Living in Havering issue 152
Transcription
Living in Havering issue 152
AUTUMN2011 Issue 152 Savings plan to balance the books Decent Homes for residents Taking care of the vulnerable Volunteers lend a hand What’s happening in your community Living in Havering is published quarterly by the London Borough Havering 02 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING The cost of producing and distributing Living in Havering is supported by advertising. To advertise, call 432232 6 & 27 Double celebration Historic park given £1.7m for extensive refurbishment, while eight of our flagship parks retain special status. This community magazine should reach every home in Havering, with additional copies available in libraries and leisure centres. If you know someone who has not received a copy, phone 431037. 10 Money Safe scheme Protecting our Living in Havering is published by Havering Council. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of Havering Council. 20 –21 Showing you a great time The latest Living in Havering is designed and published by Communications, London Borough of Havering, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BD All numbers are 01708 unless otherwise stated. If you would like to receive this publication in another language or format, including Braille, tel: 432255 or email: living@havering.gov.uk To contact us: Editorial tel: 431037 Advertising tel: 432232 email: living@havering.gov.uk www.havering.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter @lbofhavering Advertisements are accepted subject to the London Borough of Havering’s approval of copy and available space. Full conditions for insertion of advertisements in this publication are available on request. The products and services advertised in this newspaper do not carry the endorsement of Havering Council. vulnerable residents. about Havering’s shows, and forthcoming events. 24 –25 Lend a hand Meet museum’s award-winning volunteer. 37–39 Coming up Three pages of events happening in libraries and in the borough. Front page picture of Bedfords Park courtesy of Mike Pitter of Romford. Democracy Week events Havering residents will be able to meet Council Leader, Cllr Michael White, and other Cabinet members in person next month. They will be in Romford Market Place on Saturday, October 15, from 11am – 2pm as part of Local Democracy Week. For details visit www.havering.gov.uk Also as part of Local Democracy Week, the Council and Havering College of Further & Higher Education is organising a debate for secondary and sixth form students at the college’s Ardleigh Green campus on Thursday, October 20. Young local people will be able to discuss topical issues and put tough questions to a panel of local and national VIPs including Cllr White and Redbridge Cllr and former NUS President Wes Streeting. TV political journalist Michael Cockerell chairs the event. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN2011 | 03 Hello again and welcome to the autumn edition of our new-look Living in Havering magazine, which gives you all the news and information about what’s happening at the Council and around the borough, four times a year. I was happy to be able to meet so many of you at this year’s Havering Show and our Hornchurch Live music event, which were both very popular. I’m very proud to say that, once again, we ensured the Havering Show was a free event for local people, and Hornchurch Live was also free to enter and enjoy. We have a great spread of pictures from both events in the centre pages of this edition. We are continuing our hard work to reshape the Council to make it even more efficient and effective than before, following the Government’s cuts to funding for all local councils. We will continue to support These cuts mean that Havering and protect vulnerable adults and has to reduce its budget by a total of children. £40 million by the year 2014. And we will not be changing our Last year we started reshaping current weekly rubbish collections, Havering’s finances by identifying unlike some other councils. where we can save £19m. We know these are all things And this summer we have which matter a lot to our residents, finalised plans to close the which is why we have protected remaining funding gap. them. There have been tough decisions You will be able to read more to take, but we were determined to details about our financial decisions make as many savings as possible on Pages 4/5. behind the scenes, in our offices and I’d like to hear what you think the Town Hall, while protecting our about our work at the Council, so front-line services. please write in to Living in Havering, And we took our residents’ views to give us your thoughts. and priorities, which you gave to us in the Your Council, Your Say, survey Cllr Michael White earlier this year, into account when Leader of Havering Council deciding where we can make savings. So I’m very happy to say we will not be closing any libraries, unlike some other councils. We will not sell-off our parks. Meet the Ask the Cabinet Leader of the Residents can ask questions questions to the Cabinet. There are three ways to ask a directly to Havering Council’s Council question at Ask the Cabinet sessions: Cabinet Members held before You can talk to the Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Michael White, face to face at one of his Meet the Leader events. It’s a chance to pose your question, query or concern about local issues directly to him. Cllr White will be at: • The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, on September 28 and November 30, both times from 1 – 2pm: • And at Sainsbury’s in Hornchurch on October 26, from 1 – 2pm. Check out our website at www.havering.gov.uk for details of future dates. Or why not comment on current issues on the Leader’s blog at www. haveringleader.org each Cabinet meeting. • By attending on the night and asking the question in person The Q&A sessions will be held at the Town Hall on September 28, October 19, November 16 and December 14. They all take place between 6.30 – 7.15pm. Three members of the Cabinet will be present to answer any questions. They will include Council Leader, Cllr Michael White, Cllr Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment, and a third Cabinet member. There is no need to register beforehand – just turn up to the Town Hall on the night. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Havering is entitled to put • Email them to askthecabinet@ havering.gov.uk • Or post them to: Ask the Cabinet, London Borough of Havering, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BD. All Ask the Cabinet sessions will be webcast over the internet. 04 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Residents’ views help s Because of the national austerity measures, Havering Council must reduce its budget by £40m, by 2014. A package of savings worth £19m was agreed last year. This summer the Council agreed to save a further £16m to close the gap. Living in Havering talks to two leading figures in the Council about what this means for residents – and why services like weekly rubbish collections and libraries will not be cut. The views of Havering residents played a very important part in the Council’s latest savings plan. Before submitting plans to save a further £16m, the Council considered not only what was possible, but also how proposals would affect the local community. They also looked at the findings of the Your Council, Your Say survey, sent to every household earlier this year. In the questionnaire, residents were asked what they thought about public services and facilities around the borough, and urged to list the most important things to them. Cllr Roger Ramsey, who as the Cabinet Member for Value is in charge of policies which ensure Havering always gets the best value for money in everything it does, explained: “This survey told us what our residents’ clear priorities were – for example weekly rubbish collections, parks, roads and pavements. “I can assure residents there will be no closures of parks or libraries in Havering, unlike in some other Council areas across the country. And there will be no fortnightly waste collections here.” Because of the Council’s determination to protect these important frontline services, it has had to take some tough decisions to get costs down, he added. Cllr Ramsey t e g r o f Do n’t explained: “Our focus in making savings was very much about efficiencies in the Town Hall, and driving out red-tape. We are also improving the way we run the organisation. “In the £19m savings that have already been set in motion, the largest number of people affected has actually been our management. “As the Council gets even smaller and more efficient, the number of managers gets smaller. It’s the right thing to do.” The day-to-day job of looking after the Council’s financial to use your The latest businesses to join the Haveringcard and offer you a special discount or incentive are... Receive an extra discount or special offer from over 500 participating businesses SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICES t 01708 229946 m 07507 854904 ROMFORD ICE ARENA Rom Valley Way, Romford RM7 0AE t 01708 724731 100 PERCENT FUN Bouncy castle hire & children’s entertainment t 01708 531950 LINENS DIRECT LTD MAWNEY SECURITY LTD 21-23 South Street, Romford RM1 1NJ 75A Willow Street t 01708 747639 Romford, RM7 7LB m 0844 381 4060 HAVERING HANDYMAN t 01708 502898 BUTTERFLY HOME CLEANING SERVICES t 01708 726764 HOLISTIC HEARTS Mobile Aromatherapy Massage m 07713 156203 For a full list of participating businesses, please visit www.havering.gov.uk/haveringcard or email haveringcard@havering.gov.uk www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN2011 | 05 shape savings plan assets and ensuring it always balances its books is carried out by council officer Andrew Blake-Herbert, the Group Director for Finance and Commerce. Outlining a major way in which Havering is saving money behind the scenes, Mr BlakeHerbert explained: “One of our biggest and most complex projects saw us bring together a number of different departments - pensions, payroll, HR, procurement and finance - into one single system, supported by new technology. “This will save us £2.5m a year, which is a significant amount of money. It means that, by making changes in the way the Council works, we can protect more of our frontline services.” Residents might have read that the Council is also investing in new technology to reduce the need for paper and red tape. Havering believes that investing in technology now will save a lot of money in the future. Mr Blake-Herbert said: “There were a few raised eyebrows when we started to trial the use of iPads, but we’re showing how we can save money and time by using the right technology. iPads are a serious tool for our people to deliver services on the move. “Because they work straight out of the box without the need for costly software updates, they work out no more expensive and often cheaper than standard laptops and PCs. “We’re also making real savings on paper and printing, because a lot of our reports run to dozens of pages.” Other savings can be found by changing the way the Council delivers specific services to residents. Cllr Ramsey explained: “For example, we are finding savings in social care by focusing on prevention rather than cure. “If we can prevent an older resident injuring themselves from a fall and needing residential care, or if we can work with a family early on, so that children don’t need to Left Cllr Roger Ramsey, Cabinet Member for Value Right Andrew Blake-Herbert, Group Director of Finance. be taken into care, that’s much better for those individuals and it also saves money for taxpayers.” The budget plans were scrutinised by a cross-party committee of councillors and have now been approved by the Cabinet. Adoption Open Evening Wednesday 2 November 6.30pm-9pm Orsett Hall Hotel, Prince Charles Avenue Orsett, Essex RM16 3HS All Welcome Heritage 06 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Park’s £1.7m revamp An historic borough park – described as one of the best in London – has been awarded £1.7 million for extensive refurbishments. Raphael Park was opened in 1904, but the site dates back centuries to when the former Gidea Hall stood there. Royalty stayed in the Hall, which was built in 1466, replacing a 13th Century manor house. The estate was remodelled in the 1770s, which is when the serpentine lake was created and Blacks Bridge was built. Sir Herbert Raphael bought Gidea Hall and the estate in 1897 and, in 1902, he gave the western section of the grounds, lake and bridge to the Council. The site was transformed into a public area, with new paths and a bandstand created. Gidea Hall was demolished in 1929. Now Raphael Park has been awarded £1.7m by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The Council had submitted a detailed funding bid to the HLF aimed at revamping the site, improving facilities and increasing visitor numbers. It worked on the bid with residents and the Friends of Raphael Park group, while Veolia ES Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust has committed to giving a further £200,000 to boost the project. Work will start in early 2012 and take about 10 www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN2011 | 07 Far left Sir Herbert Raphael. Left Council Leader, Cllr Michael White; Cllr Andrew Curtin, Cabinet member for Towns, Communities and Culture; the Council’s parks services staff, and volunteers, celebrate the lottery funding news. around Park Lodge will be renovated to