Oliver Sacks: Film

This is the last feature in our celebration of one of Mapesbury’s most eminent figures as part of Brent 2020 Borough of Culture.
The documentary film by Ric Burns: ‘Oliver Sacks his own Life’ is available to us to download to watch on Monday 4 October.
Quoting from the Guardian 4 star review of the film ”Take your pick of extraordinary moments in this excellent doc about neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks”
@OliverSacksDoc will be available across digital platforms in the UK & Ireland from Monday, pre-order now at: http://altitude.film

(I think it may cost £5 but I haven’t been asked for that; maybe when they send the email link on Monday.)

Break in

A member in St Gabriel's Road was disturbed at night by sounds and noticed light coming on to the stairs. He got out of bed and  found two young men dressed in black coming towards him. He yelled at them to get out and fortunately they ran off. They had jemmied the window of the little room to the right of the front door.

I was initially reluctant to pass this on because couldn’t see that there was much one could do to prevent this. But he was advised that there were some things that might have prevented the attempt:
- ensuring all windows have good locks. 
- getting his PIR security floodlight working. (The bulb had blown)  
- ensuring lights were regularly switched on and off.
- Installing vibration sensors on key windows. These make a noise if the glass is broken or the window shakes, as it would if being jemmied. 

Raids in London and Romania

13 people have been arrested in raids last Tuesday on suspicion of trafficking offences as part of a proactive operation targeting the human trafficking of Romanian citizens to the UK. Four warrants were executed in Harrow and Brent. Cash and a firearm were also seized.
If you suspect that you, or someone you have come into contact with, may be a victim of modern slavery or trafficking and require support, please call The Salvation Army’s 24 hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733. You can also report a suspicion or seek advice through the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700. This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Fund-raising dinner

next Friday 8 October, 730-10pm. St Gabriel’s Church have a fund-raising event to celebrate 10 year anniversary of their CAP (Christians Against Poverty) debt centre. There will be food, fun and live entertainment including a live comedy set from well known comedian Rob Thomas, along with some table side tricks and sleight of hand from Andrew Dand and a raffle with some great prizes. “Our vision is to keep maintaining the Debt Centre for years to come so please do support the event, and invite your friends to attend and hear more about CAP and all the great work that has been achieved at St Gabriel’s Debt Centre in the last 10 years.” Tickets £25 available from website https://st-gabriels.org/ Please buy your tickets by Sun 3 Oct.

(Also, there is a special service celebrating the Debt Centre on Sun 3 Oct 10.30am in St Gabriel’s, all welcome)

Walk around Hampstead Cemetery

Current local Planning applications
(For details search Brent Planning. New items in red)

• Appn: 21/3157  54 St Gabriel’s Road Comments by 14 October.

• Appn: 21/3427  10  Teignmouth Road. Comments by 14 October.

• Appn: 21/3336  115A-C, Dartmouth Road. Comments by 7 October

Other