in Harrow, with the ward names engraved on plaques outside each home.

Cllr Omar added: “This couldn’t have happened without the generosity of those in Harrow, and what better way to thank everybody than by having the houses named after their wards. It makes me so proud to know that Harrow is a borough that is so compassionate and giving, and I know that the people in Pakistan cannot thank them enough for their help.”

‘I’m proud of the people of Harrow’Two years ago, residents of Harrow volunteered to raise more than £70,000 to help people whose homes had been devastated by the Pakistan floods. Since then, more than 300 people have been re-housed in 35 new homes – all thanks to your help.

Cllr Asad Omar (left) and Mr Khan (right) with an earthquake survivor

Almost 2000 people were killed and 11m were left homeless

after the floods in 2010.

You can still donate to the appeal by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 3084 4957.


Dear Harrow resident,Welcome to your Harrow People letters page.

This page is open to all residents to question, comment and air their views on any council service, or product. We want you to dictate what is published on this page every issue, so get writing, emailing or phoning with your questions and comments.

This page will give residents a platform for their views and questions. By publishing your correspondence, both positive and negative, we intend to make this magazine even more interactive and relevant to readers.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact us today on: Tel: 020 8424 7504 Email: [email protected] Write: Harrow People, Communications Unit, PO Box 21, Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XF

Dear HarrowThis month we asked some of our residents for their questions.

RAzA AlIHAssAN, HARRow weAld

I have just found out that this summer the council has changed the system so that penalty charge payments can only be made online. I don’t think it is possible to deal with everything online - you need to have a person to speak to. Why have you done this?

A: If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) you can review the

offence simply by entering the reference number and your car registration into our online form at www.harrow.gov.uk/parking. You can then choose to either pay or appeal the decision at the same time.

You can also pay by calling the automated payment line on 020 8424 1220 or at the payment kiosk in the Civic Centre main reception.

By moving the service to the website, the council is making it easier for our residents and also saving £90,000 every year.

If you don’t have access to the internet at home or need help with this, there are free-to-use computers available at local libraries or at the Civic Centre.

NAtAsHA ClARke, weAldstoNe

I own a local business and feel that businesses on the high streets are suffering due to the number of bookies opening up. How is the council supporting local businesses in Wealdstone?

A: Harrow Council is negotiating with developers to secure funding

for Wealdstone District Centre. The funding will be used to deliver initiatives to encourage residents to come to the shops, cafes and restaurants in the area. Over the last six months we have put on a number of seminars to help support businesses. The council also produces a business newsletter advising businesses of all the national, regional and local initiatives which are available to help. If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter or attend a seminar, please contact [email protected]

HAwA osmAN & kHAlI moHAmed, soutH HARRow

The rent we pay for private housing is too high. Can the council do more to help young people living on their own?

A: Rents for private rented accommodation in Harrow, as in

the rest of London, are quite high. This is because property prices are high in London, and there is a link between the Raza Alihassan

Natasha Clarke


Dear Harrowcost of buying a home and the rent level. If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with the cost of housing by claiming Housing Benefit (HB). But due to a new rule the Government has brought in, if you are living on your own and under 35, you will only get HB for a room in a shared house. Although rents in council and housing association properties are lower, there is so little social housing in Harrow that most people cannot be offered a council home. Also under other Government changes, rents for some new housing association tenants will be higher in the future. So the best advice is to continue to do your best to find better paid employment and perhaps consider shared ownership for the future. For more information on shared ownership go to www.harrow.gov.uk/lcho or call the Housing Enabling team on 020 8420 9228.

mAjoRIe mott, HARRow

I am aware of the new housing development on the corner of Headstone Drive and Courtney Avenue. They are offering affordable homes to locals, but they are only available if you live and work in Harrow. I have a friend who lives here but works in London, so this would not be available to her. Why is this? And can this be changed?

A: The development you refer to is Goodstone Court which has

been developed by Catalyst Housing one of Harrow Council’s partner housing associations. The development includes 33 homes offered for shared ownership (part buy/ part rent) with priority for

those who live or work in Harrow.

