Living in Havering 171 Spring 2016 by Havering Council

©APM Photography

LIVING

in Havering SPRING 2016

Issue 171 • www.havering.gov.uk

s u p l e H n i a t i r B win m o o l B n i See pages

20-22

02 | SPRING 2015 | living IN HAVERING

Contents Living Issue 171 Spring 2016

Living Spring 2016 Issue 171 £1,060 of prizes for 60th Birthday

Andy: My story as a male foster carer

Army Reserve passes out

Business Focus

Can you vote in May’s elections …

Council Tax

Excavating history

Friends of the Parks

Going digital is best for all

Help us win Britain in Bloom

It’s not just cricket for Havering Hurricanes

Keeping collection crews safe

Leader's Welcome

Listings

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2015 | 03

Make sure your dog has its chip

Motorvations is a winner

New roof up at Harold Hill Library

News in brief

News in Numbers

Safer Neighbourhood Board

School Governors

Special Constables

Sports Volunteer of the Year

St John Ambulance for events and emergencies

Street Watch

Students in a class of their own

Use your mouse to track your money

Volunteers

We’re here to help

Letting options for landlords in Havering Guaranteed monthly payments  no hidden costs

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For more information call 01708 431515 email libertyhousing@havering.gov.uk visit us at 163 High Street, Hornchurch RM11 3XS

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 03

Leader's Welcome Welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of Living in Havering.

Meet the Leader and Cabinet Residents can meet the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Roger Ramsey, and members of the Cabinet on: • Friday 1 April, 1pm - 2pm at The Liberty (near Starbucks Coffee), Romford RM1 3RL

This issue has three main themes with one common thread – we want Havering’s residents and businesses to get involved.

• Friday 29 April, 1pm - 2pm at Tesco Extra, Bridge Road, Rainham RM13 9YZ.

Volunteering As Leader of the Council, I come into contact with many organisations across the Borough, and I'm always amazed at how many thousands of hours are given every month by hundreds of people who volunteer to help our community in so many different ways. Residents of all ages get involved and make such a difference, whether it’s a helping hand in our libraries or as a school governor, befriending through the Tapestry scheme or providing first aid at an event. In this edition, we turn a spotlight on some of our unsung heroes who help make Havering such a popular and enjoyable place to live.

Curtain up on Charity Variety Show

Digital inclusion More than 90 per cent of Havering’s households can access Council services online, which means we can save thousands of pounds through improved efficiency. An online transaction is 20 times cheaper for the Council than by phone, 30 times cheaper than by post and 50 times cheaper than a face-to-face meeting. That's why we're encouraging people to do as much as possible online when contacting the Council. Every pound we save is an extra pound available for front-line services such as social care, highways and street cleaning. So have a look at what can be done online and please use those services to help us make the best use of your money.

Britain in Bloom Last year Havering won the London in Bloom competition, winning more awards than any other Borough - true recognition of our ‘green Borough’ status. That means this summer we're representing the capital in the Britain in Bloom competition. Every resident and business can help us win. Keeping gardens or forecourts looking tidy and having a window box or planting tub are small ways you can help. Many residents have very colourful and attractive gardens, these too help generate a good impression for the judges. The work done by our grounds maintenance staff is of a very high standard and we will be making extra special efforts this year too, including working with those volunteers who are in Friends of Parks groups.

Get involved I hope you will not only enjoy reading these three features but you will also decide to get involved and make your own contribution to our Borough.

Councillor Roger Ramsey, Leader of the Council

www.havering.gov.uk/Leader

A Frankie Valli tribute, Mick Clarke from the Rubettes, and the Royal British Legion Band, are among the acts performing at a special Charity Variety Show, on Sunday 3 April from 7pm, hosted by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Brian Eagling, and Mayoress, Bunny Eagling. Residents are invited to attend the show at The Queen’s Theatre, which is being held to raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities: First Step, for carers and parents of pre-school children with special needs and disabilities; and The Special Care Baby Unit at Queens Hospital. Tickets cost £15. To book tickets, email: brian.eagling@havering.gov.uk

04 | SPRING 2016 |

News in brief International Women’s Day 2016

Community Directory Has your organisation, group or club signed up to be in the Havering Community Directory? This is a great opportunity to freely promote your organisation’s services or activities using this online facility to give Havering residents all the local information they need about your group. More information www.havering.gov.uk/ communitydirectory

Live, Love, Sparkle is the theme for the Havering 2016 International Women’s Day event, taking place on Saturday 12 March, 11.30am – 4pm at Ardleigh House Community Association, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2LG. This event will focus on women’s health and well-being to enhance their lives. More information www.havering.gov.uk/IWD

Some of the IWD event organisers

K466 wins second award A scheme that provides emergency care to elderly people in Havering with minor injuries or illnesses while allowing them to stay in their homes has won a second award. The scheme, known as K466, has seen some amazing success since its launch in October 2014. 65 per cent of the patients treated by the community treatment team for minor injuries or conditions were able to stay in their homes, vastly reducing the number of

Beard Lunch Club hospital admissions and releasing front line ambulances to attend emergency calls. The scheme, run by London Ambulance Service and North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), has been named ‘most sustainable project’ at the Doctors Advancing Patient Safety (DAPS) Global Summit. In July 2015, K466 won a Patient Safety Congress Award for ‘improving healthcare processes and outcomes’.

If you're 16 to 19-years-old head down to the Robert Beard Centre, 233 High Street, Hornchurch RM11 2XU, any Tuesday, 12.45pm – 2.45pm for free information, advice and guidance plus pool tables, sport, music, Xbox, iMacs and free WiFi. More information

www.havering.gov.uk/RobertBeard

National recognition for Romford research Romford student, Yulanda Forte, has received national recognition for research she did, working with Queen’s Hospital. Yulanda was in the top 25 students in the country to get the award from The Royal Society of Chemistry. She said: “My research was into a condition called amblyopia which occurs in children. It's where the eyes are not working together and

is commonly known as a squint or lazy eye, but it can be corrected with treatment. “I'm really interested in clinical eye care and am now studying for a BSc in Orthoptics at Glasgow Caledonian University.”

More information Yulanda Forte with her award

www.rsc.org/careers/cpd/practising-scientists/

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 05

Can you vote in May’s elections … On Thursday 5 May Havering residents will be able to vote in the Greater London Assembly Elections to decide who will be London Mayor and London Assembly members. To vote in the elections you must be: Some people find it easier to vote by post and applications can be • 18 years old or over downloaded from the website. • on the electoral register and If you do not receive a polling card by • a British, Irish, Commonwealth or Monday 4 April, you need to check you European Union citizen are on the electoral register. You don’t Each individual is responsible for making need to take your poll card to the polling sure they are on the electoral register station to be able to vote. and registration can be done online. More information Being on the electoral register may also www.havering.gov.uk/elections help your credit rating.

New library opening times From Monday 21 March 2016 library opening hours are changing. The opening hours for each library are set out below. Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm; Thursday 2pm - 8pm; Monday and Tuesday closed. Harold Hill and Romford: Monday and Thursday 10am – 8pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm. Hornchurch: Monday to Friday inclusive 1pm - 10pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm. Rainham and Upminster: Monday and Wednesday 10am – 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm.

❖ Key dates Monday 18 April midnight: application deadline to go on the electoral register. Tuesday 19 April 5pm: deadline for new postal vote applications and for changes and cancellations to existing postal or proxy votes. Tuesday 26 April 5pm: deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy.

…and in the EU Referendum? British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens who are registered to vote, will be able to vote in the European Union Referendum on Thursday 23 June 2016. Poll cards will be sent to eligible electors in late May. More information www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

06 | SPRING 2016 |

Keeping collection crews safe Samurai swords, machetes, kitchen knives, syringes and broken glass – these are just some of the things people have been throwing out in their rubbish, not realising that they could cause serious harm to the crews who collect it each week. Syringes and other hazardous healthcare wastes should never be disposed of with domestic waste. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Robert Benham, said: “We have a recycling centre in Gerpins Lane where sharp and dangerous items can be taken, and people can also take unwanted knives to their local police station. “We’ll happily take broken glass but ask that people wrap it up so that it’s safe for the crews, and mark it up so we know to take special care when collecting it.” Additionally, please do not put bleach, pepper or curry powder on top of refuse bags to stop animal damage – this is a very hazardous practice and can be an irritant if the collection crews are splashed in the eyes when handling the rubbish bags.

This 10-inch-long knife was put in a rubbish bag

Rubbish is collected

5 days a week

83 bin men and women are responsible for collecting rubbish in Havering each week Each collection crew consists of 1 driver and 1 or 2 loaders Each person loading a truck walks between 16 and 22 miles each day

24 crews are out with rubbish trucks

More information www.havering.gov.uk/collections

collecting each week

29 – 31 MARCH

A QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH PRODUCTION

1001 NIGHTS Written by Douglas Rintoul Originally produced by The Unicorn Theatre & Transport

Each crew lifts around 20 tons of rubbish each day. That is the equivalent of 3.5 elephants or 6 hippos!

Broken glass We do not accept broken glass as part of the recycling collection service. We accept broken glass in refuse sacks but it needs to be well-wrapped or in a labelled cardboard box to protect the crews during collection.

Knives and sharp objects Knives and sharp objects should be well-wrapped to avoid injuring the collection crews while carrying out collections.

Have your say on stroke services 7–11 For ages th d an eir families

GPs are inviting Havering residents to have their say on plans to change the way patients are helped to recover from a stroke.