accommodate a café with a terrace. New areas for the Park’s offices, community meeting rooms and education resources will be created. The Council will also be offering a range of volunteer activities including guided walks and talks. Visitors to the park will benefit from a restoration of the Summer Below Raphael Park’s opening ceremony. Right Gidea Hall, seen just before its demolition. months to complete. The HLF money will go to improve and restore entrance gates, benches and walkways, and protect the parkland and wildlife. The area Theatre Garden and Bandstand, where community groups like the Romford Summer Theatre Group can stage events and performances. Julia Herold, chairman of the Friends of Raphael Park, said: “This is a great opportunity for the park. All aspects of the regeneration will be done with a great deal of care and attention.” Cllr Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Towns, Communities and Culture, said: ”Raphael Park is one of the great landscapes of Romford, with roots going back to the 13th Century, and particularly significant landscape developments in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries. “This project will restore fine views and vistas within the park, lift our spirits and have important benefits for quality of life and the visual attractiveness of Romford as a whole. I’m greatly looking forward to work starting.” Wesley Kerr, chairman of the HLF’s London Committee, said: “Raphael Park is among one of the best parks in Havering and in London. Funding for it will improve biodiversity and tree maintenance, regenerate planting and engage the community with better facilities and more activities.” Housing 08 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Borough housing stock gets £62 million facelift Resident’s delight as Government approves funding for extensive refurbishments at thousands of Councilowned homes A disabled mother is over the moon after her 27-year-old kitchen was replaced as part of a multi-million pound home improvement programme in Havering. Cancer survivor Patricia Harman says she is “thrilled” with the transformation of her Romford home. The work was carried out by Homes in Havering (HiH), the arms length company which took on the management of Havering Council’s housing stock five years ago. For years, Havering Council has led the lobbying of successive governments for funding to carry out muchneeded refurbishments to its properties. Finally, this February, they were told they would receive £62m from the Government’s Decent Homes Backlog Programme, which Above Patricia Harman and her carer enjoy a cuppa in her newly refurbished kitchen in Harold Hill. Below Patricia’s new kitchen. awards grants to bring Council-owned homes up to national standards, and ensure they are well-repaired, free of hazards and with adequate heating, windows, boilers, plumbing and electrics. Patricia, 59, has lived in her two-bedroom house in Waverley Crescent, Harold Hill, since 1988. Four-year programme of work to refurbish housing stock Thousands of homes across Havering are to be transformed over the next four years as part of the £62m improvement programme. This year £8.16m is being spent on a raft of work, including fitting 400 new bathrooms, 630 kitchens, 630 central heating systems, 150 new roofs and 390 double glazed windows, plus the external refurbishment of 360 homes. The oldest houses and flats, or those in the worst state of disrepair, are being done up first. After this year’s first phase of improvements, another £16m will be spent in 2012-13, with £15m in 2013-14 and £23.5m in 2014-15. Havering Council, working in partnership with Homes in Havering, had led the battle for funds to carry out the much-needed work on its homes - many of which date back to the 1960s - for several years. The Council led the lobbying of the previous Government to reinstate £112m of funding which had been originally promised. Following last year’s change of Government, the Council was invited to re-assess the programme’s cost and re-bid for a grant. After applying for £67.9m, it was told in February that it was to receive the £62m. Havering Cllr Lesley Kelly, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “A lot of the housing stock was built almost 50 years ago and, after decades of underinvestment, many of the properties are below standard. “The Council had to fight hard to secure this funding from successive Governments so we are absolutely delighted to see this programme of improvement work finally get up and running. I am sure tenants are as pleased as we are to see all our efforts come to fruition.” www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN2011 | 09 Residents to be asked about management plan Havering is set to consult residents on the future management of the borough’s 10,000 council homes. The homes are currently run, on behalf of the Council, by Homes in Havering (HiH) which is an arms-length management company. HiH was first set-up back in July 2006 in order to access Decent Homes funding from the Government. Now that has been achieved, Havering Council is deciding what is its best option for the future. The Council could bring the borough’s housing stock back under its full control, which is expected to make greater efficiency savings than are possible under the current arrangement; or the other option is to keep things as they are, while still making efficiency savings within the HiH budget. She said: “My new kitchen is absolutely beautiful – I love it. “The kitchen was last changed four years before I moved in. It’s certainly been well worth the wait. I got to choose the units, handles, work surfaces, floor and tiles. It looks fabulous. “After the initial consultation with HiH about what I wanted, I was told on the Friday that work would be starting and the workmen from Orsini Builders arrived on the Monday. It took two weeks to do and they were brilliant.” Work included installing all new kitchen units, flooring, lighting, extra smoke alarms, a new fire door and an extractor fan. She was so delighted with the quality of the work that she wrote two letters of thanks to the team for their hard work and excellent customer service. Patricia added: “The staff are really helpful and eager to please, which is nice. And, if you need a repair doing, they will give you a date and time for when they will do it.” Cllr Lesley Kelly, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “We have the opportunity of choosing a different structure to manage our homes which would provide the same service but with significant savings. We will want to hear the views of tenants and which option they would prefer.” DD EAL IRECT LANDSCAPING The Driveway & Patio Specialists Free no obligation quote and design advice (Established since 1982) Full Guaranteed Professional Workmanship 01708 342232 / 07966 622 289 www.dealdirectlandscaping.co.uk Driveways and patios, paths, walls, steps, fencing, turfing and aggregates 10 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING NEWS IN BRIEF Night-time award A group made up of the Council, police, local businesses and volunteers has received a top award from the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) awards for Developing the Evening and Night-time Economy in Romford. The judges were looking for projects with evidence of success at proactively tackling problems in a coordinated way. Cllr Geoff Starns, Cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “This is yet another award that everyone involved can be proud of. “This is a huge team effort involving the police, licensees, door supervisors, taxi marshals, street pastors and Council officers. We as a group are being recognised continually by experts for our joint work in making Romford a safer and more pleasant place to enjoy a night out.” Grate thefts alert Havering police are asking people to be vigilant following a series of metal thefts across the borough. Crooks have stolen lead roofing, copper pipes, boilers, iron gates, shopping trolleys and at least 30 metal drainage grates from roads in Havering. These items are then sold as scrap metal. Holes left in the roads by thefts of manhole covers and drains can be up to 2ft by 2ft, and could cause a motorcyclist to be thrown from their bike or pedestrians to trip. Each costs £150 to be replaced and fitted properly. The Council replaces missing grates the same or the next day. Anyone concerned about metal thefts or who wants tips on crime prevention should ask their local Safer Neighbourhood team. Community Safety Protecting you and your cash Elderly and vulnerable people using the bank will now have greater protection from thieves and conmen. Havering Council has teamed-up with local banks, the Met Police and Age Concern to launch a ‘banking protocol’, which is a new way of working to keep local residents safe when they withdraw their money. The scheme - the first of its kind - ties in with the Council’s new Money Safe campaign which gives advice to the elderly and vulnerable on how they can keep their cash, for example their pension or any money they withdraw from the bank, safe and secure. It also offers tips such as not to carry large sums of money in public, and not to keep lots of money at home. The banking protocol comes after several local people have been pressured to withdraw their savings by bogus builders, including one elderly Havering man who took £10,000 from his account after being driven to the bank twice by conmen. They’d promised to do some work on his house, but never did. The scheme is sponsored by the Havering Community & Police Consultative Group. Dominic Keating, customer services manager at Lloyds TSB in Romford Market Place, welcomed the protocol, saying: “We already keep an eye on our customers and look out for anyone who might be lurking outside. If we see that, we ask them what they are doing. “There have been a couple of people followed down the road and one person lost several thousands when he was pickpocketed on the bus. “We know a lot of people still like using cash these days. Under the protocol, all our cashiers will have set questions to ask if they see anyone withdrawing a large amount. “We will discreetly ask them what it’s for. If they still want to withdraw cash, we’ll say it’s not the best thing to do and offer to issue a cheque instead. A genuine workman will accept cheques. “It’s all about educating our customers, and us remaining vigilant and inquiring. We also give out key chains for people to attach their purses to their handbags.” Such vigilance among bank staff has already helped prevent several offences, including an 81-year-old in Sutton, London, who tried to take out £3,000 for a potential bogus builder. Staff called the police and the woman decided not to withdraw the cash in the end. Chief Inspector Tracey GoddardKing said: “While levels of these crimes remain relatively low, this scheme sends a strong message to criminals that this borough, its residents and banking services will not tolerate their actions.” www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN2011 | 11 After the riots Havering Police stepped-up their efforts during the public disorder last month, supported by the Council, to ensure the borough remained safe and peaceful. This was particularly important because there were a lot of worrying rumours of public disorder appearing on social media, and being talked about around the area, that turned out to be untrue. During those few days of disorder, Havering Police met daily with the Council to assess the ongoing situation. There were also more Council CCTV operators on duty in the control room during that time to support the police operation. Streetcare staff were on standby in case any areas needed cleaning up quickly. Licensing officers helped give advice to licensees who might have been affected by troublemakers. And, as a precaution, Property Services staff ensured the stalls on Car park re-opens Romford Market, which usually stay in place on Friday nights, were taken down and reassembled early Saturday morning. Thankfully, there turned out to be only a small handful of minor incidents involving a minority of young people in Havering. Police Borough Commander, Chief Superintendant Mick Smith, met the public at Central Library days after the disorder. He said afterwards: “We are working with local communities, businesses and youth groups to ensure Havering remains a safe place to live, work and visit. “Officers continued to operate extended shifts and high visibility across the borough over the following weeks.” He said that Havering police officers have been approached by many members of the public offering their thanks and support for the police’s efforts. Havering Council has reopened a car park to the public on weekdays because of increased demand for parking spaces in Romford. Slaney Road Car Park, which is between Eastern Road and Western Road in the town centre, was closed to the public on weekdays back in 2007. The Pay & Display car park has 100 spaces and is now open 24 hours a day, with a 12-hour maximum stay limit. Season tickets are available (the holders are exempt from the maximum stay limit). Tariffs apply Mondays to Saturdays, including public and bank holidays. Parking is free on Sundays and solo motorbikes can park for free every day. For details of Havering’s car parks and tariffs, call the car parks team on 768615 or visit the website www.havering.gov.uk 12 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Life-saving gadgets on show Lee Cranston is living proof that hightech gadgets supplied by the Council can save