Happy Hounds

Havering's dogs become champions

​Mayor of Havering, Councillor Linda Trew and her consort, Graham Trew, with James Clanahan and Lyndsey Taylor and their dog Ruby

​Hundreds of dogs battled it out at Central Park last weekend for titles such as most handsome male, prettiest female, cutest puppy and waggiest tale.

​The Happy Hounds Show, in its fourth year, took place last Sunday. James Clanahan and Lyndsey Taylor with their dog, Ruby, were judged ‘Best in Show’ after the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Trew, and her consort, Graham Trew, met each of the class winners and their owners.

As well as the competition, there was a dog agility show, a variety of dog related stalls and demonstrations. Those who are cat lovers were also treated to some cat-themed stalls and owners had the opportunity to get their dogs micro-chipped and pick up a neutering voucher from the Dogs Trust.

The event also hosted the popular ‘flyball’ demonstration.

 

Councillor Osman Dervish, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:

“The show was a huge success and I am glad that we have so many dog-owners in the borough who attended the event.

 

“I would like to thank all responsible dog owners who took advantage of the micro-chipping, an excellent scheme which keeps dogs safe, and neutering voucher from the Dogs Trust.”

 

For more information and a list of the winners go to the Happy Hounds web page.

Havering gets extra funding to fix potholes

​Havering Council has been given an extra £404,000 for pothole repairs as a result of additional government funding.

​The move comes after the government set aside £168 million to help fix pot holes in the country’s local and major roads.

Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

 

“Potholes are a national problem, and fixing them isn’t cheap, especially for us as we have one of the largest road networks in London, so we’re really very grateful for any additional funding.”

 

London boroughs were given a total for £10 million, of which, Havering Council received the fourth largest amount.

 

Havering Council is responsible for maintaining 351 miles of highways and 2031 potholes were repaired in the last financial year.

 

Last year, the Council spent in the region of £1.6 million maintaining the boroughs roads and footways, which includes, but is not limited to, repairing potholes - that’s the equivalent cost of around 160 Ford Fiestas’, or 1.2 million litres of petrol (at £1.30 a litre).

 

Earlier this year, the government set aside £140 million to meet the costs of repairs following the severe winter floods, of which, Havering received £266,000.

Volunteer Spotlight at Romford Library

Volunteer Spotlight This month we would like to introduce Bharti Parmer, who has been volunteering at Romford Library for a number of years. Bharti has helped many children to improve their reading skills during that time, but recently she has been providing extra help for adults to improve their reading skills too. This might be to improve job prospects, or to read for pleasure.  We would like to thank Bharti for all the time she gives, the patience she shows, and the help she is giving our customers. If you know of anyone who would like some extra coaching with their reading skills, or if you are also interested in helping adult readers,  please ring Romford Library on 01708 432389

Summer Reading Challenge

This year's Summer Reading Challenge is the Mythical Maze.  Children taking part are challenged to read 6 books during the holidays.  Each time your child finishes a book, they visit the library to tell us about it.  For each book finished they will receive a sticker to go on their special collectors poster.  Some of the stickers are even scratch n sniff!  When all 6 books have been completed your child will be awarded a certificate and medal at school.  Although the Challenge is aimed mainly at primary age, those older or younger are welcome to join in.  They will be awarded their certificates and medals in the library, along with children participating from schools outside of Havering

Summer Events.  In addition to the Summer Reading Challenge, we also have a host of other activities lined up for your children.  These include the fabulous Mr Custard and Mr Ballooney who will be visiting all our libraries with their shows.  Mr Custard will be doing either magic and games or circus shows, whilst Mr Ballooney will be bringing his puppet shows along.  We also have Snakes Alive visiting some of our libraries - they will be bringing lizards, snakes and other creatures to the library.  Your child will have the chance to learn about each of the animals and then will be given the opportunity to get hands on!  To book any of these events just pop into any Havering Library.  All events cost £5 per child (£6.50 non-members).

