Living in Havering 180 January 2018 by Havering Council

LIVING

in Havering JANUARY 2018

Issue 180 â&#x20AC;¢ www.havering.gov.uk

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02 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Don’t get locked out of Havering Landlord licensing is here*

Private (HMO) landlords must get a licence now 5313

If you’re not licensed before March 2018, you could face prosecution or an unlimited fine

Early Bird Dis count! Apply b

efore 28 Febr uary 20 18 and get a 25%**

discoun t

Apply now at: www.havering.gov.uk/landlordlicence * The scheme applies to 12 Havering wards: Brooklands • Mawneys • Elm Park • Pettits • Gooshays • Rainham & Wennington • Harold Wood • Romford Town • Havering Park • South Hornchurch • Heaton • Squirrels Heath. ** The 25% discount only applies to the application processing cost not the full licence fee.

For more information on this scheme, visit: www.havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 03

Contents

issue 180

A Harold Hill school is named School of the Year Eileen tells us why she is living a dream

Havering bids to be the London Borough of Culture in 2020

4 14 15 16 18

News The latest news from across Havering

Caring for our borough The Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership Scheme takes shape

Waste minimisation Don’t be a waster in 2018

Butterflies to beat baby blues A new support group is launched in Collier Row

Resist the temptation Good reasons to avoid taking children out of school during term-time

20 23 27 29 33 5312

Getting fit in 2018 New opportunities in Romford, Harold Hill, Noak Hill and Hornchurch

Havering in focus A great crop of pictures by members of a Hornchurch-based charity

Working for Havering residents We profile Sasha, one of our Trading Standards officers

Business focus A previous Havering Awards winner grows her business

Listings

Your guide to what's on in Havering

04 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Welcome to the first edition of Living in Havering in 2018. This New Year will be a particularly exciting one for followers of our local ice hockey team The Raiders, and anyone who wants to keep fit in our borough, as the doors are finally opened to the brand new Sapphire Ice and Leisure in the centre of Romford. You can read all about this wonderful new addition to our sports offer on page 20 and also about other substantial improvements recently made, or planned, for other sports and leisure facilities around the borough on page 22. As you’ll see from the picture above I had the chance to meet a reindeer in Romford's market place during the Winter Wonderland day prior to Christmas. That event was just one of a whole series of festivities held across the borough and you can see pictures of some of them on page 9. Elsewhere in this issue you can read about our long-term support for the Land of the Fanns project that aims to preserve and enhance the beauty of a number of areas in our borough, and we provide you with some helpful tips to making healthier lifestyle choices in 2018 on page 17.

Happy New Year! Councillor Roger Ramsey Leader of the Council www.havering.gov.uk/Leader

•N ext Meet the Leader session:

Friday 16 March, 1 – 2pm, in the Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford (behind Starbucks).

News

Lessons for today

Two History students at Havering Sixth Form College in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, have been chosen as ambassadors for a project that aims to educate young people about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned Anna Donoghue Becky Wingett for today. Anna Donoghue, formerly of Hall Mead School and Becky Wingett, who went to Abbs Cross, have attended seminars, talks and taken part in a visit to the former Nazi concentration and death camp of Auschwitz in Poland as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz project, run by the Holocaust Educational Trust. As ambassadors the students will use their experiences to spread to others the lessons they have learned and will get involved in Havering Sixth Form College’s commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day on Saturday 27 January. History tutor Penny Jackson said: “Both Anna and Becky are deserving winners. I am delighted that they are participating in the project, which is a great opportunity for them. Although it is challenging and can be emotional, it really brings into focus the atrocities of the Holocaust and they will be great ambassadors i www.havering.gov.uk/hmd for the College.” Havering will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day with a service led by Rabbi Lee Sutherland from Romford and District Synagogue on Sunday 28 January at 2pm at Coronation Gardens, Main Road, Romford. Everyone is welcome to come along and pay their respects to victims and survivors of Nazi persecution and genocide all over the world. The theme for 2018 is: the power of words.

Wi-Fi

comes to Romford Market Visitors and traders can now use Wi-Fi in Romford Market. Providing internet access in the market allows traders and visitors to make the most of using contactless and chip & pin technology. Traders who have handheld payment devices can now use them on a secure network when carrying out financial transactions. The connection will be available through Market Place and on a small part of North Street where regular traders have stalls. Visitors can access the Wi-Fi by simply selecting ‘ROMFORD MARKET’ from the list of available networks and selecting one of the login options as shown on the Wi-Fi landing page. Public Wi-Fi will also be launched in Hornchurch and Upminster Town Centres later this year.

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 05

Green light for Beam Park plan Last month Havering Council’s cabinet approved plans to appoint Notting Hill Housing Trust as its Joint Venture partner to deliver a multi-million pound regeneration project that will transform the south of the borough. The funding for the scheme will now be subject to approval at a meeting of the full council on 21 February. The Joint Venture partnership will see the Council work with the Trust to build at least 774 new homes in Beam Park. The ambitious project will be delivered without burdening Council Tax payers. The mixed-tenure development will provide 35 per cent affordable housing including properties for affordable rent, shared ownership and market sale. These will include one, two and three bedroom flats and houses. The development is part of one of the Mayor of London’s Housing Zones, which will deliver 3,500 new homes across Beam Park. In conjunction with the new developments, residents will benefit from new health facilities and a threeform entry primary school. Plans also include a two-kilometre-long linear park to be created along the A1306, which will form open green space, play facilities, sports areas, cycle lanes and areas to

encourage wildlife and biodiversity. There will also be a new bus interchange and Beam Park train station, on the c2c line. Cllr Roger Ramsey, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “This is definitely one of the most exciting pieces of regeneration in Havering that will transform a huge part of the south of the borough, which traditionally hasn’t received the same amount of investment as other more central areas. “Forming this Joint Venture will allow us to deliver highquality homes alongside a series of green open spaces that will help integrate existing and new communities. We have a growing population, and lots of people who want to stay in the borough. With great links to London and beyond, this would be a perfect location to live, work and visit. I am also pleased to see that Notting Hill Housing Trust has committed to creating opportunities for 37 construction apprenticeships and 77 training places. Their approach as a long-term owner and manager of property means that they are committed to building homes and communities that will last, as they will be maintaining and managing these developments for many years to come.”

An artist’s impression of one of the new linear parks that will be established along the A1306

Are you ready for Universal Credit? From June 2018 the Universal Credit ‘full service’ is going to begin in Havering. Parents, couples and people who are on low income, out of work or who can’t work because of their health and who make a new claim for welfare benefits will receive Universal Credit. Rent payments will also be included in a Universal Credit award. People will need to apply online for Universal Credit, and will be expected to manage their claim online. There will be a free phone number for those who cannot do this. Payments of Universal Credit will be made in arrears once every four weeks into a bank or building society or credit union account. After an application is accepted there can be

a number of weeks to wait for the first payment. Claimants can apply for an advance payment to help with living costs in the meantime, and the repayment of this advance can be spread over six months. When first applying, people will need to give details of their income and savings and the rent payable on their home. Citizens Advice Havering’s Chief Officer, Lesley Crisp, has been working with the Council and Job Centre to try to ensure support is in place to help people adapt as they move onto the new benefit. Lesley said: “We can help people at every stage of the application process – from guiding someone through the online application form, or offering budgeting advice to help people best manage their monthly payment. Anyone with a question or concern should get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity so we can help them prepare for being on Universal Credit.” • Citizens Advice Havering has a new home. They are now based at Romford Library.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit

06 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

News

International acclaim for student

Gessami Dato is a student who lived in Romford and graduated recently with a first class degree in Animation at Barking & Dagenham College and has achieved international acclaim for her animated film. ‘Cloudy’, her final year project, was screened at the OrzilnCorto International Film Festival in Italy in November. Gessami’s animation was awarded third prize out of 1,500 films entered. The film features a granny called Maya who has a clever way of getting rid of the clouds which pass over her garden, ruining the sunny day she is enjoying. Gessami has also had her film screened at two other international festivals: FICMA in Barcelona and Patagonia Eco Film Festival in Argentina.

