YourCamden - Camden Council

YourCamden
camden.gov.uk
Summer 2008
your FREE monthly magazine from Camden Council
Summer in Camden
News, what’s on, vouchers and competitions inside
INSIDE
Y o u t h
c r i m e
|
E P I C s
|
S t r e e t
w a r d e n s
YourCamden
Summer 2008
Excellence in
communications
awards.
Winner best
civic newspaper/
magazine 2007
ISSUE 19
14
9
Inside
A borough of opportunity
EPICs: the winners are revealed
18
Your summer in Camden
Compost for Camden
News
Regulars
Features
4 | News
13 | Your views
Parking permits
Kentish town update
Street warden changes
16 | Youth
crime
5 | News
17 | W
orking
together
2012 games
Summer fires
6 | News
19 | H
ousing news
Volunteering awards
Customer services
Tackling ASB
7 | News
De la Soul
Giuseppe Fioroni
Salman Rushdie
Win junk clearance
King’s Cross square
Councillor campaign
30 | What’s on
The consequences
of carrying a knife
20 | Home
security
YourCamden
is free to all residents
and provides you with
information about
our services.
Published by the
communications team,
London Borough of
Camden. Editorial
and advertising:
020 7974 5717,
distribution:
020 7974 5973.
Write free of charge to
FREEPOST YourCamden
or email yourcamden@
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Costs 13 pence per copy
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Cover: Sandra Howgate.
Distribution from
23 July 2008.
Next issue out
3 September 2008.
Download a podcast
of YourCamden
from camden.gov.uk/
yourcamden
You can receive a
copy of YourCamden in
large print or on audio
tape by phoning 020
7974 5717.
How to reduce your
chance of being burgled
21 | Sport
Camden
Join a local netball team
Printed on paper manufactured
from virgin pulp produced from
sustainable, managed forests.
Summer 08 3
YourCamden
news
Online parking permits
It’s now easier to save time
and avoid paperwork when
renewing your parking permit,
thanks to the introduction
of online permit renewals.
If you bought your
last permit on or
after 1 August 2007 and your
address and vehicle are still the
same, you can take advantage of
the new online renewals service
by visiting our website.
You’ll no longer have to give us
proof of residence or your vehicle
details. And once payment has
been made, your electronic
permit will automatically be
renewed. We’ll then write to
you to confirm.
To help prevent fraud,
every month a sample of all
permit holders will be asked to
provide proof of residence and
vehicle details. Those selected will
have 21 days to respond.
If you bought your parking
permit before 1 August 2007,
your address or car details have
changed, or if you’re applying for
the first time, you’ll still need to
complete an application form.
You can download an
application form from our website
or contact us and we’ll send you
one in the post.
You can find out more about
how to apply for a parking permit
by visiting camden.gov.uk/parking
or calling 020 7974 4646.
Kentish Town
refurb begins
Work has started to transform the 101 year-old Victorian
baths in Kentish Town, following the official go-ahead from
English Heritage.
Over £25 million of investment will create a new sports
centre with a bigger and better gym and dance studio,
three swimming pools and separate male and female
changing rooms. Many of the building’s original heritage
features will be preserved.
Our partners are Wates Construction. They have started
preparing the site for the building and restoration work.
As soon as the scaffolding is up, the external brick work
will be cleaned. Stonemasons can then start repairing
and replacing the century-old stonework. This type of
preservation work is skilled which means it could take up
to a year to complete.
The sports centre is due to re-open in 2010.
You can keep up-to-date on the progress of the
works at Kentish Town sports centre by visiting
camden.gov.uk/ktnews or phoning 020 7974 4187.
4 Summer 08
An artist’s impression of Kentish Town sports centre
YourCamden
news
On your marks
for 2012
On 24 August the Olympic games will be officially handed
over to the UK, in advance of the games in 2012.
The Olympic flag will be handed over from the Mayor
of Beijing to the Mayor of London at the closing
ceremony of the 2008 games.
Big screens will show live action from the
games and the closing ceremony at a welcome
party and concert in The Mall.
All over the UK, the Olympic flag will be raised
between 3.30 and 5.30pm. Here in Camden, you can
watch our Olympic flag being raised at a family day
at Swiss Cottage library.
Between 24 and 30 August you can also go along
to Regents Park to support British competitors in the
international gay and lesbian football world championships.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of application for premises to be approved
as a venue for civil marriage & civil partnership.
British Medical Association being Proprietor of BMA House,
Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP apply to the London Borough
of Camden to be licensed under the Marriage & Civil Partnership Act as
premises where civil marriages & civil partnerships can take place.
