St John the Evangelist is a beautiful setting to enjoy music and the acoustics are marvellous.
St John’s will be hosting a recital for Iraqi Christians in Need (ICIN) on
The evening will feature Carl Bahoshy performing a varied programme, including works by Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff.
Admission is free but a collection will be made.
For more information about Iraqi Christians In Need, please click here.
By volunteering in your community, with us in the Wildlife Area for instance, you can earn Time Credits to spend in a variety of outlets. We give one Time Credit for every hour volunteered. They’re like community bank notes and there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the entertainment venues:
The Barbican Centre: Two Time Credits will buy you a cinema seat on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. You can also spend two Credits on a Backstage Tour or an Architectural Tour. There are a few exceptions but places can be reserved over the phone or by just going to the Box Office. 020 7638 8891
Boat Show Comedy: This is a floating comedy club on the Victoria Embankment. This is always subject to availability and only valid for Friday show but call or email Ally on 07932 658 895 to check.
Conway Hall: Valid for their Sunday Concerts and always subject to capacity but you can turn up on the day with your Time Credits.
Lexi Cinema in Chamberlayne Road: Despite being a charity organisation, run by volunteers themselves, they are happy to accept two Time Credits for a seat when they’re not busy. Email Ted with your preferred date(s) and he’ll confirm within a couple of days. If the date you fancy is a busy one, they’ll suggest another. It’s a fabulous place to see some of the best films on release.
The Albany in Deptford: Based in the heart of Deptford, the Albany is a performing arts centre with a history stretching back to the nineteenth century. Over the last few years, they have emerged as a new type of arts venue, very much driven by the cultural diversity and creative mix of South East London. Book meeting room space or go to a performance at the Albany using Time Credits. All you have to do is contact The Albany 020 8692 4446 stating that you wish to redeem Time Credits for a meeting space(two Time Credits per hour) or performance(one Time Credit).
ArtHouse Cinema, Crouch End: ArtHouse is a dynamic new cultural venue accepting Time Credits for their Cinema and for room hire. They’re striving to create a unique hub in North London for both Artists to feel at home in and lovers of art to be thoroughly entertained in. Furthermore, there is a great little space, above the café available for hire at a rate of one Time Credit per hour – perfect for a small party or group get-together, the space can fit around 10 people on sofas and chairs. Email Tom if you’re interested. The ArtHouse’s cinema shows new, niche and classic films. Please see their website for listings – no need to book, just turn up and present your Time Credits, Monday to Thursday before 5pm at two Time Credits per performance.
Blackheath Halls is an arts venue based in South East London which puts on a diverse and engaging range of performances and activities for all ages and backgrounds. Try something new in South London. To book tickets using two Time Credits per seat, you can visit Blackheath Halls in person or call the Box Office, 020 8463 0100 Monday to Friday 10:00 – 17:00, and up to half an hour after the start of events, evenings and weekends. Remember to bring your Time Credits with you when collecting your ticket(s)!
Jacksons Lane is a multi-arts venue in Highgate North London. Housed in a striking red-brick gothic church conversion, the building is home to a 160 capacity theatre, a large scale dance and rehearsal studio, a café and bar and four other multi-purpose spaces. One or two Time Credits can be exchanged for specially selected performances, subject to availability. In order to redeem your credits contact the Box Office using the phone number above to check availability before arriving at the venue.
Little Angel Theatre is ‘the Home of British Puppetry’ and one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England. They are dedicated to the celebration and development of puppetry and live animation in all its diverse forms. To book simply email Sarah in advance stating that you would like to use one Time Credit per person. Please see Little Angel Theatre’s website for age suggestions.
Rich Mix brings film, visual arts, performing arts and music to East London. Their mission is to provide activities which will engage our local communities and bring people together through enjoyment of the arts and learning about the cultures around them. Two Time Credits per person can be used between Monday and Thursday before 6pm depending on availability and at the venue’s discretion. Please email both Rosa AND Negede one day before showing.