Before

After

Before

After

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Trading Standards Approved

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Remembering

Havering Bereavement Services will hold their next interdenominational service of remembrance in memory of a loved one on Sunday 25 February 2018 at 3pm in the church of St Edward the Confessor, Romford Market Place. On arrival families are given candles and during the service there will be an opportunity for all attending to bring them forward to be lit to remember loved ones who have died. The event is suitable for all ages and following the service there will be an opportunity for those who wish to, to enjoy a cup of tea and chat.

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 07

Help protect your

Harold Hill home to top school The former Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening MP, recently paid a visit to Harold Hill to celebrate the success of Broadford Primary school in being named as The Times Educational Supplement’s Overall School of the Year 2017. She was eager to learn about the approach that has led to the sustained success of the school and observed pupils in maths and phonics lessons, and also hosted a Q&A session with pupils. Pupil, Bradley Joy, aged 11, said: “I gave Ms Greening a quick lesson in how to play our mental maths game 24. I started her off with the one dot cards and helped explain the rules. She quickly picked up the game and even won a couple of rounds. Her maths was pretty good!” Cllr Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Children’s and Learning Services, said: “I am very proud that Justine Greening took time to visit Havering, and congratulate Broadford primary school on their recent win at Haywood the prestigiousDip.FH 2017 Times Kristina MSPract Educational Supplement (TES) Schools Awards. Mobile Health "Head teacher, Foot Malcolm Drakes, Care and thePractitioner entire team at the School truly deserve this visit to celebrate their Routine Foot Care outstanding achievement. Their inspiration, dedication Nail & Reduction and enthusiasm forTrimming education has improved the Removal outcomes Hard for theSkin/Callus/Corn children who attend Broadford Primary Management school.” of Ingrowing Toenails

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community

Havering Council is launching a Flooding from River Rom, flood warden scheme. Collier Row, June 2016 A flood warden is an essential part of the monitoring of local areas that are at risk of flooding. Flood wardens help by passing on information about any flood risks in the area by phone, email or by sending the Council photographs of the issue. They also play a crucial role in the community by ensuring your local area is aware of any flood warnings. If you are interested in becoming a flood warden please contact the Council's Emergency Planning service at: EmergencyPlans@havering.gov.uk or write to: Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Service, 5th Floor Mercury House, Mercury Gardens, Romford, RM1 3RL. We’d also like to see pictures of the rivers and local at-risk areas when there are no incidents, and how flood storage areas perform. Please post or email them to the same addresses.

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08 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

News

Locking out rogue landlords

Havering Council has introduced a new licensing scheme for private landlords. It’s in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and poor management within private rented houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The scheme means landlords in 12 wards will have to purchase a licence for each HMO property that they rent out, which will cost £900 per property. A discounted fee of £762.50 is available for those who apply before the end of February 2018.

Designated Wards • Brooklands • Elm Park • Gooshays • Harold Wood • Havering Park • Heaton • Mawneys • Pettits

Any private landlord who operates an HMO (in the designated wards) without a licence after March 2018 will be subject to enforcement action and possible prosecution. Cllr Damian White, Cabinet Member for Housing and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “The introduction of this scheme, which has received strong backing from residents, moves to tackle rogue landlords, and will make the private rented sector safer for tenants and more accountable to the community.”

• Rainham & Wennington • Romford • South Hornchurch • Squirrels Heath

www.havering.gov.uk/landlordlicence

High

attendance supports

High

performance 5316

ews@havering.gov.uk

If your child has

unauthorised absence during term time,

£60 you risk a

fine

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 09

Lighting up your borough A spectacular stage show and fireworks display in Romford’s Market Place launched the seasonal festivities across the borough. More than 10,000 people came out on Thursday 16 November to watch a spectacular evening of live performances compered by local radio station TIME 107.5 FM including a Disney Frozen Sing-A-Long performed by members of the local Lightnin Drama Group, Taliah Delarto from the X Factor, Absonetti, Luke Stanley, Jess Herring, and Jess Folley, winner of the TV programme Voice Kids 2017. The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Van den Hende, led the countdown and pushed the plunger to welcome Christmas and light up Romford Town Centre. Light switch-on events were also held in Elm Park, Hornchurch, Collier Row, Upminster and Rainham with Christmas illuminations in Harold Hill, Harold Wood and Rush Green. Children from Stages Perfo Academy go rmers t th warmed up fo e crowd in Romford r the big swit ch-on

LED danc ers lit up the stage in Romfo rd

The R Upmi otary Club n the li ster were of Hornch ur g o hts w as at ent o ut collecti ch and her Christm n at F i ts n ee t m Upmi ng as ts even The Mayor nster hristmas ligh cked the crowd C ro st er ca st g in on -L m p -A Sing the U The Disney Frozen Romford in Market Place,

10 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Spotlight on Havering’s culture Havering is bidding to be the London Borough of Culture in 2020. It’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on places, people and cultural activities across the borough. The winner and six other bidders stand to gain significant financial support from the Mayor of London for their cultural activities. Havering Council’s bid team see the bid process as a great way of supporting and bringing together many cultural initiatives taking place in our borough. Work on the bid has forged creative partnerships with arts organisations that will reinvigorate the borough. Innovative cultural experiences for all residents of all ages will build on the array of cultural activities in Havering, some of which are highlighted in this feature.

Cllr Roger Ramsey, the Leader of Havering Council, said:

“Havering is an exceptional borough full of culture. Our bid provides us with the opportunity to both shine the light on our current heritage and arts offer, while developing a new and more ambitious programme which would put Havering on the map and leave us with a lasting culture legacy.” Havering has developed a borough-wide curated ‘places and spaces’ strategy bringing to life some of its cultural venues and amazing 108 parks and open spaces – 13 of which have Green Flag status. The programme includes a range of light installations, projections and diverse events offering something for everyone. The vision is to showcase borough-wide local and emerging creative people and activities. The decision on the bids to be the London Borough of Culture will be made in February.

JOI

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RSA

Please support #HaveringCulture2020 by completing the form online www.HaveringCulture.org and by linking your photos of cultural activities in the borough via:

instagram @haveringculture

TIO

twitter @haveringculture

facebook @haveringevents Tell us more about the work going on in your area using the hashtag #BackthebidHavering and post your creative ideas, cultural heroes and highlights. Don’t forget to tag #HaveringCulture2020 and we will repost.

www.HaveringCulture.org

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 11

HAVERING COLLEGE The College offers a diverse curriculum of over 360 courses, ranging from entry level to postgraduate degrees which can provide pathways needed to progress on to a higher course or straight into employment. The provider of Higher Education (HE) in London with over 400 HE learners, Havering College nurtures some of London's most exciting and creative talents. www.havering-college.ac.uk

BRETONS The Grade II* Bretons Manor House and ancillary barns, walled garden and park were built in 1742 and still have several features dating from this period. Various aspects of the house were extensively rebuilt in the 19th century. The oldest building on the site is the 16th century Noble barn, many parts of which are in their original condition.

QUEEN’S THEATRE The Hornchurch Theatre has been in its current building in Billet Lane in Hornchurch since April 1975, when it opened with a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Queen’s was honoured with a visit from HM The Queen in 2003, to mark its fiftieth anniversary. In 2013 Queen’s celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and more recently was made an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. www.queens-theatre.co.uk

NATIONAL THEATRE The National Theatre is working on an ambitious new community programme called Public Acts, and a wider partnership looking at developing audiences for theatre including work with schools. Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch will be the first theatre partner for Public Acts and their staff will work alongside National Theatre staff on the William Shakespeare’s play Pericles. Other partners include Body & Soul, Open Age, Thames Reach, and The Havering Asian Social Welfare Association. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

INDONESIAN EMBASSY Havering Music School entered into a new, exciting cultural partnership with the Office for Education and Culture, at The Indonesian Embassy in London in October 2017. The first project has given students and teachers from a large number of Havering schools the opportunity to experience and play Gamelan Music and dance during a five week residency in the borough. www.haveringmusicschool.org.uk

THE RETAILERY

The Retailery, supported by Havering Council, brings a selection of the finest start-up businesses, retailers and food outlets to the heart of Romford. It is a thriving community led space that champions entrepreneurship while giving the community a place to relax, think and create! Window displays are commissioned from some of the UK’s most up and coming street artists. The Retailery is an iconic space situated on our very own historic Market Place. The Retailery was funded by the Mayor of London's High Street Fund and, in partnership with Havering Council, is dedicated to supporting local start-up businesses. Currently home to 11 start-up businesses and a diverse events programme, the Retailery will organise a range of creative projects throughout 2020. www.retailery.co.uk

12 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering Langtons House is a Grade II listed building overlooking beautiful landscaped gardens and an ornamental lake. Ideal for weddings and private functions, Langtons is also home to Havering’s music and creative talents including an annual outdoor summer concert.

