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

SOUL POWER! Laura Mvula books a date with the Empire PAGES 38&39>>

fanzine @teamwhitecity teamwhitecity teamwhitecity @lbhf.gov.uk

SEPTEMBER 2013

INSIDE

Family day at Adventure Playground proves big hit! Full details on pages 22&23>>

IT’S PARTY TIME W12! The return of the White City Festival means fun, food, music and rides are on tap for Sunday, September 15, across the estate

ust off your dancing shoes and look forward to an afternoon to remember as the White City Festival returns for its second year running.

After last year’s triumphant launch, this year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better, with live music, dancing, food stalls, fun and games all jostling for attention on Sunday, September 15. A flashmob-style performance will snake through the open spaces of the White City estate to kick off the celebration, followed by four hours of family-friendly entertainment from 1pm to 5pm.

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGES 2-3

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

TEAM WHITE CITY INDEX l BRAND NEW Youth club is ready to go.............Pages 6-7 l GETTING BIGGER Pope John School to expand.......Page 11 l GET COOKING Check out our cool new recipe..........Page 17 l BIG LOCAL! £2m to be spent in White City........Pages 20-21 l LORD OF THE RINGS Junior’s Olympic vision ....Pages 30-31

ABOUT US! l Everyone who lives in White City is a team member. We all have a role to play and responsibilities to our neighbours. Team White City is about creating a much better partnership between local people and your public services, including the council, police, health and employment support. This is your neighbourhood and together we can make it even better, making the most of all the opportunities that exist and creating new ones. Join the team by following us on Twitter @teamwhitecity, looking us up on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ teamwhitecity or by emailing: teamwhitecity@lbhf. gov.uk to sign up for our regular e-newsletter. 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

Get ready for an explosion of local talent as the White City festival reTurns! Story continued from front page

One of the must-see events of the festival is the premiere of Tales of White City, featuring local people singing songs about the neighbourhood and their own lives. The film was commissioned by BBC Outreach to acknowledge the broadcaster’s involvement in the area, and has been winning rave reviews from local people who have had a sneak preview. The festival organisers are also inviting artists, singers, musicians, dancers and anyone else with an interest in performing to join in the flashmob as it moves through the spaces between blocks of homes.

To register to take part in the festival visit: www.whitecityfestival.co.uk or email: Gemma Donohue at: festival@ ourbiglocal.org.uk

Anyone who wants to run their own stall, perform on the main stage in Australia Road or contribute to the festival in other ways is encouraged to register through the website: www. whitecityfestival.co.uk Creative director Gemma Donohue said: “White City Festival is all about bringing the talent and interests of local residents out onto the streets, reclaiming the green spaces in an explosion of music and dance. “It is a celebration and sharing of local talent and an opportunity for local artists and organisations to promote themselves and make connections with each other.

Whizz around your brain in Ever wondered exactly what it is that makes you who you are? The full scientific answer may be dauntingly detailed – but an upcoming event in W12 will offer a fun-filled introduction to the idea of physical and psychological identity. Whether you’re a closet geek or an all-out science fanatic, there will be something to fire up your synapses when Imperial Fringe returns on September 12. The series of free monthly public events exploring the unexpected side of science, organised by Imperial College, presents What Makes Me Me at its new Wood

TEAM WHITE CITY FANZINE

Dan Hodges

Editor Team White City Fanzine

ith each new edition of this fanzine, it seems more and more is happening in W12. This month is an especially exciting time as the neighbourhood gears up for the return of the White City Festival, which is set to build on the success of last year’s launch with an explosion of creativity on September 15. Our project team will be there all afternoon, and we’re looking forward to taking part in a celebration of local talent and energy that represents all that’s great about our diverse yet close-knit community. Also gathering Groups already taking part “There are no rules about what steam this in this year’s festival include: your work might be, only that it autumn is has its heart in the community.” the White l Scariofunk Dance City Youth Collective We’re Perform at the festival! l Axzom Nelson Centre, which delighted l Imhotep A team of dancers will lead a is setting to have l Singology Choir flashmob of volunteers through down strong been sent l DJ Laura Legend the heart of the White City estate roots at the another l QPR at the start of the festival – and Adventure recipe l White City Taekwondo you can be involved. Café in the for the Club Members of the core team will White City cookbook l Bush Theatre need to be available to rehearse estate after l Marazul Capoeira on one day before the event. moving from l Albert & Friends Dancers will be sent details of the nearby Fatima Centre. Instant Circus the choreography by email, The youth centre leaders l CSI Steel Band which they can adapt and make Eamonn and Yusuf make for l DJ So Shai their own. Individuals who want an inspiring team, and having l DJ G33 to join in the flashmob can also l BBC Outreach more space and better facilities l Hypnotick Dance ask to be sent details by email can only be a positive thing for l Diamond Carew – just learn the moves and jump a project that is making a real l Michelle Bourne Dance in on the day. difference to the lives of local l Bridie and Cindy There are slots available young people. l Live Linq during the festival for dancers, We’re delighted to have l London Sports Trust musicians, poets and other been sent another healthy recipe l White City Residents performers. Visit the festival for the White City Cookbook, Association website to book your place: which is slowly coming l The Whole Picture www.whitecityfestival.co.uk together. But we need more ideas, so please get cooking, get typing and email your recipes to: Lane Studios campus, north of the Westway. teamwhitecity Scientists and researchers will be on @lbhf.gov.uk hand to take guests on a journey through Have a great the mind and body, with a pay bar open festival and keep throughout the evening. Join in the Imperial Fringe an eye open for us Register your interest online at www. fun on September 12, at the festival. imperial.ac.uk/festival/fringe so you 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Wood can whizz around the brain in 3D with a And send us Lane Studios common room, neuroscientist as your guide, exploring the pics of yourself on 80 Wood Lane, W12 0TT. physical connections that create identity. As Register at: the day and we’ll well as finding out what you’re really made of www.imperial.ac.uk/ publish them!

On the bill

‘‘

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MY WHITE CITY 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

W12

Can you describe your typical day? Every day is different in White City. Most of my work involves delivering play projects for children and young people, and creating new ones. One day I could be picking up wooden palettes from across the road, and the next I could be sitting in a serious funding meeting.

