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Paralympics Torch Arrives in London

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:32:39 +0100

Were you one of the millions feeling low when the Olympics ended? Still wondering how to fill your spare time? It is time to say goodbye to misery and a huge hello to the 2012 Paralympic Games!

The event starts next week and with excitement for the games already building, what better way to build the anticipation than cheering on the Paralympic torch as it passes through your neighbourhood?

On Wednesday 29 August the Paralympic flame will pass through Salusbury Road in our very own NW6. It will start its journey at Willesden Sports Centres running track and continue towards Carlton Vale.

Made from aluminium alloy, the torch was designed by London-based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. The torch has been given a mirrored finish which means that its colour will adapt to its surroundings.

According to the Paralympics website, London has broken with tradition in 2012 by creating a unique identity for the Paralympic Torch Relay. It starts tomorrow when four National Flames will be created in the four home nations England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The four flames will ultimately be united to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games begin on Wednesday 29 August

Image: London 2012

99 Tiny Games in London

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:22:41 +0100

This weekend could be your last chance to experience 99 Tiny Games. Scattered through Londons boroughs are 99 tiny games: posters on walls and floors in streets and parks, each one containing rules for an easy-to-play game.

The games are designed to be happened upon and played on the spot. Everything needed to play the game is contained within a simple vinyl poster and the surrounding environment so players might use a nearby mosaic or pattern of bricks, a set of steps or street furniture.

Part of the Mayor of Londons Showtime festival, the idea behind the games was to bring the magic of the London 2012 Games to every corner of the capital. The Mayor of London said: This summer we are hosting the greatest sporting event on earth and this project has a wonderful symmetry. Londoners and visitors alike will have the opportunity to come together to play miniature games in locations right across the capital. Whether striking up play with your friends or family, or engaging with those around you, its another way to bring the community together at this special time for our city.

You can find the exact locations of the games on the 99 tiny games website. However if you would rather spontaneously find them, we suggest walking around Maida Vale, Willesden and Swiss Cottage!

North West London Tube & Train Delays

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:03:57 +0100

West Hampstead enjoys excellent transport links and has direct access to most of the London 2012 Olympic Games venues. Both the West Hampstead Jubilee Line and Overground Line go to Stratford, so West Hampstead will be a thriving transport hub during the Olympics such as Wembley Stadium in 10 mins, Wembley Arena in 8 mins, Lord's Cricket Ground in 6 mins, The Mall in 16 mins, Wimbledon in 55mins, Hyde Park in 15 mins, and Greenwich in 27 minutes.

Local residents living and working in North West London who need to travel on a daily basis to Docklands, The West End or the City of London will need to plan their journeys carefully and try not to travel as spectators are traveling to major events at the 2012 Olympic Games venues in north, central, east and west London. Queues at tube and train stations will be much longer than usual, so top up or buy your Oyster card in advance.

Jubilee Line

The Jubilee line connects West Hampstead and North West London to the business areas of Canary Wharf, London Bridge and Bond Street. The morning and evening peak periods are expected to be busier than usual as spectators use the line to get to the Olympics Stadium in Stratford, events at ExCel in Docklands, Greenwich Park in South East London, Earls Court in West London or Wembley Arena and Stadium in North West London

The Jubilee line is expected to be busiest between Canary Wharf and Green Park, where short queues for trains are expected. Outside peak times, the line will be busier than usual but it will be easier board trains.

Delays expected: Weekdays 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:30, and from 22:00 until last train
Busiest dates: Entire 2012 Olympic Games period, including weekends

Northern Line

The Northern line will see additional demand as spectators use it to change lines on their way to Olympic Games locations in central, east and west London. The morning and evening peak periods are expected to be busy, however the Bank branch will be exceptionally busy. Regular users should avoid changing lines at Bank or London Bridge and instead use the Charing Cross branch, changing at Embankment for Monument (for London Bridge) or Moorgate (for Bank).

Delays expected: Weekdays 07:30-09:00 and 16:00-19:00, and 22:00 until last train
Busiest dates: Entire 2012 Olympic Games period, including weekends

Metropolitan Line

The Metropolitan line is usually busy in the morning peak for regular users from Finchley Road to the city, and from Baker Street to Harrow-on-the-Hill during the evening peak. It is expected to get busier when spectators travel to Wembley Park for football events at Wembley Stadium during the afternoon and evening, and return after these events end.

Delays expected: Areas north of Baker Street
Busiest dates: 29 and 31 July, and 1, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11 August

Bakerloo Line

The Bakerloo line will be busier than usual on days that events are being held at Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena . It is also likely to be busier during weekday mornings, particularly between Paddington and Baker Street, as people use it to change lines on their way to Olympic Games venues and events in central, east and west London.

