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Issue 162SPRING 201 4

Living in Havering is published quarterly by the London Borough of Havering

Park Life! Havering’s Green Spaces

get an overhaul

Active Living How over 50s can

get involved p11

Election Special

All you need to know about this year’s big vote

p16

School’s InMeet

Romford’s newest primary

school head teacher

p20

Be part of a vibrant market successfully trading for nearly 800 years (1247-2014)

Regular family events and entertainment arranged throughout the year, attracts shoppers from far and wide

10 great reasons to trade at Romford Market

For further details please contact Mark Rogers on 01708 434113 [email protected]

Romford Market, Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER www.havering.gov.uk/romfordmarket Follow us on Twitter @LBofHavering

Great location, just 10 minutes from the M25 (junction 28), A12, A13 and A127

Managed and supported by Havering Council

Havering Visitor Centre and Museum are close by

Regular advertising including, newspapers, magazines, buses, train stations and poster sites

Located at the heart of four further shopping centres

Pitches from £17.80 per day (Wednesdays and Fridays), and £25.05 per day on Saturdays

Regular coach parties visiting

Ad hoc film coverage – The Apprentice (2012) and The Only Way is Essex (2013)

Thinking of starting a new business or expanding?

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4 Council Tax update News on the freeze of Havering’s Council Tax and further improvements to the borough

16 Elections special Behind the scenes with Havering’s returning officer plus need-to-know info on how to cast your vote

Park life Meet the talented young apprentice helping to transform the borough’s green spaces

Environment The latest way to report fly-tipping plus good news for one of the borough’s parks

The cost of producing and distributing Living in Havering is supported by advertising. To advertise, call 434343.

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 434343.

Living in Havering is published by Havering Council. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of Havering Council.

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: 431037 or email: [email protected]

To contact us or receive our monthly email update: tel: 434343 email: [email protected] 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 magazine do not carry the endorsement of Havering Council.

The public can attend Cabinet and Full Council meetings in the Town Hall, Romford.

The next Cabinet meetings are on: April 17; May 15; and June 19; all at 7.30pm.

And the next Council meetings are: this Wednesday, March 27; May 22; and June 12; all at 7.30pm.

Welcome to the Spring 2014 edition of Living in Havering.

This will be the final edition of the magazine before you get your opportunity to see democracy in action in the borough. The elections take place on May 22 and I would encourage you all to use your vote. On page 16 in our elections special you will find out everything you need to know about how to cast your vote.

We have had a great start to 2014 in Havering, with good news on employment figures in the borough thanks to our partnership with JobCentre

Plus, and a further drop in burglaries. You can find out more on the work being done by the police to maintain Havering’s status as one of London’s safest boroughs in our interview with Borough Commander Jason Gwillim on page 22.

School places are also high on our priority list in Havering and we are acutely aware of the demand. On page 20 you can meet the newest head teacher in Havering who will be taking the reins at Oasis Academy Romford when it opens September.

We are also very keen that all our residents come together to improve our recycling figures in Havering, and to help you do that we are launching a new rewards scheme designed to bring you a host of special benefits as a thanks for your efforts to make Havering as green as it can be.

On page 4 we also have good news about further investment over the next 12 months in improving our roads, pavements and open spaces.

Finally, I am sure you are all aware of the pressures on councils across the country to look for further savings. I’m very proud of the work we are doing with our friends at Newham Council to share back office services like payroll and paying bills between the two authorities as we strive to protect all of the public services we currently deliver. You can find out a whole lot more information on what this means for you on page 8.

Councillor Steven KellyLeader of Havering Council

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www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING 2014 | 03

Council Tax set to be frozen for another yearNo rise for fifth year in a row while spending on key public spaces and schools gets a boostHavering residents could see their Council Tax frozen for the fourth consecutive year - having seen a reduction in 2009/10 - while the borough forges ahead with a series of major public upgrade schemes.

The Havering element of Council Tax of a Band D property will remain at £1,195.18 if the proposal is approved at a full council meeting on February 26.

