Some images from Burma at the British Empire Exhibition
If you have found my recent articles about the Pageant of Empire in 1924 of interest, you might like to discover more about the British Empire Exhibition
from one (or more) of the three illustrated talks I will be giving over the
next few weeks, as part of its centenary.
The first, “The Jewel of Wembley – Burma at the BEE”, is on Friday
20 September, from 7.30 to 9pm, in St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kingsbury. This
is at regular monthly meeting of Wembley History Society, but visitors are
welcome [we just invite a contribution of £3 (£1 for students) towards the cost
of the hall]. All the details you should need are here:
One of the aspects of the Exhibition’s history that I am most keen on is
the perspective of people who came here from the countries of the Empire,
rather than just the “official” British view. The album on which much of my
talk is based contains dozens of newspaper cuttings and photographs. One of the
most intriguing of which is an article by a female journalist of her interview
with Ma Bala Hkin, the leading actress and dancer of the Burmese theatre troupe
at the Exhibition.
One of the headlines from the “Evening News” article.
If you want to know what Ma Bala thought of the English women she saw in
Wembley in 1924, you should come along to my talk!
The second of my talks, “A Harlesden Photographer at the B.E.E. – the
West Indies at Wembley in 1924”, is a free coffee morning event at
Harlesden Library, on Tuesday 8 October from 11am to 12noon.
Back in the 1990s, Wembley History Society received a donation of
photographs, together with some glass plate negatives, showing images of the Exhibition
in 1924, especially from inside the West Indies Pavilion. They were the work of
a little-known local photographer, whose stamp was on the back of some of the
prints:
Harlesden Library seemed the ideal place to present this talk, and you
can find more details and reserve your free place on the Brent Libraries, Arts and Heritage
Eventbrite website. This talk is part of the Becoming Brent project, re-examining the British Empire Exhibition and its legacy.
The final talk I will be giving in the Exhibition’s centenary year is “When
Wembley Welcomed the World”. This is being hosted by Preston Community
Library on the afternoon of Sunday 27 October (exact time and further
details will follow). It will be a free event, but with donations to the work
of the community library invited from those who attend.
This illustrated talk is an introduction to the various nations which
took part in the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park in 1924, and their
people who came here for the event, but then moves on to show how Wembley has
continued to welcome people from across the world ever since the 1920s.
I hope that “Wembley Matters” readers will find something of interest in
these presentations, and I look forward to welcoming you to any of these
events.
From 2013 Indicative Plan Above and Council note below
Appendix 2 Indicative
Development Proposals
Note that this scheme is only an illustration
showing how 512 residential units could be accommodated on site and any
planning application may arrange these units in a different way. Alternatively
if this number of units are not secured then the land value will reduce
accordingly as set out in the main report. The sports hall is illustrated by
the block to the right of the illustration. It is very likely that the
residential development next to the sports centre would need to be re-located
to allow for parking for the sports centre to be accommodated. TheUnisys
buildings are the two curved buildings to the top of the illustrations.
After the community's fight for Bridge Park ownership, eventually won by Brent Council, and various concerns over the company with overall control of the Unisys part of the site, Great Mediterranean, registered in Luxembourg, I lodged a question with Brent Council for next week's Full Council.
The Unisys site is currently in the hands of Stonebrudge Real Estate Developers Ltd LINKa subsidiary of General Mediterranean Holdings.The valuation of their property reduced its value from £36m on January 1st 2022 to £29.5m on December 31st 2022. There are two
unremunerateddirectors and no staff.
Question from Martin Francis
to Councillor Tatler (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth)
In relation to progress on
the delivery of various regeneration schemes across the borough, please could
the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth:
(1) Provide an update on the
plans for the Bridge Park, Technology House, car breakers and Unisys site in
Stonebridge noting that the Unisys building has been unused for 26 years. See
2013 Decision: https://democracy.brent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?AIId=9146
(2) In respect of (1) above:
(a) Confirm whether Brent
Council remains in a relationship with General Mediterranean Holdings as a
partner, joint developer or otherwise in this development.
(b) Provide a timeline for
the development of a new sports centre, housing and hotel on the site including
planning permission and completion.
(3) Also provide an update
on the plans and timeline for the development, including housing and adult
college, at Altamira, 1 Morland Gardens, Stonebridge, NW10
Response:
(1)& (2) Bridge Park
Update
Brent Council and General
Mediterranean Holdings (GMH) exchanged the Bridge Park Conditional Land Sale
Agreement (CLSA) in June 2017. Therefore, the Council is in a contractual
relationship with GMH as its developer partner for the Bridge Park site.
