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PLUSEssential information for Westminster’s older residents Parks and open spaces special Issue 10 June 2010
Westminster
INSIDEDiscover Hyde Park’s Senior Playground
Meet Westminster’s Health Motivators
Grow your own food
PLUSFREE and low cost outdoor activities
The Expert Patient Programme Find out more
2 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
WELcoME and news
You can find lots of details about outdoor events and activities, from guided walks and Tai Chi classes on page 7 to brass band performances at Westminster Abbey on page 9.
And you don’t even have to venture far to enjoy the summer: page 10 offers tips to help you grow your own vegetables and herbs from the comfort of your own home.
Why not visit the new Senior Playground in Hyde Park which provides exercise equipment ideal for the over 60s? Find out why it’s worth going to on page 12.
What’s more, we’re continuing to provide you with health advice – look out for fitness tips on page 6 and discover the Expert Patient Programme on page 13.
Have a great summer.
Summer’s here, which is why we’ve dedicated this issue to the parks, gardens and open spaces of Westminster and how you can make the most of them.
councillor Sheila D’SouzaNon Executive Director and Older People’s Champion
NHS Westminster
15 Marylebone Road, NW1 5JD
councillor christabel Flight Westminster Older People’s Champion
Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP
email: [email protected]
On the cover: Eve Margolis at the Senior Playground.
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 3
Volunteer in the great outdoors Did you know there are many opportunities to work in the great outdoors with The Royal Parks? From guided walks in Kensington Gardens to driving Liberty Drive buggies around Hyde Park, find something that suits you. Volunteers are given training and support, including a newsletter and a programme of trips and social events.Visit www.royalparks.org.uk or call 020 7298 2107. call 077 67 498 096 for Liberty Drives.
Older People’s Strategy launchWestminster City Council and NHS Westminster launched their joint commissioning strategy for older people at an event in May. The strategy was produced as the result of consultation with over 150 older residents in Westminster and highlights our aims for the future, which include giving service users more choice and control over their lives and providing better support to carers. contact the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444 or email [email protected] to get a copy of the strategy sent to your door.
Summary Care RecordsNHS Westminster is working with your GP and the NHS Care Records Service to introduce an improved system for managing your health records. A Summary Care Record (SCR) is a secure electronic record of your essential medical history such as details of allergies, medications and any previous bad reactions to medicines. As a patient registered with a GP practice in Westminster, you should have received an information pack about this. For more information, and to opt out if you wish, call 0845 603 8510.
Free parking for Westminster carersIf you are an unpaid carer using a car to care for someone living in Westminster and you get Attendance or Disability Living allowance, you may be eligible for the Westminster Carers’ Parking Scheme. Carers using pay by phone, pay and display or shared use parking bays in Westminster can apply to claim six hours worth of parking per week in the form of easy to use scratch cards. Find out more and download an application form from www.westminster.gov.uk/carersparking or call 020 7823 4567.
Did you know...
it is now an offence to park in
front of a dropped kerb in
Westminster? Visit westminster.
gov.uk/droppedkerbs
to find out more
Royal Parks’ volunteers in Kensington Gardens
Welcom
e and news
4 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
Paddington Recreation GroundWith 28 acres of land complete with a wetland pond, ‘Pad Rec’ as it’s known to locals, draws well over one million visitors a year. It has plenty of open space for activities like dog walking, jogging and there’s a wide range of sport and leisure facilities including cricket nets, tennis courts; even outdoor table tennis and a refurbished bowling green with pavilion.
contact the centre for more information and to find out about activities.
Location: Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD Tel: 020 7641 3642open: 6.30am–9.30pm
oUT and about There are lots of free and low cost outdoor activities this summer in Westminster’s parks and grounds.
Coming up roses in Hyde ParkEnjoy a free day out and visit the Rose Garden in Hyde Park this summer – home to roses, shrubs and herbaceous plants selected for their colour and scent. There are also four hectares of meadow where you can see wildflowers, grasses, birds and insects such as butterflies and moths.