LANGTONS

www.langtonsregistryoffice.com

LONDON CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (LCO) London Chamber Orchestra (LCO) Havering Music School has worked in partnership with the LCO for over eight years, giving Havering students the opportunity to develop their musical skills further by acting as mentors and peer support to younger, less experienced players. This work has developed new compositions alongside standard repertoire, a sit-alongside experience for young players and an annual schools concert and flash-mob style performances at Drapers Academy. Performance venues have included Queen Elizabeth Hall, St Pancras Station and Cadogan Hall. www.lco.co.uk

SEE CHANGE FILMS

With more than 250,000 fans and 800,000 website users per year, We Are FSTVL is one of the largest and fastest growing events in the borough. The music festival, which takes place over the end of May bank holiday weekend, was winner of the UK Best Dance Festival 2016 and a whole host of other awards. The event was the brainchild of local resident and businessman Reece Miller (pictured): “I think it’s important that all youngsters coming through understand the opportunities that exist, that they are encouraged to believe in themselves that they can achieve anything in life as we are extremely fortunate to live in an area that supports high family values, excellent education, strong sense of community spirit and all the tools are available for the next generation to fulfil their dreams. We all have a duty to help promote what’s possible for everyone. The 2020 Borough of Culture bid is an excellent chance to put our beliefs into practice.” www.wearefstvl.com

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET

See Change Films is a charity committed to producing work that contributes to positive social change. They know how film can change lives and this is at the heart of everything they do. They have been working in Havering, with children in care and schools, to provide film and photography training to young people and groups facing complex social, economic and educational challenges. www.seechangefilms.org

WE ARE FSTVL

If you use social media please back the bid by using the hashta gs

#HaveringCulture 2020 #BackthebidHave ring

English National Ballet brings world-class classical ballet to the widest possible audience – delighting them with the traditional and inspiring them with the new. In partnership with Queen’s Theatre, the English National Ballet brought Akram Khan’s reimagining of Giselle, Giselle Explored, to four secondary schools in Havering during September and October 2017. www.ballet.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 13

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With winter comes long, dark evenings that can potentially attract thieves. The Winter Nights #StaySafe campaign advises residents on how to remain safe as the nights get darker. Below are a few tips on personal and online safety, as well as burglary and fraud prevention. •A dark house is a green light to burglars so install an automatic timer-switch on a lamp if away • Avoid discussing where you are and if you are alone on social media, especially if you are travelling at night •D on’t tempt burglars – make sure all valuables are not in view from outside your home • If shopping online visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk for online security tips • For all tips visit: www.havering.gov.uk/Staysafe

Tackling knife crime Havering Council takes knife crime very seriously. The Council’s Community Safety and Development team is working closely with the Police and Partnership agencies to try and address this issue and keep all members of our community safe. • Knife arches are being tested at bars and clubs to identify and prevent entry to those carrying weapons and keep people safe • The Youth Offending Service intensive weapons programme is run for young perpetrators of knife crime. It focuses on the dangers, risks and consequences of carrying a knife • Mentoring Scheme – Havering Council has commissioned a mentoring service to work with young people who are involved in, or at risk of being involved in, gang activity • Safer Schools Officers – provide an opportunity for all schools to promote and develop a safe climate of learning for pupils and staff. All secondary schools and colleges have an assigned Safer Schools Officer • Sharing information - In February 2017 the Havering Gangs and Knife Crime Conference was attended by over 150 professionals who were made aware by the Police and Ambulance Service of the real life dangers of knife crime.

How to help rough sleepers In the last year, rough sleeping in Havering has increased and the Council has had to increase its efforts to tackle this.

“We’re here to help, but will not tolerate organised criminal behaviour disguised as rough sleeping.”

The Council has managed to rehome some rough sleepers in Romford town centre. Along with partnering organisations, the Council has also helped seven rough sleepers through outreach work. Not all rough sleepers are willing to accept help from the Council and some individuals carry out anti-social behaviour, including organised begging and street drinking. To tackle this, the Council has been working with the Police and have issued Community Behaviour Orders and over 13 Community Protection Notices to such rough sleepers.

Havering Council took part in the National Rough Sleepers count that aims to provide a snapshot of the number of homeless people sleeping in the streets in England. In December 2017 there were 22 rough sleepers across the borough, which has doubled over the past three years. Compared to other London boroughs, Havering’s rough sleeper count is quite low but we will continue to increase our efforts to tackle this.

Cllr Roger Ramsey, Leader of the Council said: “So far, we have helped rough sleepers who need assistance with being rehoused and we will continue to tackle the issue of rough sleeping in our borough.

This year, we will be working with the national charity Homeless Link to tackle this issue.

www.homeless.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

14 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Caring for our beautiful borough

L ving the local

landscape

After many years of dedicated hard work, the Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership Scheme is finally off the ground. The unique five-year, £2.4 million environmental and heritage project is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (£1.36 million) and involves working with nine partners including five local authorities, Havering is one of them, in an area covering 70 square miles with Thames Chase Trust as the leading partner. The scheme aims to enable local people to discover, restore and enjoy what’s special about the local landscape. The name Fanns is an ancient Saxon word for fens or a marshy low lying landscape. The scheme will be delivering 27 individual projects covering heritage, environment, skills and training, interpretation, heritage and environmental restoration, volunteering and much more over the course of its lifetime. Benjamin Sanderson, Land of the Fanns Scheme Manager, said: “This scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for local people to find out more about some of the hidden gems this unique landscape has to offer and get involved through events and learning new skills. It also offers an unprecedented opportunity for different organisations to work together, which I hope will leave a lasting legacy long after the scheme comes to an end.”

Action for rivers One of the flagship projects, working with Thames21, Forestry Commission, Havering Council, Barking & Dagenham Council, YMCA, local residents and Havering Wildlife Project will be looking at restoring the River Rom through Grenfell Park and the River Ingrebourne through Pages Wood. Improving these watercourses will help reduce flood risk, enhance wildlife habitats and increase access for people.

Book of the Land of the Fanns Research is currently being carried out by local historian, Sue Smith, for a Land of the Fanns book. This book will ultimately become the cornerstone of the heritage projects providing a historic and archaeological account of our landscape and will be published by the end of the project.

For more information or anything to do with the project go to: www.landofthefanns.org or look on social media

You could receive up to £5,000 towards your project A Community Action Fund for local community groups will be launched next month. Groups will be able to apply for projects that take place within the Land of the Fanns Project area and that help deliver the objectives of the scheme which include: • Conserving and enhancing the historic and/or natural heritage of the Land of the Fanns area • Helping people learn about and enjoy the heritage and/ or natural history of the Land of the Fanns • Involving the local community and volunteers • For an application form go to: www.landofthefanns.org/community-grants

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 15

Waste minimisation New Year resolution – don't be a waster

When thinking about what bad habits you want to kick in 2018, why not think about slimming your sack? On average your black rubbish sack can contain up to 50 per cent food waste. That’s a lot of your hard earned cash going to waste, not to mention the huge cost to the Council for collecting it. Simply disposing of the waste will this year cost us just under £15 million. Much of that is getting rid of rubbish which doesn’t need to end up in your black sack. By cutting your scraps you could help us cut the bill and spend the money protecting other frontline services.