What are the best things about working here? The thing that really struck me when I first moved here was the sense of community spirit and togetherness. I knew it was a tight-knit community, but it’s amazing how people are willing to do things for each other.

Adults should get more serious about the magic of children’s play, says 27-year-old Rich Driffield, play project team leader at the White City Adventure Playground

What would you like to change about the area? I’d like year-round free play provision at the adventure playground, so we can open it up like it used to be 10 or 15 years ago. Parents have told me they remember coming and going freely, building slides and zip wires and lighting fires, and I want their children to be able to have the same experience. If you were the Prime Minister of White City, what’s the first thing you would do? I’d pedestrianise all the roads around the Adventure Playground so there are no cars going through. How do you see White City 10 years from now? There’s a lot of regeneration planned so hopefully there will be some new amenities, and all the different services will work together more collaboratively. But I hope it doesn’t lose the feeling of community spirit. What are your personal hopes for the future? I’m doing a postgraduate course in play and play work. I want to be involved in it at a national, strategic level – England is way behind Wales and Scotland.

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In the right direction Youth centre set for bigger, brighter future after moving to new home

aining the trust of teenagers is no easy task, and holding on to it can be just as difficult. But the leaders of the White City Youth Centre know that openness, honesty and a real sense of understanding are vital when trying to establish a connection with a young person. That no-nonsense approach has helped them build the youth club up from its quiet launch at the Fatima Centre in the White City estate two years ago, to a point where up to 70 young people now come through the door on any given night. And following a move to the nearby White City Adventure Café, which offers a much bigger space and better facilities, the project now has an opportunity to set down roots and have a lasting impact in the neighbourhood. Running three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, the centre is a place where young people can take part in sports, games and activities and enjoy day trips and one-off events, as well as find informal support about how to find and take hold of the positive life choices that are available to them. Youth leader Eamonn O’Keeffe said: “There’s a huge vibe of trust and

responsibility that has been built up at the centre now, which is brilliant. “Sometimes the young people don’t have anyone telling them what their options might be. You don’t always have to tell young people what’s right or wrong, but you can give them better options.” The centre was set up by the Harrow Club, which has more than 100 years’ experience working with young people in London and which saw a need for a new project in White City. It is for all young people aged 13 to 19, although younger children are allowed in if they are with an older brother or sister, and over-19s may be allowed to join in as long as they are trusted to be a positive influence and are supervised wherever needed. Staff work hard to break down barriers among people from different backgrounds –

After a few weeks and some frank conversations, things changed – the young people would start holding doors open for each other and asking ‘how are you?’

a challenge that has been clear from the outset. Youth worker Yusuf Ibrahim said: “Right at the beginning at the Fatima Centre, it was just a youth group, then our girls-only basketball group started and the other young people felt like they were coming in to their centre and taking up their space. “After a few weeks and some frank conversations, things changed – the young people would start holding doors open for each other and asking ‘how are you?’.” Eamonn agrees that with time, patience and hard work, great progress can be made in building up young people’s self-confidence and social awareness – all of which is worth the effort in today’s world of social media and instant communication. He said: “We’re not just trying to run a youth club, but to make some real attitudinal changes. “If you take an 18-year-old and an older person who’s been here all their life, they’re not going to have a lot in common – we need to find that common ground. “What the adults of this world still don’t realise is that it’s much easier now for young people to form opinions and engage with other people with the same views. Young people pick things up ten times faster than others. “If the idea of community is going to work, we have to close the gaps between people.”

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Youth leaders Yusuf Ibrahim (left) and Eamonn ÇŻ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;ĆĄÂ&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; young club member Donnel Johnson at the Adventure CafĂŠ

Drop in to the youth club at the White City Adventure CafĂŠ in Canada Way, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Follow the White City Youth Centre on Twitter: @whitecityyouth

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Supporting the New job shop opening in Bloemfontein Road will help jobseekers step by step

aking the first step on the road to employment can feel like a huge challenge, and having the right support makes all the difference. For people in White City, help could not be much closer to home than the parade of shops in Bloemfontein Road, where the new FrontLine job shop is soon to open. Occupying the former site of the Temral Nigerian Takeaway, FrontLine will offer a warm welcome and full support to anyone who is looking for paid work. Experts will be on hand to help local people at every stage, from setting up an email account and writing a CV to making a good impression in a job interview. Computers will be available for jobseekers to use, and workshops and informal sessions will help people build up their skills, knowledge and selfconfidence at their own pace. Volunteers and employment champions will play a big role in making the shop a success, and staff will include people who understand the needs of local jobseekers, such as Ninar Farhat, who is from the White City estate and now works as a job broker for Work Zone at Westfield London. She said: “I grew up here, so I understand what people want. First of all they just want some advice about how they start looking for work. You’d be surprised how many residents don’t have email.” A group of local people were shown the empty shop unit in July before work begins to fit

out FrontLine so it can be up and running in the autumn. Local resident Danny Hibbert, who has just launched The Whole Picture, a programme to inspire realistic ambitions in young people, said: “I’m very pleased to see that there’s going to be something here for the residents, to push them through towards employment. If it wasn’t for my project, it could be me coming in here.” Fellow resident Sue Iwai said: “We need to get footfall coming through the door, not just young people but those aged 30 plus and 60 to 70-year-olds who need part-time work.” Main pic, L-R: Job One person who hopes to be broker Ninar Farhat, on hand to support his fellow local residents Sue Iwai and Danny White City residents is Gabs Hibbert and council Pisciottu, who is turning his own apprentices Gabs life around after enrolling on a Pisciottu and Lesley council apprenticeship in Grant enjoy a tour business administration last year. the FrontLine job He said: “I’d been through a shop site difficult time in my life and then my friend Lesley gave me an apprenticeship application form. A week later I had an interview. It’s been a really good experience that’s going to look good on my CV. “Having the job shop here will help local people, but at the same time it has to come from them – people need In front of the shop in to want to help Bloemfontein Road, themselves for it to formerly the Temral work. This is really Nigerian Takeaway giving a chance to residents.”

