Living in Havering 179 November 2017

LIVING

in Havering NOVEMBER 2017

Issue 179 • www.havering.gov.uk

Festiv e f u acr n

oss th borou e gh S ee pag es 20-

21

02 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

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Come and join us for an exciting evening of FREE family entertainment at the

Romford Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday 16 November 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Market Place, Romford

COME AND SEE

CHASE & MARSHALS L AT INTERVAL

Finale – Firework Display!

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 03

Contents

7

issue 179

18

30

28

A Rainham team of wrestlers celebrates its 10th anniversary There’s still time to enter the Havering Business Awards 2017/18

The Cocoon, a brand new place for children in care and care leavers opens its doors The first in a series of profiles of members of our enforcement teams

4 10 12 16 20

News The latest news in Havering

Tenancy fraud Action to mark International Fraud Awareness Week

Fostering Give the gift of fostering this Christmas

Volunteers How volunteers keep our borough clean and green

Festive fun across the borough Plenty of ideas to keep the family entertained over Christmas

23 24 27 29 33 5242

Stay well this winter Advice to avoid those winter bugs

Waste minimisation Tackling food waste over the festive period

Historical Havering A look back on Hornchurch 100 years ago

Business focus News of an £11m investment in Rainham

Listings Your guide to what's on in the borough

04 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

News The three-year project to restore the historic Upminster Windmill is now approaching the end of its second year, and is on target to be completed in 2018.

The visitor centre is now ready and is already being used for a variety of activities.

Volunteers are landscaping and preparing the gardens to the side and back of the windmill to create a pleasant area for visitors to relax.

Work underway on the windmill in June 2017.

(Picture courtesy of Friends of Upminster The cap of the Windmill) windmill has been repaired in Holland at the workshop of specialist millwright Willem Dijkstra. The next stage will be to test-fit the windshaft, the front gable and the sheer overlays which will support the fan stage. Living will keep you updated on progress.

Putting the wind back in the sails

Welcome to the last issue of Living before the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Last month I was delighted to attend the opening of a new centre called The Cocoon that we have for children or young people living in or leaving care. Read all about it on page 18.

While many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy Christmas with family and friends, this time of year can be lonely and unhappy for children waiting for foster care. Could you give the gift of fostering this year? Our feature on page 13 has the details.

As always there is a host of seasonal events to enjoy around the borough. See our feature on page 20 and the listings that start on page 33 for more information.

Remembering

Season’s greetings!

Councillor Roger Ramsey Leader of the Council www.havering.gov.uk/Leader

Ice to see you Over recent months Harold Hill residents have been able to enjoy a new gym extension at Central Park Leisure Centre and a large new sports complex in nearby Noak Hill.

Now the final touches to the Romford Leisure Centre in Western Road are being made before its opening early next year.

The ice rink structure is currently awaiting the ice slabs which will be laid down in December and the two swimming pools are being tiled. The new centre will also feature a large dance studio, fitness suite, sauna, steam room and café.

Across Havering a series of events will be held to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

On Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November a service will be held at 10.45am in the Market Place, Romford. The following day, Remembrance Sunday, there will be a parade and service in Romford.

Remembrance Sunday will also be marked by events around the borough: Ardleigh Green A parade at 10.15am followed a by a church service at All Saints Church Elm Park

The two minute silence at 11am will be observed at the Royal British Legion before a parade to St. Nicholas Church for a service

Harold Hill

The two minute silence at 11am will be observed at the war memorial followed by a service at St. George’s Church centre

Harold Wood

A short service will take place at 10.50am at Memorial Hall before a parade to St. Peter’s Church for a service

Hornchurch

Parade at 10.15am followed by a service in St. Andrews’s Church

Rainham

Parade at 10.30am followed by a service at the war memorial

Romford

Parade at 10.30am followed by a service at 10.55am in Coronation Gardens

Upminster

Parade at 10.40am followed by a service at the war memorial

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 05

Goldfingers

The Council’s Parks and Environment team has the Midas touch, scooping Havering’s biggest ever haul of 12 Gold Awards in the London in Bloom Competition. This, along with 15 Silver-Gilt and two Silver Awards, makes 2017 one of Havering’s most successful years.

The borough also took home three special awards. The flowerbeds in front of the Town Hall in Romford were honoured as the Floral Single Site of The Year. Hornchurch Country Park (pictured left) bagged The Meadows Award, and the South Essex Crematorium/Upminster Cemetery was named Large Cemetery of the Year.

“I am extremely proud to see the borough bring home so many prestigious awards. It’s a testament to the Council’s staff. Their hard work and dedication reflects the love and commitment we all have for our parks and green spaces.”

Cllr Wallace, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Engagement.

£1m makeover underway

Artist's impression of Station Plaza The Council has begun major improvements in Gidea Park to complement changes made at the local station as a result of the Crossrail project.

The new Elizabeth line trains that will serve Gidea Park and take people through to central London, the West End and Heathrow Airport without having to change trains from next year, are likely to attract a significant increase in passengers using the station over the coming years.

To cater for the expected rise in footfall Transport for London has allocated £1m

of funding to Havering Council. Work started in late September and key activities include repaving footpaths outside the station; removal of overgrown trees and plants; re-fencing the station car park and nearby alleyway; new parking bays and two zebra crossings on Balgores Lane and Upper Brentwood Road.There'll also be a new plaza at the front of the station to make it a comfortable waiting area, with benches, a tree and bike racks.

At the junction of Balgores Lane and Crossways, works will see overgrown and unhealthy trees removed to create a

rain garden, with new plants and trees.

The area has become known for antisocial behaviour, and this will open up the space, making it safer for people passing through, as well as improve biodiversity. This will be the first of its kind in the borough.

The 28-week work programme is expected to finish in April 2018 following a break from the last week of November until the first week of January in order to support local businesses during the busy festive shopping period.

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www.havering.gov.uk/news

06 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

News On the beat Earlier this year poor police response times were an issue which caused the Council to question whether the borough should continue with the Metropolitan Police's tri-borough pilot scheme that saw the integration of the police in three East London boroughs, including Havering, under one command.

Havering Council Leader Cllr Roger Ramsey was among those who raised the issue with the Police Borough Commander and recent months have since seen an improvement in response times.

The Council also strongly opposed the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) proposal to close both Hornchurch and Rainham police stations along with seven Safer Neighbourhood bases.

Discussions with London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and the leaders of our neighbouring London boroughs continue as to the best way forward and Havering Council will inform residents of the outcome of MOPAC’s public consultation that closed last month.

Before

After

Before

On a wing and a prayer The Mayor of Havering reached for the skies as she took part in a wing walk in September, to raise over a thousand pounds for her chosen charities.

She was 500 feet up in the air and raised £1,100 for the Volunteer Centre, First Step, and Dementia UK. Cllr Linda Van den Hende said: “I was up there for about 10 minutes. It was terrifying and terrific at the same time. The most difficult part was climbing onto the wing and it was cold. There were amazing views of Rainham, South Hornchurch and the river. I’d like to thank everyone for their encouragement and support.”

On parade

After

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The Reservists of B Company, 4 PARA, based in London Road in Romford, have been busy since their last public event in Romford on Armed Forces Day in June.

They have been actively engaged in training to ensure they are able to fully integrate with their Regular Army counterparts in 16 Air Assault Brigade, the UK’s high readiness force, based in Colchester.

Recently, members of the Battalion were deployed to Arnhem in Holland to participate in the annual commemorative event. This saw members of the Battalion participate in a series of coordinated multinational parachute jumps at the historical drop zones.

Later this year B Company will be participating in a number of live field firing exercises, as well as the Lord Mayor’s Show and a significant number of remembrance events including a football match at QPR and Remembrance Sunday services covering seven boroughs around London including Havering.

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www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 07

10 years of powerslams, piledrivers and backbreakers

Sue Ospreay with some of her son’s wrestling awards and gear

Will Ospreay

Jackie’s chance

Jackie Dowding beat off competition from across the country to be short-listed for Community Care’s Children’s Social Worker of the year award.

More than 80 social workers and social work teams have been selected as finalists for this year’s prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards where they will compete to win awards in 16 categories with one lucky social worker picked as the Overall Social Worker of the Year 2017 at the Awards night later this month.

Reloaded Championship Wrestling Alliance (RCWA) based in Rainham is celebrating its tenth anniversary this December.

Founded by Will Ospreay, the group originally met at the Royals Youth Centre in Rainham and put on live shows for the public from 2008 but as they outgrew that venue, they moved to their current base at the Methodist Church Hall nearby where they put on their first full sell-out (See above) The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda show in 2013.

Van den Hende, congratulating Jackie on her Will’s mum Sue recalls those early days: “When Will was little we had a nomination and wishing her the best of luck small trampoline in our garden and he would play wrestling on it with when she comes up against the seven other a large stuffed toy pig. Soon he was taking wrestling lessons and nominees in her category at the awards event. inviting his friends round for wrestling sessions in the garden, and that would frighten the life out of me as I was afraid they would fall off the edge so I approached some friends to see if they could make a wrestling ring for Will’s 30 Nov 2017 – 7 Jan 2018 13th birthday. Once we had that built in the garden there A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch production was no stopping him and his friends.”

As the quality of wrestling improved RCWA began to introduce independent wrestlersHaywood from around the UK and wrestlers like Kristina Dip.FH MSPract Will travelled abroad to take part in international championships. the last couple of years RCWA wrestlers Mobile In Foot Health Care Practitioner have been popular perfomers at the Havering Show and last Routine Foot Care month Will won the Heavyweight Champion title at the Nail Trimming & Reduction International Wrestling Grand Prix held in Japan. Their next local show is Hard scheduled for 15 December. Removal Skin/Callus/Corn

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08 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

News

Fab labs

Read all about it

Record numbers of Havering primary school children took part in this year’s summer reading Children were encouraged to read six books during the summer holidays and then talk to a volunteer about them, receive a sticker, and ultimately a medal and certificate for completing the challenge.