Funding for the development of Shared Ownership housing is provided nationally and the marketing and application process is administered in London by First Steps London (www.firststepslondon.org) with the aim of assisting first time buyers. Each council operates a priority banding system which helps to ensure that the limited supply of Shared Ownership homes provided locally addresses the needs of those living or working in the borough as priority.

The priority groups for Shared Ownership housing are:

• Housing association and council tenants and armed forces personnel

• Local priorities (in Harrow this includes people with a high priority on the housing waiting list, Key Workers and those living or working in the borough)

• First time buyers

If your friend lives in Harrow then this scheme would be open to them and their application would be assessed in line with the priority system operated locally and by the housing association offering the property.

If you are interested in finding out more about shared ownership or other low cost home ownership housing options please visit the dedicated Harrow Council Low Cost Home Ownership website at www.harrow.gov.uk/lcho or call the Housing Enabling team on 020 8420 9228.

Harrow People has teamed up with Harrow Arts Centre to offer one lucky family tickets to the Dick Whittington and his Cat Christmas pantomime.

Step inside the magical world of pantomime brought to life by talented local people. A country boy walks to London to seek fame and fortune. Join Dick Whittington and his cat on their madcap adventure, which will entertain children and parents alike!

This year’s pantomime is a fantastic community project where, following open auditions, a professional production team worked with the community and local schools to develop a fun-filled show that the whole family can enjoy.

Dick Whittington performances take place from 19th to 23rd December. For more information go to www.harrowarts.com

Family shows at Harrow Art Centre are scheduled for the last weekend of each month to help busy parents and grandparents with their planning.

For a chance to win this month’s prize send your name, address and daytime number to: The Editor, Harrow People, Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow HA1 2XF before November 16th.

Majorie Mott

Hawa Osman & Khali Mohamed

WINFamily

Pantomime

tickets


Exercise on Referral

A HEAVILYSUBSIDISEDPROGRAMMEOFFERED AT:

• Harrow LeisureCentre

• Aspire (Stanmore)

• The Sherwood Clinic(South Harrow)

*For Harrow residentsand/or those registeredwith a Harrow GP only.Must be 16 years and over.

This programme offers exercise sessions tailoredto your individual needs

Looking to improve your health?

Specifically targeted towardspeople with:

• Mild depression and anxiety

• Mild arthritis in the hips or knees

• Controlled diabetes

• Controlled high blood pressure

• Hyperlipidaemia (abnormallyraised levels of lipids orlipoproteins in the blood)

• Obesity

• Osteoporosis (T-score – 2.5 orlower with nohistory of lowtrauma fracture)

PLEASE

SEE YOUR GP

TO ASSESS

SUITABILITY

AND OBTAIN A

REFERRAL

NEW AQUAPROGRAMME AT ASPIRE


With a packet of cigarettes costing on average £7.46, a 20-a-day smoker could save over £400 by 25th December and an incredible £3,000 by Christmas 2013 – fancy a family holiday?

“Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health, with the added bonus if you quit now you can save over £400 in time for Christmas!”

NHS Harrow provides a FREE stop smoking service within the community accessible by all. ALL pharmacies in Harrow have trained advisors on hand to support you in your quit attempt, just pop in to register or have a chat.

For a limited time only NHS Harrow are waiving the prescription charges for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – cut out the voucher below and present it at your local pharmacy for your 5-weeks FREE supply of NRT

For further details contact Chetna Shamla at the Harrow Stop Smoking Service on 020 8966 1008

*based on smoking 20 cigarettes a day at £7.67 per pack for the 60 day before Christmas 2012

Quit smoking now and have over £400 more to spend on Christmas!*Smokers in Harrow could save more than £400 to spend on Christmas if they quit now – and free help is on hand to make it happen!

Free 5-week course of Nicotine Replacement TherapySimply give this Voucher to your nearest pharmacy.

For further information please call the Harrow NHS Stop Smoking Service on 020 8966 1008.

