reporterT H E W E S T M I N S T E R

ISSuE 91DECEMBER 2008 Westminster City Council magazine

HAVE A

GREENCHRISTMAS

Reuse and reduce this ChristmasHow you can save waste and money

Love your market Where you can get good quality at great prices

Where does your recycling go?Find out what the council does with it

Go green How being eco-friendly

can cut your costs

Learn new skills

Courses on offer in a library near you

WIN!£5,000 worth of Selfridges

vouchers See page 7

CHRISTMAS LIGHTSThe Sugababes give Oxford Street the special touchLove where you liveKeep Britain Tidy ambassador, Kirstie Allsopp, joins the campaign to keep our streets clean

What’s on this autumn?

Parking changesWhat they mean for you WIN!

New ways to pay

Pay your bills online

Keep warm this winter

Help to reduce your fuel bills

Rock of Ages theatre ticketsA meal for two

Jazz ticketssee inside for details

Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

020 7641 6000 westminster.gov.uk

AUTUMNEDITION

reporterT H E W E S T M I N S T E R

ISSuE 105AuTuMN 2011 Westminster City Council magazine

FREE

Community Reassurance

2 The Westminster Reporter

ADVERT

6 How much does your area recycle?

8 How to keep warm this winter

10 Pay your bills online

18 Parking changes

21 Clean and safe streets

22 Autumn activities

PLUS Win great prizes – see pages 14 and 26

The Westminster Reporter 3

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

Cabinet Member for Communications: Councillor Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council.

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

If you encounter delivery problems, please call the communications team on 020 7641 2259.

Also available from libraries and leisure centres.

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

To discuss editorial matters, please contact:

The Editor, The Westminster Reporter, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QP.

Telephone: 020 7641 2259 Fax: 020 7641 2958 Email: reporter@westminster.gov.uk Minicom: 020 7641 2948

The editorial team: Claire Appleby, Nicky Jackson and Clym Sutcliffe.

Reference copies of The Westminster Reporter are available in large print and audiotape format. To have a free copy sent to your home call 020 7641 2259.

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

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

Printed on FSC® certified material.

Please recycle The Westminster Reporter.

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

ISSuE 105AuTuMN 2011 Westminster City Council magazine

contents

Homeownership Westminster is delivered byCatalyst Housing Group, a charitable housing association

Unlock the door to homeownership in WestminsterDo you live or work in Westminster? Homeownership Westminster is a council service that prioritises those currently living or working in the City of Westminster for homeownership and rental opportunities through a number of different options.

Arrange a face-to-face meeting to find out more and

see how we can assist with your housing aspirations!

Register today

Call: 0845 437 9701 Visit: www.homeownershipwestminster.co.ukEmail: info@homeownershipwestminster.co.uk

Find us on Facebookat Homeownership Westminster

Follow us on @HOW_Catalyst

WES 012_Ad_210x265_HOW - The Reporter brief_May2011v2.indd 1 24/05/2011 09:30:29

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Follow us on @CityWestminster

WIN!

WIN!

I think there are lots of reasons behind last month’s unrest, not one single

cause. Some young people have lost hope in the government. Others may think they have nothing to lose – they have given up hope and are affected by the negativity around them.

My message is that if you’re going to join in, the consequences will catch up with you. It affects your career and your future.

Some young people are positive about the future. They have been given good career advice and take the opportunities that are available to them. Others may not care about school or see a future for themselves.

There are the same opportunities for everyone, but some people take more advantage of them than others. Young people need to get involved.

Many young people don’t take advantage of or know about what’s available to them. For example, there are lots of activities to help you prepare for your career such as the Youth Cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme – and most of them are free.

My election manifesto was to encourage everyone to take part and be involved in their community. It’s important to care and to get involved. Omar Archer, 13Youth MP for Westminster

Westminster’s response to the riots.

4 The Westminster Reporter

The riots in London shocked many people and give pause for reflection

on the causes behind such violence but also on the sort of society that we want to live in and the role each of us plays in building a good society.

The most effective response will come from within communities. However, local and national government has a role to play. The police and courts have a duty to protect, prosecute and to bring to justice those who have committed offences.

I want to commend the brave actions of Police officers who worked night and day to keep our homes and businesses safe. I know of cases where Policemen stood outnumbered protecting people and property from criminal damage. And I was pleased to see that their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators were matched by the work of the Magistrates in working through the night to dispense justice. Both are clear messages that the rule of law will be enforced, by dedicated public servants.

The council too must enforce a standard of behaviour and responsibility, reflecting the views of the vast majority of our residents. We will, for example, evict from council property those who are convicted of offences that damage the society around them. We will give a greater say to law abiding citizens in the running of their estates and neighbourhoods. Personal responsibility is at the heart of our idea of Westminster as a Living City, where individuals and families can thrive.

We must give young people hope and opportunities to succeed. Good education and permanent jobs are part of the route. So we are introducing schemes that work intensively with young people who would otherwise go off the rails – encouraging them back into the work place.

We will help those who are struggling with raising a family. Intervening early with troubled families is proven to save money whilst avoiding anti-social behaviour that can blight a neighbourhood. The council’s Family Recovery Programme, which has led the way nationally, has shown that it is possible to help those families who are most in need.

Citizen, community and state all have a role and responsibility for making and creating the good society that we want to live in; a society that is safe, secure and just and one that provides opportunities for all. These are the obligations that I believe that the council, acting on behalf of residents and communities, has and will continue to honour and deliver through its work and policies.

Cllr Colin Barrow CBE, Leader of Westminster City Council

The Westminster Reporter 5

Leader’s Column

Let us know how the service you receive from CityWest Homes could

be improved and we will feed it into their new contract in March 2012. CityWest Homes manages the council’s housing.

A young person’s view on the riots.

If you want to get involved with the Youth Council or find out more about their work, call Simeon Earnshaw on 020 7641 1048 or email searnshaw@westminster.gov.uk

News in brief

Building a good society

Have your say on CityWest Homes

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/cwhfeedback

New community council proposed for Queen’s ParkQueen’s Park could become one of the

first community councils in London following a petition by local residents. A community or parish council’s powers can include road maintenance, control of litter and creating bylaws.

The council will carry out a Community Governance Review across all of Westminster. The review is required before any changes to governance can be made. We will consult with residents and community groups to ensure any changes in governance reflect the interests of local communities. The results of the review are expected in April 2012.