The Marriages & Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations
2005 state that the premises can be approved
by the council if in their opinion and amongst things:
1. They are seemly and dignified and regularly
available for civil marriages & civil partnerships.
2. They have adequate fire precautions and
other appropriate safety precautions.
3. They have no recent, or continuing connection with any religion,
which is incompatible with the use of the premises as a venue for civil
marriages & civil partnerships.
Full details of these conditions can be obtained from the Superintendent
Registrar, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE.
Any person wishing to see the application I have made
and plans of the premises may do so at the Register Office, Camden Town
Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE
Any person wishing to object to my application may only
do so if my premises do not comply with the conditions required by these
Regulations of the Council.
Objections must be made in writing to the Proper Officer for Registration
Matters, Register Office, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H
9JE and must be received within 21 days of the date of this publication.
Join the 2012 handover celebrations
The largest sporting event of its kind in the world will
see 50 teams, from countries including Iran and Iraq,
compete in four separate tournaments.
You can find out more and watch the run up to the
2012 games at camden.gov.uk/olympics
When we
don’t get it right
We want to provide good
quality services for everyone.
But things can go wrong. If they do, we need to
know so we can put them right and learn from them.
If you are unhappy about one of our
services, you should write or speak
to the relevant service manager.
If you are still unhappy there is a
formal complaints procedure.
Contact our central complaints
unit on 020 7974 5644, email
complaints@camden.gov.uk
camden.gov.uk/complaints
Summer 08 5
YourCamden
news
community
news
Volunteers
vote
If you volunteer, this could be
your chance to win up to £250 in
vouchers.
Volunteer Centre Camden want
to recognise the organisations that
are great to volunteer for, in the
Camden volunteering organisation
of the year awards 2008.
It doesn’t matter how long
you’ve been volunteering for or
what kind of volunteering you do Volunteer Centre Camden want to
receive your nominations.
Nominating the organisation you
volunteer for is a great way to say
thank you and show support.
You can nominate any
organisation that is based in
Camden or is a member of
Volunteer Centre Camden.
One lucky nominator, who
nominates the overall winning
organisation, will receive £250 of
gift vouchers.
The closing date for nominations
is 19 September 2008. Winners
will be announced at an awards
ceremony in November at the
British Museum.
You can get a nomination
form and find out more about
volunteering opportunities in
Camden by calling 020 7424
9990, emailing info@camdenvb.
org.uk or visiting camdenvb.org.uk
6 Summer 08
Customer
services come together
Proposals to create a single customer
centre are currently being considered.
At present there are 13 different
receptions spread across the King’s
Cross town hall buildings. If implemented,
the changes would mean that you would
only have to visit one location to access a
wide range of services.
The single reception point
would be based on the
ground floor of the Camden
centre - located between the
old town hall and town hall
extension – with its doors
opening onto the Euston
Road.
Two floors of office
accommodation could be
created on the other floors of
the Camden centre freeing up
space in the town hall extension.
The town hall extension is a 1970s
building facing a repair bill of more than
£12.5 million to replace its electrics,
heating and lifts. Redevelopment could
help avoid these costs.
You can find out more by visiting
camden.gov.uk
The entrance to the Camden centre
Kings of the castle
Around 60 children from the Somers Town and
Regents Park areas will be kings of the castle
on 13 August, when they take part in the
borough’s first children’s panel.
The fun event at Pirate Castle in
Camden Town will be the first of a series of
special events where children can let us know what
they like and dislike about living in Camden.
The children, aged five to 13, have been
invited through schools, play projects and
other groups in the area.
Their views will help us to write our next
children and young people’s plan - the document
which sets out how we will work with others to improve
the lives of children and young people in Camden.
Five children’s panel events, each in a different area of
the borough, will take place by summer 2009.
You can get more information on children’s panels
and find out about future events by phoning 020 7974
3521 or emailing jane.williams@camden.gov.uk YourCamden
news
Don’t
miss
New
handy
guide
The current entrance to King’s Cross station
Square on the circle line
By 2012, we’ll have a brand
new square directly in
front of the historic station
entrance at King’s Cross.
The football field sized
area will see up to 100,000
commuters, visitors and
residents every day.
Together with the owner
of the land, Network
Rail, we’ve launched an
international competition to
revitalise the square.
Designers and architects
are being invited to present
bold and creative proposals
to a competition jury.
At stage one of the
competition, a shortlist of
six will be chosen to work
up their ideas.
A final winner will be
announced in December.