From Zeppelins to Spitfires

Friends of Ingrebourne Valley and Hornchurch Country Park

 

 

The Friends group are organising a history talk on Sunday 29th June at Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch Country Park. This talk from local historian and author Richard Smith will cover the role the Hornchurch Airfield played during the WWI and WWII and is entitled 'From Zeppelins to Spitfires'. We will there from 1pm when you will have the chance to look at Richards objects and bits in his special trailer and the talk will start at 2pm.

Armed Forces Day Parade

Show your support for Havering's Armed Forces community

There will be a parade of veterans and cadets starting at 10.30am on Arcade Place. The parade will travel along South Street before going through the Market. Come along and show your support.

Date

Saturday 28 June 2014

Time

10:30 until 11:00

Location

South Street and Market Place, Romford

Admission

Free

Website

Armed Forces Day web page

Email

events@havering.gov.uk

Hornchurch in Harmony

​Hornchurch will be alive with the sound of music next month as musicians and singers take to the High Street to perform.

Following last year’s success, the free event ‘Hornchurch in Harmony’, will take place on Saturday 12 July from 12to 3pm. The town centre will be filled with the vibrant sounds of jazz, classical and pop music.

 

On the day there will be live musical acts including jazz artists and blues and Celtic music around the town and in several shops.

 

The Queen’s Theatre Community Choir will perform songs from the upcoming community musical at the Fatling and Firkin pub in the afternoon. Face-painters will also make their way around the town.

 

Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

 

“This second event has been planned on the back of a really successful event last year. Visitors can expect some great entertainment and a lively atmosphere while still being able to get on with their business in the town centre.”

 

This event is part of the Hornchurch Festival of Arts and Heritage. For more information visit the arts, culture and tourism web page.

Out of Africa and into Romford Market

Romford Market will give visitors a taste of Africa on Saturday 21 June.

​The African Showcase Market will be a fun day out for all the family and give visitors a chance to sample some African delights.

 

The market promises cultural representations from four African countries, displaying the best of African artefacts, jewellery, books, music, food and more.

There will be exotic displays and a number of workshops where people can learn how to play African drums, or how to tie traditional head ties.

Councillor Roger Ramsey, Leader of the Council, said:

“This is the first time we’ve ever had an African Showcase Market in the borough and I’m looking forward to it. It’s always nice to learn a little more about other cultures and enjoy what they bring to the community, and I hope lots of people will come and get involved.”

Ola Mustapha, Founder of African Showcase Market, said:

“We’re delighted that Havering Council is supporting this event which was inaugurated in Brent in 2003 and look forward to sharing the fun with more of the public.”

Hornchurch Festival of Arts and Heritage

Hornchurch Festival of Arts & Heritage 

Hornchurch’s popular Festival of Arts & Heritage returns this June with a host of music, theatre and dance performances for all to enjoy.​

The month-long programme of cultural events has been organised by Havering Council and is guaranteed to provide something for everyone. It incorporates the traditional Summer Concert at Langtons on Sunday 15 June featuring the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra and Hornchurch in Harmony , which will fill the town centre with live music in July.

 

There’s also drama with Ilyria Theatre Company’s open air performance of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the beautiful surroundings of Fairkytes Garden.

 

Havering Mela brings an Asian flavour to the Queen’s Theatre green on Sunday 22 June with music, dance, food and crafts, while Fairkytes Arts Centre Open Day offers the chance to meet a host of local artists, art groups, performers and societies.

 

The events in the Festival include:

• Fairkytes Open Day

Saturday 14 June, featuring taster sessions in arts, music, dance and crafts. Plus the launch of the centre’s new prospectus. Admission free.

 

• Langtons Summer Concert with the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra

Sunday 15 June in the grounds of Langtons House. Admission free, bring your own picnic and chairs.

