Team White City Fanzine - April 2013 by Hammersmith & Fulham Council

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP? FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR NIGHTS OUT IN OUR HANDY LISTINGS GUIDE! SEE PAGES 38&39>>

Coming soon! New Team White City website is set for launch this month

fanzine 8

@teamwhitecity teamwhitecity teamwhitecity @lbhf.gov.uk

APRIL 2013

INSIDE

The best ways to get fit in White City

Full details on pages 16&17 and 38&39>>

JOIN TEAM WHITE CITY ONLINE! G

et ready for the launch of Team White City online, featuring everything you need to know about how to get ahead and make a difference in our neighbourhood. Your new website (visit: www.teamwhitecity.org) will be packed full of detail on local jobs, events and services, with all the latest news and features – along with opportunities to get involved and have your say on the most important local issues for residents in W12.

FULL STORY PAGES 2&3

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

TEAM WHITE CITY INDEX l CRIME PLUNGES ......Pages 6-7 l THE FUTURE Action plan to boost the area..........Pages 12-13 l TV CENTRE How the Beeb scheme will look.......Pages 18-19 l FOODBANK............Pages 24-25 l CATHY COME HOME The new health centre............Pages 26-27 l BUSH FOOD Family dining is a new feature of life....Pages 36-37 l WHAT’S ON............Pages 38-39

ABOUT US! l Team White City is a pilot project bringing all local people together to enjoy much greater control over how our neighbourhood is run. It’s also about building on our great community spirit, connecting people to essential services and support, and making sure everyone benefits from the development happening all around – both now and in the future. Our pilot project is run through Hammersmith & Fulham Council and is supported by the Department of Communities and Local Government and community groups including the White City Neighbourhood Forum and Urban Partnership Group. The Team White City fanzine is published every two months by the council’s communications department, with 6,000 copies distributed to homes and public locations across the White City Opportunity Area. The Team White City fanzine is produce in association with White City Neighbourhood Forum and is supported by: l For more details or to get involved in the Team White City fanzine email: teamwhitecity @lbhf.gov.uk or call Dan Hodges on 020 8753 2127

Join Team White City online! >>>CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Your feedback has already been vital in shaping the design of the website, which is now in the last stage of production. And once it launches later this month, we want local people to get involved – by contributing stories, videos and ideas, voting on key issues, deciding how Team White City’s projects are taken forward, and connecting with employment opportunities, training, events, activities and more. Most importantly, we want to help all those who lack confidence with computers and the internet to find their way online for the first time. Join us in looking forward to a new digital era in W12. We’re counting down to the launch on our Facebook site, www.facebook.com/ teamwhitecity – visit us today and join the team!

What you will find on Team White City’s new website? Here’s a guide to what’s in store online: l My White City will bring you lifestyle features and up-to-date listings for local venues, along with essential information about community activity, local shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, and sport and fitness facilites

ahead

Get ahead! Let Team White City help you with ideas to get ahead of the crowd! Build the skills you need to make computers work for you – more details on page 4

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

Have a look! Your site for neighbourhood news!

l My services will be an easy-to-use guide to all local services including schools, health centres and police teams, with important details on everything from housing to adult education l News will keep you posted on all the latest stories affecting our neighbourhood and the people who live here l Jobs and Skills will be a one-stop resource to find out about jobs in the area now and in the future, and how to find the training you

need to make the most of those opportunities l Your Shout will give you the opportunity to have a direct influence on decisions affecting our neighbourhood. Take part in detailed YouGov research, vote on important local issues and have your say on local matters l White City Buzz will be a dedicated section for young people in W12, full of events, activities and opportunities and details about how to play a part in Team White City

Dan Hodges

Editor Team White City Fanzine

e’re delighted to bring you issue number 3 of the fanzine, which is more packed than ever with news and features about all that’s happening in W12. Team White City’s website is coming soon to a computer, tablet or smartphone near you – and this edition is all about what to expect and how you can build the skills you need to make the most of computers and the internet. We recognise that not everyone knows how to find their way online, and there’s a huge opportunity for local people to help others develop their confidence with technology. We’re working on ways to encourage more people We’ll to step into help the digital you step age, and into the to use our digital website to help influence age important decisions affecting our neighbourhood. As always, we need people to get behind Team White City as we work to bring people closer and build a better future together – so email us at: teamwhitecity @lbhf.gov.uk if you would like to be involved. You can also find us on Twitter @teamwhitecity and Facebook at: www.facebook. com/teamwhitecity Team White City is supported by White City Neighbourhood Forum and Urban Partnership Group, and the fanzine is produced through the communications department at Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

‘‘

ahead Do you lack confidence when it comes to computers? Would you rather use a post box than email? Do you struggle to find your way online? Don’t worry - you’re not alone! Team White City is launching a campaign to help YOU build the skills you need to get ahead - starting with FREE computer classes. After a FREE three-day course in ICT online basics in White City, you’ll have all training you need to make computers and the internet work for you. Learn how to use a mouse and keyboard, send email, create documents, search for information, apply for benefits and stay safe online.

The course is free to all and courses start every week call 020 8753 6252 to book your place now! Adult Community & Learning Centre (next to Canberra Primary School) Australia Road, White City W12 7PT

www.hfals.co.uk

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

MY WHITE CITY welcomes qTeam White City , Roisin Williams, 17t at a sixth-form studenademy, Burlington Danes Acow who spoke to a fellt his local teenager abou EA thoughts on the AR

W12

Can you describe your typical day? On a weekday I get up early and go to college, and afterwards I hang out with my friends.

What are the best things about living here? Most people know each other – they will say things like ‘good morning’ and they have manners. I think the community side of White City is great. What would you like to change about the area? There’s nothing I would really like to change. Who are the most important people in the local community and why? My friends and family because of the love and care they have for me.

Meet 18-yearold White City resident Rahsaan Mauricette-Brown who grew up on the estate. q Do

YOU want to be interviewed? Or would you like to sign up to become a Team White City reporter? WRITE TO US AT: teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk

How do you relax and unwind? I just chill out with my friends really. Westfield is a nice place to visit, it never really gets old, and Shepherds Bush has quite a dynamic range of ethnic backgrounds, so there’s always something happening. What are your personal hopes for the future? Well I hope that they don’t knock the flats in White City down and make expensive houses just because Westfield is an expensive mall. How do you imagine White City will be 10 years from now? I reckon White City will have much nicer flats and they will have changed for the better much like the way the Stonebridge Estate [in Harlesden] has changed. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? No matter where you’re from or where you were born or even who you are, if you put your mind to something you can achieve it.