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front line

Opening soon, FrontLine will offer locals:

Advice for job se

ekers

Help with writi ng

a CV

PCs for job sea rches To learn more about the FrontLine support, advice and job shop, or to ask about helping out as a volunteer, email ninar.farhat2@ lbhf.gov.uk

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Right and below: artist’s impressions of how the expanded Pope John Catholic Primary School will look

! s s a l c p o T

A rebuilt White City school will have space for hundreds more children

school in the heart of the White City estate is set to expand to twice the size to make room for more pupils. The £4.5million redevelopment of Pope John Catholic Primary School, in Commonwealth Avenue, will create room for 420 pupils, with two classes for each year group. The current school building along with the former Fatima Parish Centre next door will be rebuilt. There will be an improved main building and a new two-storey building will house extra classrooms, a nursery and meeting rooms. A new sports area will also be created and the former school hall will be converted into a replacement Fatima Parish Centre, which will be available for community use. H&F Council is paying for the expansion, with the first new entry class expected to start in September 2014. Another 30 pupils will then be added yearly. The popular school is oversubscribed – for the last two years there have been more than four applications for every place at Pope John, with

118 applications for just 30 places in 2012/13. An extra 17 members of staff will be needed as the school grows. Councillor Georgie Cooney, cabinet member for education, said: “It is clear from our data that Pope John is a first choice school for our parents and it makes sense for our local residents to have more of a chance to send their children to

“It makes sense for residents to have more of a chance to send their children to the school, by increasing places”

Join the crew of the Enterprise!

the school, See pages 24-25 by increasing pupil places. “We have been working hard to offer parents a real choice of schools, so that they have more options open to them and have more of a say on the education their children receive.” Wherever possible, groups who use the Fatima Parish Centre will be able to use the school hall while the new centre is built, and it is hoped the community will have full access to the new facilities, including a breakfast club, after-school services, learning programmes for parents and local people and a new sports court.

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YOU’RE HIRED! S

ince being taken on as an apprentice last year, Jordan Griffith-Brown’s self-confidence has flourished. Now his work involves urging others to think about following the same path:

“I’m 21 and I grew up in Hammersmith. Being unemployed wasn’t what I had envisaged for myself, but after leaving school I couldn’t find a job. The job centre suggested doing voluntary work – I wasn’t sure it was for me but I gave it a try, doing office administration for a local catering firm. The work involved data entry, answering the phone and speaking to customers when they came in. I really got into it, and a position that was originally for eight weeks ended up being extended to 11 months. I became quite dedicated, and then my advisor at the JCP OnePlace told me about council apprenticeships. At first I wasn’t sure, but I thought that if there was an opportunity for paid work, I shouldn’t really pass it up, and the company I was volunteering for told me to go for it. There are different apprenticeships in retail, healthcare, catering and so on but the one I applied for was in business administration. I was invited in for an assessment and interview and although I was very nervous, everyone was very understanding and helpful. I was asked about the work I did at my volunteering job and I have since been told that that experience helped me secure the position. My job is varied and interesting – every day is different and I’m never bored. I’m based at JCP OnePlace and part of my work is to set up job fairs in the community, talk to people and let them know about the options available to them locally.

I also do data entry, answer the phone, speak to customers who come in and work on whatever else needs to be worked on. The most rewarding part is probably taking part in events like the White City Christmas fair, because it gives you a real feeling that you’re reaching out to local people and showing that the council is there to help. A lot of people don’t know about the opportunities that are around, and when they speak to me about apprenticeships, they realise it’s like a full time job. While you’re earning money, you’re studying and learning every day and developing your skills. The first year flew by and as well as working I attended college one day a week. I successfully completed my NVQ level 2 in business administration. I’ve now moved on to the level 3 which is more challenging and I am enjoying it. I’d like to go into a management position within the council, and once I pick up a bit more experience that should be possible. If someone had asked me to talk to strangers, give a presentation or organise an event a year ago, I probably would have run a mile, but doing an apprenticeship has made me realise To find out about that not only apprenticeships and work have my skills experience opportunities and confidence call Clare Edgson on increased, I can have 020 8753 4053 or email: a proper career and I can be successful.” clare.edgson@lbhf.gov.uk

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Jordan GriffithBrown’s apprenticeship is in business administration, he finds the role very rewarding and his ambition is to move into management when he’s gained a bit more work experience

“While I’m earning money, I’m studying and learning every day and developing my skills”

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Pitch plans approved Refurbished football pitches will include two for free community use

lanning permission has been granted for a new sports facility in Hammersmith Park, also known locally as the BBC park. Private operator PlayFootball, which won permission for the development from H&F Council, will replace the current mixed facilities with 13 new synthetic football pitches. PlayFootball has agreed to make two of the pitches – one seven-a-side and one five-a-side – available for the community to use free of charge during opening hours. It will also replace the current basketball court with a smaller, single-net two-on-two area, which will be open to all. Use of the rest of the pitches will be charged by the hour. Work could start in September with the demolition of the current Astroturf pitch, tennis courts, bowling green and disused

water play area and the removal of 24 trees and other planting. The centre will include a 20-space car park and a new pavilion with changing rooms, a licensed café bar and toilets. Pitches will be available for use up to 10pm and the bar will be open up to 11pm. It is expected to open in February or March next year. PlayFootball has said the free pitches will be available to local residents and to schools, clubs, teams and groups from the area, with groups able to book regular slots. Details of how local people will register to use the free pitches are still to be decided.

Above: artist’s impression of the planned new pitches; below: an overhead view of the proposed new layout

, G N EATI

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A great way to get your greens! ...............................

eam White City is inviting local people to send in recipes for the White City Cookbook, which aims to reflect our areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich cultural mix and inspire more people to try cooking healthy food.

This month Helema Ismail, of the Friends of Wormholt Park and the Horn of Africa community group, is encouraging people to try this vitamin-packed smoothie created for her former business, Juicelicious.

Green Surprise by Juicelicious 4 kale leaves, finely chopped 2 green apples 1 handful of green grapes 1 slice of melon This recipe is great for children. They love the colour and it tastes good! For children put all the ingredients through a juicer. Serve in a long glass with a funky straw, nice and cold. To get more fibre from the fruit, blend the grapes, melon and apple, then juice the kale and mix together. Make sure you drink straight away to get all the goodness. Nutrients: Vitamins C, K and B.

Email your recipe to: teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk with a picture of your creation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you could feature in the White City Cookbook and in the next edition of the fanzine!