If you’re a parent who is worried about conflict amongst young

people and how to resolve it, why not volunteer with the council’s award-winning Fear and Fashion Project? You’ll receive four days of training in conflict resolution to pass on to other parents who want to get involved.

Young Leaders in Westminster have already delivered Fear and Fashion anti-knife workshops to over 1,000 young people in youth clubs and secondary schools since the programme launched five years ago.

Get involved with Fear and Fashion

To find out more about volunteering with Fear and Fashion email sjenkins@westminster.gov.uk

Youth MP’s ColumnOpportunities and consequences

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/communitycouncil to find out more.

You can comment on proposals to change day care services for older

people and adults with mental health problems and learning disabilities in our consultation. The deadline is 1st October.

Changes to adult social care

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/dayservices

6 The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter 7

Save money by recycling We all know recycling is good for the environment,

but did you know that it’s also a cheaper and more efficient way to get rid of waste? Last year Westminster

residents saved £½ million by recycling – that’s equivalent to 727 council tax bills, or nearly 200,000 meals on wheels.

Each tonne of rubbish costs £53 to dispose of, whereas a tonne of recycling costs only £30 to process – that’s

a 40% saving on everything you recycle. Most residents in

Westminster recycle, but there’s still more to do. If everyone in Westminster recycled everything they could, next year we could save £1 million.

Recycle even more • look out for on-street micro recycling centres across the city to

recycle books, electrical appliances, clothes and more. Enter your postcode at www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest bin

• recycle batteries at your local library, or some high street stores such as Tesco, Boots and Ryness.

For more information on recycling in Westminster visit www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling You can also visit www.recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find out what you can recycle.

SUMMEREDITION

Harley Smyth, 20, lives on the Harrow Road with his mum and sister who all recycle. He says:

“It’s quite easy to recycle, mainly because I don’t have to separate anything. Mixed recycling

makes it much easier.For me, it’s part of my routine and I’ll keep doing it.

Once I’ve finished a cereal packet I’ll just rip up the cardboard and put it in my recycling container. If it was a hassle I probably wouldn’t do it but it’s not hard to throw my recycling in a different bin.

“It doesn’t take any time out of my day and it saves lots of money. Most of my street recycles.

“I think a lot of people think: what will change if I recycle? But once they know the benefits of saving money and the environment then it may help.”

Let’s recycle even more. Find out how at www.recycleforlondon.com/local

Local events Love Food Hate Waste

2 November, 4-5.30pm

The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3Bu

Cookery demonstrations, health advice and information on how to reduce food waste.

Mobile recycling centre

Sundays, 12 midday-4.30pm

Pimlico Academy, Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT

Bring along small electrical items, clothes, CDs and DVDs, printer cartridges and more.

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling for details of the latest recycling events.

How much does your area recycle?

Jane Taylor, 62, from Pimlico, says:

“Being able to put all your recycling in together makes

it so much quicker and easier.”

David Beale, 48, from Vincent Square has been a committed recycler for 10 years. He says:

“Why not recycle? It’s just as easy as throwing

things away. And the collections in Westminster are really regular.”

Last year Westminster residents saved £½ million by recycling – that’s equivalent to 727 council tax bills727

Harley Smyth

Jane Taylor

David Beale

Harrow Road has the highest doorstep recycling rate in Westminster, and saved around £12,000 by recycling last year. Check out the table below to see the doorstep recycling rate in your area.Harrow Road 54%Maida Vale 47%Vincent Square 46%Regent’s Park 43%Queen’s Park 40%Little Venice 40%Abbey Road 39%Hyde Park 36%Knightsbridge 36% and BelgraviaChurchill 35%

Bryanston and 30% Dorset SquareChurch Street 29%Westbourne 29%Bayswater 28%Marylebone 27% High StreetTachbrook 25%St. James’s 23%Lancaster Gate 22%West End 18%Warwick 15%

New smart lights to save millionsWe are introducing 14,000 new smart lights over the next four years to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

The lights will be adjusted remotely depending on the level of darkness and

will be monitored by the council’s CCTV service. Busy areas can remain fully lit while light levels can be reduced in quieter areas.

Smart lights use around 20% less energy and at less busy times can be dimmed to work at 75% capacity.

It is the first major scheme of its kind in the country following a pilot of 2,000 lights. The smart lights will save £420,000 a year, after the cost of implementing the scheme is recovered.

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

8 The Westminster Reporter

Other help • Warm Front grant: a government grant for low income

owner occupiers and those renting privately to make heating and insulation improvements up to £3,500. Where this is not enough to cover costs, a top-up grant from the council is also available. For more information, call the Warm Front team on 0800 316 2805

• Turn2Us: help to access the grants that are available to you. Call 0808 802 2000 or visit www.turn2us.org.uk

• Warm Home Discount: if you’re aged over 60, contact your energy suppliers to see if you’re eligible for a Warm Home Discount on your bills. You may also be able to join a Priority Register with your utility company to receive free services such as regular meter readings

• Energy Saving Trust: you may be able to get a grant to insulate your home from your utility company. Call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012

• Charis Grant: help from British Gas, EDF and NPower to pay overdue fuel bills. Call 01733 421 021 or visit www.charisgrants.com

• if you are unable to pay your bills, contact your utility company and arrange a payment plan. You can also contact the Home Heat Helpline for independent advice on 0800 336699

Simple tips to stay warm • make sure wall cavities and lofts are insulated• make sure you keep your living room warm throughout

the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed• in very cold weather set the heating to come on earlier

rather than turning the thermostat up• fit draft proofing to seal any gaps around windows

and doors• insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes• wear plenty of thin layers rather than thick ones• wear bed socks or thermal underwear at night.

Severine Felix, 72, Queen’s Park, called the council for help when

her boiler broke down. She says: “They helped me to apply for an energy grant to replace my boiler. They’re not cheap, so I was very grateful. They also helped to repair the front of the house where cracks were beginning to appear.”

The Emergency Heating Repair Scheme is just one of many grants available. A Decent Homes grant is available to any low income home owner to carry out heating and insulation works to their home. Home owners and people renting privately in Queen’s Park and Harrow Road wards can also take advantage of a loft insulation grant and free hire of energy monitors from Queen’s Park Library.