The WI in Islington: De Beauvoir Women’s Institute is a new WI, formed in 2014 for women of all ages to come together for fun, friendship and fascinating company! They meet on the first Thursday evening of every month from 7.30-9.30pm in the Crypt of St Peter’s Church. Their activities last year included chocolate tasting, a local history talk, a decoupage demonstration and workshop, a stained glass-making demonstration, and an enormously successful and enjoyable wine tasting. Meetings this year will include a body confidence workshop with burlesque performer Delores Deluxe, a talk about Fashion from the curator of the School of Historic Dress and a demonstration of Rolfing by a trained therapist. Come along and try a meeting – they promise to make you very welcome! Non member entry to a talk or workshop. See website for dates. Two Time Credits can be used for one session.
The London Haringey Racers in Wood Green are a team of lean, mean, skating machines dead set on putting on a great show. Come and see the team compete in National Hockey League action at the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink on one of the following dates – plus under-16s go free! What do I need to know? Participants should email in advance and just say that you’re using Time Credits. A full fixture list can be found on the Racer’s website. All 17:30 start.
London Lions in Stratford: Join London’s only professional premier league basketball team for an all-round entertainment experience at one of their home games. Home fixtures are played at the Copper Box in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and their TV partnerships put them at the forefront of basketball in this country. As well as watching the game, take in quality acts such as bands, singers and street dancers. You might even be lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet some players after the game. A great evening out! Email Harry if you are interested in attending. Just state that you are using your Time Credits. Tickets will be issued on a first come basis, so if you are interested you should be quick!
This is just a sample of everything available in London. Download the current Time Credits Brochure here (Right Click/Save) where you will also learn more about opportunities to earn credits. Furthermore, you can spend your Time Credits in other parts of the country. Check the Just Add Spice website for more information.
Other Time Credit Spending Opportunity Summaries:
Local spending opportunities
Places to Visit
Activities
Activities summary to follow the next Thursday.
Have you noticed the cafe opposite the Ha’penny Steps (between First and Second) has been refurbished? They have bright chairs for outside with smart new tables and chairs inside. There’s a selection of hot dishes and sandwiches, with teas and coffees to take away, as well.
Carnival takes place just over the canal next weekend and the parking restriction signs went up in Queen’s Park more than a week ago.
Whether you intend to embrace or avoid the event, you may want to check out some of the information available at the Westminster website.
Download a map of the Carnival route and a more detailed, Notting Hill Carnival resident booklet. There will be road closures at various points. View a map of the affected area. TFL have a specific page, detailing station closures and diverted bus routes here. Their special Carnival map is here.
There’s an official website is here and you can follow their Twitter feed, Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, or get the app.
The floats assemble just over the bridge in Kensal Road and there are several events in the lovely Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park and if you don’t mind getting a colourfully dirty, you can get really involved by attending Jouvert early on Sunday morning.
The other day, The Cow launched a new beer brewed locally, especially for the carnival. To quote the Morning Advertiser :
Portobello Brewing Company is brewing up a new ale for the Notting Hill Carnival, Carnival Pale. Proceeds from sales of the beer will go to four charities selected by the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust. The charities will be: The Ebony Steel Band Trust, the NSPCC, Leukaemia Care and the Sickle Cell Society. The brew will be officially launched at an event at The Cow (Westbourne Park Road W2) on August 4 featuring DJs Gaz Mayall (of Gaz's Rockin' Blues) & Cow resident Harlem Redneck. Carnival Pale will be available at pubs and bars across London until September and can be found during the carnival at the bars around Gaz's Rockin' Blue's Soundsystem.
By volunteering in your community, with us in the Wildlife Area for instance, you can earn Time Credits to spend in a variety of outlets. We give one Time Credit for every hour volunteered. They’re like community bank notes. There’s something for everyone. Here are some of the places to visit:
The British Museum: This is a wonderful place to feed the mind and indeed, the stomach in a beautiful, relaxing environment. Two Time Credits can reserve a place on one of their Community Events, giving the chance to view the space and objects without the crowds. Email Sami to register your interest. Next event is likely to be “Celts: Art and Identity” on Sunday, 20th September.
