Jackie and the Greenstalk - an eco-pantomime for all the family: July 20th Cricklewood Library and July 21st Barham Community Library

 

Jackie and the Greenstalk - an eco-pantomime for all the family

Come along to the Brent FoE Players' Summer extravaganza, with drama, comedy, music and a timely message on dealing with climate change. Bring your friends and neighbours!

World War Two local history talk on 15 June – your chance to book a seat!

 

A WW2 Air Raid Warden Post coat of arms, which will be on display at the talk.

 

This month we are remembering the efforts of the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen who took part in the D-Day landings eighty years ago. But the Second World War affected the “home front” as well, and thousands of Wembley residents, men and women, played an important part in keeping their neighbours safe from German bombing. 

 

Many had volunteered to be Air Raid Wardens as early as the Spring of 1938, and carried on giving up their free time right through until the warden service was disbanded in June 1945. Others took on roles in First Aid, Rescue or the Auxiliary Fire Service, putting themselves “in harms way” to protect the lives and property of their fellow residents, with some paying the ultimate price. 

 

A German V1 flying bomb (or “doodlebug”) in the air.

 

Hitler responded to the Allied invasion on the Normandy beaches by ordering the use of his Vergeltungswaffen (“vengeance weapons”), beginning with V1 flying bombs. The first of these to land in Wembley came less than a fortnight after D-Day, and fell not far from Barham Community Library, where I will be giving a talk on Saturday 15 June.

 

My illustrated talk, on “Wembley’s Air Raid Wardens in the Second World War”, will include a number of other stories local to the Sudbury area, but covers the whole of the former Borough of Wembley. It is a joint event, between the Library and Wembley History Society, but there are still a few seats available for anyone who wants to attend.

 

Please see the poster below for details, and contact Paul at the Library if you would like to come along, from 3pm until c.4.30pm on Saturday 15 June. All ages, probably from about ten upwards, are welcome if you would be interested. It is a free event, but donations to Barham Community Library would be appreciated. I look forward to seeing you there!

Philip Grant

 

 

Knitters' impressive Wembley Jubilee Post Box Topper

 I am a staunch anti-monarchist but this group deserve credit for the hard work, time and creativity they put into bringing cheer to the local communiyy

From the 'Sewcial Group'

Knitters Eva, Lalita and Kay

 

A special post box topper for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee has been unveiled in Wembley as part of a nationwide effort to cheer up local areas.   The topper was dreamt up by the ‘Sewcial Group’ which meets weekly at Barham Community Library.

Created by group members Kay, Lalita and Doris, it features a hand crocheted Union Flag base with hand knitted figures* of The Queen, a Guardsman, the Royal Crown, the Royal carriage, a Union Flag Cushion, a Champagne Bottle, a Corgi and a Tree, representing planting trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy, and it is finished off with hand knitted Jubilee bunting.

The postbox topper was installed on Saturday 28th May 2022 in Wembley High Road, close to the junction with Thurlow Gardens.   

‘Sewcial Group’ members Kay, Eva and Lalita said it was great that so many people were smiling and complimenting us as we were setting it up, we also got lots of thumbs up from drivers and passengers in passing vehicles.

Earlier this year the ‘Sewcial Group’ created a spring postbox topper complete with an Easter Bunny for the larger post box outside the Wembley Royal Mail Sorting Office opposite Barham Park.

 * Pattern for figures by teacosyfolk.co.uk

Greys Estate Agents had offered to make a donation to the Sewcial Group but instead the group has has askem instead to donate to the 'Queens Green Canopy, a tree planting venture inviting people to 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee'.

UPDATED: Dilwyn Chambers: A ubiquitous local historian and library campaigner who was passionate about heritage and enjoyed dancing. He will be sorely missed.

 

 

 

 

 

Dilwyn (seated) selling postcards at a Preston Community Library event

 (Photo: Chris Coates)

 

Dilwyn Chambers died last week. He was 88.  Dilwyn was a familiar figure to many Brentonians who shared his interest in local history and local issues including the preservation of our heritage and our libraries – a real local character who popped up in the most unexpected of places.

