Havering Parks

HAVERING PARKS

We are proud to report that Havering Council has maintained its status as having some of the best parks in the country after eight of them were awarded the prestigious Green Flag status for 2013/14.

 

The Green Flag Award is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the United Kingdom. The scheme was set up in 1996 to recognise and reward green spaces in England and Wales that met the laid down high standards.

 

The award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

 

A panel of judges visited the parks and checked that they met the criteria of being welcoming, safe and secure, clean and well maintained, sustainable, that they support conservation and heritage, and encourage community involvement.

 

Parks and open spaces are one of the most frequently used public services in the borough, with more than 50 per cent of people visiting a park at least once a week and many using green spaces as an integral part of daily life. This is why the Council has maintained the high standards of its parks - as they are so highly valued by residents. The Council has secured the Green Flag awards for the following parks:

• Bedfords Park, Havering-atte-Bower

• Cottons Park, Romford

• Harold Wood Park, Harold Wood

• Hylands Park, Hornchurch

• Lawns Park, Collier Row

 

My Health London

MY HEALTH LONDON                                                                                         The National Health Service has recently launched a new website www.myhealth.london.nhs.uk where you will find information about your GP in your local area. Log on to the site and see how your practice is doing or give feedback on the services you receive. You can also get involved in surveys aimed at service improvement or look for information on the open hours of GP surgeries including those that are open on Saturdays.

Memory Matters

Memory Matters Roadshow

Age Concern Havering’s Dementia Advisory Service is holding a

Memory Matters Roadshow at Upminster Library, Corbets Tey Road Upminster on October 8 from 10am–2pm.

Havering carer representatives, dementia advisors, dementia support nurses from Queen’s Hospital, and people from The Alzheimer’s Society and Crossroads will be on hand to give advice.

For details, call 797700.

 

Takeaway litter

Shops across the borough invited to join the crackdown on takeaway litter

​Last month, Havering Council launched the next stage of the Cleaner Havering campaign to tackle takeaway litter, starting in Elm Park. And this month, the campaign will be rolling out across the borough.

The campaign encourages takeaways, snack shops and supermarkets to sign a pledge, which commits them to encourage customers to bin their rubbish and to undertake regular clean-ups of litter outside their shop.

The shops will also display the Council’s campaign posters and put special campaign stickers on their food packaging.

Letters have been sent to hundreds of Havering shops encouraging them to take the anti-litter pledge. Recently, a number of McDonalds stores in the borough signed up to the campaign too.

Local businesses that want to also take the anti-litter pledge should visit www.havering.gov.uk/takeaway

 

Blooming Awards

Nine Blooming Awards for Havering

The Council scooped nine top awards at this year’s London in Bloom competition, including three gold. And the winners are: The London in Bloom Borough of the Year Award 2013 – Silver Gilt Award in City Group B category; Business Improvement District, The London Riverside BID, Havering – Silver Gilt award; Country Park of the Year, Hornchurch Country Park – Gold Award;  Large Park of the Year, Bedfords Park – Gold Award; Park of the Year, Lodge Farm Park – Gold Award; Small Park of the Year, Langtons Gardens – Silver Gilt; Large Cemetery, Romford Cemetery – Bronze Award and South Essex Crematorium and Upminster Cemetery – Silver Award; The Best Horticultural Display on the Public Highway, 3^rd prize for Oldchurch Road roundabout.

Italian Market

Italian Market returns to Romford town centre

on Sunday 8^th Sept 2013.

 

Italia in Piazza is an innovative and authentic Italian Food Market comprising a number of mouth-watering stalls bringing you all the wonderful tastes you would expect to get in Italy, such as parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto, salame, olives, extra virgin olive oils and much more.

 

I have arranged for some Italian themed entertainment throughout the day to entertain shoppers as follows:

 

• Children will be able to have the opportunity to access Italian craft activities on the day,  designing venetian maks

 

• Italian themed street performers will entertain members of the public including the sing-along gondolier.

 

• Italian themed face painting.

 

• An Italian quiz for adults and children on the day courtesy of Havering Adult College. The winners will receive an Italian food hamper.

 

The Italian food market will be located along South Street and will run from 10am until 4pmand will hopefully add an extra dimension to the towns vibrancy and offer while increasing footfall within the town centre on a Sunday.

Yew Tree Resource Centre

YEW TREE RESOURCE CENTRE                                                         You are all invited to the Yew Tree Resource Centre in Romford on Wednesday 18th September. There will be a number of staff from Adults Social Care as well as other voluntary support groups to provide information on Arthritis Care, Parkinson’s support services, and a range of advice for people in need. Entry is free. The event starts from 10:00 till 3:00 pm. There will be light refreshments. Call 01708 434392 for further information.

Active living week and Silver Sunday

ACTIVE LIVING WEEK & SILVER SUNDAY                                                                      Havering Council and the Havering Over 50s Forum are organising the Active Living Week from September 30th to 6th October 2013. The week will see series of activitiesfor the older residents in Havering. Watch out for the final programme which willinclude a special awards ceremony. You can find additional information at:www.havering.gov.uk/silversunday

Immigration poll

Voters say immigration hurts UK

A poll of more than 20,000 people has found that only 17% of Britons believe immigration has benefited the country. In contrast, 60% of people thought immigration had brought more disadvantages than advantages to Britain. The study also found that 79% of people supported the message on the Home Office's "Go home or face arrest" advertising vans - although only 17% of people thought the policy would work.