Delays expected: Areas north of Baker Street
North of Baker Street: 29 and 31 July, 1, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11 August

Overground

London Overground serves Olympic venues at Stratford, West Brompton (for Earl's Court) and Wembley Central. Trains which are already busy at peak periods between Clapham Junction and Shepherd's Bush, and between Highbury & Islington and Stratford, will be even busier during the 2012 London Olympic Games. Canada Water will also be very busy as passengers change to the Jubilee line for other Olympic venues in North West London and East London.

Delays expected: Weekdays 08:00-11:00 and 16:00-20:00, and 22:00 until last train
Busiest dates: Entire 2012 Olympic Games period, including weekends

Docklands Light Railway

DLR will be much busier than normal as it serves Canary Wharf and four Olympic venues. It will be busiest between Bank and Greenwich (from Bank in the morning and to Bank in the evening), and all day between Bank/Canning Town and Prince Regent in both directions. Special arrangements will be in place at Bank to manage passenger safety, though these may delay journeys. Customers should use alternative routes, avoiding Bank if possible.

Delays expected: Weekdays 08:00-11:00 and 16:00-20:00, and 22:00 until last train
Busiest dates: Entire 2012 Olympic Games period, including weekends

London Property Investment Hot Spots

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:06:05 +0000

Paramount Properties are an established and independent estate and letting agents covering the Willesden Green & Cricklewood area of North West London.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the area around London NW2 and London NW10 was strongly associated with the railways, and a large industrial centre grew around Cricklewood Station.

Today the area is less industrialised but its heritage offers many excellent opportunities to live the 'urban lifestyle' in converted factories and warehouses. This cosmopolitan area offers shopping and eating from all over the world and it is considered to be an 'up and comming area', ready for gentrification.

'Willesden Green residents enjoy a more modest style of home as opposed to the properties found in the more expensive Hampstead and Maida Vale areas of North West London,' advised David Warren of Paramount Properties. based in West Hampstead.

'The area around Willesden Green in North West London offers good investment potential for buy to let investors or first time property buyers. Willesden Green offers a large range of Victorian houses and Victorian terraced properties, modern housing developments and cheaper houses, flats and apartments in an area with good transport links. There is great road access in Willesden Green, along with underground access on the Jubilee line and mainline services and several bus routes,' he continued.

If you are looking for investment property to buy in Willesden Green or Criclewood please contact the Paramount Team.

World Flavours Market Comes To Willesden Green This Weekend

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:16:05 +0100

Saturday 2nd of July is the first day for the World Flavours Market to come to North West London. The market will set up for 10am outside of Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden and be there until 5pm. The stalls will range in both culture and trade, offering food & drink, fashion & accessories and arts & crafts from various cultures. This cosmopolitan mix has been created to represent different cultures and highlight the wide variety of things available in North London.

This event is part of The Greenhouse @ Willesden Programme which gives anyone in the area the opportunity to showcase something special from events like this to a special talent. Founder and organiser, Ostia Udenson, comments "World Flavours Market is a direct response to residents demand for a market in Willesden... We aim to add to the regeneration efforts in Willesden town centre".

The market trades every fortnight until 24th September which is the last date. For more information or to get in contact with the event organisers please visit www.udensoncaldbeck.co.uk . For more information on The Greenhouse @ Willesden Programme or up and coming events in Willesden, Brent and North West London please visit www.brent.gov.uk.

Our Very Own Gladstonbury Festival In Dollis Hill

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:10:10 +0100

There is no need to travel miles and tramp though fields of mud in order to take part in a great festival this summer.

On Sunday the 19th June, which is Fathers Day so if you're looking to treat you dad, why not head to Gladstone Park in Dollis Hill between 12pm and 6pm for the Gladstonbury Festival.

There is plenty of music and entertainment to suit all tastes. Some of the music on the main stage, which has proved very popular in the previous years, will be from The Future Shape of Sound, who are renowned for their retro sound and putting on a great live show. The Penny Black Remedy who are a London based band who play a mix of country and punk music. If you prefer to entertain rather than be entertained there will also be an Open Mic set, further details of this can be found at www.gladstonepark.org.uk.

As well as music there will be live chainsaw tree sculpture demonstrations from The Tree Pirates, Mr Alexander performing magic and juggling and Irvin's Funfair. Even your pets have not been forgotten... you can enter your dog into the Woofstock dog show!