HHHH

‘An utter delight’ Telegraph

01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk QueensTheatreH

Relaxed performance Wednesday 30 March | 2pm TICKETS JUST £6.50

Improvements to emergency care mean more people are surviving a stroke, and demand for rehabilitation to help people recover and cope after a stroke, is expected to increase by 35 per cent in the next 20 years. Havering Clinical Commissioning Group is keen to hear from you before the deadline of Friday 1 April. More information www.haveringccg.nhs.uk/stroke

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 07

News in Numbers ❖ London Freedom Pass

400

5,267 Havering residents need to renew their Freedom Passes which expire on Thursday 31 March. It takes four weeks for a new pass to be issued so renew online as soon as you get the letter with your unique reference number. Please remember to swipe your card at the start and end of your journey, otherwise the Council is charged from one end of the line to the other. More information www.havering.gov.uk/freedompass

years

5,267

20,000

Street Lights... ...illuminate Havering throughout the dark nights to deter burglars and make residents feel safe. To be energy-efficient we’ve been switching to LED lights and ask for your help to keep our costs down, by reporting any street light faults online.

400 years ago playwright William Shakespeare died, and to commemorate his work The Queens' Theatre in Hornchurch has a modern version of Much Ado about Nothing running until Saturday 26 March. More information www.queens-theatre.co.uk

More information www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering

Use your mouse to manage your Council Tax, Council Tax Support and Housing Benefits online

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Help us bee more efficient and reduce costs

apply u pay u report u www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering

08 | SPRING 2016 |

Easter & Summer Refuse & Recycling Collection Dates 2016 Collections will go ahead as normal on Good Friday (25 March) Normal Collection Date Revised Collection Date March Monday 28 March

Tuesday 29 March

Wednesday 30 March

Thursday 31 March

Friday 1 April

Saturday 2 April

Make sure your dog has its chip If you own a dog you need to make sure it has a micro-chip to stay on the right side of new laws, which come into force on Wednesday 6 April 2016. The aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and help councils reunite stray dogs with their owners quickly.

Collections return to normal on Monday 4 April May

Monday 2 May

Tuesday 3 May

Wednesday 4 May

Thursday 5 May

Friday 6 May

Saturday 7 May

Collections return to normal on Monday 9 May Monday 30 May

Tuesday 31 May

Wednesday 1 June

Thursday 2 June

Friday 3 June

Saturday 4 June

Collections return to normal on Monday 6 June Aug

Monday 29 August

Tuesday 30 August

Wednesday 31 August

Thursday 1 September

Friday 2 September

Saturday 3 September

Collections return to normal on Monday 5 September

Please note that all revised collection arrangements also apply to the garden, clinical and bulky waste services.

For further Information www.havering.gov.uk/recycling

A dog gets micro-chipped by The Dog's Trust at an event in Harold Hill. In Havering, during 2014-15, the Council picked up 245 stray dogs and only returned five dogs to their owners. The rest were rehomed. If you become the new owner of a dog you will be committing an offence if you do not update the microchip database with your details.

Illegal transfers It will be illegal to transfer a dog to a new owner if the dog has not been microchipped. So if you buy a puppy after this date the breeder must have had the puppy microchipped, unless it is less than eight-weeks-old, and you will have to update the database with your details when you get the puppy. An authorised officer of the local authority can serve notice on a dog owner requiring them to microchip their dog. If they fail to comply with the notice they are committing an offence and the local authority can seize the dog, microchip it and recoup their costs from the owner.

Free chip The Dogs Trust is providing a free microchipping event on Thursday 24 March 11am – 3pm, at Kingsbridge Circus, Harold Hill, RM3 8PB, so come and get your dog chipped before the April deadline.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/dogchipping

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 09

Council Tax to increase Following public consultation Havering Council has decided to increase its share of the Council Tax for just the second time in six years. There will be an increase of 1.9 per cent in the main Council Tax with an additional two per cent increase specifically to pay for the increasing cost of providing adult social care. However, because the levy for the London Games has now ended, the overall increase in real terms will be only 1.96 per cent, equivalent to 57p per

week for a Band D Council Tax payer.

Grant cuts The increase is because the Borough will receive £10.8 million (17 per cent) less than last year from Government. This will fall further by £30.8 million (96 per cent) by 2019/20, leaving Havering with only £1.3 million from Government by 2019/20. Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Ramsey, said: “Even with this increase, the Council will still have to consider making savings and cuts in other service areas, however, we have a duty

to provide services to protect the children and elderly in our care. We also aim to protect those important services that residents value most. "So in these very difficult circumstances, I do hope that this increase is accepted as a reasonable change in light of the current economic context.” If the Council does not increase Council Tax at all, it would have a funding gap of approximately £4 million each year and would need to make further cuts outside those already highlighted.

Paying your Council Tax • If you pay your Council Tax in one lump sum before 1 April 2016 you can save up to £45.42 which is a 1.5 per cent discount • Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay your Council Tax, which you can pay on the 1st or 15th of each month • Council Tax is due on 1st of each month, unless paying by Direct Debit. If you fail to pay, a maximum of two reminders will be sent before legal action is taken More information www.havering.gov.uk/CouncilTax

1.96%

equivalent to 57p Council Tax increase for a Band D household per week

How your Council Tax is spent by service area per household per week

10 | SPRING 2016 |

New roof up at Harold Hill Library The roof of the new Harold Hill Library is now up. To mark the milestone, library users, council officers and councillors paid the site a visit. Councillor Melvin Wallace, Cabinet Member for Culture & Community Engagement, said: “The construction of the new Harold Hill library is going really well. It demonstrates our commitment to improving facilities for local residents and we're on track to open this summer.” Janice Gooding, Senior Library Assistant, said: “It was great to see the new site and I can already envisage where things will be, it’s much bigger than the current library and I’m sure our library users will be impressed when all the work is complete.” The build began in summer last year and is based in the eastern arcade of the Hilldene shopping centre. It is considerably bigger than the existing library and provides a meeting room for library groups as well as a designated area for computers.

Pictured are Councillor Wallace with Jay Sangar from architects Lakehouse, Anthony Corke from contractors Jacobs and members of the community.

We’re here to help You’ll soon be receiving your annual Council Tax Bill through your letter box. This is the money the Council collects from residents to pay for the services it provides. These services include protecting children from abuse, supporting vulnerable adults and older people, providing libraries, parks, cleaning our streets, maintaining roads and pavements, as well as the services you recognise each day; rubbish collections and street lights for example. The easiest way to pay your Council Tax is by direct debit. This means the same amount of money comes out of your bank each month. 93 per cent of people use Direct Debit or go online to pay their Council Tax. Direct debit costs you nothing and, unlike other ways to pay, more money actually comes to the Council, through lower collection costs, to fund those important services. You can set up a direct debit easily at www.havering.gov.uk/counciltaxpayment

If you find that you cannot make a payment on a particular month, please let us know immediately. Ignoring the situation may lead to additional bank charges and increased debt, plus the personal worry that goes with that. You can contact us at www.havering.gov.uk/counciltaxarrangement Whatever the problem with paying your Council Tax, please contact us as soon as possible at www.havering.gov.uk/counciltaxenquiry Ignoring the problem may lead to undue concerns and stress. If we don’t know you’re in trouble, we can’t help.

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www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 11

12 | SPRING 2016 |

£1,060 of prizes for 60th Birthday Living in Havering has teamed-up with Everyone Active – which operates Hornchurch Sports Centre at Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch – to offer readers the chance to win a fantastic prize bundle worth £1,060. This includes a year’s free membership to the centre, a swim course and a mountain bike. In 2016, Hornchurch Sports Centre is celebrating its 60th birthday, as the swimming pool first opened its doors to the public in December 1956. It was the first pool to be opened after the Second

World War and was heralded as an architectural masterpiece with its high concave roof. The model was used for many pools built in Britain afterwards. Everyone Active wants to invite a lucky winner to join in celebrating this history with the fantastic prize bundle. Your membership will include the use of the Hornchurch Sports Centre gym, group exercise classes and use of the swimming pool. Everyone Active is also throwing in a 13-week Adult Swim course and a top-ofthe-range mountain bike, worth £500.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize and to read the terms and conditions, please visit www.havering.gov.uk/living171competition

More information www.everyoneactive.com

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 13

Going digital is best for all Today most people expect to access services they want 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to meet that demand from local residents, Havering Council is increasing the number of services available online.

Whether you’re applying for a blue badge, a parking permit or a green bin, reporting a missed rubbish collection, a pothole or fly tipping, paying Council Tax or a parking fine, it can now all be done online.

88-year-old digital whizz-kid

Going digital also saves you money as, on average, responding to an online query is 20 times cheaper than a telephone call, 30 times cheaper than a letter, and 50 times cheaper than a face-to-face meeting. The money that is saved means more is available for front-line services such as social care and road repairs.

Ada Buttwell has lived at Beehive Court sheltered housing scheme in Harold Wood for the last eight years, and has been making the most of the Wi-Fi service available there. Ada, who is 88, said: “My family live close and visit me several times a week but it’s also good to go online and keep in touch with people or just have a look at what’s on some of the shopping websites. “I had a laptop for about 10 years but it was getting slow so I replaced it with an iPad and use it to email friends and relatives, sharing photos with the family and for Skype video calls. “It opens lots of doors and is very easy to use, no matter what your age you should have a go as there’s so much you can do on the internet.” Ada Buttwell using her iPad

More information www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering

COMPOST BIN SPECIAL OFFER Havering Council has a limited number of compost bins and kitchen caddies available exclusive to their residents for just £5.00 plus £5.99 delivery charge. This very special offer is available on a first come, first served basis and is limited to one compost bin with a caddy per household.

ORDER NOW

while stocks last

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FREE Composting Workshops:

Visit www.havering.gov.uk/ compostdoctor to book a place, request advice or to order a guide to home composting.

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Order NOW online at www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444 quoting reference HAV12A

Standard cost from BT landline 5ppm plus setup charge. Other providers may charge more.