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Step up: your neighbourhood needs you! Would you like to make sure that people living in White City are receiving a good housing repairs and maintenance service?

ould you like to help your community while gaining new skills and experience? Team White City is all about creating a better partnership between local people and your services. We are now looking for 12 volunteers from across the area to join a panel to look at housing repairs and maintenance in White City. You will be instrumental in ensuring that local people are receiving a good quality service. It will only take a few hours of your week and everyone who joins will be given skills in basic housing contract management.

Inspect works

You will have the chance to inspect some of the works to make sure they have been carried out to standard, while coming up with ideas on how things can be improved. Membership is open to all residents across White City. This is a great way to add to your CV while showing a great commitment to your community and neighbours.

Monitor repairs

A helping hand for parents O Team White City is working with partners in the community to develop a support network for parents with young children and those expecting a new child â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and you can be involved. The network will offer parents informal support from volunteers who live in the area, while providing training opportunities and possible routes into employment for the volunteers themselves. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a stall at the forthcoming Community Champions information day, at the White City Community Centre in India Way, from 10am to 1pm on September 6. Please come along on the day to find out more.

If you are interested in becoming an action group member or need more information please call Dinah-Mary Allotey on 07554 555 669 or email teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk

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THINK BIG!

Big Local millions will fire up projects developed with local people

f you had £2million to spend on your neighbourhood over the next 10 years, where would you start? That is the question at the heart of Big Local, a National Lottery-led project that invests cash to help strengthen communities – including ours. Decisions about how to spend Big Local money are left in the hands of local people, and with £1m of lottery cash matched by another £1m from Hammersmith United Charities, there is plenty of opportunity to do great things in our neigbourhood. The Big Local Wormholt and White City covers the Wormholt and White City estates, the Cleverley estate, Batman Close and White City Close. Over the last 18 months there have been two rounds of consultation, and the results helped draw up a neighbourhood profile which found five main areas of concern. A plan for how to deal with those particular issues was put together by the Big Local Partnership Board, made up of local residents and representatives from local organisations, including Hammersmith United Charities. It has just been submitted to the Local Trust, which oversees the programme, and the first projects could now get off the ground as early as September. The newly formed White City Enterprise – detailed on pages 16 & 17 – will be responsible for employing staff who are involved in the Big Local.

A Big Local volunteer helps drum up interest in the project among the community

This is an exciting opportunity for local residents to become directly involved in projects that will benefit them

Garry McMillan, chair of the Wormholt and White City Big Local, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local residents to become directly involved in projects that will benefit them. “Unlike the usual funding situation where there is an outside agency developing initiatives, these ideas are locally developed and locally led.”

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Strengthening our neighbourhood in different ways

To find out more about Big Local email: info@ ourbiglocal.org.uk

Children and families

Training and employment

Befriending service

A summer play scheme will be developed for children of all ages, with opportunities for local people to train as crèche workers and volunteer for childcare. The yearly White City Festival will build on the success of last year’s launch. A youth forum will be set up, along with a youth bank providing cash for youthled projects.

A local base will be created to help people build employment skills and offer employer-led training. A social enterprise fund will also provide capital investment for local business start-ups, along with advice and support.

A full-time staff member will be recruited to develop a local befriending service, training residents and generate real employment opportunities in care. The project will build towards the creation of a social enterprise that offers quality care that responds to the needs of local users.

Parks and open spaces A community gardening project will be developed, with a part-time staff member training local people in gardening and maintenance of open spaces. An open space management group will also be established.

Improved security The Big Local will work with the police, community groups, young people and crime prevention charities to plan and invest in improvements in CCTV, lighting, access, visibility and other safetyrelated issues to help cut crime and antisocial behaviour. A mediation service run by residents will be developed to help resolve local disputes. Improved security and a community garden project are just some of the initiatives on the cards

What happens next? The community engagement manager will be recruited in September – if you think you have the skills, visit www.ourbiglocal.org.uk for more details. Look out for the offical launch of the Big Local at the White City Festival on September 15. The Community Chest will be set up in October.

Capacity-building To make sure the Big Local plan moves forward, a fulltime community engagement manager will be recruited to increase local participation, manage the projects and train and support residents. A Community Chest fund will give grants to organisations for local capacity-building projects.

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A fine day to play Dozens turn out for an open session at White City Adventure Playground

Boys hang out at the top of the playground slide

hildren flocked to the White City Adventure Pl for a free open da ayground brought generatioy which local people toge ns of th The three-hour er. celebration was he sunny af ternoon onld on a to mark national Pl August 7 with young people ay Day, adults alike enjoyi and stalls, music and acng games, including an ingeni tivities, contraption which ous pedal power to bl uses fruit smoothies. itz up Rich Driffield, pl at the White City ay leader Project, said: “It ’sPlay able to bring peop great to be to suppor t childre le together On a day like this n’s play. getting the balancit’s about adults and childre e right for n.”

TEAM TEAM WHITE WHITE CITY CITY FANZINE FANZINE Young people use pedal power to blitz up a fruit smoothie

Guests enjoy a spot of shade on a sunny afternoon

Charlotte, nine, with White City Festival creative director Gemma Donohue

A high-stakes game of outdoor table football

Tosin, 11, Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;shia, 10, and Neve, nine, set to work livening up a wooden frame

Young children learn about the pleasures of healthy eating

Find out about regular after-school play sessions at the White City Adventure Playground, email Rich at tlos@ randolphberesford. lbhf.sch.uk or call 020 8749 0909

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White City Enterprise lifts off New not-for-profit organisation will seek opportunities for local people to take on the delivery of services in the neighbourhood

raining local people to services more cheaply will be do essential jobs in their put back into the community.” own neighbourhood The first job of the sounds like a simple idea. enterprise will be to take on the But the world of public management of the White City services is complex, and Community Centre, which is identifying ways in which the already a thriving hub for local community can realistically groups and a focus of neighbourtake on work hood activity. “I hope that White usually done The organisation by the public will also be City becomes a authorities is responsible for beacon for how the no easy task. community can take administering Despite the in Big on public services… £2million scale of the Local funding, challenge, a new building stronger to be spent on organisation is communities and several new launching in creating employment” projects in the White City with neighbourhood the aim of putting responsibility over the next 10 years (see for some local services in the pages 20 and 21). hands of local people. And the enterprise will also The not-for-profit work closely with Team White company, called White City City on other local projects, Enterprise, will have its looking out for any new official launch at the White opportunities to take over the City Festival on September 15 running of particular services. – and its chairman, Giles Giles said: “We know that Piercy, believes it could be the £50million in public money start of something big. is spent in the area every year. “The idea is that by tapping We also know in some cases into skills and resources it is spent ineffectively and locally, we can create new inefficiently, and we don’t employment opportunities by believe it is targeted in quite using and developing the skills the right way. of local people,” said Giles. “We believe there’s a way to “We’re a not-for-profit spend that money in a better organisation, so any surplus way, by involving local people that is created by delivering in delivering services.”