Visit www.royalparks.org.uk or call 020 7298 2000 for more information.
Did you know...there are offers and discounts available for people aged 65
plus on the council’s website? Visit westminster.gov.uk/ outandabout for details
Get free Lord’s ticketsDo you fancy a day at Lord’s, the home of cricket, to watch a County match? We have tickets to give away for selected matches throughout the summer.
call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444 for more information. Tickets will be sent out in pairs on a first come first served basis, so get calling to reserve yours.
Punch & JudyWatch a traditional Punch & Judy show in the park – fantastic entertainment for all ages. John Styles, a master at his craft and honoured by the Queen for his Services to the Arts, will be performing ‘Punch, Judy, the Baby and the Crocodile’.
Where: Hyde Park at the Lido, W2 3RXWhen: Daily from 16th–20th AugustTimes: 11am, 1pm and 3pmNearest tube: Queensway/Bayswatercost: Entrance to the Lido costs £3 for concessionscall: 020 7298 2000 Website: www.royalparks.org.uk
After a long day outdoors, feet can get tired and sore. If yours need a bit of TLC, you can use the Basic Foot Care Service which provides foot and nail care to anyone registered with a Westminster GP who can’t:• reach their own feet easily• see well enough to cut
their nails• hold scissors or clippers
due to hand problems.
Treatment takes place at sites around Westminster. To apply, request a referral form from your local podiatry centre or from Podiatry Services, Health @ The Stowe, 260 Harrow Road, W2 5ES or call 020 7316 6890. You can also be referred by your doctor, health care or social care professional, who can help you to complete the referral form.
Tired feet?
Stuck for what to do with the grandkids over the school holidays? Read the What’s on Westminster listings guide for inspiration, packed with activities for children aged 0–19.
call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444 to order a copy, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/wow to view it online or visit your local library or one Stop Service. Available from late June.
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 5
Out and about
6 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
Westminster’s parks are now in full bloom and taking a summer stroll is the perfect way to enjoy them. Organised walks include:
• Healthy Hearts Walk: ideal for people with heart conditions, meet at Clarence Gate in Regent’s Park at 1.30pm every Wednesday. Call Regent’s Park Hub on 020 7935 2458 for more information
• Paddington Waterside Partnership has a selection of free guided walks to choose from. Visit www.inpaddington.com or call 020 3145 1200 to find out more.
KEEP FIT outdoors The warm weather and extra daylight hours mean there are lots of ways to exercise right on your doorstep.
HEALTHFOCUS
Plan your routeThere are lots of free maps showing historical, cultural and nature walks in and around London. Visit these websites to find a walk that suits you, get tips and plan your route:
www.walklondon.org.uk
www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/walking
www.thinkfeetfirst.com
TAKE A WALK
“I have been coming to Tai Chi for two years now and I love it.”
Linda Chan, pictured with friend Marietta Vallecer in the garden at Penfold Street
Westminster Health TrainersDid you know that walking a mile in 15 to 20 minutes uses the same amount of energy as running that mile in 8 to 10 minutes? These are the kind of goals that you can set for yourself with help from a Westminster Health Trainer.
Health Trainers have been specially trained to support and motivate you to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Three reasons to book a Health Trainer:
Westminster Health Trainer Diana Pedersson’s advice on keeping fit this summer:• There are so many great parks in Westminster –
make the most of them and keep fit outdoors. • Walking is the best form of exercise, as are classes like yoga
and pilates that strengthen your back and core muscles. Get an ActiveWestminster guide to find out about activities.
• When exercising in the heat, don’t forget to drink lots of water.
For more information and to book your one-to-one sessions with a Health Trainer, call 020 8964 2727 or visit www.westminsterhealthtrainers.com.
call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444 to order a free ActiveWestminster guide.