Additional, one-off funding of £500,000 has been allocated to improve roads and fix pot holes around the borough, while a further £500,000 will provide state-of-the-art 4G football pitches at the brand new Broxhill sports park in Harold Hill. An additional £300,000 has also been pledged to clear silt from the lake in Harrow Lodge Park.

Despite being one of lowest funded boroughs in London per population size and a £6m reduction in Havering’s overall revenue grant from the Government, the borough’s drive to increase school places and improve facilities for school children has been boosted by an extra £4.5m this year plus £14.6m the following

year, and an additional £15.3m in 2016/17 for school capital building. This will be used for planned expansions in some schools to meet growing demand for primary places.

Despite the latest freeze, the council has also been able to provide new facilities like libraries and pools by judicious use of council assets.

Councillor Roger Ramsey, Cabinet Member for Value, said: “This reflects the priorities of our residents, who have told us through the ‘Your Council, Your Say’ survey how much they value our parks, facilities for younger people and well maintained roads and pavements.

“To be able to freeze Council Tax

- indeed it is now lower than it was 2009/10 when it was cut by 0.5 per cent - despite large amounts of our government grant being cut again, demonstrates our success in finding more efficient ways of working and saving money from our back office.

“We have shown with the imminent merger of our back office services with Newham that for us politics can be put to one side to prioritise the delivery of our services for our residents. This budget does that and demonstrates once again our successful management to keep Council Tax stable in the borough.”

Turn to page 8 for more on our back office merger with Newham.

DID YOU KNOW?The new leisure centre planned for Romford Town Centre will be only the third facility in the world to house an ice rink above a swimming pool. It is intended that enabling works will start on site in Spring 2014. The centre will follow hot on the heels of the new facility in Streatham, opened in November 2013, which also has its ice rink stationed on the level above its pool.

Harrow Lodge Park lake will receive funds to undergo a major operation to remove silt from the water

04 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING News

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Harold Hill Library set for lift-offWork on the new, more spacious library in Harold Hill is set to start in the coming weeks

The new library will be in a better location for attracting shoppers from the Hilldene shopping centre and will have improved facilities, including an IT suite, adult education classrooms and those all-important 300 square metres of general library space.

Rainham Library ready to openThe new Rainham Library is well on its way to opening its doors in the spring.

The scheme is jointly funded by Havering Council and the Greater London Authority and is expected to cost a total of around £5million.

“I’ve walked around the whole building and seen it inside at all levels now, and I can honestly say, I think this is the most perfect building in the borough,” said Councillor Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and Communities.

£34.4m in extra funding for school capital buildingover the nextthree years

Double booked: Harold Hill Library (above) is set to get under way while Rainham Library (below) is almost ready to open


Trees will be planted in Romford this year as part of the Trees for Cities project. For more information visit www.treesforcities.org

Individuals banned from the night time economy have been identified by fingerprint recognition technology since 2010. The system is now used by five of the borough’s night clubs. This comparatively low level compared to other boroughs underlines Havering’s excellent nightlife safety record.

Reduction in burglary in Havering. For more on how the Council and Police are working to make Havering even safer, turn to page 22

6,3716,371hours worked by the dedicated team of volunteers in Havering’s libraries. The borough’s libraries have been shortlisted in the Community Involvement category for the 2014 Local Government Chronicle Awards, to be held at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on March 12. More than 300 regular volunteers of all ages and backgrounds give up their time to act as reading buddies, provide summer reading support, help with IT and more. Councillor Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and Communities, said “What a magnificent achievement to be shortlisted for this award. It really is testament to the wonderful work that our volunteers do.”

The drop in Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants in Havering between January and October last year. It follows an agreement between Havering and Jobcentre Plus to reduce the number of JSA claims by 10 per cent. Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment, Councillor Robert Benham, said: “We have put a number of schemes in place to encourage local business and recruit local people. Our agreement with Jobcentre Plus is working well but we know times are still tough. We will continue to work to promote local businesses and local employment to try and drive down this figure further.”