One opportunity might be to train estate residents to provide care for the vulnerable – tapping into the fact that at least 150 local people are known to act as carers for relatives or friends. “It’s slightly ridiculous that a huge number of people come in from outside the estate to provide services that can perfectly easily be done by people living here,” said Giles. “Lots of professionals

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Giles Piercy, chairman of the newly formed White City Enterprise, which will manage the White City Community Centre and support the community to take on local services

come here to provide care, but there’s no reason we can’t train up those 150 local people who already act as carers so that they can offer care to other people as well, and be paid for doing so.” The long-term ambition is for the White City Enterprise to serve as an example to the rest of the country for how local people can successfully take on responsibility for running

services in their own communities. Giles said: “I hope that White City becomes a beacon for how the community can take on public services, and proves that local people can take on a substantial role and do it in a way that costs less and brings widespread benefits, in terms of building stronger communities and creating employment.”

To regist e in future r your interest op created portunities through White Cit the email te y Enterprise, amwhit lbhf.gov ecity@ .uk

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The end, for now As the Community Champions project draws to a close in White City, project manager Steven Francis offers a farewell message of thanks to all the volunteers

t n e d i s e r r a De

e ‘thank A massiveveryone you’ to given up who has able time lu their va nteer as a lu o v to n champio

nity residents the opportu y and log xo to suppor t to enjoy free refle Following the dif ficulty s by nt ide res ssage treatments. ct, ma decision by White Cit n to ng a cti lle co is sad that this proje me It ll co of nt Residents’ Associatioe ou am vast in its current form, wi by r. be to no longer manage th ns tion on services, and Oc ma in or d en inf an to le to pass hite Community Champio say a being readily availab anyone The great thing for W to e lik uld to n wo w I tio no ct, a ma proje on that infor City is that the are bunch mmunity. massive ‘thank you’ toen up co e th in boasts a committed driven ever yone who has giv has been an essential t is Th of residents who are bours. are no s nt ide res n te their valuable time to n. of as role, to suppor t their neigh ere services are or wh volunteer as a champio of are aw The Community to The programme has available to help them is at wh ampions have helpedtate Ch s ral es es y Cit e their health or addr been running for seve e has e hit ov W e pr th im ke ma years and over that tim llbeing a problem or concern. a great place to live. of we d ge an led h alt ow he kn d eir ide th h prov ug ro Th These inspirational d ss arene lunteers vo e es th , ity increase un activities, delivered aw the mm co the e individuals have h issues alt campaigns relevant to rked tirelessly alongsid he of wo ss ve ne ha are aw s s in health needs of the buted suppor t organisation workshops and improved many people’ tri dis d an , ss ity ne un g. are ein comm delivering aw health and wellb n. important informatio pions rvices. se d an To the long list of six months Community Cham my g rin Du mmunity Champions Co ge ve have also organised larurhood, managing the programme, I hath who have volunteered on rking wi ars, events in the neighboies for had the pleasure of wo duals. the project over the ye nit rtu po ivi ind to t ed en itt itm providing op mm co mm e co thes for their th ided u will residents to engage wi The project has prov the estate – I hope yo em t or pp su at th s, s sse cla th ise g erc kin organisation ex an ly th ek in we join me on ya health and wellbeing. delivered workshops ormed all in making White Cit ity un inf , ity bil pa The Comm . ca l ce cia pla an r fin healthie n by changes Champions, each drivee residents of imminent the th e ov pr ed im s, promot a desire to of their to benefit e of smoke-free health and wellbeingan nc rta po im breast fellow residents, are eir time homes and organisedssions. th ing giv , se ion ss at ne pir are ins cancer aw Project Manager e to engage with serviceo gnising the importanc co Re (Interim) ns providers and underg read ation, Community d ax rel of Community Champio worke o als ve ha ns training in order to spssages. pio am Ch d health awareness me with local colleges ants to give ed itt mm pis co era th l These na sio es of d hard pr volunteers have worke

Steven Fra ncis

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Some o Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Co f White Champio mmunity ns a summeenjoying r to Bright trip on

Free massage! u nity The Co mms project Cha mpion u e will contin Septe mber ru nning in a bout loca l at - find outd wellbeing services day on hea lth a n mu nity information to 1p m their co m epte mber 6, 10a m y Centre, Friday, S hite City Co mmu nit te. at the W y, White City Esta India Wa

When did you last feel relaxed? Let the Community Champions remind you how to unwind with FREE reflexology and massage treatments every Thursday between September 5 and 26, from 11am to 3pm in the Wellness Centre, at the White City Community Centre, India Way, White City Estate.