The expected budget for
the project is estimated
at £6million.
You can find out more by
visiting malcolmreading.
co.uk/kingsxsquare or
calling 020 7637 2502.
Be a Councillor
Ever thought of becoming a councillor?
The ‘be a councillor’ campaign has
been launched to encourage you to
find out more about what’s involved.
With less than two years until the
next London council elections, both
councils and political parties are keen
to find new talent.
Perhaps you’re already involved in
local affairs and want to take the next
step? Or maybe you just like the idea
of doing something to help your local
community?
Councillors come from all walks of
life. Everyone is needed, especially
people who come from groups that are
currently underrepresented - such as
the under-45 year olds, women and
ethnic minorities.
Your local council is the place
where many decisions affecting local
people are made. So if you care about
Camden and the issues facing local
people, it might be the right move for
you.
You can find out more by visiting
beacouncillor.org.uk or calling 020
7974 5944.
Inside this edition of YourCamden
you’ll find your very own copy of
your handy guide to services
in Camden.
Whether you need to find the
number of a dentist or doctor,
register a birth or find out what you
can put in your recycling box, you’ll
find all the contact details inside
the handy guide.
It includes all the services offered
by us, Camden police, Camden
fire service, and Camden Primary
Care Trust (PCT) in A to Z order.
If you are ever unsure which
number to call for a service phone
our customer services line on
020 7974 4444 or textlink
020 7974 6866.
To be able to deliver your handy
guide to services with this edition
of YourCamden, we have wrapped
the magazine in a special type of
poly that is oxo-degradable. This
means that it breaks down more
quickly than other types of plastic.
You can recycle the wrapping by
placing it in your recycling box.
Summer
what’s on
Inside you’ll also find a
special what’s on guide
to summer in Camden,
highlighting many of the
fantastic events, shows, festivals
and courses happening all over
the borough in July and August. Turn to the centre pages of this
edition to find your copy.
Summer 08 7
translation
Somali translation
8 Summer 08 - Translation of page 9
YourCamden
Bengali translation
YourCamden
feature
Enjoy summer in Camden
Your Camden summer
The sun may not come out every day, but that doesn’t mean your
summer can’t shine. Here are our top tips for a fantastic summer.
Get out and about
Camden is the place to be this summer
with some of the best shows, festivals,
music, courses and comedy. With
literally hundreds of events there’s
something for everyone.
For some of the highlights, turn to
the centre pages to see our special
summer what’s on guide or visit
camden.gov.uk/whatson
If you’re 13 to 19 years old (or
disabled and under 25) why not take
part in the Camden summer university
- a fun packed programme of free
courses, events and activities. Visit
camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity
Be exceptional
On page 12 you can meet this year’s
winners of the Exceptional People in
Camden (EPIC) awards – the people
who have gone the extra mile for their
local community. Could you be one of
our heroes in the future?
Volunteering is a great way to make
a difference and with hundreds of
opportunities available it couldn’t be
easier to find something that suits you.
Visit camden.gov.uk/volunteering
Keep cool and covered
Lots of us love sunny weather, but too
much time in the sun can be seriously
bad for your health.
Heatstroke can affect anyone but
young children and older people are
especially at risk.
If you can, stay out of the sun during
the hottest part of the day (11am –
3pm), close curtains and blinds to
keep your house cool and drink water
regularly – even if you’re not thirsty.
If you’re outside, try and stay in the
shade, slap on the sunscreen (minimum
SPF 15), and cover up with loose
clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
You can get more advice by visiting
camdenpct.nhs.uk
Stay secure
It’s tempting to leave windows open on
warmer days but you’re giving burglars
a short cut into your property.
Remember to shut and lock all
windows and doors, even if you are only
going out for a short time.
See page 20 for more home security
advice.
More info
You can get more information on
summer in Camden by visiting
camden.gov.uk/summer
Summer 08 9
YourCamden
feature
Enough is
enough
Cutting violent youth crime in Camden
R
ecent statistics confirm that
violent crime is falling in
Camden.
Between April 2007 and March
2008 there were more than 7,000
fewer crimes against people in the
borough, compared with the previous
12 months.
Whilst that’s good news for most
Camden residents, the bad news for
young people is that they are more
likely to become victims of violent
crime than other age groups.
10 Summer 08
There are also concerns that more
boys are becoming involved in gang
culture and at a younger age.
Camden has a good record when it
comes to weapons-related crime, but
the impact of gangs, knives and guns
has come under the spotlight since
May when two teenagers were victims
of shootings.