Terms and conditions1. This offer applies to Nicotine Replacement Products only (NRT).2. You must live or work in Harrow to participate in this offer. 3. This offer is limited to a maximum of five weeks supply per quit attempt. 4. Available at Harrow pharmacies only. 5. Eligibility for free NRT is at the discretion of your Stop Smoking Advisor following registration and an assessment. 6. NRT will be provided by your Stop Smoking Advisor every week as part of a stop smoking programme and will only be given to the registered participant. 7. No cash alternative or product will be given. 8. Offer ends 31/12/12. 9. Promoter: Harrow NHS Stop Smoking Service.

Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at Participating PharmaciesJust take your Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) voucher to your nearest pharmacy. You can double your chances of quitting successfully with stop smoking medications. There are six types available: patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs, inhalator, quickmist and nasal spray. For more information talk to your pharmacist, local NHS Stop Smoking Adviser or Doctor. (HAR05)

last chance to save cashFree Re:neW home energy check

The Mayor of London and Harrow Council are working with Willmott Dixon to make sure Londoners don’t miss out on free loft and cavity wall insulation.

You could save nearly £300* a year on your gas and electricity bills, and if you are in receipt of certain benefits you may also get £100 cashback if you have insulation installed.

Don’t miss out, book a survey now by calling 0800 612 8879

or visit www.london.gov.uk/renew.

This offer is for a limited time only. All free and discounted insulation measures are subject to funding, eligibility criteria and a technical survey, and must be installed by December 2012.* £300 energy bills savings are possible where homes need loft and cavity wall insulation installed.

For more information phone: 020 8421 2128or visit our website: www.thelittleacademy.co.uk

The Little Academy Nursery & Pre-School is a purpose built privateday nursery & preschool for children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

We are located in the grounds of Hatch End High School,Tillotson Road which is just off Headstone Lane, Harrow HA3

The Little Academy has secure premises exclusively for our use.

* For children aged from 3 months to 5 years

* Excellent standards of education & childcare

* Dedicated & caring staff * Ofsted registered

* Purpose built secure building * AM/PM Sessions

* Baby places available * Outside play area

Monday to Friday - 7:30am to 6:30pm51 weeks of the year

OPENING HOURS

TLN Families AD 87x130 - AUG-2012.indd 1 01/08/2012 17:09

Your Harrow, your stories 25 Your Harrow, your stories 25

Youthmattersmattersmatters

Welcome to our new Youth Matters page, where local young people have their say

on issues that concern them, and help you find ways you can make a difference.

To contribute to this page email [email protected]

My Olympic Work Experience By Benjamin Osborne

This year, I arranged work experience with the manager of the Harrow Museum, part of this involved me filming the Olympic torch coming through Harrow.

I was extremely excited about this opportunity as it tied in with my future career aspirations. It was a thrilling event to witness and you could feel the community spirit as so many people came together to see the torch, I felt like I was really a part of Harrow and its history. Being part of the Olympic 2012 torch relay gave me a sense of pride in my country and the torchbearers inspired me to go for my goals and really made me feel that I could achieve anything with enough determination. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

If you’d like to volunteer go to www.harrow.gov.uk/howto/

volunteer

Does your school have a counsellor? By Ashna Khagram

Harrow Youth Parliament is currently conducting an enquiry into counselling at secondary schools. We have discovered that many schools do not offer students a counsellor and those that do don’t have them available all the time.

One school has just eight appointments per week for over 700 pupils! This means that students have to go through many stages of scrutiny before their case is deemed worthy of them being put on a waiting list.

Emotional wellbeing is very important. Schools should be doing their best to tackle this and provide pupils with better pastoral care.

If you would like to tell Harrow Youth Parliament about the

counselling service at your school, contact us via www.facebook.com/HarrowYouthParliament

My insight into university

This autumn many young people will embark upon one of the most exciting and challenging experiences of their lives. Having attended university myself, I have been through the stress and excitement of university life and would like to share some tips with those of you who have just started.

If you are living away from home, it is important to stick to a budget and keep on top of what you’re spending. It can be tough but you should spend some time deciding how you want to spend your money each week on food/going out etc. I also found it helpful to organise an interest-free overdraft with my bank for emergencies.