Make a change and save money by joining the Food Waste Challenge this January You can drastically cut the amount of food you throw away and save yourself lots of money by joining the Food Waste Challenge! This challenge is designed to help you make the small changes that add up to big differences. You’ll receive green points every time you make a pledge to put the tips that you have learnt into practice to reduce your household food waste. These points can be spent in the online shop, transferred to high street vouchers, or donated to a local registered charity. You’ll also receive a free waste prevention kit once you make your first pledge. Go to https://havering.localgreenpoints.com and log into your account to sign up to the challenge. If you are not a Local Green Points member, just go to the link above and join.

Swap shop! Have you been left with lots of gifts that you don’t need or won’t use from Christmas? Try swapping them with your friends! As the saying goes, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, so while it may not be useful to you, it could be appreciated by someone else. Alternatively, donate your unwanted items to charity or why not re-gift them as birthday presents to family and friends throughout the year? It’s another way for you to save money and slim that sack!

16 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Help for parents and parents-to-be

Butterflies to beat “baby blues” Many new parents feel like they have to juggle it all, and won’t ask for help even when struggling with stress or anxiety during or post pregnancy. Havering Council doesn’t want any parent to suffer in silence, especially if they’re experiencing persistent low moods following a birth. To help parents, Havering Children’s Centres has launched 'Butterflies' support group at the Collier Row centre. This friendly new weekly drop-in is held every Tuesday between 10 – 11.30am for expectant mothers or new parents who wish to seek advice and support in a relaxed environment. The group is led by Havering's Early Help Perinatal Champions alongside input from a practitioner from the Perinatal Infant Mental Health Service, as required. Their aim is to support parents who are suffering persistent low moods, have suffered a traumatic birthing experience, are struggling to bond with a baby during pregnancy or post birth, or are concerned about their partner’s mental well-being.

Perinatal Champion, Natasha, said: “In Havering it’s estimated during 2015/16 nearly 500 women were affected by anxiety and a mild to moderate depression during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. By attending this group, parents can receive support, meet other parents, relax through mindfulness exercises, interact with their baby through baby massage taster sessions, and be introduced to infant feeding or parenting groups.”

Perinatal Champion, Michelle, said: “The aim is for parents to attend on a regular basis to develop more self-awareness about their emotional well-being and learn to recognise when their feelings are becoming overwhelming and how and when to seek support.”

Each weekly group will offer a relaxing stay and play session with an arts and crafts table for both parents and children, or a chill zone for expectant mothers. The relaxed environment enables parents to meet others in similar situations and develop techniques to help build on their emotional relationship with their child and support them with their own self-confidence. For more information please call either Michelle or Natasha on: 01708 434747 or 01708 434748 or email: butterflies@havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 17

Making healthy choices

for sticking to Top tipsyour healthy resolutions January is a popular time for making resolutions to be healthy, whether it’s to eat better, be more active, stop smoking, or drink less alcohol.

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After becoming 30lbs lighter in two years, I’ve realised it’s not the big gesture but rather the small incremental changes that I’ve made every day that are the ‘differences that make the difference’. Increasing my vegetable intake, taking any opportunity to move e.g. using the stairs instead of the lift, alternating a glass of wine with a glass of water and so on… Lindsey Sills, Havering Resident

”

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Follow these top tips from NHS Choices to give yourself the best chance of sticking to your resolution or to motivate yourself to try again if you have any setbacks:

“

You're more likely to support and want get to avoid failure EXPECT TO REVERT TO YOUR OLD HABITS FROM TIME TO TIME

Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether

After having my little boy (now nearly three years old) I felt I had no time for exercise. I started yoga classes and kept missing them and couldn’t get into a routine, so instead I started walking to my son’s nursery and then to work 40 minutes each way. I feel much fitter and find that it helps to clear my head. Sonya Edwards, Havering Resident

Where to find more info: If you’re resolving to lose weight, eat more fruit and veg, quit smoking, be more active or drink less alcohol, visit our website for help and advice: www.havering.gov.uk/publichealth

If you’re aged 40-74 and would like to know where you can best focus your healthy resolution, you can get a free Health Check: www.healthcheck.nhs.uk

”

18 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Resisting the temptation of term-time holidays

Success starts in school Ensuring pupils reach their full potential and progress in school is a priority for all Havering schools and academies. Head Teacher, Mrs Kirsten Cooper, of Nelmes Primary School, said: “I have been a head teacher in Havering for over four years, and without a doubt, good attendance plays a key role in a child’s education. Children with good attendance of above 95 per cent, are more likely to form positive relationships with their peers, and don’t miss out on learning new skills. By ensuring your child is in school each day, they are learning, socialising and building good work habits for now and later in life.” Children currently have a total 175 days off school throughout the year, including weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. If you're looking to book your summer getaway, weekend break or family get-together please make sure that your child’s holidays are booked during those 175 days off school otherwise you risk a £60 fine. If you book a holiday during term time this may have a negative impact on your child’s academic progress. The Education Regulations 2013, set out by the Department for Education, came into force in September 2013 and state that head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless “exceptional circumstances” exist. The fine of £60 per child per parent for unauthorised absence rises to £120 if you don’t pay within 21 days.

Help when you need it most If you need care in your own home, or perhaps a personal assistant or carer to accompany you in the community, then the Havering Direct Payments Support Group is here to help. If you have had a social care assessment, and you have been told that you can benefit from the use of a carer or personal assistant, then this support group may be able to help you. The group started in 2008 bringing together people using Personal Budgets – Direct Payments. This was a new system then, and in the early days they talked about the teething problems and helped each other sort them out, where

possible. The group is now working closely with Council officers to offer advice and support to people who either already have a Direct Payment or are considering their options. If you would like to find out more about the group, or have a chat with someone on a one-to-one basis, please attend one of their quarterly meetings. Alternatively, you can telephone the Council to speak to a Direct Payment officer on 01708 432503.

email: Directpayments@havering.gov.uk

Forthcoming meeting/support dates: 19 April, 19 July and 18 October 2018. Meetings are held at Yew Tree Resource Centre, 20 Yew Tree Gardens, Romford RM7 9AA starting at 10.30am and running until 12.30pm.

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www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 19

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20 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

New Year... new opportunities to

Sapphire Ice and Leisure

set to

April 2016 August 2016

Ground breaking event with Leader of the Council, Cllr Roger Ramsey and cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Melvin Wallace with Willmott Dixon and members of the Raiders ice hockey team who will be using the new centre as their home rink

October 2017

The steel structure begins to take shape in the heart of Romford

September 2017

Swimming pool structure nears completion with most of tiles in place

October 2016

Everyone Active officially signs-up to operate all Havering Council's leisure facilities

June 2017

Havering councillors and staff members celebrate the completion of the roof with Willmott Dixon and Partners

December 2017

Cllr Roger Ramsey places the last last tile in the main swimming pool, as Cllr Melvin Wallace installs the first spectator seat for the ice-rink

The main swimming pool is filled with water and final touches are completed

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 21

get fit and have fun One of the Council’s most ambitious developments to date, the multi-million-pound Sapphire Ice and Leisure facility in Western Road, Romford, will open on Saturday 3 February with Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn and Olympic athlete Colin Jackson CBE. The name reflects the colour of the building and is a tribute marking 65 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-ever serving British monarch and the first to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee. The new sports and leisure complex is designed with the ice rink above the swimming pools and is only the third of its kind in the UK.

shine November 2016

Ice rink structure and seating areas are built

Sapphire Ice and Leisure will include:

eight-lane main pool • A 25-metre-long, learner pool • A 15Anxice8 metre rink with capacity for hundreds of skaters • Fitness with 100 stations • Largesuite dance studio • Spinning • Saunastudio steam • Caféand • area • Reception

The ice rink structure, which will be one of East London’s main ice rinks, is already complete with the ice slabs laid down in December. Since the building works began early in 2016 Havering Council has been working with Everyone Active, who will manage the building after they won the current leisure management contract, and Willmott Dixon, the builders, to share updates on the progress of the development.