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

N I S L L A F E M I R C

WHITE CITY

Get involved!

More than 120 of you responded to Team White Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crime survey asking about crime and policing priorities in our neigbourhood. Now we need people to work with the police and others to help set priorities and monitor our progress tackling local issues. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in joining a neighbourhood panel, email us NOW at: teamwhitecity @lbhf.gov.uk

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

Crime across the borough is at the lowest levels since records began as police say Neighbourhood Watch schemes and undercover cops are beating the crooks

ramatic falls in the number of crimes committed in White City were highlighted last H&F Council deputy month as local people leader Greg took the opportunity to Smith and quiz police and council officers field chiefs. questions from Last year 21 homes were residents burgled in the White City estate – 38 per cent fewer than the 34 are able to act on anonymous tip-offs homes broken into in 2011. from local people. The increasing use of plain The number of robberies in and around clothes police officers is also making it much the White City estate also fell significantly, easier for residents to report crime without from 19 crimes in 2011 to just 10 in 2012, or fear. less than one a month. And Cllr Smith appealed to residents And the level of vehicle crime also dropped to think about joining or setting up by 28 per cent from 41 offences in 2011 to Neighbourhood Watch schemes in their 29 last year. streets, as these have had a huge impact since H&F Council deputy leader Greg Smith being rolled out to 200 streets since 2006, revealed the figures to audience at the White from a starting point of just six. City Community Centre, saying that crime “Neighbourhood Watch really does work,” throughout the borough is at its lowest level said Cllr Smith. since records began. Superintendent Mike Hill, in charge However, he acknowledged there is more of neighbourhood policing, also gave work to do, as 30 per cent of people in White a presentation in place of the borough City who responded to a recent crime survey commander, who was called away on did not feel safe going out at night, and operational duties. 13 per cent felt unsafe when outside Appealing to people to report during the day – significantly crimes as they happen, Supt Hill higher than the three per cent To report crime said: “If we can get to a call borough average. anonymously, call quickly, there’s a far greater Cllr Smith said: “It’s Crimestoppers on chance we will arrest the concerning when that 0800 555 111, offender and be able to help. many people are afraid of or to speak to “There’s no borough in the walking out of their door police call the nonwhole of London where the in the daytime. Even more emergency line, police are quicker in getting to concerning is that 30 per cent 101. Or see the calls than H&F, whether you’re of people said they didn’t feel back page! looking at all types of calls or safe at night – there is clearly issues like domestic violence.” something going on that we need Questions raised by local people to tackle. included the issue of CCTV, the difficulty “Fighting crime and anti-social of youth engagement and the high turnover behaviour is our top priority, which is why the among local police teams, making it difficult to council continues to put a significant amount build lasting relationships. of money into funding extra police, the parks Supt Hill said the area’s new sergeant, Becky constabulary and Neighbourhood Wardens.” Wells-Cole, had already done a ‘phenomenal One third of those who filled out the crime job’ in tackling crime in the area and would survey said they are scared of reprisals if they report crime, an issue raised again by residents stay in place for the foreseeable future. Sgt Wells-Cole told the residents: “I will at the meeting. always come out, even in plain clothes, if Cllr Smith said professional witnesses are someone wants to speak to me.” now being used to help catch criminals, and

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

ONE OF THE TEAM ahead

heree Edwards is a local girl with ambitions to fulfil. When she joined the H&F apprenticeship programme she had no idea just how valuable the work experience and support of her colleagues would be. 18 months later she is on the up and wants to inspire others to join the team.

committing to this apprenticeship would really benefit me in the long run. At first I did struggle to fit in but the team were very welcoming and eventually I began to pick things up and familiarised myself with their terminology. A couple of months after starting, I had a family bereavement that impacted on my motivation and knocked me back, but my new colleagues were very supportive and they helped me to continue. “I have lived in Shepherds Bush for 13 years What happened helped me realise that if I and eighteen months ago I finished my A levels have an opportunity to better myself and fulfil and found myself unemployed. I heard about my ambitions, I should apprenticeships at H&F not let anything get Council and I applied for in the way of achieving an apprenticeship in them. I became more business administration. determined to stay on I was invited to an top of all my work to assessment but I wasn’t make sure I achieve too scared as my Maths, Are you looking for some quality work experience and the chance to gain a what I want in my life. English and ICT skills are qualification? Perhaps you have recently left I want to be a great pretty good. But I did school or college or you’re unemployed. female role model for misread the time on the An apprenticeship with H&F Council could be my two young sisters letter and turned up just the thing to get your career moving. and I knew taking this half an hour late. Apprentices come from all walks of life and apprenticeship would At this point I are all ages. The H&F programme offers give me a qualification, thought I had blown it, apprentices work experience four days a week experience and a head there was no way they alongside one day a week attending college. start to achieving my would call me back for The council offers all kinds of roles for long and short term an interview. But I did apprentices, including health and social care, goals in life. the assessments to the business administration, retail and also I’m delighted that I best of my ability and construction site apprenticeships. passed my level 2 NVQ completed all of them. Previous apprentices have a high success with flying colours and They must have been rate of finding full-time employment on I’ve now progressed to good enough because completion of the programme. For details level 3. they called me back for edgson@lbhf.gov.uk or please email clare.edgeson@lbhf.gov.uk I now work for H&F an interview. I was overjoyed when adult learning and call 020 8753 4053. they offered me the skills service, splitting post of working as an my time between apprentice in the management legal department. information and I spend four days marketing. These are a week at work two very different and one day a roles and I find both of week at college them interesting and gaining an NVQ challenging. qualification. I’ve learnt a lot, The idea gained real work of working in experience and at a legal office last I have career was very paths I can choose daunting but from. My future’s I knew that looking positive.“

Get onboard and earn while you learn

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

When Sheree Edwards left college she found herself out of job. An apprenticeship with H&F Council has turned her life around and now the only way is up!

“I’ve gained real work experience and my future’s looking positive”

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

A LANDMARK FOR

Breathtaking views of White City – and an exciting glimpse of the neighbourhood’s future – came together at a ceremony marking the end of construction on a major new development

rom a windy vantage point at the top of one of White City’s most prominent new buildings, the neighbourhood looks in increasingly good shape. Residents, community representatives and officials gathered on the roof to witness the final concrete being poured into the shell of the £30million building in Bloemfontein Road, which will include the White City Collaborative Care Centre and 170 one, two and threebedroom homes designed for local people.