Members of London Green Points – Havering can earn 1,200 green points for ordering a bin and caddy. For full terms & conditions and further details visit www.localgreenpoints.com/havering

Offer available to residents of the London Borough of Havering. Please allow 28 days for delivery. Terms and conditions apply, see website for details. 47474_Straight_134x190mm Landscape Advert (Havering).indd 1

22/01/2016 16:14

14 | SPRING 2016 |

Use your mouse to track your money As Council Tax bills start arriving it’s important that residents can keep track of the money they pay the Council, and you can now do that 24/7 through our online service. All you need is an email address so you can register for a MyHavering account. Once registered you can: • Set up direct debits to pay the Council • View your Council Tax bill, balance and previous payments • Check your current award for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support • Request a payment arrangement if you need one • Report any changes to your address or circumstances.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering

Home Care Worker / Visiting Officer positions available* We are recruiting Home Care Workers and Visiting officers for our Loughton branch, covering Havering and surrounding areas. In return, we offer: • Weekly pay, company pension and excellent career opportunities • 28 paid holidays (inc. bank holidays)

2014 2,300 subscribers

Email updates keep you in touch

More than 90,000 subscribers receive one or more of the 39 email updates Havering Council issues each month. You can choose which ones you want to receive so the news is what you want to read. We produce ones for local areas such as Collier Row, Harold Hill or Rainham as well as for specific topics such as libraries (which has more than 34,000 subscribers), food safety or crime prevention. Our updates are so good they won a national award last year, so check out what’s available and then sign up so you’re up-to-date with what your Council is doing. More information 2016 www.havering.gov.uk/enews 90,000 subscribers

• Paid training programme • Flexible working hours (Must be available for evenings and alternate weekends). *These roles are subject to a company paid enhanced DBS check. For more information, please contact Jackie or Mary on 0208 502 3140, or email: Jackie.Pannett@mearsgroup.co.uk To apply, you must hold a current, clean driving license and own a vehicle.

Read Living online You can now read Living in Havering online or on your mobile device at: https://issuu.com/haveringcouncil

Or download the ISSUU app for android or iPhone. More information: www.havering.gov.uk/living

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Celebrate Easter and St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, with great family entertainment and shopping

Friday 25 & Saturday 26 March Take part in the Easter egg hunt to win prizes

Saturday 23 April Enjoy The Royal British Legion Band and Corps of Drums Romford, The Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps, The Haverettes All Girls Marching Band, Rock Band Nice n Sleezy, the Town Crier in fine voice and St George and the Dragon characters

www.havering.gov.uk/romfordmarket Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER

16 | SPRING 2016 |

Volunteers

Helping in libraries

Across Havering there are hundreds of people freely giving thousands of hours each month to help our community.

Havering libraries appealed for volunteers to join the 290 people who already give their time to help and within a month, another 128 people had come forward offering to help across the 10 libraries in the Borough.

Some give their time through formal organisations such as governing bodies, youth groups or charities, while others choose to give their time as individuals. In this feature we turn the spotlight on just some of those volunteers, the work they do and the opportunities available for others looking to volunteer. Volunteering gives something back to the community, and is personably rewarding too. It can also help with applications for college, university or a job. Supporting the work of volunteers in Havering is the recently opened Havering Volunteer Centre at Community Reach House, 32-34 High Street, Romford RM1 1JL. So if you have an hour or two to spare, why not volunteer to do something you enjoy and which will make Havering an even better place to live.

The volunteers offered to stack shelves, help with the summer reading challenge, deliver books to people who are housebound, promote library events and offer IT sessions to help people improve their computer and digital skills. The response was fantastic. But there is still a demand for more library volunteers, so if you can spare a morning or afternoon each month, please complete the online form on our website. More information

www.havering.gov.uk/volunteers

❖ Case Study Bharti Parmar Bharti Parmar has been a volunteer at Romford Library since 2012. She started helping out with children through Reading Buddies, which in turn has led to her contribution to the Adult Reading Zone scheme. She said: “There are adults who want to learn, but not in a school style. We have two at the moment, but there were five or six last year. One person couldn’t read at all, but now he can. It’s very rewarding, if you have the time and you really want to do it.”

More information www.havering.gov.uk/volunteering

❖ Case Study James Cassidy & Linda Morgan

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James, who has retired from the ambulance service, said: “I’ve been an ICT volunteer at Gidea Park Library for two years. During that time I have helped around 50 adults develop computer skills. The oldest was a lady of 92 who wanted to be able get in touch with her children and grandchildren overseas. “Our courses last five weeks and are based on the BBC’s Webwise programme. They are tailored to the learner’s needs, covering not only basic computer skills but also important issues such as how to stay safe online. Usually there are three or four people learning of all ages. For me the reward is to see people making progress from day one.” Linda Morgan, who has been on the ICT course, said: “I heard about this course through the library. Everything you do these days is computer-based. I have a laptop at home but struggle to use it. Last year, I received Christmas cards from friends with email addresses and I’d like to learn more so that I can email them. James is very kind and patient.”

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 17

It’s not just cricket for Havering Hurricanes Havering Hurricanes, our team in the London Youth Games, have been training hard and competing well. The boys’ cricket team started well, beating Kingstonupon-Thames 108 to 55, but narrowly lost out to Hounslow, 92 to 93, as the last three balls saw three players caught out needing just two runs to win. The girls’ cricket team played last year’s champions Bromley and Tower Hamlets. Both the girls and the boys teams finished in ninth position. Just missing out in the Boccia competition were Marshalls Park School and Parklands Junior School whose teams finished in fifth place. You can get involved as a competitor or as a coach. You can also check out the training sessions on the website. More information www.havering.gov.uk/LYG

Havering girls cricket team in action

Havering boys cricket team in action

18 | SPRING 2016 |

Army Reserve passes out In January 2015, 24-year-old Bernadette King, of Hornchurch, decided she wanted to join the Army Reserves, and this January she attended her Passing Out Parade after completing her training.

She completed four weekends of modular training followed by a 16-day course at the Army Training Centre Pirbright. Bernadette, who is a listing officer for HM Courts and Tribunal Service in her civilian job, enlisted into the reserves to gain new skills and meet new people. Family tradition Bernadette said: “My dad was in the Army and when I was thinking of joining the reserves he was so supportive, as were all my friends.

Top: Private Dean Davey helped train Bernadette. Left: Bernadette after completing her training. Bottom right: Bernadette ready to join the Army Reserves.

“I work in an office all day so the time with the reserves is very different and great experience, with lots of new challenges. “I admired the way Reservists are committed and enthusiastic. Joining the reserves was a personal challenge I set for myself and I am really excited about passing recruit training and going on to learn new skills. “The course was hard work. It taught me discipline, how to work as a team and respect others. “My next challenge is to complete my Phase Two trade training where I hope to obtain my LGV licence

and learn how to drive and operate vehicles.” High interest Regimental Operational Support Officer, Captain Derek Gregory MBE, said: “The level of interest we have had from Havering has been very good with several people applying to join. “Joining the reserves is straight forward. Applicants register interest online and complete an application and medical from. “Applicants are invited to an interview to check they meet the eligibility criteria followed by a two-day selection process at the Army Assessment Centre, where physical, aptitude, medical and initiative tests take place. “After they are accepted there is a training course, including basic military skills before starting specialist training. “Bernadette has done extremely well and is the first of our Havering recruits to complete her training.” Bernadette is based at the 124 Transport Squadron Army Reserve Centre in Warley, Essex. The Squadron is part of 151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/reserves

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 19

Andy: My story as a male foster carer could be available to foster.

Andy, (pictured) from Havering, has been an approved foster carer for almost 10 years, along with his wife Michelle. Andy believes that the role of a male carer is very important. He said, “Many male applicants initially are under the impression that they are there merely to support their wife. This is definitely not the case. Very often the children who come into our care have never had a positive male role model.” Andy wanted to be fully involved in school runs, appointments and meetings, so he opted to work flexible hours which meant that he

Andy said, “I really believe that you can make a difference in the lives of all the children who come into your care. Some foster carers will have an immediate positive impact on the children, and you will have an impact on others many years later.”

He advises anyone who is keen on fostering to attend a fostering recruitment opening evening with Havering Council. This is a great way to meet fostering social workers and experienced carers to find out what fostering means on a daily basis.

He added, “Children will look to see if they can trust you, to find out if you care, are patient and tolerant. “They also need to know that you will fight their corner. But most of all, they are looking for you to show them love.”

“Fostering is one of the most emotionally rewarding jobs in the world. The feeling of pride and satisfaction you feel when a child is adopted or successfully returned to their family, means that you have given that child a chance in life which they may not have had before.”

More information www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

Become a Foster Carer with Havering Council call today 01708 434 574

Help us win Britain in Bloom Last year Havering won 47 awards in the very prestigious London in Bloom competition, an accolade which means that, this year, Havering will be representing London in Britain in Bloom.

2015

2014

2012 7 awards

2013

10 awards

23 awards

47 awards Overall London Winner

Mark Jones Service Unit Manager

The Britain in Bloom competition is entered by the communities of towns, villages and cities across the country, with an estimated 200,000 volunteers involved in greening up their local area. Over just four years, Havering has gone from winning only seven London in Bloom awards to a massive 47 awards last year, becoming the overall London winner. Living caught up with Mark Jones who coordinates the Borough’s entry into the competition. Mark won a personal achievement award last year. He said, “I joined Havering Council in 1976 as an apprentice, and over the years, I've worked in lots of different areas, including fine turf maintenance in sports facilities. Around 2001, I became part of the newly formed StreetCare service, and I'm currently a Unit Manager in Environmental Maintenance.”