 

• Havering Mela

Sunday 22 June, 11am-5pm. Music, dancing, children’s rides, food and fun on the Queen’s Theatre green. Run by the Asian Women’s Association of Havering. Free entry.

 

• Yarnboming the Libraries

Throughout June, Havering Libraries will be ‘yarnbombed’ by members of the ‘In Stitches’ groups. Workshops between 1 and 14 June will encourage people to take up knitting and crocheting.

 

• William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Thursday 10 July, performed by the Ilyria Theatre Company in Fairkytes Garden.

 

• Hornchurch in Harmony

Saturday 12 July from 12noon to 3pm. Top quality jazz, classical, pop and world music, live in venues throughout the High Street. Free.

 

• H’art Festival

Throughout June. A selection of borough-wide arts events organised by the Church of the Good Shepherd, Collier Row.

 

• Commission4Mission Art Exhibition

Monday 2 to Friday 13 June. Contemporary art for sacred spaces at Hornchurch Library. 

 

• Recital of Sacred and Secular Part Songs

Sunday 8 June at St Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch (following Evensong at 6.30pm). Folk songs, spirituals and motets performed by the combined choirs of St Andrew’s Church and St Edward the Confessor, Romford. Admission by programme, £10 (including refreshments)

 

• An Evening of Classical Music

Saturday 14 June. Mozart, Schubert, Chopin and Bach’s concerto for two violins at Trinity Methoidst Church, Romford. Admission free (donations invited)

 

• The Andrew Linham Jazz Orchestra

Saturday 14 June from 7.30-10pm. Live jazz at St Luke’s, Cranham. Also features an art and photography exhibition featuring local talent. £5 on the door.

 

• Helen Yousaf in Concert (H’art Closing Celebration)

Sunday 15 June, 6.30-8.30pm. Free music at St Luke’s, Cranham with a closing reflection by the Bishop of Chelmsford.

 

• Godspell at Queen’s Theatre

Until 7 June. A new production of the smash hit musical.

 

• Pete Corrigan and the Band of Hope

First Sunday of every month, 12.45-2.45pm at Queen’s Theatre. Lunchtime Dixieland jazz featuring celebrity guests.

 

• Story Play

Storytelling workshops for kids at Queen’s Theatre. Sunday 7 June: The Tiger That Came to Tea. Saturday 28 June: The Cat in the Hat. Both 10am, tickets £5.

 

• D’Ukes Fest 2014

Saturday 26 July from 12noon to 5pm. All-day ukulele extravaganza with great performances, opportunities to learn and a massive Ukulele Jam at 5pm. Admission free.

Happy hounds Show

Every dog has its day! Havering Happy Hounds Show returns this month

​The borough’s dog owners will be pleased to know that the Havering Happy Hounds Show will be back next weekend (22 June).

The fourth Havering Happy Hounds Show will be held at Central Park, Harold Hill, on Sunday 22 June from 12noon until 4.30pm. 

 

Owners will need to get their pooches preened for the dog show competition, which includes Most Handsome Male, Prettiest Female, Cutest Puppy and more.

 

The free, fun-filled day also includes a dog agility show, has a variety of dog related stalls and demonstrations as well as the competition. Categories this year are:

 

• Most handsome male
• Prettiest female
• Best puppy (under 1 year)
• Best child handler
• Best rescue - male
• Best rescue - female
• Waggiest tail
• Best veteran
• Dog most like it's handler
• Best Heinz 57
• Best in show

 

Entry into each competition category is £1.50 per dog and registration opens from 11.30am on the day.

 

There will be animal rescue stalls and the Dogs Trust will be offering a free micro-chipping service and neutering vouchers. Local businesses will also be on-hand to offer dog-related advice and visitors will be able to pick up free dog poo bags.

 

For more information visit the happy hounds web page.

Havering Carer's Week

Week of events and activities for Havering's selfless army of carers

          

Intro Text

​Havering is marking National Carers’ Week with a packed week of activities for those who selflessly give up their own time to look after others.