“
With the police, key local
organisations and professionals
we’ve been working with young
people at risk of gang involvement
or drug-related crime. This will
continue over the summer
holidays and beyond.
Camden police borough
commander, chief superintendent
Please talk to your child about the dangers
of carrying a knife. Chief superintendent Dominic Clout
YourCamden
feature
Knives: the consequences
•Y
ou are more likely to be a victim of
violent crime if you carry a knife.
• It is an offence to carry a knife
in public. Those convicted face
a penalty of up to four years
imprisonment.
• Possessing an offensive weapon
carries a maximum penalty of four
years imprisonment.
• Having a criminal record could make
it difficult for you to get a job and
prevent you from travelling to other
countries.
Help is available for
anyone who needs it.
Police
(and your safer neighbourhoods team)
020 7404 1212
Crimestoppers
call anonymously
0800 555 111
Victim Support Camden
0845 30 30 900
In an emergency dial
999
Activities in Camden
A Camden police officer on patrol in Holborn
Dominic Clout, believes that raising
awareness about the issues around
violent youth crime and working
together in the community to tackle
them is vital.
He said: “Policing is a community
issue and community safety is
everyone’s responsibility. “If you are a parent please talk
to your child about the dangers of
carrying a knife.
“You can get advice from a safer
schools police officer – through your
child’s school during term time –
or by contacting your police safer
neighbourhoods team.
“Phone 020 7404 1212 to be put in
touch with your local team.
“I am determined to reduce crime
and the fear of violent youth crime.”
More info
You can get more information
on community safety by visiting
camden.gov.uk/communitysafety
Young people can visit c-world.co.uk
There is plenty for young people in
Camden to do this summer and many
activities are free.
Summer university activities include sport,
film, media, art, fashion and music.
Visit camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity
for more details and to book.
coo-l.com provides funding for young
people, in school years nine to 12, who
are entitled to free school meals, to be
spent on activities advertised on the site.
camden.gov.uk/caz has lots of
information about what’s happening in
Camden for young people.
You can find your nearest youth club by
visiting camden.gov.uk/education
Summer 08 11
“
I get my local news
from YourCamden
Get more out of Camden
News, sport, what’s on and competitions. Your FREE magazine delivered to your door every month.
camden.gov.uk/yourcamden
12 Summer 08
YourCamden
your views
Our street wardens tackle antisocial behaviour
Safer streets
Our street warden service is changing, after you told us your views.
S
treet wardens have been
patrolling King’s Cross since
2002 and Camden Town and
Bloomsbury since 2003, helping to
deter crime and antisocial behaviour
and reassure residents.
In late 2007, we asked you how we
could make the service more flexible
and responsive to the needs of the
whole borough.
Specifically, we wanted to know your
views on what street wardens should
do, which areas they should work in,
and what powers they should have.
Through focus groups, a public
meeting and a survey, you told us that:
• you were concerned that the existing
patrol areas may be disadvantaged
by a change to the service
• you value the work that wardens do
with communities and do not want to
see this lost.
• overall you support the work of the
street wardens service and feel that it
should be more flexible and cover a
wider geographical area.
After considering your comments,
alongside those of local and national
experts, we have introduced a ‘cluster
plus’ approach. This is where one team
covers a specific location in the north
of the borough, and a second covers a
location in the south.
A third team will work either in the
north or the south of the borough,
depending on where it is most needed.
The teams will still cover specific
locations – of a similar size to before,
determined by the most up-to-date
crime and antisocial behaviour data.
Wardens will then deal with antisocial
behaviour issues, such as high levels
of youth disorder, in that area for a
minimum of six months.
We are also seeking to give wardens
more power by allowing them to issue
one-off fines.
Also known as fixed penalty notices,
these would be for low-level offences
such as dog fouling, graffiti, littering
and fly posting.
More info
You can get full and up-to-date
information on the areas currently
being covered by the street warden
service by visiting camden.gov.uk/
streetwardens or calling 020 7974
5195 or emailing communitysafety@
camden.gov.uk
Summer 08 13
YourCamden
feature
Making Camden a Borough of Opportunity
Celebrating
Camden’s
heroes
Camden is a place
full of heroes.
The EPIC awards
showed us just that.
People who give up a great deal of
their spare time to help make Camden
a borough of opportunity for everyone
were recognised at the Exceptional
People in Camden awards 2008.
The third EPICs ceremony took
place at the end of June at KOKO in
The winners of the EPICs 2008
Camden Town.