Students working in one of the new labs Paul Wakeling (left) and Paul Ramsbottom

Two new state-of-the-art science labs for 21st century Chemistry

teaching were officially opened at Havering Sixth Form College at the end of September after a successful bid to the Wolfson Foundation secured £100,000 funding for the project.

Paul Wakeling, Principal of the college in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, welcomed Paul Ramsbottom, CEO of the Wolfson Foundation, to formally open the bright spacious labs and new prep room, and to meet science students as they carried out a practical experiment.

The opening ceremony followed news that the college’s A Level Chemistry results this year were in the top 10 per cent in the UK.

Havering Refuse & Recycling Collection Dates Christmas/New Year 2017/18

a ll u o y h s i w e W s a m t s i r h C y r a Mer r! a e Y w e N y p p a nd a Ha

Collection times are likely to change.

Please present waste/recycling by 7.00am on the day of collection.

There will be no Garden Waste collections from Monday 25 Dec. Collections will resume the week commencing Monday 8 Jan. www.havering.gov.uk/greenwaste

Seasonal opening times at Gerpins Lane Reuse & Recycling Centre, Upminster: Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day All other times (Mon - Sun)

7.30am – 4.30pm Closed 9.30am – 4pm 7.30am – 4.30pm 9.30am – 4pm 7.30am – 5.45pm

2017 – 3,343 2016 – 3,003 2015 – 3,323

Total children registered 2017 – 2,616 2016 – 2,365 2015 – 2,548

Number of children completing all 6 books Collections will run as normal up to and including 22 Dec Normal collection date Mon 25 Dec Tues 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thurs 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Mon 1 Jan Tues 2 Jan Wed 3 Jan Thurs 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tues 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thurs 11 Jan Fri 12 Jan

Revised collection date * Wed 27 Dec Thurs 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec Tues 2 Jan Wed 3 Jan Thurs 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Sat 6 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tues 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thurs 11 Jan Fri 12 Jan Sat 13 Jan

Normal collections resume Monday 15 January 2018 *This also applies to the Clinical Waste Service.

There will be no Bulky Waste collection service from Monday 25 Dec. Service recommences Monday 8 Jan.

Collection dates may change depending on weather conditions. Keep checking www.havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 09

Looking after your money September’s Cabinet meeting reviewed the Council’s budget and predicted a funding gap of £5.6m in the 2018/2019 budget that needs to be bridged, and further savings will be required to achieve financial balance over the medium term to 2022/23.

Why does the Council have this gap?

All local authorities have experienced reductions in Government funding since 2010. By 2018/19 Havering Council’s revenue support grant funding will have reduced by approximately 88 per cent from £55.3m in 2010 to £6.8m in 2018/19.

The reduction in Government grant funding, has been accompanied by a growth in demand for services particularly in Adult and Children’s services as the charts show.

Taking action By law the Council must balance its budget for 2018/19.

Further budget proposals will be brought forward for consideration in December to close the £5.6m gap and achieve a balanced budget. At that time the Council will have more information following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget on 22 November.

Councillor Roger Ramsey, Leader of the Council, said: “Delivering fair and quality services for all who need them is our priority. Local residents will have the opportunity to have their say on the budget proposals before a full report goes to the Budget and Council Tax Setting meeting in February.”

Increased demand for the Council's services

Service Provisions: Adult Services

6053

2014/15

6316

2015/16

6704

2016/17 10242

9218 7644

Service Provisions: Childrens' Services

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

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10 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Homes for Havering residents CLOSING THE DOOR ON TENANCY FRA UD November marks International Fraud Awareness Week (18 – 24 November) so we take you through the keyhole with Cllr Damian White, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, who’s been leading a Council crackdown on tenancy fraud.

Q1. What does tenancy fraud involve?

A: The most well-known type of tenancy fraud is

illegal subletting, where tenants rent out their homes without the knowledge or permission of the landlord. Other common ways tenants cheat the system include: giving false information when applying for Right To Buy or when applying for a home in the first place, key selling, and unlawful assignment: when a tenant stops using the Council property as their primary home.

Q2. How is the Council tackling the problem?

A: Since autumn 2015 the Tenancy Fraud team have been carrying out audits to find out

who’s living in a property and how they’re using it. So far we’ve visited around 8,000 homes. This means the hard work of our officers has led to the recovery of more than 40 homes and we’ve saved the Council over £4 million.

Q3. What’s next?

A: The properties which have been reclaimed are being renovated and given to genuine

residents who will be able to turn them into homes for themselves and their families.

Meanwhile, the clampdown continues, as we look to visit every Council property in the borough. Our new Knock Knock awareness campaign calls on everyone to help by reporting suspected fraudsters anonymously for a £1,000 reward. We also urge anyone cheating the system to own up before we come knocking, because we are closing the door on tenancy fraud in Havering.

For more information or to report a suspected case of tenancy fraud visit

i

havering.gov.uk/knockknock

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 11

NOW OPEN

Welcome to

ROM VALLEY Delivering Excellent Dementia Care

Rom Valley is designed to give older people greater independence and happy living for their years ahead.

It is an exciting, local opportunity that will serve our residents, families and the local community for many years to come.

We welcome you to come and meet the team anytime.

• Bright, Colourful Stimulating Environment • En-suite Rooms • Nostalgia Corners • Activity Programs & Scheduled Day Trips

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

For more information about Rom Valley and a warm welcome please contact Romford Care Centre

Tel: 01708 379 022

Where Dementia Care Matters

The Romford Care Centre, 107 Neave Crescent, Romford RM3 8HW Email: manager.romford@ranccare.co.uk www.rchcarehomes.co.uk

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12 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Together in your care

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Thursday 5 October and Thursday 2 Nov 6pm-7.30pm, Town Hall, Romf Take the next next step step and and visit visitHavering one of of our our Thursday Thursday information evenings Take the one information evenings

Thursday 5 5 October October and and Thursday Thursday 2 2 November November Thursday Call today 01708 434 574 6pm-7.30pm, Havering Townemail Hall, fostering@havering.g Romford 6pm-7.30pm, Havering Town Hall, Romford

www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

Call today today 01708 01708 434 434 574 574 email email fostering@havering.gov.uk fostering@havering.gov.uk Call www.havering.gov.uk/fostering www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 13

Fostering children

The

gift that

changes lives

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Is your house a little quieter this Christmas?

Thinking about how you can transform your spare bedroom?

You could support a local child.

h pr es t i d w l an enc ci peri n n u Co w ex ildre ne or ch re f a c n i Meet Sharon “My husband and I have been fostering for Havering Council for five years. Once our daughter left home we had a spare bedroom and wanted to help and support children who were in a difficult place.

ormation evenings

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This Christmas we would have fostered a total of 16 children. Some stayed with us by themselves; others arrived with their brothers or sisters.

gov.uk We always spend

In 2015, the day before Christmas Eve, Sharon was called in an emergency to foster a 10- year-old girl who needed a home as soon as possible. The little girl arrived and sadly had no presents or cards for Christmas. made a quick dash to Tesco that evening to get lots of stocking “Ifillers and then Christmas Eve we took her off to Lakeside, making

sure to secretly purchase gifts that she loved. We hoped as a family that we were able to create a positive Christmas for that little girl whilst she was in our care.

”

Christmas at home with our extended family. We aim to make the festive season as happy as possible for the children in our care, as some may not have happy memories of a previous Christmas.

There is a brilliant foster carers' support network, the Havering Foster Carers Association, who host an annual Christmas party; it’s a great time for all foster children to mix with each other.

It can be quite difficult for some children being away from their own family, but we try to make them feel part of ours.

We do lots of activities, decorating the house and tree, we visit and feed reindeer on Christmas Eve, write a letter to Santa.

They always receive gifts from our family, and I also make sure they choose a gift for them; it helps to make them feel part of the family.

It is personally very rewarding when you know you have done your best for a child. You know they have improved in all aspects of their life and you see them grow in to a loving and caring child.”

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www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

14 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

As the nights get darker...

#StaySafe

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Tip

your plans Avoid discussing on social media.

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www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 15

Don’t drink on the street A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social drinking has been introduced for Romford Town Centre. It restricts the consumption of alcohol and also the possession of an open container of alcohol within Romford Town Centre, except in licensed premises.

It replaced a previous Drinks Banning Order that restricted the consumption of alcohol within the ring-road that expired in October 2017. The new order expands the restricted area and it now includes Romford County Court, Queen’s Hospital and the Romford Retail Park all the way to Roneo Corner.

Those breaking the rules could be given a Fixed Penalty Notice by a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or an authorised Council officer.

Cllr Osman Dervish, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, said: www.havering. gov.uk/pspo “We are pleased that we have new powers to crack down on alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Romford town centre.

Earlier this year we ran a consultation on the proposal of this PSPO and there was overwhelming support for the new order.

The safety of residents is paramount.”

5247

5247-RTC PSPO

Culture bid

Havering is bidding to be the London Borough of Culture.

The 67 acre Bretons Manor House, barns, walled garden and parks in South Hornchurch will be at the heart of the bid.

The bid aims to enhance the profile of our borough, forge strategic partnerships with local, national and international organisations, nurture local creative talent, and foster economic growth in the creative industries.

A successful bid will help improve career prospects, skills and employment opportunities within the Borough and infuse a greater sense of creativity as Havering becomes one of the most exciting places to live, work and visit!

Look out for more information in future editions of Living and in our email newsletters.