lives. The Romford resident, who suffers from fits and seizures following a brain haemorrhage, had a major seizure while sleeping which could have left him dead. Thankfully he had an epilepsy sensor from Havering’s Telecare service under his mattress, which measures movement. It’s so sensitive it raises an alarm with Telecare’s round-the-clock monitoring centre if the movement suggests the person may be having a seizure – this is what happened in Lee’s case. Two trained officers from the centre arrived promptly and called an ambulance. Lee said: “Knowing the (sensor control) box is there makes me feel safe – it really does. Having seizures scares me. The sensor saved my life.” He also wears a standard alarm pendant, which he can press if he starts going into a fit or seizure. The Telecare service provides a whole range of different alarms and sensors to elderly and vulnerable residents which help them continue to live independently in their own homes. The alarms give residents a strong sense of security, as they Registered Charity no. 1079969 know help will be HOPWA House quickly at hand if they Inskip Drive fall or there is an Hornchurch RM11 3UR accident. And by being able to respond to incidents so Age Concern Havering provides a TOENAIL quickly, staff can help CUTTING SERVICE at various venues prevent the situation around the borough, which are all easily getting even worse, accessible by public transport. having a positive impact on the residents’ lives Our friendly staff are trained by Havering and, at times, saving the PCT Podiatry Service to provide social Council time and toenail cutting and footcare to a very high money in, for example, standard and can offer fingernail cutting follow-up healthcare on request. services. The service is available by appointment These alarms are to anyone aged 50 and over or with a disability. It is chargeable at a competitive rate, and clients need to purchase their own set of instruments at reduced cost for use at all future appointments to eliminate the risk of infection. For more information or to book an appointment, please call 01708 796608. You can also leave a message on our 24 hour answer phone, and you will be contacted. www.ageconcernhavering.org.uk Lee Cranston with his alarm pendant. now on show at a special Telecare demonstration room in Yew Tree Lodge, Romford. It has a specialised door, shower, armchair and bed for residents to try out. Telecare sensors can detect people having a seizure, falling over, smoke or carbon monoxide from a fire or gas leak, overflowing sinks and baths, and a front door or fridge door left open too long. There is an alarm which reminds people when to take their medication, and a bogus caller button which residents press when answering their front door. The call centre listens to the conversation to ensure the caller isn’t attempting a scam. Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Lesley Kelly said: “These high-tech devices not only allow elderly residents to continue to live independently in their own home, but they can and do save lives. This room is an excellent way to demonstrate in practice how much these gadgets work.” Telecare’s basic package includes the standard alarm pendant and two other devices for £6 a week. This includes full installation and monitoring service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you qualify for social care support, you might be able to get the service for free. For details and to book an appointment to visit the showroom, call 434343 and ask for the Telecare Team. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 13 New homes to meet care needs Residents with extra care needs will benefit from 98 new homes being built in Gidea Park. housing services. There will also be a hairdressers, guest suite, resident lounge, restaurant, terrace garden and landscaping. It will be completed around January 2013. Havering Council is developing the £12 million scheme with housing provider East Thames, which has contributed £7m to the cost. The rest comes from a social Snowden Court, an empty and rundown sheltered housing scheme in Squirrels Heath Lane, has been demolished to make way for the new units, suitable for people over 55. The development will have self-contained one and two bedroom apartments, with specialist care to meet individuals’ needs, support and housing grant of £5.33m from the Homes and Communities Agency. Cllr Lesley Kelly, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We want our elderly residents to live as independently as possible, which is what they want, and which has the added benefit of keeping costs down for local taxpayers.” From left Cllr Lesley Kelly, Geoff Pearce from East Thames and Darren Nolan from builders Willmott Dixon. Supportive Lodgings involves caring for a young person between the ages of 16 –18 in your own home. The aim of Supportive Lodgings is to assist, teach and prepare young people to live independently when they reach 18. Crown Landscape Gardeners Back garden specialist Patios Driveways Decking Pergolas Walls Fencing Turfing Ponds All work guaranteed Free estimates www.crown-landscapes.co.uk ● ● ● ● ● Tel 01708 739639 Mob 07976 152744 If you feel you could encourage, teach, support and advise a young person – you will receive an allowance to cover the costs for the care you provide. For further information, please contact the Fostering Team on 2012 Olympics 14 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Students in Olympic film project HAVERING 2012 Havering College’s HND Media Production students with BBC Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins, celebrity builder Tommy Walsh and landscaping apprentices working on the Olympic Park. Borough students feel they are a part of history after making two short films linked to the Olympics. The up-and-coming film-makers, who are doing an HND Media Production course at Havering College of Further & Higher Education, were commissioned by the Olympic Delivery Authority to make the six-minute promotional movies on the Olympic Park in Stratford. The films have now been uploaded to the London 2012 website to help increase the take-up of apprenticeships in landscaping and horticultural and to attract more women into the construction industry. They have also been shown at London’s City Hall. The first film was directed and produced by Kirstie Burrows, Beth Whitehead, Holly Bond and Jason Potter, and was presented by BBC TV’s Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins. Kirstie, 19, from Hornchurch, said: “Being able to see the Olympic site so close up has been an exciting experience and something we will always remember. “It has given me more experience of working with celebrities.” Elm Park resident Beth, 19, said: “Working with a client has been a valuable experience and the skills I’ve learned will definitely help me in my future studies and career.” The second film was a mini documentary centred on the successful Women into Construction project set-up to help women get training and jobs on the Olympic Park site. It was made by Tim Petherick, Nicola De Boo and Munya Gatawa, who focused on the experiences of a group of female mechanical and electrical apprentices. Tim, 19, from Upminster, said: “We gained experience in the field of working with clients. The Olympic Park is a bit of history and we will be able to say we were there and filming part of that whole process.” The college’s academy director Jenny Probert said: “We are extremely proud to have our HNC Media students involved in such a high prestige project.” Local legacy of the Games Havering residents have a fantastic opportunity to take part in cultural and community events in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There’s plenty happening across our borough as we approach the Games next summer, and many activities will create a lasting legacy of sporting and artistic accomplishment in Havering. The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is a four-year celebration that aims to give communities the chance to create, enjoy and join in with as many cultural events and programmes as possible. Launched locally back in 2008 with a fun run in Raphael’s Park, local Cultural Olympiad activities so far include festivals, music and dance, arts and crafts, and story-telling. Havering’s work to promote Cultural Olympiad events and increase people’s opportunities to take part in sports and the arts are two of the Council’s 10 priorities to ensure borough residents can benefit from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Others include improving people’s health and well-being; increasing volunteering and charity work; maximising job and training opportunities; promoting Havering as a great place to visit, stimulating interest in education and learning; and maximising community safety. Find out what’s going on locally by visiting www.havering.gov.uk News www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 15 Pool plan latest The Council’s work to bring a new leisure centre, ice rink and pool to Romford is continuing steadily. Havering’s Cabinet has already officially approved the plans to create the new facility in the town centre. And the Council has commissioned a feasibility study to try to find a temporary replacement rink for private and professional skaters to use while it is being built. Havering is currently negotiating with a retail developer to fund the new state-of-the-art leisure centre, which will take around three years to complete. It will have an eight-lane, 25 metre competition swimming pool, a pool for beginners, sauna and steam rooms, health and fitness studio, gym, a dance studio and a cafe. The new centre will also be home to a high quality ice-rink that can be used by the public and for competitive events, including ice hockey. It will replace the existing ice rink in Rom Valley Way. Cllr Michael White, Leader of Havering Council, said: “This is a very important development for us. The Council has had a long-standing aim to bring a first-class swimming pool to Romford, and I’m happy that the scheme is continuing to progress steadily.” Want to know more about Havering? The Council has launched an online tool that provides a wealth of facts about the local population, economy, education, health and environment of Havering. Called the Havering Data Intelligence Hub, the site will assist residents, school pupils and employers when compiling business plans, school projects or researching their local area. The Council itself used the Data Hub to gather lots of interesting facts and information, which it displayed on boards for the public to look at, in the corporate tent at the recent Havering Show. The Data Hub is easy to use. Visit it at: www.haveringdata.net The Council wants to know what people think of the site. Please fill in the Feedback Form online. nice save Last year Havering residents saved £730,000 by recycling. Let’s recycle even more. Find out how at www.recycleforlondon.com/local Health 16 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Why should I have the flu jab? Elaine Greenway, of Havering’s NHS Public Health Team, talks to Living in Havering about why some people might be missing out on this important health protection. Q: Who exactly is eligible to have a flu vaccination? A: The Department of Health says the vaccine should be offered to pregnant women, at any stage of their pregnancy, and to people with chronic respiratory disease including asthma and COPD, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression (which affects the immune system). Q: Why it is so important for some under 65s to have the vaccine – I thought it was mainly older people at greatest risk from flu? A: This is a general misconception. It is equally important that some under 65s also be vaccinated if they have an underlying condition that means they could be more badly affected. Influenza is not just a dreadful cold - it is a serious illness that claimed the lives of 539 people in the UK last year. Q: Then why isn’t the vaccine offered to everyone? A: The targeted flu vaccination programme is aimed at those who are at most risk of becoming seriously ill. If someone is younger, and does not have an underlying condition, then although they will feel ill for quite a few days (and up to a be outstanding …be a foster carer • Fullsupportand trainingisprovided • Generousfinancial allowances • Childrenneed caringhomesin Havering,short andlongterm • Fostercarersare alsoneededfor siblinggroups, teenagersand childrenfrom minorityethnic backgrounds Formoreinformation pleasecall 01708 434574 fortnight), they should recover, provided they rest and have plenty of fluids. It is also important they follow the hygiene advice detailed in the “catch it, bin it, kill it” campaign. Q: Is it true that some people, after having the vaccine, end up being ill with flu? A: It’s impossible for someone to catch flu from the flu vaccine. The vaccine does not contain the whole virus. Q: But I know some people who go on to feel unwell. What explains that? A: For some people, this is their body’s defence system kicking into action. It is an important stage in the immune system, and it means that when the real virus tries to attack, the body is prepared to stop the virus before it gets a chance to take hold. If people feel off colour, and develop a slight temperature after vaccination, they should take paracetamol for the short period of time that this lasts. However, many people don’t feel at all unwell after vaccination. Q: Why must people who have the vaccine get it done every year? A: New strains of