Completion of the CLSA is
subject to the following 4 conditions:
1. Vacant Possession
2. Trust Claim Condition
3. Financial Viability
4. Planning
Brent Council completed the
Vacant Possession and Trust Claim conditions and is progressing delivery
against the two outstanding conditions (Financial Viability and Planning) to
enable CLSA completion.
A target milestone plan has
been outlined below for the New Bridge Park Centre, and this is based on
current information so may be subject to change based on progress against each
milestone:
Complete RIBA 2 - Concept
Design Fix: Autumn 2024
Summer 2028 (assuming
24-month construction programme)
The immediate priority is to
progress scheme plans for a pre-planning resident consultation towards the end
of 2024, which will include the latest New Bridge Park Centre Bridge (sic) proposals
and target dates for planning submission, planning determination and on-site
delivery.
1 Morland Gardens (Altamira Italianate Villa)
(3) Morland Gardens Update
The Council is reviewing its
options and proposals for the Morland Gardens site. Once the Council has
completed its review, officers intend on providing an update to the public
later this year.
In parallel with this
review, the Council is continuing to monitor the condition of the Altamira
building so it remains structurally safe.
Really pleased to see a new,
beefed-up Renters' Rights Bill proposed by this government. The immediate ban
on Section 21 'no fault' evictions is very welcome and will help protect over
10 million renters from risk of eviction. Longer notice periods, banning
bidding wars, Awaab's law to address dangerous hazards such as damp and mould,
a landlord register, abolishing blanket bans on those with children or on
benefits, and a default right for tenants to have pets - all urgent and really
positive.
But on affordability I would
have liked to see a lot more. This is an opportunity missed. We must not miss
this opportunity. There are some measures to stop rents being hiked very high
mid-contract, but nothing to control overall affordability, e.g. by allowing
councils to introduce rent controls in overheated housing markets as The Green Party long campaigned for. And a lot of reliance on
individual tenants challenging increases, which inevitably means the most
vulnerable, lacking the spare time or capacity, will face the most unreasonable
rent increases.
Greens are also keen to ensure
energy efficiency is properly and thoroughly addressed by this bill. A decent,
warm home is a right. It is welcome that the Government is going to introduce a
Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector but the devil will be in the
detail, including how much funding is attached and how it is enforced.
This hugely important and
urgent bill looks good as a starting point – but there is a serious gap on tackling
sky-high rents and more clarity on making homes energy efficient and cheaper to
heat would be hugely welcome. Where there are gaps, Green MPs really want to
work with Ministers to close them. We had five years of failed promises from
the last Tory Govt during which time households were threatened with
homelessness over 80,000 times – this time we need swift and ambitious action
for renters who are being ripped off, living in cold homes or being made
homeless.
We Wear Heritage London Fashion Show event - September 16th 2pm-4pm
Time: arrivals from 1pm, show starts at 2pm and finishes at 4pm Location: St Mary’s Church in Marylebone
Where is St Mary's Church London located? St. Mary's Church is located in Wyndham Place, York Street London, W1H 1PQ, in the United Kingdom.
How to get to St Mary's Church London?
By Tube (Subway/Metro): The nearest Underground stations to St. Mary's Church include:
Marble Arch: Take the Central Line and walk south along Edgware Road to reach the church.
Edgware Road: Served by the Bakerloo, District, and Circle Lines. The church is a short walk from this station.
By Bus: Several
bus routes run through the nearby areas of Edgware Road and Marble
Arch, which are close to St. Mary's Church. You can use bus services to
reach the vicinity and then walk to the church.
Be part of this vibrant celebration and discover the beauty and
history woven into the fabrics of Brent’s diverse communities. Don’t
miss this opportunity to witness our community’s heritage come alive on
the catwalk!
We Wear Heritage is a project designed to showcase how Brent’
diverse communities celebrate traditional clothing, textiles and
fabrics.
Indigenous Fashion Show from the Amazon, Brazil Starts
16:00 – 17:00
Networking & Photo Opportunity with Communities and Indigenous Designers
17:00 – 17:01
This project is organised by CVS Brent and funded by The National
Lottery Heritage Fund to support Brent organisations to develop and
deliver heritage projects locally capturing and preserving stories about
traditional textiles, clothing or costume of Brent’s diverse
communities and sharing that with the wider community.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating Brent’s rich cultural tapestry through fashion. “We Wear Heritage”
brings together 12 diverse community groups from Brent to showcase
traditional textiles, clothing, and costumes that tell the unique
stories of their heritage.
