The Brent Magazine issue 87 February 2009
We love Brent
We want to know what residents love most about their borough.
It could be a particular building, person or place.
The Brent Magazine asked readers from different parts of Brent to say what they most liked. Here are some of their views.
Frank Ashleigh from Kingsbury
"I love the diversity in Brent. For example, Valley Farm has a diverse population, but there is no animosity, antagonism or belligerence.
We have people from all parts of the world who have made their home here. In 2004 we held Funday Sunday in Roe Green Park and thousands of people came along. We raised many thousands of pounds for St Luke's Hospice, Northwick Park Hospital, and many other local charities. I remember the park was filled with people from all races and religions, many wearing wonderful clothes. The day created a greater feeling of fellowship in Valley Farm after it had ended.
People would walk along the streets and greet each other and many still do."
George Dyer from Harlesden
"Harlesden has a community spirit. It is still a focal point for people who have grown up in the area, gone away and come back. Sometimes I see people here who I have not seen for 40 years. I keep in touch with all my friends; even from school days.
People will drop in to my shop in Craven Park Road which I've been running since 1981, or come in to find out where people are living today.
Harlesden is still a hub. I have not come across anyone over the years who say they wouldn't come back to live here.
The main thing for many people is that they still have family and friends here and homes in the community."
Pam Laurance from Neasden
"The Welsh Harp is a lovely place. I first started going there when I lived in Kilburn. It looks different every time you go there.
There is a big stretch of water which reflects the sky, and it changes according to the different seasons of the year, time of day and the weather if it's windy or raining.
It is also lovely to look out when the boats are on the water.
Welsh Harp is wellused by many families, and also dog walkers."
Jayprakesh Soneji from Wembley
"Wembley Park is a very friendly area. I have a lot of friendly customers in my shop, and the local business community get on well with each other.
A lot of people work around here in offices and businesses to it a busy area. It is also pleasant here and within easy commute into the city centre."
Cliff Wadsworth from Willesden
"St Mary's is a beautiful building and of great architectural interest. It is built in a typical medieval style and its proportions are perfect. The tower dates back to 1297 although it does have more modern outer cladding. I have known the building for a long time, since I was a child.
There are notable people buried in the churchyard including George Furness the Victorian benefactor and owner of a brickworks. Inside it looks just like a medieval church and it has manual pipe organ. And of course, it is probably the last church in Willesden where they still regularly ring the bells."
We want you to send in your clip of what you most like about the borough to ilovebrent@brent.gov.uk
They will be loaded up onto Brent Council's YouTube channel which can be found at http://uk.youtube.com/BrentCouncilLondon