“What’s so brilliant is that residents can get stuck in, for example – planting days or clean up days. They can also get involved in their local Parks Friends Group or Allotment Society. Even if a resident has no green space in their front garden, a couple of pots or a hanging basket will improve the look of the street, the environment and support local native species. “Residents can create an 'It’s Your Neighbourhood' group, where they work alongside the authority specifically in their street or area.

The key to winning Britain in Bloom is ensuring the judges see the amazing community spirit.

When speaking about Havering's achievement, Mark said, “It’s a great feeling when you go to the London in Bloom awards ceremony and see Havering’s success; to win Gold the last two years has been amazing.” We asked Mark, why is this important to the Borough? “These awards recognise the hard work of local community groups, schools, friends groups, staff and residents, and support the Borough’s aims – Clean – Safe – Proud. Recognition in the competition promotes civic pride, it makes people want to get more actively involved in their local parks and the street scene. “The key to winning Britain in Bloom is ensuring the judges see the amazing community spirit which is evident in the Borough, along with residents, local groups and the authority’s commitment to maintaining the local environment. The judges will be looking for evidence of horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility, engagement with local business and community participation.

“The competition will also provide sponsorship opportunities for local business. We hope businesses will get involved in advertising the campaign, as well as taking part in local schemes and projects. Business engagement is a key element the judges look for.” Mark explains that there is a European competition – Entente Florale Europe.

“A place among the winners in the competition can raise the profile of the Borough, benefit tourism and increase local business, as well as improve the local environment and enhance the borough’s reputation.” continued on page 22

What can I do to help Havering win? Plant climbers, like jasmine or clematis, up

walls and fences to create ‘Living Walls’, including runner-beans which you can eat later Order seeds and plug plants for Summer hanging baskets, or be different and plant them with tumbling tomatoes and herbs Green a grey area. Place pots or containers on concrete areas, or put up hanging baskets Plant a sensory garden, use plants that stimulate the senses, like lavender for scent, or poppies for bright colours Create a meadow area using a wild flower mix to encourage and support native species, like bees and butterflies

©APM Photography

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 21

22 | SPRING 2016 | continued from page 21

Award winning parks Did you know that nine of Havering’s parks have been awarded ‘green flags’? Or that the Council has radically cut the use of pesticides in all of its parks and green spaces?

Bedfords Park

Cottons Park

Working with Havering Friends of the Earth, we’ve explored non-invasive ways to protect our green spaces from pests and offer advice on what you can do to reduce spraying your own flowers with chemicals. More information www.havering.gov.uk/pesticides

Lawns Park

Lodge Farm Park

Harold Wood Park

Hylands Park

Raphael Park

St. Andrews Park

Britain in Bloom Allotments Upminster Park

Did you know we have allotments in Havering? Find out where we have allotments available and apply online. More information www.havering.gov.uk/allotmentenquiry

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❖ Special Constables Within Havering we have 30 Special Constables, volunteer police officers, who play a pivotal role in the Metropolitan Police. Becoming one gives you the chance to work alongside regular police officers, bring skills and experiences from your day job and give something back to the community.

“Although the role is unpaid, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and you’ll receive free travel on London Transport, including buses, underground, Croydon Tramlink, DLR and London Overground routes. The minimum time commitment is 16 hours per month.

Havering Special Inspector, Kevin Mulcahy, said: “Specials are based in each of the 32 London boroughs and you’ll have the flexibility to choose the borough you work in. There are also opportunities for experienced officers with specialist skills, such as roads policing, financial crime and e-crime to work alongside specialist police teams.

Volunteer police officers play a pivotal role in the Metropolitan Police. “Our special constables come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some officers use the role as a stepping stone into the regular service, while for others it is a chance to give something back to their community.”

More information http://content.met.police.uk/Page/Careers

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 23

❖ Street Watch Street Watch is about walking in your local area to help tackle low level issues that impact on our communities and help improve the quality of life. Street Watch members are ordinary citizens with NO police powers who take responsibility for their local areas. If a member sees anything suspicious, all they are asked to do is report it to the police. They can also give active support to the community by providing reassurance and a visible presence to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Cranham and Upminster are the first areas in Havering to have Street Watch schemes. More information www.havering.gov.uk/communitysafety

❖ Safer Neighbourhood Board Havering's Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) was set up in April 2014 with 17 volunteer members whose aim is to hold the Borough Police Command Unit to account for performance, and give Havering residents and victims a greater voice in setting policing priorities. The SNB works with Havering Police and Havering Council's Community Safety team to promote safety across the borough, and meets quarterly. Lennox Productions in aid of Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund presents

Thank You for the Musicals A wonderful mix of songs from hit musicals old and new

St Edward’s Church of England School London Road, Romford, Essex, RM7 9NX Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th May 2016 at 7.30pm Saturday matinee at 2.30pm

Tickets £12 Concessions For tickets call 07912

£10

580677 or email gemma@lennoxccf.org.uk

As well as the main SNB, which is chaired by Trevor Meers, there are also panels in each Council ward which have the same role in that area. New members are needed for each of the ward panels.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/SNB

24 | SPRING 2016 |

St John Ambulance for events and emergencies Their uniforms are familiar and reassuring whether seen at the local school fete, the London Marathon or if a major emergency occurs.

Training

But behind that calming presence the volunteers of St John Ambulance have hours of training to make sure they can cope when their help is needed.

Luke Hansen, who is second in command of the Harold Hill unit, said: “The training includes first aid, how to use oxygen and pain killing gases safely, how to use a defibrillator, stretchers and wheelchairs to evacuate casualties.

In Havering there are six units providing training for children over the age of 10 who are willing to give their time to provide first aid cover, only one of those units combines Cadets and Adults into one group. Doug Coxall is the Acting Unit Manager of the Harold Hill and Harold Wood Unit, which meets at Pyrgo Priory Primary School every term-time Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm. Doug said, “There’s been a St John Ambulance Unit based in Harold Hill for more than 50 years, although the current combined unit was formed only recently. We have 10 Cadets, aged 10 to 18, and eight Adults in the unit and are looking to recruit more. It’s free for adults to join and for cadets there is an annual £72 subscription which can be paid in instalments.”

The only commitment is that each volunteer is expected to give a minimum of 50 hours per year, including training.

“Because we are a combined unit the cadets learn from the adults who share their expertise. “First aid training can save lives but we get a lot more from St John Ambulance including leadership and team membership skills that can boost your CV at work.”

Local and regional The Harold Hill volunteers have provided first aid cover at Drapers Academy and Pyrgo Priory school fetes as well as for the London Marathon, the Lord Mayor’s Show and Rugby World Cup matches at the Olympic Stadium. Doug added: “Most events we go to there are no casualties but there have been as many as 20 people needing treatment at some events. “Our role also provides support to the blue light emergency services. When there was an unexploded bomb some time ago in Hornchurch we were called out to help at the evacuation centre, and when the 7/7 bombings took place we were called to help in central London. “Every duty we do is different and every time we know that we are supporting our community – and that is a great feeling to have.”

Why did I join? Nikki Battams joined in November 2015 with her three children, Tammy age 14, Charlotte age 10 and Harry age nine. Tammy Walsh and Ellie Dash check the emergency pack

More information: www.sja.org.uk

Grace Fautley, Ben Sugrue, Shane Potticary with a defibrillator Nikki said: “We have a close relative who was diagnosed with a serious illness and having first aid skills may keep them alive until the ambulance reaches us, so we talked about it and the whole family decided to join and learn those vital skills.” Tammy added: “I want to be a paramedic so being with St John Ambulance gives me a head start. It’s good to be known in our local community as someone with skills that can help other people.”

Confidence builder Grace Fautley, aged 12, joined having heard details from her 16 year old sister. Grace has been a volunteer for three years and said: “It’s helped me gain confidence and the first aid training came in handy when my eight-year-old cousin cut his knee when he fell over. “You learn a lot when you’re on duties as you see how more experienced members handle different situations. “I want to be a nurse so knowing first aid already will be a big help.”

Get involved For more information about volunteering for St John Ambulance, first aid cover at events or first aid training courses, email doug.croxall@sja.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 25

School Governors More than 1,000 people serve on the 80 school Governing Bodies in Havering, providing local knowledge, business expertise and support to head teachers, staff and pupils. The school governor role is one of the most important roles in education. Governors are critical to the effective running of schools and there are vacancies near you. All different individuals with varying skills are eligible to apply and can add enormous value to a governing body. The only requirement is that you are 18 years or over and essentially want to make a positive difference to the education of local children. School governors' responsibilities can include planning for the school's long term future, allocating budgets and appointing senior members of staff. Therefore, the School Governor Role not only benefits the education of potentially thousands of children, but will also give you the opportunity of implementing existing skills and develop new skills.

Every governing body must include: • Parent governors - are elected by parents of children at the school • Staff governors - are elected by staff members of the school • Local authority governors - are appointed, by Havering Council, to governing bodies other than Academy schools • Head teacher • Co-opted governors are appointed by the governing body

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/governors

David Rogers has been a Governor at Gaynes School, Upminster since 2002 and became a National Leader of Governance in 2015. David said: “Being a governor has enabled me to improve some of my existing skills and learn new ones. I like to think that my work as a governor has helped to shape and improve the quality of the education received by local young people.” Julie Lamb has been a Governor at Corbets Tey School since 2006. In 2008 she became the boroughs special school representative on the Children and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee and became a National Leader of Governance in 2015. She said: “I enjoy seeing the outputs from my contributions. I have taken huge pleasure in building an effective team of governors who bring different strengths and skills in supporting effective decision making to the schools vision and future strategy. I enjoy seeing the children happy, safe and finding learning fun.”

26 | SPRING 2016 |

Motorvations is a winner Twenty years ago it was agreed there was a need for alternative education for young people who found main stream schooling difficult, and from that, Motorvations was formed.