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​From Monday (June 9), there’ll be a range of events taking place across the borough, organised by the Council and a number of other partners including the North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

 

The main event of the week is on Wednesday (11 June) when the YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford, will host The Big Event of Activities for Carers.

 

Taking place from 11am to 3pm, activities include line-dancing, music from singer Peter King, exercise classes, free nail treatments, eyebrow shaping, cooking and love food hate waste demonstrations, yoga and relaxation classes.

 

The event is aimed at carers, and they are welcome to bring along family and friends.

 

The Alzheimer’s Society will have an information stand at Upminster Library from, 1pm to 4pm on Monday (9 June). There’s also a carer’s lunch at the Queen’s Theatre at 11.30am, held by Havering Association of people with Disabilities (HAD), and a further information stand from Age Concern Havering at Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

 

Also on Monday there will be free sessions allowing carers to meet other carers, with refreshments, at Daybreak, 24 North Street, Hornchurch between 12 to 2pm, and a garden party at the Victoria Centre in Petits Lane, Romford, rounds off the first day of events, from 3.30 to 6pm.

 

Other events throughout the week are as follows:

 

Tuesday 10 June

 

• Havering MIND coffee morning – 10am to 2pm at Queen’s Theatre
• Age Concern information stand at Mercury Mall, Romford

 

Wednesday 11 June

 

• Romford Autistic Group Support (RAGS) continental breakfast – 10am to 12pm, Taunton Hall, Taunton Road, Harold Hill
• Havering MIND carer’s garden tea party – 2 to 3.30pm at Harrow Lodge House, Hornchurch

 

Thursday 12 June

 

• Age Concern Make a Noise@ Libraries Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) information stand – 10am to 3pm at Rainham Library
• Age Concern information stand – 2 to 3pm, Harold Hill Library
• HASWA (Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association) pampering afternoon with lunch – 12 to 3pm, Greenfields, Kilmartin Way, Elm Park

110 years of Raphael Park

Celebrating 110 years of Raphael Park

​Mayor, Eric Munday, plants a ceremonial tree to mark the occasion

Below: Children from Gidea Park Primary enjoy Punch & Judy; Nick Butterworth signs one of his books for a resident; Residents enjoy the Tea Dance

The £1.87 million restoration work on Raphael Park was completed just in time for the 110th anniversary of the much-loved park.

It was first opened on 2 June 1904 by Sir Herbert Raphael MP, who gave the park to the district of Romford – and exactly 110 years to the day, members of the public came together to mark the occasion, together with the completion of the restoration.

 

The celebrations saw the well-known children’s author of the Percy the Park Keeper books, Nick Butterworth, speak to local schoolchildren about how his stories were inspired by his visits to Raphael Park. Punch & Judy were also in town to delight the children and many others enjoyed a traditional tea dance in the afternoon.

 

The Mayor of Havering, Eric Munday, planted a ceremonial tree, and a plaque was unveiled near to the main entrance of the park to commemorate the day.

 

In March 2013, the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £1.87 million to improve the park facilities. This grant, along with Council funding, a generous grant from the Veolia North Thames Trust and funding secured by the Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm parks, has paid for the restoration works to the park.  

Simon Parkinson, Head of Culture and Leisure for Havering Council, said:

 

“Raphael Park really does look wonderful since the restoration, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Veolia North Thames Trust - and what a momentous time for this to fall, on such a significant anniversary. There’s something for everyone, no matter age or ability, and I hope that residents make the most of all it has to offer.

 

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project, from the elected members who have supported it throughout the years it has taken to get to this point, and the friends group, who have worked very hard alongside our staff.”

 

The funding secured was used towards improving and restoring the entrance gates, the banks of the lake, the planted areas, railings, benches and walkways; as well as paying for new signs and a refreshment kiosk, with toilets, adjacent to the children’s play area.

 

One of the major changes near to the entrance on Main Road has been the construction of a new restaurant/café, with a terrace overlooking the lake, which is due to open by autumn.