Online please use the hashtag: #backthebidHavering

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16/10/2017 10:47

16 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Keeping our borough clean and green

Friendly bunch Every year thousands of volunteers make a huge difference to the lives our residents and our local environment.

One of the oldest and most dedicated of this band of volunteers is Albert Davis. Albert, or Bert to his friends, is 90 years old and lives in Rainham. He started work at just 14 years old in 1941 repairing bomb damaged buildings. He later set up his own business building home extensions with Bert specialising in electrical work. He retired from the building trade at 52 and then went on to own and run a guest house in Bexhill. After retiring and returning to Rainham he started volunteering after seeing an advert for a community clean up job. “I’m happy to do anything, any job that comes along” said Bert.

“I went to two clean-ups last month, one in Elm Park and another in Gidea Park. We were raking and collecting up cuttings from bushes. I like working with people as it’s boring sitting indoors. You can only watch so much TV! Recently I have been painting fences at a school in Hornchurch and once a month I help the Friends of Raphael Park when they do their litter clean ups.”

Bert uses his Freedom Pass to travel all around the borough by bus and Shelley Hart, the Chief Executive Officer of the Havering Volunteer Centre describes him as “one of the most dedicated of my volunteers.”

Bert has a message for every reader of Living: “Give volunteering a try.

There are so many different things you can do and it’s good to keep active.”

If you would like to find a volunteering role in our borough please contact the Havering Volunteer Centre on 01708 922214.

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Bert cleans up

The Friends of Ingrebourne Valley and Hornchurch Country Park have been active since 2012 undertaking regular community clean-ups across the park, clearing shrubbery, planting, litter-picking and general maintenance work.

Living in Havering caught up with Ray Randall from Hornchurch and some of the team of volunteers on one of their regular working parties. “We hold these sessions at least once a month on a Sunday, meeting up at 10am at the Visitor Centre and usually get between 12 and 25 people turning up.

Every little helps, and you don’t have to make a regular commitment” said Ray. The Friends have a number of projects currently underway including planting reeds in the pond near the children’s play area to help clean the water that flows into a stream that feeds the Ingrebourne river, cleaning various water courses in the park by removing fallen branches and litter, removing non-native invasive species of plants, and maintaining pathways.

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 17

Another volunteer, Liz Hawthorn, summed up the work of the volunteer group: “We’re here to protect the park and valley for all and for the future. We have fun doing it and there are always loads of tasks to be undertaken so we always need new blood.”

If you think you can help, visit the Friends' website for details of activities and meetings.

i

Some of the Friends of Ingrebourne Valley and Hornchurch Country Park pictured by the RAF roundel sculpture near the visitor centre. From left to right: Bonnie McGough, Dave McGough, Liz Hawthorn, Sheila Clarke, Dave Bender, Ray Randall and Paul Holyoake.

www.ingrebournevalleyfriends.org

18 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Keeping children safe in Havering

a new safe space During last month’s half term week the Council launched The Cocoon - a safe space dedicated to children or young people living in care or leaving care. The drop-in shop, located in the High Street in Romford town centre, aims to generate new opportunities for children and young people as they move towards independent living.

To support the launch of this innovative space, the Council organised a week of activities showcasing the advantages of visiting The Cocoon. The packed programme of events included cookery classes hosted by one of the Havering Community chefs, a creative music workshop, an exercise class hosted by a care leaver, and a drama workshop led

by The Big House group.

There was also a highly competitive FIFA2018 football tournament between care leavers and Havering staff. A highlight during the week was an interactive live scribe workshop. This is where young people shared their thoughts with an artist who then instantly created a visual art piece representing their views on what the space means to them.

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T he Cocoon was packed for the launch event

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 19

T he Lea Cllr RogdererRofamHsaveyer(ling Council, eft) attend event Executwivite, hAHnavdrerewing Council’s Chiedefthe Blake-Herbert

(left) May Buckinghaidemth Care leavers Jo e ts and Rebecca rdan ou new safe space

Cllr Benham, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said: “The Cocoon is a support hub where young people can develop key skills, have access to training to support education, and enhance their employment opportunities.

“The Council hopes that local businesses will also support young people through this space, by showcasing career opportunities or programmes aimed at 14 – 24 year olds to help them gain experience or qualifications to help them in the work place.

“We developed The Cocoon in partnership with foster children and care leavers, liaising with them at every step. Care leaver Rebecca Jordan, 21, (pictured left) named the space and young people designed the layout. Our aim is that care leavers will become advocates of The Cocoon and help us to shape services going forward.”

The Cocoon was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from these local businesses: • Hot Graphix UK

• Liana's Tea Shop

• The Luxe Package

• Bea's Sweets & Treats

20 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Enjoying the festive season in Havering

Romford Christmas light switch on Celebrate the start of the festive season. The show attracts around 10,000 people so get there early if you want a place near the front of the stage! See live performances from Luke Stanley, D’LuXE and Jess Folley, Winner of the Voice – Kids 2017, meet Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol and enjoy a spectacular firework display.

Thursday 16 November. 4.30pm – 6.30pm. Romford Market Place, Romford, RM1 3ER.

Santa’s Grotto at Romford Shopping Hall Meet Santa in his grotto and a chance to take pictures of your child with Father Christmas.

10am – 4pm every Saturday and Sunday from 18 November to 24 December. £6 per child.

Romford Shopping Hall. 43 Market Place, Romford. RM1 3AB.

Beauty and the Beast - Pantomime at Queen’s Theatre Join in the fun as your favourite fairytale comes to life in a magical, fun-packed panto for the whole family. Beauty and the Beast has it all – sparkling sets, colourful costumes, tunes that you all know, lots of laughter and most importantly plenty of audience participation.

20 November – 7 January. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT. Queen’s Theatre Box Office: 01708 443333

Christmas light switch-ons across Havering See the festive lights go on in: • Hornchurch (18 November, 2 – 5.30pm) • Upminster (23 November 4 – 6pm) • Elm Park (24 November 4 – 6pm)

• Collier Row (1 December 4 – 7.30pm) • Rainham (2 December 10am- 4pm)

There will also be Christmas illuminations in Harold Hill, Harold Wood and Rush Green.

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www.havering.gov.uk/events

Santa’s Grotto at Lodge Farm Park A Northern Express themed mini railway taking children to meet Santa and his Elves in their Grotto. Tickets for the railway trip are £5, available on the day.

Saturday 9 December. 11am to 5pm. Lodge Ave, Gidea Park, Romford RM2 5AD.

Raphael Park Christmas Fair Food, refreshments music and gift stalls throughout the day in a beautiful park just a few minutes walk from Romford town centre.

Saturday 9 December. 12noon to 6pm. 43 Main Road, Romford RM2 5EB.

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 21

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas A magical Queen’s Theatre show for 3 – 7 year olds and their families performed in the historic Hayloft at the charming National Trust property Rainham Hall.

Leave your shoes and slippers by the fireplace and settle down to hear one child’s story about the night they met a certain twinkly eyed, round-bellied chap!

6 – 23 December. Rainham Hall, The Broadway, Rainham, RM13 9YN. Tickets: 01708 443333

Live music at Fairkytes Graffiti Classics are now established as a Fairkytes Live Christmas tradition. A classical string quartet as you've never seen one before - supremely talented but passionate, scatty and supremely entertaining.

Friday 15 December. Fairkytes Arts Centre, 51 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1AX

Kingdom of the Elves Visit the magical elf kingdom and meet the elves. Enjoy balloon modelling with the elves, a giant polar bear and snow globe. Take a ‘selfie with an elfie’. Suitable for children of all ages. Soft play area. Free entry.

Saturday 16 December. 10.30am to 5.30pm. See the marquee near the clocktower in Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER.

Visit Romford Market There will be extra days of Christmas trading and a small selection of fairground attractions available on certain days. In addition to usual Wednesday, Friday and Saturday hours, the Market will be open on Sunday 17, Thursday 21 and Sunday 24 December. Enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, a hog roast, waffles and much more.

Winter Wonderland experience Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland featuring a giant polar bear, giant sleigh, snow globe, and live entertainment throughout the day. Interactive games and a soft play area. Suitable for children of all ages. Free entry.

Saturday 23 December. 10.30am to 5.30pm. See the marquee near the clocktower in Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER.

Meet the Romford reindeer Make it a magical Christmas as the children meet a real reindeer and enter the “name the Romford reindeer competition”.

Saturday 23 December. 11am – 3pm. Outside Lloyds Bank at the junction of Market Place and South Street, Romford.

22 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

WEDNESDAY

15 NOVEMBER th

SIXTH FORM

OPEN EVENING 6pm 8pm

Drapers’ Academy Sixth Form is based in Harold Hill - Romford, with easy transport links to the whole of Havering. Come along on Wednesday 15th November 2017 from 6pm until 8pm for a tour of our designated Sixth Form area, our award winning facilities and our state of the art building.

Meet all the teachers of our A Level courses and discover all the benefits of joining Drapers’ Academy Sixth Form. Benefits which include...

A GUARANTEED PLACE at Queen Mary University of London for all students who achieve the required A Level grades A FREE COMPUTER TABLET for every A Level student

www.drapersacademy.com 01708 371331 • sixthform@drapersacademy.com Drapers’ Academy, Settle Road, Harold Hill, Romford RM3 9XR

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 23

n i w t e s t y s o r a i s w h t t a 5 y well 1. Get a flu jab

2. Prevent illness

•F lu vaccine is the best protection we have against an unpredictable and highly variable flu virus • You can’t catch flu from the flu jab, but it does take about 2 weeks before your body is protected • Many people including anyone aged over 65 can get a FREE flu jab from their GP or local pharmacist • If you’re not eligible for a free flu jab, you can get one from your local pharmacist for as little as £10.