Support

Based at Maldon Road, Romford, Motorvations is a unique facility giving young people the necessary skills, qualifications and confidence to help them progress into mainstream training or employment.

He said: “We were formed to help young people, aged between 13 and 16, who have been excluded from schools across East London to gain qualifications.

All the courses offered are accredited with 72 per cent of the young people completing the courses successfully, giving them qualifications that help open the doors to employment.

Development Manager, Chris Lee, was born and raised in Collier Row, and in 2011, was awarded an MBE.

“Last year we had 160 young people on the programme. Some are with us for one year, others for as many as three, but all follow courses to give them vocational qualifications. “We are a registered charity which employs 10 full-time and 10 part-time staff. All of our training takes place on site and running our programme costs around £500,000 a year. “We receive some funding from councils and some schools but the rest we need to raise ourselves.

Successes “We work with local firms, such as BMW Synter in Harold Hill which has offered a full-time apprenticeship to one of our students, and have had students’ work exhibited at City Hall for the Mayor of London which shows the high standards and quality our young people achieve. Students working on engines

“Some of our students spend two evenings a week refurbishing cycles that are donated to us by the police. When completed, the cycles are given to people who need them, for example, to get to work. This type of community project is important as it highlights the way an individual can make a positive contribution and make a big change for someone by just using their own skills and time.” Twenty years after its launch it’s clear that Motorvations still has an important role to play, helping prepare Havering’s young people to play a positive role in our community.

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Motorvations offer a range of courses and advice including: • Workshop learning, mechanical skills, tyre fitting, fabricating and welding • Nail and beauty skills in a modern salon • Life skills including financial awareness, fitness, nutrition, smoking cessation, sexual health, anger management and conflict resolution • Career progression and guidance • Community cycle refurbishment project • Supporting parents and carers to improve their child’s learning and life chances More information www.motorvations.net

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 27

The 270 pupils and staff at Crownfield Infant School in Collier Row were among hundreds of Havering residents who spent the first weekend of March taking part in Clean for the Queen. This was a national campaign aimed at tidying up the country ready for Her Majesty’s official 90th birthday celebrations on Sunday 12 June. If you want to tidy up somewhere local to you there’s still time to get involved with a community clean-up. All you have to do is register your interest on the website. Residents are being encouraged to hold street parties to support the celebrations and details of how to run such an event can be found on the Council’s website. Street parties can be great fun and bring the community together.

Crownfield Infants Nathanael George and Charley Guest

More information www.havering.gov.uk/Cleanups www.havering.gov.uk/StreetParties

28 | SPRING 2016 |

Friends of the Parks Havering has more than 100 parks and open spaces making it the greenest Borough in London. Helping keep those areas looking good are 14 different Friends Groups, each of which looks after its local park. Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks group spokesman, Julia Herold, said: “We are ordinary local people, mums, dads, grans and granddads, who in November 2004 joined together to take care of Raphael Park. “We achieved Green Flag Status in Lodge Farm Park in 2008 and we were awarded our first Green Flag in Raphael Park in 2014. We are the first Friends of Parks group to maintain two parks with two Green Flags. This is a great tribute to our volunteer team effort. “We held our first Bread Amnesty in 2015 (pictured), where we exchanged bread for healthy food options for our birds, ducks, swans, fish and the general good health of the lake.

“We are extremely proud of our Group's achievements. It’s amazing what a small, dedicated group of local people can do and we sincerely hope you will support us and our aims, to keep our parks safe, fun and clean for all to enjoy.” Hylands Park Action group secretary for the last 10 years, Audrey Francis, said: “We used to arrange two family days and they were very successful. The original group instigated the first outdoor gym, a ball court and a children's play area. Hylands is a lovely park, an oasis in a built up area and offers tennis courts, a cricket club and football facilities.” So if you want to help, or form a new group for your local park, do get in touch. More information www.havering.gov.uk/parkfriends

SNAP A SELFIE AT A RECYCLING BRING BANK TO EARN £3 WORTH OF GREEN POINTS Remember you can donate your points to local charities

To claim your points, you need to be a London Green Points – Havering member

Dave the Duck with his bread amnesty bin

Excavating history Havering Museum has a core team of more than 50 enthusiastic volunteers who work across a variety of areas including, collections, education, front of house and administration.

They are seeking new volunteers to work with the front of house teams, assist and deliver events or school sessions, and provide marketing or administrative support.

Havering Museum’s Head of Exhibitions, Matthew Abel with Rifleman Arthur Warren's helmet, who served in the 16th Battalion, London Regiment in World War One.

To sign up visit www.localgreenpoints.com/havering or phone 020 7326 5055 Simply tweet your photo to @RecycleLBH using #greenpoints or Post it on www.facebook.com/wastepreventionhavering For terms and conditions visit www.havering.gov.uk/bringbanks

More information www.haveringmuseum.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 29

Sports Volunteer of the Year Hornchurch couple, Bob and Julie Griffiths, have been named as Sports Volunteer of the Year in the Havering Sports Council Sports Awards 2016. Back in 2000 the dynamic duo realised there was no cycling Bob and Julie Griffiths receive club for young people their award in east London so they started one with 14 members. Today, the club has more than 200 members, aged six to 18, and a team of 30 volunteers that help run the regular training sessions and other activities, including a training camp for 52 young people in Majorca this February. Bob and Julie said: “The club is for young cyclists of all abilities. We have had three of our members turn professional and one European Junior Champion but we also have a lot of members who come along to cycle for fun and exercise with people who just enjoy the sport.” Havering Sports Council is run by volunteers and is the collective voice for sport in the Borough, representing volunteer-run sports clubs ranging from archery to water polo. More information www.haveringsportscouncil.org.uk

Students in a class of their own

Students at Frances Bardsley Academy volunteer to spend their time with young people who have autism or other special needs. Their work was recognised when they received special certificates from the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Brian Eagling, and Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Ramsey. Pictured are, left to right from front, Faye Musk, Rowena Earnshaw, Shanice Owusu-Appiah, Victoria Anning, Amanjit Kaur Somal, Grace Bunn, Jessica Oshungbokun, Oldade Busari, Destiny Fakagode, Elizabeth Mayhelo, Esasa Otaber, Christabel Ogunleye, Sarra Zambou, Feyikemi Akinmaiyejolu, Chandni Patel, Alina Anil, Nathalia Moura and Nalasha Nyamurero.

30 | SPRING 2016 |

Business Focus

❖ Building business boost There is still time for construction firms in Havering to sign up to receive free business support. A few places remain available on the BUILD Havering programme, which will provide a range of services, including planning for growth, a skills audit, a one-to-one review and a business health check, as well as guidance on branding, marketing, sales and tendering. Havering Council has appointed East London Business Place (ELBP) to deliver the fast-track, one-year initiative. Construction is a key sector of the local economy, representing 20 per cent of businesses in the borough. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Robert Benham, said: “We have had a lot of interest in the BUILD Havering initiative, but there is still time to sign up. This is a great opportunity for businesses to receive invaluable, tailored guidance and I would encourage construction firms in the area not to miss out.”

More information: www.elbp.co.uk

£1m boost for Romford Market

Romford Market Plans to revitalise Romford Market have been given a major boost by news that the Greater London Authority has approved Havering Council’s bid for £1m in funding towards the project.

released, the signing of the grant agreement and the building of a robust business case.

Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This is fantastic news for Efforts will focus on the historic Havering. Securing this funding end of the Market Place with ideas represents a major step forward in including a public our efforts to breathe open space for events new life into our hisand activities outside toric market. Securing this St Edward the Confes“We want to attract funding sor Church, new stalls new traders, increase represents a and semi-permanent custom for our existing catering units. major step stallholders and make The Council will be forward in our the Market Place a working with GLA more attractive desti-approved architects efforts to breathe nation for local shopDK-CM and stakehold- new life into our pers and visitors alike.” ers, including memhistoric market. Tony Geary, chairman bers, traders and visiof Romford Market tors to the market, to Traders Forum, said: consider where the money is need“The committee and traders are ed most and what to spend it on. very happy that Havering Council The money will come from the new has been able to secure this fundLondon Regeneration Fund and is ing to help make the market a betsubject to match funding being ter place to shop and trade.”

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/RomfordMarket

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 31

Proving healthy eating is fun and enjoyable Upminster twins Alex and John Hoggett are on a crusade to persuade Havering residents that eating healthily is fun and enjoyable. One visit to their recently opened restaurant – The Healthy Chef at 38 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster – and you will see them in action, alongside Michelin starred chef Marco Rispoli. John explained: “We both went to Coopers Company and Coborn School, which is ranked fourth nationally for sport and where health and fitness is integral in what the school does. “We decided we wanted to share that with our community and The Healthy Chef is the result.” Locally grown All the meat used in the restaurant comes from farms in Essex and Kent, while four visits a week to the New Spitalfields market means the fruit and vegetables are always fresh.