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! c i n c i p e h t n i o J Get-together at Phoenix Farm & Learning Zone will sow the seeds for a play about the place of food in the community

ood unites us all – and different cultures around the world enjoy the shared ritual of getting together around a picnic rug. Now a group of researchers, nutritionists and actors are inviting local people to gather for lunch at Phoenix Farm & Learning Zone to talk about their experiences, memories and emotions around food. The discussion will be used as the basis of a script for a short comic play called The Picnic Rug, which will be performed at the farm in late

September. It is part of a project called Our Food, which works to give different groups more of a say in the way their food is produced. Nicole Kenton, of Our Food, said: “We are looking for the perspectives from a wide range of local community groups – in particular the Caribbean and African community, slimming groups, children and teenagers, allotment holders, food growers and traders. “We are already working with Nubian Life and with Phoenix

High School and would like to hear more voices.” Get-togethers will take place on September 17 and 19 and lunch will be provided. The provisional date for the performance is Saturday, September 28, and footage of the performance will be posted on YouTube afterwards. Updates about exact dates and times will be publicised on Team White City’s Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/ teamwhitecity Two generations play together at a picnic in Wormholt Park in June; inset – young people at work tending the allotments at the Phoenix School farm

Have your say on latest Old Oak Common plans

If you are interested in joining in the get-together or would like more information, email Nicole Kenton at: nicole@ourfood.org.uk or call 07853 392203

O A consultation on plans to transform Old Oak Common closes on Friday, September 6 – and you can have your say online. The 30-year vision for industrial land next to Wormwood Scrubs includes the potential for a high speed rail hub, 19,000 new homes, 90,000 new jobs and a 40,000-seat sports stadium. For more information or to comment visit www. london.gov.uk/oldoak

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Find your way online … and be given the use of a laptop while you help others do the same! Are you clueless about computers but keen to learn more? Could you use what you’re taught to help others in the same situation? Team White City is looking for local people who want to learn how to start using computers and the internet, so they can pass on their new skills by training others to get online. You don’t need any technical skill or experience to become a computer mentor. All it takes is commitment and a willingness to learn and help others. Those chosen to take part will complete 10 hours’ tuition in online basics and 20 hours of training in how to be a mentor. You could also pick up a mentoring qualification in the process – and be given the free use of a laptop for as

long as you are helping local people get online. We’re recruiting computer mentors in September – so get involved today! Call Dinah-Mary Allotey on 07554 555 669 or email: teamwhitecity@lbhf.gov.uk to find out more.

Get talking

Keep up to communit y date on all the latest to our regu activit y by signing u p lar e -newsl etter. Email team w h it e gov.uk wit city@lbhf. for fortnighh the word ‘subscrib e’ events, acti tly updates on v it ie s a n d neighbourh e ood news. ssential Join our gro wing onlin communit y e to d ay – follow @teamwh and find us itecity on Twitter facebook on Facebook at .com /team whitecity

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Junior Sterling continues to be inspired by the London 2012 Olympics

Olympic vision Legacy of 2012 is inspiring disability campaigner Junior Sterling along creative paths

volunteer who performed in the opening ceremony of the Paralympics is channelling the positive energy of the Games into his own creative enterprise. Junior Sterling has designed T-shirts, mugs and artwork inspired by London 2012, which he will exhibit at the White City Festival on September 15. The 52-year-old also plans to stage re-enactments of key moments, and hopes that

by reflecting on the Games, others will be inspired to help him develop a new creative workshop. Junior took part in the ceremony during a section which featured a performance of Spasticus Autisticus, a once-controversial song by Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Junior said: “I don’t think I’ve done anything quite like the Olympics. To take part and meet people like Tessa

Sanderson, who I watched when I was young, was amazing.” Junior, who was born with polio, also campaigns on behalf of disabled people for better access and support. His designs often incorporate Braille and sign language, which he uses to spread awareness of the issues faced by deaf and blind people. He says the Paralympics help change people’s perceptions of disability – but there is still a long way to go. “I’ve spent time with people who are deaf and blind or in a wheelchair, and I’ve seen how hard it can be to negotiate a phone box, or a bus stop, or a queue of people who are in the way and don’t know what to do,” said Junior. “During the Olympics they

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“I’m trying to keep the interest here in White City, like it was when the Games were held here in 1908”

This page: Bruce Forsyth carried the Olympic torch last year as it passed through White City at the site of the 1908 Games

Were you inspired by London 2012? Email Junior at: sterlingvision 04@yahoo.co.uk if you want to be involved in capturing the creative spirit of the Games.

talked a lot about legacy, but most of the legacy is in east London – there’s nothing over here. I’m trying to keep the interest here in White City, like it was when the Games were held here in 1908. “For a lot of people the Olympics was worth more than money, especially because so many people volunteered. Now people look at volunteering in a different way.”

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Lydia Corbett, right, youth pastor at St Paul’s Hammersmith, chats to a young man at a typical Bridge Club meeting

Bridging the gap Church based in Hammersmith launches new youth club in White City

ould the prospect of a free toastie and a game of table tennis persuade you to go to church? The people behind the new Bridge Youth Club believe many young people in White City will snap up the offer – and they also promise to take a light touch when talking to teenagers about matters of faith. The club for 11 to 18-yearolds, which meets on Friday evenings at St Michael and St George Church in Commonwealth Avenue, is led by volunteers from St Paul’s Church in Hammersmith, which runs similar projects successfully in other parts of the borough. Pool, table tennis, computer games and other activities are on offer each week from 7pm to 8pm, and after that young

people can choose to stay behind for an informal sofa chat about religion and the church. Youth pastor Lydia Corbett said: “What we found when we started the Bridge Club in Hammersmith was that a lot of the young people who came weren’t eating properly, so doing things like toasties and smoothies can make a big difference. “We don’t want to ram religion down people’s throats, but if anyone wants to stay after 8pm, we have about half an hour of sofa time so people can ask questions about life and faith, and get into that discussion.”

‘‘

PEOPLE WILL ASK US WHY WE’RE TRYING TO BIBLE-BASH THEM. BUT WE’RE HERE THE FOR THE LONG-TERM

Drop in to the sessions each Friday, from 7pm to 8pm, at St Michael and St George Church in Commonwealth Avenue, or email: lydia.corbett@sph.org

All will be welcome, although numbers will be capped at 25 to make sure the team are able to spend time getting to know the young people. “We want this to be meaningful and about building relationships,” said Lydia. “I imagine people will be a little bit suspicious at the start. “People will be asking us who we are and why we’re trying to Bible-bash them, and they’re used to projects coming in to do wonderful things and then leaving. We’re here for the longterm though – we’re not going anywhere. “If it takes off and more people want to get involved, we’re really open as to what might happen. But we’d rather start small with a good quality project.”