Private tenants and housing association tenants who are unhappy with the condition of their home can ask the council to carry out an assessment of their homes. If the council finds the property to be below standard, it will put

pressure on the landlord to put things right.

The council also provides grants, benefits and advice to help residents financially cope in the winter months.

Karen Buck, MP for Westminster North urges residents in need to ask for help. She says: “Thousands of residents are now at risk because soaring fuel bills are forcing a choice between a cold home or struggling to pay the bills. No-one should have to go cold in the winter. Yet help may be available – whether with improving insulation and cutting bills or managing debt. I am urging people to seek advice and assistance as early as possible.”

Rising prices and severe cold weather mean that some households spend more than 10% of their income on heating bills. Find out how the council can help you or a friend or neighbour to keep warm and save money this winter.

“ They helped me to apply for an energy grant to replace my boiler. They’re not cheap, so I was very grateful.” Severine Felix, Queen’s Park

Call 020 7641 6161 or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/energy for more information.

“Try putting on a woolly jumper before turning the heating up a few degrees.” Ann Parsons,

75, Vincent Square

AUTUMNEDITION

Keep warm this winter

Karen Buck MP

“Insulating your home is very important. My curtains are really thick and I

make sure that they are drawn in the winter, it prevents drafts, keeps the heat in and the bills down.” Terence Stafford, 72, Tachbrook

Where do I go now?There are now lots of ways and places that you can do business with the council – whether it’s paying a bill, applying for a service such as a parking permit, or just finding out about what the council offers.

The easiest way is to go online at www.westminster.gov.uk/youronestoponline. You’ll find quick links to all

the most popular council services, including paying your council tax or rent, applying for and renewing your parking permit, applying for a MyWestminster ResCard, renewing your library books and much more.

Alternatively, you can now visit Your One Stop Express self-serve machines in convenient locations across the city, including libraries, Children’s Centres and community centres. CityWest Homes residents can use area service centres and some estate offices – places you might be going anyway, which are at the heart of communities in the city. This means that you will be able to do more of your business with the council in one place, close to home – saving you time and making things simpler.

Your One Stop Express self service machines offer FREE access to council services online, including card payments, and have been available at 12 locations since the end of August. We’ll keep adding more throughout 2011. And don’t forget, you can pay for many council services by card, cash or cheque in your local Post Office Branch –

see the map on the next page to find your nearest.• YoucangethelptogoonlineinWestminsterlibraries.

Go to a location marked on the map to get some help using a Your One Stop Express machine.

• Ifyoudon’tneedhelp,youcanaccesscouncilservicesonline at home or using Your One Stop Express at locations marked on the map.

• FromSeptember2011,ifyouareaCityWestHomesresident, you can use a Your One Stop Express machine at area service centres and some estate offices. Go to a location marked on the map.

• Forcard,cashandchequepayments,youcanalsogoto any Westminster Post Office Branch – marked on the map.

The Westminster Reporter 1110 The Westminster Reporter

One Stop Services in Westminster are changing. In the past, face-to-face council services and payments have been available through our One Stop Services. These services are closing over the next few months and, instead, you can access council services in your local libraries, community and Children’s Centres. You’ll also be able to pay for services at your local Post Office Branch.

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Pay for parking tickets and resident permit renewals

Apply for a new resident parking permit or make changes to an existing permit

Pay council tax

Pay rent

Pay any council bill that has a bank giro credit slip

Pay business rates

Pay for commercial waste

Buy street trading vouchers

View planning applications

Find information and apply for council services

Use a freephone to speak to someone at the council

Most popular online transactions 1. Pay your council tax

www.westminster.gov.uk/payct

2. Renew your parking permit

www.westminster.gov.uk/renewpermit

3. Pay a penalty charge notice

www.westminster.gov.uk/paypcn

4. Sign up to pay by phone parking

www.westminster.gov.uk/paybyphone

5. Apply for planning permission

www.westminster.gov.uk/applypp

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Gloucester P

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Eastbourne Terrace

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Mortimer St

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Portland Place

Great Portand S

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The Mall

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Vauxhall Bridge RoadPimlico Rd Warwick Way

Rochester Row

Wilton R

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Tachbrook St

Lupus Street

Claverton S

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Wardour Street

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St James’s St

Pall Mall

Northumberland Av

Haymarket

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Salusbury Road

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Leicester Square

Regent’s Park

Gt Portland Street

Baker Street

Marylebone

Edgware Road

Paddington

Royal Oak

Queensway

Bayswater

Warwick Avenue

Westbourne Park

Maida Vale

Kilburn High Rd

Kensal RiseQueen’s Park

Brondesbury

Lancaster Gate

Marble Arch

Bond Street

Oxford Circus

Tottenham Crt Rd

Knightsbridge

Green Park

South Kensington

Picadilly Circus

Covent Garden

Temple

Charing Cross

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St James’s Park

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Hyde Park Corner

Pimlico

St John’s Wood

MAP KEY

YOUR ONE STOP ExPRESS – SELF-SERVE ONLY

YOUR ONE STOP ExPRESS – CITY WEST HOMES RESIDENTS

YOUR ONE STOP ExPRESS – WITH HELP TO GET STARTED

To find out more about where you can get online help and make payments, go to www.westminster.gov.uk/youronestop

Your One Stop New ways to contact us

Constantine from Pimlico has used the Your One Stop Express machine at Pimlico Library, and says: “It’s fairly straightforward and quite easy to use. I understand what it’s for just by looking at it. Maybe you

could also add buttons for utility bills, that would make life easier.”

David Garcia, also from Pimlico, says: “I think the machines are a good idea. Some people don’t have the internet at home so they could use this. I think people will use them because most people know

where their libraries are.”

AUTUMNEDITION

If you know someone who has made a difference through sport or physical activity, make sure they’re recognised by nominating them in this

year’s ActiveWestminster Awards. Award winners will receive tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games and everyone who nominates will be entered into

a prize draw to win free gym membership. It could be a community sports coach, a volunteer or anyone who has improved lives through physical activity.