Wheelchair users will benefit from 24 flats designed for easy access. There will also be a new supermarket and pharmacy and a grand new entrance through the building to Wormholt Park, which will be regenerated and equipped with new sports facilities. The scheme is being delivered through a joint venture between Building Better Health West London and Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Clinical Commissioning Group and Primary Care Trust, Notting Hill housing Group in

partnership with Galliford Try Partnerships and H&F Council. Speaking at the topping out ceremony on February 28, council leader Nicholas Botterill said: “The construction of this new building represents a significant step towards our shared vision of a brighter future for people in the north of our borough. “The collaborative care centre will address the health and wellbeing needs of the local population, making sure the best facilities and the most appropriate levels of care are

Main picture: a crowd stands on top of the new Collaborative Care Centre development, admiring the view of west London; Left: (L-R) Harry Audley, Dr Tim Spicer and Cllr Nicholas Botterill lay the last batch of concrete

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

HEALTHY LIVING “The construction of this new building represents a significant step towards our shared vision of a brighter future for people in the north of our borough”

Cllr Botterill, the council leader, sets out his vision of what the development will achieve

available in one place, for this and future generations. “Raising the proportion of affordable housing from 40 per cent to 100 per cent – the result of discussions between the council and Notting Hill Housing Group Trust – is unprecedented, and represents our commitment to enabling more local people to buy a home. “Finally, the new entrance to Wormholt Park will reunite local people with an important public space that has for many years been out of view to those living on the White City estate.” Services to be provided include GP practices and community health, such as diabetes, child development and dental services.

NEW HOMES ON THE HORIZON – REGISTER NOW! The 170 new homes in The Bloom development will all be available for shared ownership or discount market sale, with the aim of helping local people own homes for the first time. They will be marketed and sold from May onwards by the council’s Home Buy team. Call the team on 020 8753 6464, register online at www.lbhf.gov.uk/homebuy or find out more at www.the-bloom.co.uk

There will also be a focus on helping local people stay healthy. Dr Tim Spicer, chair of H&F clinical commissioning group, said: “The White City Collaborative Care Centre is the fruit of collaboration between local organisations and local people and has been designed to deliver a wide range of health and social care services. “We want local people to be able to walk in off the street and see a health and social care professional at the same time. “It is a model of care that is integral to our out of hospital strategy and this building provides the blueprint for how we want services to be developed across the borough.”

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

SPRING INTO

Team White City’s plan to build a stronger future for everyone in our neighbourhood was handed to the government at the end of March – and now we need your help to make it happen

fter months of work to develop our plan with local people, we’re now working on how to put our ideas into action. We need energetic and enthusiastic local people to contribute to each of our six programmes, covering everything from housing and health and wellbeing to crime and policing and employment. Part of Team White City’s current focus is on establishing a network of parent champions to help deliver better long-term results for all local families. We’re starting by creating a network of parent mentors – local people who know about the challenges of raising children can help other families get the most out of life. Copies of our plan will be made available on our website shortly. If you’d like a copy sent to you, or if you’re interested in becoming a parent mentor or taking part in any of our programmes, email teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk

MEET THE SUPER SIX

Team White City’s six programmes have been developed with the community to help tackle some of the issues which most need addressing in our neighbourhood: 1 DECENTRALISING PUBLIC SERVICES Local people will take more of a role in overseeing and delivering local services so they meet the needs of the neighbourhood, starting with a ‘handyperson’ project, through which people can be trained and paid to carry out repairs and maintenance.

2 OCCUPANCY OF SOCIAL HOUSING Residents will help to develop a new local lettings system, beginning by addressing overcrowding and underoccupying in the area. Families who need more space will be able to move into a bigger home, and those with spare bedrooms can find a home nearby that is better suited to their needs.

3 SUPPORTING AND CREATING WORKING HOUSEHOLDS A new neighbourhood approach will bring jobseekers, employers and support agencies closer together, offering tailored support to local people. More people will find the help they need to move back into work or find employment for the first time.

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

ACTION

YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!

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White City, we value: Working closer with local residents to make White City an even Helping local people better place to live make the most of their talents Encouraging people to help set local prioritie s Connecting people with the services and opportunities around them We believe the followin g should be Team White City prioriti Helping more people es into jobs and training opportunities Making White City an even safer neighbo urhood Giving families the support and help when they need it Giving people more say on housing issues Encouraging people to live active, healthy lives Supporting the commu nity to support itself

www.lbhf.gov.uk/te

amwhitecity

GET ONBOARD – HUNDREDS HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP!

5 PREVENTING AND REDUCING CRIME Policing and patrolling the neighbourhood is done by several different police and council teams, and local people have little influence or control. The programme will build much closer links between local people, the police and others, to improve how crime and nuisance behaviour is tackled in the neighbourhood.

6 THE TEAM WHITE CITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING HUB The White City Collaborative Care Centre will have the health needs of local people at its heart when it opens next year. By working closely with the NHS and others to make sure the centre becomes a hub for the community, it will be possible to make sure the services and support delivered there matter to local people.

Telephone 020 8748 3020

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Team White City Partner Mandate The comm l Keep up topubldate with unity and ic services working the latest activity andas one opportunities in our neighbourhood by signing up for our free e-bulletin today! Team White City sends out fortnightly email updates, bringing you up to date on progress and connecting you to everything that’s happening in our area. From free children’s play sessions to job opportunities and public exhibitions, you’ll find it in in the bulletin – and you can use us to help promote your own events. Sign up today – email: teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk withneed the word ‘subscribe’ We to make sure. (Queen's Park Rangers FC)

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As a partner of Team

The vision is to build a lasting network of parents, experts and council teams who work closely together, delivering better long-term results for local families. All local children will start school on an equal footing. The programme will begin by creating a network of parent mentors who can support local families.

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local people continue to support everything we’re working to achieve – which is why we’ve been out and about in the community asking you to agree to the Team White City Partner Mandate. So far we’ve had hundreds of people agree to the principles set out in the mandate, including l Plans to give White City a local residents, big spring clean are being community leaders and drawn up – and the council professionals who work is urging local people to get in our neighbourhood. involved. Team To joinWhite the BigCity Clean Up by organising or really values events that support volunteering to help out, to and we’ll continue email: Cleaner.Greener@lbhf. work gov.ukhard with to theachieve subject line all we’ve BIGthat CLEAN UP orset callout 020to 8753 1100. do together.