Each outfit presented on the catwalk is a piece of history, offering a
glimpse into the traditional attire of Afghani, African, Brazilian,
Chinese, Caribbean, Goan Indian, Iraqi, Mauritian, Romanian, Somali, and
Tamil communities. These garments carry each community’s stories,
traditions, and cultural significance, many of which are not widely
known. It will be an afternoon to remember!
The fashion show is organised by Rafael dos Santos, cultural events
producer and director and CEO of Best of Brazil Community, a CIC that
produces and promotes Brazilian cultural events. Visit www.bestofbrazil.org for more information.
Indigenous Brazilian Fashion Show
From 3 pm to 4 pm, be prepared to be amazed by the most fashion show you’ve ever seen!
Clothes are designed by Indigenous fashion designers from the
Brazilian Amazon Forest. A cooperative that brings together seven
indigenous communities led by fashion designer Seanny Arts and directed
by her daughter Reby Oliveira.
You will be mesmerised by the creativity, design, fabrics, hand-painted dresses, and much more!
Mi Moda Indigena is the brand of this collective of Indigenous women
who are showing the world the culture, heritage, creativity, and
strength of the Indigenous people from the Amazon Forest in Brazil.
Their show starts at 3pm, after the We Wear Heritage Show.
COMMUNITIES TAKING PART IN THE WE WEAR HERITAGE PROJECT:
Community: African
Project: A Tapestry of Culture: Unravelling The Threads of African Fabric
The aim of the project is to preserve the heritage of African Fabric,
by engaging young people and the wider community by involving a more
diverse range of people in the process and outcome. Kojo Baiden will
organise collaborative workshops with other. organisations particularly
those from underrepresented communities. Our heritage project aims to
explore the vibrant history, artistry, and cultural significance of
African fabric. Through meticulous research, engaging exhibitions, and
community involvement, we intend to celebrate and preserve this integral
part of the African diaspora.
Community: Afghani
Project: Afghani Regional Clothing, Textiles and Fabrics
Afghanistan’s traditional clothing is distinguished by its unique
designs and colours. Womenswear is often adorned with handmade
embroidery on the body and sleeves. The combination of vibrant colours,
made famous during the 1960s, highlights the creative expression and
know-how of garment makers. The project will gather first-hand accounts
from seamstresses and tailors of traditional Afghan garments.
Community: Brazil
Project: Evolution of Brazilian Indigenous Outfits
Organisation: Best of Brazil Community CIC
Events Producer and university lecturer Rafael dos Santos, in
collaboration with Indigenous fashion designer Seanny Arts, created a
collection of seven outfits showing the evolution of fashion from 1500
to 2000.
The fabrics used to make the outfits are natural materials found in
the Amazon. They include bark trees, palm leaves, paint from jenipapo
fruit, and fish scales. The Mundurucu tribe wears these outfits. They
will impress the audience and show the creativity, history, and rich
culture of this Brazilian Indigenous community.
Community: Chinese diaspora
Project: Chinese Take Away Message
Brent Chinese Association uncovers the origins, designs and symbolism
of the traditional clothing worn by the diasporic Chinese communities.
Examples include the Chenongsam and Hanfu for women and the Tang suit
for men. Across the Chinese diaspora, these costumes have been worn
through the generations, adapting and evolving, to mark special
occasions, such as festivals, births, wedding ceremonies, funerals.
Community: Caribbean ok
Project: Made in Brent
Higher Potential presents clothing from the 1970s/80s era when the
music genres of rap, hip-hop, reggae, and soul-funk influenced a
generation. Caribbean young people’s clothing style was dependent on the
music. They wore tributes, Beaver Hats, tailored suits, and tonic
suits, creating trends that contributed to wider youth culture.
Community: Dominica
Project: WOB Dwiyet – Traditional Dominica Dress
Caribbean creole style is rooted in a blend of English, French and
African traditions. Created by women of colour during the 18th century
it is an eye-catching, cultural expression of Caribbean resilience.
Madras fabric plays a significant role in the development of heritage
wear, teamed with broderie anglaise and ribbons it reflects the colonial
history and the creativity of the Caribbean people. This collection
will present the Wob Dwiyet, an elegant gown created and still worn
today as a symbol of stature, popular in the French creole speaking
islands and the Jip outfit, a less formal alternative for the wearer.
Community: Goan Indian
Project: Goan Traditional Clothing
Community Stars UK CIC shares Goan traditional clothing, which is a
rich tapestry of cultural influences resulting from its unique position
on the western coast of India. The traditional attire blends indigenous
traditions and Portuguese colonial influence. The project connects the
costumes worn with specific cultural events of significance within the
Goan community. Moreover, some Goan costumes relate to specific
performances involving music and dance.