The Westminster Reporter 1312 The Westminster Reporter

outdoor sports pitches in Westminster20

Nominate someone special in the ActiveWestminster awards

accredited sports clubs in Westminster60hours of free sport

every week100

Samba Street Soccer – community sports club highly commended

Head Coach, Andrew Morrison, says: “I used to play professionally until I had a bad injury. But I still loved football and I used to go and

kick a football around in the park. “Kids started coming up and saying: ‘Can we play with you?’ so I started

showing them ball skills. Eventually, I set up Samba Street Soccer.“I now have over 100 kids and we train four days a week. I’ve got kids

who have been banned from youth centres, ones with health issues, you name it... but none of my under 10s are excluded from school anymore.”

1. Active resident2. Active volunteer3. Active school4. Coach/community

exercise instructor5. Active club6. Active place7. Physical activity, health

and wellbeing 8. Inclusive and active to

increase access to sport and leisure

9. Champion of the Future10. Participant or coach at

the London Youth Games11. Outstanding contribution

Categories are: Meet the 2010 winners:

Jubilee Hall Trust and The Abbey Centre – physical activity, health and wellbeing winner

Free dance classes at The Abbey Centre have helped older people to improve their health through physical activity, from

ballroom to Bollywood. Doreen Valerie, who goes to the ballroom dancing

classes, says: “I come to the classes to learn to dance and all the different steps. It’s a great place not only to keep active but to have fun and make friends.”

Westminster wins Olympic recognitionThe Olympic Inspire Mark is awarded to innovative projects that inspire young people to take part in sport.

Westminster has won the Inspire Mark for 12 Olympic-inspired

programmes, including:•100hoursoffreesportandphysical

activities, every week for children and young people

•anewworkforceof‘activators’topromote sport participation in physical activity and open spaces

•sportsandoutdooreducationvolunteering

•Olympic-styleschoolsportcompetitions.

Call 020 7641 2012 or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/inspire to find out how you can be a part of London’s 2012 Olympic legacy in Westminster.

Get active during ActiveWestminster Weekend

Call your local leisure centre or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/activeweekend to find out what’s on near you.

Head to your local leisure centre on the 19th and 20th of November for a weekend of FREE and discounted activities for all ages and abilities.

Across Westminster’s leisure centres, there will be FREE:•gymaccess•sportstournaments•streetdance•football

•martialarts•tastersessions•competitions•pluslotsmore.

Doreen Valerie

Andrew Morrison, Samba Street Soccer

Did you know...you can take a virtual tour of

leisure centres at www.westminster.

gov.uk/virtualleisure?

Nominate online at

www.westminster.

gov.uk/activeawards

or pick up a nomination form at

your local leisure centre by

30th September 2011.

The Westminster Reporter 1514 The Westminster Reporter

With the job market more competitive than ever, now could be the right time to gain a new qualification or skill by joining the 13,000 people studying at Westminster’s adult education centres.

Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) works with the

council and voluntary organisations to give you access to more than 1,100 courses at 80 venues across the city.

Courses are for people both in and out of work and cater for all abilities, with courses ranging from IT and teacher training, to fashion and family learning.

Ali Alali Al Ab, 40, took English classes to help him in his career as an electronic technician when he moved to England from

Iraq. He says: “The teachers at WAES were very encouraging and my English has improved hugely. I completed classes alongside an interpreting course and it has been a real boost to my CV.”

Levels range from beginner to advanced, with classes during the day, evening and weekend, so you can fit them around work and family.

Charles Pina, 43, from Pimlico, is a classical singer who took an Italian course last year. He says:

“I wish I had done it years ago. I took an introductory class once a week and am now looking to take the next grade up. Studying is a great way to meet new people, there’s a lot of camaraderie between students. We all learn with and from each other.”

Barbara Holm, Head of Service at WAES, says: “If you want to gain a qualification, go on to higher education, find the right business training or simply learn more about your interests, we have something for you.”

“ I wish I had done it years ago... there’s a lot of camaraderie between students. We all learn with and from each other.” Charles Pina, 43, from Pimlico

Get the career you want

For more information about the courses visit www.waes.ac.uk, call 020 7297 7297 or follow WAES on Facebook and twitter.

Get back to workWAES can also help you with CVs, job applications, interviews, and how to find and decide on a new career direction.

Monika Swiatek,

31, from Poland, did a make-up course to help her to get a job in the industry. She says: “I did this course to improve my professional skills. I made lots of friends and met other make-up artists so we can help each other with work and contacts.”

Media graduate, Falk-Hagen Bernshausen, 32, has completed four photography and video courses at WAES. He says: “The classes have really motivated me and allowed me to get hands on experience with subjects I’d like to pursue a career in.”

Monika Swiatek

Falk-Hagen Bernshausen

Ali Alali Al Ab

Charles Pina

people studying at Westminster’s adult education centres 13,000 courses at 80 venues

across the city 1,100

Indulge in an authentic feast for two at lively Moroccan restaurant Souk Medina in

Seven Dials, Covent Garden. Enjoy Tagines and Mezze selections against a backdrop of hypnotic belly dancers and Souk’s exotic décor. Email reporter@westminster.gov.uk to enter our

prize draw to win a £100 meal for two inclusive of service

charge. Deadline for entries is 1st November 2011.

You’re hiredSchools in Westminster have the chance to take part in a new Young Enterprise programme to develop the skills and confidence of young entrepreneurs whilst they are still at school.

Students are invited to apply for the programme as if they are applying for a job. They then have the

opportunity to form their own companies or social enterprises, open their own company bank account, market their product or service and trade with the public.

Some schools in the city already operate the scheme and the council is now supporting a city-wide roll out with £20,000 funding.

Westminster Academy is one of the schools running the scheme this autumn to enable students to develop their business ideas with the help of a business mentor.

Westminster Academy pupil Khouloud El-Jamal, 13, runs a makeup booth and makeover service at her school’s

enterprise market which she hopes to develop through the Young Enterprise programme. She says: “I’m excited about Young Enterprise because I like doing business. I really enjoy talking about products and making a sale.”

For more information about Young Enterprise, visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk/london or call 020 7549 1980.

“ I enjoy talking about products and making a sale.” Khouloud El-Jamal, 13, Westminster Academy pupil

To find out more about what’s on offer in Seven Dials visit sevendials.co.uk

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WIN!A Moroccan

meal for two at

Souk MedinaI

Enjoy some autumn jazz at Café in the Crypt, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. Listen to swinging musicians as you enjoy fantastic food and drink and soak up some stunning Georgian architecture. Jazz Nights are every Wednesday at 8pm. Email marketing@smitf.org by 1st October for your chance to win a pair of tickets in our prize draw.