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SOUND FOUNDATIONS Music House for Children begins a new school term and tests new way to build online support

music appreciation and more. Encouraging families to enjoy music together at home is an important part of its work, and the school organises regular musical storytelling events in the area to help get its message across to the community. Founder and director Emma Hutchinson said: “The importance and value in music for

t’s never too early to learn about the joys and rewards of music – and a local not-for-profit organisation is helping local youngsters get a head start. The Music House for Children, set up 19 years ago, is about to launch its winter programme from its newlyrefurbished home in Uxbridge Road. The school’s experienced teachers believe in the ability of music to support a child’s development from birth onwards, offering sessions for babies, toddlers and older children and group classes in different instruments, songwriting, dance,

The Music House for Children winter term starts on September 9. For a full timetable or more information visit: www. musichouseforchildren.co.uk or call 020 8932 2652

children, and the positive effect it can have on families as a whole, cannot be overstated. “Families and young children can be emotionally connected through music making. We know that through sounds, children and babies express how they feel. “Often we are able to discover more about their personality and needs simply by watching their response through musical activities.” The Music House for Children is about to start testing a new online service called Wishgenie, which will allow its supporters to sign up as volunteers or donate cash to help grant particular ‘wishes’, such as funding a particular project. Emma said: “Wishgenie is a respectful, practical and up-todate means of encouraging families and supporters to fund projects or to volunteer without pressure. “We are indebted to Wishgenie in choosing our music school to support over the coming year.” l To contribute to the project or find out more, visit: www.wishgenie.com/ musichouseforchildren

Music House for Children founder Emma Hutchinson plays a tune as pupils enter the Uxbridge Road school

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Worlds of

wonder Far left and below, parents and children learn the tricks of origami. Left, Saffron, age five, models a samurai hat made of newspaper

Shepherds Bush Library fires up children’s imaginations during the summer break

cary stories and Japanese folk tales have been capturing the attention of children and grown-ups at Shepherds Bush Library over the school holidays. As part of a national summer reading challenge, young people gathered at the library in Wood Lane on July 30 to read books from the Creepy House series and come up with their own creepy constructions. The following afternoon, a group of 16 children and 12 adults were transported to ancient Japan as they listened to a traditional story and learned the ins and outs of origami, the art of paper folding, so they could create their own houses, mountains, samurai helmets and villagers. Customer services manager Mandy Charles said: “Great fun was had by all and with the army of villagers they built, the bad samurais were defeated.”

For upcoming events at the library, visit: www.lbhf.gov.uk/ shepherdsbushlibrary or call 020 8753 3842

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Help to spread the word 32

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W hite Ci ty Music F actory

The White City Music Factory featured in our last edition needs a webmaster to help promote its weekly workshops

eekly music workshops are up and running in White City – and help is needed to promote the project online. The long-established White City Music Factory, back in action at the Wood Lane Community Centre every Wednesday evening, is open to all budding musicians. It is hoped that by getting the word out about the project on the web, more local young people will think about joining in the sessions, in which players are supported to join in a lively mix of reggae, jazz, funk and world music.

Now buddin g players find the can ir rhythm wit the help h local mus of veterans ic

n the decade s since musici Edward Bunto ans Wood Lane Comm Auda started and Matthew in unity Centre Wood Lane , together, much playing young players Close, where in the neighb has changed musicians can and would-be ourhood. The White sessions and join weekly Factor y – a City Music learn to play regular, inform alongside their workshop which al Edward, 68, elders. life in the 1990s sprang to said: the facilitie “Most of moved home – has s that several times to differe people used local to have nt community are no longer with a constabuildings, there, so it’s ntly changing line-up become very Now the group. difficult to build set down roots has up community at the friendship. “Everybody

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seems to drift in different and I think ways a 33 lost becaus lot of people are e nothing therethey feel there’s Close, startin workshops. g with an hour of “That’s why for them. In the second much to keep I’m fighting so younger musici half, the workshop going. If people joining in with ans can try WE GET A the more music, they’re are interested in VARIETY experienced players. OF DIFFEREN and see the welcome to come Edward said: NATIONALITIE T variety “We get such them in the elders and we’ll put a of right directio differe S AND and nt nationalities INSTRUME n. “They can turn instrum up and sit it’s nice down and have NICE TO NTS, IT’S hear them allents, a listen. We joined togethto show them can ALL JOIN HEAR THEM creating some er kind ED then they’veone or two chords, CREATING TOGETHER community noise. of go away withgot something to SOME KIND “We play a and practic OF COMMUNIT fusion of all e.” of music – African The style of sorts Y NOISE Caribb music the group style, plays will change ean a bit of keyboa style – we mix depending which musici up with a bit on swap around rd, and we all of percussionit all and what kindans are available, bass. It sounds .” and Members they’re playingof audience people seem good, and fee of aroundpay a subscription play at festivato like it when we Matthew, to. cover the cost £2 per session to ls. “People come59, said: of “We often to have fun. the instrum maintaining We all do differe female singershave one or two ents, such as at the buying new and play differe nt things workshops. guitar instruments. nt Sessions usuallystrings. myself but I want to sing they run from 6pm to play a bit of Some The more peopletell me not to. bass, 8pm we have, a bit of guitar every Wedne more music and sday we can create. the at the centre ” Wood Lane in

The White City Music Factory the Woodis due to run at Lane Comm Centre in unit Wood Lane y Close ever y Wednesday evening of June, from the end 6pm to 8pm. To find call Edwaout more on 07944 rd Bunto 047 544

Matthew Auda and Edward Bunto of the White City Music Factory will help you Ƥ rhythm

Drummer Oscar Joseph, 45, who has been involved with the group for more than 20 years, said: “What we’re really looking for now is someone who’s computer-savvy, who can come in and help build us a website or a Facebook page. That’s the number one thing we need. “This group is not just about the music. When I first started coming here I’d finished university and had no work, and this was my saving grace. “It’s not driven by money or a desire for fame, it’s about conveying a message and living your life in a righteous way, no matter what your creed or

level of ability.” Singer Maggie Ifioo added: “There are a lot of young people out there who have some talent, but they’re too shy. If you’re really interested in music, this is the place to come. I get a lot of inspiration from it.”