The finalists, their nominators
and guests enjoyed an evening of
dinner and entertainment, hosted by
television celebrity Paul Ross.
From over one hundred nominations
the judges chose seven winners who
were announced in an exciting awards
presentation on the night.
From the seven winners, Francis
Eley took home the prize of
Exceptional Camden Hero for her
exceptionally committed and inspiring
work for older people.
Exceptional Camden Hero and Exceptional Older Person
Frances Eley
Frances has been a champion for older people for a number of years.
She first became involved as a volunteer with the St Pancras community association, soon becoming a
trustee and then serving as chair of their board of trustees for the last five years.
Last year, she chaired a working party on the provision of accessible toilets for older people across
Camden which led to the creation of the community toilet scheme in Kentish Town.
Frank Dove, her nominator, said: “She is one of life’s workers and helps bring about change. She can always be
relied on, not only to volunteer for new tasks but also, to bring great care and attention to everything she does.
14 Summer 08
YourCamden
feature
Exceptional contribution to Community Safety
Mike Stuart
Mike is committed to a safer Camden.
He is the chair of Kilburn safer neighbourhoods community panel, which works with, and supports,
the policing team to decide their priorities for the area.
He also works with the West Hampstead safer neighbourhoods team and helps run the ARC project
on the Rowley Way estate.
Susan Doran, nominator, said: “His local knowledge is fantastic. He has overcome obstacles by getting the right
people involved.”
Exceptional work with Young People
Helene Reardon-Bond
Helene is chair of governors at Rhyl primary school.
She has helped the school through some very challenging times. The school is now better equipped with
management systems and staffing structures to tackle the huge challenges it continues to face.
Merle Mahon, nominator, said: “Helene is respected and valued by all who know her. She is fairminded and loyal, and will not make promises that she cannot keep. In this way she gives a model of
trustworthiness and honesty that is an inspiration to all who work with her at the school, and in the local community.”
Exceptional contribution to Sport and Leisure
Lucy Collins
In August 2007 Lucy represented her country, and everyone with a disability, in the bowling events at the
Special Olympic World Games in China. She won a silver medal.
Lucy volunteers in the peer activity support scheme which aims to get adults with learning disabilities
active and accessing local sporting activities through a buddy scheme.
The Camden Society nominated Lucy. They said: “Lucy has enabled those who would like to develop
their skills, and push themselves further to have a strong leader who guides and supports them in their efforts.”
Summer 08 15
YourCamden
feature
Exceptional Contribution to the Environment
Sean Canavan
After moving to Ryland Road some years ago, Sean has planted and maintained flowers and shrubs
throughout the area and later Perren Street cul-de-sac, both of which were run-down and full of litter.
Lesley Howard, nominator, said: “Sean has never let up on his mission to transform the environment for
the better. Even though he is blind, he does all the work himself and he pays for all the plants, compost etc
out of his own funds.”
Exceptional Carer
Greg Branson
Greg is founder of the Helios Charity in King’s Cross. Helios looks after people with HIV and other
chronic illnesses offering them a wide range of quality alternative therapies.
By running Helios, Greg has been offering a safe place for HIV positive people since the Aids crisis
helping them understand themselves, reconstruct their lives and look after their health in ways that
they may not otherwise be able to afford financially.
Thierry Alexandre, nominator, said: “I have never met anyone with such a determined will to make this world a
better place.”
Exceptional young Person
Youth opportunity fund panel
The youth opportunity fund panel has been actively involved in distributing grants to
disadvantaged groups of young people in Camden.
So far more than 250 youth-led projects have been successful. In addition, the panel takes
time to visit and inspect all the projects to ensure young people have the right support and the
best quality of service.
Virgilio Varela, nominator, said: “I am sure their work is inspiring and empowering their peers to take on similar roles
in their local communities.”
Many thanks to our 2008 sponsors:
You can get more information on EPICs at camden.gov.uk/epics or call 020 7974 5717.
16 Summer 08
YourCamden
working together
police | fire | health | business | voluntary | education
Blazing
barbecues
Barbecues are a great way
to enjoy the long summer
evenings. Keep them safe by
following a few simple tips.
F
or many of us barbecues are a
favourite part of summer, giving
us the chance to get outdoors
and dine with friends and family.
But barbecues are also a common
cause of summer fires, as they can get
out of control very quickly.