Visit www.smitf.org for more information.

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cond

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appl

y.

WIN!Free tickets to jazz

night at Café in the Crypt

I

AUTUMNEDITION

Khouloud El-Jamal (right) at work

16 The Westminster Reporter

Book clubs If you’d like to get more

out of reading and make some new friends in the process, why not try one of our book clubs? Read exciting new books and discuss them in a fun and friendly environment.

Paulo from Paddington says: “By talking about what we’ve read, we also get the opportunity to discuss real life situations. It really builds relationships between group members and breaks down barriers so you get to know different people.”

If you don’t want to read books in advance, try a ‘Share a Book’ group, where you can read short stories, poems or extracts together. There’s no need to book, you can just turn up and join in as much or as little as you like. Lynne, who goes to the Share a Book group at Paddington Library said: “Talking to other people

who love to read adds another layer to your enjoyment as everyone has different views. I look forward to the group every week.”

16 The Westminster Reporter

Love your library Are you creative, looking for a new hobby, or do you just love reading? There’s lots going on at your local library, so why not try something new?

For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/bookgroups

Join a Writers’ GroupIf you’re a budding author or a secret scribbler, why not try our new Writers’ Group?

You can join group discussions about your work or just

come along to work with others. The group is currently working together on a short story for a competition entry.

The Writers’ Group meets the second Tuesday of each month, at Paddington Library from 6.30 to 8pm.

For more information email Laurence Foe at lfoe@westminster.gov.uk

1. Mister Pip, Lloyd Jones2. The Testament of

Gideon Mack, James Robertson

3. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

4. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Paul Torday

5. Shalimar the Clown, Salman Rushdie

Top five reading group books

Lynne Church

“Talking to other people who love to read adds another layer to your enjoyment...” Lynne Church, Paddington Library Share a Book group

Paulo Costa

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You need to be 19+ and meet safe driver standards to join. First year joining fee is £25. Offer not valid in conjunction with other offer or promotion and expires 31/12/2011. * Free parking subject to minimum parking charge and limited to 1 hour per stay. * *See website for details of mileage allowance.

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The Westminster Reporter 17

The Westminster Reporter 19

Changes to parking in Westminster

18 The Westminster Reporter

Westminster’s parking service is important to the city’s economic and social wellbeing: it helps businesses get deliveries on time, it makes sure that there are safe, convenient places for residents and visitors to park, and it helps people to get around the heart of London freely and easily.

Over the past year we have carried out a major review of parking across the city for the first time in 10 years. This review has led to the development of nine new parking policies, which are being introduced

experimentally over the next few months. We spoke to some residents to ask what they think of the new policies – and how they think they’ll

be affected:

You can find out all about the policies at www.westminster.gov.uk/parkingpolicyreview

The policies are:• an extension of paid-for parking hours into weekday and

Saturday evenings in the West End (Zones E and G)• the introduction of paid-for parking hours on Sundays

between 1pm and 6pm in some central areas (Zones E, G, F3 and F6)

• a review of the current visitor parking scheme, to make it easier for visitors and carers to park

• increasing the charge for a second and subsequent residents’ parking permit

• consideration of a way in which local societies and organisations could request a review of parking boundaries and controls

• improvement to waiting and loading in central Westminster for commercial vehicles

• a review of the current green driving measures in Westminster, including the Westminster Car Club and provision of on-street car charging points

• a review of yellow lines across the city • the introduction of more taxi hubs and marshalled taxi ranks.

David Rennie, 66, West End

“I think that charging more for second and third parking permits is a good thing. There are already

too many cars in the city, so I’d welcome any move to discourage their use.”

Sonja Redman, 77, Tachbrook

“I’m not completely against parking charges, I understand that they are there for a

reason, but I’d really like to see more parking meters that accept coins, making it easier for you to pay.”

Gary Doran, 28, Biggin Hill, South London

“L ess parking restrictions for commercial vehicles – and more

loading bays – would definitely be a good thing for Westminster. Workmen like myself struggle to attend various jobs without running the risk of getting a ticket.”

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New look for Piccadilly Circus and Leicester SquareWestminster’s streets, roads and iconic public spaces are being improved to cut congestion and improve road safety.

The works will also ensure some of the city’s busiest locations are ready

for an influx of visitors during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Traffic can now drive in both directions along Pall Mall and St. James’s Street for the first time since 1963. More road improvements are being made on Piccadilly, Pall Mall and St James’s Street to cut congestion and the area around the statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus is also being improved for pedestrians.

The redevelopment of one of Westminster’s busiest areas, Leicester Square, is in full swing. The square’s gardens are being reshaped and new paving, seating and lighting installed. The work is set to be completed by April 2012.

Kingly Street in the heart of Soho has been pedestrianised, joining nearby Carnaby Street and other shopping destinations to be a more attractive and safer place to shop.

For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/p2w

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Did you know...

you can apply for a parking permit at

www.westminster.gov.uk/

applypermit

David Rennie

Sonja Redman

Gary Doran

Work on Leicester Square

20 The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter 21

2010 award winner Jacqui Haynes and her daughter Kimi with Nick Hurd, Minister for the Civil Society

Turly Humphries, is the director of Circle Sports, a social enterprise based in Church

Street that relies on volunteers from the

local community. She says:

“The map is an innovative way of putting local

people in touch with local volunteering opportunities.”

Turley Humphries

Your nominee for a Civic Community Award could win £500£500

We are working with Volunteer Centre Westminster and Voluntary Action

Westminster to get every organisation in Westminster that relies on volunteers to advertise their opportunities on the community map.

This will make it easy for you to see how you can get involved with your community. You can search for what interests you, from working with children to sports coaching and improving the environment.

You can also apply online. Just click on the opportunity you’re interested in to send the organisation a message.

• Get to know your local warden and let them know if you see any problems. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/westminsterwardens

• Join the biggest ever litter pick and help tidy up your corner of the community with The Big Tidy Up, a Keep Britain Tidy campaign. Visit www.thebigtidyup.org

• Report environmental issues such as fly tipping, faulty street lighting, potholes and overflowing recycling points at environmentalactionline@westminster.gov.uk

• As the leaves start to fall, sweep them out of the street to stop the drains from blocking.