If you fancy learning a new skill there will be demonstrations from Artist Blacksmith Toby Petersen, Kilburn Comos are running Rugby games for kids, Roller Dome are offering a introduction to roller skating and in the kids craft tent there will be a sewing workshop and Fathers Day card making.

So pop along to this free event, you'll just need some cash for all the delicious food available and the craft stalls with all sorts of wonderful handmade goods such as glassware, cards, jewellery and wood sculptures.

If you need any more information, would like to volunteer or to book a stall please contact antonia@gladstonepark.org.uk or visit www.gladstonepark.org.uk.

Alternative Transport to the Jubilee Line

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:08:16 +0000

As you may already be aware, large sections of the Jubilee Line will be closed for nine out of the next 14 weekends so we wanted to inform you about the alternative routes in order to get into West Hampstead.

Thameslink Station

This is an overground train which is located to the right of the West Hampstead tube station. Please visit their website for the timetables. Accepts Oyster Cards. www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk

West Hampstead Overground

This is a National Rail station on the North London Line located on West End Lane and is Travelcard Zone 2. The trains normally run every 15 minutes. Please visit their website for the timetables. Accepts Oyster Cards.

www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/whd/details

Bus Routes

There are a number of buses around West Hampstead and all routes can be found by clicking on the following link. This also details 24 hour routes. www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/westhampstead-10906.pdf

Parking in West Hampstead

Struggling to find somewhere to park? Not sure what the parking restrictions are?

Visit Camden's website an maps.camden.gov.uk/parkingbays/ put in the street or postcode of your destination and it provides you with complete details of the type, how many spaces,controlled parking zone and hours in order to make planning your journey much easier.

If all the engineering work goes to plan, all normal procedure should resume at the end of Spring this year.

Mini Marathon opportunity this weekend!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:50:17 +0000

A mini marathon is taking place this Sunday 13th February for young runners from the Brent area. Anyone aged 11 to 17 years old is invited to take part!

The starting point will be the Willesden Sports Centre in Donnington Road, Willesden. Entrants must register between 9.30am and 10.30am on the day of the race. The race will start at 11am.

The first runners to complete this trial race will get a chance to become part of Team Brent and will qualify for a place in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon on April 17th! These runners will run the last 3 miles of the London Marathon from London's Old Billingsgate, to the same finishing line in The Mall. This is one of the most exciting youth sports events around so get involved! Or tell any young people you know about this great opportunity - so get running!

Fix My Street Please!

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:18:58 +0000

Have you ever wanted to report a problem in your area but don't know who to contact? Have you spent ages on the phone trying to speak to someone at your local council? If so, this website is for you.

The charity mysociety.org in conjunction with Young Foundation launched fixmystreet.com in 2007 and provides residents with a quick and easy way of reporting things in their area that are broken, dirty, damaged, dumped, needs fixing, cleaning or clearing.

To use the site, all you just need to enter your postcode or location, and then you can view problems already reported in your area, or report your own by clicking your location on the map provided.

All reported problem will be sent to the relevant council by email. The council can then resolve the problem through their normal procedure. Local residents are also able to discuss the problem with others on the website by providing an update.

Please visit the website for further information, to sign up for alerts or to start reporting your problems.

Willesden Green library to undergo major redevelopment

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:45:09 +0000

If the redevelopment goes ahead it will mean much greater facilities for the whole of the South Brent borough. The new library would continue to provide all the services available now such as the loaning of books, book launches, art workshops and information seminars. As well as this the new library could offer shopping, housing and meeting rooms, if private funding is found.

There is an 'Expression of Interest' forum that Brent council are using from until July this year to let the local community have their say about what they would like the new library to offer. This will be used to select ideas, offers and programmes which could be showcased at Willesden Green library.

In order to have your say please visit the borough of Brent website www.brent.gov.uk and complete a customer questionnaire and Expression of Interest form.

We will keep you updated on the progress of this project - Keep reading!

What do you know about the Dell?

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:39:12 +0000

The Dell was originally a neglected park in Hoveden Road but in 2005 was renovated by The Dell Trust with the help from the locals to very special landscaped gardens and is now currently known as the "people's park".

Since the park has been transformed, there have been many events that have taken place and continue to be enjoyed by all the residents.

This year the trust have upgraded the childrens play area and a secluded area for teenagers and on Monday 20th December, there will be Carol Singing between 6pm and 8pm from 6.30pm.

As these gardens are maintained by the trust, they constantly require support from the local residents so if you would like to get involved, then please visit the Dell website www.mapesbury-dell.org for more information.