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FrontLine support, advice and job shop is coming soon to White City Come to a residents’ meeting and tell us what services you want us to provide – we want to hear your views. The new FrontLine support, advice and job shop could provide a personalised approach to accessing training, developing online skills, job opportunities, budgeting and debt advice as well as a local internet zone. You decide! White City Residents’ Association meeting Thursday 6 June White City Community Centre 7.30 pm Get involved and help shape your local area! We will be working with:

If you have any queries, please contact Ayesha Ovaisi on 020 8753 5584 or email ayesha.ovaisi@lbhf.gov.uk

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Feeling fit and fabulous Looking after two small children, mum Caroline Abrashi found herself slowly piling on the pounds. But she found a new lease of life when a friend who works as a local health trainer helped her lose three stone in just five months

having the kids meant I didn’t ix months ago, Caroline have much time. Abrashi found it hard to “Melissa suggested I should run even a short distance start with aqua aerobics, and in through the park with her the end she took my kids to look six-year-old son and four-yearafter and dropped me off at the old daughter. swimming pool so I had to go in. I Frustrated by the weight enjoyed it – it felt good just to do gain she experienced something for me.” in her 30s and Early successes suffering from a Melissa Thompson at Janet Adegoke general lack of Adjei-Mensah, Swimming Pool in energy, she turned Bloemfontein to a friend for help. who turned her encouraged Luckily for own life around Road Caroline to take Caroline, that by losing weight the bold next step friend was of going to the and becoming a Melissa Thompson Adjei-Mensah, a health trainer, gym, with Melissa again at her side health trainer at is now helping for support. the White City others to get fit Caroline said: Health Centre, “When I first got whose job involves on the running inspiring others to machine, I walked for a make a positive change. couple of minutes and Caroline said: “Our thought I was going to kids are really close have a heart attack. Even friends and we were just with Melissa there I was taking the kids to the really intimidated, and I park one day and talking was so embarrassed about exercise and that I just didn’t healthy eating. want to continue. “I was saying “But there’s that I was really actually quite a unhappy with my mix of people in weight, because the gym and I’d put on a lot everyone is there since having for their own children and reasons, whether I felt like I they’re 65 with could never get diabetes or fit again. training to run in “I always the marathon. had a lot of “I kept on excuses, like

Right: Mum-of-two Caroline Abrashi outside the White City Community Centre, White City estate; Below: Fitness trainer Melissa Thompson Adjei-Mensah helped inspire Caroline to get in shape

going back and every day I pushed myself a bit more.” With Melissa’s exercise tips came useful advice on healthy eating, such as avoiding crash diets and instead making some simple changes like eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in place of fattening snacks, which Caroline discovered she was eating daily after filling in a food diary. Six months later, she is much happier and 45lb lighter, and continuing to push towards her target of losing another stone. She said: “It took me a while to build up to where I’ve got to, but along the journey you’re losing weight, so it makes you carry on. When you come out of the gym

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you don’t want to eat a Big Mac, you’d rather have something more nutritious. “I’m quite encouraging to other people now and a lot of my friends have started exercising because of me, doing things like yoga and Zumba. “I feel like a different person. I’ve definitely got more energy. My kids like big parks and they might want me to run around with them - previously I wouldn’t have been able to, but now I can run and not feel tired.” Melissa, who turned her own life around by losing weight and becoming a health trainer, said she gets a buzz out of helping people like Caroline, who can

then go out and inspire others. She said: “When Caroline first came to see me she just wanted her wedding ring to fit her again. Two weeks later it was, and then she never stopped working. “I saw her for six weeks and after that she became her own health trainer and started motivating other people. She’s lost so much weight, it’s just amazing.” O Melissa runs Zumba classes at the Fatima Centre, Commonwealth Avenue, White City estate, 6.30 to 7.30pm on Fridays, and women-only sessions at Egyptian House, Bloemfontein Road, 11.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. Each session costs £4. Call her on 07966 767 106 for details.

Here’s another way to get fit! Free exercise sessions are run every week by the Community Champions at the White City Community Centre in India Way. All are welcome. Enjoy Pilates on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 10.30am, aerobics on Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, and Zumba on Fridays from 9.30am to 10.30am.

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CALLING ALL COOKS! SEND US YOUR RECIPES TO GET WHITE CITY COOKING!

ike to cook? If so, send us your healthy recipes for the White City Cookbook. We know there are lots of people in W12 who enjoy cooking and eating healthy food – and now we want to share your delicious recipes with others. We’re putting together a White City Cookbook, and we need you to send us your own creations to feature among its pages. There are no rules except that each recipe should be quite easy to follow and should include lots of healthy ingredients like vegetables, fruit, pulses and fish. Don’t delay! Email your recipe to: teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk today, and feel free to include a picture of your dish.

A BIRD’S EYE l Homes, a hotel, a cinema, a health club, restaurants and cafes are part of a new scheme to transform the BBC Site

eing able to walk freely through the BBC’s iconic Television Centre is an appealing idea for many local people, who have been giving their feedback on plans for the site’s future. New owner and developer Stanhope is hoping to convert the former home of the Beeb into more than 1,000 homes, a hotel, cinema, health club, restaurants, cafes, offices and studios – and released this

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What the new Television Centre scheme could look like if approved by the council

E R T N E C V T W E N F O W IE V detailed image (above) for its second public exhibition last month. The historic forecourt of Television Centre is set be opened up to the public for the first time, creating a new route through from Wood Lane to Hammersmith Park. The BBC will continue to make programmes on site once three of the TV studios have been refurbished in 2015, and BBC Worlwide will

have its headquarters there from next year. Stanhope chief executive David Camp said: “We will be introducing a vibrant and exciting mix of new retail, leisure, office and residential uses. “We will do this by keeping and enhancing the famous original BBC buildings and retaining key operational BBC studios and office facilities on site.

“Television Centre will be a great place to live, work and visit.” Dominic Coles, the BBC’s director of operations, said the Television Centre scheme will be transformed into ‘a truly public space that builds on its history, protects its place in the local community and greatly improves the audience and visitor experience’. A planning application is due to be submitted in late May.

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Growing ambition

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Community project sows the seeds for a brighter neighbourhood

ublic spaces around W12 could be given a new lease of life through a new community project dubbed Shepherds Bushes. The idea is to identify forlorn flower beds and patches of green space in need of love and attention, then recruit local people to transform them using flowers, shrubs, trees and even vegetables. Work has already begun on a series of concrete planters surrounding Holland Park Roundabout, and plans are under way to map other local spots that are ripe for a makeover. The project is being led by local architects De Rosee Sa, who are working with the Norland Conservation Society and Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham Councils. It is being overseen by architectural assistant Edward Martin. Edward said: “When I joined the practice last year I saw an opportunity, because I commute past the roundabout every day. It’s divided by different council borders and seems to have become a forgotten part of London. “The beds are there waiting for activity and colour, but instead are currently used as litter bins. “Eventually we hope to have a masterplan identifying all the small areas that could be improved with just a little

bit of help. This roundabout is just the starting point, we’re not going to stop there.” An appeal for local people to join in the first ‘Big Dig Day’ on March 16 resulted in volunteers braving the freezing weather to help transform the first planter. The Norland Conservation Society is helping to spread the word, and local gardeners have begun to offer advice and designs for what pants might be suitable for the heavily urban environment. Edward said: “Everyone seems so positive about it. I called a lot of the local schools and spoke to people who work in the offices – they have children who go to the schools themselves and they say it’s such a great idea. “This isn’t about forcing an idea on people who live in the area. We’re trying to open people’s minds to the possibilities of what might be done with these beds, while at the same time give people a chance to become involved in the design, planting and upkeep. “Some parts of London are really lucky to have huge parks nearby, but in this area you have to take hold of space that you have and do as much as you can with it.”