Even though fresher’s week is over, it is never too late to join societies and groups at your university. This will help you to meet/network and make friends with other people with the same interests. For me it allowed me to make friends with people on courses other than the one that I was on.

For some university is the first time where you are on your own - not in a horrible way - but in the sense that you now have the responsibility to get assignments and tasks done on time. It’s not like school or college where you are pushed to get your work in on time. You will need to prioritise and manage your time effectively without leaving things to the last minute. My advice with assignments is to break them down (eg. 500 words one day, 500 another day). Most libraries at university are open 24 hours and will have areas specific to your field of study.

There may be a big drinking culture at your university but remember you don’t have to drink to have a good social life at university. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of fun and exciting societies and groups to take part in.

All in all, stay focused, enjoy the experience and make sure you have a balance between studying and having fun.

By Masooma Sarwar

University is both exciting and challenging


Just turn up and meet Tracey and Carole. When: Every Tuesday 1-2:30pm, also open during half term. Venue: The Clubhouse, Saddlers Mead Park, off Clonard Way, off Rowlands Avenue, Hatch End, Pinner, Middx, HA5 4BU. Admission: £2 parent/carer + child. 50p extra children and carers. Contact: 020 8866 3970 or email [email protected]

Arts and CraftsClasses for ChildrenArts and craft session for children in Stanmore. When: Thursdays - Preschoolers class from 18 months to 5 years. Saturdays - reduce, reuse and recycle by turning natural and recyclable items into crafts - for under 11’s.Time: 10.30 - 11.20. Contact: [email protected]. Visit: www.facebook.com/Minniemakersartand craft classes for children to get codes for a free trial and craft ideas.

Kid’s Activity Classes Venue: YMCA studio on Roxeth Hill. When: Thursday mornings – classes for under 5yrs. Thursday afternoons –Ballet (5-16yrs). Try a free trial class. Contact: Margaret on 07966 329489 or visit www.westlondonYMCA.org

Youth FootballFree taster sessions with FA qualified coaches – can lead to being picked to play for one of the three teams in each age group. Players from 6 years old to 15 years old. Venue: St Joseph’s Youth ‘88 FC. Weekly football training on Saturdays at Kenton Recreation Ground at 10.30am. Fees: First session free! Coaching only (no matches) for the whole season is £50. To train and play in the league matches is a one off £35 joining fee plus £95 league

registration fee. Contact: Michael 07956 584757 [email protected]

Free Football Coaching for Under 6’s

A whole season of football coaching absolutely free for girls and boys in Reception and Year 1. Learn the basic skills, keep fit and make new friends. Contact: Clare 07545 385075.

Baby SensoryBaby Sensory is an award winning learning and development programme, specifically designed for babies from birth to 13 months old. There is also a large exploratory play area filled with toys to help stimulate babies’ learning and development and a perfect time to socialise and build up relationships with other parents and babies. Classes are running throughout the holidays. Classes last for one hour and cost £75 for 10 weeks. Book your FREE trial now. Contact: Lina Dalsania 07809 549103 or email [email protected] or visit www.babysensory.com for class details.

St Anselm’s Xmas FairOn Sat 1st Dec, from 11am - 2pm. Book stall, Bring & Buy sale, Tombola, Cakes and Toys, Refreshments – Father Christmas.At St Anselm’s Parish Church Westfield Park, Hatch End HA5 4JJ. Donations for the stalls and raffle prizes welcome. Call 020 8428 4111 for more information or visit www.stanselmshatchend.blogspot.com

St. Mark’s Hospital Crohn’s Disease open day

St. Mark’s Hospital in Harrow, Sat 3rd Nov 2012, from 10.30am. The country’s leading centre for the treatment of bowel disease encourages patients, carers and family members to come along and learn more about these challenging conditions.

The Open Information Day will include a series of talks by hospital consultants and specialist nursing staff on the

Family eventsHarrow Sports Development

Have you been inspired by the London 2012 Olympics / Paralympics? Do you want to represent your country in the future games? Then take the first step today! The Harrow Sports Development team can help you find your nearest sports club or help you take up a particular sport. The Get Active London portal will locate clubs, venues and activities around you, so log on and explore - www.getactivelondon.com Contact: email [email protected] or phone 020 8424 1069.

