ice&fire –and Matthew Schmolle Productions are
delighted to announce the London tour of a brand-newall-immigrant
variety show.WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE ITis performed by a clown collective of
immigrant performers, who take the audience on a journey of variety and satire.
grapplingwith our decade’s stickiest subject; immigration. It’s a
show where karaoke meets moral philosophy, incorporating a stand-up pigeon
double act, smorgasbord of characters, plenty of juice, plenty of biscuits and
plenty of food for thought.
ice&fire have established
themselves as a theatre company renowned for their use of performance to
explore human rights issues, in WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT, the cast do just
that. Because while Brexit is now ‘done’ it seems we are
still far from done with the age-old immigration
‘question.’This
all-immigrant variety show, has been created by Olivier award winner Donnacadh
O’Briain (Ireland) and playwright Amy Ng (Hong Kong), with a company of
actors; Jahmila Heath (Jamaica), Tomoko Komura (Japan), Gaƫl Le Cornec
(Brazil-via-France) and Sergio Maggiolo (Peru). Collectively they are over
29,000 miles from home.
Touring to every corner of London, including in Brent visiting
venues in Wembley, Willesden
Green, South Kilburn, Harlesden and Neasden, and serving up jokes, songs
and satire, the performers ask;‘What is behind our societal
acceptance of immigration control? What does it say about us and what do
those who have come to the UK from somewhere else want to
say about it?’
Christine Bacon from ice&fire says:‘As
a company, ice&fire have for some time been concerned with the here
and now of human rights stories and what can be done to make current
systems more fair. With this project, we are trying to take a big step back and interrogate how and why immigration controls are seen as a common sense and 'natural' feature of our world. But with clowns, so it will make you smile.'
Matthew Schmolle says:‘We are passionate about getting
this show out beyond the traditional theatre-world-echo-chamber, getting
it in front of the broadest audience possible and seeing what all those
people have to say about these over-looked issues which underpin so much of modern discourse
around immigration’.
Extract from Brent’s housing projects map, with
‘not yet in public domain’ schemes in black.
Guest post by Philip Grant in a personal capacity
Three weeks ago, I wrote a guest blog about Brent Council plans for “infill” housing
schemes which were ‘not yet in public domain’. In the comments beneath it, I
shared the text of an email I’d sent to the councillors and Council officers
most closely involved, offering them a “right of reply”.
I did receive a short email the same day, from one
of my Fryent Ward councillors who I’d copied the email to. Shama Tatler, who is
also the Lead Member for Regeneration in Brent’s Cabinet, wrote:
‘Thank you for your email. Yes,
you can be assured that we as ward councillors will be involved early with any
proposal and will ensure resident voice. We have been doing the same in other
projects in the ward.’
Encouraging words, although they do beg the
question: “if they had been involved early in the four ‘not yet in public
domain’ proposals in their ward, why hadn’t residents been given a chance to
have their say about them yet?”
I had to wait a couple of weeks for a substantive
reply, but on 16 September I received Brent’s response to my article from Cllr.
Eleanor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing. I will set out its full text below,
and would encourage you all to read it.
I believe that all citizens of the borough should
be able to express their views, on issues they feel strongly about, to those at
the Civic Centre who make the big decisions. But we also need to consider what
they say. Having these exchanges of views publicly available can help us to
understand each other. (It can also be useful in trying to ensure that the
Council lives up to the words of the elected members who represent us!)
Here is the Council’s response:
‘Thank you for your email and again
apologies for not responding sooner.
For clarity, the map that you
included in your blog, entitled by you or other, ‘Brent’s secret housing
projects’ was published alongside a cabinet report providing detail of all of
Brent’s current housing projects – this report and its appendices were public
and therefore by definition, everything included in it is not a secret.
However I agree that the term ‘not yet in the public domain’ used as a key on
the map was unhelpful, and as such we will not be using this term in future to
explain sites that are at the feasibility stage.