Tai Chi in the gardenEvery Tuesday and Thursday at 10am the Tai Chi group meet at 60 Penfold Street. As soon as the weather gets warmer the class moves outside into the garden.Surrounded by tulips, mint and hydrangea blossoms, the class follows a series of gentle movements to help you relax and stretch. Linda Chan, 66, who is a regular at the class, says: “I have been coming to Tai Chi for two years now and I love it. It’s a very gentle form of exercise that helps you balance and keep calm. With Tai Chi you can exercise your whole body and it can help with concentration too. It’s especially nice in the fresh air and sunshine!” For more information about Tai chi, gardening and lots of other activities, including a programme of summer outings to the seaside and beyond, contact Denis Kane at 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ or call 020 8762 3082.
• it’s free • it’s local
• you can create your own Personal Health Plan.
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 7
Keep fit outdoors
HIDDEN gems Find out interesting facts about some of Westminster’s smaller and lesser known open spaces.
What the Dickens?Cavendish Square Gardens was first developed in 1717 by the 2nd Earl of Oxford for his wife Henrietta Cavendish-Hollace. It became popularised by references to it in books by Charles Dickens; including Nicholas Nickleby, Little Dorrit and Barnaby Rudge. The garden was originally a circle of grass where sheep grazed but is now home to an ornamental garden with shrubs, lawns and flower beds.
Location: off Regent Street, W1G 0PG Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
Wild thingsA wildlife area has been created at Queen’s Park Gardens – a haven for birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and more. The habitat here is particularly important for the survival of the House Sparrow – once a common bird in London but now in dramatic decline. The gardens support one of only four known colonies of House Sparrow in Westminster.
Location: Fourth Avenue/Ilbert Street, W10Nearest tube: Queen’s Parkopening times: 7am–9.30pm over the summercost: Free
Did you know...
15 parks in Westminster
were awarded green park
status in 2010? Visit
westminster.gov.uk/parks
to find out more
8 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
Other open spaces Central: Brown Hart Gardens, W1K 6WP – an undiscovered oasis of calm amidst the bustling streets of London’s fashionable Mayfair.
North: St. John’s Wood Church Grounds, NW8 7PF – an award winning garden steeped in history.
South: Ebury Square, SW1 – provides a quiet shaded oasis from a particularly bustling area of Pimlico.
For more information on all parks and open spaces in Westminster visit www.westminster.gov.uk/parks.
WIN! Discovering St. MaryleboneWe have ten copies of ‘Discovering St. Marylebone’, a pocket-sized booklet covering the history, architecture, famous events and people of Marylebone. It has four convenient walks, each with a detailed map.
Call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444 or email [email protected] with your name and address to enter.
The booklet is available for £2.50 from Daunt Books at 83 Marylebone High Street, or direct from The St. Marylebone Society for £3.30. Send a cheque payable to The St. Marylebone Society to SMS Publications, 33 Linhope Street, London NW1 6HU.
College Garden is a private garden of Westminster Abbey. Over 900 years ago it was the infirmary garden of the monastery, and it’s said to be the oldest garden in England. Originally an area to grow herbs, fruit and vegetables, it also gave the convalescing monks a place in the open air to relax and it still offers a tranquil space today. Brass bands will be playing there throughout the summer.
Brass bands are playing on: 7th, 15th, 21st, 28th July and 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August from 12.30–2pm Location: Westminster Abbey, SW1P 3PA Nearest tube: Westminsteropening times: 10am–6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer cost: Free but please make a donation if you wish call: 020 7654 4846
The band plays at college Garden, Westminster Abbey
Music on the Green
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 9
Hidden gem
s
Instructions1. Fill a container with
compost, leaving half an inch at the top.
2. Press down lightly and wet the compost.
3. Place seeds on the compost one inch apart.
4. Cover over with a quarter of an inch of compost.
5. Spray compost lightly with
water, cover and leave in a dry place (indoor for some seeds and outdoor for others – see back of seed packet for more details).
6. Leave a tiny gap at one corner of the lid.
7. Spray occasionally as necessary to keep compost moist.
8. Plant the seedlings in a larger growing container, ie a window box or plant pot after a few weeks, or in the ground or a grow bag.