John Hoggett with some of the fresh fruit and vegetables

38 covers

John said: “The restaurant doesn’t use anything that is frozen, except ice in the drinks.” The commitment to having food that's in season and fresh means the smoothies on offer prove extremely popular. But from this year, the journey time for veg to go from where grown to the restaurant will literally be minutes, as much of it will be grown on nearby allotments, specifically for the restaurant. John added: “Most of our dishes are suitable for vegans, vegetarians and anyone with allergies so if you enjoy meat you just add that to the vegan dish to suit your own taste buds. “We only use coconut oil when cooking, we grill rather than fry with sauces available as optional extras rather than smothering the fresh flavours of each dish.” Breakfast Club Last December The Healthy Chef Weekend Breakfast Club was launched with an exciting menu of gluten-free pancakes, multi-grain waffles, bagels, burritos and popular choices cacao crepes with banana and eggs royale with smoked salmon. Add to that free papers and free juices to enjoy with your meal and it’s not surprising the restaurants 38 seats have been full each week. With Michelin starred chef Marco Rispoli in the kitchen the menus are exciting and tantalise the taste buds, while not hitting the wallet – an average meal is £5 - £10 during the day and £12 - £15 per person in the evening. More information: www.thehealthychef.london

The Healthy Chef has 5 staff can seat 38 people is open 9am – 2pm Sunday for breakfast only; 8.30am – 5pm on Monday and Tuesday and 8.30am – 11.30pm Wednesday to Saturday inclusive

Chef Marco Rispoli at work

Unique activities It isn’t just the food philosophy that makes The Healthy Chef different. Entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays is provided by some of central London’s top buskers and at Christmas sleeping bags and blankets were collected for distribution to homeless people in Essex and London. John concluded: “We’re part of the Upminster community and are committed to that community. We want our customers to be local people who come to our restaurant to relax and enjoy a meal with friends as if they were in their own home so we can then set their taste buds alight and make them go ‘WOW’.”

32 | SPRING 2016 |

Romford at the heart of clinical research

DXA scanner in use

summer 2015 one of the leading clinical research organisations, Medinova, was looking to expand the number of centres it operated with Romford and Madrid being the two places they wanted. Founded in 1997 Medinova already had the North London Clinical Studies Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital and the South London Clinical Studies Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital, so the logical step was to approach The Queen’s Hospital. Sadly there was no available suitable space on the hospital campus but a tour of the Borough with Havering Council’s economic development team soon identified premises at Blackburn House in Eastern Road, Romford. The firm moved in during August 2015 and since then has launched four clinical research studies from its Romford base.

level, which is after the medicines have been tested and shown to be safe for human use and where we are working to see how effective they are in helping different conditions. “All our studies are nationally approved by the regulators and are approved by the relevant ethics committee. “We work closely with local GPs and pharmacists who make referrals to us of patients they think may benefit from taking part in the trial and who are willing to volunteer. “Throughout the trial we provide regular reports to each patient’s GP so they are fully aware of what is happening.

Three studies “We are currently looking for patients to participate in a number of studies at the East London Clinical Studies Centre, including: 1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatment which aims to reduce the symptoms, especially exacerbations. UK Chief Executive Officer, Kumar Muthalagappan OBE

2. A diabetes treatment to help control the disease and assist with weight loss

GP links

3. An Osteoarthritis treatment to help with managing pain from the disease

UK Chief Executive Officer, Kumar Muthalagappan OBE, explained how the research works: “Medinova only organises research at Phase Three

“We are currently looking for volunteers to take part in trials, which can be done by applying via our website or asking your GP to refer you. On average

we screen around 30 people to find one patient suitable for the trial.”

Big investment Medinova has already invested more than half a million pounds in the Romford centre, where 15 staff will be employed, and is looking to invest another £250,000 on the installation of a new DXA scanner which identifies the bone mineral density (brittleness of bones) together with the appointment of two technicians. As well as being used by Medinova the new machine will also be available through the National Health Service, so local hospitals and GPs can refer patients for scans. Mr Muthalagappan added: “Our aim is to be part of the Havering community, we took part in the Macmillan World’s Largest Coffee Morning when we opened our doors to our neighbouring businesses so they could come in and see what we do, and we wish to do other events so residents understand the work we do and the benefits it brings the NHS as well as individual patients.” More information www.medinovaresearch.com

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 33

Networking group dates Networking is a proven way to build good relations with other businesses which can lead to referrals and new contracts. There are a number of networking groups in Havering including those listed below. 4N meets every fortnight at Liberty Bell,

Forum of Private Business meets on the second Friday of

BNI Valour Chapter meets each Tuesday morning

Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) and Essex FSB hold joint networking events on the first

Mercury Gardens, Romford, RM1 3EN on Thursdays from 8am -10am. More information www.4networking.biz/Events

each month at YMCA, Roneo Corner, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 OPH, from 7.30am. More information www.fpb.org/events

at David Lloyd Centre, Squirrels Heath Lane, Romford, RM11 2DY from 7am - 8.30am. More information www.bni.eu/chapter.php?chapter=2200

Friday of each month from 7.30am - 9am. More information www.haveringbusiness.org.uk/events

The ebn (Effective Business Networking) Hornchurch group

meets at Manor Hotel, Berwick Pond Road, Rainham, RM13 9EL from 8am - 10am on alternate Tuesdays. More information www.effectivebusinessnetwork.co.uk

Diary dates Havering Council Business Network Events Thursdays, 5.30pm, venues to be confirmed ■■ Thursday 9 June ■■ Thursday 22 September ■■ Thursday 8 December

Women in Business (WIB) Wednesdays, 5.30pm at Havering College, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2LL ■■ Wednesday 20 April ■■ Wednesday 19 October ■■ Wednesday 13 July, 7.30am at NatWest,

NELE (Networking in East London and Essex) meets

at the CEME Conference Centre in Rainham from 12.30pm - 2.30pm on Tuesdays. More information www.networking-in-east-london-and-essex.co.uk

Business news to your inbox More than 7,300 subscribers receive Havering Council’s monthly Business Briefing email newsletter, which includes details of forthcoming events, awards, changes in legislation and how to access funding to boost their business. If you and your staff are not getting a copy, log on to the website below and choose Business Briefing from the list. Don’t miss out, sign up today.

Blackburn House, Eastern Road, Romford

More information www.havering.gov.uk/businessevents

More information www.havering.gov.uk/enews

The Retailery: searching for the next best entrepreneurs Have you ever dreamed of having your own business? Are you a fashionista looking for a fabulous outlet, a bold barista in need of a cultured coffee shop or just an amazing animator brimming with ideas, The Retailery could be your answer. The Mayor of London’s High Street Fund, Made Public and Havering Council have joined forces to create a business hub for 20 creative entrepreneurs.

You’ll be provided with office or retail space, meeting rooms, hot desk areas and access to business support to help bring your vision to life. The Retailery also offers essentials like high speed internet access, phone connection and a meeting room. More information www.retailery.co.uk/retailery

34 | SPRING 2016 |

New boost for air quality London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, has launched a new industry-led programme, LoCITY, to reduce the emissions of London’s freight and fleet operators.

The programme is set to work across the industry to increase the availability and uptake of low emission vans and lorries by bringing together freight and fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, fuel providers and the public sector. It will create new environmental operating standards and contractual clauses for procurement bodies to easily adopt. LoCITY will also demonstrate, through research and real world trials, that using these cleaner vehicles will not negatively impact operations. More information www.locity.org.uk

Mr Brown said: “The Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety (CLOCS) programme has shown this style of collaborative industry-led approach works – many lorries of the highest safety standards are now in use. LoCITY will help the industry as a whole continue to develop, whilst delivering a cleaner London.”

Romford Insurance Brokers up for prestigious award Evans Insurance Brokers, based at Holgate Court, Romford, has been shortlisted for the prestigious award of Commercial Broker of the Year at the Commercial Insurance Awards 2016, due to their dedication to commercial and domestic clients and constant improvement of service. Managing Director, Dan Evans said:

Our clients are everything to us, so we are constantly striving to improve our service and the way we do things. It’s an honour to be recognised for our hard work. More information www.commercialinsuranceawards.com

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 35

Listings

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/events All numbers are 01708 unless stated. www.romfordhistoricalsociety.org.uk

Libraries Havering Libraries hold many events, please check the website for latest details or contact your local library. Booking is usually advisable. COLLIER ROW 45 Collier Row Road Romford RM5 3NR CollierRow.Library@havering.gov.uk ELM PARK St Nicholas Avenue Elm Park RM12 4PT ElmPark.Library@havering.gov.uk GIDEA PARK Balgores Lane, Gidea Park RM2 6BS GideaPark.Library@havering.gov.uk HAROLD HILL Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill RM3 8DJ 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 SouthHornchuch.Library@havering.gov.uk UPMINSTER 26 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster RM14 2BB Upminster.Library@havering.gov.uk

Special events RSPB Rainham Marshes Kids' Birdwatching Club New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet RM19 1SZ 13 March, 10am – 12.30pm www.rspb.org.uk/rainham

Havering Essex Wildlife Trust Illustrated Talk: Blue House Farm Hornchurch Library 14 March, 8 – 9.45pm www.essexwt.org.uk

Chatter Books Gidea Park Library 15 March, 4 – 5pm gideapark.library@havering.gov.uk

Swimathon Central Park Leisure Centre Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill RM3 9LB 18 – 20 March, 9am – 5pm www.everyoneactive.com

Apprenticeship Week Havering College of Further and Higher Education, Ardleigh Green Road Hornchurch RM11 2LL 14 – 18 March 10.30am – 1pm www.havering-college.ac.uk

Romford and District Historical Society present a Talk: London in Art myplace, 343 Dagenham Park Drive Harold Hill RM3 9DJ 21 March, 8 – 9.30pm www.romfordhistoricalsociety.org.uk

Rainham Horticultural Society Spring Show The Brenda Blakemore Hall Davies Close, Rainham RM13 9LJ 26 March, 2 – 5pm www.rainhamhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

Easter Family Fun Day Chudleigh Road, Harold Hill RM3 9AU 31 March, noon – 4pm

Cabinet and Council meetings Cabinet and Full Council meetings are open to the public and are held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BB. All meetings are on Wednesdays and start at 7.30pm. They can also be watched on line at www.havering.gov.uk/ webcast Cabinet meetings are scheduled for 13 April and 11 May. Full Council meetings are scheduled for 23 March and 18 May. Dates may change, please check www.havering.gov.uk for latest information.