virus emerge every year. So a vaccine is produced that protects against the three most dominant strains that are circulating. Q: Where can I go to find out more? A: If you want to check if you are eligible for a flu vaccination, then start with the Department of Health’s website www.dh.gov.uk or speak to your local GP or practice nurse for more information. News www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 17 Don’t lose your right to vote Electoral Registration forms are currently being delivered to every home in Havering – and it’s vital they are filled in. Information provided on these forms will update the Council’s Register of Electors, so if you don’t return them to us, you won’t be able to vote in any coming elections including for London’s Mayor next year. Forms will be addressed to “The Current Occupier”. If the names of previous occupants are printed on them, cross them out and put your own instead. You must list everyone living in your home aged 16 and above, who is a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, and who will be living with you on October 15 this year. The register is for all the relevant occupants, so lodgers and tenants should be included. It doesn’t matter who owns the property. Tick the box if you want to have a postal vote. A postal vote application form will then be sent to you. It is a legal requirement to complete a registration form. If you don’t, you could be fined up to £1,000 or might find it hard to get a loan or mortgage, or open a bank account, because the register is used by credit agencies. Returning your form as quickly as possible helps the Council save money, as it doesn’t then have to send New 5* development in the heart of Essex Hayes Farm mobile home park Luxury living at affordable prices in the heart of beautiful Essex countryside Hayes Leisure Park is owned and Benefits include UK Home Exchange Scheme avoiding managed by Leisure Park Real the hassle of selling your home Estate Ltd. This established company has been in the No estate agents fees. (Valuation and leisure and residential park home industry holding fees paid by you) for over 40 years, you can be confident Peaceful, secure setting with 24 hr your home is secure, in a well maintained CCTV for peace of mind Ideal for semi-retired or retired couples and managed park. Fully accessible for wheelchair users Modern park homes for sale 24hr shopping facilities close by Fully equipped to a high specification with good size living areas, 2/3 bedrooms New health centre & doctors surgery close by and en-suite bathrooms. These homes Pets welcome come fully furnished Shop on site Friendly community atmosphere All homes have full services, private garden and adjacent parking (Block paved driveways) Local bus service stops outside the park Beautiful countryside, river views and walks, golf clubs and leisure centres nearby 10 year maintenance free on all new Lodges Houses taken in part exchange Currently there is a ten month occupancy condition on the Park, but permission is being sort for permanent occupation. Call Howard 01245 320054 07876 658871 Come and visit our luxury 5* park only 30 miles from London Can you help? The Council is recruiting people to help in the final stage of the annual canvass of electors. Canvassers visit properties where a registration form has not been returned to help the householder complete and return it. These visits are made over from the end of October to mid-November. Payment is based on the number of forms returned. Full training and appropriate equipment will be provided. Call 432445 or email elections@havering.gov.uk out a reminder or send canvassers to your home. The Register of Electors will be published on December 1 this year. If you have any questions or need help completing your form, call the Election Services Officer on 432444/5 or email elections@ havering.gov.uk Available Exclusive Country Lodges ready now for sale Exclusive country lodges for sale at the new Battlesbridge site in Essex. Be the first to own a home at this exquisite new development. • Showlodgesreadytoview and move in • Partexchangeavailable • Luxuryfivestarleisure facilities on site including swimming pool & club house • 24houronsiteCCTV and security Leisure Park Real Estate Tel 01245 320054 Email sales@leisureparks uk.co.uk For sales call Howard 07876 658871 For further information please visit: www.leisureparksuk.co.uk Hayes Farm Leisure Park Burnham Road, Battlesbridge Wickford, Essex SS11 7QT 18 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Education changes Young people in Havering have been learning more about changes to their education this summer – and how it will benefit them. More than 4,500 students attended sessions held by employment and careers advice service Prospects, to talk through fundamental changes the Government will be making to the education system. The age in which young people must stay in education or training will go up to 17 (from the current 16) in 2013, and up to 18 in 2015. This is to reduce unemployment among young people by helping them get more skills and training. These events were part of a borough-wide campaign, ‘Learn Longer for a Better Future’, run by the Council. Pupils from years eight to ten will be the first to be affected by these changes. Learning High achievers ac Student Kelly Sears didn’t let a debilitating illness stop her achieving top marks in her A Levels this year. She gained an A* in general studies and A grades in history and sociology, despite having to deal with narcolepsy. The condition, diagnosed when she was 14, causes 20-year-old Kelly to fall asleep without notice. She worked closely with the care team at Havering Sixth Form College to manage her studies. And for the last four months Kelly has been working with Theo, a medical protection dog who is being trained to recognise and warn her when she is about to have an attack of narcolepsy. Their partnership is the first of its kind in Europe. Kelly said: “I’m really surprised, I’ve done better than I thought. I thought I was going to fail history. I’m shocked but really happy.” Kelly now plans to find a job and get some work experience. Meanwhile, Graham Feinson from St Edward’s School Sixth Form has gone to Cambridge after achieving an outstanding three A*s in maths, further maths and physics. The 18-year-old, who will continue studying maths, said: “I was a bit surprised but I did spend a lot of hours studying. I’m not sure what I want to do for my career but I may go into research.” Havering’s A level results have been outstanding and well above the national average. With a borough pass rate of 99.7%, they topped last year’s results by 0.9%. Cllr Paul Rochford, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said: “What a great result for Havering. Our students have shown that all their work has paid off by posting another year of brilliant results of which we can all be proud.” www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 19 cross borough On left Kelly Sears with her medical protection dog Theo. Bottom left Graham Feinson. Below Eni Familusi. Joy at GCSE results Despite only joining Brittons Academy a year ago from Kuwait, Eni Familusi achieved a fantastic set of GCSE results. The 16-year-old achieved an A* in maths, As in biology, chemistry, additional science, Bs in physics, additional maths, additional applied science and Cs in English literature and language. She moved to England a year ago with her mother who wanted her to have English as her first language to give her a better future. Eni said: “It’s been a lot of hard work and I’ve spent a lot of hours studying. I’m really happy and I know my mum will be really pleased.” She will now go to Palmers College in Grays, Essex, to study maths, double applied ICT and physics. She hopes to become a computer scientist or electrician. Across Havering, approximately 3,000 GCSE students and their teachers were celebrating after posting another year of great results. Students achieving five or more grades A* to C rose to 78.8%, up 1.4% on last year. Those achieving five or more grades A* to C including English and maths also went up to 63.6%, an increase of 1%. Borough events 20 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Live at the Show! Record crowds visited Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, for two free bank holiday events organised by Havering Council. An estimated 43,000 people attended the annual Havering Show on the Sunday and Monday of August bank holiday - a record attendance. The Show was free for the third year in a row. The threatening weather held off and more families came to see the entertainment that was on offer. Displays from Legends Medieval, the Royal Artillery Parachute Display Team, Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps, Colin Gordon’s Sheep Dogs, Colchester Birds of Prey and Tigers Motorcycle Display Team entertained audiences in the main arena. And performances from Alvin Stardust, Josh DuBovie, Danyl Johnson, Dr and the Medics and The Real Proposed Extension to Dagnam Park An exhibition will be held at Harold Hill Library Hilldene Avenue Romford RM3 8DJ Thing on the music stage made sure the Show had something for all ages. Mayor of Havering, Cllr Melvin Wallace, welcomed visiting mayors from other boroughs and gave them a tour of the Show. One of the most popular stalls was Planet Havering which offered children’s environmental workshops, energy saving advice and musical acts on a solar powered stage. On the Saturday before the Show, 27 bands entertained thousands of young people at the first ever Hornchurch Live. This free event, with headline act Hadouken!, showcased new and up-and-coming musical acts and gave bands from the local area a chance to play in front of an outdoor audience in a festival atmosphere. Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Michael White, said: “With both events being free it made sure that a great time was had by everyone who came. “The record crowd Saturday 24 September 2011 between 10am - 2pm made sure that the Havering Show was of the best I’ve ever Looking forw Please drop in to the exhibition to view the plans and have your say on the proposed extension to the park. As the nights start getting darke weather gets colder, Havering C started looking towards this yea Christmas celebrations. For further information on the exhibition please contact Viktoria Oakley at Strutt and Parker on 01245 254 629 or email viktoria.oakley@struttandparker.com There are a number of events bein in towns and communities across borough in the run-up to the festi The events start with the tradi Christmas lights switch-on in Rom centre on Thursday, November 17 This will be followed by the sw of the Elm Park Christmas tree lig Friday, November 25. The popular annual Hornchur Crowds of people enjoyed the Christmas lights switch-on in Romford last year. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 21 Left Pop star Alvin Stardust. Above Two allotment growers compare their produce. Below left A daredevil motorcyclist wows the crowds. Below X Factor singer Danyl Johnson with Ruby Yeomans. Right Hadouken! make some noise at Hornchurch Live. Above right Crowds cheer and applaud the Show acts. Far right Knights in Legends medieval spectacular. Have you thought about where your child will go to school? one been to and the bands at Hornchurch Live were outstanding.” ward to festive period er and the Council has ar’s ng planned the ive period. itional mford town 7. witching on ghts on rch Christmas Cracker will be taking place on Saturday, November 26. The event, organised by Havering Council, will feature entertainment, music and late-night shopping in the town centre, as well as lots of seasonal treats to enjoy. Rainham holds its traditional Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 3. There will also be festive events being held in Upminster, Harold Hill and Collier Row. Check out the Council’s website www.havering.gov.uk nearer the time for details of event times, venues and activities. If your child was born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, they will be due to start Reception in September 2012 You will need to apply for a school place by 15 January 2012 You can pick up an application pack from your local primary school or apply online at www.havering.gov.uk/admissions For more information please contact the School Admissions Team on 01708 434600 or email schooladmissions@havering.gov.uk 22 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Armed Forces Remembrance services Services to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives or suffered during the two World Wars and in conflicts since will be held throughout Havering this November. The borough’s official Service of Remembrance will be held at the War Memorial in Coronation Gardens, Main Road, Romford, on Sunday, November 13, from 10.50am. There will also be an Armistice Day Service held on Friday, November 11, in the Market Place, Romford. Details on both these Services and others taking place around Havering will be available nearer the time on the Council’s website www.havering.gov.uk Meanwhile, thousands of people lined the streets of Romford for the annual Armed Forces Day parade through the town centre in June. The parade was led by the Royal British Legion Band & Corps of Drums, Romford along South Street, and continued through the Market Place, ending at Tollgate House. Top Deputy Lieutenant Mark Bryant inspects ACF cadets. Above Veterans’ standards on display during the march. Right Dick Bouchard MBE receives an award for his