GET growing Growing your own food is fun and saves you money, and surprisingly you don’t need any of your own outside space to do it.
June July
Inside: in your pots or window boxes
Cabbages, fennel, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, kale, leeks
outside: in your garden, allotment or grow bags
Beans (runner and french), sweetcorn, broccoli, carrot, parsnip, lettuce, winter squash
Beetroot, chard, chicory, courgettes, endive, rocket, spinach
What you can plant this summer
Even if you don’t have your own garden, you can grow tasty vegetables and kitchen herbs indoors, or in window boxes or pots on your balcony.
What you need• Seed growing containers
– takeaway food cartons with lids are ideal.
• Quality seed compost.• Seeds.
10 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
Let’s Go Let’s GrowMike Wohl, 60, has spent the last few years building up projects that have seen the Church Street area transform from an anti-social problem area to spaces for vegetables and fruit trees.
Mike says: “It all started when my doctor warned me about my weight and the dangers of getting diabetes. I saw some seeds in a shop and realised how cheap and easy it would be to grow my own healthy food. So I got some compost and Chinese takeaway containers and started planting.”
He was astonished by what grew: “With no garden my balcony became choc-a-bloc with plants. I started to take seedling plants to the food co-op to encourage other people to do the same thing.”
The next year Mike started the Let’s Go Let’s Grow project for local people to get involved and after five months of hard work, a group of 30 residents revamped a disused 300sq metre space and filled it with more than 40 varieties of vegetables and herbs.
The project has now expanded to other areas, and a balcony box scheme has been set up with council funding. On future plans he says: “We are looking to set up bee hives for residents, in Church Street and Queen’s Park and in a few years’ time, we hope to be selling the honey and jam we make on the local markets for everyone to enjoy.”
To find out more about various Let’s Go Let’s Grow projects and how to get involved, call 07971 550 638 or email [email protected].
Mike Wohl, 60
Local resident Habtezion, 72, helping out.
“I saw some seeds in a shop and realised how cheap and easy it would be to grow my own healthy food. “
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 11
Get grow
ing
The area has six pieces of exercise equipment specially designed for older people to enjoy, to aid core strength, flexibility and balance.Winston Fletcher, local resident and chairman of the Knightsbridge Association said: “There are lots of facilities in the park for children but none for older people – this is now really going to benefit us.”He continued: “It’s great because you don’t need to be
wearing lycra or special gear – people who are walking past can just pop straight on.”Couple Don and Rachel Stearns live nearby and were trying the equipment out for the first time. Don said: “I’ll definitely use it again. It’s great to be outside in the fresh air.” Rachael added: “I’m sure this will be a great place to come and meet new people – it’s very sociable around here already and this will make it even more so.”
PLAy time There’s a new reason for visiting Hyde Park this summer – a new ‘playground’ to keep you young at heart.
12 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
Where: The Pavilion Tennis and Bowls Centre, Hyde Park, W2 2UH open: 9am-9pm April to September, 10am-4pm October to March Nearest tube: Knightsbridgecost: FreeVisit: www.royalparks.org.ukcall: 020 7298 2000
The Hyde Park Senior Playground is a partnership project between Westminster City Council, The Royal Parks and The Knightsbridge Association.
“I’m sure this will be a great place to come and meet new people.”Rachel Stearns, pictured with husband Don
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 13
Expert Patient Programme courses are open to anyone with a long term condition such as osteoporosis, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, chronic indigestion, arthritis or asthma.
Course topics include: • dealing with pain and
extreme tiredness• coping with depression• relaxation and exercise• healthy eating • planning for the future.
Benefits can include: • reduction in the severity
of symptoms• decrease in pain• more control and
satisfaction with life.
Expert Patient Programme courses are run all year across Westminster by people who have long term conditions themselves. Taking part offers you the chance to meet others and share experiences. Selected courses are also delivered in different languages.