The Bowling Green Pavilions new nursery

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:16:55 +0000

Back in January 2010, there was a planning application received by Brent Council for the erection of a single-storey building for use as a nursery school on the Bowling Green Pavilions located in Chatsworth Road, NW2.

On the 19th October 2010, the application was granted by Brent Council as there was a need in the community for more child care provisions.

The nursery that put forward this application and will be looking to relocate in the future is Crickets Montessori Nursery School currently located in South Hampstead Cricket Club in Brondesbury Park.

This nursery is currently owned by a private owner. It first opened back in 2004 and is registered for 30 children from two to five years. This relocation would allow the nursery attendance to expand to approximately 45 children.

It opens Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.10pm with the exception of closing at midday on Wednesday. The provision is registered on the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register.

Ofsted inspected this school in 2009 and found that the staff work well together, the children are very happy and settled in the nursery. The nursery is well equipped, the children have good opportunities to develop their creativity, play outdoors and learn the importance of healthy eating.

Having recently spoken to Brent Council, the works have not begun yet but we are anticipating the arrival of this hopefully in the coming year.

London property prices rise on the Jubilee Line

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:15:11 +0000

Property prices are now above their peaks of September 2007 in 22 of the capital's 154 postcodes according to a London property price survey conducted by UK property website, Zoopla.

Property prices on the "Jubilee line corridor" of north west London have recovered faster since the crash than in any other part of London, according to research. from Zoopla. St John's Wood NW8 tops the list of London postcodes where property prices have now passed their 2007 peaks. Of the top 12 London postcodes, five property price hot spots are on the Jubilee line which runs through North West London to the West End, The City and Docklands.- St John's Wood; NW2 (served by Dollis Hill and Neasden stations), NW3 (Swiss Cottage), NW6 (Kilburn and West Hampstead), and NW10 (Willesden Green).

London property prices fell 20 per cent or more in the wake of the credit crunch yet the average St John's Wood property is valued at £888,840, almost seven per cent above property prices in September 2007, according to the house price survey.

Paramount Properties are London estate and letting agents, based in West Hampstead, specialising in buying selling, renting and letting houses, penthouses, lofts, studios, flats and apartments in the Jubille Line corridor postcodes of London NW3, London NW2 / NW10, London NW6 and London NW8 / W9

Popdance classes to be held at Swiss Cottage Community Center

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:15:02 +0100

Swiss cottage Community Centre hosts 'Popdance', a great dance class specially designed for adults on Monday's at 11am. The class was created to combine a fun filled dance class where adults of all ages and abilities can learn dance routines to pop music, allowing you to let loose from the stresses of life and have some fun. Popdance classes are held all over the country and are launching in our very own Swiss Cottage on 3rd November.

They offer a pressure free, relaxed and friendly environment where you can hone in on your skills. The routines are all tought over 4 sessions to allow everyone in the class learn at their own pace. They often hold one off events such as 'Baby Loves Disco' - an afternoon for the boogying babies and toddlers to have their fun!

The first 'taster class' is free of charge. There are popdance classes all over the UK waiting to get you boogying to the latest pop tunes! And just in time to get you ready for that all important Christmas party...

Go green Camden increasing number of green roofs by 2012

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:31:06 +0100

NW6 is set to be a part of Mayor Boris Johnson's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. We are joined by other London Borough's including the majority of Westminster and the inner parts of Camden, Southwark and Kensington and Chelsea - all of which have been required to build a new green roof. This does not only support the worlds 'go green' campaign but may also reduce fuel bills by providing effective heat insulation on the roof and possibility minimising sound.

There has already been two of these new roofs installed at the Webheath estate in Hampstead in 2009 and more in line to join Boris's Strategy. The London Borough of Camden has endeavored to substantially increase the existing number by 2012.

South Hampstead's current contribution to this scheme is already in progress on Rowley Lane. Many other similar schemes are already in early stages through out the borough.

Camden's 'Environmental Sustainability Delivery Plan' which commits to protect the environment and develop a more sustainable future for the borough. They promise to strive to help residents and businesses alike do what they can to reduce environmentally harmful actions and contribute to the scheme.

These steps do not only just support the worlds 'go green' campaign and the 'World Green Roof Congress' but may also reduce fuel bills by providing effective heat insulation on the roof and possibility minimising sound. The new roofs can also act as a coolant in the hot weather possibly making air-conditioning bills lower.

Belsize Park opens the doors to its new Post Office!

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:31:30 +0100

After six years of campaigning...A new Post Office has opened in Belsize Park! The champagne was flowing as Locals celebrated the opening.