“We’re giving people a chance to become involved in the design, planting and upkeep of these beds.”

out b a d n u o r “ This the sta rting is just e’re not point, wo stop there.” g oin g t T IN D MAR ED WAR ARCHIT ECT T P ROJEC

Edward Martin inspects a flower bed at the Holland Park roundabout; below – an artist’s impression of how a finished wildflower bed could look

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Growing ambition

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Community project sows the seeds for a brighter neighbourhood

“We’re giving people a chance to become involved in the design, planting and upkeep of these beds.”

out b a d n u o r “ This the sta rting is just e’re not point, wo stop there.” g oin g t T IN D MAR ED WAR ARCHIT ECT T P ROJEC

Edward Martin inspects a flower bed at the Holland Park roundabout; below – an artist’s impression of how a finished wildflower bed could look

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Adult Learning and Skills

Homework Club @ the ACLC

Next to Canberra Primary School

Help your child succeed Maths and English from Years 1 - 6 Our English and Maths tutors will help you and your child understand and complete their homework.

Starting 24 April, until 10 July 2013 Every Wednesday, 3.30pm to 5.30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Snacks will be provided for children. â&#x20AC;˘ Parents must stay with their children and help them with their homework.

ACLC Centre: Australia Road, White City, W12 7PT Hammersmith & Fulham Council

www.hfals.co.uk

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Banking on your supportâ&#x20AC;Ś A project supplying emergency food parcels to those in crisis is about to be extended to White City â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if a new base can be found

Left to right: Foodbank volunteers Nick Walsh, Margot Crowther, Sara Austin-Bride, Katherine Tienhoven, Sam Dowden and organiser Daphine Aikens

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hen there’s no food left in the cupboard and there are hungry mouths to feed, where do you turn? With the cost of living continuing to rise, it’s a question that more people are having to think about. One local charity has been providing an answer since launching three years ago, supplying thousands of people with emergency parcels containing enough tinned and dried food for 10 meals at a time. After opening in the south of the borough, the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank was

extended to Shepherds Bush – and now the organisers are looking to open a third base in White City. A wide range of local people already come through the door of the Shepherds Bush branch when it opens every Thursday afternoon at St Simon’s Church in Rockley Road, near Shepherds Bush Green. Coordinator Daphine Aikens said: “One woman, who has come in a few times, lost her job and can’t get another one. Her children live off plain bread or plain pasta and they had no heating all winter. “I brought out these tins of vegetables, tomatoes and fruit, and for the kids it was as if I was bringing them the latest toy for Christmas. That’s shocking, and that’s not the only family who I’ve seen have that reaction.” Vouchers for food parcels must be given out by doctors, social workers or other professionals connected to the programme. In the last financial year the Foodbank handed out 20 tonnes of food, amounting to 26,000 meals – more than twice the previous year’s total. Daphine said: “I think there’s more demand out there. We’re barely scratching the surface with the elderly and I’m sure there are many more families in need. “We need to get GPs to sign up and all the schools, so they can keep an eye out for people who are struggling.” The organisation has office space at Christ Can you help Church in Fulham, where the H&F Foodbank find Daphine is a member. a new storeroom? Many of the volunteers Do you have room for attend local churches, but others are simply a food drop-off box? Visit hammersmithfulham. concerned members of the community foodbank.org.uk, call who recognise the 020 7751 2248 or email project’s importance. info@hffb.org Susie Jolly, a volunteer in Shepherds Bush, said: “I’ve lived in the area for 30 years. I work with a lot of young people, so I know they experience a lot of hardship, and their parents really value something like this. “It’s not just about food – we talk to people, give them a cup of tea and treat them like human beings.” Bringing in enough supplies is a constant challenge. Volunteers organise large-scale collections outside

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supermarkets, encouraging shoppers to buy specific items on the way in. Some contributors arrange direct debits so the Foodbank can buy certain goods directly, while others shop online on the charity’s behalf, to have food delivered to the storeroom.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT FOOD – WE TALK TO PEOPLE, GIVE THEM A CUP OF TEA AND TREAT THEM LIKE HUMAN BEINGS Daphine said: “We’re looking for businesses across the whole borough which are willing to have a receptacle in their offices where people can drop off food. We’re also looking for corporate sponsorship. “If we hadn’t had the harvest collection from the schools last year, we wouldn’t have got through the winter. We really need people to do the collecting for us.” It is hoped the new White City base will be open within months if an appropriate site can be found. Daphine said: “I would imagine it’s going to be as busy in White City as it is in Shepherds Bush. “It would be great to have a bigger storeroom attached to office and café space, so that when we’re not fully open, people can still come and get a drink and some food and have a chat.”

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New centre boosts community spirit Dramatic improvements to a local park and a deepening sense of community pride are just two of the knock-on benefits resulting from the arrival of the new White City Collaborative Care Centre. Friends of Wormholt Park secretary Cathy Banks gives her account of how things are changing for the better.

t ruffled a few feathers when the locals heard about the seven-storey health centre and housing block about to land on Bloemfontein Road. The threat of a looming modern structure next to the beloved Wormholt Park was not exactly what the doctor ordered for most residents. No-one could have imagined how the development, due to be finished in spring 2014, would trigger a wave of positive events which are currently changing the face of the Wormholt and White City estates. Although tall, the building is surprisingly subtle, set back from Bloemfontein Road to give room for a wide, paved pedestrian area in front of the NHS health centre, which will include four GP practices and a range of community health

and social services. Dr Tim Spicer, chair of Hammersmith and Fulham Clinical Commissioning Group, told me the centre is central to the NHS’s plan to develop integrated health and social care services for local people. He said: “We will be developing a full GP service with better, large treatment rooms and there is also space for other services such as dentistry, minor

“From the outset we were conscious that we involved local groups... to assist them in developing their ideas and events for the local area” MICHELLE EVERTON, MARKETING COORDINATOR, GALLIFORD TRY PARTNERSHIPS

surgery and chiropody. A new integrated centre for children with disabilities will offer radically improved access, co-ordination of services, assessments and treatment in a space which parents and families will feel is welcoming.” The building will also contain 170 much-needed affordable homes and three shop units, including an express supermarket. Through the middle is a new three-storey high entrance to Wormholt Park, which will make the green space visible from Bloemfontein Road and the White City estate for the first time in 15 years. Also as a result of the scheme, the development partners West London Health Partnership, part of the Fulcrum

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Main picture: the White City Collaborative Care Centre is starting to take shape. Above: local residents, including Cathy Banks pictured here with her son Stanley, formed The Friends of Wormholt Park and have been part of the consultation process for the new development.