 

Dilwyn was Secretary of the Wembley History Society in 1974, when Willesden Local History Society was started. He soon joined the Willesden group, and had been a loyal member ever since, tireless in his efforts to promote interest in our local history. Dilwyn had a wide range of interests and was a member of dozens of societies. He attended local community meetings on behalf of the group, always with a handful of WLHS programme leaflets to advertise its activities. Dilwyn always spoke his mind, and will be missed by many people in Willesden and Wembley.

 

 

Dilwyn Chambers (Photo: Margaret Smith)

 

These are some of the tributes  by various members of Brent's two local history societies (Wembley and Willesden), Brent and community libraries, and Brent Museum and Archives.

 

 

'It is sad news indeed, as Dilwyn has been a big part of our community for a long time.'

 

'Very sad to hear of Dilwyn's passing. I had some great conversations with him, he had a vast knowledge. Please pass on my condolences.'

 

'I am so sorry to hear this news about Dilwyn. This is actually a shock to me. He was an irreplaceable member of WHS, and an often unfathomably challenging Brent Museum and Archives service user. And he will, for all his good qualities and general contrariness, be sorely missed.'

 

'What a great loss, he will be missed.'

 

'So sad to learn of Dilwyn’s departure. He was a presence in the local history society and community who made his mark on all who knew him over so many years. He kept me on the mark as chair of the Society, both in meetings and through an endless stream of beautifully-crafted letters containing info from other meetings he had attended (he went everywhere). Also, gentle criticism about what we should be doing, based on his time as an officer.'

 

'The [Brent] library team were saddened to hear of the death of Mr Chambers.'

 

'Dear Dilwyn ... too much to say now.  My daughter who danced with Dilwyn at the dance centre above Burton's in Harrow 20+ years ago (photographic evidence is available!) is as distressed as I am.' 

 

'Dilwyn had an encyclopaedic knowledge of subjects he found of interest. I remember him once talking to me about troops at the Battle of Prestonpans using a railway embankment for cover. I briefly considered the possibility that he had gone mad, but it turned out that he was correct, there was a railed 'waggonway' for horse-drawn wagons running to the coast that ran right across the middle of the battlefield, and troops did indeed use the feature for protection in 1745!'

 

'He was well-known in the Preston Community Library ....  He will be remembered as a great supporter of Library events - especially Saturday night film evenings - and any party where an opportunity to jive was on offer!'

 

'I still have numerous interesting random pieces [Dilwyn] had passed on to Richard, with fitting messages attached.'

 

'Sorry to hear the passing of Dilwyn.  Sad but not unexpected.  Please give my condolences to his nephew when next in contact.'

'Thanks for letting me know about the sad loss of Dilwyn. He must have been the longest serving member of WHS. I joined in 1971 and he had been secretary for a few years before then. He was a member of numerous societies and made valuable contributions to them all. He often sent me photocopies of articles and pieces of ephemera in which I might be interested, very thoughtful and generous.'

 

'He was a great supporter of and a regular visitor to our [Barham] Community Library, and of course other local causes.'

 

'He was a very passionate man and really cared about heritage.'

 

 

 

Dilwyn Chambers (Old Brent Archives publicity image)

 

UPDATE

 

Two more tributes to Dilwyn Chambers from former members of Brent Archives staff (when the Archives were at Cricklewood Library, and at the "old" Willesden Green Library Centre). 

'That’s so very sad but I’m glad at the end he was in good care and no doubt regaling his carers with many stories. 

I’ll remember him fondly. He had an impish nature for sure but he always had the archives' best interests at heart and cared deeply for local history and most of the custodians of it.'

and:

'Such sad news. Strangely, it’s hard not to think about the good times we had working together (many, many years ago) without thinking about Dilwyn. 

Dilwyn was and forever will be part of the fabric of Brent Archives, despite the fact he was never an employee! Dilwyn will be missed but never forgotten. May his soul rest in perfect peace.'

 

 FROM LORRAINE KING, EX-BRENT & KILBURN TIMES REPORTER (VIA TWITTER)

 

 I'm saddened by the news that Dilwyn Chambers has died. He was a fierce campaigner who defended locals and made sure their voices were heard. He was a thorn in the side to Brent Council at times which proved he was holding them to account. He will be missed. May he RIP

Barham Community Library open tomorrow

 From Barham Community Library

Barham Community Library at 660 Harrow Road Wembley HA0 2HD on frontage to Barham Park will reopen on Saturday between 11am and 3pm. This Saturday (8 January) we’ll only be open for book returns and borrowing. 