LibrariesThere are a number of different events taking place across all our libraries for families and children. Bring your children along to sessions such as story time, rhyme time and craft sessions which run regularly and during half terms. Find out more about activities at our libraries at www.harrow.gov.uk/libraries

Fresh Arts Theatre SchoolAn affordable theatre school for children aged 3-14. Students do professional acting work and are contracted to work with schools and nurseries in the local area. Students benefit from an hour each of Speech and Drama, Dance and Movement and Singing and Music. Venue: Grimsdyke School, Sylvia Avenue, Hatch End, HA5 4QE. Time and Date: Saturday afternoons 2:30pm-5:30pm Term Dates: 29 September-15 December Fees: £5 per hour Contact: 07506 363585/0845 269 9529 or email [email protected] Web: www.fresh-arts.co.uk

Babble & Chat Baby & Toddler Group

A group where children make craft objects to take home. Friendly and welcoming group, involving singing and dancing, toys and games, painting and playdoh. Open to babies from 4 weeks old, offering a large and colourful selection of toys. No booking required.

National Families Week has been cancelled this year but it does not stop Harrow Council from continuing to do all it can to help families by supporting a range of activities and events. Family activities range from arts to sports and theatre and dance. For more events and for information on help for families, visit www.harrow.gov.uk

your essential guide to your area

Fresh Arts Theatre School


recent advances in the medical and surgical management of the disease. Later in the day the talks will include children with bowel disease and psychological support for those with the condition.St. Mark’s Hospital is based at Northwick Park Hospital. For more info call 07760 161373 or email [email protected]

Harrow Arts Centre

Visit www.harrowarts.com for more information.

Srishti’s Dance School Vichitra is the annual showcase by the Bharatanatyam students of Nina Rajarani MBE, performed to live music. In addition to a full-length dance drama, the students will perform a variety of pieces from the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire. Established in 1991, Srishti’s Dance School provides traditional training in Bharatanatyam dance and Karnatic music for children from age 5 years upwards, and

has established a reputation for excellence in training and performance. When: Saturday 3 November, 7pm. Fees: £10.

AIR present Moscow Ballet La Classique: The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is one of the jewels of classical ballet and represents one of the true timeless tales of childhood dreams where toys come to life, mice are the villains and all things are possible in a magical kingdom beyond imagination. When: Monday, 5 November, 7.30pm Venue: Harrow Arts Centre Fees: £23 / £18 under 16s (limited availability).

Theatre Hullabaloo present: The Elves and the Shoemakers

Live music, puppetry, physical storytelling, mischief and a bit of Elf magic combined to tell this classic tale for children aged 3 years and above and their parents. When: Sunday, 25 November, 11.30am & 2pm. Venue: Harrow Arts Centre Cost: £8 / £6 concs (Ages 3+).

FitnessIyengar Yoga Classes

General level classes are taught by Khaled Kendsi, certified Iyengar yoga teacher by IYA (UK).When: Every Wed 7.30-9.00 Cost £10.00 per class or £50.00 for six classes Venue: St Georges Hall, 98 Pinner View, Harrow HA1 Contact: 07747616914 Web: www.khaledyoga.com

EXTEND exercise classesEXTEND was created to adapt exercises for people affected by aches, pain or stiffness to help delay the ageing process. Everyone can work at their own pace and ability, either seated or standing, as appropriate. Come and have fun, and meet new people. Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Wealdstone High Street. Contact: Gwen Batham on 020 8428 3855.

Senior FitnessCome and have fun and meet new people at senior fitness classes in Harrow one-to-one in the comfort of your own home also available. Venues: At Bessborough Road synagogue When: Mondays 11.30am - 12noon. Seated exercises for older senior citizens (aged 75 and upwards) and St. Peter’s church hall on Bushey High Road for over 50’s. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am -11am. Contact: Ivor on 07779 737546.