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•W ash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of infections such as flu or norovirus • Cough or sneeze into a tissue to catch germs • If you feel unwell, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration • If you are taking any prescription medication, make sure you get it well before Christmas eve. If you do run out of medication outside of normal working hours, or need medication urgently, you can seek out-of-hours services.

www.londonflu.co.uk

3. Keep warm

4. Keep active

•W rap up warm, inside and out.

Wear lots of thin layers of clothing made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres • Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls when walking outside • If you're less able to get around, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C • Use a hot water bottle OR electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm in bed.

•D on't use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around – even moderate exercise can bring health benefits • Air pollution can be worse on foggy days in winter: If you have an inhaler, remember to use it and sign up to AirText • Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so • Remember to speak to your GP before starting any exercise plan.

5. Eat well

•F ood is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm • Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day • Milk and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt are great sources of protein and vitamins • Winter is the perfect season for a hot bowl of porridge, which can help to boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre. Add banana or other fruit to help you hit your 5 A Day target.

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www.nhs.uk/Livewell

24 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Waste Minimisation

Cllr Dervish with our community chefs and members of the waste minimisation team and staff from Sainsbury’s Romford as they help feed the 1,000

Worried about the rising costs of funerals?

Your local family funeral director West & Coe who have served the community for over 100 years are pleased to offer

HELP AND ADVICE WITH FUNERAL PLANS

www.westcoe.co.uk

Dagenham Hornchurch Rainham Aveley Grays Pitsea

020 8592 0164

Over 70,000 people each year receive peace of mind knowing their arrangements are cared for

£100 off per plan with this advertisement

Council feeds 1,000 to fight food waste Havering Council and Sainsbury’s offered a thousand free meals to highlight the true cost of food waste.

The Feed the 1,000 event, took place last month, at The Brewery, Romford. It was run by the Council with funding from Sainsbury’s as part of their Waste Less Save More campaign.

Over the course of two days, people who visited the event received a free lunch. In exchange for making a pledge at the stall, they promised to make one small change to help reduce their food waste at home. The leftover food from the event was donated to the Salvation Army and Romford Baptist Church.

Cllr Osman Dervish, Cabinet Member for Environment, joined our community chefs, to give away healthy free meals – made from common leftovers. The Council’s waste minimisation experts and Sainsbury’s staff were also on hand, offering handy tips to cut the scraps and save money.

Cllr Dervish, said: “It was great to be part of such a fun and engaging event. The large number of people who made a pledge to reduce food waste should be a reminder to everyone that we can all make a difference.

“Each year the average family throws away enough food to make a thousand meals. By making even a small change, such as freezing leftovers, or meal planning, you could save £60 from your monthly food shop as well as cutting the cost of the borough’s waste disposal, which last year totalled just over £14 million.”

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 25

It’s the most wasteful time of the year!

Cut the scraps this Christmas Did you know, on average your black sack can contain up to 50 per cent food waste?

During the festive season this can increase to a massive 80 per cent. That’s a lot of money wasted, not to mention time wasted in the kitchen cooking the food.

Follow our festive waste guide (below) to slim your bin and save time and money.

Love your leftovers – They’re one of the delights of Christmas.

Log onto www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for lots of tasty recipes using leftovers.

Don’t let it go to waste – use the power of frozen!

Freeze cooked turkey and ham and thaw in the fridge to use in casseroles, curries, pies and sandwiches.

Leftover party food such as sausage rolls, mince pies and quiches can be frozen over Christmas and used in packed lunches for when you return to work or school.

Compost at Christmas Remember - you can compost over a third of the everyday things you throw away, including vegetable peelings from your Christmas roast.

Cut the wrap!

Christmas creates mountains of packaging and wrapping yet we all get tired of trying to find a great gift for someone who seems to have everything, so why not think outside the box?

Gift experiences, theatre and concert tickets, and meal vouchers are just some of many presents that don’t need wrapping.

If you do have to wrap: • Avoid metallic or plastic coated paper – it can’t be recycled • Remember to squash packaging down as much as possible to make the most of the orange sacks • Break down cardboard boxes and if necessary leave them next to your orange sacks for collection

We wish you a happy holiday, and remember the only sack that should be bursting at the seams this Christmas is Santa’s!

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www.havering.gov.uk/reducewaste

26 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Breathe easy this winter

Turn on to clean air, Turn off your engine when you’re not moving Fill your home with plants and flowers to improve the air indoors

In the winter, air pollution lingers for longer, so be prepared for foggy days. Sign up to air alerts www.airtext.info/signup

Wrap up warm and cycle and walk – it’s better for your health and the environment

If you have trouble breathing – remember your doctor is there to help!

For further advice,visit www.havering.gov.uk/airquality 5246

Help Miles the Mole!

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 27

Historical Havering The Perfect Centenary

The entrance to the Grey Towers barracks in 1914 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of Charles Thomas Perfect’s second and most famous book, Ye Olde Village of Hornchurch.

Perfect (1864 -1939) worked for a cement manufacturer and lived in Station Lane Hornchurch. He published three books about the local area in the space of eight years: Our Village (1912), Ye Olde Village of Hornchurch (1917) and Hornchurch During the Great War (1920). He recorded Hornchurch’s happenings with minute details which aren’t recorded elsewhere.

Grey Towers in the Great War

His writings included many observations of life at Grey Towers, a country house built in 1876 that stood in what is now Grey Towers Avenue just off Hornchurch’s High Street. At the outbreak of World War One it was commandeered for military use. Between November 1914 and June 1915, the Towers was used as a training camp for the Sportsman’s Battalion, the 23rd Royal Fusiliers. Local villagers aided the conversion of the house and grounds to a military base with the construction of wooden huts housing 30 beds as accommodation. The main building was converted into the officers’ quarters and additional buildings erected to house a hospital, dispensary, sergeants’ mess, guardroom and cook house, all of which were supplied with electricity.

The Hornchurch villagers welcomed the newcomers with open arms. Social events, dances, balls and concerts were

held in the nearby church hall and within the military quarters, some of which supported charities such as the Red Cross Society and Dr. Barnardo’s Homes.

The Kiwi connection

In the Spring of 1916, Grey Towers changed from a battalion training camp to a convalescent medical unit for servicemen from New Zealand. The unit could only really house 1,500 convalescents at a time, however, the numbers soon increased to 2,000 and then to 2,500. The New Zealanders were fighting in Gallipoli in Turkey, alongside Australian Divisions. The wounded were sent to Grey Towers to seek medical attention, recover and gain strength with the aid of the new gymnasium. The recoverees would either go back to the front in France or be shipped back to New Zealand if they hadn’t sufficiently recovered within six months. By the end of the war around 20,000 convalescents had passed through the Grey Towers medical facility.

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www.havering.gov.uk/localstudies

28 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Working for Havering residents In the first of a series of articles looking at the people who work for you in Havering Council’s enforcement teams, we speak to a Civil Enforcement Officer.

Staff profile: Ian Coulson

– Civil Enforcement Officer

If you think you get up early to go to work spare a thought for 44 year-old Ian. When he works the early shift in parking enforcement he has to be in Romford at 7am – and he lives in Ipswich!

Fortunately for Ian he’s happy to get up at 4.30am and has a mate who’s a long-distance lorry driver who picks him up and drops him off in Romford, and picks him up again on the way home.

Ian’s work begins at the parking office in Romford with the allocation of routes. “My favourite area to patrol is

Romford town centre but I also like working in Upminster and Hornchurch” says Ian. “We do one week of conflict management and early shifts and then a week goes out equipped with a of lates that run from 12.30 hand held computer, a printer to 8pm.” (to issue the penalty notices), a body camera, a standard There are no targets for the number of penalty notices Ian camera and a mobile phone so Ian can check any pay-byand his colleagues have to phone parked vehicles. issue and no commissions are paid. “If there was I “I love being at work in the would have retired years ago” open air and my work keeps jokes Ian. me fit” says Ian. But just in case he needs a bit more These days parking exercise at the end of a week enforcement is a high tech Ian has three sons aged 10, business and Ian has gained 12 and 14 to keep him City & Guilds qualifications in occupied. parking enforcement and

Havering Landlord and Property Expo Friday 17 November 2017, 9am – 5pm

2017

at the CEME Conference Centre, Marsh Way, Rainham RM13 8EU The London Borough of Havering is keen to work with owners, landlords, letting agents and developers in order to increase the amount of good quality accommodation which is provided across the borough.

Seminars & discussion topics include: • The proposed Regeneration and Infrastructure plans for Havering • Financial incentives for Private Landlords • How to access the £2.5m Empty Property Resurrection Fund • Property Licensing • Universal Credit Book your FREE ticket by visiting: https://lbhlandlordpropexpo17.eventbrite.co.uk For further information please email Roger.Young@havering.gov.uk or Sarah.Pluck@havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 29

Business Focus

£11m investment

Havering Council Leader, Cllr Roger Ramsey, joined former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker at Havering College last month to launch it as a Construction & Engineering Career College.

The College was awarded Career College status for Construction and Engineering by the Career Colleges Trust after receiving the backing of a number of East London’s biggest employers including London & Quadrant, Rooff, Vinci, Thomas Sinden, Inflite Engineering, Merlin Entertainment, Clarion, DMG Media, Barking & Dagenham Council and Havering Council. The Trust works alongside FE colleges and employers to help shape employer-led curriculums, ensuring students graduate into employment.

An artist's impression of how the new CISIC facility in Rainham will look Planning permission has also been granted for Havering College’s Construction, Infrastructure, Maria Thompson, Principal & Chief Executive of the College, Skills & Innovation Centre (CISIC). The £11m facility to be built in Rainham will offer skilled jobs to Havering’s said: “Working in partnership with the local council and residents, we want to build a better future for Rainham. We are aspiring learners, cementing it as a centre of excellence for so excited for the facility to open and look forward to supporting construction and engineering.

