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.