Westminster resident Pandora Varrakalion attends the Expert Patient Programme. She said: “My condition is Myxoedema and I was first diagnosed in 1977. The programme has helped me to come to terms with what I have and gave me coping mechanisms and a support group – the more I’ve found out about my condition, the better I’ve been able to manage it.”
Take coNTRoL
HEALTHFOCUS
If you suffer from a long term health condition, find out how to take charge of it rather than it taking charge of you.
For more information about the programme and course dates please contact the Involving People Team at NHS Westminster on 020 7150 8124 or email [email protected]
Pandora Varrakalion
WHAT’S on Find out what’s going on where you live.
Did you know...Open Age provides over 170 weekly activities in local community venues for people over 50? Call 020 8964 1900 for information
Visit the Open Age HubThe Open Age Hub at Glastonbury House runs a wide range of low cost and free activities for over 50s, from yoga to IT drop- in classes. Contact Jess Bryant to receive a Hub programme.
Venue: Glastonbury House, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT open: Monday to Friday from 10am–4pm call: 020 7976 6354Email: [email protected] Website: www.openage.co.uk
Get free pension adviceNeed pension advice? Go along to the Pension Advice Surgery. Pension Agency staff value the rare chance to meet clients face to face and clients appreciate having someone to explain complex figures rather than having to look on the website. Call the number below asking for Noreen Barking Hub, and request an appointment with Tony Humphries.
Venue: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DUDay and time: Every Thursday from 10am–12pmNearest tube: Royal Oak, Bayswatercall: 0800 917 9149 – by appointment only
We want your feedbackWhat do you think of Westminster Plus? Do you like the front cover? Are you happy with its design and size? Is there anything you would you like to see more or less of?
If you have any suggestions on how Westminster Plus could be improved we want to hear them. Email [email protected] or write to Westminster Plus, communications, 17th floor city Hall, London SW1E 6QP with your comments and suggestions, and they will be considered for future issues.
14 Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010
covent Garden community Hub 42E Odhams Walk, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9SB Tel: 020 3370 3030open: 9am–5pm
Maida Vale community HubHarris Centre, 51 Lanark Road, Maida Vale, W9 1DE Tel: 020 3370 3035open: 9am–5pm
Age UK Westminster has moved its shop and office to 23–25 Praed Street, W2 1NJ. Drop in or call 020 3004 5610 for information and advice on services, health and activities, or get somebody to visit you at home.
Take a Bollywood dancing class at one of Age UK’s community hubs
Meet new people, join a club, play games or have a meal with friends. Go along to one of Age UK’s community hubs. Have you ever watched Bollywood dancing and wanted to have a go yourself? That’s exactly what a group of Westminster residents do every Wednesday at the Covent Garden Community Hub.
“It’s a laugh, we really enjoy it,” says Louise Capitelli, 69, “and it helps to keep you fit.” Eric Chubb, 81, agrees: “You don’t feel like you use much energy at the time but afterwards you realise just how much you do!”
Westminster has two community hubs run by Age UK (formerly Age Concern), in Covent Garden and Maida Vale. And Bollywood dancing is just one of the many activities there; you also can play bridge, sing in a choir, watch films or even learn Tai Chi.
Many visitors just pop in for a cup of tea and a chat or even a hot lunch, served every day at 12.30pm. Be warned though, you might find yourself signing up for a Bollywood class much sooner than you think!
Westminster Plus, Issue 10, June 2010 15
Share a bookDo you enjoy exploring new books and poems? Why not come along to a Share a Book session at Maida Vale Library? The group meets weekly to read, breaking for tea and biscuits and to chat about thoughts on the book. It’s open to anyone who wants to get together with others to enjoy being read aloud to. Ask a member of staff for details or to join.
Where: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, W9 2QT When: Wednesdays 10.30-12pm from 9th June call: 020 7641 1300
What’s on
If you, or someone you know, is being harmed, abused or neglected call the Safeguarding Adults line on 020 7641 2176.
www.westminster.gov.uk/safeguarding
Keepingyousafefromabuseandneglect