Keats House: This one is so easy. Just turn up with one Time Credit to gain entry on the door. Check the website for opening times.
Mansion House: Home and Office of the Lord Mayor of London. Public tours run every Tuesday at 2pm(except in August) but can be cancelled at short notice so please call before leaving home on 020 7626 2500. One Time Credit will be needed at the meeting point at the A-Board near the porch entrance in Walbrook, arriving by 1:45pm.
Royal Opera House Backstage Tours. Two Time Credits can be spent on this tour but places need to be reserved and are limited. Check the website for dates and times then call 020 7304 4000 quoting ‘SPICE’.
St Paul’s Cathedral: Possibly one of the best value for a Time Credit spend, this does not require pre-booking. Just turn up with two Time Credits per person but be prepared to queue.
Tower Bridge Exhibition: Two Time Credits can be used for entry any day of the year before 12pm and no pre-booking is required.
Tower of London: Two Time Credits can be used for admission at any time during normal opening hours excluding half terms and school holidays.
MBNA Thames Clippers: You’ll get the best view of London’s most popular landmarks from the river. Big Ben, Tower Bridge Exhibition, the Tower of London , St. Paul’s Cathedral and The O2 are just some of the many attractions overlooking the banks of the Thames. Post your photos to Facebook and Twitter as you go! Tag them with #thamesclippers and #timecredits. You’ll need to download this form and send in your Time Credits to the above address. You’ll receive tickets to travel on the boats (after 9.30am Monday to Friday). You can start at Woolwich/North Greenwich Piers through to Embankment/London Eye Piers or visa versa, and get on at any pier in between. One Time Credit each way.
We’re hoping to have more details about exhibitions in the Museum of London and Guildhall Library soon.
This is just a sample of everything available in London. Download the current Time Credits Brochure here (Right Click/Save) where you will also learn more about opportunities to earn credits. Furthermore, you can spend your Time Credits in other parts of the country. Check the Just Add Spice website for more information.
Other Time Credit Spending Opportunity Summaries:
Local Favourites
Entertainment
Activities
Following pressure from UK green space organisations, the previous outgoing [London Friends Group] administration recommended that the newly elected Government consider hosting a National Inquiry into the future funding and management of our parks. Also, a cross-party group of MPs is now calling for a Private Members Bill [Bill 53] to strengthen protective measures.
So please sign and promote the UK ‘Save Our Parks’ petition to step up the pressure on the Government and all political parties to take seriously the future funding and protection of our vital green spaces.
1. Sign the petition: Click here.
2. Spread the news via Twitter: @LoveParks_Week #LoveParks
3. Spread the news via Facebook: www.facebook.com/ukparkspetition
By volunteering in your community, with us in the Wildlife Area for instance, you can earn Time Credits to spend in a variety of outlets. We give one Time Credit for every hour volunteered. They’re like community bank notes and there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the local favourites:
Lexi Cinema in Chamberlayne Road: Despite being a charity organisation, run by volunteers themselves, they are happy to accept two Time Credits for a seat when they’re not busy. Email Ted with your preferred date(s) and he’ll confirm within a couple of days. If the date you fancy is a busy one, they’ll suggest another. It’s a fabulous place to see some of the best films on release.
Fierce Grace Hot Yoga in Kilburn Lane: Fierce Grace is a new yoga system, and brand. They led the UK in the Hot Yoga revolution, by bringing Bikram Yoga to London in 1994. Fierce Grace yoga takes place in a specifically heated room to ease muscles, prevent injury and promote detoxification. Available Mon & Wed at 6.45am, 10am, 12pm & 5pm and on Tues & Fri 8am, 10am & 4pm. Just email in advance if you’ve never been before, their friendly staff will be happy to help. Two Time Credits for a place at a 90 minute yoga class + chill out session in relaxation area.
Queen Park Library on Harrow Road: A lively library offering children’s clubs, reading groups and employment advice, as well as a huge range of adult and children’s book, CDs and DVDs. Rent that blockbuster you missed at the cinema or spend a night in with the kids and watch the latest Pixar movie! You need to be a member of the library to use Time Credits but it’s free to join – just take proof of address when you go along. Spend one Time Credit for a CD and two for a DVD (including a whole boxed set!).