After the closure of Haverstock Hill, Belsize Village and Englands Lane Post Offices, the accessibility of a nearby Post Office has effected many residents. Locals are being encouraged to show their support as it is only open for a trial period and Camden Council has funded the start up costs for the of around £7,200.

Residents are confident that there is, and will continue to be, a sufficient demand for service and that the Post Office will be a huge success. The late night counter service "Essentials" is open from 7am until 11pm in Budgens Supermarket on Haverstock Hill. Customers will be able to access a range of different services including travel services, government services, bill payments, banking and mailing.

West Hampstead Thameslink Station is being given a make over!

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:41:05 +0100

Preparatory work has started in building a new West Hampstead Thameslink station and revival of the surrounding area, in a project which is part of Camden Councils "Place Shaping Strategy". The strategy involves making significant improvements in order to make West Hampstead a more pleasant and enjoyable place to live, work and visit. The building of a new station and associated improvements are funded jointly by the council and Network Rail as part of its £5.5bn Thameslink program, the aim of which is to massively increase the capacity of passengers on north-south services through London, and to improve the interchanges within the West Hampstead Underground and Overground stations and ease congestion across routes.

Network Rail say that after improvements the station will be a brighter and safer place, more equipped to handle the extra passengers. The station itself will be built with a "living roof" living as it will be planted with flowering sedum plants, making the view from surrounding offices and residential premises attractive and visually appealing.

On Iverson Road the pedestrian crossing will be improved to make it easier for people to cross the street, and the pavements are being widened for safety and extra space for pedestrians. The space along the footpaths will be landscaped into a tree-lined walkway, as well as new cycle racks which will be incorporated making the area more pleasant and in keeping with the new "green" station.

More passengers are expected to travel in the Thameslink as new longer trains are introduced in 2015, changing them from 8 carriages to 12. A new foot bridge will be installed in preperation, allowing easier access to all platforms. The platforms at the Thameslink station are being extended and should complete by the end of 2010, beginning of 2011.

Will retail giant Sainsburys take the place of the closed down mini market on West End Lane?

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:27:35 +0100

This is a question which has become significant in the last few weeks, and a lot of people would like to know the answer too. There has recently been an application for a licence made by Sainsbury's to Camden Council, which, if it is successful, will mean that they could open a store at 204 West End Lane, West Hampstead, in the place of closed down store "best-one".

To many who live in West Hampstead, the mini market "Best-One" which was open 24 hours was an iconic feature of quirky West Hampstead. It made up part of the character of West End Lane, as well as the other many independent shops. However although people may enjoy this ideal, the reality is that in recent years many more people have chosen to shop in a chain store, over shopping in a franchise independent store.

Some shop owners down West End Lane report that sales have gone down by as much as 50% since Tesco's opened, and are worried that if a Sainsbury's opens there then they may end up closing due to the competition from both stores. The decision has not yet been made, and we are looking forward to finding out what the store will become.

Willesden Green has their very own homework club!

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:08:01 +0100

We all know how important it is for children to learn at least the basic English and Maths skills at a young age, for their development, and to enable them to prosper in these areas in adult life. "Teachus Homework Club" in Willesden, aims to provide essential extra supplement for English and Maths for children who are being educated in Key stage 1, 2 and 3. Homework clubs have been proven to show an improvement to children's grades at school, as they can provide the extra help they may require out of school hours.

The teachers who run the homework club are all from exceptional teaching backgrounds and are all graduates from the top-ten universities across the UK. The teachers aim to focus on educating children at their own ability level, and to give them extra exam practice, ensuring students are tested every 8-10 weeks so that teachers are able to track their progress. The cost per hour for tuition is only £4, and this is paid at the beginning of each lesson. "Teachus Homework Club" takes place every Monday and Thursday throughout the year, in term time only, at The Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road, Willesden.

Ballet takes on Queens Park

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:33:02 +0100

From the 15th September to the 8th December 2010 there will be 12x 1 hour Ballet lessons taking place on a Wednesday evening. This is great for adults and who are interested in starting ballet up to intermediate level skills in ballet.

The 6.30-7.30pm session is only for adults who have either no experience or little experience in Ballet and wish to start anew. The 7.30-8.30pm is for adults who have already completed their level 1 and are ready to move on away from the basics of Ballet. Towards the end of the course a short choreographed dance is worked on learning how to dance together as a group.

Stage terminologies are also practiced towards the end of each course. The lessons will take place upstairs, at The Corrib Rest, 76-80 Salusbury Rd, Queens Park, London, NW6 6PA.