Romford and Brentwood Folk Dance Group Celebration Ceilidh United Reform Church, Western Road Romford, RM1 3KP 9 April, 7 – 8pm www.lambourne-end.org.uk

Adventure and Farm Open Day Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning, Manor Road, Lambourne End RM4 1NB 10 April, 11am – 4pm www.lambourne-end.org.uk

Havering Essex Wildlife Trust Illustrated Talk: London Wildlife Trust Hornchurch Library 11 April, 8 – 9.45pm www.essexwt.org.uk

Tea and Talk: Working at the Docks The Old Chapel, St Mary’s Lane Upminster RM14 2QR 13 April, 10.30am – noon www.theoldchapelupminster.co.uk/visit

RETAIL AND OFFICE UNITS TO LET no business rates, no service charges, flexible terms units available

NOW

Engayne Parents and Friends Association Happy Circus Engayne Primary School, Severn Drive Upminster RM14 1SW 13 April, 6 – 8pm www.engayne.co.uk

Charlotte Bronte: Tragedy and Triumph Hornchurch Library 14 April, 2.30 – 3.45pm hornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk

Upminster Windmill Restoration Community Update Upminster Library 15 April, 11am – noon upminster.library@havering.gov.uk

6F (Romford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Open Evening Come down and find out more Army Reserve Centre, 312 London Road Romford RM7 9NH 18 April 2016, 7.30 – 9.15pm Warrant officer Neil Richards T 01708 749141 oc.6@aircadets.org

Rainham Horticultural Society Annual General Meeting The Ship Centre, 1 – 3 Upminster Road South, Rainham RM13 9YS 20 April, 8 – 9pm www.rainhamhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

Havering Essex Wildlife Trust Birds and breakfast walk Cranham Marsh, Park Drive Upminster RM14 3AU 2 May, 8 – 10.30am www.essexwt.org.uk

Call Shaun 01708 740492 mobile 07814 863689 email shaun.barker@landmanagementltd.co.uk visit www.romford shoppinghall.com

36 | SPRING 2016 | Havering Essex Wildlife Trust Illustrated Talk: Badgers and the Badger Man Hornchurch Library 9 May, 8 – 9.45pm www.essexwt.org.uk

Tea and Talk: Gem Stones and where they come from The Old Chapel, St Mary’s Lane Upminster RM14 2QR 11 May, 10.30am – noon

www.theoldchapelupminster.co.uk/visit

Agatha Christie: Queen of Crime Hornchurch Library 12 May, 2.30 – 3.45pm hornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk

Kids Activity Expo Coopers Coburn and Company School St Mary’s Lane, Upminster RM14 3HS 22 May, 10.30am – 4.30pm www.kidsactivityexpo.com

Romford and District Historical Society present a Talk: Havering’s Amazing Eccentrics – Past and Near Past myplace, 343 Dagenham Park Drive Harold Hill RM3 9DJ 23 May, 8 – 9.30pm hornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk

Havering Carers Forum YMCA Thames Gateway, Rush Green Romford RM7 0PH 24 May, 10.30am – 2.30pm CarersServices@havering.gov.uk

Marilyn Monroe: Tales and Tragedy Hornchurch Library 26 May, 2.30 – 3.45pm hornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk

Guild of Essex Craftsmen Thames Chase, Broadfields, Pike Lane, Upminster RM14 3NS 29 – 30 May, 10am – 5pm www.essexcraftguild.org.uk

11 June – 23 July 10 September - 22 October Grow > Cook > Eat 29 March– 1 April, 9am – 5pm 4 – 8 April, 9am– 5pm 31 May – 3 June, 9am – 5pm

www.bedfordswalledgarden.org/learning/ growcookeat

Rainham Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rainham-hall

Recycling Initiatives

Upminster Tithe Barn

Give and Take Days

Upminster Windmill

www.havering.gov.uk/Giveandtakedays

www.upminstertithebarn.co.uk www.upminsterwindmill.co.uk

Museums

Arts

Havering Museum

Havering Arts Council Havering Arts Council represents arts groups in Havering and has a full programme of events

www.haveringmuseum.org.uk

Havering Museum Photographic Group First Thursday of the month 1.30 – 3.30pm Reminiscences Club Fridays 1.30 – 3.30pm

Historic Buildings & Gardens Bedfords Park Walled Garden Volunteering at the Walled Garden Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10am – 3pm Growing Friends over 50s club Every Wednesday, 11am – 3pm Saturday Club Every Saturday, 10am – 4pm from 9 April – 26 May

WeddingFair

Saturday 16 April 2016, 10am - 4pm Langtons House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1XJ

www.haveringartscouncil.org.uk

Adult Pottery Painting Evening 14 March, 7 – 9.30pm www.theoldchapelupminster.co.uk

Crafty Arts Knit and Natter Group Tuesdays 10am – noon

01708 433481

www.havering.gov.uk

LANGTONS HOUSE

make your wedding a dream come true

The Joliet Blues Band The Blues Brothers Tribute 30 April, 8 – 10.30pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/joliet.htm

TooREX – The UK’s No.1 Tribute to Marc Bolan’s T.Rex 20 May, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/toorex2016.htm

Bye Bye Baby – A Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 21 May, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/byebyebaby.htm

Mari Wilson’s Ready Steady Girls! 11 June, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/readysteady.htm

Could It Be Magic – The UK’s No.1 Take That Tribute 17 June, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/ coulditbemagic.htm

Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 3AX

T 229715

Fairkytes Accordion Club First Wednesday of month, 7.30pm

Make and Take Card Making Class Wednesdays 12.30pm – 3.30pm

Funky Voices

fac.enquiries@outlook.com

Maureen.hunter44@yahoo.com

www.funkyvoices.co.uk

Phoenix Art Group Tuesdays from 2 – 4pm

Graffiti Classics String Quartet 17 December, 7.30pm

beenaphoenix@gmail.com

Music Havering Singers Spring Concert 30 April, 7.30 – 9.15pm www.haveringsingers.org.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/FairkytesLive

Havering Concert Orchestra (HCO) Wednesdays during term-time 7.30 – 9.30pm Spring Concert 19 March 7.30 – 10.30pm www.hcoweb.co.uk

Brookside Theatre Sinatra In Vegas - Tribute Act 10 March, 8 – 10pm

Havering Music Makers Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 10pm

www.brooksidetheatre.com/sinatra.htm

Sunday Night Live Romford Second Sunday of each month 5.30 – 7pm

www.brooksidetheatre.com/santana.htm

registration@havering.gov.uk

www.brooksidetheatre.com/buddy2016.htm

Fairkytes Arts Centre

Soul Of Santana 12 March, 8 – 10pm

up to two years in advance

I can’t believe it’s not Buddy 29 April, 8 – 10.30pm

Cranham Art Society Wednesdays 10am – noon

www.brooksidetheatre.com/ orbisoncochran.htm

Book your ceremony

www.brooksidetheatre.com/ genesisconnected.htm

sales@craftyarts.co.uk

Rock & Roll Double Bill - Roy Orbison Vs Eddie Cochran Tribute Act 11 March, 8 – 10pm

Special Promotion

Genesis Connected – Tribute Show 22 April, 8 – 10.30pm

An Audience With Jess Conrad 18 March, 8 – 9.30pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/jessconrad.htm

Desperado - Heart Of The Eagles 19 March, 8 – 10.30pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/desperado.htm

T'PAU - Songs & Stories Tour 2016 16 April, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/tpau.htm

join@haveringmusicmakers.co.uk

www.facebook.com/snlromford

Theatre The Guildonians present ‘Up Pompeii’ 9 – 12 March 8pm, Saturday 2.30pm guildonians.blogspot.com

Ad Hoc Theatre Club adhocplayers@live.co.uk

Wesley Players Theatre Group tickets@wesley-players.co.uk

Brookside Theatre www.brooksidetheatre.com

‘Allo, Allo!’ 6 – 9 April, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/alloallo.htm

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 37

“And this is my friend Mr Laurel” Saturday 23 April, 8 – 10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/mrlaurel.htm

Derek Acorah Live Friday 13 May, 8 – 10pm

www.brooksidetheatre.com/ derekacorah2016.htm

Tony Stockwell – Psychic Medium Monday 13 June 8-10pm www.brooksidetheatre.com/ tonystockwelljun16.htm

Queens Theatre www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Coach Tours Shirley’s Coach Tours Fred Olsen Fjords 8 Nights Cruise 13 May www.shirleytours.co.uk

Groups & Societies British Association for German Shepherd Dogs (BAGSD) Upminster and District Branch Thursdays, 8 – 10.30pm British Cactus & Succulent Society Havering Branch Carries Hall, 27 Roneo Corner Romford RM7 0PJ T 447778

Third Saturday of the month 7 – 10pm

British Sugarcraft Guild Hornchurch and Upminster Branch Hornchurch Library, North Street, Hornchurch RM11 1TB First Saturday of the month 1.30 – 3.30pm

Elm Park Coffee Club Fridays, 10am – 12pm The Annexe, Eyhurst Avenue, Hornchurch, RM12 4RA

Havering Active Tea Dance Thursdays, 1.30 – 3.30pm

Collier Row Bridge Club Thursdays, 7.30 – 10.30pm

Elm Park Horticultural Guild www.ephg.co.uk

T 07947 367258

www.bridgewebs.com/collierrow

Collier Row Townswomen’s Guild First and third Tuesday of the month, 1.30 – 4pm mclary2012@btinternet.com

Dance for fun – ballet tap and modern South Hornchurch Community Hall, Nelson Road, Hornchurch RM13 8AP T 559275

Tuesdays 4 – 5pm Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm East of London Family History Society First Saturday of the month 11am – 4pm neal25@hotmail.com

East of London Family History Society Havering Branch www.eolfhs.org.uk

ebn Hornchurch and Upminster Business network Group

www.effective businessnetwork.co.uk/ Hornchurch

T 0798 415 903

English Folk Dance Group Tuesdays, 1.45 – 3.45pm jessie_benham@hotmail.co.uk

Epilepsy Action Romford Coffee and Chat Group Third Wednesday of the month 11am – 1pm medgar@epilepsy.org.uk