I absolutely agree that Brent Council must work with residents to shape housing
development projects, not just on the housing itself but also on the
improvements that are made as part of each development we deliver. We
take this responsibility seriously - with workshops, public events, newsletters
and questionnaires all used to discuss and get input on our proposals.
You’ll no doubt have seen my written response to a question at Full Council re
the Kilburn Square development, which I think is good evidence of this.
However, as I’m sure you’re aware, the
process isn’t that linear. As you have also pointed out, in addition to
our duty to existing residents, we also have a duty to residents who are
homeless or in priority housing need – as at August 2021 there were 1487
families and individuals living in Temporary Accommodation, to whom the Council
owes a housing duty. Just for context, if we do nothing more to increase
our housing stock some of those families could be waiting more than 15 years to
get a suitable house that they can call home. This is unacceptable and
we’re committed to changing this outlook, which inevitably involves balancing
differing views and priorities.
The approach to addressing the
housing shortage in Brent is multi-pronged – we are working with Housing
Associations and private developers to bring forward housing sites with good
levels of genuinely affordable housing, we are reviewing and improving
management of our existing stock so that we can make better use of what we have
and, we are building our own housing for social rent to our residents.
We don’t have a surplus of suitable
land for development, so we are reviewing lots of sites across our borough to
understand which might be suitable for housing – this is the feasibility work
referred to earlier. We’re always keen to engage with ward Cllrs and
local residents ahead of any proposals going to planning. I appreciate
that proposed developments can create anxiety and that compromise is often
required. In addition, all of our work in housing development is framed by
policy at a local and regional level, which provides strict requirements in
terms of density, open space, parking etc, in order that Brent and London
continue to provide homes whilst protecting what’s important for existing
residents.
I agree that working with residents
is key and this will continue to be a core part of developing any proposals for
new housing, balanced with the needs of residents who are currently homeless
and the requirements of planning policy.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Cllr Southwood’
Encouraging words again, especially her agreement that ‘Brent Council must work with
residents to shape housing development projects’, but we do need to see that
happening in practice, and at an early stage of any proposed “infill” schemes. If
you live at Campbell Court, Elvin Court, Westcroft Court or Gauntlett Court, or
if you know anyone who does, have residents there been consulted about the
Council’s proposals yet? Please add a comment below with the answer!
I had read Cllr. Southwood’s written response to
the question on Kilburn Square. Some of the points she made in that,
particularly that 'the most cost
effective building occurs when the council is able to build on land that it
owns', reminded me that no one from Brent had responded to an email I sent to
all members of the Cabinet on 13 August. That email was about my article on Council
housing on the former Copland School site. I also had a
letter on the same subject published in last week’s Brent & Kilburn Times
(16 September).
An elevation drawing
from the Council’s plans for the Wembley housing development.
The Council owns the
vacant site, and has full planning consent to build 250 homes there. It has
access to over £100m of grant funding from the GLA to build social rent housing
over the next five years. Yet Brent’s Cabinet has agreed to invite a private
developer to get involved in the project, and to let that developer have more
than 150 of the homes to sell at a profit!
I have replied to
Cllr. Southwood, and raised this issue again. I can’t understand why, with the
urgent need for Council homes that she emphasises, Brent isn’t building all of
these 250 homes (including sixty-four 3 and 4-bedroom family dwellings) for affordable
rent, instead of just 52!
I will include the
text of my latest email to her in the comments section below. And I will, of
course, share any response I receive with you.
BRENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCES A NEW WAY OF MAKING NEIGHBOURHOOD CIL DECISIONS
From Brent Council
We want to make sure you know about an exciting change to the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding. The funding decisions are being handed to Brent residents, organisations and groups who work with and for them, and we are calling thisYou Decide.
The Five Brent Connects areas (above) will receive £400,000 each of the £2m total and residents will decide how it is spent, throughParticipatory Budgeting.
How will this work?