Rainham’s students into their future careers in skilled CISIC is predicted to deliver a contribution of over £30m to the construction and engineering.” local economy over the next ten years. i www.havering-college.ac.uk

Next week (13 – 16 November) Havering Council will be celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The international campaign is commemorating 10 years of helping millions of people unleash their ideas to start and scale new businesses. Various events are taking place during #GEW2017, which will connect entrepreneurs to collaborators and mentors.

Havering Council and partners will be hosting a range of events, including: Monday 13 November – Havering StartUp Programme: How to Make Sales Workshop, Romford.

Enterprise Nation will be bringing a specialist to support Havering start-ups in understanding how to effectively approach sales for your product/service.

Wednesday 15 November – Growing Your Business through Fantastic Leadership & Management, Romford.

Pro-Actions Business Coaching & Support will help you explore these two very different disciplines to help you get the most out of yourself and your people.

Friday 17 November – Havering Landlord & Property Expo, Rainham Midas Production Ltd and Havering Council will be providing various seminars and exhibitions for owners, landlords, letting agents and developers who are interested in increasing the amount of good quality accommodation provided across Havering. (See advert opposite).

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email: businessdevelopment@havering.gov.uk

Well attended

HCCI Vice Chair Christine Laney, Cllr. Linda Van den Hende, and HCCI Chairman Barry Hicks at the Showcase event. (Pictures courtesy David Laney Photography).

Over 200 business people attended the Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) Showcase event held at Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch last month. Among those attending was the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Van den Hende, and Havering Council’s Chief Executive, Andrew BlakeHerbert. There was a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of new business connections were made. The Chamber has already received lots of positive feedback so the event will be repeated at a later date.

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www.hcci.org.uk

30 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Business Focus

CELEBRATE

AND BE INSPIRED MEET THE BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR 2016 – DAN EVANS Q. What do you do?

I'm the Managing Director of Evans Insurance, based in Central Romford.

We're a firm of insurance brokers offering advice and bespoke insurance products, along with all-year-round support including claims handling assistance. Most of our clients are business owners or landlords.

Q. What challenges have you faced?

Initially, learning to run a business was a steep learning curve. When I started out, I was skilled in my trade but had no business experience.

Now I’ve overcome this by working with a business coach, surrounding myself with successful business owners and committing to continued development.

Q. What has happened since winning the Business of the Year award?

When I was announced as Business Person of the Year in 2016, I was totally shocked and I'm still very proud to have won such a prestigious award.

Since then, so many doors have opened for me and my business – we’ve raised our profile locally, grown our client base and been asked to be involved in some really exciting projects; all off the back of winning the award.

I highly recommend engaging with the local awards and hope to be a part of the process in some way for many years to come.

The Havering Business Awards 2017/18 ceremony will take place on Thursday 8 February at the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME), Rainham, providing businesses with an opportunity to celebrate achievements and network with other successful local businesses.

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www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 31

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER There is still time to enter the Havering Business Awards 2017/2018 and it’s never been easier. You will need to provide a supporting statement to highlight how you/your business meets the award category entry criteria.

You can enter as many categories as you want to. Winners of each category will be automatically considered for Havering Business of the Year.

There’s no need to download an entry pack – it’s all online for you.

Entries close on Monday 13 November.

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www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk

The family way

“Nearly all of our premises have Funeral Directors West & Coe now been refurbished but it’s not have been in business for 104 just about the buildings” said years and have been helping Jamie. “For some time we have Havering residents cope with bereavement for over 100 years. been conscious of the lack of As a family business their network local aftercare support for bereaved families. It was this of 20 branches including three in reason that, in 2006, after a Havering is today overseen by year of careful planning, we Chairman Jeremy West who lives launched our own unique in Gidea Park and his fellow bereavement support programme. directors, son Jamie West and HOPE – or helping overcome sister Jenny Gillanders. Jeremy is people’s emotions in grief – is a the grandson of the founder of the six-week programme that business. combines education, Since 1975 they have had an communication and the ability to office at 125 Hornchurch Road in share one’s emotions. This Hornchurch. Last year they special support is free to all and bought the neighbouring premises has helped many people come to at number 127 and are now in terms with their loss.” the process of expanding and Today the business is a great combining these two shops to supporter of the Havering Show create a brand new facility that and Jeremy is a patron of the will be three times larger than the Hornchurch-based local previous office and will children’s charity, First Step, and incorporate five chapels of rest.

Chairman of Hornchurch Cricket “These works will give us give far Club. better funeral care for the families we serve” said Jeremy. i www.westandcoe.com

32 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Business Focus

Interaction between residents and staff in one of the nostalgia corners

One of Romford Care Centre’s dementia friendly areas

More help for people with Dementia

A Romford care home has completed its second dementiafriendly living area following the success of its first, called “Amy’s Park”, at its Harold Hill site.

Dementia Specialist, Jane Hare said “The team at Romford Care Centre knew there was a need to create a dementia friendly home in Romford and because we believe in the core values of excellent dementia care it was so exciting to create an environment where our residents are living the life they deserve.”

Fit

The dementia care areas include nostalgia corners where residents are able to participate in one-to-one reminiscence therapy. The environment has been designed in order to enable the independence of living with dementia with, for example, residents’ room doors personalised with particular colours and door numbers to aid recognition and to make it feel more like “home”.

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www.rchcarehomes.co.uk

to win

where they teach children about health, fitness, nutrition and wellbeing. The activities take place in Harrow Lodge park and Rainham recreational ground, the activity camps Congratulations to Ben take place at Rainham Green, and the team at Royals youth club.

Activ8 Fitness Camp, a local Activ8 also provides health, fitness and welleducational services to being company. schools, including physical They took home the National education and therapy Diversity Award for best sessions for students with Community Organisation ASC (Autism Spectrum (multi- strand) at a national Condition) and social, ceremony held at Liverpool’s emotional and mental Anglican Cathedral in health needs (SEMH).

September.

Speaking at the awards Ben The National Diversity Awards, Ben Green (centre) receiving his award with Funke said: “Children’s health and Abimola (left) a senior lawyer at Roche, the world’s largest fitness services are completely sponsored by DirectLine biotech company and ranked by the Financial Times as Group and Microsoft, overshadowed by adult health being one of the top 20 BAME (black and minority celebrate people who inspire and fitness services, and I’m on other individuals through their ethnic) leaders internationally, and former WBO boxing a personal mission to change champion and Sky Sports presenter Johnny Nelson. work, and their commitment this. Through providing to helping others. consistent health and fitness programmes we can have a major impact on childhood obesity, Founded in April 2014, Activ8 Fitness Camp provides mental health rates and give our younger generation the solid outdoor fitness classes for children aged 5 and above. They foundations to feel confident and grow. Early intervention is key!” now deliver classes to adults and families and host activity camps for the local community during the school holidays i www.activ8fitnesscamp.co.uk

Space to rent

Romford Shopping Hall has an office available to rent with views over the market place and its own meeting room. The office will accommodate 6-7 people and the meeting room up to 10.

Rent is £375 per week plus vat. Business rates and service charges are included. Contact Michelle for further details and viewing on 01708 740492.

Arts & Culture Art

HAVERING ARTS COUNCIL

Havering Arts Council represents arts groups in Havering and has a full programme of events www.haveringartscouncil.org.uk

HORNCHURCH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Mondays, 7.15 – 10pm www.hornchurchphoto.co.uk

PHOENIX ART GROUP

Tuesdays, 2 – 4pm e beenaphoenix@gmail.com

Saturday 16 December 7.30 – 10pm £10 Adults, £5 Children Seasonal Carols sung by the choir plus the Junior Choir from St Mary's Primary School.

Coffee and mince pies served afterwards. Pre-booking required. t 341265 e tickets@haveringsingers.org.uk

FAIRKYTES LIVE

fairkytes@havering.gov.uk for tickets to any event go to www.seetickets.com

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 33

Cash, The Everly Brothers, The Big Bopper, Carl Perkins, Del Shannon, Eddie Cochran and Elvis.

Friday 17 Nov, 8pm £17 All tickets Get Back – The Story of the Beatles From authentic costumes and instruments to pitch perfect harmonies, this band recreate the music and look with astonishing accuracy.

Friday 24 Nov, 8pm £17 All tickets

UPMINSTER CAMERA CLUB

Tuesdays, 7.45 –10pm www.upminstercameraclub.org.uk

CRANHAM ART SOCIETY

Wednesdays, 10am –12pm t 229715 e maureen.hunter44@yahoo.com

Museums & Exhibitions

Kiki Dee with Carmelo Luggeri Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November China Crisis Saturday 2 December

HAVERING MUSEUM

HAVERING SINGERS

19 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU Painting exibition Home of Truth: Paintings by Jurgita Kapsiene.

Until Saturday 18 November From Brooklands to the final whistle The story of Romford Football Club from 1967 – 1981.

Thursday 30 November, 7 – 9pm t 766571 e ellen.mary.owen@googlemail.com

ROMFORD MODEL RAILWAY SHOW

Autumn Concert Saturday 11 November 7.30 – 9.30pm at St Andrew's Church, 222 High Street, Hornchurch, RM12 6QP £13 Adults, £5 Children or £11 Adults if booked before the concert t 07770 643231 e tickets@haveringsingers.org.uk

Theatre

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

St Michael's Church, Main Road, Gidea Park, RM2 5EL

Beauty and the Beast – Story Play Saturday 18 Nov, 10am Jelly Jade Saturday 18 Nov, 11.30am A Night of Dirty Dancing – The Ultimate Tribute Show!