Community fitnessTuesdays: Tap dancing adults 11am to 12pm at Harrow Arts Centre, Hatch End. Wednesdays: Nifty fifty active senior fitness 10.45am to 11.45am at Wealdstone

Methodist Church, Locket Road, Wealdstone. Wednesdays: Bums and Tums 8pm to 9pm at 19th Harrow Scout Hall High Road, Harrow Weald (nearest side road Claremont Rd). Contact: 07979 952277 or go to www.jansdanceandfitness.com

Fists Taekwondo School Run by former British Olympic competitor and English national coach Chris Sawyerr. Classes every Thursday at 4pm. Venue: St George’s Church Hall, Pinner View. Contact: 07956 325268.

ActivitiesDo you like dancing?

Do you like dancing? Have you a good ear for music and like exercise? Have you thought about being a dancer in a Morris dancing team? We have represented Harrow dancing out in France at our twinned town Douai, as well as attending Music & Dance Festivals in the UK. If you are interested to learn more about our dances (Cotswold style), take part in workshops etc rehearsals are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Contact: Tony Moore on 07503 317265 or [email protected] Visit: www.merrydownersmorris.co.uk

European market and song festivalThree-day European Christmas market starting on Friday 23 November in St Ann’s Road running through to Sunday 25 November.Saturday 24 November will see an all-day Song Festival on a big stage in St John’s Road opposite Debenhams, featuring a mixture of professional, community and school groups that will provide continuous high-energy performances starting at 11am until 5pm.The events are organised by Harrow Council and supported by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund, which is helping increase the vibrancy and growth of high street places across London.

what’s in harrowhappening

If you would

like your listings

included on this

page, email

angela.hart@

harrow.gov.uk

Srishti’s Dance School

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If you know someone that can’t perhaps they would like to get

Harrow talking Newspaperfor the sight- impaired

A free weekly1-hour recording ofnews taken from the local press

Call 020 8907 9677 [answerphone]

or visit www.harrowtn.org.ukreg charity nos 270042

CAN YOU READ THIS?

Former scout leader Bernard Archer, who was 24 years old at the time and a well known journalist for the Harrow Observer, said: “While I was waiting for the bus to get to work, a police officer approached me saying, ‘they could do with you at the train station’. He then explained that there had been a serious train accident.

“I quickly sent over a reporter and a photographer to the scene, and headed to the office to start work on the story. It’s a day I’ll never forget. The photos our photographer brought back to me showed the enormity of the crash with hundreds of wounded people. Then I noticed that most of the photos had a picture of a young boy helping the wounded. I looked at it and immediately recognised it was one of my scouts Gilbert. It was amazing to see that he had taken the scouts code to heart. We

had taught him to always do his best in any situation. And that’s just what he did.”

The boy scout in question was Wealdstone resident Gilbert Powell, who was 14 at the time and had been travelling to school on a bus.

“I could see the traffic building up and, from the side entrance of Wealdstone Station, I could see lots of people coming out with blood on them - they were injured passengers. I wasn’t sure what had happened but there were hundreds of people around. Women were at the station tearing up sheets for the wounded. Everything just looked chaotic.

“As a trained scout I had some basic first aid skills, my first instincts were to go in and try to help. Because I was so small the rescue team lowered me in by rope to help

to bring out survivors from the wreckage. I was there for hours and, unfortunately, I did come across people I couldn’t help - people who did not make it.”

Now, at the age of 74, Gilbert says he has never been able to get the images of that fateful day out of his head. But at the end of the day I am so happy I was there and was able to help some people.”

‘A day I’ll never forget’On the morning of 8th October, 1952, a London-bound express train missed a yellow signal and collided with two trains at Harrow and Wealdstone station killing 112 people, resulting in the UK’s worst peacetime rail disaster. On the 60th anniversary of that disaster we talk to two local people who watched the tragedy unfold.

harrow’s heritageA London-bound express train from Perth ploughed into the back of a Tring to Euston commuter train. Just seconds later a third train coming from Euston crashed into the wreckage. 112 people killed and 340 injured. The force of the collision was such that it stopped the station clock at 8.19am.