Group, and Notting Hill Housing Group are to give £1million towards the redevelopment of Wormholt Park next year. The plans include a new children’s play area, a disabled access park, a new sports area with tennis courts, a wildlife reserve, dog play area and a covered events space for local community groups and schools to use. Talk of the redevelopment prompted much interest from local residents, who formed together as The Friends of Wormholt Park. The Friends now meet every month and have been part of the consultation process, as well as the activists behind various social events. The park’s successful 2011 centenary party kick-started a year of outdoor community events including the Wormholt and White City Community Market, which ran monthly through last summer and was

kindly supported by Galliford Try Partnerships, who donated generators and manpower for each event. Showing true community support, Galliford Try, along with Fulcrum and Notting Hill Housing, donated funds to cover the entire cost of the Wormholt Park Christmas Fair, when local people got to see the final park plans for the first time. It has been this uncharacteristic relationship between big corporate companies and a small community group which has made so much possible in so little time. Michelle Everton, Marketing Coordinator for Galliford Try Partnerships and David St. John, Senior Project Manager were both instrumental in assisting the Friends in their community efforts. Michelle told me it is ‘standard practice’ for Galliford Try Partnerships to engage with

local people, adding: “From the outset, we were conscious that we involved and committed to local groups such as the Friends of The Wormholt Park in White City, to assist them in developing their ideas and events for the local area.” The Friends of Wormholt Park have been impressed by the community support given by the organisations involved in the new development. It seems the aptly named Collaborative Care Centre has already made its mark, and the message is clear – that working together is the key to community success. Local people can now watch with excitement as the project develops, looking forward to next spring when the landmark facility is revealed from behind the hoarding, breathing new life into the Wormholt and White City estates.

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Brick by brick Outline plans for a new community of 1,150 homes next to the Westway, to become known as Brickfields, have recently been approved

isused industrial land east of Wood Lane could soon be completely transformed – as these dramatic new images show. The massive Brickfields regeneration project, next to the Westway and north of Westfield, will bring many more homes, shops and

restaurants to the area, along with £5.6 million in community investment. Outline plans to build a 32-storey tower and 10 shorter blocks on the former Dairy Crest site were given the go ahead at Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s planning committee in March. Developers Helical Bar and Aviva Investors plan to demolish the existing industrial buildings to make way for new offices, up to 1,150 homes, shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, along with a multistorey car park. There will also be a crèche,

The new development will bring many more homes, shops and restaurants to the area north of Westfield

“Yet another exciting project that will help regenerate and bring to life a patch of land that has been underused for many years”

new public open spaces with a children’s recreational ground, two squares, an ecological walk, new roads and pedestrian walkways, and health, leisure and community facilities. As part of a legal agreement with the council, the developers will contribute more than £1.4m towards local education to create more available school places, £1.1m towards employment initiatives for people living in White City, and £1.2m to the NHS to help increase the capacity of local health services. The rest will be spent on improving local transport links, highways and streets, creating new roads, more car club places, and improving the junction of Wood Lane, South Africa and Depot Road. The developer will also provide £150,000

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For more information visit www. brickfields w12.com

for a cycle hire docking station, £10,000 towards street signs and maps, £450,000 to improve local bus services and £50,000 towards on-street car parking. At least 10 per cent of the new homes will be for affordable rent or shared ownership, and there will be family sized homes, flats ranging from studio size to four bedrooms, and two-and three-storey houses with up to four bedrooms. Ten per cent of the homes will be built to disability and wheelchair housing standards. The development was dubbed ‘Brickfields’ by the developers and their architect, Eric Parry Architects. H&F Council leader, Nicholas Botterill, said: “This brand new development is set to bring huge benefits to local people in all areas of their lives, with much needed new homes, health facilities, school places and employment opportunities. “It is yet another exciting project that will help regenerate and bring to life a patch of land that has been underused for many years.”

Clockwise from left, artist’s impressions of a pedestrian walkway in front of the planned tower; the urban square at dusk; people relaxing in the garden square; and a map of how the development will look

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Imperial designs

New campus for historic university will bring prestigious research and 3,000 jobs to White City

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rand plans have been revealed for a major new research campus at the northern tip of White City. More than 3,000 jobs are expected to be created at Imperial College London’s Research and Translation Hub, which will bring academics, scientists and businesses together in one £150million site. The university has already built 600 flats for postgraduate students on the seven acre plot, which used to be owned by the BBC and is immediately across the Westway from the proposed Brickfields development (see 28-29). pages 20/21). Planning permission for the research hub The hub has already been will provide given and it will be facilities for built over the next 1,000 of the two years. Imperial college’s scientists is also planning a and engineers, with 34-storey tower housing a four-star space to hold 50 hotel, overlooking or more spin-out the Westway. companies When open, the hub will provide facilities for 1,000 of the college’s scientists and engineers, with space to hold 50 or more spin-out companies. And new transport links could be set up to help connect staff and students to Imperial’s historic campus in South Kensington, such as a high frequency bus service. Sir Keith O’Nions, president and rector of Imperial, said: “Applying what we discover to the benefit of society and the economy has been in our DNA since we were founded in

Clockwise from left: a view of the research campus at dusk; the green square at the centre; another view of the campus

“To make a difference, to solve big problems, we need to bring brilliant people from different fields together and give them time and space. Thanks to Imperial West we have the space” South Kensington in 1907. “To make a difference, to solve big problems, we need to bring brilliant people from different fields together and give them time and space. Thanks to Imperial West we have the space.” A green square at the heart of the campus will be open to the public, and there will be new shops and leisure facilities and a pedestrian subway under the Westway, connecting the site to the rest of White City. At a launch event in March, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “London is home to some of the world’s leading universities and sharpest business minds. This fantastic venture will bring the best of both these worlds together turning brilliant ideas into jobs and economic growth and further bolster our reputation as the must-come destination for research and development.” David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, welcomed Imperial West as a ‘really exciting development’ that will bring the benefits of the university’s research to the wider world. He said: “The government strongly supports the vision and plans for the new campus and we look forward to seeing it grow and prosper in the future.”