services to Havering, from borough Mayor Cllr Melvin Wallace. Armed Forces Covenant Later this Autumn, Havering Council will be signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a community and its local Armed Forces. The aim of the Community Covenant is to encourage more residents to support the Service personnel in their area and to promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces. The Community Covenant is intended to compliment, at local level, the Armed Forces Covenant which outlines the moral obligation between a nation, its government and the Armed Forces. Later in the day, the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Melvin Wallace, presented awards of meritorious service at the Town Hall to local people who had given distinguished service to the borough. After the parade, a uniformed youth festival took place in the Market with information stalls from Air Cadets and Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corp. Charity stalls were also set up for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion. The borough’s Deputy Lieutenant Mark Bryant said: “Havering Council did us proud with the Armed Forces Day event and it was really good to see the service by the Royal British Legion and to see all the families and young children there as well. The crowds were exceptional. “We are now looking forward to and organising the commemoration events to be held later this year.” News www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 23 Give a child a home Becoming an adoptive parent means giving a loving home to a child who can’t stay with their birth parents. It’s a life-long, emotional and legal commitment – but those parents say it is also one of the most rewarding things you can do. Havering couple Sarah and Peter (not their real names) had assumed adoption was all about babies, until they found a website about older children who also needed a home. They contacted Partners in Adoption (PiA), the consortium for adoption in Havering, Southend and Thurrock, and a team member visited them, answered their questions and guided them through the process. Then were then approved to adopt, and the process of matching them with a child began. Sarah said: “Our son came from another borough. We were quite nervous at first, hoping he would like us, but we seemed to connect pretty early on.” She said many people have it within them to be adopters, and it’s important to remain flexible and patient with a sense of humour while going through the adoption process. Havering residents thinking of taking on this responsibility can find out more at an open evening being organised by PiA. It will be on November 2, at the Orsett Hall Hotel, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, from 6.30pm. The event runs in conjunction with National Adoption Week, which is from October 31–November 6. - For details, visit www.partnersin-adoption.co.uk, phone 0800 652 1271 or email fostering. adoption@thurrock.gov.uk Online community More than 300 community and voluntary groups, clubs and organisations have signed-up to a new local online facility. Havering Community Portal has been launched by the Havering Association of Community and Voluntary Organisations (HAVCO) and the Council’s Community Engagement Team. The website can be used to search for local clubs and organisations, and find out what’s going on across Havering. The Portal is free for voluntary and community groups to join, and has lots of information for anyone wanting to start their own group. For details, call 432494 or email christopher.marsh@havering. gov.uk or call 742881 or email michael.dunlop@havco.org.uk Langtons Wedding Fair Over 30 fantastic activities on land, on water up in the air and all sorts of motor sports Holiday activity camps Birthday, stag and hen parties and corporate events Schools, young peoples groups, teams and organisations Come to where the action is 7 days a week, open all year round Stubbers Adventure Centre, Upminster RM12 2TY • Launchingofour NewExclusive CeremonyPackage • Fashionshow • Ahostofexhibitors • Freegoodiesandfree entrytotheevent Special one day offer book your ceremony 18 months in advance Amazing new activity from September: Laser Tag Call for information 01708 www.stubbers.co.uk Gavin Woollard Photography www.reportagephotography.com Sunday 30 October 2011 – 10.30am to 4pm Langtons House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1XL 224753 Volunteering 24 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Museum helper honoured Chloe Branwhite was so keen to volunteer her services at Havering Museum, she joined as soon as possible after it opened last year. The 20-year-old, who is passionate about history, is one of the 40-plus people who give up their time to help out there in various roles. Now Chloe has been honoured for her work at the High Street site. She won the Special Youth Award in the 2011 London Volunteers in Museums Awards, held at the Museum of London. Romford resident Chloe said: “I’ve been here since February last year. I came into the museum the first day they asked for volunteers. “I’ve always wanted to work in one as I’m obsessed with history, and I was delighted when this museum opened in Romford.” She works four hours a week, researching, cleaning and cataloguing exhibits and artefacts which can range from fossils, Stone Age items, bottles from when the museum site was a brewery, tools from Havering Forge, clay pots, and clothing to items from the Council’s own archives. Chloe wants to go on to take an Open University course in conservation or archiving. Museum curator Elizabeth Neathey said: “Chloe is an important member of the volunteer team and I am pleased she has found her niche. “The museum has over 40 volunteers working a wide variety of roles. Their hard work and commitment to the museum makes it a success.” Also at the Awards, Havering Museum’s front-of-house team leader Keith Martin was a runner-up in the Going the Extra Mile category, while former outreach development officer Michelle Johansen was ‘highly commended’ in the Supporting, Managing, Havering Museum volunteer Chloe Branwhite cleans and restores a tool from Havering Forge. and Encouraging Volunteers section. The Awards recognise the hard work and commitment of the 9,000 volunteers who work across London’s 250 museums. Professor Jack Lohman, director of the Museum of London, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers’ time, dedication and energy.” Havering Museum is actively seeking more volunteers. Curator Elizabeth Neathey said: “There are a number of specialised roles we would like to get more people to help with, from archiving and cataloguing items, to helping to clean and restore exhibits, carry out research, and helping out with our visitors.” www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 25 Volunteering praised Havering Museum’s volunteer programme has been hailed as an example of good practice in the Mayor of London’s 2011 guide to volunteering. The museum, which is largely staffed by volunteers, was named alongside HMS Belfast, Imperial War Museum, The Royal Parks and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for its ‘Project E’ which uses volunteers to engage young people with the site. Museum volunteers organised “A Victorian Adventure” to help young people gain experience of working, as well as developing and strengthening their l communication, presentation and team work skills. Youngsters got individual and group support, visited local sites, explored the museum’s collections and took part in training programmes. Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and Communities, Cllr Andrew Curtin, said: “Havering Museum is fast becoming one of this borough’s true assets.” He praised the partnerships formed between the museum and local schools, libraries and heritage sites.” The volunteering spirit is also alive and well elsewhere in the borough. Recent examples include local volunteers visiting the homes of elderly residents to make them aware of the range of support available to them and gather their feedback. The Council is also developing a volunteer support scheme for older people with long term conditions who come out of hospital, to try to prevent readmission by providing in-home care. And there is have a strong and dedicated network of Friends of Parks groups, who work with the Council’s Parks Service to maintain and improve our parks. Half page (landscape) 200x137 Should I have the flu jab? The flu jab is not only for people over 65. You should get a flu jab if you: • • • • • • arepregnant haveaseriousmedicalcondition haveaheartorchestcomplaint,includingasthma havekidneydisease havediabetes haveloweredimmunityduetodiseaseortreatment suchassteroidmedicationorcancertreatment • haveeverhadastroke. A flu jab is safe, quick and free just call your GP to book an appointment www.nhs.uk/flu Greener Havering 26 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Megan is a customer How not to waste your food or money - Check food dates. Food can be eaten right up to its ‘use by’ date. No need to throw away food on its ‘best before’ date, except eggs. - Plan ahead. Check what’s in the cupboard, fridge and freezer and make a list before going shopping. - Being creative with leftovers can make what’s in the fridge go further. Or combine leftovers with canned and dried foods in the cupboard to make a great meal. Smoothie contest winner Megan Lampard and her mum Jill, with the judges. Instead of throwing away some over-ripe fruit, Megan Lampard had a great idea – turn them into a drink. She later used her smoothie recipe in a contest organised by the Love Food, Hate Waste campaign, and won £500 in store vouchers. The 12–year-old, from Romford, said she entered the contest after seeing it advertised locally. She added: “I had some bananas and oranges that were so over-ripe I thought the only thing I could do was to compost them. Then I decided to make a smoothie with them and was really pleased with how it tasted.” Her winning ‘FruityCut out and keep Everything Glass Ltd All glass work undertaken No job too small All work guaranteed Misted or broken double glazed units Toughened/laminated safety glass fitted Single glaze repairs/traditional putty work Doors & windows supplied & fitted Hinges, locks, handles repaired No call out charge 30 years experience • OAP discount Call Paul on: 07958 550796 • 01708 551314 www.everythingglassltd.co.uk Trading Standards Approved licious’ drink comprises two bananas, half an apple, strawberries, four raspberries, an orange and fresh lime juice and ice. Helping judge the finals were the Council’s head of Streetcare Bob Wenman and waste and recycling officer Lisa Foster. Love Food, Hate Waste is a national campaign by the Waste & Resources Action Programme, funded by the Government. It is run locally by Havering Council. Studies in this borough show that, on average, we throw away more than 20,000 tonnes of food each year - a third of all we buy. By finding ways to use this food instead, families could save an average of £480 a year. Since the campaign was launched locally in 2009, Havering has offered tips and advice on how to reduce food waste to thousands of residents at 159 talks, roadshows and cookery workshops. As well as making direct savings for local families, the campaign aims to make savings for Council taxpayers by reducing the amount of waste removed in rubbish and recycling collections. Havering is charged for every tonne of waste it collects - so the lower the tonnage collected, the more the Council can keep costs down. For details on the campaign and tasty recipes, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Saving water The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford is working with Essex & Suffolk Water in a bid to reduce its water consumption. Together they will review the site’s current water usage, and analyse where centre bosses and their retailers can save water and money at the same time. The Brewery will also promote cost-effective water consumption to the public by providing Essex & Suffolk Water’s free water savings products at the centre. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 27 Parks keep prestigious status Eight parks across Havering have retained their prestigious Green Flags environmental status. This national standard for parks and open spaces has already been awarded to St Andrew’s Park and Hylands Park in Hornchurch; Lawns Park, Collier Row; Harold Wood Park; Cottons Park and Lodge Farm Park in Romford; Bedfords Park in Havering-atte-Bower; and Upminster Park. Green Flags status is reviewed annually. To achieve it, parks must be welcoming, safe, clean, involve the community, and attention must be paid to the landscape and environment. Veolia ES Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust have contributed more than £200,000 towards a number of projects in our Green Flag parks, including funding for ball courts, outdoor gym equipment, a skate park and play equipment. Members of the Friends of Cottons Park said the public are becoming increasingly aware that Green Flag status is a sign of a park’s quality, of being very clean and welcoming. And members of the Friends of Upminster Park thanked the Council’s grounds maintenance staff for their work in helping keep the park well-maintained. The group is now looking to include table tennis tables, a boules court, more benches and trees in the park. The deer relax in Bedford’s Park. Bin your green waste for less The Wheeled Bin Garden Waste Collection Service is available to Havering residents for a reduced price of £19.80 (£15.80 conc) between October 2011-March 2012. Collections will be every fortnight. You can put flowers, plants, garden weeds, grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, leaves and small twigs in the bins. To sign-up to the service call 432563 or visit the PASC in the Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford. For details, visit www.havering.gov.uk/greenbin great fun and great shopping at Enjoy our wide range of stalls including; foods, clothing, books, music, crafts, household and electrical items, cosmetics, flowers & plants. www.havering.gov.uk/romfordmarket Older people 28 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Club members Two clubs catering for older people are looking for new members. The Royale Senior Citizen Club meets every Monday and Wednesday from 1-3.30pm in the Betty Whiting Centre, Briar Road, Harold Hill. And the Millennium Club meets every Thursday from 1-3.30pm at the Betty Strathern Centre, Myrtle Road, Harold Hill. So why not pop along to either club and make some new friends, play games or just have a cuppa. Call Sue McNally on 438931. Safety meeting A Safe as Houses community safety event, run by Age Concern Havering and the Met Police’s Brooklands Safer Neighbourhood Team, will be held on Friday, September 23, from 1–3pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Birkbeck Road, Rush Green. There will be advice and tips on subjects including personal and home safety, and motor vehicle, garage and shed security. Refreshments available. Call Kim or Angela on 345138 or just drop in on the day. Care choices for elderly Anyone who is thinking of arranging residential care for themselves or a loved one could find the process rather daunting. What is a care home, how much does it cost and who can help me are some of the most frequently asked questions. Hoping to answer those questions and more are staff at Age Concern Havering, who are holding an information day at Romford Library on Tuesday, October 4, from 10am to noon. The event costs £3 each, by ticket only. Refreshments included. Jane Leacy, support worker with the charity, said: “The event gives people all the do’s and don’ts of choosing a care home. “This is a very important decision for many people as they get older and one which is quite a complex process if you don’t have a good knowledge of what to do. “The object of this event is to give people an all round picture of what to expect.” For details and to book, call Cliff Reynolds or Jan Mountford on 796602. Social evening Every Friday there is a Charisma Over 50s social evening at the Ascension Church Hall, Collier Row, Romford. Whether you are single or attached, want to make new friends, or just want to listen or dance to the music, everyone is welcome. For details, call Valerie or Kathy on 706250 or 386464. Over 50s fun There’s a social club every Tuesday at Romford YMCA, in Rush Green Road, from 1-3pm which is ideal for the over 50s. There is entertainment, quizzes, speakers and refreshments, while day trips are available. Cost is £1.80. Details from Denise on 766211 ext 217. Help is at hand when choosing a care home. Perky pensioners Want to make some new friends and perk up your social life? If you are 60 or above, why not give one of Age Concern Havering’s Perky Pensioner Clubs a go? There are seven clubs around the borough, in areas such as Romford, Collier Row, Cranham, South Hornchurch and Harold Wood, which meet weekly. They offer good conversation, activities, quizzes, guest speakers, lunches, day trips and much more. Anyone who wants to attend must make their own travel arrangements to and from the club, as well as be able to manage their personal needs and be able to pay for any meals, refreshments, trips, etc. For details call 345138. Watch your cash this Autumn Check your workman is reputable with the Council Don’t put all your cash in one place Don’t withdraw more cash than you need Fit an anti-theft chain ND COMM EA OUP HAVERING S GR CON UL ITY UN POLI C Zip up your purses and button down your pockets T A T A TIV E 30 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Win football tickets The AFC Hornchurch youth football club is giving away free season tickets for all local children under the age of 11, for the team’s forthcoming 2011/2012 season. Hornchurch AFC has been playing in Havering since 1923, and their ground is The Stadium in Bridge Avenue, Upminster. Nicknamed The Urchins from the time when Hornchurch had one of the largest orphanages in London, the team plays in the Ryman Premier League. The club welcomes new members and fans. For details about the club and to get the free season tickets, call 220080 or 07017 401000, visit the website www.afchornchurch. com or email AFCHStadium@ aol.com In the Neighbourhood Borough towns get a £4 Work to regenerate two town centres in Havering has received a £445,000 funding boost. The Council had successfully bid for the cash from the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund. It will go towards the ongoing revitalization schemes already operating in Hornchurch and Rainham. More than half the bid money £225,000 - will go towards a campaign promoting businesses and special cultural facilities in Hornchurch, as well as helping deliver Christmas celebrations, a Shop Local campaign, developing a heritage trail and town centre signs. It will also help deliver arts-based activities for children and young people, and fund work to design exhibition space in Fairkytes arts centre as well as improved links between the High Street and the cultural area. The other £220,000 has been secured for Rainham Village, to help secure the long term objectives of the Rainham Compass project, working with local people to improve Rainham and South Hornchurch. One stop shop Harold Hill residents have easier access to advice and local services thanks to a re-launch of a popular one stop point. A mini Public Advice and Services Centre (PASC) runs every Tuesday and Thursday at Homes in Havering’s Chippenham Road office in Harold Hill. Residents will be able to bring in their Council tax and housing benefit claim forms, notify the Council of changes to their circumstances and access a broad range of local services normally provided at the PASC in Romford. To arrange an appointment with a PASC advisor, call 434000. Join the band The Haverettes All Girls Marching Band wants new members. Based in Hornchurch, they are a military-style marching band with members aged from eight up to 25. The band is involved in contests, local and national fetes, carnivals and parades throughout the year. Practice sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm at Albany School, Broadstone Road. For details, call 07814 145312 or visit www.haverettes.org.uk Thousands of people enjoyed the Festival. Photo courtesy of Don Tait. Summer fun in Harold Hill More than 2,5000 people enjoyed the fine weather at the annual Harold Hill Summer Festival, which took place in Central Park. The event was organised by the Harold Hill Festival Committee, a partnership consisting of Havering Council, Homes in Havering, and local residents and volunteers. It showcased some of the borough’s finest talent including the Glee Club, Lauren Langdon, Drapers Academy Science Fair, X-presents choir, local bands, dance and majorettes groups. There were also many family activities including a hovercraft, bouncy castle, climbing wall, mobile skate park, face painting, science and maths tricks, circus skills, community cooking, henna tattooing, bag decorating, beat the goalie, trampolines and lots more. If you want to get involved with next year’s Festival by performing on the stage, having a stall or volunteering on the committee, email haroldhillfestival@gmail.com or call 433395. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 31 445,000 boost It will ensure and enhance current and future events in the village including Christmas, the May Fayre, and outdoor performances and activities in Rainham Hall Gardens. The popular Shop Local campaign will also continue and there will be further promotion of the business improvement district and improvements to Upminster Road South. Cabinet member for Community Empowerment, Cllr Robert Benham, said: “This is fantastic news. The money will ensure the effects of our current regeneration of Hornchurch and our Rainham Compass programme will improve these town centres for residents and businesses for years to come.” Left Hornchurch town centre Above Rainham Libraries mark 75 years of lending Havering residents are being urged to share their memories of the borough’s three oldest libraries. Upminster, Rainham and Hornchurch libraries are all 75 years old this year. They were all built in 1936 for Essex County Council at, respectively, The Clockhouse in Upminster; in the village school in Rainham, and at Harrow Lodge, which was at that time the area’s main library. Since then, there have been many changes which have seen these library services move to new premises, staff change, buildings get renovated, and their collections expand. Upminster, Rainham and Hornchurch libraries are all planning a series of events and exhibitions later this year to mark the special occasion. Library staff are calling on Havering residents to share their photographs, stories and memories with them. If you can help or for details of the exhibitions, call Hornchurch library on 434903, Upminster on 434933, or Rainham on 434970. Fayre play for community festival Residents didn’t let the odd light shower stop them enjoying the MYCA’s annual festival in Rainham. Hundreds of people of all ages attended Newtons Primary School for the massively popular event, organised by Mardyke Youth & Community Association. Local majorette group The Newtonettes opened the fayre. Attractions included a football tournament (won by Newtons Primary), displays by local groups including the Funky Vibes Dance Group, MYCA Falconry Team, a workshop with Romford’s Rhythm & Balls juggling group, Zumba fitness, face-painting, a circus workshop, stalls, a huge slide, and much more. Jenette Ogborn of MYCA said: “The day was a great success.” Children enjoyed having their faces painted as part of the fun. Your all time favourites station Serving Redbridge, Havering, Barking & Dagenham Fall for our great autumn advertising deals, call 01708 731643 or go to time1075.com 32 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Helping you get back on your feet A specialist council service helped Lorraine DarganMcGrath get back to work and full health after breaking a leg. Lorraine, of Elm Park, Hornchurch, had spent two weeks in hospital after breaking her leg in two places by slipping on the patio. Before being discharged, an occupational therapist assessing Lorraine suggested she’d benefit from Havering Council’s reablement service, which helps people to re-learn the essential skills they may have lost following a stay in hospital. Lorraine started using the free six-week service, with a carer visiting her every morning to help her out of bed and carry out various tasks for her. She said of the service: “I felt more confident and more independent every day. “Thanks to the positive attitude of my carers and the confidence they gave me to use my leg again and do the jobs around the home that I used to, my recovery was much enhanced. “I had a huge amount of help from friends and neighbours who did shopping and other daily tasks, and Age UK fitted hand rails at home so I could get around more easily.” Lorraine added: “I can’t thank the reablement service and my carers enough. “Without their support I wouldn’t have been able to get back to my work as a learning support assistant as quickly as I did. “It is a hugely valuable service and I hope more people are able to benefit from it in the future.” The reablement service currently has 1,100 users each year, and the Council wants to increase this number. But to ensure that reablement remains free, Havering is looking at different ways of delivering the service. This could involve providing the service jointly with another council, delivering it through an external partner or looking to see what services are available in the private or voluntary sectors, as these can deliver the same standard of care for less money. This does not meant the service is being cut at all, just that the Council is exploring all the options to get the best outcome for residents. Lorraine Dargan-McG Campaign puts families at the heart of things Think Family is a strategy being used in Havering which puts families at the heart of work to safeguard children. Key workers at the Council offer vital guidance and support to various local families, in the knowledge that early intervention into their lives before problems become big issues has a positive impact on not just the family but the community as a whole. Sue West, Service Manager for Prevention and Intervention in the Council’s Parent Support Team, explained how the strategy has benefitted a local mother, who suffers with ill health, and her five children aged from four to 18. Anti-social behaviour carried out by her eldest child had left the family at risk of eviction from their home, and there were also concerns of neglect towards the children. Under the Think Family strategy, the family was given a key worker who worked intensely with them to start to improve their home life. Mum was given hands-on help to keep her home clean and tidy, set boundaries to deal with challenging behaviour from her children, and help to ensure the younger children attended school and to get the older children into education or training. The key worker also ensured mum had counselling to deal with her difficult past and helped arrange mediation with her ex-partner so he could see the younger children. Sue said: “We helped mum to build on her strengths. Despite all the difficulties, she had kept her family together and was very willing to accept help. We have stopped the anti-social behaviour so they are no longer at risk of eviction, the younger children’s attendance at school has gone up and the relationship with her ex-partner has improved. We are also helping her get into volunteering, so she can set an example to her children.” The Council has been working with the family for 18 months and will continue to support them. When they are ready, a gradual step-down process will begin, helping mum to create her own support network to continue to put what she has learned into practice. Grath. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 33 Funding chest opens Community groups in Havering are being offered up to £5,000 to finance small projects to benefit their local area. Despite facing major financial challenges, the Council, in partnership with the Havering Strategic Partnership, has set aside a total of £200,000 to fund local schemes and activities. The Community Chest Programme is open to any voluntary or community organisation, or non- profit group, based in or predominantly serving Havering. Grants of up to £5,000 are available, with no minimum amount for applications. The money can be used to organise a local event, for example, or to buy equipment. It is up to the community to decide how best such a grant could be spent. Leader of the Council, Cllr Michael White, said: “The Council recognises the vital role that community groups play in offering social, sporting and cultural activities, as well as caring and social services that improve people’s health and wellbeing. “During these difficult financial times, the Council wants to support our grassroots community groups that play such an important role in making Havering the fantastic place to live that it is.” Applications will be considered by a funding panel. All projects must take place by the end of the financial year, on March 31, 2012. For details and an application form, visit www.havering.gov.uk email carol.jackson@ havering.gov.uk or call 433393. BRINGING TOGETHER BUSINESS IN HAVERING Business Focus 34 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING | NEWS VIEWS COMMENT ISSUE 10: AUTUMN 2011 Breastfeeding friendly firms Mums are supporting a move to get more local businesses involved in Havering’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme. First time mum Claire Wallace-Jones said: “The scheme is good because it’s important that mums feel comfortable and welcome to breastfeed in public places.” The Gidea Park resident, who has a nine-month-old son Milo, added: “Most of my friends have breastfed so it was normal to me but it isn’t to everyone. “I hope schemes like this will make it more common and accepted in public places, and help to make it less of a taboo.” She welcomed the fact that sandwich bar Taste in Romford has become the first local business to sign-up to the scheme. The Council wants to encourage more mums to breastfeed, as Havering has the lowest breastfeeding rate in London. Cafes, play centres and restaurants are being urged to get behind the scheme, so that mums have a number of welcoming places where they can go and breastfeed their babies in confidence. By signing up, venues agree to provide a friendly, welcoming environment for mums, and babies; ensure they will not ask any mums to move or stop breastfeeding even if there are objections from anyone else; and to promote the scheme by displaying a window sticker and certificate. Jill Martin, who launched Taste with husband Richard five years ago, said: “I have a 22-month old myself and am expecting my second baby in September so I am very pro supporting mums while they’re out and about. “Our café is all about being welcoming and feeling like a home away from home so we want mums to feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. It’s completely natural and healthy.” Businesses are urged to support Havering’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme to make it easier for mums to breastfeed in public. Other Romford businesses which have also signed-up to the scheme include: Ciao Bella restaurant, Poppins cafe, and branches of McDonalds in South Street, The Brewery, Mercury Mall, and the Harold Hill and Gallows Corner Drive Thrus. Once accredited, the venue will be added to the Breastfeeding Friendly Accredited information page at www.havering.gov. uk/breastfeeding For details, call 433576 or email breastfeeding@ havering.gov.uk or visit the above webpage. TV campaign Havering’s work to promote breastfeeding has hit the airwaves! Channel 5’s Wright Stuff Extra was down in Romford this summer filming Council Leader, Cllr Michael White, about the borough’s breastfeeding scheme. They also interviewed local mums and the owner of Taste, the first local business to sign-up. The show aired to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week. Havering Business Awards winners to be announced shortly Winners of this year’s Havering Business Awards are to be announced next month. The awards ceremony is being held Maylands Golf Club in Romford on October 7. The Havering Business Awards are now in their seventh year of rewarding and recognising business excellence across the borough. They’re designed to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and community spirit. This year’s awards are the biggest yet, with four categories focusing on firms which provide enjoyable days and nights out across the borough: Best Family Venue, Best Pub, Best Restaurant and Best Entertainment Venue. Other categories include Apprentice of the Year, Green Award and Havering Business of the Year. | Beauty is her business Amy sets up shop to bring glamour to the town A young entrepreneur is ‘sitting pretty’ after setting up her beauty therapy business in Romford town centre. Amy Marriage, 26, runs Beauty by Amy by herself from a room at Fitness First, by the railway station. She started in April 2009, first as a mobile therapist, until she found the gym room to rent on the Internet. “I wanted to keep it central, and you can’t get more central than the station. I knew it would be a risk but am glad I came here. “Most people know where the gym is and I have gym members as customers and passing trade asking about me,” explained Romford resident Amy. From her one therapy room, she offers a range of services including waxing, facials, massages, gel nails, eyelash tinting, manicures and pedicures. She said her client list is always changing, with new customers joining and old ones moving on, adding: “It keeps you at the top of your game.” She added: “My bank has been really accommodating to me. I am always getting new qualifications to expand the services I can offer. I think a lot of people underestimate this job – it’s really hard work! “This is just the starting point for me. I’m already thinking ahead and maybe I will teach in the future.” Beauty by Amy is open Tuesday to Friday 9am–7pm and Saturday 8am–5pm. Email beauty_by_amy@ live.co.uk or call 07506 273052 AUTUMN 2011 Youth employment Lifeline, an employment service in Romford, is working with the A4e group to deliver a programme of youth employment schemes for the Department for Work & Pensions and Jobcentre Plus. This will see them work with local colleges and other organisations to offer additional training to both the short and long-term young unemployed to maximise their job chances. For details, visit www. lifelineprojects.co.uk Shooting schedules Havering firms are being urged to find out more about which news programmes, TV shows and movies are being filmed in and around the borough. They can get details of how to apply for their offices, land or warehouse to be used as film locations by calling Joanne Yeomans on 432232. Career women The next Women in Business events will be on October 12 and December 7, held at The Bistro, Havering College, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch. Call 433602 to book. Leader’s meeting Amy Marriage in her beauty therapy room in Romford. Quarter pounder of a century The boss of a burger bar and grill is celebrating his 25th anniversary. Huseyin Otkay has been running the business in Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row since buying the franchise in July 1986, when it was a Wimpy burger bar. In 2007 he decided it was time for a change and took over the business, turning it into Top Grill Ltd. Huseyin says he is proud to have continued the same high standards as before and, for the last two years since the introduction of the ‘scores on the doors’ scheme run by Havering Council, Top Grill has achieved the maximum four stars for hygiene. The next Leader’s Business Networking event is on November 30 from 5.30pm for 6pm at Harefield Manor Hotel, 33 Main Road, Romford. To book, call 433602. The next issue of Business Focus will be published in Living in Havering Winter 2011. To contribute contact Jolly Choudhury on 432680 or email: jolly.choudhury@havering.gov.uk | 35 36 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING Getting a taste of culture A variety of music, dance and cultural cuisine is planned for this year’s Community Cultural Celebration. Visitors will be treated to Indian bhangra dancers, Caribbean singers, belly dancers, flamenco dancing, and Greek and African musicians. There’s also a variety of food from across the globe including Asian, Thai, Caribbean, Italian and English food, and an Asian fashion show. Now in its sixth year, the event is on Saturday, October 22, from 10am to 4.15pm at the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch. It is organised by the Havering Cultural Events BME Forum with Havering Council. Cllr Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and Communities said: “Events such as this are fantastic opportunities to learn more about other cultures and establish good relations among all the different communities represented.” Entry is £1.50, £1 for pensioners, free for children under 16. Cultural Cuisine is £2 per portion. For details, call 432494. Havering’s annual cultural event brings together people from different backgrounds. www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 37 Listings Collier Row September 12 & 21, 6-8pm both nights Make-up class with Havering Beauty Academy. Bring your own foundation. £18 for members for each class. If you would like your event featured for free in Living in Havering, email living@havering. gov.uk or write to us (address on page 2). September 19 & October 12, 6-8pm both nights Soy massage candles workshop. £20 for each class The next issue is out on December 5. Copy deadline is November 1. Due to limited space, not all submissions can be used. September 28, 6-8pm Shea body butter and bath salts class. £18 members. All phone numbers are 01708 unless otherwise stated. You can also put your item in the Council’s calendar of events on Havering’s website www.havering.gov.uk Library Romford September 14 & September 27, 6-8pm Skincare beauty workshop with Havering Beauty. £18 for members for each class. September 15 & September 19, 6-8pm Make-up class with Havering Beauty Academy. Bring your own foundation. £18 for members for each class. September 20, 2-3pm Young at Heart meeting. Simon Donoghue gives presentation of Victorian and Edwardian Romford. For adults. Free. September 21 & September 29, 6.30-8pm Soy massage candles workshop, to help treat dry skin conditions or help you relax. £20 for each class. September 22, 6-8pm Make colourful cupcakes with Tracy. £25-22 September 24, 10am-3pm Craft Fayre with cakes, glass painting, free Hobbycraft taster workshops, jewellery and accessories, homemade crafts, food, baby gifts and more. Free entry. September 24 Library Forum. How to improve library services. Free to attend. September 26, 6.30-8pm Shea body butter and bath salts class. £18 members. September 27, 2-3pm Talk by Nigel Oxley on historic houses and gardens of Havering. Free. October 5, 6-8pm Skincare beauty workshop with Havering Beauty. £18 for members for each class. October 19 Talk on Havering Museum. October 25, 7pm Ghost and Paranormal Activity Investigation Talk with Ellen Own. £3 each November 16 Talk on the Post Office. Gidea Park Until September 17. Harvest Festival Celebration. Donations needed of tinned food for the Salvation Army. On September 17 there is a children’s craft event at 2.15pm. £3, all ages welcome. September 20, 5.45-7.45pm Chocolate cupcake decorating. £22, £25 non-members. October 25 for all ages, to celebrate National Poetry Day (on Oct 6). Child-friendly session 4-5pm, adults welcome. Adult Slam 5-7pm. South Hornchurch September 30, 11.30am-12.30pm Young at Heart meeting, talk by Lorraine Wood on Trading Standards. For ages 55 and over. Harold Wood September 23, 11am Secrets of the Palace Kitchen Kew Gardens Workshop. Explore recipes and cooking ingredients of the Georgian period. £2 or £2.50 non-members, booking essential. November 17, 7pm Wartime Havering event.. Hear the stories of residents during WW1 and WW2. Find out about the impact of bombing on the borough. With refreshments. £3.50 or £4 non-library members. Book in advance at any local library. Elm Park October 5, 2pm Murders of the East End Talk by author Ian Porter on famous local murders (excluding Jack the Ripper). £3 members or £3.50 non-members. Harold Hill