We are inviting residents to join forces with local groups and organisations to decide what they think their area needs. What would make a difference to the lives of people and support them? What changes could funding bids forphysical assetsmake?How could a street, estate, sports club, park or community venue provide more for local people by purchasing physical things? What do local people need?
Constituted organisations can submit a bid toYou Decidefor a share of the £400,000 for that Brent Connects area. Residents can share ideas with you.
Residents will then have the chance to vote on what they want atDecision Dayevents. Applications will be presented and voted on in each Brent Connects area. Anyone over 18 can vote.
Everyone is invited to attend the community-basedinformation evenings, as aresident and/or representative of an organisation.Please register atthis Eventbrite link.If you can’t attend your area meeting, please sign up for a different one.
Do spread the word aboutYou Decideishow £2million of NCIL funding is to be spent.Please also tell us about events we can attend to share information atyoudecide@brent.gov.uk.
KEY DATES
We want to create real buzz around this and we need your support to spend the money as you think it is best used.
We want to create real buzz around this and we need your support so the money is spent as needed, and as decided by as many people as possible.
Please share this information with friends, family, neighbours and all or any groups you belong to, and encourage them to come to an Information Evening – as a potential applicant, or voter–usingthis Eventbrite link
Brent Council last night unanimously backed Barry Gardiner's Campaign to end the practice of 'Fire and Rehire' - the method employers use to reduce their costs by sacking workers and re-eemploying them on on reduced wages and worsened conditions of service.
Conservative councillor Michael Maurice remarking that he did not often agree with Barry Gardiner supported the motion saying that some corporate employers were bullies.
The Stop Fire and Rehire Campaign is building cross-party support in Parliament ahead of the Bill's next stage which takes place on Friday October 22nd.
As well as declaring support the motion also included practical steps to be taken by Brent Council:
This council notes the unethical use of the fire and rehire tactics by certain employers, forcing their staff to accept unfair terms and conditions, leaving many having to work longer hours and for lower pay.
While the Prime Minister has called this “unacceptable” he has continually refused to take action to outlaw the practice, raising concerns that he will not intervene in this race to the bottom by some employers. This council notes that this practice has been rejected here at Brent as is specifically outlined in the procurement strategy. Furthermore, we have ensured all our serviceproviders abide by these terms.
This council stands with the campaign that has been promoted by our local member of parliament, Barry Gardiner MP who has spotlighted this unsavoury practice, working with trade union partners to defend the right of workers against unscrupulousemployers. Workers should not be scapegoated to carry the burden of lost profits.
This council therefore believes action is required to ensure local residents are protected against such unethical practices and agrees:
(1) To request that the Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister demanding the full protection of employees subject to these terms and conditions.
(2) To continue to encourage fellow councils to exclude from their authorised list of suppliers any business’ using these Fire and Rehire Tactics and to update their procurement and social value policy to reflect that of ethical practices.
Furthermore we call upon them to update existing contracts with suppliers in accordance with this commitment.
(3) To continue to foster good working relationships with Trade Unions here at Brent.
(4) To work with our anchor institutions and key partners to bring forward plans for the introduction of a local employer charter for companies to work toward with Trade Unions. This should include worker rights, support for the TUC Great Jobs’ agenda and with the real living wage campaign at its heart. Brent council notes its records as a good and ethical employer, and truly believes thatall workers deserve well-paid secure and meaningful work.
The Wealdstone Brook flows through the recent developments in Wembley Park
The River Brent at Monks Park/St Raphaels
FLOOD ZONE 1 = low probabality of flood, FLOOD ZONE 2 = medium probability between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 annual probability of flooding, FLOOD ZONE 3 high probability having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of flood.
NB above are river flooding, in addition there may be surface water flooding.
Brent FoE will be leading a walk following (as far as possible) the course of theWealdstoneBrook and part of the River Brent from Wembley Park Station (meeting at 2pm) to St Raphael’s green space. on Sunday September 26th We will meet at 2pm on Olympic Square at the foot of the Wembley Park station steps.