• Don’t feed the pigeons. Their foul does not wash away in the rain and requires specialist removal costing a lot of money.

• Use the on-street litter and recycling bins when you are on the go.

• Put out your waste as close as possible to your collection time.

• Don’t put general waste in recycling bags, as contaminated waste won’t get collected by recycling.

• If you’re a dog owner, remember to clean up after your pet – or you could face a heavy fine.

Keeping your streets clean and safe

Putting volunteering on the map

Clean and safe streets are one of our priorities and the Westminster Wardens are on the streets every day to help look after street management and respond to your queries.

A new community map makes it easier than ever to find volunteering opportunities

close to where you live or work.

Nominate a local hero Do you know someone inspirational? Nominate them for an award and they could win £500.

The Civic Community Awards are all about recognising and

rewarding the people and organisations that make Westminster such a great place to live and work. This year’s categories include working with older people, young person of the year and partnership of the year.

Ravi’s tips on how you can help to keep your area looking clean and feeling safe.

Visit www.mycommunitymap.co.uk to get started. If your organisation relies on volunteers, you can register at www.mycommunitymap.co.uk/register

Nominations open on 7th October 2011. You can pick up a nomination form at your local library or leisure centre or nominate online at www.westminster.gov.uk/civiccommunity

Tonnes of street litter collected in Westminster every year, that’s 55 tonnes per day20,000

67.05

AUTUMNEDITION

Ravi Kumar, is a Westminster Warden in Knightsbridge and Belgravia. With 113 streets and nearly 10,000 residents, Ravi works in one of the largest wards in Westminster. He says:

“It’s different each day but I’m dealing with illegal street trading, checking on waste that has been

illegally dumped, solving licensing issues and responding to calls from the Environmental Action Line. Everyone can get involved in taking responsibility for their local area.”

Ravi Kumar

“Local authorities spend £600 million a year clearing up litter. We could all take our litter home or find a bin.” Kirstie Allsopp, Keep Britain Tidy Ambassador.

Kirstie Allsopp

awards

Did you know...

you can change a child’s life by

becoming a foster carer?

Visit

www.westminster.gov.uk/fostering

22 The Westminster Reporter

Shentie Martial ArtsWhen: Saturdays, 10amAge: 4-16What: Self-defence and anti-bullying training.Where: Little Venice Sports Centre, 10 Crompton Street, W2 1NDContact: Call 07525 745 723 or visit www.shentie-martialarts.com Cost: £5 or £4 with an ActiveWestminster PassportNearest Tube: Edgware Road

Just Breakin’ break dance class When: Saturdays, 1-2.30pm Age: 8+What: Dance with the professionals from the Just Breakin’ dance troupe. All levels are welcome.Where: Hyde Park bandstand, Serpentine Road and London Trocadero, 7-14 Coventry Street, Piccadilly Circus, W1D 7DH. Call before you visit to check the venue.Contact: Call 07816 666 193 or visit www.justbreakin.comCost: £6 per sessionNearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner/Piccadilly Circus

Half-term at Phab When: Sundays, 11.30am-2pm Age: 8-18What: Arts and crafts, cookery, games and computer skills for children with and without disabilities. Where: Churchill Gardens Youth Centre, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1W 8RUContact: Call 07930 202 242 or visit www.phab.org.uk

For more information, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/inthecity

“At Edutain, we play table tennis and pool, cook flapjacks and make smoothies. We also play football and design t-shirts.

“We like coming here because you can socialise and make friends, which can help to build your confidence.

“The staff make it fun and enjoyable and there’s a lot to do.”

Savannah Falconer, 10 and Megan and Alex Nagel, 12

The Westminster Reporter 23

Halloween photographyWhen: 28th October, 10.30am-12.15pm and 2-3.45pm

Age: All, children must be accompanied by an adult

What: Master the art of mask-making, makeup, lighting and acting to create spooky photos of yourself as a ghoul or ghost. Booking is essential.

Where: The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN

Contact: Call 020 7563 9527 or email booking@wallacecollection.org

Cost: Free

Nearest Tube: Baker Street/Bond Street

Magic carpet storytelling SundaysWhen: Sundays, 10.30-11am and 11.30am-12 midday

Age: Under 5s

Where: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. Meet in the Education Centre foyer. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the session starts.

Contact: Call 020 7747 2885 or visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families

and Chelsea and Westminster Contact: 020 8753 3824 (Hammersmith & Fulham)/020 7361 3010 (Kensington and Chelsea)/020 7641 1300 (Westminster)

Mini Kickstart – healthy lifestyle programmeWhen: Every two weeksAge: 2-5What: A free six-week programme offering dancing, football, arts and crafts plus advice on nutrition and healthy food choices for parents.Where: Varies, please call for details Contact: Call 020 7313 3060 or email minikickstart@westminster-pct.nhs.uk Nearest Tube: Call for details

Climbing wall sessionsWhere: West 1 Climbing Wall, Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJContact: Call 0845 363 1177 Nearest Tube: Baker Street/Marylebone/Marble Arch

Holiday climbing clubWhen: 24th-28th October, 4-5.30pmAge: 7+ Cost: £9.10 for five days with an ActiveWestminster Passport

Climbing taster sessionsWhen: 25th and 27th October, 1-2pm and 2.30-3.30pm Age: 4+What: An ideal introduction to climbing for children.Cost: £8.30 with an ActiveWestminster Passport

Half-term in Holland ParkWhen: 24th-28th October, call for times Age: 5-10 (two-hour sessions) and 8-12 (four-hour sessions)What: Visit the Ecology Centre in the wooded wildlife centre at Holland Park for a week of fun-packed activities including building shelter, orienteering and animal themed craft sessions. Booking is essential.