Community: Iraqi
Project: Arabic & Iraqi Folklore Clothing
Iraqi Welfare Association promotes folklore clothing and costumes to
represent the area’s ancient cultures and beliefs but also to facilitate
a bridge of communication between different communities around the
world. They plan to organise heritage festivals to bring diverse
communities together.
Community: Iranian
Project: Iranian Traditional Regional Garb
Regional climates shape traditional Iranian women’s attire. This
project explores outfits from the different regions of Iran. For
example, in Northern Iran, lush green lands with colours and patterns
are reflected in the region’s clothing. In the coastal areas,
traditional clothing reflects the colours and patterns of water and
marine life. In contrast, people living in areas with hotter climates
wear lighter, more breathable garments as influenced by the weather
conditions. We will celebrate the Festival of Mehregan, which will
celebrate the beginning of the autumn harvest in September/October.
Storytelling will feature where women share their stories from the
regions and craftsmanship.
Community: Romanian
Project: Threads of Tradition: Exploring Romanian Heritage Clothing
My Romania Community presents traditional clothing from different
parts of Romania. This project examines Romanian garments’ unique
characteristics and cultural significance, highlighting craftsmanship
and symbolism. There’s also a royal connection between the UK and
Romania through Queen Marie of Romania. They aim to foster
intergenerational learning, a sense of representation and belonging, and
the importance of cultural exchange.
Community: Somali
Project: Hido iyo Dhaqan Traditional Somali Clothing
Reviving Links CIC is preserving Somali traditional textiles and
clothing. This project focuses on intergenerational learning with Brent
schoolchildren interviewing elders about the garments, that is, the
meaning of the intricate designs, cultural significance and historical
narratives. They plan to show how these traditional garments have been
shaped by various influences over the centuries and how these garments
can enable us to tell stories facilitating cross-cultural exchanges.
Community: Tamil
Project: Tamil Heritage Records
Tamil Association of Brent is creating records of traditional
clothing using photography and video. Oral histories are being collected
from Tamil elders and dubbed and subtitled in English. The
transcriptions will be used to produce an electronic book incorporating
the photographs people share. The project will also film a Tamil wedding
providing commentary on the rituals and how they have changed over the
years. These records will act as a reference for future generations.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the show start?
The first fashion show starts at 2 p.m. We advise attendees to arrive from 1 p.m. onwards to secure a good spot!
Can I secure a place on the front row?
No. Front-row seats are reserved, and names will be added to a
separate VIP guest list. If the guest does not attend the show, we might
have front-row seats available on the day.
Is there parking?
No. You must search for private parking near St Mary’s Church in
Marylebone. We highly recommend you use public transport. Marylebone
tube and train stations are less than 10 min walk from the venue.
What time does it finish?
Shows finish at 4pm.
Are there two shows on the same day?
Yes. From 2-3 pm is the cultural fashion show WE WEAR HERITAGE. From
3-4 pm is Mi Moda Indigena, a group of Brazilian indigenous designers
from the Amazon, showcasing their collection.
Can we buy clothes on this show?
After 4 pm, you can go to the stand of MI Moda Indigena, and you can
purchase outfits you’ve seen on the catwalk as well as bio jewellery
made from seeds and plants from the Amazon, handmade by Indigenous
designers.
Can I take photos and film?
Yes, you can. Between 4-5 pm, there will be an opportunity for photos
with all designers and models from all projects, including the
Indigenous models.
Can I bring children to the show?
You can bring children, so long you take them away from the room if
they start crying. Professional filming will happen, so we would not
like children crying in the background during the filming.
Do I need a ticket per person or can I get 1 ticket for my whole family?
For example, if your family has five people, you will need to sign up
for five tickets. Each ticket is assigned to one chair, so if one
person signs up and turns up with four more people, the four people who
didn’t sign up won’t be able to sit down; they will have to stay in the
standing area.
Independent education investigative journalist Warwick Mansell has written about events at Byron Court on his blog and was recently interviewed by podcasters Two Heads about prospects for changes in Ofsted inspections and academisation under the new Labour Government.
Byron Court Primary School is no more and one of the podcasters described the eradication of its identity over the school holiday as 'Orwellian'. She was particularly concerned about its effect on the children.
It is early days, but I am already hearing reports that under the Harris regime discipline is much stricter and there are concerns about individual support for special needs pupils being withdrawn.
A static section of the interactive map that you can contribute to
From Brent Parks Forum
Sent out by the London Federation of Friends of Parks Groups Chair for residents and green/blue space groups to respond to.