Adult learning and skills service

LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR BENEFITS AND MONEY

The way you claim your benefits is changing. Are you ready? Get the skills you need to make your benefit claim online.

ICT ONLINE BASICS 3 day course: Monday, Thursday and Friday. 9.30am-12.00 noon This three day course will cover the basic skills you need to start using a computer and by the end of the course you will know how to apply for benefits online. Learn to use a mouse and keyboard, how to email, some basic word processing and how to search for information and stay safe online.

MONEY MATTERS 3 day course: Monday, Thursday and Friday. 12.30-3.30pm Manage your money and budget – this three day course will help you to understand financial matters that are relevant to you and to take control of your money on a day-to-day basis. It will also help you to plan a budget for your personal use.

Don’t miss out – call 020 8753 6252 to book your place now! We also offer over 400 part time day and evening courses to help residents improve their skills and increase career opportunities. Many are free for those on benefits. For more information call 0845 839 7912 or visit www.hfals.co.uk

F BE R EE N C EF O IT U CL R S AI E S M FO AN R TS

These courses start weekly (term time only), please call 020 8753 6252 for the latest start dates. Classes take place at: Adult Community & Learning Centre (next to Canberra Primary School) Australia Road White City W12 7PT

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As a parting gift from the BBC, a creative team is inspiring local people to get involved with White City The Musical – a gritty song and dance extravaganza being filmed this summer. Producer Penny Wrought is masterminding the project

Penny Wrout, the project’s producer

posite: Right and op cal lo e th of e som d revellers musicians an hite W ’s ar at last ye , where al iv st Fe ty Ci Ƥ is year th r ie its prem dy Gray)

(images © An

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s the spring sunshine finally tempts residents to open up their windows in White City, don’t be too surprised if you catch the sound of vocal warm-up exercises emerging from some of the flats. Right across the estate, all kinds of people whose singing talents have previously gone undiscovered are gearing up to take part in a musical film which will celebrate the area and its people. White City The Musical is being funded by the BBC as a thank-you to residents for being good neighbours to the corporation for over 50 years. The idea was a parting gift from Alec McGivan, the outgoing director of BBC Outreach. After seeing a number of musical films telling stories about communities across the UK by composer and director Benjamin Till, Alec thought the White City estate would be another great subject. He briefed Benjamin to produce a film which is upbeat, celebratory, showcases the area’s talent and reflects the lives of some of its residents. Benjamin got to work in February, along with producer Penny Wrout from the production company LandSky. Their first task was to get to know the area and to seek out local characters. The pair based themselves in the White City Community Centre and set about visiting as many groups and individuals as they could. Penny said: “I have to say it was one of the easiest jobs I’ve ever had. People on the estate couldn’t have been more welcoming. “We’ve been bowled over by how diverse the place is, even by London standards. We’ve met people from all over the

“We’ve been bowled over by how diverse the place is. We’ve met people from all over the globe in this small corner of west London”

globe in this small corner of west London.” The people who’ll be singing their stories in the film come from all kinds of backgrounds – from a football coach who was born and bred on the estate, to a veteran foster-mum, a young poet, a campaigner against female genital mutilation and the local vicar, Bob Mayo. Bob has collaborated with Benjamin to write an unusual song which describes what it is like to suffer an epileptic seizure. Bejamin said: “We’ve chosen people whose lives are inspirational in some way or another.

There was no shortage of possible subjects in White City, and while I can’t write a song for everyone, we are hoping to get as many people as possible involved for a section which will feature a dance that anyone can join in with.” Local primary schools have got involved too, with children asked to write a short poem about the estate over the Easter holiday. One of the poems will be chosen to form a chorus for the film. Meanwhile, Benjamin has finished writing most of the songs, and the next stage will be to record the music throughout May. Singers will lay down their vocals at the nearby Bush Studios and they’ll be mixed professionally to create the final soundtrack. Only then will filming begin. Watch out for that on the estate during June, with the musical’s premiere set to follow at the White City Festival in September. O For more information about the project visit www.landsky.org

“We’ve chosen people whose lives are inspirational in some way or another”

Composer and director Benjamin Till on the White City estate

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Dinner is served – Edwardian style The team behind gig venue Bush Hall are transforming the neighbouring café to create an Edwardianinspired modern dining room designed for both gig-goers and local families

Bush Hall owner Charlie Raworth (left) with head chef Tim Tapper on the roof terrace, and (inset) an artist’s impression of the renovated Bush Hall, Music House for Children and Dining Rooms

ith its grand interior and diverse range of acts, Bush Hall is already cherished by local people who value having an unusual, independent music venue on their doorstep. The outside will soon look as impressive as the inside following restoration work to reflect its Edwardian heritage – and at the same time, the wraps will come off a new restaurant that is aiming for a similar place in the heart of the neighbourhood. Bush Hall Dining Rooms, taking shape two doors down in the shell of the old Harp Café, is the latest venture by husband and wife team Charlie Raworth and Emma Hutchinson, who run

the live music and events venue and its attached music school, The Music House for Children. The £750,000 project will create up to 18 jobs, and promises something completely fresh on a stretch of Uxbridge Road which the couple believe offers nothing similar. Charlie said: “There are lots of restaurants and a couple of good gastro-pubs but not that many quality restaurants where people can just take the family. There’s a huge mixture of different types of people around here and we want to appeal to as many of those as we can.” The old café has been stripped out to create a splitlevel restaurant capable of 72

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE covers, and a brand new kitchen has been built in an extension at the back. Different types of seating will include booths, banquettes, stools at a bar and a large ‘democratic table’ which strangers will be able to share. “People these days are no longer as British as they once were,” said Charlie. “Now they go to a restaurant and they’re more than happy to sit on a table next to other people.” Original features exposed during the restoration include original tongue-and-groove wood panelling in the front, and an old ‘Harp Dining Rooms’ sign which will be adapted to fit the new Bush Hall identity. More Edwardian touches will be incorporated sparingly elsewhere, such as notes on period etiquette and oldfashioned games on the backs of children’s menus. Along with the usual burgers and steaks, the menu will feature old-fashioned classics with a twist, like prawn cocktail with a Jack Daniels Marie Rose sauce, rack of lamb with a pistachio crust.