Drummer Oscar Joseph (left) gets going and Eddie Theophile plays the sax during a warm-up

Drop in to the White City Music Factory at the Wood Lane Community Centre from 6.30pm each Wednesday. If you would like to help promote the group online, email: teamwhitecity@ lbhf.gov.uk

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m o r f View e d i s n I e th Prison art postcards are one of many attractions during art studios open weekend

eing behind bars is no barrier to the imagination – as revealed in a new project involving prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs. Inmates involved in the prison’s art class were asked to create postcardsized pieces for a free event that celebrates an increasingly creative corner of our neighbourhood. The project, called Views from the Inside, is one small part of the third annual ArtWest Open Weekend on September 28 and 29, featuring the work of 50 local artists. Visitors can wander freely between six studios near the junction Scrubs Lane and Harrow Road, and can talk to the artists and designers about their work in paint, print, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, furniture and fashion. For the first time this year, the Wormwood Scrubs postcards will be among the works on sale,

with half the proceeds going towards more materials for the prison’s art studio. Matthew Cort, who runs classes at Wormwood Scrubs, said: “There are a number of really gifted artists here. If they were only able to learn to deal with issues which regularly land them up in prison, such as drug addiction, I have no doubt they would have successful careers in the arts.” Also on offer will be mystery postcards made by the ArtWest artists and guest contributors such as Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter. These postcards will be sold anonymously and are signed on the back so the buyer can learn the artist’s identity – but only after buying the card for £20. Event organiser Caro Millington, an artist based in Shepherds Bush, hopes this year’s show will continue to strengthen links between local artists and the wider community. She said: “It really is a thriving, exciting, place to be making art. Building links between the artists and local people and organisations can only be to the benefit of everyone.” The ArtWest Open Weekend is supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Brent Council and runs on September 28 and 29, from 1pm to 6pm.

“There are a number of really gifted artists here”

Drop in to the studios for the FREE event or find out more at www. artwestopenstudios.co.uk

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Left: Caro Millington, Shepherds Bush artist and chair of ArtWest, outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs Ƥ prisoners’ postcards; below: some of the cards which will be on display

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

qThe White City Festival

The Who Convention Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 l What better place to hold a fundraising convention honouring London’s best-loved Mods than their former rehearsal space, Bush Hall, in the heart of the band’s youthful stomping ground? With live music from many who have played with or been connected to The Who and an auction of band memorabilia, the two-day event will kick off on the 35th anniversary of wildman drummer Keith Moon’s untimely death. Tickets £55 – all proceeds to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Lúnasa Thursday, September 27 l Hailed for steering Irish acoustic music into surprising new territory, Lúnasa have also won praise in world music circles for the intelligence, virtuosity and passion evident on their studio albums. Tickets £17 Charlie Brown Monday, September 30 l His soulful melodies and pop sensibilities have already made Charlie Brown a sought-after writer among the likes of Tinchy Stryder, Professor Green, Wiley and Jay Sean. Now the singer-songwriter is branching out as a solo artist in his own right – catch him here now before bigger venues come calling. Tickets £8.50

02 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE Shepherds Bush Green www.02shepherdsbushempire.co.uk Box Office: 0844 477 2000

Manic Street Preachers

W12 WHAT’S ON

Tuesday, September 24

l The Welsh indie veterans’ first studio album in three years, Rewind The Film, promises a more reflective, stripped-back sound while retaining classic Manics melodies. Tickets from £36.56

James Blake

Thursday, September 26

l Tickets are going fast for this gig by the young singersongwriter and electronica producer, which follows another sold-out night at the Empire and will feature tracks from new album Overgrown. Tickets from £16.87

Laura Mvula

Friday, October 4

l Shortlisted for the Critics’ Choice Brit Award at the start of this year, singersongwriter Laura

qLaura Mvula

Mvula is setting out on tour to support her debut album Sing To The Moon. Tickets from £19.68

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.

BUSH THEATRE 7 Uxbridge Road www.bushtheatre.co.uk Box Office: 020 8743 5050 The Herd September 13-October 26 l It’s Andy Griffith’s 21st

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TOP CHOICE WHITE CITY FESTIVAL Various locations Starting at the White City Community Centre in India Way, W12 Sunday, September 15 1-5pm

l After a successful launch last year, the White City Festival is set to return even bigger, bolder and better for 2013. The free four-hour celebration will be a concentrated explosion of colour and creativity, featuring live music, dance and performance, food, games and market stalls, celebrating all the talent and positivity of our diverse community. Check times, details and locations at: www. whitecityfestival.co.uk birthday - not that he’s counting. But his mother Carol is. Counting the minutes until he arrives, counting the unexpected guests, counting the times that this has happened before. The debut play by Olivier award-winning actor Rory Kinnear, directed by National Theatre Associate Director Howard Davies, the Herd is billed as a witty and heartfelt look at family life when it doesn’t turn out quite the way you imagined. Tickets from £10 (concessions) to £19.50

WESTFIELD LONDON Wood Lane http://uk.westfield.com/london We are the British summer

l The heatwave may be on the wane as the school holidays come to a close, but there’s still time to catch the end of six weeks of summer fun being laid on at Westfield, with a summer fete, deckchairs, a beach hut, games and activities.

Emerging icons

l Musical icons don’t come along every day, but the stars of the future are out there somewhere – and Westfield is offering live slots to upcoming performers who show

promise. Visit the mall on Thursday and Friday evenings from 6pm to 9pm to catch exciting new pop, indie, alternative and electronic acts. For more details, visit: www.emergingicons.com

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

l Find the support you need to get online and build essential IT skills. Wednesday 11am to 12pm and 3pm to 4pm, Friday 11am to 12pm and 3pm to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 12pm. Book in advance as places are limited.

Under-fives sessions

l Free story sessions aimed at improving children’s language and literacy skills are held on Mondays at 2.15pm and Tuesdays at 10.30am. Sing along to classic children’s songs at Rhyme Time sessions, Wednesdays 10.30am to 11am and Saturdays 11am to 11.30am.

WHITE CITY COMMUNITY CENTRE India Way Community Information Day September 16

qRobert Green

l Head to the community centre in India Way for a fun day out, with stalls giving details of local services, organisations, groups and activities. Times TBC

QUEENS PARK RANGERS Loftus Road www.qpr.co.uk Next home games

l The mighty Hoops return to the Championship hoping for a promotion push this season under manager Harry Redknapp. The next home games include matches against Brighton on Wednesday, September 18 (7.45pm kick-off); Middlesbrough on Saturday, September 28; Barnsley on Saturday, October 5; and Derby on Satuday, November 2. Saturday matches kick off at 3pm.