Councillors having their first tour of the facility led by Willmott Dixon Construction

March 2017

Cllr Melvin Wallace drilled in the last roof screw

The façade started to cover the structure and brighten up Western Road

February 2018 The Sapphire Ice and Leisure opens and residents are all invited to come down and take part in all the FREE activities that will be available on Saturday 3 February.

www.havering.gov.uk/sapphireiceandleisure

22 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

New Year...

new opportunities to get fit and have fun

Improvements across the borough HAROLD HILL

The newly-refurbished Central Park Leisure Centre in Harold Hill attracted over 500 residents and visitors to an open day in October. The event marked the successful completion of the £1.6million project to improve facilities at the site. The day gave residents the opportunity to use the centre’s refurbished fitness suite as well as a host of free activities.

Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Van den Hende, officially reopened the new-look centre, and joined Cllrs Roger Ramsey and Melvin Wallace, to try out the new equipment.

Cabinet member, Cllr Melvin Wallace, said: “We’re thrilled with the extension of Central Park Leisure Centre. Residents enjoyed trying out all the new equipment which will help local people to keep on top of their health and fitness. This is an exciting milestone for the borough.”

HORNCHURCH

NOAK HILL Noak Hill Sports Complex officially opened in November with a weekend of free sports training and community fun. Local residents developed their football and tennis skills as Everyone Active’s specialist coaches led free football coaching sessions on the site’s 3G pitches and adult and junior coaching sessions across Noak Hill’s four tennis courts. Cllr Roger Ramsey, Leader of Havering Council, joined Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Engagement, Cllr Melvin Wallace, to officially open the centre. Cllr Ramsey said: “This centre, which is in its first year of operation, has introduced a wealth of new sports facilities to the community, including artificial turf football pitches, floodlit tennis courts, a sports hall and dance studios. This investment has improved Havering’s sports and fitness offer and I encourage residents to continue to make the most of this facility.”

In August, Havering Council officially unveiled plans for the new Hornchurch Leisure Centre. Residents were given the opportunity to have their say on the plans during the Havering Show and at a series of well-attended public engagement sessions throughout November. The planning application for the new Hornchurch Sports Centre was submitted in December. The proposed plan includes two pools, a 25m eightlane pool and a 20m x 15m learner and diving pool with an adjustable floor to change the depth of the water. There will also be a 150 station health and fitness gym, four badminton courts, sports hall, two new studios which can be used for cardio activities, a sauna, and steam room, along with a brand new café and car park.

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 23

Havering in focus

Harvesting a great crop of pictures 1st prize – John Radford

3rd prize – Matthew Kelly

H•A•D, the Havering Association for People with Disabilities, held a photography competition recently. It was designed to promote H•A•D’s camera club, encourage new members to join H•A•D, and celebrate the many wonderful locations across our borough. The theme was “Autumn in Havering”. Many members got involved in the competition with some members using the H•A•D office iPAD to take pictures in the charity’s Hornchurch garden.

Competition was fierce. aIt took the judges nearly two hours to decide on the winners. The first prize went to John Radford for his picture of a combine harvester at work in Cranham. John attends many of H•A•D’s care events. Second prize went to Teena Atkinson, a volunteer with H•A•D, for her picture taken at Thames Chase. The final prize went to Matthew Kelly for his picture taken at Hornchurch Country Park. The winner received a framed copy of their photo and a box of chocolates with their picture adorning the cover of HAD’s Annual General Report.

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24 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Create new memories this year

5047

Foster with Havering Council and support a local child Take the next step and visit our information evening

Thursday 1 February and Thursday 1 March 6pm-7.30pm, Havering Town Hall, Romford Call today 01708 434 574 email fostering@havering.gov.uk www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

5047

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 25

New Year, new opportunities

Living a dream Eileen, an experienced foster carer working for Havering Council tells Living about her decision to work with vulnerable children. “As a small child I can remember seeing on the news that a baby had been found abandoned and asked my mum a million questions. Whose baby is it? Can we look after it? Who’d have thought that 25 years later, fostering is exactly what I would be doing.

“

I had always wanted to work with children and began my career in a care home for children with disabilities before becoming a nanny, but still wanted to give more. ‘You already work 12, sometimes 14 hours a day,’ said my husband Grant whenever we discussed fostering, but after a chance meeting with a cab driver who was also a foster carer we decided this could be for us.

A big bonus for me is working from home meaning I am there for my own family, having quality time at the weekends instead of doing household chores.

Since becoming a foster carer I can honestly say I’m living my childhood dream of looking after some of Havering’s most vulnerable children. We have had four children placed in our care ranging from three weeks old to 12 years old, each living in our home for at least a year or staying for respite care. We have developed our skill set from working with the fostering team and the Children and Adults Mental Health Service. We’re now able to recognise why children behave in certain ways and through the council’s training we have developed techniques to manage behaviours. We are now treated as professionals for fostering, which has helped to also develop my own confidence, and has opened many opportunities for me. I want to promote fostering as a positive life-changing role and a career path as all costs of caring for a child are covered by Havering Council. Expenses ranging from clothing, transport and uniform to after school clubs are covered, and a personal allowance is given to foster carers for their time and dedication. This allowance increases with the level of training that you do and in most circumstances this is tax-free.

”

I have learnt so much from the extensive training opportunities, such as working with children with mental health, bereavement, neglect and first aid to name a few, but also through the support and sense of community from other Havering foster carers, the Havering Foster Carers Association, professionals and, of course, the children. I only ever want what every child deserves: someone to show them they are worthy enough to be cared for, kept safe and loved. Watching a child flourish, learn self-control, trust, do well in school and begin to believe in him or herself is priceless!”

www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

26 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Historical Havering

Steaming

ahead with

Titanic exhibition

For Havering residents and visitors alike with an interest in this area’s rich history a visit to Havering Museum is a must. Established eight years ago and initially supported by Heritage Lottery funding the Museum is now a registered charity, self-funding and run by volunteers. Located in the High Street in the centre of Romford on part of the site of the old Romford Brewery the museum provides a series of semi-permanent displays about places in the borough and special temporary themed exhibitions. Thanks to sponsorship from local businesses Mullis & Peake, Kingston Smith, Clemence Hoar Cummings and the Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry this year the museum is putting on an exhibition titled: Titanic: Honour and Glory. Running from Saturday 7 April until Saturday 1 September the exhibition will feature the story of the Titanic and its infamous maiden voyage in April 1912 with genuine artefacts recovered from the wreck of the ship or held by survivors. A number of the exhibits show how the loss of the Titanic was reported and how people responded to the news including what could perhaps be considered the world’s first charity record – a gramophone record featuring the songs “Stand to your Post” and “Be British” that was produced in 1912 and sold in aid of the Titanic relief fund, established to assist families of the survivors and victims of the tragedy. When the wreck of the Titanic was discovered in 1985 it was filmed using underwater cameras mounted on a small unmanned submersible called “Argo”. The exhibition will feature the actual photos taken by Argo and splashed across the front pages of the world’s press. For lovers of the most recent movie depiction of the

Director story of the Ellen Owen Titanic that outside the starred Leonardo museum’s di Caprio and Kate home in Winslet a number of the Romford. movie props used in the James Cameron film will also be on show. “To get ready for this exhibition we will be shutting the museum for a week at the end of March and putting around 80 per cent of our existing exhibits into storage,” said Ellen Owen, the Business Development Manager/Director of Havering Museum. “We want an exhibition that will appeal to a wide-range of visitors and we will be highlighting the local connections to the tragic story of the Titanic. For example, one of the last survivors of the sinking lived in Chadwell Heath. We will also support the exhibition with a series of events and talks.” Havering Museum is at 19-21 High Street in Romford and open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am with the last admission at 4pm.

www.haveringmuseum.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 27

Working for Havering residents In the second of a series of articles looking at the people who work for you in Havering Council’s enforcement teams, we visit the Trading Standards team.