Tuesday 21 Nov, 7.30pm Singing in the Corner – Posh Karaoke Wednesday 22 Nov, 8pm Comedy Club Thursday 23 Nov, 8.30pm Supersonic Science Workshops Saturday 25 Nov, 11am, 1pm and 3pm The Mississippi Swamp Dogs – A Night in Deep South Saturday 25 Nov, 8pm Frank Sinatra – His Way! Sunday 26 Nov, 7.30pm Wild Willy Barrett’s French Connection – A Mange-Tout Far! Tuesday 28 Nov, 8pm Beauty and the Beast Thursday 30 Nov - Saturday 7 Jan Christmas Crackers Saturday 2 Dec, 10am

BROOKSIDE THEATRE

www.brooksidetheatre.com

Marshalls Park School, Pettits Lane, Romford RM1 4EH Saturday 11 November 10am – 5pm £5 adults, £4 children Family (2+2) £14 20+ layouts from "N" to "O" gauge including "Thomas the Tank Engine".

Free car parking, disabled access. t 551470 e tony27hyde@gmail.com

Music

The ELO Encounter Roll over Beethoven recreate ELO’s unique symphonic rock.

Saturday 25 Nov, 8pm £17 All tickets We Three Kings of Rock 'n' Roll Three West End performers present a high-octane tribute show packed full of classic hits and festive favourites.

Friday 8 Dec, 8pm £20 All tickets

From Tipperary to Flanders Fields Monday 13 Nov, 2.30pm

Feeling Good – The Michael Bublé Story Featuring Mitchell Rutter, one of the UK's leading Michael Bublé impersonators accompanied by a live 7-piece orchestra.

Friday 22 Dec, 8pm £19.50 All tickets

QUEEN'S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Rock 'n' Roll Paradise Amongst those 'appearing' will be Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny

www.queens-theatre.co.uk H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man Friday 27 October – Saturday 18 November

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Wednesday 6 Dec – Saturday 23 Dec Hammers Heroes Wednesday 6 Dec, 7.30pm Jeff Short’s Christmas Variety Show Wednesday 13 Dec, 4pm The Bluejays Tuesday 9 Jan, 7.30pm

34 | NOVEMBER 2017 | LIVING in Havering

Arts & Culture What's on Pop-up Bowie Wednesday 10 Jan, 7.30pm

COLLIER ROW COMMUNITY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION BRITISH CACTUS & SUCCULENT Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 12.30pm t 756005 Tree Nursery Sunday Group First Sunday of each month from 10am. Join volunteers helping to manage the newly renovated community tree nursery and the Forest Centre grounds. Free.

Talon – The Best of the Eagles 20th Anniversary Tour Thursday 11 & Friday 12 Jan, 7.30pm Complete Madness Saturday 13 Jan, 7.30pm Black Dyke Band Sunday 14 Jan, 4pm The Searchers – Live in Concert Monday 15 Jan, 7.30pm Queen’s Theatre Magnificent Music Hall Thursday 18 Jan, 2.30pm Boot Led Zeppelin Friday 19 Jan, 7.30pm Whitney – Queen of the Night Saturday 20 Jan, 7.30pm Vivaldi by Candlelight Sunday 21 Jan, 4pm

Historic Buildings & Gardens

LANGTONS

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1XJ Christmas themed Wedding Open Day. Saturday 9 December, 10am – 3pm Free entry to the house to see the rooms set up for weddings and receptions. t 433080

SQUIRRELS HEATH GARDENING CLUB

Last Monday of each month 8 – 10pm e essexgardens@hotmail.com

VOLUNTEERING AT BEDFORDS PARK WALLED GARDEN Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am – 3pm www.bedfordswalledgarden.org

If you would like your event featured for free in future Listings or on Havering’s website, please complete the online form at www.havering.gov.uk/ eventsform All numbers are 01708 unless stated.

SOCIETY, HAVERING BRANCH Third Saturday of the month, 7 – 10pm t 447778 COLLIER ROW BRIDGE CLUB Thursdays, 7 – 10.30pm www.bridgewebs.com/collierrow COLLIER ROW TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD First and third Tuesday of the month, 1.30 – 4pm e mclary2012@btinternet.com CRAFTY ARTS KNIT AND NATTER GROUP Tuesdays, 10am – 12noon e sales@craftyarts.co.uk CRANHAM ENGAYNE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE Second Monday of each month t 228119 DIABETES UK – HAVERING GROUP Third Monday of each month (except August and January) at North Street Halls, Hornchurch, RM11 1QX, 8 – 10pm www.havering.diabetesukgroup.org EAST OF LONDON FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY First Saturday of the month, 11am – 4pm e neal25@hotmail.com FOUR SEASONS KNITTING & CRAFT CLUB Mondays, 7pm – 10pm www.rgcasc.org FAIRKYTES ACCORDION CLUB First Wednesday of month, 7.30pm e fac.enquiries@outlook.com FUNKY VOICES Every Monday 8 – 10pm www.funkyvoices.co.uk GEOLOGY TALK Essex through the deep

by Ian Mercer.

Monday 13 November, 8 – 9.45pm Hornchurch Library. Cost: £2.50 t 440297 GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF ESSEX Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm e shiela_ranking@btinternet.com GUIDED WALK AT RAINHAM MARSHES New Tank Hill Road, Pufleet, RM19 1SZ

Saturday 30 September, 9.30 am The walk is led by Roy Woodward of Buteo Wildlife for the East London Birders Forum. Booking essential. t 899840 e rainham.marshes@rspb.org.uk HAVEN LADIES CLUB Alternate Tuesdays, 8 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org HAVERING ACTIVE TEA DANCE Thursdays, 1.30 – 3.30pm e dancingrita@hotmail.co.uk HAVERING ANTIQUE COLLECTORS CLUB Third Friday of the month from 7.30 – 9.30pm t 07947 367258 HAVERING BOARD GAMERS First, third and fifth Thursday of the month 7.30 – 10pm e fransnook@yahoo.co.uk HAVERING CONCERT ORCHESTRA (HCO) Wednesdays, during term-time 7.30 – 9.30pm www.hcoweb.co.uk HAVERING EAST ROTARY CLUB Tuesdays, 7.30 – 10pm www.haveringeastrotary.org HAVERING MUSIC MAKERS Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 10pm e join@haveringmusicmakers.co.uk HAVERING WRITERS CIRCLE First Monday of month, 7.30 – 10pm t 375549 HORNCHURCH AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Last Friday of the month except July August and December, 7.15pm e hdhs.barn@btinternet.com HORNCHURCH HARMONIES WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Third Wednesday of each month (except August) from 7.30 – 9.45pm at Havering Indoor Bowls Club, in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch.

New members welcome. Visitors fee £3.50 includes tea & cake. t 111111 e h ornchurchharmonies@ outlook.com HORNCHURCH WARGAMES CLUB Mondays, 7 – 11pm e collin.fairman@ntlworld.com HUMANISTS OF HAVERING Second Saturday of the month 2 – 4pm www.meetup.com/Essex-Humanists

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Rainham Marshes MAKE AND TAKE CARD-MAKING CLUB Wednesdays, 12.30 – 3.30pm e maureen.hunter44@yahoo.com NELMES (HORNCHURCH) WOMEN'S INSTITUTE Second Wednesday of the month 1.45 – 4pm e ruth.wellwisher@gmail.com NORTH OCKENDON HANDBELL RINGERS Tuesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm t 459339 PARKINSON’S UK HAVERING & DISTRICT BRANCH SUPPORT MEETINGS First and third Tuesday of each month, 2- 4pm Langtons Registry Office, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1XJ t 345424 e Brenda.crissell@gmail.com www.parkinsons.org.uk/havering PASSIONE ITALIANA – ITALIAN AND ENGLISH BILINGUAL PRESENTATIONS Second Monday of the month 6.30 – 7.30pm e lapassioneitaliana@gmail.com PSYCHIC CAFÉ Last Friday of the month, 7 – 9.30pm e info@hands-4-healing.co.uk RAINHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Tuesdays, 10am – 12noon Saturdays, 9am – 12noon Sundays, 10am – 12.30pm www.rainhamhorticulturalsociety.org.uk REIKI SHARE Second Wednesday of the month 7 – 10pm e info@hands-4-healing.co.uk

ROMFORD AND BRENTWOOD FOLK DANCE GROUP Wednesdays, 8 – 10pm www.randb-folkdancing.btck.co.uk ROMFORD DRUM AND TRUMPET CORPS Thursdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm www.rdtc.org ROMFORD EMBROIDERERS GUILD Second Saturday of the month, 2 – 4pm www.romfordembroiderers.org.uk ROMFORD SCRABBLE CLUB Wednesdays, 7.15 – 10.30pm e sandrad.richards@gmail.com RSPB HAVERING COACH OUTING To RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Sussex Saturday 25 November, 7am – 7pm £18 per seat t 250585 e mikeboyo15@gmail.com www.rspb.org.uk/groups/havering/ events RSPB HAVERING INDOOR MEETING Chris Ward presents an illustrated talk on the wildlife of Australia.

Friday 10 November, 7.30 - 9.45pm Hornchurch Library.

Upstairs Meeting Room – £3 t 250585 e mikeboyo15@gmail.com www.rspb.org.uk/groups/havering/ events RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES (pictured above) Variety of events on the website. www.rspb.org.uk/rainham RUSH GREEN FLORAL ART CLUB Third Monday of the month, 8 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mondays, 1.30 – 3.30pm Fridays, 10 – 11.45am t 07976 438950 SILVER LYNX CRAFT AND SOCIAL CLUB Mondays, 10am – 2pm e martie0707@sky.com ST JOHN AMBULANCE HAROLD HILL AND HAROLD WOOD UNIT Wednesdays, 7 – 9pm e doug.croxall@sja.org THAMES CHASE EVENTS Community Market Third Sunday of each month, 10am – 2pm Musical Cream Tea Third Friday of each month until 15 December, 2.30 – 4.30pm Traditional cream tea accompanied by live music. £9 per person.