September 13, 11am-1.30pm Kew Gardens workshop based on the life of Victorian traveller and botanical artist Marianne North. £2, £2.50 non-members. Booking essential. September 27 & October 25, 11am-12noon Young at Heart Club talks, 50p for refreshments. ARDLEIGH HOUSE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 42 Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch (shared entrance with Havering College) Ardleigh House Community Association was founded in 1947, and it is a registered charity run by an elected committee under a constitution. New members are always welcome to our association, as a student in one of our classes or a member of one of the clubs based here. The canteen is open from 9am to 3pm weekdays serving hot & cold drinks & snacks. The office is open weekdays 9am to 3pm & 6.30pm to 8.30pm weekdays to answer any queries you may have about classes or the association. Our ‘pleasure for leisure’ classes are all tutor lead, without exam pressure, and are reasonably priced, so come along and meet new friends and have fun. Science Museum visiting. Interactive story time at 10am (£3, for ages two to six). Bubble Show at 11.15am and 1pm (£3, all ages). Hot Air Balloon Workshop at 2.30pm (£4, ages six to 11). Craft Classes Decoupage, glass engraving, card making, pergama, jewellery making and lots more. Upminster Library Spanish All levels catered for from absolute beginner up to advanced conversation. Small friendly classes. September 28, 6-8pm Celebration Cupcakes. Fun for all abilities. £22. Booking essential. Hornchurch Crochet – Knitting Brush up on a forgotten skill or learn from scratch, small friendly class – all welcome. Computers Absolute beginners, Level 2 & intermediate. Desk Top Publishing, re-fresher courses, internet, email and digital photography, Computer Club, very relaxed friendly classes. Pottery Craft Clay by hand or on the wheel, Beginners and advanced, all welcome. Keep Fit Exercise gently to music, includes use of balls, hoops, ropes & ribbons. All ages & abilities. Come & get fit in a fun and friendly environment. Creative Writing Want to get your work published? You can, with help from within a friendly and supportive group. French Beginners for those with no knowledge, intermediate to increase confidence. Art Mixed media classes covering drawing, sketching, water colours, oils & pastels, Drawing Classes – Beginners welcome. Social Activities Ardleigh House offers various social events during the year, such as quiz nights, day trips, fetes etc, please check notice boards, look out for posters and flyers promoting upcoming events. September 22, 2-3.30pm A Year of Living Gratefully. Poetry, song and stories on theme of gratitude. Free. Yoga Course of classic postures, combines stretching with breath awareness and relaxation. Yoga can help you to get fit, regulate weight, be more supple and relieve stress of everyday life. October 5, 4-7pm Havering Poets Poetry Slam Two halls for hire for private functions/parties & classrooms available for hire to clubs/groups or for one off meetings. For more information, a prospectus or to book a course, please contact the office where one of our friendly staff will be available to answer any queries on 01708 440660 or check out our website www.ardleighhouse.org Weekly Social Afternoon Wednesday 1.30pm to 3pm. £2 admission on door. Listings 38 | AUTUMN 2011 | living IN HAVERING CONTACT NUMBERS Collier Row 434936 Elm Park 434919 Gidea Park 434978 Harold Wood 434975 Harold Hill 434973 Hornchurch 434903 Rainham 434970 Dr Jekyll’s experiments with a powerful potion transform him into Mr Hyde, unleashing murderous havoc in Victorian London’s murky underworld. This adaptation is by Chris Bond, whose Sweeney Todd thrilled audiences at the Queen’s in 2009. Call the box office on 443333 or visit www. queens-theatre.co.uk Romford 432387/89 South Hornchurch 434921 September 30, 10am-12.30pm World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Join fundraisers at Elm Park Baptist Church in Rosewood Avenue, Elm Park, for tea, coffee, homemade cakes and chat to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Upminster 434933 Or visit www.havering. gov.uk/libraries for more events Theatre & Music Until September 17 The Young Ones Based on Cliff Richard’s feel-good movie, it includes hits The Young Ones and Living Doll. Call Queen’s Theatre box office on 443333 or visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk September 15-17, 8pm Dish of the Day Comedy performed by All Saints Players, at All Saints Church Hall, Ardleigh Green Road (next to Havering College). Tickets £4. Tel 343275. September 30-October 15 Up ‘n’ Under John Godber’s smash hit comedy focuses on a pub rugby team who never win a match. Call Queen’s Theatre box office on 443333 or visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk October 2, 7.30pm An Evening with Christopher Biggins The larger than life actor and TV presenter kicks off his national one man show tour with an appearance at the Queen’s Theatre. The I’m a Celebrity winner will be giving an insight into his showbiz lifestyle, with hilarious tales about his celebrity friends and antics. Tickets £18, call box office on 443333 or email www. queens-theatre.co.uk October 28-November 19 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Don’t miss this world premiere of a new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic horror tale at the Queen’s Theatre. September 17, 7pm for 7.30pm A Quiz Night for Kenya To be held at North Street Hall, Hornchurch. Tables of 8-10 people. £6 per person. If you can’t make up a full table, you can join up with other couples/singles. Details from Terry Keens on 473408 or the Parish Office on 441571. October TBA Langton’s Winter Concert Details to be announced soon, check our website for updates. November 19, 7.30pm Classical music concert Havering Concert Orchestra will be playing Wagner’s Prelude & Liebestod (Tristan und Isolde), Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C (Matthew Strover), and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 at Frances Bardsley School, Brentwood Road, Romford. Tickets £10 on the door, £8 in advance from the orchestra, or by calling 0208 220 5147. Special Events September 16-October 16 East London Book Festival Havering Council is teaming up with six other east London boroughs for this annual event. Look out for special guest authors. Check our website for up-to-date details. Until September 17 British coins through the ages Special exhibition at Havering Museum in Romford, by the Havering Numismatic Society, explores how early coins were made, with examples on display. Access to this exhibition is included in the standard admission charge. Call 08452 707 737 or visit www.haveringmuseum. org.uk October 9, November 13, December 11 Upminster Farmer’s Market Upminster holds a Farmers Market in Station Road on the second Sunday of every month, from 11am to 3pm. Visitors can take home fresh seasonal high quality local produce. October 15, 11am-1pm Autumn Fayre Held by the 8th Squirrels Heath Scout Group at Kingsland Hall, Station Road, Harold Wood. Assorted stalls, raffles and Christmas gifts. Admission 35p (children go free). October 20, 10.30am-noon Guide Dogs for the Blind coffee morning Havering branch of charity meets at The Lodge, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster. Entry 50p. Buy Christmas cards, cakes, raffle tickets and more. October 22, time TBA Queen’s Theatre Charity Gala Dinner Dance Four course gourmet meal and musical entertainment from members of cut to the chase, the Queen’s professional ensemble of actor musicians. Held at the De Rougemont Manor, Great Warley Street, Brentwood. All proceeds go to the Queen’s Development Fund. Tickets £500 for a table of 10 or £55 per person. To book, call the box office on 443333 or visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk October 24-November 5 Cranham Art Society Annual Exhibition Paintings on show and for sale at Hornchurch Library (normal hours). Tel 454108. October 22, 7.30pm Quiz Night Held at Elm Park Assembly Hall, Eyhurst Avenue, Elm Park. Teams of eight max, £3 per person. Tel 703631. November 12, 11am-2pm Late Risers Table Top Sale Held at North Street Hall, North Street, Hornchurch, and organised by the Friends of St Andrews, Hornchurch. Refreshments available. Cost of tables £7, own rail £2. For bookings call Wendy on 250724. November 12, 7.30pm Autumn Concert Experience Beethoven’s Mass in C & Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, and the Havering Singers with soloists and orchestra, at St Peter’s Church, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood. Tickets £11 at the door or £10 in advance, call 341265 or visit www. haveringsingers.org.uk Activities From September 13 Line-dancing Held at Hornchurch Community Centre, Nelson Road, Rainham. 1-2pm beginners (new people welcome). 2-3pm - Improver and Intermediate. Tel 01277 657387. September 17 & 18 From October 5, 7-8pm Line-dancing New beginners class held in Inskip Drive, Hornchurch. For venue and details call 01277 657387. October 1 & 2 Open days at Upminster Windmill The Mill Field, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster. Opening times 2-5pm. Friends of Upminster Windmill will give free guided tours of the 200-year-old structure (September viewings are part of London Open House weekend). Wear sensible clothes and shoes. Children www.havering.gov.uk/living | AUTUMN 2011 | 39 under five must stay on ground floor, children five to 16 must be accompanied by adult. No dogs except guide dogs. For details visit www. upminsterwindmill.co.uk Various days Swimming lessons for children or adults Courses for beginners, improving and advanced swimmers, run by Havering Aquatic Swim Team at The Campion School, Hornchurch, and St Edwards School, Romford. Tel 477951. Saturdays, daytime Ballet, tap and modern dancing Fun classes for children aged four and above in South Hornchurch. For details, call Magda on 07765 836796. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays Pilates Friendly, fully qualified teacher. All levels, beginners welcome. Sessions held at venues in Hornchurch, Gidea Park and Romford. Call 476072 or email virginia. mgb@btinternet.com Saturdays Nordic Walking in Havering Courses and classes available on a group or one-to-one basis. Call Sue Gill for details or to book a taster session, on 0794 1233180. Wednesdays, 1.30-3.30pm Havering Depression & Anxiety Support Group Meets on second and fourth Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Call Patricia on 07919 846098 for details. Groups & Societies Mondays Tai Chi Classes at Holy Cross Church Hall, Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, from 11.30am-12.30pm, and St Michaels Church, Main Road, Gidea Park, from 1-2pm. Call 0208 593 9284 or email shenchilinguiwhushu@ yahoo.co.uk Third Thursday of every month, 7.30-9.30pm Romford Brain Injury Support Group Meet at Rush Green Community Association & Social Club, in Rush Green Road, Romford. Open to anyone affected by an acquired brain injury. Group offers emotional support, advice regarding benefits, care packages, help with housing, rehabilitation and referral to other services, and organises social events. Tel Amy Neeb on 020 7749 7790 or 07940 058 513 or email amy.neeb@headway eastlondon.org Mondays Evening Yoga class New class starts September 12 at Trinity Methodist Church, Romford. Qualified teacher. Call Freda on 0208 508 1454 or email freda_ staines@hotmail.com Fridays, 7-8.15pm Pregnancy Yoga Relaxation, breathing techniques and yoga to help you through pregnancy, birth and beyond, at The Yoga Workshop,Victoria Road. Romford. Call 07939 055017. Health & Wellbeing Mondays, 7.45-10pm Hornchurch Photographic Society Meets every Monday except bank holidays at Ardleigh House, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch. Everyone welcome. Beginners and experienced competitions, shows, walks, etc. Call 472301 or email hps@ hornchurchphoto.co.uk October 1, 2pm November 5, 2pm December 3, 2pm Havering Branch of the East Of London Family History Society Meets on the first Saturday of every month at Trinity Church, Gaynes Road, Upminster. October’s meeting is “City Livery Companies” with John Neal. In November, the Branch Elections are followed by “Copshow”with Frederick Feather. And at December’s meeting, the talk is “Seeing it through their eyes in Song” (Be prepared to have fun), with Michael Gandy. The Computer Group meets the same days at 11am-1pm. Members and visitors welcome. Admission is free. Havering Bake-Off event hosts TV judges Are you a budding baker? Do you think you have the best family recipe? If so then why not join in the Havering Bake-Off event on September 23, which is part of Homemade in Havering Month. There are five categories - Best Fruit Cake, Best Victoria Sponge, Best Small Cake or Cupcake, Best Other Category and Best Junior Cake Category (16s and under). Cost is £1.50 per entry. All cakes must be submitted by September 22. Contact your local library for details and an application form. Terms and conditions apply. The event is being filmed for the Good Food TV channel. Judges include Edd Kimber, winner of BBC 2’s Great British Bake Off 2010; Georgia Bradford, winner of Junior MasterChef 2010; and confectioner Christine Taylor of Choccywoccydoodah Brighton (pictured above) and star of BBC’s Good Food Show. Judging takes place at 7pm on September 23 at Romford Library. Tickets £5 members, £6.50 non-members and £2.50 children.
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