Staff profile: Sasha Taylor – Trading Standards Specialist ”I love my job” says Sasha. That’s just as well as she’s spent 25 years at Havering Council starting off as a 16 year-old trainee trading standards officer. “When I first started my career we did a lot more weights and measure inspections but now we are more intelligence-led. What’s great about the work is that it is so varied.” On the day Living joined Sasha and her colleagues they are meeting in an office in Hornchurch to plan an evening of test purchases using young volunteers to check that shopkeepers in the borough are following the law in refusing to sell alcohol or tobacco products to under-18s. It’s a big news day as they have just heard that Sasha’s appearances giving evidence in court has helped secure convictions at Barkingside Magistrates court of two companies prosecuted for under-age sales of liquids for electronic cigarettes. Fines of more than £2,000 for each company were also accompanied by fines for the Directors of those businesses. “My work involves bringing 10 – 15 cases like that to court each year” says Sasha. We enforce more than 250 pieces of legislation designed to protect the public in general and young people in particular covering everything from electrical safety to checking the calibration of weighing scales. We also work closely with the banks and regularly train their staff to help them spot fraud and identify tricksters defrauding elderly and vulnerable people out of their money." Sasha cares deeply about the welfare of local residents as she’s also the Chair of Havering’s Safer Neighbourhood Board that meets quarterly and works with Havering Police and the Council's Community Safety team to promote safety across the borough. The Board reports to the Mayor of London’s Office for Policing and Crime and feeds in views from the grassroots to deliver value for money and help target funds at tackling issues of local concern. When she’s not tackling the fraudsters on your behalf, Sasha enjoys exercising, taking her dogs out for walks, and looking after her family.

www.havering.gov.uk/tradingstandards

28 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Business Focus

CELEBRATE

AND BE INSPIRED FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR HAVERING BUSINESS AWARDS The finalists for the Havering Business Awards 2017/18 have been announced after more than 60 entries were received. Those entries were judged by a panel that included sponsors Ardleigh Green, Segro, Haines Watts and Time FM, local businesses including Neopost and senior Havering Council staff. Steve Moore, Director of Neighbourhoods at Havering Council was part of the judging panel and said: “Judging this year’s awards was tough. Every entry was of a very high standard and each one was unique which made the decision harder. I’m very proud of the quality of businesses that we have in this borough and these awards give them the true recognition that they deserve.” Lorna Waters, Station Manager at Time 107.5 FM, said: “We had so many worthy contenders which made this year’s judging process very difficult. There were lots of new businesses entering so it was really inspiring to see how well people in the borough are doing.”

HERE’S HOW THE FINALISTS LINE UP: Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Ardleigh Green Cumberland Group Havering Council Respondit Web Design

Large Business of the Year Breyer Group Crystal Home Improvements Tesco PLC

Best Customer Service Pandora Images Ltd Clemence Hoar Cummings LLP Jelly Jade

Small to Medium Business of the Year – sponsored by Romford Recorder The STC Group Pinney Talfourd LLP Security Projects UK Ltd

New Business of the Year – sponsored by Segro Pinkerbell Stoves Radfield Home Care Havering and Brentwood Sunny Rain HouseKeepers Ltd Business Person of the Year Mark White – Security Projects UK Ltd Dave Hodder – Respondit Web Design Katie Newman – Havering Beauty Academy

Growing Business of the Year – sponsored by Haines Watts The STC Group Upminster Tap Room Devin Anscomb LTD T/A Home Interiors by Anscombs

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony held at Havering’s biggest business hub - CEME Conference Centre in Rainham, on Thursday 8 February 2018. Tickets for the prestigious awards ceremony cost £70 and include a three course dinner with pre-dinner drinks and wine with the meal. The ceremony will also feature live entertainment and is a great opportunity to network with other i www.haveringbusinessawards.co.uk/tickets Havering businesses.

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 29

Business Focus

The team at Purple Valentine. From left to right: Lucy White, Natasha Britton, Rita Gulbinate, Habiba Felicite and Geri Panayotova

Previous winner grows business A laser and skin clinic that won the Small Business of the Year Award at the Havering Business Awards in 2016 has expanded with the opening of their new clinic in the Quadrant Arcade in Romford. Natasha Britton, Purple Valentine’s Director, said: “We first set up our business in the Liberty but only had two very small treatment rooms. Since then we have built up our database of clients and needed more space and were looking for a place where we could provide a good, clean professional look when the premises in Quadrant Arcade became available.” The new premises were officially opened by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Van den Hende, on Thursday 30 November. The business now employs two full-time staff and three part timers and is open seven days a week. “Entering the Business Awards was a great experience and it was lovely to get recognition form the whole local business community” said Natasha. • Read more about the 2017/18 Havering Business Awards on the opposite page.

www.purplevalentine.co.uk

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Do you live in the RM1 or RM7 postcode areas?

Then you may need an endoscopy to diagnose what could be causing these symptoms. InHealth provides the local boroughs of Barking, Havering and Redbridge with direct to test NHS endoscopy services with short waiting times and a report on the same day of test for fast diagnosis.

ASK YOUR GP FOR A REFERRAL TO THE INHEALTH COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC

InHealth proudly delivers the NHS Breast Screening Programme in Outer North East London. Between January and October 2018, women aged 50-70, and some women from the age of 47 and up to the age of 73, who live in the RM1 and RM7 postcodes will be called for routine breast screening at one of our local screening sites. PLEASE try to attend. If you are recalled for a second stage screening (assessment) this will take place at the Community Health Clinic Romford.

REMEMBER BREAST SCREENING CAN HELP SPOT BREAST CANCER SOONER Please note that other postcode areas will be called in due course so look out for your invitation.

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MAKING HEALTHCARE BETTER

Over 99% of our patients are likely or more than likely to recommend us to friends and family

30 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Business Focus

Hundreds

Hundreds of local businesses have been helped by a pioneering start-up support scheme operating in Havering - with some fantastic results. More than 225 early stage firms have made the most of the programme over the last 19 months, which offers access to free business growth support via workshops, top start-up events and one-to-one advice clinics. Borough businesses are working out of sheds, spare rooms or

some have already taken the step of finding a dedicated work space – but however they are operating, it seems they are making the most of every ounce of free advice they can get. The initiative is a collaboration between Havering Council and national small business support group Enterprise Nation and is set to run until the end of March. It has already broken through its target of reaching 200 businesses by the end of the 20-month activity and expects to see that figure reach 300 at least by March.

Emma Jones, is the founder of Enterprise Nation and the author of best-selling business books including Spare Room Startup, Working 5 to 9, Go Global, Start a Business for £99 and the StartUp Kit, Going for Growth. In 2016 she was announced as the Government’s Trade Ambassador. Emma said: “It’s wonderful news that we’ve already reached our target - and beyond. Havering’s start-up culture is at full pelt, with one of the highest start-up rates in the UK. It’s clear the people here are spotting opportunity, and grabbing it with both hands. “This initiative has helped to take local firms to the next level with tips and advice, as well as clinics that explore how founders can build on their success by focusing on what they do best, and working on areas where they are not so confident. “Research suggests firms that take on board advice are much more likely to flourish than those that don’t. And Havering entrepreneurs have been busy doing exactly that. It’s great news for the borough’s economy now and into the future.”

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 31

of borough businesses

receive pioneering start-up Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Roger Ramsey said: “The Council has utilised funding from the Mayor of London over the last two years to provide start-up support and workspace to those wanting to make the most of Havering’s opportunities, and I am thrilled that so many start-ups have received advice and support from Enterprise Nation.

support

“It’s inspiring to hear how our local entrepreneurs are using this support to thrive and are contributing to our vibrant community, and I look forward to seeing them continue to run successful businesses.”