 

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said:

 

“We are delighted, through our Parks for People programme, to have been able to support the restoration of Romford’s first municipal park. It is much loved by local residents and we hope that even more people will now take the opportunity to enjoy its improved facilities and historic features, especially as summer approaches.”

 

Happy Hounds

HAVERING HAPPY HOUNDS DOG SHOW

 

The Public Protection Department will be holding the above event at Central Park, Harold Hill on the afternoon of Sunday, 22nd June 2014 from 12 noon. We are promotingresponsible dog ownership, the health benefits from owning an animal and the enjoyment of the green spaces in the Borough. The aim is to reduce the number of stray dogs picked up in Havering, reduce the number of dogs that cannot be returned to their owners, reduce the amount of dog fouling by education of dog owners and to reduce the number of noise complaints relating to barking dogs. Other Council Services will also be available to answer questions on the day.

 

The main event in the Arena is the Dog Show competition It is £1.50 per entry andcategories include the waggiest tail, most handsomest male, prettiest female and many more.. The ‘Staffordshire Bull Terrierists’ Dog Display Team will be providing a performance of agility and skill and various other animal related charity and trade stalls will be on site as will the Dogs Trust who will be providing free micro-chipping forresidents of Havering.

 

Please come along and enjoy the day with us!  If you need any further details or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 01708 432941.

Havering Museum

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REMINISENCE AT HAVERING MUSEUM

Admission £3 includes entry to the museum and refreshments. Sessions take place Fridays 1.30-3.30 pm. Bring your photographs and memories to share or just come to listen to others. All are welcome at these friendly sessions 6th June – Smuggler, Pirates and Highwaymen.  13th June – Royal Oddities and Celebrations.  20th June – Spies. Havering Museum, 19-21 High Street, Romford RM1 1JU. For more info call01708 766571.

Havering Inter Faith Forum

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HAVERING INTER FAITH FORUM

The Havering Inter Faith Forum is comprised of members of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Judaism and Sikh faiths and exists to promote cohesion and religious harmony for the benefit of the whole community. It works towards for the advancement of public education and understanding of different religious faiths and beliefs and towards enhancing communication between faith communities and other agencies. Find out more about the forum and its activities www.haveringinterfaith.org.uk

 

Romford Summer Theatre

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ROMFORD SUMMER THEATRE

Perform Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare at The Rockery, Raphael Park, Main Road, Romford RM2 5EB. 19th-22ndand 26th-28th June.  Tickets priced at £10 (£8 concessions)

contact the box office www.romfordsummertheatre.com

Dementia Friends

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DEMENTIA FRIENDS

Public Health England and Alzheimer’s Society have come together to inspire the Dementia Friends campaign which is encouraging individuals and businesses to become a Dementia Friend by watching a short video online or attend a face-to-face Information Session to increase their understanding and use this to help people with dementia in their communities.  The campaign aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.  For information on how to become a Dementia Friendwww.dementiafriends.org.uk

Credit Cards warning

Police and Council ask Residents to Take Care with Credit Cards

Thursday 29 May 2014

​Havering residents are being asked to take care when withdrawing cash from machines across the borough.

​A recent scam has seen customers being distracted by other people when taking out money, usually by dropped paper or leaflets around the card machine. The card is then taken and used to either withdraw cash or used in shops.

Although crime is very low in Havering and these cases are rare, the police and the council have urged residents to take extra caution when withdrawing money.

Any card stolen should be reported to the police and any fraudulent activity that may be used on the card to Actionfraud on 0300 123 2040.

Borough Commander, Jason Gwillam said:

“We are very fortunate in Havering that we live in and enjoy a very safe borough. However, we want to let these few criminals know that we will not tolerate this crime that can be deeply upsetting for victims.

If you are withdrawing cash please cover your pin number and just be aware of anyone around you. If you see any suspicious activity please give us a call on 101 and we can take care of it.”