Where: Holland Park Ecology Centre, The Stable Yard, W8 6LUContact: Call 020 7938 8186, email ecology.centre@rbkc.gov.uk or visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecologyCost: £5 for non-residents

Bayswater Children’s CentreWhere: Bayswater Children’s Centre, St. Mary of the Angels RC School, Shrewsbury Road, W2 5PRContact: Call 020 7641 1350Nearest Tube: Westbourne Park/Royal Oak

Holiday Play SchemeWhen: 24th-28th October, 8.30am-6pm Age: 3-7Cost: Please call for details

Baby and youWhen: 24th October, 10.30-11.30am Age: Babies under 18 months and their parents.What: Drop-in sessions for parents and babies Cost: Free

Stay and PlayWhen: 25th-28th October, 10am-12 midday Age: Under 5s and their parentsWhat: Drop-in for children and their parents or carers.Cost: Free

Harvest festival workshopsWhen: 25th October, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm Age: 7+What: Learn new painting, drawing and collage skills to help you to create your own masterpiece. Booking is essential.Where: The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN Contact: Call 020 7563 9527Cost: £7Nearest Tube: Baker Street/Bond Street

What: Informal educational activities for young people with disabilities. Please call ahead.Where: Basement Club rooms, Tintern House, Abbots Manor Estate, Pimlico, SW1V 4JF Contact: Call 020 7834 1883 or visit caxtonyouth.org Cost: FreeNearest tube: Victoria

Steelpan classesWhen: Tuesdays and Thursdays until 27th October, 6.30-8.30pmAge: 16-25 (Tuesdays)/8-15 (Thursdays)What: Learn to play steelpan at the Ebony Steel Band Trust.Where: 1 Chippenham Mews, Unit 39, Baseline Business Studios, W11 4AT Contact: Call 020 7792 1418 or visit www.ebony.org.uk Cost: Free

Nearest Tube: Westbourne Park

LibrariesWhen: 24th-29th OctoberAge: 0-12Hammersmith & Fulham: Visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/libraries for details. Kensington and Chelsea: Baby rhyme time and story time sessions, games boxes for all ages, dressing up boxes for children aged three plus and colouring materials available every day during half-term. Plus children’s e-books and audio books available at www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries. Download to your computer, ipod or smartphone. Westminster: Sessions for under fives and half-term workshops for all ages. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries for detailsWhere: Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington

Cost: FreeNearest Tube: Sloane Square

Edutain sport and arts activitiesWhen: 24th–28th October, 10am-3pmAge: 8-13What: Just turn up, register and join in the fun in this action-packed programme of sport, dance and arts activities.Where: Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ and Churchill Gardens Youth Club, The Annexe, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3ALContact: Call 020 7641 2012 Cost: £1 per dayNearest Tube: Royal Oak (Academy Sport)/Pimlico (Churchill Gardens)

Holiday camps at Academy SportWhen: 24th-28th October, call for timesAge: 6-13What: Choose from day-long holiday camps or two-hour drop-in sessions plus NEW for this season – tennis camp and parkour camp at London’s first and largest outdoor parkour park.Where: Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZContact: Call 020 7121 0642 Cost: Free or £5 depending on activityNearest tube: Royal Oak

Caxton Youth ClubWhen: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6.30-9pmAge: 11-25

Take a look at our round-up of free and low cost activities for children and young people to help you stay active, learn new skills and meet new people this autumn half-term.

Autumn activitiesfor children and young people

24 The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter 25

Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services

WIN Ranger’s Apprentice books

We’ve got 100 copies of the first in the series of the Ranger’s

Apprentice books to give away to lucky Children First readers. Ranger’s Apprentice is a series of fantasy novels for children, following the adventures of Will, an orphan who is taken as an apprentice Ranger, as he strives to keep the Kingdom of Araluen safe from invaders, traitors, and threats. For your chance to win the first book in the series ‘The Ruins of Gorlan’ simply email childrenfirst@westminster.gov.uk with ‘Reporter books comp’ in the subject heading, and include your name and full address. Entries must be in by 31st November 2011, and winners will be picked at random.

To receive a FREE copy of Children First magazine three times per year, direct to your door, and find out about activities, offers, services and news for children and families in the city, simply email ‘Subscribe’ plus your name and address, to childrenfirst@westminster.gov.uk

Subscribe to Children First

Do you have a child starting primary or secondary school in September 2012?

Make sure you fill in your application form in time to

ensure that your child has the best chance of getting in to one of your preferred schools.

Secondary school admissions applications are due in by 31st October 2011 at the latest, but we recommend that you try to get your applications in by 21st October.

You can find out more and apply online now at www.westminster.gov.uk/schooladmissions where you can also view the school admissions brochures which include details of all primary and secondary schools in Westminster.

Primary school admissions applications are due in by 15th January 2012. You can apply online now at www.westminster.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011

1

children fi rstWestminster

Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011

Your magazine to fi nd out more about children’s and young people’s services

A great place to grow up!grow up!Play safely this summer!

Top tips for holiday play

Take centre stageKids week and West End LIVE offer FREE theatre for families

What’s on this summer?Activities and events

WIN a family ticket to Legally Blonde

WCC_Children'sFirst_May11AW.indd 1

11/05/2011 13:16

Creating Safer NeighbourhoodsAs a local resident, you can get involved in helping your area to stay safe.

Every community in Westminster is policed by a local Safer

Neighbourhoods Team, which aims to provide long-term solutions to local problems. The priorities of the team are decided with local residents so they get a real say in the policing of their area.

For more information on your Safer Neighbourhoods Team, visit www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods.

If you would like to be more involved in your community and get to know your neighbours, you may be interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch. You will be part of a community team that works together to help look after your local area. It enables residents to improve the quality of life in their area and provides reassurance to everyone in the community.

To find out if your area already has a watch or to discuss setting up a new one, please call 020 7641 2117.

WIN!As a city which has around a million

people pass through it every day, Westminster continues to be a very safe place to live and work.

In the aftermath of the disorder a lot of attention was given to groups of young people who were involved, however, this is not reflective of the majority of young people across the capital who do not commit serious or violent crime.

Westminster Youth Engagement Team (YET), are a dedicated group of officers who work to divert the city’s young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour and offer them advice and opportunities to get involved in a variety of different activities.

Recent events arranged by the YET include a series of workshops hosted by the Stowe Youth Centre. A number

of young men and women from St. Giles Trust, who have been in prison or are ex-gang members spoke to an audience made up of local young people about the consequences of becoming involved in crime and the reality of spending time in prison.

Sgt Pete Chamberlain who heads up the unit, says: “The most important thing is that the youngsters are hearing this information directly from people who have turned their lives around. They have the chance to talk to these people about their experiences and learn the truth about how the decisions they make now could affect them for the rest of their lives.”