Former city law firm PA Kate Sunderland runs virtual PA firm In Harmony Virtual Assistance from a shed in her Hornchurch garden. Kate said: “The Havering programme has helped me pool together my resources and focus on my strengths while trying not to do too much for too many. “I have been advised to really get out and network within the borough, as there are many like-minded SMEs and entrepreneurs who are only just cottoning on to the idea of using a virtual assistant in their day-to-day business; it really is much more cost effective to hire someone who can help with all round business development rather than a fixed salary PA whose experience and hours may be more limited. “I have been to quite a few of the programme’s training and business networking events in the local area, including the Havering Chamber Business Show at Queen's Theatre, and made sure my business listing appears on local Google+ searches and Yellow Pages, so it’s allowed me to really focus on growing the business efficiently and organically.” Mum-of-one Kate, who has a Masters Degree in Music Business Management, also runs music tours for bands – including 80s disco groups like Odyssey, Imagination and Heatwave. Kate added: “We have a big tour lined up for next year which is very exciting! We also hope to work on more recorded projects for independent publishers, labels and artists in 2018.” Meanwhile Upminster-based former city IT marketeer Vikki Kavanagh gave up the rat race after discovering the benefits of yoga in her early 30s. The mum-of-two now runs private classes across the borough via her business Heartfelt Yoga, including at The Old Chapel in Upminster, to families, children, teenagers, adults as well as classes teaching chair-based yoga techniques to those with limited mobility. But while Vikki had a good background in sales and marketing, it was the finances she needed help to get to grips with. Vikki said: “Yoga became important to me in my early thirties when I was recovering from a long term injury. It quickly helped me regain mobility and strength. I was surprised by how it also calmed my naturally quick temper and how much better I felt generally. This made me want to share yoga, initially with children, as it’s a gift to have the skills in your life to be in control emotionally and be strong physically. After that I studied for my adult teaching qualification so I could teach family yoga and so it grew from there. “I attended the seminar on ‘how to have the best year’ – which really kick started my business as a full-time venture. The course covered all aspects of running a business. Although I had a good background in sales and marketing my financial skills and accountability were not strong. So this focused me on making sure these parts of my business were as good as my marketing and ultimately as good as the classes I taught, which is where I am really judged by my clients. “I also had an excellent introduction to an accountant through the programme, so this part of business is now all under control and something I don’t have to worry about. I’m going to make 2018 my best year ever!” The programme has already delivered 2,000 hours of mentoring via regular small business drop-ins at Havering Town Hall with Jo Sealy, founder of marketing firm To Market. i www.enterprisenation.com/havering

32 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Business Focus

Better screen than sorry

Director of Screening at InHealth Dr Mohammed Al-Sewan, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Breast Screening, Outer North East London Breast Screening Service, with one of the latest breast screening machines InHealth, the UK's largest specialist provider of diagnostic and healthcare solutions, has been supporting the NHS for over 25 years in the delivery of healthcare services to patients, and has now added a further multi-service Community Health Clinic in Western Road, Romford. Working in partnership with The Mayor of Havering formally opens the new InHealth Community Health Clinic local GPs and the Clinical Commissioning Group who run local NHS services, the new clinic will provide accessible, high art facility to make the patient journey as smooth and quality NHS endoscopy and breast screening and assessment convenient as possible. It provides greater access to NHS services for local people. tests, shorter waiting times and improved clinical outcomes The new clinic was formally opened by the Mayor of Havering, for patients.” Cllr Linda Van den Hende in November. After taking a tour Investment runs to several million pounds with equipment that she said: “This will be a great facility for local residents. It can provide a patient with a 3D scan image, an instant provides a very nice environment for both patients and staff, diagnosis or even take an immediate biopsy sample as well as and by supporting patients in the community will help high quality lower gastrointestinal endoscopy tests. The vast ensure better outcomes as well as reducing waiting times at majority of patients using the new facility will be referred by our local hospitals.” their GP and augments services InHealth already provides at a number of local venues including the Westland Medical Geoff Searle, Managing Director – Integrated Services for the InHealth Group said his company was very proud of their new centre in Hornchurch. facility in Romford: “Going for a test can be very stressful i www.inhealthgroup.com and so we have carefully designed this modern, state of the

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 33

Arts & Culture Art

Swinging Sixties Friday 2 March, 8pm Re-live pop’s golden decade with a live band and disco.

ELM WOOD ART SOCIETY

Mondays, 7.30 – 9.45pm Hall behind Baptist church in Rosewood Gardens, Elm Park t 458772 e irene.blanchard@hotmail.co.uk

Glamour Girls Friday 16 March – Saturday 17 March, 8pm The north of England’s favourite drag show make their only London appearances. Join Miss Bee-Have and friends for an evening of music and comic mayhem.

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.com

PHOENIX ART GROUP

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

UPMINSTER CAMERA CLUB

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

CRANHAM ART SOCIETY

QUEEN'S THEATRE HORNCHURCH

www.queens-theatre.co.uk Creeds Cross Friday 26 Jan, 7.30pm

TITANIC: HONOUR & GLORY EXHIBITION

Big Pop Party Saturday 27 Jan, 4pm

Music

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Friday 4 May, 8pm An evening of cool music with the house band from the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Club in London.

The Dame Vera Lynn Story Friday 2 Feb, 2.30pm

7 April – 1 September. Book early for group talks, events and school visits.

FAIRKYTES

Fairkytes Arts Centre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1AX

Theatre BROOKSIDE THEATRE

www.brooksidetheatre.com Eric Hall – Monster Tales from a Showbiz Life Friday 12 Jan, 8pm

Museums & Exhibitions

Sonrisa – A Taste of Latin Thursday 1 Feb, 7.30pm

Chinese New Year – Crafty Kids! Saturday 3 Feb, 10am Dig for Love Sunday 11 Feb, 7pm Surprising Superheroes – Create and Play Mornings Monday 12 Feb, 10am Famous Potatoes Monday 12 Feb, 8pm Street Dance Masterclass Tuesday 13 Feb, 10am Street Dance Masterclass Tuesday 13 Feb, 1pm Scratch Night Tuesday 13 Feb, 8pm

The Electric Eighties Friday 2 February, 7pm

19 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU t 766 571 e info@haveringmuseum.org.uk www.haveringmuseum.org.uk

Dig out your feathery hats with the silly veils, your dangly earrings, ra-ra skirts, leg warmers and shoulder pads, and let us take you back to the days of Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Soft Cell and party like it's 1989 with our Electric Eighties live band and disco.

DROP-IN DINOSAUR FAMILY FUN DAY

Price: £11. This is a standing event.

Thursday, 15 February, 11am – 3pm £3 per adult – admits up to four children. FREE. Drop in anytime with the children to have fun exploring Britain’s dinosaur heritage through crafts, quizzes and roaring good fun. Suitable for 4-10 year olds.

Cloudbusting – The Music of Kate Bush Friday 23 Mar, 8pm

Georgie Fame Friday 13 April, 8pm A rare chance to see one of the icons of British jazz and blues in an intimate setting.

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

HAVERING MUSEUM

The Swinging Blue Jeans in Concert Friday 9 Mar, 8pm

The British Invasion Show Saturday 3 Feb, 8pm Luke Jermay Friday 9 Feb, 8pm

Animal Antics – Create and Play Mornings Wednesday 14 Feb, 10am Comedy Club Wednesday 14 Feb, 8.30pm

t 456308

FAIRKYTES LIVE

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

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Wednesday 14 – Saturday 24 Feb, 8pm & 2pm Saturday matinee Tony Stockwell – Psychic Medium Monday 26 Feb, 8pm

Rope Thursday 15 Feb – Saturday 3 Mar The Princess and the Pea – Story Play Saturday 17 Feb, 10am

34 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

Arts & Culture What's on Trevor Cline’s Amazing Magic and Balloons Saturday 17 Feb, 11.30am Mods and Rockers Sunday 18 Feb, 7.30pm Rat Pack Live Monday 19 Feb, 7.30pm Andrew Linham Jazz Friday 23 Feb, 2.30pm Lee Hurst Sunday 25 and Monday 26 Feb, 7.30pm Pom-Pom Animals – Crafty Kids! Saturday 3 Mar, 10am Living Things Wildlife Show Saturday 3 Mar, 11.30am Max Bygraves – The Sing-a-Long Years Sunday 4 Mar, 5pm Café Culture Music from Around the World Monday 5 Mar, 8pm The Vagina Monologues Tuesday 6 Mar, 8pm Comedy Club Wednesday 7 Mar, 8.30pm

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

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.