Fact box

Gilbert Powell

Harrow Community Handyperson SchemeIf you need help with small jobs to your home and are without regular help and support from Family and friends, then we may be able to assist you.

All advice given and work undertaken is free. All you pay for is the materials.

To qualify for assistance under the scheme, you must be:• The person who is responsible for maintaining

your home• Over 60 and in receipt of benefits or disabled

Works covered by scheme:Anything from changing a light bulb to putting up shelves etc, Please call and we can advise on what we will do under this scheme.

Please telephone 020 8424 1894 and speak to Paula Hampton or Jenny Godfrey

Harrow Home Improvement Agency

Register for St Luke’s Santa Dash

Complete a 3 mile walk in a Santa Suit on Sunday 9th December in aid of your local Hospice. It begins at 11 am and the route

starts and finishes at Claremont High School.

Tickets: £10 for adults and £5 forunder 16’s, and a Santa Suit will be provided.

www.stlukes-hospice.org/santadash

Registered Charity No. 298555

Contact Kate on 020 8382 [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS

• DoyouliveinHarrow?• Isyourchildduetostartinprimaryschool inSeptember2013?

Children born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009

You need to apply for a reception place. Application forms and booklets giving full details of how to apply as follows:

• Online at www.harrow.gov.uk/schooladmissions • Your local primary school • Access Harrow at the Civic Centre

Don’t forget your application must be received by Tuesday 15th January 2013

You can apply online. It is easier and you get an instant acknowledgement that your application has been received. You will also receive an email with the outcome of your application.

For details go to www.harrow.gov.uk/schooladmissions Call 020 8901 2620 or email [email protected]

Open a door and start a new journey that can last for the rest of your life.“Being old isn’t all about the past. My class included some computer literacy work which I found especially useful – you’re never too old to learn!” (Learner in an ICT/Reminiscence class)

Our eldest learner last year was 93 years and more and more people are discovering the benefits of learning at any stage of their life. We are a community-based service based at Harrow Arts Centre but with courses run in venues across Harrow. Fee concessions are available on many programmes.

Our programmes include:• Computer and ICT skills at all levels, including Getting the

Most Out of Online Shopping• Yoga, Keep Fit, Dance and other courses for health and

well-being• Art, craft and photography• Reminiscence workshops

We would also like to hear from you about ideas for further courses and activities you would like to see.

For more information call 020 8428 1182 or visit www.learninharrow.org.uk

Harrow Adult Community and Family Learning Service

Due to changes at government level, the way Blue Badge applications are processed has changed. Other changes have meant that we need to assess people differently, with people who apply under the ‘walking’ criteria needing to now have an Independent Mobility Assessment. Those changes mean that assessments for Blue Badges will now take a much longer time to process.

If your Blue Badge is coming up for renewal please make sure you apply to renew your badge at least 12 weeks before your current badge is due to expire. This will help us to ensure that the new badge can be with you before the old one expires.

More concessionary travel changes coming soon

Do you have a Blue Badge, Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass or a Taxicard?

If so, and you were awarded the concession because you are on the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA) then you may be affected by central government proposals to replace the DLA with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) during 2013.

The government is introducing reforms to the welfare system, one of which will involve changes to DLA and this will affect eligibility for a Blue Badge, as well as the Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass and Taxicard schemes. About a third of all badges and passes are issued to people who receive HRMCDLA.

PIP will replace DLA from April 2013 for all new claimants between 16-64 years old, followed by a further phase of re-assessing all existing claimants, with most individuals having a face-to-face consultation with an assessor as part of their PIP claim. Residents below age 16 or who become 65 whilst still in receipt of HRMCDLA will still be automatically eligible for the travel concession.

The government is in the process of consulting on options for dealing with the impact of this change. The options include retaining an ‘automatic’ eligibility factor, which maintains the focus on an individual’s mobility as the main criteria for awarding the travel concession.

Harrow Council will keep you advised as the government firms up on the details of the PIP scheme and how this will affect eligibility for concessionary travel in the borough – watch this space.

www.harrow.gov.uk

RENEWING YOUR BLUEBADGE

Harrow People

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Transcript of Harrow People