Our normal activities for children will resume on Saturday 15 January. We’ll also open on Monday and Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm. We are encouraging adult visitors to wear a mask if possible. Our shop in Sudbury Town Underground Station will be open on Saturday 1 to 4pm as usual. 

As we are keen for people to enjoy reading we welcome suggestions for good books to read. So please respond by giving a recommendation for a good book you read recently or even your favourite book of all time. Thank You.

A Passage to Britain - Barham Community Library January 8th

Women during WW1 talk at Barham Library November 17th

Chris Coates (from Preston Community Library) will speak on the subject of Women during WW1 on Saturday 17th November starting at 5:15pm.  Paul Lorber will also make a short contribution on the Suffragette Campaign including an interesting connection with Wembley.

 Barham Community Library is at 660 Harrow Road Wembley HA0 2HB with buses 18, 92, 182, 204 and H17 stomping nearby. Wembley Central station is 15 minutes walk away with most of the above buses stopping nearby.

See Henry V at Barham Community Library

Barham Library gets in early for Brent Borough of Culture 2020!

In addition to the October 6th presentation there will also be another on October 1st at 7.30pm.

Information and tickets: barhamlibrary@hotmail.co.uk

Today: Amy Johnson - from Kingsbury to Australia

The song commemorating Amy Johnson, recorded by Pat O'Malley with the Jack Hylton Orchestra in Berlin 1930:

There's a little lady 
Who has captured every heart
Amy Johnson, it's you

We have watched and waited 
Since the day you made your start
Amy Johnson, it's true

Since the news that you are safe has come along
Everyone in town is singing this love song

Amy, wonderful Amy
How can you blame me for loving you
Since you won the praise of every nation
You have filled my heart with admiration

Amy, wonderful Amy
I'm proud of the way you flew
Believe me, Amy, you cannot blame me, Amy
For falling in love with you

(Instrumental Break)

SPOKEN:
She's landed in Vienna
Here she is in Baghdad
Now she's over Karachi
She's reached Port Darwin ..... Bravo!
She's up again, she's off to Brisbane
Here she comes, there's something wrong
Gracious, what's wrong
She's crashed, no, she's safe

(Amy, wonderful Amy)
(How can you blame me for loving you)
Since you won the praise of every nation
You have filled my heart with admiration

(Sounds of crowds cheering)

Alice and Amy at Barham Community Library later this month

'Alice in the Cuckoo's Nest' Barham Community Library December 12th and 20th

From Barham Community Library


Live Theatre is coming back to Barham Community Library.

Our friends at the Librarian Theatre are performing their version of Alice. 

We offer a choice of two evening performances on Tuesday 12 December or Wednesday 20 December both starting at 7:30p.m.   Additional dates Preston Library on 14^th November and 19^th December at 7.30pm

As we have options for more performances we are encouraging early orders so we can decide on possible extra performances (including an afternoon Matinee) just before Xmas on 22nd and 23rd December.

Please help us out by ordering your tickets as early as you can.

Note from the Wembley Matters Editor: 

Alice in the Cuckoo’s Nest re-imagines Lewis Carroll’s classic story in the setting of a modern day mental institution. Although the show is family friendly, it is a far cry from the innocent adventure portrayed in Walt Disney’s 1951 film.

Please note that this is not a children’s show, and the production explores adult themes of mental health.

News and Appeal from Barham Community Library

Barham Community Library offers Yorick, Picnic and much else

Latest news from Barham Community Library

1. OUR LEASE

This is still with Brent Council and we are awaiting a final draft following a meeting 3 weeks ago. It would seem the Council are too busy with other priorities.

2. HAMLET - last chance for tickets

The 80 minutes version of Hamlet specially adapted for Libraries by The Librarian Theatre is back in our building in Barham Park (660 Harrow Road Wembley HA0 2HB) on Tuesday 31 May at 7:15p.m. for 7:30p.m. start.