Booking essential.

Thames Chase Forest Centre Broadfields, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS t 642970 e enquiries@thameschase.org.uk www.thameschase.org.uk TRAIN AID – LEVEL 2 EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK COURSE First Saturday of the month, 9am – 3.30pm www.train-aid.co.uk/courses/ emergency-first-aid-at-work UPMINSTER AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY New Windmill Hall Upminster. www.upminsterhorticulturalsociety.co.uk UPMINSTER U3A University of the Third Age. Meets monthly on the third Tuesday

of each month, 1pm New Windmill Hall, St Mary's Lane, Upminster.

Doors open 12.30pm. www.u3asites.org.uk/upminster UPMINSTER WINE AND SOCIAL CLUB Third Thursday of the month, 8pm t 223956 WHIST CLUB Wednesdays and Fridays, 7.30 – 9.30pm e lindaevans147@yahoo.co.uk

LIBRARIES ADULT CRAFT WORKSHOP Upminster Library – Craft workshop on the third Tuesday of the month 1.30 – 3pm. (Booking required – chargeable event).

AFTERNOON TEA GROUP Harold Hill Library – Wednesday 2 – 3pm Small charge for refreshments.

FAMILY HISTORY Help with researching your family history.

Hornchurch Library – Tuesday 3 – 5pm Upminster Library – Thursday 2 – 4pm CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Upminster Library – Tuesday 21 November and every third Tuesday, 9.30 – 11am Card Making Workshop for adults – £7 t 434933 HAVERING BRANCH ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST 1st floor meeting room, Hornchurch Library.

Second Monday of each month, 8 – 9.45pm t 440297

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IN STITCHES GROUPS Join a friendly knitting and sewing group (small charge for refreshments) Collier Row Library – Fridays 10.30am-12noon and 1.30-3pm Elm Park Library – Thursday 2-4pm (term time only) Gidea Park Library – Thursday 2-3.30pm Harold Hill Library – Monday 1-3pm / Thursday 10am-12noon Harold Wood Library – Friday 10am-12noon Hornchurch Library – Tuesday 2.30-4pm Rainham Library – Tuesday 2-4pm Romford Library – Wednesday 10am-12noon South Hornchurch Library – Wednesday 1.30-3.30pm Upminster Library – Wednesday 10am JOB CLUB Hornchurch Library – Thursday 10am – 1pm LISTENING GROUP Adults listening to books on CDs (small charge for refreshments) Rainham Library – First Tuesday of the month 10am QUICK READS READING GROUPS Adults reading shorter books “Quick Reads” (small charge for refreshments).

Harold Hill Library – First Friday of the month 11-12noon South Hornchurch Library – Second Thursday of the month 2pm READING GROUP FOR ADULTS Small charge for refreshments.

Collier Row Library – First Wednesday of the month 11am / Thursday 7-7.30pm Elm Park Library – First Thursday of the month 6.30pm / First Friday of the month 10.30am (term time only).

Gidea Park Library – Second Thursday of the month 6.45-7.45pm (every other month) Harold Wood Library – Thursday 6.30pm (approx. every 4 weeks)

Hornchurch Library – First Monday of the month 2.15pm / First Thursday 7.30pm / First Friday 2.15pm Rainham Library – Last Monday of the month 6.30pm Romford Library – First Thursday of the month 2-3pm Upminster Library – Last Monday of the month 2-3pm / First Thursday 6-7pm TECHY BUDDIES Sessions with our volunteer Techy Buddies to help you with your ICT problems.

Collier Row Library – Saturday 1.30 – 3.30pm Gidea Park Library – Saturday 10-11am (booking required) / Wednesday – 5 week beginners course 10-11am (booking required) Harold Hill Library – Tuesday 11-12noon / Thursday 11-12noon / Alternate Saturdays 1.30-3.30pm (booking required).

Harold Wood Library – Wednesday 10.30am – 12.30pm / Thursday 2.30-4.30pm (booking required).

Hornchurch Library – First Tuesday of the month 2-4pm

Rainham Library – Last Wednesday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm Romford Library – Wednesday 10am-12noon South Hornchurch Library – Alternate Saturdays 1.30-3.30pm Upminster Library – Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm (booking required), other appointments by arrangement.

VICTIM SUPPORT DROP-IN SESSION Gidea Park Library – Friday 10,-12noon YOUNG AT HEART GROUPS Join a social group – tea/coffee, chat and guest speakers (small charge for refreshments).

Collier Row Library – Thursday 2-4pm Elm Park Library – Last Wednesday of the month 2.30-3.30pm (term time only)

Libraries Havering Libraries hold many events, please check the website for latest details or contact your local library. Booking is usually advisable.

COLLIER ROW 45 Collier Row Road Romford RM5 3NR CollierRow.Library@havering.gov.uk ELM PARK St Nicholas Avenue Elm Park RM12 4PT ElmPark.Library@havering.gov.uk GIDEA PARK Balgores Lane, Gidea Park RM2 6BS GideaPark.Library@havering.gov.uk HAROLD HILL 19A Farnham Road, Harold Hill RM3 8ED HaroldHill.Library@havering.gov.uk HAROLD WOOD Arundel Road, Harold Wood RM3 0RX HaroldWood.Library@havering.gov.uk HORNCHURCH 44 North Street, Hornchurch RM11 1TB Hornchurch.Library@havering.gov.uk RAINHAM 6 Celtic Farm Road Rainham RM13 9GP Rainham.Library@havering.gov.uk ROMFORD St Edwards Way, Romford RM1 3AR Central.Library@havering.gov.uk SOUTH HORNCHURCH Rainham Road, Rainham RM13 7RD SouthHornchurch.Library@havering.gov.uk UPMINSTER 26 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster RM14 2BB Upminster.Library@havering.gov.uk

Harold Hill Library – Last Tuesday of the month 11am-12noon Harold Wood Library – Second Wednesday of the month 11am-12noon Rainham Library – First Tuesday of the month 2-4pm

CHILDREN 6TH SQUIRRELS HEATH SCOUT GROUP Wednesdays, 5-6.30pm e sixthbeaversgroup@yahoo.com

BUMPS AND BABIES GROUP (organised by Havering NCT and sponsored by Soft Play Essex) at Mothercare Romford, Rom Valley Way, Romford, RM7 0AF Thursdays from 1.30-3pm A weekly social gathering for expectant mums, and mums with young babies. Free.

t 07910 217605 e parentsupport.havering@nct. org.uk www.facebook.com/haveringnct BASKING BABIES ROMFORD Tuesdays, 9.45-11.15am t 07701 367883 CRICKET COACHING SESSIONS Colt Coaching Sessions (aged 5+) are organised by Havering-atteBower Cricket Club, Broxhill Road, Romford, RM4 1QH. Call for details. t 07718 944051 www.havering-atte-bower-cc.co. uk/colts

ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST To book your place on any of the events at the Ingrebourne Valley

www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 37

Visitor Centre in Hornchurch Country Park call 01708 520364.

Little Badgers Parent and Toddler Group – Every Tuesday and Friday 10.30am-12 noon Indoor and outdoor fun for toddlers and pre-schoolers with parents and carers. £6 donation in advance per child per session.

Free Buggy Walks –Every Tuesday 1.30pm-2.15pm Bring your little one in their pram or buggy for a brisk 45 minute led walk around Hornchurch Country Park. No need to book. Meet outside Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre.

JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS COACHING Tuesdays 7 - 9pm The Havering Table Tennis Club run junior sessions (9+) at the Coopers' Company & Coborn School, St. Marys Lane, Upminster.

Qualified coaches and CRB checks conducted.

WIGGLE AND GIGGLE For children aged 2 – 4 years Wednesdays, 11.30am-12noon at Hornchurch Library

Tweedway Hall Tweedway Rise Park Wednesday 10.30 to 11.30am t 07910 217605 e parentsupport.havering@nct. org.uk TAPESTRY – WALKING FOOTBALL Mondays, 12 noon-1pm Thursdays, 7-8pm www.tapestry-uk.org TEA DANCE Every Thursday at the New Windmill Hall, Upminster, 1.30-3.30pm £3 or £5 with a lesson from 1pm t 433768 UPMINSTER AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Variety of events on the website www.upminsterprobus.com TWEEDWAY (50+) SPORTS CLUB Darts, short mat bowls, snooker, pool, table tennis, scrabble and more.

Alternate Tuesdays, 8-10pm at Havering Road Methodist Church Hall, Rise Park, Romford, RM1 4YD t 01708 728448 e pete.mcevoy@ymail.com

OVER-50s

EPILEPSY ACTION ROMFORD COFFEE AND CHAT GROUP Third Wednesday of the month 12noon-2pm t 07704 979 654 HAVERING ASIAN SOCIAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION (HASWA) Yoga class Mondays, 10-11.30am Wednesdays, 10-11.30am Lunch Club Wednesdays, 12noon-2pm Punjabi Class Thursdays, 11.15am-12.15pm Coffee Stop Thursdays, 2-4pm Punjabi Class Thursdays, 6-7.30pm www.haswa.org.uk HAVERING NUMISMATIC SOCIETY Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch.