Camden fire brigade has
some advice:
• Place barbecues on a flat surface
away from your house, sheds,
fences and overhanging trees or
shrubbery
• Keep children clear of the
cooking area
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol
while cooking
• Keep a bucket of water or sand
nearby for emergencies
• Let the barbecue cool before
attempting to move it
Barbecues are a common cause of summer fires
Camden’s borough fire commander
Mick Quy said:
“Using petrol to light your barbecue
or leaving it unattended are two of the
common mistakes people make.”
Barbecues are not allowed in
our parks and green spaces,
unless they are operated by a
registered caterer who has been
given written permission.
Avoid holiday fires
If you’re heading off on holiday this
summer, remember that properties can
be at risk from the dangers of fire.
Mick Quy said: “Nobody wants to
return from holiday to find their home
has been wrecked by fire.
“Taking a few minutes to carry out
some simple checks could prevent this
from happening.”
Switch off and unplug any
unnecessary electrical equipment, and
turn water off at the mains to prevent
any possible leaks coming into contact
with electrical wiring and causing fire.
Before leaving your house for any
period of time, close and lock all doors
and windows. This will slow down the
progress of a fire.
Also make sure that your smoke
alarm is fitted correctly and works.
More info
You can arrange a free home fire
safety visit call 08000 28 44 28. You
can get more information on safer
barbecues by visiting fireservice.
co.uk/safety/bbq.php
Registered caterers can apply to
operate a barbecue in a Camden
park by calling 020 7974 8810 or
emailing parks@camden.gov.uk
Summer 08 17
YourCamden
green/BSF
Green Camden
Community
composting
Could you compost for Camden?
C
omposting is a great way to
reduce the amount of waste
we send to landfill or for
incineration. But not everyone is lucky
enough to have their own garden.
Community composting could offer
the solution. It works in the same
way as home composting, but on a
larger scale.
All you need is a small shared space
where everyone can recycle their
compostable waste. The corner of a
shared garden or a space on an estate
would be ideal.
A community group build a compost bin
In addition to helping
the environment, it’s
We can help by giving you advice
a fantastic way to get to know your
and assistance to get a scheme off the
neighbours and a cheap way to
ground and ongoing support including
produce compost to feed your plants
workshops and newsletters.
and help your garden bloom.
More info
If you are interested in starting a
You can get more information on
community composting scheme we’d
community composting by visiting
like to hear from you. You can be from
camden.gov.uk/compost , emailing
a residents’ association, management
compost@camden.gov.uk or calling
board, a community leader or a
020 7974 6914.
motivated individual.
Schools for
the future
With over £200 million of BSF investment
in Camden schools we’re creating school
buildings that inspire students.
T
he government’s Building
Schools for the Future (BSF)
programme will transform
learning in secondary schools and
provide investment for new and
improved school buildings.
How do we make sure that
these buildings are well designed?
Camden’s secondary schools have
experience of commissioning and
achieving excellent design.
18 Summer
July/August
08 08
The process is helped by using
design quality indicator tools.
The indicators provide teachers,
parents, school governors, pupils, and
others with a way to consider what
they want from a building.
Design quality indicator tools
include:
Functionality: the way the building
is designed to be used, how it can be
accessed and the space used.
An architects’ vision of a ‘classroom
of the future’ for Haverstock School
Build quality: the performance of a
building’s fabric, the engineering and
construction.
Impact: the building’s ability to
create a sense of place, and have a
positive effect on the community and
environment.
More info
You can get more information on BSF
by visiting camden.gov.uk/bsf or
calling 020 7974 4551.
YourCamden
housing
housing news
Tackling ASB
C
ouncil tenants and
leaseholders are getting an
improved response to their
concerns about crime and antisocial
behaviour, since the introduction of five
dedicated antisocial behaviour (ASB)
coordinators.
The advisors, based in the district
housing offices (DHOs), are working
alongside district housing officers
and police safer neighbourhoods
teams to help tackle issues quickly
and more effectively.
Since starting the coordinators have
been busy working on a range of issues
from youth disorder to drug nuisance,
meeting partners, organisations and
residents, attending estate action days
and appearing for us in a number of
successful court cases.
ASB coordinator, Natasha Dickinson
for Holborn said:
“I meet with street wardens, other
DHO staff and partners, such as
the police, to focus on areas that
have been causing concern to the
community.
“Joint working is already showing
improvements in areas such as Cromer
Street, where residents’ concerns
about disorder in and around blocks
have decreased significantly in
recent months.”
Contact your local ASB coordinator:
• Mary Keeshan
Hampstead on 020 7974 6548
• Peju Sanusi
Gospel Oak on 020 7974 6774
• Sandra Brown
Kentish Town on 020 7974 6813
• Shaheda Rahman
Camden Town on 020 7974 4422
• Natasha Dickinson
Holborn on 020 7974 3566
Speaking your language
B
engali and Somali speakers
will now find it easier to bid
for properties through our
online choice based lettings service,
Home Connections.