We have just a few tickets left so if you don't want to miss your chance please contact me (Paul Lorber) on barhamlibrary@hotmail.co.uk or on 07917094239. If texting please leave your name.

3. 150 YEARS OF WEMBLEY FIRE BRIGADE

This talk by Philip Grant of Wembley History Society will take place at Barham Community Library on Saturday 4 June starting at 2:30 and lasting around an hour. The event is Free but Philip is happy for visitors to make a small donation towards our Charity.

4. BIG LUNCH  on Sunday 12th June in Barham Park. Friends of Barham Library initiated this event and we are pleased to be joined by our partners Sudbury Town Residents Association, Sudbury Court Residents Association, ACAVA and others. The event is supported by Francis Henry and Daniels Estate Agents who are helping with publicity and in other ways.

The BIG LUNCH is a simple idea from the creators of the Eden Project in Cornwall - 'Get to know your neighbours by having a lunch with them. Just make some of your favourite food and share it with others'. 

We just thought that it would be a good idea to encourage local people to have a picnic in Barham Park (no BBQs please) and chill out. We have some book and other stalls and some outdoor games and see how it goes. This is the 3rd time we have encouraged local people to take part and hope that we have some good weather and the most successful event to date. So please bring your friends and neighbours along and share your favourite delicacies with others.

We will need some volunteers to help out on the day so if you are available let me know - barhamlibrary@hotmail.co.uk

5. BARHAM WALKERS

The walking in Barham Park takes place on Tuesdays from 10:30a.m. We have opened our doors in the morning on Tuesdays from around 10:30 to 12 to allow access to our toilets and to offer tea, coffee and biscuits. The walks are free as are our refreshments (although we don't refuse small donations to help replenish our stocks.)

6. WEDNESDAY SWECIAL

One of our volunteers has started Wednesday morning sessions for anyone interested in sewing, knitting etc. If you are interested please get in touch - at barhamlibrary@hotmail.co.uk

7. ART & CRAFT CLUB FOR YOUNGSTERS

We are keen to restart this if there is enough interest. Please contact Paul Lorber on barhamlibrary@hotmail.co.uk with ages of your children.

The sessions will probably be held on Saturdays - with sessions for different age groups - in slots between approx 11a.m. to 3p.m.

8.  VOLUNTEERS MEETING WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE 2016 6:45P.M. - BARHAM COMMUNITY LIBRARY 660 HARROW ROAD WEMBLEY HA0 3JF
(the entrance is the black door inside the black railings to the left of the building along Harrow Road as you face the building. Buses 18, 92, 182 and 204 stop nearby)

We will discuss initial opening times, future activities and other matters.


http://barhamlibrary.org/

Barham Community Library volunteers meeting this afternoon

From Barham Community Library
 

We are making progress in getting our new building at 660 Harrow Road Wembley HA0 2HB ready to open as a community library in Barham Park.

Our negotiations with Brent Council are progressing and we hope to sign the Lease for the building before the end of May.

We are keen to organise our volunteer rotas and agree on our initial opening hours and activities. We will therefore hold a meeting for volunteers on Saturday 14 May at 2:30 in the afternoon at our new premises in Harrow Road. Please come along and bring anyone else you know who might be interested in getting involved.

If you cannot make it on the 14th please let me know as we plan to have other meeting days for our volunteers.

We also have some events at the Library that you may be interested in:

Tuesday 31 May - 7:15p.m. - Shakespeare's Hamlet

The Librarian Theatre are coming back to perform their 80 minute version of Hamlet. tickets are just £7 (or £4 concessions for students, children and senior citizens). Please let me know if you are interested.

Saturday 4 June at 2:30 - there will be a 60 minute talk about the 150 years of Fire Brigade in Wembley.

Philip grant from Wembley History Society will present the history of the fire brigade in Wembley. The event is free (although Philip would welcome small donations to support our Library Charity). Please let me know if you are interested ion coming.

Sunday 12 June - BIG Lunch - a picnic in Barham Park - from 11am 

We are encouraging local people to have a picnic lunch (you bring your own and share) with your friends and neighbours. we plan to open the Library and to have a stalls selling books, records, CDs and other stuff to raise some much needed cash.