*London Nature Recovery Interactive Map
The Greater London Authority (GLA) has launched an interactive mapping tool for Londoners to tell us where action to improve nature should be prioritised. The GLA will use the map, alongside other inputs, to set out the priorities for London’s nature in the London Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which is due to be published in Summer 2025.
This interactive map is open to all organisations and individuals across London, so please share this with your friends, colleagues, family and communities living and working in Greater London. The map will be open for input until 23:59 on Wednesday 2nd October.
Extract from Brent
Council’s website on Complaints and Feedback.
On 2 September, Martin published an open
letter of complaint that I had sent to Brent’s Chief Executive, Kim Wright, on 30 August, objecting to the undisclosed conflict of
interests and bias in the Report and recommendation for the award of the new
advertising lease for the Bobby Moore Bridge. I received the Council’s response
on 9 September from Brent’s Corporate Director Finance and Resources, ‘(Covering
for the Chief Executive)’, and in the interests of transparency and fair play I
have asked Martin to publish that response in full below.
The response tells me that everything was done ‘in accordance with the
council’s standard practices’, so that the process ‘was open and fair and that
the award of the contract will therefore stand, as formally agreed by Cabinet.’
Have you ever made a complaint to Brent
Council? If so, have they ever admitted that they made a mistake or did
something wrong? I’d be interested to receive your feedback on this in the
comments section.
My own feeling on the response below is that has been composed in a way
that the Council can claim that they’ve answered all the points I raised,
without directly answering any of them! If you feel inclined to read on, you
can judge for yourself.
‘Dear Mr Grant,
In response to your letter dated 30 August 2024, I
can confirm that the report was drafted and agreed in accordance with the
council’s standard practices.
The information regarding the tiles was supplied by
the council’s Heritage Officer. He noted that the tiled murals under the Bobby
Moore Bridge and on the adjoining retaining walls, which depict various scenes
of sports and entertainment events, have historic and artistic merit. They are
considered a non-designated heritage asset within the meaning in the National
Planning Policy Framework. The tiles are not statutory listed, but
none-the-less the council will continue to ensure they are protected regardless
of this fact during the contract period. The tile mural with plaque will remain
on permanent display during the contract period. The tiled flank walls outside
the underpass are also on display.
As you are aware, council officers did not make the
final decision for this contract as their role was to make a recommendation.
The final award decision was made solely by Cabinet and, despite your concerns,
I am satisfied that the report was a fair representation of the facts,
including the details of your petition.
Financial information is always provided in council
reports to ensure Cabinet has the full information available to make rounded
decisions. In the current national and local context, where council budgets are
stretched like never before it is perfectly rational for the council to seek to
generate external income where it can. There were also other, non-financial,
benefits which the report outlined regarding the option which was agreed by the
Cabinet.
Officers routinely and properly make recommendations
about matters which are the responsibility of services they manage, or which
may impact on those services financially or operationally. To suggest that
officers should be precluded from involvement in such matters is unrealistic
and unreasonable and would often prevent members from receiving advice from
those best placed to give it. It is of course proper for an officer dealing
with a contract award to set out any impact on the service budget of different
options and to recommend that members take that into account in making their
decision. The council’s communications service budget is used to support the
delivery of essential services including ensuring residents are informed and
engaged about issues that affect them and know how to access the services they
need.
It should also be noted that Service Heads
routinely work with officers to generate reports where income is allocated into
their budget. In this case, there were many officers involved, besides the two
officers stated in the Cabinet Report. This includes procurement officers, the
heritage officer, highways officers, sales and marketing officer, finance
officer, governance officers and colleagues from legal. The report was also
agreed by the Corporate Director, Partnerships, Housing & Resident Services
before it was presented to Cabinet. The two officers named in the report also
made additional efforts to work with you in advance of the tender given your
interest in the tiles.
In summary, I am confident that this procurement
was open and fair and that the award of the contract will therefore stand, as
formally agreed by Cabinet.
Yours sincerely,
Minesh Patel (Covering for the Chief Executive)
Corporate Director Finance and Resources
Finance and Resources
Brent Council’
Extract from the “How your complaint will be dealt with” section of
Brent’s website
My open letter to Brent’s Chief Executive was headed: “Formal complaint
over the award of the Bobby Moore Bridge advertising lease.’ You may have
noticed that the response from Brent does not mention the word “complaint”, and
the email subject line was simply ‘CRM:00000000488000000021’! And it does not
inform me of my right to request a final review (or of my right to involve the
Local Government Ombudsman if I am dissatisfied with the way my complaint was
dealt with). Is Brent Council now dealing with complaints by not even treating
them as complaints?