Tennis in Queen’s Park: 1 hour tennis court hire for One Time Credit (Mon-Fri) at Pitch & Putt grounds. This offer excludes school holidays
Meeting Space Hire at Genesis Housing at 576 Harrow Road: Meeting space is available in Genesis Housing’s Neighbourhood Centre in North Westminster, suitable for groups of up to 15 for meetings or activities such as craft, or reading groups. For hire on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please contact Richard to book your time 020 8968 5543 at One Time Credit per hour.
Portobello Green Fitness Centre: One gym session for One Time Credit (Fri 2-4pm).
Ladies Only exercise classes at The Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10. for Two Time Credits per class:
Total body workout (circuits) – Tue. 9.20-10.05am
Legs, Bums & Tums Fri 9.20-10.05am
All Stars Boxing Gym on Harrow Road: All Stars Boxing Gym is a local landmark, established nearly 40 years ago and offering training and exercise to the community ever since. Suitable for all ages and abilities, give it a try! Contact Raman Akay at All Stars Gym directly if you are already a member. If you’re interested in becoming a member or using your Time Credits at All Stars Boxing Gym, contact Sami. Two Time Credits entitles you to a “Knock Out” session.
QPR Stadium Tour in White City: Stadium tours are offered to Members for QPR’s Loftus Rd ground at the cost of one Time Credit per person. Contact Sami to check dates.
Maida Hill Second-Hand Community Market pitch. Looking to clear out some bric-a-brac and de-clutter? Tuesday is Maida Hill markets community day and for a four hour pitch you can pay with Four Time Credits.To register as stall holder and to book a table call Jacqui 07582 881 591. Once booked in you are asked to set up from 10am. Good luck with your selling!
The Frontline Club in Paddington: The events programme is run by the Frontline Charitable Trust, set up to promote independent journalism and provide training in the safety of journalists and other media workers in areas of conflict. Frontline Club are pleased to be offer all of the public events (talks and screenings) to Time Credit holders, wherever capacity permits. All you need to do is call up to book. Just say that you’re wanting to use your Time Credits. You will spend one Time Credit per hour, depending on the length of the event.
Finally, check back for news of offers at The Jubilee Sports Centre (and other Better venues).
This is just a sample of everything available in London. Download the current Time Credits Brochure here (Right Click/Save) where you will also learn more about opportunities to earn credits. Furthermore, you can spend your Time Credits in other parts of the country. Check the Just Add Spice website for more information.
Other Time Credit Spending Opportunity Summaries:
Places to Visit
Entertainment
Activities
Entertainment and other activities summaries to follow over the next two Thursdays.
CityWest Homes are holding their annual fun day on 5th September 2015 in Paddington Recreational Ground. More details here.
It looks like the 2015 eclipse story all over again. The best night for shooting star viewing (Wednesday to Thurs) has clouds and rain forecast but they might have it wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time! Keep checking here.
There’s information all over the press this year. If you’re lucky enough to be a little farther west or north, you might have more luck. This is the WikiHow for a guide. It’s a shame the park won’t be open at the right times.
Here are some pictures from a couple of years ago.
If it rains, we’ll just have to be thankful that the ground will be watered for us.
We are opening the Wildlife Area every Saturday morning in August. We’ll be gardening from 10am.
We are all familiar with the sight of Crissie Chambers in the Dog Walking Area. She has boundless energy to instruct and inform dog owners in the neighbourhood but did you know she has another life as Lady C, Roots ‘n’ Reggae Vinyl DJ?
When Kilburn to Kensal Radio hands over to Portobello Radio on a Friday lunchtime, you might just catch her one time. She’s actually joining Greg Weir today!
Another face you may have seen around the community is that of Simon Walton. He has certainly been our poster-boy on several occasions.
He is also very active with the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Last month, he joined Chairman Sue Price and Kensington Gardens Manager Andy Williams who invited new Royal Parks Chief Executive Andrew Scattergood for a swim in the Serpentine.