Four Seasons Knitting & Craft Club Mondays, 7 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org

Friends of Raphael’s Park info@forlfp.org.uk

dancingrita@hotmail.co.uk

Havering Antique Collectors Club Third Friday of each month, 7.30pm Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA) Yoga Class Mondays, 10 – 11.30am Wednesdays, 9.30 – 11am Lunch Club Wednesdays, noon – 2pm Coffee Stop Thursdays, 2 – 4pm Punjabi Class Thursdays, 6 – 7.30pm www.haswa.org.uk

Havering Board Gamers First, third and fifth Thursday of the month 7.30 – 10pm fransnook@yahoo.co.uk

Gadabouts Club First Tuesday of the month 8.15 – 10.30pm

Havering East Rotary Club Tuesdays, 7.30 – 10pm

gadabouts@live.co.uk

Havering Numismatic Society First Tuesday of month, 7.30 – 9.30pm

German Shepherd Dog Club of Essex Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm Shiela_ranking@btinternet.com

Haven Ladies Club Alternate Tuesdays 8 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org

www.haveringeastrotary.org

pambob2@ntlworld.com

Havering Over 50s Forum Second Tuesday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm www.Havo50Forum.org

38 | SPRING 2016 | Hornchurch and District Historical Society Last Friday of the month except July August and December, 7.15pm hdhs.barn@btinternet.com

Hornchurch Photographic Society Mondays, 7.45 – 10pm

Positive Living Group Alternate Mondays 7.45 – 10pm www.positivelivinggroups.org.uk

Psychic Café Last Friday of the month 7.30 – 9.30pm info@hands-4-healing.co.uk

Scottish Country Dancing Community Hall, Tesco Extra 300 Hornchuch Road Hornchurch RM11 1PY Mondays 1.30 – 3.30pm St Laurence Church Minor Hall, Corbets Tey Road Upminster RM14 2BB Fridays 10 – 11.45am

Second Tuesday of the month

www.upminsterhorticulturalsociety.co.uk

Upminster and District Probus Club Last Wednesday of month 11.30am – 3pm www.upminsterprobus.com

info@hands-4-healing.co.uk

Squirrels Heath Gardening Club Last Monday of each month, 8 – 10pm

Upminster Wine and Social Club Social Centre, 103 Front Lane Cranham RM14 1XN Third Thursday of month

martie0707@sky.com

T 224214

Ladies Guild Last Thursday of the month, 8pm

Romford and Brentwood Folk Dance Group Wednesdays 8 – 10pm

Silver Lynx Craft and Social Club 10am – 2pm

Whist Club

charleswendythompson@ntlworld.com

shelagh.horsman@o2.co.uk

martie0707@sky.com

lindaevans147@yahoo.co.uk

Romford and District Historical Society Last Monday of the month (except August) 7.30 – 9.30pm

St John Ambulance Harold Hill and Harold Wood Unit Wednesdays 7 – 9pm

Sports & Fitness

www.hornchurchphoto.co.uk

Hornchurch Wargames Club Mondays, 7 – 11pm Collin.fairman@ntlworld.com

Make and Take card-making club Wednesdays, 12.30 – 3.30pm Maureen.hunter44@yahoo.com

Nelmes (Hornchurch) Women's Institute Second Wednesday of month, 2 – 4pm Ruth.wellwisher@gmail.com

North Ockendon Handbell Ringers St Mary’s Magdalene Church Hall Church Lane, North Ockendon RM14 3QH Tuesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm T 459339

North Romford Wine Circle North Romford Community Association Hall, Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row RM5 3QJ Third Thursday of the month, 7.45 – 10pm Old Chapel Upminster www.theoldchapelupminster.co.uk

Parkinson’s UK Havering and District Branch www.parkinsons.org.uk

Reiki Share Second Wednesday of the month, 7 – 10pm

www.romfordhistoricalsociety.org.uk

Romford Embroiderers Guild Second Saturday of the month 2 – 4pm www.romfordembroiderers.org.uk

RSPB Havering Second Friday of each month (September to May) 7.30 – 9.45pm Coach trips to nature reserves in the South-East Last Saturday of each month (September to May) 7am onwards www.rspb.org.uk/groups/havering

RSPB Rainham Marshes Sundays, 1 – 3pm www.rspb.org.uk/rainham

Rush Green Community Association Chair Zumba Thursdays, 2 – 2.45pm www.rgcasc.org

Passione Italiana Italian and English bilingual presentations Second Sunday of the month 5 – 7pm

Rush Green Floral Art Club Third Monday of the month, 8 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org

lapassioneitaliana@gmail.com

T 07976 438950

doug.croxall@sja.org

Tapestry – Pub Clubs Two course meal, with drink at one of many pub locations across the Borough Second Wednesday of month noon – 2pm pubclubs@tapestry-uk.org

Thames Chase Planting with the Conservation Team Every Tuesday and Thursday 10.30am – 2pm Coffee Morning Discovering Thames Chase Second Friday every month 10.30am – noon Cream Tea Third Friday every month, 2.30 – 4.30pm Community Market Third Sunday every month, 10am – 2pm www.thameschase.org.uk

Upminster Camera Club Tuesdays, 7.45 – 10pm www.upminstercameraclub.org.uk

Upminster and District Horticultural Society

Wednesdays and Fridays 7.30 – 9.30pm

Havering Sports Council Havering Sports Council represents sports groups in Havering and operates a bursary scheme for young sports people www.haveringsportscouncil.org.uk

Albany School Badminton Club Tuesdays during term time 8 – 10pm www.badminton.1court.net

Body and Soul Charity Yoga First Sunday of the month 10.30am – noon mary@bodyandsoulyoga.org

Dukes Modern Sequence Dance Club Wednesdays 1 – 3pm shaun22@btinternet.com

Elm Park Lawn Tennis Club Social Tennis Fridays, 7 – 9.30pm Junior Coaching Saturdays, 11am – 4pm Adult coaching Sundays 10am – 11.30am Social Tennis from noon – 5pm elmparkltc@gmail.com

Essex Leopards Basketball Club Thursdays, 4.30 – 6.30pm www.leopardsbasketball.co.uk

Five Star Basketball Academy Tuesdays, 5 – 6.30pm elvan.dixon@havering.gov.uk

Fun and Funky Dance Saturdays 9am – 5.30pm www.funandfunkydance.com

Wednesday 30 March 10am to 4pm, £2 per child Romford Shopping Hall 43 Market Place, Romford RM1 3AB Every child will receive a furry friend to take home filled with yummy chocolates. Meet the Easter Bunny every hour on the hour from 10am – 4pm

Fusion Street Dance Team Tuesdays 5 – 8pm www.funandfunkydance.com

Hare Park Badminton Club Thursdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm anitaaudritt@btinternet.com

Harrow Lodge Juniors Parkrun Meet at Warren Drive car park from 9am Free 2km run aged 4 to14yrs Sundays, 9am www.parkrun.org.uk/harrowlodge-juniors

Havering 90 Joggers www.h90j.org

www.romfordshoppinghall.com

Havering CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) www.ctchavering.btck.co.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2016 | 39

Havering Nordic Walkers www.haveringnordicwalkers.com

Havering Sailing Club Saturdays, March – November noon – 6pm www.haveringsailingclub.org.uk

Havering Thunder Basketball Club Emerson Park School Wych Elm Road, Hornchurch RM11 3AD Age over eight years Sundays, 10am – 12 noon T 07843 936170

Highlands Mini Tennis Academy Tuesdays or Thursdays Weekly during term time Tots 6 – 7pm, Reds 7 – 8pm www.hylandstennis.co.uk

Hornchurch Cycle Club www.hornchurchcycle.club

Hornchurch Swimming Club www.facebook.com/HornchurchSC

Hylands Tennis Club Tennis for Girls Weekly during term time 5.30 – 6.30pm www.hylandstennis.co.uk

Jissokan Martial Arts – New Okinawan Kobudo Classes Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9pm

Rainham Harriers Running Club Saturdays, 9.30 – 11am www.rspb.org.uk/rainham

Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve Running Fridays, 9.30 – 10.30am www.rspb.org.uk/rainham

Romford Autistic Group Multi-Sport sessesions Fridays, 5.15 – 6.45pm www.rags-havering.org.uk

Romford Junior Jujitsu-Karate classes Tuesdays, 7 – 8pm www.stedwardsva.net

Rush Green Community Association Indoor Bowls Club Alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.30 – 10pm www.rgcasc.org

Stubbers Young Mariners Sundays, 1 March to 30 November 9am – 4pm www.sym.org.uk

Tapestry Walking Football Romford YMCA Mondays 12 noon – 1pm

Sanders School Thursdays 7 – 8pm

Garrylever81@aol.com

www.tapestry-uk.org

Ju Jitsu

Tweedway (45+) Sports Club Darts, short mat bowls, snooker, pool table tennis, scrabble, etc. Alternate Tuesdays, 8 – 10pm

www.ryujujitsu.com

Mini Movers www.funandfunkydance.com

North Romford Short Mat Bowls Club Mondays and Wednesdays 9am – noon Mondays, Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays 1.30 – 4.30pm terry8266@btinternet.com

Occasional Dance

tweedwaysportsclub@ymail.com

Tweed Modern Sequence Dance Club Thursdays 7.30 – 10pm shaun22@btinternet.com

Zumba Fridays 11.45am

mandy55zumba@gmail.com

www.occasionaldance.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. Details of advertising rates are available at www.havering.gov.uk/living or telephone 01708 432232. 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 online thanks to Havering Talking Newspaper. More information www.havering.gov.uk/living

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