34%

For a three-year licence for scrap metal collectors under the new requirements of The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. The new rules will help weed out rogue scrap dealers and metal thieves in Havering.

12%

06 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING

Joined up thinking10 questions answered about how Havering is finding innovative ways to protect our front line services

Havering has come together with Newham Council to make huge savings on back-office operations thanks to our oneSource initiative, but that’s not all we have done. We are working hard at Havering to find further, innovative ways to make the savings we need while ensuring the services you have told us are crucial to you remain protected. Here are ten things you need to know about what we are doing to continue to save money and improve your borough in 2014.

Will this mean decisions about Havering front line services will be taken in Newham?

No. This is purely a sharing of some back office services. When the deal was announced, former Havering Council Leader Michael White said: “We are showing that political differences are no barrier to sensible councils making sensible decisions. We need to save many millions, but we also want to protect as many public services as we can – we need to think differently.”

Which services will be included?

We will be sharing human resources, payroll, ICT, finance, council tax, benefits, business rates, legal services, democratic services, procurement, project management, property services, health and safety and audit services.

Why have you decided to make this agreement with Newham particularly?

The most important thing was that we are like minded councils who both strive to become more efficient and find ways of working that will deliver the savings we need to make while ensuring the quality of services to our residents continues to improve. This will have no impact on Havering’s housing allocation.

Will services like street cleaning and schools be affected by the merger?

No. By reducing costs and making savings we can

protect those front line services residents say are important.

How much will this really save the council?The ground-breaking project, which will be called oneSource, will allow the two councils to share savings worth an estimated £40 million over the next five years after any staff redundancy costs, and help protect services to the public. We would expect senior management costs in these areas to be reduced by a third, a reduction of duplication of services and more efficient ways of working.

What changes will I notice?

You won’t see any changes to the council services you receive. We will continue to make improvements to Havering across the key areas that matter to you. Thanks to your feedback in our last residents’ survey we know we have been maintaining or improving standards of front line services such as

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Former Havering Council Leader Michael White and Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales shake hands on the oneSource deal


Try out Real NappiesWhy not try cloth nappies, a natural, environmentally friendly alternative to disposable nappies and save up to £500 over your baby’s nappy wearing life. For just £5, Havering parents are being o�ered a sample pack of Real Nappies and accessories worth £30 to see how easy and convenient these nappies really are.

Join the trendYou can now earn green points with Havering’s new London Green Points - Havering scheme when you redeem your voucher for a real nappy sample pack. To Find out when our nappucino events are and for more information visit www.havering.gov.uk/realnappies

www.havering.gov.uk/realnappies

libraries, rubbish collection and parks. We are also building two new libraries in Rainham and Harold Hill.

What about our town centres?Havering has been investing in improvements to pavements and street furniture in Romford, Hornchurch and Rainham to make the borough a better place for you to live, we’ve done this against a background of major saving measures, and were delighted to hear from our Your Council, Your Say survey that satisfaction with Havering as a place to live has risen to 76 per cent.

Outdoor spaces are important, will they be protected?

Yes. Indeed, we are creating a brand new sports park in Harold Hill and investing in three other major parks. Last year the borough retained eight Green Flag awards – a scheme which recognises the best green spaces in the country.

Can you really make all the savings you need by just merging those behind-the-scenes services?

We will continue to look for more efficient ways of delivering services to you, the public, with quality and value at the heart of our aims and ambitions.

One such example is the way the Harold Hill Festival has become a resident-led event, with the community taking ownership of a day that attracted over 6,000 people to Central Park last summer. With the help of volunteers and contributions from local businesses. From an initiative that previously came with a £30,000 price tag to the Council, these changes brought that figure down to just £1,500.

When will the partnership commence?

April 2014 will see the start. “We’ve come a long way on our own, saving £40 million over four years, but sharing services on this scale will make a very significant contribution to the further savings we face in the years ahead,” said Cllr White.