First Tuesday of month 7.30-9.30pm e pambob2@ntlworld.com HUBB (HELPING USERS BOUNCE BACK) SUPPORT GROUP First Thursday of the month, 5 -7pm e ecofriendlyangel62@gmail.com PARKINSON’S UK HAVERING AND DISTRICT BRANCH SUPPORT MEETINGS

FRIENDSHIP CLUB For over 55s Every Thursday 10 – 11AM Romford Shopping Hall 43 Market Place, Romford RM1 3AB. t 740492 HAVERING OVER 50S FORUM Second Tuesday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm www.Havo50Forum.org OVER 50S CLUB KingsHeart Church, 262 Pettits Lane North, Rise Park, Romford RM1 4PJ Every other Thursday from 2-4pm.

Games, quizzes,speakers and occasional meals. t 733724 www.Havo50Forum.org RGCA CHAIR ZUMBA Thursdays, 2-2.45pm www.rgcasc.org SENIOR CITIZENS PILATES CLASSES Emerson Park Community Assembly Hall, Slewins Lane, Hornchurch Monday 11am to 12noon Hornchurch Conservative Club North Street Hornchurch Tuesday 9.30 to 10.30am

WELLBEING

Cabinet and Council meetings Cabinet and Full Council meetings are open to the public and are held on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB. Forthcoming meeting dates are as follows: Cabinet – 15 November, 13 December and 17 January Council – 22 November and 24 January They can also be watched online at www.havering.gov.uk/webcast Dates may change, please check www.havering.gov.uk/ calendarmeetings for latest information.

You can also meet the Leader of the Council, Cllr Roger Ramsey, and his Cabinet colleagues at Meet the Leader and Cabinet events held around the borough. It’s an opportunity to discuss any issues of concern in an informal manner. There’s no need to book, just turn up at any of the following events: Friday 19 November 1–2pm at Elm Park Library Friday 5 January 1–2pm at Harold Hill Library Friday 30 March 1–2pm in the Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford (behind Starbucks) First and third Tuesday of the month 2-4pm Langtons Registry Office Hornchurch, RM11 1XL e brenda.crissell@gmail.com www.parkinsons.org.uk/havering PHASE (Prostate Health, Advice, Support and Education) Meets last Friday of each month (except August and December) at 7pm at the Harold Wood Neighbourhood Centre in Gubbins Lane t 0203 745 7318 POSITIVE LIVING GROUP Alternate Mondays, 7.45-10pm www.positivelivinggroups.org.uk RAGS ROMFORD AUTISTIC GROUP SUPPORT Supporting families living with Autism in Havering www.rags-havering.org.uk RCCG LIFE CHANGERS ASSEMBLY Every Sunday, 10-11am e rccglca@gmail.com

SPORTS & FITNESS

ATTE BOWER SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Bower Hall, Wellingtonia Avenue,

Havering-atte-Bower, RM4 1QP Mondays 7.15 -10pm and Thursdays at 9.15am - 12noon Beginners welcome - 3 free sessions to start. t 706833 www.attebowerbowls.weebly.com ARDLEIGH HOUSE SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Tuesdays, 12.30-2.30pm Thursdays and Fridays, 10am12noon t 440660 HATHA/DRU YOGA CLASSES Tesco Community Room Roneo Corner, Hornchurch Sundays, 10-11.30am e mary@bodyandsoulyoga.org www.bodyandsoulyoga.org DUKES MODERN SEQUENCE DANCE CLUB Wednesdays, 1-3pm www.sequencedancing.co.uk/ourclubs FIVE STAR BASKETBALL ACADEMY Tuesdays, 5-6.30pm e elvan.dixon@havering.gov.uk FUSION STREET DANCE TEAM Tuesdays, 5-8pm www.funandfunkydance.com HARE PARK BADMINTON CLUB Thursdays, 7.30-9.30pm e anitaaudritt@btinternet.com HARROW LODGE PARKRUN Meet at Warren Drive car park Seniors: Saturdays, 9-10am Juniors: Free 2km run aged 4-14 years, Sundays, 9am

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RAPHAEL PARKRUN Saturdays 9am e raphaeloffice@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/raphael

HAVERING SAILING CLUB Saturdays, March – November 12noon – 6pm www.haveringsailingclub.org.uk HEARTFELT YOGA Tuesdays, 8 – 9.30pm www.heartfeltyoga.co.uk HYLANDS TENNIS CLUB HYLANDS MINI TENNIS ACADEMY Tots at 6pm and Red balls at 7pm classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Orange ball at 6pm and Green Ball at 7pm on Mondays.

JISSOKAN MARTIAL ARTS Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9pm e garrylever81@aol.com JU JITSU Variety of classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays www.ryujujitsu.com LYDIA LACEY YOGA Wednesdays, 7.30 – 8.30pm www.facebook.com/lydiasyoga FUN AND FUNKY DANCE Variety of dance classes available www.funandfunkydance.com NORTH ROMFORD SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Mondays and Wednesdays 9am – 12noon Mondays, Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays, 1.30 – 4.45pm www.nrca.co.uk

OCCASIONAL DANCE Variety of classes on website www.occasionaldance.co.uk PILATES Pilates Mat work with Angela Gill.

Mondays at 9.15am, Saturdays at 8.30am and 9.30am in Tesco Community Room, Roneo Corner Hornchurch. £6 per session Fridays, 9.15am at Ardleigh House, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch. £6.50 per session. Beginners welcome. Mats and all other equipment provided. t 07961 428911 PILATES CLASSES Beginners/mixed ability Monday 10 – 11am Senior Citizen Monday 11am – 12noon Emerson Park Community Assembly Hall, Slewins Lane Hornchurch Beginners/mixed ability 9.30 – 10.30am Senior Citizen 10.30 – 11.30am Tweedway Hall, Tweedway Rise Park t 07722 174210 e beverleycracknell@btinternet.com ROMFORD AUTISTIC GROUP MULTI-SPORT SESSIONS Fridays, 5.15 – 6.45pm www.rags-havering.org.uk RUSH GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INDOOR BOWLS CLUB Alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.30 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org SYM SAILING CLUB Sundays, until 30 November, 9am – 4pm www.sym.org.uk TABLE TENNIS COACHING Tuesdays 7 – 9pm The Havering Table Tennis Club run junior sessions (9 years +) at the Coopers' Company & Coborn School, St. Marys Lane, Upminster Qualified coaches and CRB checks conducted t 01708 340761 TABLE TENNIS COACHING Saturdays 9am - 12 noon Junior table tennis coaching from the age of 8 years .

Maylands Junior Table Tennis Club, Bretons Outdoor Community Centre, The Barn, Rainham Rd, Rainham RM13 7LN. t 0208 503 8757 or 07932 233824 e clivevandome@btinternet.com

Cost: £29 but one term FREE to first time applicants. t 07956 406874 e hylandsclub@gmail.com www.hylandstennis.co.uk TWEED MODERN SEQUENCE DANCE CLUB Thursdays, 7.30pm – 10pm e shaun22@btinternet.com

TENNIS 4 ALL Saturdays during term time for anyone aged 13 to 25, 11am – 12 noon Cost: £29 but one term FREE to first time applicants.

Hylands tennis club, c/o The Albany School, Broadstone Road, Hornchurch RM12 4AJ t 07956 406874

e hylandsclub@gmail.com www.hylandstennis.co.uk TENNIS 4 GIRLS Social fun activity for girls ages 11 – 18, Fridays during term time 5.30 – 6.30pm.

Hylands Tennis Club, c/o The Albany School, Broadstone Road, Hornchurch RM12 4AJ

US GIRLS ACTIVITIES Sports and physical activities for women. www.havering.gov.uk/usgirls YOGA FOR ALL Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays www.janettibbleyoga.com YOGA, PILATES AND BARRE PILATES Classes on Monday to Saturday www.inspiredhealthandfitness.co.uk

This community magazine should reach every home in Havering. Additional copies are available at libraries and leisure centres. The cost of producing and distributing Living in Havering is supported by advertising.

For enquiries regarding content or details of advertising rates, call the Editor, Peter Stremes, on 01708 433247 or visit www.havering.gov.uk/living.

Advertisements are accepted subject to available space and Havering Council’s approval of copy. Terms and conditions available on request.

Products and services mentioned in advertisements or editorial do not carry the endorsement of Havering Council.

Living in Havering is written, designed and published

by Communications, Havering Council, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BD. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without the prior written permission of Havering Council.

If you would like to receive this publication in another language or format please contact us. An audio version is available thanks to Havering Talking Newspaper.

For more information go to: www.havering.gov.uk/living

Christmas Events

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www.havering.gov.uk/living | NOVEMBER2017 | 39

in Romford

Market Kingdom of the Elves

16 December. 10.30am – 5.30pm Walk around the magical elf kingdom and take a ‘selfie with an elfie’

Fairground 15 – 17 December & 20 – 24 December.

10.30am to 6.30pm

Winter Wonderland Experience 23 December.

10.30am – 5.30pm Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland featuring a giant polar bear, giant sleigh, snow globe and live entertainment through the day

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Happy Christmas everyone! & a warm welcome to the Christmas events in Havering 2017 Romford Christmas Lights Switch-on

Illuminating Elm Park Christmas Event

Market Place, Romford Thursday 16 November 4.30pm – 6.30pm

Elm Park Town Centre Friday 24 November 4.00pm - 6.00pm

Hornchurch Christmas Cracker Event

Collier Row’s Christmas Event

Hornchurch Town Centre Saturday 18 November 2.00pm – 5.30pm

Collier Row Town Centre Friday 1 December 4.00pm – 7.30pm

Upminster Christmas Event

Rainham Village Christmas Fayre

Upminster Town Centre Thursday 23 November 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Rainham Village Saturday 2 December 10.00am – 4.00pm

There will also be Christmas illuminations in Harold Hill, Harold Wood and Rush Green