When you visit the site you can now
select your language and a digitised
talking head will guide you through
the bidding process. Hearing impaired
service users can also view a British
Sign Language video.
Almost 90% of people bidding for
Somali translation
properties through Home Connections
are now choosing to go online.
Log onto homeconnections.org.uk
and find out what’s on offer for you.
Bengali translation
Summer 08 19
YourCamden
feature
As
safe as
houses
Burglaries can increase in
summer. Make your home
safer by getting some free
security advice.
H
omes with good security
are less likely to be burgled.
Reduce your risk, by taking
some simple and free precautions.
Crime prevention officer PC
Dave King of Camden Police said:
“Remember to shut your doors and
windows - even if you’re only popping
out for a few minutes.
“Close communal doors, never hide
keys outside your house and never let
people into your home that you
don’t know.”
All Camden residents can arrange for
a free home security check by a crime
prevention officer.
PC King said: “Free home security
checks are a great way to help
prevent burglaries.
“You can make an appointment for
us to visit you at home - where we’ll
“
Over 60 year olds can have security equipment installed for free
recommend ways to make it
more secure.”
If you or anyone in your household
is over 60 years old or disabled the
service Safe As Houses can also install
free security equipment in your home.
Equipment ranges from spy holes
and window locks to letterbox covers
and door bolts.
Val, who lives in Kentish Town, was
put in touch with Safe as Houses by
her local crime prevention officer.
Val said: “I was amazed to learn
security equipment is free for the
over 60s.
“Safe as Houses saw exactly what
was needed and just did it.
“I definitely feel safer. I’ve already
recommended it to friends.”
Kay, a 91-year old Kilburn homeowner, has also benefitted from
The service was very good, quick and they
explained everything they did. I feel much safer.
20 Summer 08
Kay
additional free security equipment
from Safe as Houses. She had various
security equipment installed, including
a spy hole, letterbox cover and
door strengthening.
Kay said: “The service was very
good, quick and they explained
everything they did.
“I feel much safer.”
More info
You can arrange a free home security
check by calling your local crime
prevention officer:
Holborn/Albany
020 8733 6543
Kentish Town/central Camden
020 8733 6070
Hampstead/West Hampstead
020 8733 6605
You can arrange for free home security
equipment to be installed if you are over
60 years old or disabled by calling 0845
351 0642 or emailing safeashouses@
mobilerepairservice.org.uk
Staff will pre-arrange appointments with
you and will always carry identification.
YourCamden
feature
sport
Cumberland netball club are holding trials in July and August
In the net
Netball is one of the fastest growing sports in London.
We head down to Camden Town sports pitch to see what the score is.
M
ention netball to most people
and the first thing that comes
to mind is school days. But
a recent surge in popularity has made
netball the fastest growing participation
sport in London.
A main venue for netball is Camden
Town sport pitch. It plays host to
several netball leagues. And of the
most successful clubs that plays there
is the Cumberland netball club.
The club is made up of five adult
teams, a development squad and
two junior teams, with all abilities
catered for.
They train weekly and play
competitive league games as well.
The main squad have had the benefit
of training with England netballer
Chioma Ezeogu. Twently-six year old
Chioma, who has 20 caps for England,
also takes part in running junior
tournaments for the club.
She said: “It’s so refreshing to see
so many young players, from different
backgrounds and ages having fun,
being competitive and enjoying netball.
“There are really good skills, raw
talent, enthusiasm and an energy that
can only be described as a pleasure to
watch.”
Cumberland’s various teams had a
hugely successful year in 2007-08, with
the one squad winning the Middlesex
county premier league.
If you would like to find out more,
there are trials taking place in July and
August.
And netball isn’t just for girls any
more. Social Sports netball league run
four mixed, along with eight ladies,
divisions at the Camden Town
sports pitch.
More info
You can find out more about
Cumberland netball club at
cumberlandnetball.com
You can contact Social Sport netball
league by visiting socialsport.co.uk
or calling 020 8534 8444.
You can book the Camden Town
sport pitch by visiting camden.gov.
uk/sport or calling 020 7387 9837.
Quiz question:
Q: Which two positions can shoot goals?