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The regeneration of Hornchurch Town Centre is one such example of the council’s investment in our towns and communities

Former Havering Council Leader Michael White and Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales shake hands on the oneSource deal


Sunday 2 March 2014The authentic Italian food market returns to Upminster Town Centre from 10am-4pm located along Corbets Tey Road

Italian street entertainment performers Italian quiz delivered by the Adult College Children’s themed craft workshops


Colour boost for the BattisRomford gateway set for major upgrade

A new project will inject a splash of colour into a well-used Romford walkway.

The Battis runs alongside Romford station from South Street to Waterloo Road and is set to be transformed with the installation of a brightly coloured paving scheme the length of the alleyway and a new open square next to the station entrance.

The square will eventually form the gateway to the new Crossrail station. It’s hoped the use of feature lighting will encourage use of the space and reduce anti-social behaviour. Improvement works are also set to begin on Victoria Road in Romford.

New high quality paving on public footpaths and business forecourts will give the road a more uniform look, while better lighting and new street benches will give the street a more pleasant look and feel. There will also be improved access to the bus stop and new cycle parking.

Cllr Robert Benham, Cabinet member for Community Empowerment said: “The Battis scheme will open up the space to make it much

more user-friendly for Romford residents and improve the character of the area outside the station.

“The works on Victoria Road will also significantly contribute to the town centre’s regeneration program, making it a safer and a friendlier environment for residents and businesses.”

Both projects are being funded by Transport for London, which has provided in the region of £1.8million for the work.

An artist’s impression of the new Battis walkway


International Womens DaySaluting Women is the theme for the Havering 2014 International Women’s Day Event

In commemoration of World War I, this event will focus on the contribution women have made to society since the war and will be a tribute to the women who inspired generations with their ‘we can do it’ attitude.

Not only did women have to keep ‘the home fires burning’, but they took on voluntary and paid employment that was varied in scope and showed women were highly capable in diverse fields of endeavour.

A host of speakers will be telling brief, inspirational stories on the challenges and successes they have faced, achieved and overcome.

Visitors can get a taste for the many activities and opportunities available from local organisations in the Information Zone. A quick personal “MOT” will also be available, as well as tips on how to stay fit and healthy in the Health and Well-being Zone. The Opportunities Zone will provide information on starting up a small business, CV-writing or interview tips. Interactive Workshops will provide you with a chance to learn new skills and there will be several local arts and crafts stalls from small businesswomen. You could also treat yourself to a free hair makeover.

Students from Havering College of Further and Higher Education will be preparing a pasta lunch, offering advice on hair and beauty, plus demonstrating basic car maintenance and offering advice on courses at the College.

There will also be a Shwapping area, organised by Age Concern Havering. Good quality items of clothing, shoes or accessories can either be swapped or donated. There will also be a chance for you to purchase the donated items.

The event takes place at Havering College of Further and Higher Education on March 8.

Active Living will have stall at the event so drop in to finmd oput about volunteering opportunities for over 50s.

Visit www.havering.gov.uk for more information


InternationalWomen’sDay 2014

Get Involved!One retired resident is using her newfound free time helping to recruit and organise volunteers for over 50s looking to use their time helping at local events and activities

Havering’s Active Living programme is designed to give anyone aged over 50

access to becoming more active and social, through a variety of activities and volunteering opportunities across the borough.

The Active Living Programme is now being managed by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and is on the lookout for lots more residents to get active, involved and take up volunteering opportunities for a variety of events the programme has on offer.

For Hornchurch resident Linda Thorn, the programme was the perfect opportunity to get involved in her local community after retiring from a career in the banking industry.

Linda, 65, assists with the Active Living administration functions on a weekly basis. “I wanted to use my time and get involved in things locally,” she says. “I like admin, which

is a strange thing to say! But I like organising and, having been retired for a year when I joined the scheme in November, this was something different for me to do.

“When you retire it can be difficult. One minute you’re

occupied, then you’re not. At first it feels like a holiday, but that changes.

“The difference in my life in a year since I retired has been amazing. At first I was really bored, but now I

Coffee MorningsFrom Friday March 7 Coffee Mornings will be held at the Elm Park Community Association, The Assembly Hall, Eyhall Avenue, Elm Park, RM12 4RA. Help is needed to set up, serve refreshments and socialise with attendees.