The possibility of flooding due to extreme weather, both in terms of river flooding and the drainage system not being able to cope with torrential downpours, has become more obvious in the last few years as extreme weather events have increased, with some area of Brent hit by flooding recently.
We will look at natural life along the waterways, (you may be surprised) and consider
how the built environment interacts with nature, and the possible
dangers posed as climate change threatens to bring more flooding over
the next few years. We will pause (at about 3pm) on the bank of the River Brent, near theMonks Park/St Raphaels open space, to launchpaper boats with messages about climate change,and what we all need to do about it. Come along and make your own boat to launch! The boats will be caught in nets after their voyage so as not to pollute the river with litter,
Also bear in mind:
Children are welcome andd should be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them.
Wellies optional
Assemble at Wembley Park at 2pm. Boats will be placed in the river/or on the nearby grassy area on the St Rapahels bank at 3pm
We will have fishing nets to ‘capture’ any boats floated down the river.
Participants can choose to break the walk at Stonebridge Park
(station and buses) or do the return walk at their leisure or with the guide.
Participants should bring water, snack and any medication they may require.
There are firm paths throughout the route except for a few metres on the river bank for the boat launch.
If you intend to come to the start of the walk please let us know by emailing martinrfrancis@virginmedia.com with name etc. We will email back a mobile phone contact for the day.
Many thanks to Philip Grant for this Guest Post - Part 2 next week
This article only came about because of an enquiry
to Wembley History Society. What were the name and address of a music shop in
Ealing Road run by the Macari family around the 1960s, and could we provide a
photograph of it? The first part was quite easy, Macari’s Musical Exchange was
at 46b Ealing Road. But we can’t find a photograph of the outside of the shop. If
anyone reading this has one, please share a copy of it with us (c/o Wembley
Matters)!
An old postcard of Ealing Road, with the shop's
location arrowed. (Brent Archives online
image 8823)
Along with the shop’s address, we did receive a
number of memories of the Macari family and the shop from the Society’s members
and friends. Some of these were quite detailed. As they help to tell the story
of those times, I decided to put them together in an article, both for general
interest and for anyone who might like to know more about Wembley’s music
history. I’ve since received some more information from the family itself, and
am now including that as well.
Terry doesn’t remember the shop, but was taught to
play the guitar in 1957/58 by Anthony Macari, at the family’s home in Canons
Park. With his knowledge of Music Hall and Variety Theatre history, Terry let
me know what a musical family they were. In the years after the Second World
War, Anthony and his children, Larry, Joe and Rosa, were in an accordion band,
Macari’s Dutch Serenaders. By the 1960s, they were also known as Anthony Macari
and His Dutch Serenaders, with Larry no longer in the group.
46 Ealing Road is on the corner of Chaplin Road, at
the northern end of a small parade of shops (numbers 46 to 60). The Macari shop
is not shown in the 1958 edition of Curley’s Directory of Wembley, but that
must have been out of date, as the business had opened by January that year.
This is the top of a letter sent by Anthony to Rosa, who had a singing engagement
in Dublin at the time.
The Musical Exchange
headed notepaper from 1958. (Courtesy
of Glo Macari)
Macari’s Musical Exchange does appear in the 1962
and 1968 editions of the Directory. There were two shops at number forty-six.
46b was the music shop, while 46a was Derosa Ladies Wear. This was run by Rosa
and her sister-in-law, Jean (Joe’s wife), and took over the costume hire
business, as well as selling evening gowns and children’s clothes. Anthony
Macari is shown at 46c, the flat above the shops reached by stairs at the back,
and he lived there for a time with his wife, as well as using one room [details
in Part 2!] for the music business.
1960s street map of
Wembley, with shop's location marked. (G.I.
Barnett street plan / courtesy Zerine Tata)
The
late 1950s was a pivotal time in music history. More people had radios and
gramophones on which they could listen to music, but much of what you could
listen to had been dance bands, such as Wembley-born Victor Silvester’s. Most “popular music” came from America, and
performers like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly introduced young people to more
upbeat songs, played by small groups with guitars, which came to be known as
“rock and roll”.
Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group, late 1950s. (Image from the internet)
In England, there was a transitional stage, with
its roots in jazz and folk music, called “skiffle”. Lonnie Donegan was one of
its leading acts, but by 1958 the country also had its own “Pop” stars, such as
Cliff Richard and his backing group, soon to be known as The Shadows (which
included Jet Harris, from Willesden, on bass guitar and Tony Meehan, from West
Hampstead, on drums). By then, many teenage boys wanted to play in rock and
roll groups!
The Macaris had a shop in Burnt Oak before opening
another branch of the business in Ealing Road, Wembley. Kay’s older brother
remembered the shop:
‘It was in the parade of shops opposite
the old St Andrew's Church which is now the Wembley Mosque, not far from the
junction with Chaplin Road. There was a cycle shop next door. The shop
wasn’t that big, they had a couple of upright pianos, lots of brass instruments,
acoustic guitars and mostly “old fashioned” instruments.’
‘He was passing the shop one day and Hattie Jacques and John
Le Mesurier were coming out with instruments they’d bought for their kids.
Keith Moon who lived in Chaplin Road used to practice there, and also in the
Pavitt Hall on the corner of Union Road.’
Alan remembers the
shop well, with guitars hung on the walls. He and some friends had formed a
group as was so common in the early 1960s. He and the singer would go and ‘jam’
at the shop. He recalls the father and son running the shop being very helpful
when he needed a new bridge for one of his guitars. Musicians wanting work or
people requiring musicians would use the shop as a hub.
The 5 Stars skiffle
group, c.1959. (Photo courtesy of
Alan and Barbara Clarke)
Alan’s first group was a skiffle band calling
themselves “The 5 Stars”. As you can see from the photograph, three of them
played guitars, and their drummer, Roger, just had a side drum. A common
feature of skiffle groups was the improvised bass, often called a tea chest
bass (as that is what most of them were made from), although this one appears
to use an oil can. A single string ran from the can (or wooden box) to the top
of a broom handle. When the string was plucked, the sound resonated from the
can, and the bass note could be changed by altering the position of the broom
handle!
Three of the 5 Stars went on to form another group,
led by their singer, Alan Hayward. The two Alans would practice in the shop,
something the Macaris encouraged as it brought more interest to their business.
There was no separate rehearsal room, just an area in the shop itself. Once
when they were practicing, lead guitarist Alan was allowed to play “The Blue Moon of Kentucky” (a song from
Elvis Presley’s first record in 1954) on a maroon Gibson guitar which had been on
display, hung on the shop’s wall.
Glo Macari, listening to a record at the shop, 1961. (Courtesy of Glo
Macari)
As well as
instruments, the shop also sold records. Anthony Macari’s grand-daughter Gloria
(“Glo”) liked spending time in the shop, listening to the latest songs, and
learning the words and tunes. Her family lived in Clarendon Gardens, and she
went to Park Lane, then St Joseph’s R.C. primary schools. She was already
playing guitar by then, and the famous guitarist, Bert Weedon, who often came
into the shop, gave her some extra lessons. You can hear Bert playing his 1959
hit record, “Guitar Boogie Shuffle”, here:
Like many Wembley
children at the time, most of her Saturday mornings were spent at the Regal
Cinema, just up the road from the shop, for the children’s picture shows.
Sometimes these also included the chance for youngsters to perform on the stage
– ‘very exciting!’ Glo remembers singing “Bobby’s Girl” there, which was a big
“hit” for Susan Maughan in 1962.
The Regal Cinema, in a 1950s postcard of Ealing Road. (Brent Archives
online image 1195)
There will be more on
the music shop’s story, and the musicians who used it, next weekend. This will
include a teenager from Chaplin Road, who bought some drum sticks there (can
you guess Who?). I hope you can join me then, to enjoy more local history, and
music, from a time that played a big part in the development of modern “Pop”.