Summer 08 21
A: Goal shooter and goal attack
camden.gov.uk/whatson
what’s on
Music
Take a walk on
the Heath side
Bringing China to
the heart of Camden
Giuseppe Fioroni:
The Heath and Hampstead
guided walk
3 August, 2.30pm
Join a walking tour around
Hampstead Heath.
The walk will focus on the Heath
extension and be led by experienced
guide Tony Ghilchick.
Meet by the cattle trough in
Spaniards Road, by the Spaniards’ Inn.
China Landscape
Until 26 October - British Museum
Forecourt
The British Museum and the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew, have conjured
up a stunning Chinese landscape in the
forecourt of the British Museum. You
can wander around the fragrant trails of
wisteria sinensis and admire the beautiful
white mulberry.
Free
Great Russell Street, WC1B
020 7323 8181 britishmuseum.org
Myths, Fairy Tales, Reality and Illusion
19 June – 14 September
The Foundling Museum
This vibrant exhibition of works
by Italian artist Giuseppe Fioroni
is a celebration of childhood fantasy
inspired by the medieval age and
modern masters.
£5, £4 concessions
Children free
40 Brunswick Square, WC1N
020 7841 3614
exhibition
exhibition
£2
heathandhampsteadsociety.org.uk
020 8455 1025 or 07941 528 034
guided walk
22 Summer 08
camden.gov.uk/whatson
July/August spotlight
what’s on
competition
De La Soul
Monday 25 to Sunday 31 August
at the Jazz café, Camden, 7pm – 11pm
16 years since ground breaking debut 3ft High and Rising, De La Soul
return to the UK to play seven nights at the Jazz Café.
The trio – Posdnuos, Trugoy the Dove, and Pasemaster Mase – formed at
high school in the late ‘80s. Their rise to stardom began when their demo
tape ‘Plug tunin’, came to the attention of Prince Paul, the leader and
producer of the New York rap outfit Stetasonic. Prince Paul played
the tape to several colleagues and helped the band land a contract with
Tommy Boy Records.
Several critics and observers labeled the group ‘neo-hippie’ as the record
praised peace and love as well as proclaiming the dawning of “the D.A.I.S.Y.
age” (Da Inner Sound, Y’all). Though the trio was uncomfortable with the
hippie label, their humor and eclecticism presented an alternative to the
hardcore rap that dominated hip-hop.
A measure of their cross-over appeal was the fact that their album
‘3 Feet High and Rising’ was voted album of the year by NME magazine,
a title better known for its taste in guitar-based music.
Ticket prices are £35 adv / £40 door. For advance tickets call
0870 060 3777, or book online at jazzcafe.co.uk or meanfiddler.com
Book club
art
£100 worth of
garden junk
clearance
We Clear Junk have cleared unwanted
junk from over 3,000 properties.
From single objects to whole house
clearances, they remove almost
anything from old furniture to garden
waste. Wherever possible they try
and recycle or reuse the unwanted
items they clear. Some of the more
unusual and quirky items that they’ve
removed include a grand piano and
seven tonnes of buttons from a Kylie
Minogue video shoot.
Highlights from
To win £100 worth of garden junk
clearance just answer:
Salsa classes
Which pop stars video
shoot did We Clear Junk
remove junk from?
camden.gov.uk/whatson
Book club
28 July, 6.30pm - Shaw theatre
As part of the Guardian book club, award
winning author Salman Rushdie will talk to
John Mullan about his epic novel, Midnight’s
Children. Winner of the Booker Prize in
1981, and later the ‘Booker of Bookers’
prize in 1993, this modern classic tells the
story of Indian independence.
Followed by a Q&A and book signing.
£10, £8 concessions,
100-110 Euston Road, NW1
theshawtheatre.com, 0871 594 3123
Win
Every Thursday, 8-9pm
Flame Bar
53a Mansfield Road, NW3
cubandance.com
Meditation
Every Monday, 7.15-8.45pm
29 Hopkinsons Place, NW1
londonmeditation.co.uk
Basic computing class
Every Thursday, 10am-1pm
Bookable introductory courses for adults
Kentish Town library
262-269 Kentish Town road, NW5
020 7974 6253
Register your event for free
at camden.gov.uk/whatson
a. Madonna
b. Kylie Minogue
c. Britney Spears
Just put your answer on a postcard
marked ‘We Clear Junk’ competition’
and send it to FREEPOST YourCamden,
or email your answer to yourcamden@
camden.gov.uk Closing date: 24 August
2008 Competition open to Camden
residents only. If you’re not a lucky winner
you can book junk clearance through We
Clear Junk by calling 0800 075 4075 or
visit weclearjunk.com
Summer 08 23