Silverlinx at the Salvation ArmyVolunteers required to assist with Crafts at the Silverlinx social group. Every Monday 10am-2pm at Salvation Army Romford Corps, High Street Romford, RM1 1JJ.

One-pot Cooking workshopThese will take place during March 2014, exact dates TBC. These will take place at the Salvation Army, Petersfield Avenue, Romford RM3 9PP.

Havering Show, 2014Active Living will be running a stall at the show this year, August 24 and 25 in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch. More information will be sent nearer the time, but residents keen to get involved can get in touch.To volunteer for any of these events, call Kim on 629 903 or email [email protected]/activeliving

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have plenty filling my diary! “I come in to the office on a

Monday but if there are other events taking place in the borough and I am free I help out at those as well.”

Linda is also helping grow the number of residents over 50 who receive updates about opportunities in Havering. “I’m sure everybody’s got a bit of time they could give as long as they enjoy it,” she says.

“It’s not just people who have retired who can benefit from getting involved,” says programme manager Kim Crisp. “There are people who still work but when they get home on a Friday they are on their own over the weekend.

“We want to reach as many of them as possible to show them the opportunities out there to meet other people and make a difference.”

For more details on Active Living, email [email protected]

Linda Thorn at the Active Living office

“The difference in my life in a year since I retired has

been amazing”

12 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING Active Living

Who’s next for a clean-up?Is there a park or space near you that could do with a helping hand?

Harrow Lodge Park benefited from a successful clean-up operation in November when residents came together to give the space a tidy-up.

The operation was held in partnership between Havering and Citizen’s Advice with 19 local residents taking part. CAB are continuing to take part in Community Clean Ups by providing volunteers to make a difference. If you would like to organise a clean-up in your area please let us know by emailing [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW?Residents of Havering over the age of 50 can swim for free in off peak times at both Hornchurch Leisure Centre and Central Park Leisure Centre.

Park debris piled up by volunteers at Harrow Lodge Park



A little encouragement from a friend who loved fostering led to a complete lifestyle

change for former nurse Sue Terry, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Sue has been a foster carer for almost 13 years as well as raising her own two children; a son, 24, a trainee teacher, and daughter, 21, a university student.

She has opened her home to 25 more children, supporting them through their teenage years and into adulthood.

This has included several teenagers and a further seven parents with babies.

The 51-year-old had been a community nurse in Barking and Dagenham for several years before she started fostering.

She is keen to point out that you become a ‘foster family’, including extended relatives, and not simply a ‘foster carer’.

Teenage kicks

There are many young people in care over 13 who need a stable and

secure family environment such as the one Sue has been providing for over a decade.

She says: “Fostering is about the whole family.

My children have been really great, in fact they have been upset in the past when children moved on as they become their siblings, but they have also been hugely supportive.

“Each child brings something different to your life and of course you will have bad days, but you’ll also have children you’ll never forget, and for me, it’s been a whole new way of life.”

Sue and husband Paul, 55, currently have two foster children in their home, young boy and a teenage girl.

With years of experience fostering teenagers, Sue has become used to what to expect, and enjoys the challenges and reaps the rewards.

She adds: “Yes, every teenager

Fostering teenagers can be so rewarding. Havering Council is looking for people like you to foster local teens. Could you give them a stable home and family to help give them the best start in life?

“Each child brings something

different. You’ll have children you’ll never

forget. For me it’s been a whole new way of life”


Who can be a foster carer? You must be:- Over 25 years of age- Have a spare room- Have time in your life to devote to a child/young person

What doesn’t matter:- Whether you own your own home- Your sexuality- Your ethnicity- Your religion- Whether you are married, in a relationship or single

What about:Smoking: We would consider smokers as foster carers, though not for very young children. We must balance this with the need to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle to a foster child.Criminal records: Some offences mean that a person couldn’t be considered as a foster carer by law. We look at each case individually.

To find out more call 01708 434574 or 434576or visit www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

can be a challenge, but it is so rewarding to watch these children grow into adulthood over the years.