In addition the YET regularly visits local schools, arranges home visits for youngsters who have been in trouble to speak to them and their parents and helps to organise local PlayStation and table tennis competitions between

local youth clubs. This brings together groups of young people from different areas who would not normally socialise.

Sgt Chamberlain says: “One of the most successful initiatives we run is for the group of young people often referred to as NEETs, neither in employment, education or training, many of whom have been involved in some sort of crime or anti-social behaviour.

“Since 2009 we have organised a week-long course for these youngsters to introduce them to the criminal justice system, spending a day at court, a day with the Crown Prosecution Service and visiting a police station and talking to people in a variety of positions. Not only does this give them the chance to meet the people in these roles and gain a better understanding of how the system works, it also raises their awareness of possible job opportunities.”

One 18-year-old girl who attended the course has gone on to volunteer as a witness support worker, and another young man met a judge who started his career in the navy, and has gone on to sign up himself. Most importantly of the 75 young people who have attended the criminal justice courses, 100% of them have not gone on to re-offend since.

Reducing youth crimeThe disorder that occurred in August was pure criminality, causing harm and

damage to innocent local people and places across London. Disruption in Westminster was dealt with swiftly and robustly and we are continuing to pursue

those responsible through the courts.

There are currently eight safer schools officers dedicated to schools in Westminster 8

“ The most important thing is that the youngsters are hearing... directly from people who have turned their lives around.” Sgt Pete Chamberlain

For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team visit www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods

Did you know...

young people need support to develop

into responsible adults, and you can

help by volunteering?

Visit www.youlondon.org.uk and

www.do-it.org.uk

26 The Westminster Reporter

ROCK OF AGES is the “insanely fun” (New York Time Out) worldwide smash hit that features a raucous mix of tunes including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, and I Want To Know What Love Is.

Set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, ROCK OF AGES takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This five-time Tony Award nominated musical, now being made into a movie starring Tom Cruise opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in September.

Be sure to book now to be one of the first to experience all the fun of London’s hilarious new kick-ass musical!

“Rocky Horror meets Spinal Tap – a great night out.” Simon Dale, Heart FM.

Email reporter@westminster.gov.uk by 10th October to enter.

Tickets valid until 21st October Monday to Thursday subject to availability.

The Westminster Reporter 27

World class art in WestminsterWestminster is being transformed into a giant open air gallery through City of Sculpture. The council is working with leading artists and galleries to bring some of London’s best artwork to iconic sites in Westminster in the lead up to the Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/sculpture to find out more.

Celebrate Black History Month Celebrate diversity with international Black History Month in October. There’s lots going on across Westminster as part of this year’s event, including shows, debates and exhibitions. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth to find out more.

20% off winter weddings Book a civil wedding or partnership at the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall for January or February 2012 and get 20% off. We have also teamed up with other wedding venues and suppliers to offer exclusive discounts for your special day. To find out how to book, view all our offers and for tips on how to plan a winter ceremony, go to www.westminster.gov.uk/registrar.

London Film Festival When: 12th-27th OctoberWhat: London’s biggest film festival including galas and special screenings in Leicester Square.Where: Various. See website for details.Contact: www.bfi.org.uk

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con

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ns a

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WIN!Tickets for

Rock of Agesstarring Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward.

Take a look at what’s on this autumn with our round-up of offers, events and activities.

Cost: Visit website for detailsNearest Tube: Various

Diwali in the squareWhen: 16th October, 2-7pmWhat: Celebrate the festival of Diwali with stage shows and other entertainment in Trafalgar Square.Where: Trafalgar SquareContact: www.diwaliinlondon.com Cost: FreeNearest Tube: Charing Cross/Leicester Square

Lord Mayor’s ShowWhen: 12th November, 11amWhat: A colourful procession for all the family followed by fireworks on The Thames at 5pm.Where: Guildhall to Mansion House via The Strand.Contact: www.lordmayorsshow.orgNearest Tube: Various, see website for details

Remembrance SundayWhen: 13th November 2011, 11amWhat: Remember those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom of the nation. Where: Cenotaph in Whitehall Contact: www.britishlegion.org.ukCost: FreeNearest Tube: Westminster/Charing Cross

Quick lookLondon Restaurant Festival, 3rd-17th October at restaurants througout London, www.londonrestaurantfestival.comRoyal Parks Foundation Marathon, 9th October (Hyde Park), www.royalparkshalf.com

Don’t forget your ResCard discountsThere are lots of great discounts available across London for Westminster residents with your ResCard. For more information or to apply for a ResCard visit www.westminster.gov.uk/rescard

What’s on this autumn?

Lorenzo Quinn’s

15 foot sculpture,

Vroom Vroom,

Park Lane

Change a child’s life. Become a foster carer.Call 0800 0322 533 or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/fosteringAll our foster carers receive a fee, generous allowances and ongoing support.

wcc_fostercare_reporter_advert.001.indd 1 07/09/2011 12:10

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Use Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25%■ YES, I would like Smile Train to claim Gift Aid on any donations that Ihave made within the last 4 years and all donations I make in the future untilfurther notice. I confirm that I pay sufficient UK income/capital gains tax tocover any tax that Smile Train will reclaim from any donations that I make.■ NO, I am not a UK taxpayer.

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Charge my gift to my: ■ Visa ■ MasterCard ■ Maestro

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I want to give a child a second chance at life.

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Send this coupon with your donation to:

The Smile Train UK,PO Box 910,Northampton NN3 0BG

Donate online: www.smiletrain.org.uk OR call: 0870 127 6269 Registered Charity No. 1114748 Registered Company No. 05738962 © 2011 The Smile Train.

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Anu, 2 years, India

Eduardo, 6 months, Peru

Guo Sen, 6 months, China

Kabir, 7 months, Nigeria

Nisa, 4 years, Indonesia

Sokhorn, 13 months,Cambodia

Pick one. Just one.Save their life for £150. You’ll end up smiling too.

£150 towards surgery forone child

£75 could cover half thecost of one surgery

£30 towards medications for one surgery

£ We’ll gratefully acceptany amount

Free cleft surgery which takes as little as 45 minutes and costsas little as £150, can give desperate children not just a newsmile – but a new life.

CS

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