THE RSPB’S BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

Saturday 27 – Monday 29 January 7am – 4pm Take a closer look at the wildlife on your doorstep, and take part in the biggest annual wildlife survey in the world! All you need is a pen, some scrap paper (or, a printout of our handy bird ID sheet from the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/ birdwatch), and an hour to spend watching the birds in your garden. e Rainham.Marshes@rspb.org.uk

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

Spirit of the Blitz Sunday 11 Mar, 4pm You’ve Got a Friend – The Music of James Taylor & Carole King Monday 12 Mar, 7.30pm The Frog Prince – Story Play Saturday 17 Mar, 10am Five Star Swing Sunday 18 Mar, 4pm How Sweet it is – The Greatest Hits of Motown Sunday 25 and Monday 26 Mar, 7.30pm

BRITISH CACTUS & SUCCULENT 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 COLLIER ROW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD First and third Tuesday of the ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION

SQUIRRELS HEATH GARDENING CLUB Kindertransport Thursday 8 – Saturday 24 Mar

COMMUNITY

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.

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 GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF ESSEX Wednesdays, 7.30-9.30pm e shiela_ranking@btinternet.com HAROLD WOOD EVENING WI First Wednesday of each month except August, 7.30-9.50pm Harold Wood Memorial Hall, 53 Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, RM3 0PU e dianetyrrell@haroldwoodwi.co.uk www.haroldwoodwi.co.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 MAKE AND TAKE CARD-MAKING CLUB Wednesdays, 12.30-3.30pm e maureen.hunter44@yahoo.com

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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 Interactive talks on Italy. Every Monday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm t 07867 726634 e info@passione-italiana.co.uk www.passione-italiana.co.uk 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 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 RUSH GREEN FLORAL ART CLUB Third Monday of the month, 8-10pm www.rgcasc.org

Rainham Marshes photograph by Howard Vaughan SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mondays, 1.30-3.30pm Fridays, 10-11.45am t 07976 438950

UPMINSTER AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY New Windmill Hall Upminster. www.upminsterhorticulturalsociety.co.uk

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

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

THAMES CHASE EVENTS Thames Chase Forest Centre Broadfields, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS t 642970 e enquiries@thameschase.org.uk www.thameschase.org.uk Sunday Markets in the barn. Third Sunday of each month, 10am-3pm. Free entry. Guided Walk around Hornchurch Country Park. Friday 26 January, 10am-12:30pm. £3 donation. Quiz Night at The Old Chapel, Upminster. Friday 26 January, 7.30pm Tables of 8 available. £5 per person. Bring your own refreshments. Please book to secure a table. Guided Walk around Warley Place to see the snowdrops. Friday 23 February, 10am-12.30pm. £3 donation. Guitar Workshop. For guitar enthusiasts of all abilities. Saturday 10 March, 11am-4pm. Guided Walk around Parklands via Cranham Marshes. Friday 30 March, 10am-12.30pm. £3 donation. 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 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 WILDLIFE WALK A walk around the marshes. RSPB Rainham Marshes New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ First Wednesday of the month at 9.30am Second Friday of every month at 10am Third Sunday of the month at 1pm Cost: £5 (£4 for RSPB members), children £2 (£1.50 for RSPB members). e Rainham.Marshes@rspb.org.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

JEWELLERY MAKING Wednesday mornings, 9.30 – 11.30am at Harold Hill Library. Booking essential. £12. t 434973 Friday mornings, 9.30 to 11.30am at Upminster Library Booking essential. £12. t 434933 HAVERING BRANCH ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST 1st floor meeting room, Hornchurch Library. Second Monday of each month, 8 – 9.45pm t 440297

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

36 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

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

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 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 10am-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) 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

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 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 CHILDREN’S HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Activities include making posters, planting wildflowers, and a compass trail. Thames Chase Forest Centre. Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 February 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 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 1.30-2.15pm 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. KID'S BIRDWATCHING CLUB Join the RSPB on these special days held once a month to explore the Rainham Marshes nature reserve through the seasons, watching and learning about the birds that visit and live there. Held once a month at RSPB Rainham Marshes New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ between 9.30am and 12.30pm. e Rainham.Marshes@rspb.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 37

TAPESTRY – WALKING FOOTBALL Mondays, 12 noon-1pm Thursdays, 7-8pm www.tapestry-uk.org

LITTLE LAPWINGS A regular toddler group with outdoor fun and early learning for preschoolers and their parents/carers at RSPB Rainham Marshes New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ Every Monday during term time 9.30-10.30am Cost: £2 (£1 for additional children from the same family and £1 for RSPB members) e Rainham.Marshes@rspb.org.uk WIGGLE AND GIGGLE For children aged 2 – 4 years Wednesdays, 11.30am-12noon at Hornchurch Library

OVER-50s 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 Tweedway Hall Tweedway Rise Park Wednesday 10.30 to 11.30am t 07910 217605 e parentsupport.havering@nct. org.uk

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

WELLBEING CHAIR PILATES Exercise class every Wednesday, 12.15-1pm Ardleigh House Community Association 42 Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch RM11 2LG Cost: £3 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

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 – 7 February and 14 March Council – 21 February and 21 March 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 a Meet the Leader and Cabinet event. It’s an opportunity to discuss any issues of concern in an informal manner. There’s no need to book, just turn up. Friday 16 March 1–2pm in the Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford (behind Starbucks) PARKINSON’S UK HAVERING AND DISTRICT BRANCH ROMFORD BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP Brain injury support group open to all who are affected by brain injury. Meets third Thursday of each month, 7-8.30pm Essex Room, First floor, YMCA, 29 Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0PH e Info@headwayeastlondon.org SUPPORT MEETINGS 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 RAPHAEL PARKRUN Saturdays 9am e raphaeloffice@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/raphael

38 | JANUARY 2018 | LIVING in Havering

HAVERING 90 JOGGERS Meet at Abbs Cross sports centre every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7pm. Membership from 18 years upwards. All abilities welcome to run courses provided. www.H90J.org.uk

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

LEARN TO RUN – SOFA TO 5km! If you fancy starting to jog, but don't want to join a gym, or go on your own consider running at Rainham Marshes nature reserve. A training programme designed for your needs and pace, with a guide/ running expert to show and help you the whole way, this opportunity is specifically aimed at those who are new to running outdoors. 9.30-11am every Sunday RSPB Rainham Marshes New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ Cost: Price: £25 (£15 for RSPB members) e Robyn.Smith@rspb.org.uk

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 matwork with Angela Gill Wednesday 10am and Friday 9.15am at Ardleigh House, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch (£6.50 per session), Monday 9.15am and Saturday 9am at Tesco Community Room, Roneo Corner (£6 per session) Beginners welcome. Mats and 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 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

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 UPMINSTER SPORTS MASSAGE & PILATES Around 20 classes held each week held in locations around Upminster, Cranham and Bulphan. Classes are every morning Monday - Friday and every evening Monday – Thursday and include post-natal Pilates and pilates for seniors. t 07411 826721 www.upminstersportsmassage. co.uk 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

www.havering.gov.uk/living | JANUARY 2018 | 39 Registered Charity No. 275913.

Friday 23rd March Brentwood Centre, CM15 9NN Doors open at 6pm Are you a keen quizzer? The Big Quiz is back and bigger than ever! Barry Simmons is joined by five more of BBC’s Eggheads.

Search Saint Francis Hospice

£12 per pers on or £110 for a table of 10. Sign up your team at www.sfh.org.u k/ big-yellow-q uiz

IS READY TO GO!

OPENS ON SATURDAY 3RD FEBRUARY Everyone would love you to join us for our Grand Opening Day at 10am on Saturday 3rd February! •

Be the first to see your fantastic new facilities

•

Activities for everyone, including FREE family swimming sessions

•

FREE ice skating sessions

•

Plus a very special appearance by RAY QUINN, star of Dancing on Ice

•

Welcome the mighty RAIDERS as they play for the first time at their new home

Book your swimming and ice skating sessions from 15th January at www.everyoneactive.com/SapphireLeisure

Find us at 24 Western Road, Romford, RM1 3JT

JOIN FOR FREE *

* Offer valid unti 05/02/18. UK bank account holders only. 16+. Must pay one month in advance, this will then be used to cover your final month. Participating centres only. Must cancel by 20th of month in order for the DD payment to stop on the 1st of the following month. See everyoneactive.com/SapphireLeisure for full terms.