“We enjoy doing things that any mum and daughter do, we go to the theatre, for days out, to eat. The time we spend together is special.”

As well as an extended family, Sue has also seen her work as a foster carer increase her social circle.

She enjoys close friendships with several other foster carers and she is also keen for other people thinking about becoming foster carers to discover the extent of support on offer to them.

“I’ve never felt alone in nearly 13 years,” she explains.

“Not only do carers socialise together and are there for each other, you also have your own social worker, and there is always support on hand from the Council.

“You also receive financial allowances which are there to meet the needs of the children. They make sure you and your kids can have a good life.”

Havering Park

Mawneys

Brooklands

Hylands

Hacton

Pettits

Heaton

Squirrels Heath

RomfordTown Emerson Park

Harold Wood

Upminster

Rainham and Wennington

South Hornchurch

Cranham

St Andrews

Elm Park

Gooshays

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Keeping CountThe Council elections take place on May 22. living goes behind the scenes of the big day with returning officer and Chief Executive Cheryl Coppell

When the polling stations close

on May 22 and the candidates in Havering’s 2014 local elections anxiously await their fate, the handwringing and jangling nerves won’t just be the preserve of those with their names on the ballot paper.

Weeks of campaigning will be coming to a head for the politicians, but for one woman, the hard work is really only just beginning. Havering’s

chief executive Cheryl Coppell will fulfil the role of Returning Officer for the election.

From recruiting and training a small army of counters, polling station staff and presiding officers to adjudicating on tight results, hers is an Election Day job that comes with its added pressures.

“It is a huge

logistical effort,” says Cheryl. “There’ll be a detailed project plan setting out what needs to happen, from the rules regarding candidates registering themselves to organising lots of additional council staff and other staff, as we have to run

all the polling stations. “Fortunately we

have a great elections team who are on top of all this.

“Large numbers of the polling stations are run by Council officers, but we also have to recruit more people and train them.

“Then each station has to have a presiding officer who knows what

they are doing, in order to deal with the vast majority of problems that might arise. There is a lot of very nitty-gritty detail behind the scenes and you just can’t afford

to get that wrong.”This year’s count

will require double the effort thanks to the local elections coinciding with the European elections, and Cheryl has already taken the decision that no counting will be done on the night of the 22nd.

“The polls don’t close until 10pm,” she explains. “Quite a lot of the people who count for us are also the same people who open the polling stations in morning, so by that time we’ve all been running round all day.

“We’ve decided to

“Fortunately we have a great elections team

who are all on top of their jobs”

22 ELECTION DAY

MAY

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Havering Park

Mawneys

Brooklands

Hylands

Hacton

Pettits

Heaton

Squirrels Heath

RomfordTown Emerson Park

Harold Wood

Upminster

Rainham and Wennington

South Hornchurch

Cranham

St Andrews

Elm Park

Gooshays

11

13

6

9

2

16

12

10

18

17

1415

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5

3

4

7

8

Independent Residents' Group

3 seats

Conservative

29 seats

Residents' Association

12 seats

Labour

5 seats

UKIP

4 seats

lock all the boxes away and make early start in morning of 23rd, and we can’t count the European elections until Sunday anyway because of the different timings across the continent.”

The focus, once the count begins, switches to Hornchurch Sports Centre, where the ballot boxes are deposited and secured.

The sports hall is

transformed into a nerve centre of counters, Council staff and anxious candidates and their accredited supporters as the marathon process of finding the winners begins.

“On day of the count, everyone wants their results as quickly as possible,” says Cheryl. “But that’s completely controlled by the number of

Vacant seat

CURRENT BREAKDOWN BY PARTY:


counters, and because the sports hall is the biggest place we’ve got we can’’t get more than 200 or so counters in, so we’re never one of the boroughs that declares first. We have even been down there already to pace it out to see if we can lay it out in a different way to get more counters in.”

The countAnd so on the morning of the 23rd, the counters will take their seats and the fun will begin.