Gig-goers to Bush Hall will be offered incentives to try the restaurant, such as discounts and deals sent out with tickets.

“We will be offering fresh, playful food that’s not too complicated, with the aim of constantly evolving for the customer” “People come to the door and they have quite limited eating possibilities,” said Charlie. “We know we can serve them within 30 or 40 minutes flat, so they can eat and happily go to the gig without missing anything.” As well as feeding diners all day and evening, the kitchen staff

The Bush Hall Dining Rooms, restored to reflect its Edwardian heritage, is set to open for bookings on May 16

will now be catering for events held in Bush Hall, such as weddings, significant birthdays and Christmas parties. Head chef Tim Tapper, formerly of Annie’s in Chiswick, promises ‘fresh, playful’ food that’s ‘not too complicated, with the aim of constantly evolving for the customer’. He said: “We will be giving them something you don’t get with food that comes from off-site. They’ll be getting food fresh out of the kitchen that has character and personality.” O Bush Hall is at 310 Uxbridge Road, W12. For details visit www.bushhallmusic.co.uk

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

BUSH HALL 310 Uxbridge Road www.bushhallmusic.co.uk Box Office: 020 8932 2652

qSpring into Summer

The Deep Dark Woods Saturday, May 4

l Hailing from Saskatoon, Canada, the band’s 2009 album Winter Hours caught critics’ attention, and they were named ensemble of the year at that year’s Canadian Folk Music Awards. New album The Place I Left Behind explores themes of alienation, intimacy and abandon. Tickets £12.50. John Murry Wednesday, May 8 l Murry, who is the writer William Faulkner’s second cousin, grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi – a place that looms large in debut album The Graceless Age, which is imbued with the ghosts of the South and his own demons. Tickets £11. London Burlesque Festival May 10 to 18 l This jaw-dropping festival returns to the capital, with several shows at Bush Hall including the infamous VIP opening gala on Friday, May 10, followed by the Crown Jewels: Best of British show in Saturday, May 11. The madness returns the following weekend with the Sexy Circus Sideshow on Friday, May 17 and the International Extravaganza on Saturday, May 18. For tickets and full details visit: londonburlesquefest.com. Paper Aeroplanes Wednesday, May 22 l With strong support from DJs on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and 6Music, the star of this indie-folk band from west Wales is in the ascendant. Catch them now at an intimate venue while you can. Tickets £10. its forms is promised at the next allnight meeting of the West London Bass Club, whose members include Tallowah, Smiling Ivy, Arnivore, The Evil Uncles and JR High. Free to full members, tickets from £6. Tickets on the door.

GINGLIK

W12 WHAT’S ON

1 Shepherds Bush Green www.ginglik.co.uk Cover Up Friday, May 10

BUSH THEATRE

l An Afro-heavy groove runs through this diverse line up, with flavours of samba, calypso, funk, ska and hip-hop added to the mix. Live acts include Fairstone, Freddie Dickson, Winston Surfshirt and The Fontanas, with DJs C Boogie and Astro Boy. Free to full members, £6 for casual members and guests before 11pm, £8 after. Tickets on the door. Till 3am.

West London Bass Club Saturday, May 11

l Deep, messy bass in all

7 Uxbridge Road www.bushtheatre.co.uk Box Office: 020 8743 5050 Disgraced May 17 to June 22

qLondon Burlesque Festival

l Following a sell-out run in New York, this Manhattan-set play about ambition, culture and faith is transferring to the Bush. Corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor is in love and about to land the biggest career promotion of his life. But beneath the veneer, success has come at a price. When Amir and his artist wife, Emily, host an intimate dinner party

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

TOP CHOICE SPRING INTO SUMMER Westfield London Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12

l Learn some tricks of the beauty and fitness trade and discover exciting new ways to tone up and get healthy, with three days of free classes in everything from Zumba and ‘Cheerobics’ cheerleading workouts, to sessions in the ring with the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy. The spring classes range in duration from 15 minutes to one hour but places for each are limited – book in advance by visiting: http://westfieldspring intosummer.com at their Upper East Side apartment, what starts out as a friendly conversation soon escalates into something far more damaging. Tickets from £10.

Moth May 29 to June 8

l Staged in the Bush Attic, this dark firework of a play follows the obsessive Sebastian, the ‘weird kid’ at school. After a catastrophic fallout with his only friend, Claryssa, he wakes up with a moth in a jar by his bed and a calling to save the souls of all humanity, beginning a journey into a terrifying and starless night. The attic space is only accessible by stairs – call the box office if you access requirements. Tickets from £10 to £15.

02 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE

l Martyn Ware, 80s electronic

music pioneer and founder of The Human League and Heaven 17, is the brains behind BEF – and he has recruited friends old and new to bring the music to life at the Empire, including Erasure’s Andy Bell, Kim Wilde and Shingai Shoniwa of the Noisettes. Tickets from £19.68.

Comedy Warehouse: Jamaica vs The World Sunday, May 19

l TV comic Richard Blackwood heads up the bill for Team Jamaica, as he and fellow stand-ups Slim, Kane Brown and Shabba take on the rest of the world in a comedy showdown. Kevin J, Eddie Kadi, Glenda Jaxon, Funbi, Axel and Mikey Carpenter will all face off against the Jamaican jokers. Over-18s only, tickets from £22.50.

Patti Smith and her band Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19

l Acclaimed singer Patti Smith, who has inspired generations of artists since emerging in the mid-1970s, will play two nights at the Empire following the release of her 2012 album, Banga.

SHEPHERDS BUSH MARKET Between Uxbridge Road and Goldhawk Road Shop Local

l Support your local stallholders and explore historic Shepherds Bush Market, with popular food kiosks and grocers nestled alongside stalls selling clothes, unusual fabrics and almost everything else. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30am to 6pm, and Thursdays from 8.30am to 1pm.

SHEPHERDS BUSH LIBRARY 6 Wood Lane www.lbhf.gov.uk/libraries 020 8753 3842 Homework Club

l Young people will find a helping hand and a quiet environment for doing homework at the library each Thursday, 3.45pm-5.15pm

Craft Club

l Tuesdays 3.45-4.45pm (term time only). For children aged three to 11 and their parents. 50p per child to cover the cost of art materials.

Computer help sessions

Shepherds Bush Green www.02shepherdsbushempire. co.uk Box Office: 0844 477 2000 BEF: British Electric Foundation Friday, May 17

qRichard Blackwood

l Find the support you need to get online and build essential IT skills. Wednesday 11am-noon and 3pm-4pm, Friday 11am -noon and 3pm-4pm, Sunday 11am-noon. Book in advance as places are limited.