“Candidates and their representatives are allowed by law to view the count,” explains Cheryl.

“So in the rest of the area, you have candidates looking at what’s going on, so

there is quite a lot of pressure on the counters, with people sitting opposite inspecting their work!

“We put flags up to show which wards are being verified and counted, so candidates

can see, and there will be two people delegated by me to be in charge of each count. I’ll troubleshoot, checking if there are any problems going on, but these people are very experienced.

“There is a buzz when the count is going on, with people trying to see who’s won as the the votes pile up in wire baskets so candidates and supporters can see how they are doing.

“The votes for each

party are put into bundles of 50 with different colour clips for each candidate, so they will be looking to see what their coloured pile looks like.”

And when the results are too close to

call, diplomacy is another skill Cheryl must call upon.

“In the last election (2010) we had several recounts and when that happens it can take a huge amount of time. In that instance I decided it was best to call a halt to things and continue with the recount on the monday instead.”

One aspect Cheryl expects to play a greater part than ever this year is the use of social media. “It will be interesting to see how many tweets go out. I think things have moved on substantially since the last election.”

The new Register of Electors was published on 17 February and you will have received a confirmation letter showing the names we have on the Register at your address. You can only vote if your name is registered. If you’re not on the Register you’ll lose your chance to have your say and vote for who you want to represent you. There is still time to register please contact the Election Services office, details below, for more information. Deadline for registration for the elections is Tuesday May 6.

For those residents who are registered, poll cards will be delivered from the middle of April. If you have a postal vote you will receive a postal vote poll card. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm and details of your station will be shown on your poll card.

For further information on voting email [email protected] or call 432444. www.havering.gov.uk/registertovote

134 polling stations will be in operationacross the boroughon election day

200 Approximately 200 counters willbe used to count the votes

“There is quite a lot of pressure on the

counters, with members of the public inspecting

their work”

18 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING Elections

HOW TO VOTEAt a polling station If you are on the register of electors you will be sent a poll card before an election to tell you where and when you can vote. All polling stations have magnifying glasses, a large print display version of the ballot paper and a tactile voting device to assist the blind or visually impaired to vote without assistance. If you need help on polling day, you can bring a companion who can help you vote after they have signed a declaration. You can also ask the presiding officer to mark your ballot paper for you, or ask polling station staff to read the list of candidates and their details to you. Most polling places in Havering have wheelchair access and all have at least one low-level polling booth suitable for voters in wheelchairs.

By post You can have a postal vote which can be sent to any address, even abroad. It must be received back at our offices by the day of the election in order to be counted. You can apply for a postal vote by completing an application form, which you should return to us by 5pm on Wednesday, May 7 at the latest.

By proxy A proxy vote allows you to choose someone else to go to your polling station and cast your vote on your behalf. You can apply for a proxy vote by completing a proxy vote application form, which you should return to us by 5pm on Wednesday, May 14.

By proxy postal votingIf your proxy is going to be away from home on the day of the election, they can apply for your proxy ballot paper to be posted to them. This application must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, May 7.

Don’t forget to vote for London’s European Members of Parliament on May 22. Here is Living’s guide to the European Elections

The European Parliamentary Elections will be held on the same day as Havering’s council election. As a London Borough, Havering comes under the London region of the European Parliament.

This coming election on May 22 therefore provides you with the opportunity to vote for London’s Members of European Parliament (MEPs).

London currently has eight MEPs elected in 2009, when 72 MEPs from the UK were elected to the European Parliament. The UK is divided into

twelve electoral regions with between three and ten MEPs representing each region. The nine English regions elected 59 MEPs, Scotland elected six MEPs and Wales four MEPs in 2009. In Northern Ireland three MEPs were elected under its own system of proportional representation. Residents in Gibraltar vote in the South West Region of the UK.

To find out more about the election and the European Parliament, visit www.europarl.org.uk/

Youth of Havering get their sayHavering will soon have two new Members of Youth Parliament and two Deputy Members who will take up their post on March 1, 2014 for a year’s term. This is the first year Havering has run the elections as a borough-wide campaign, having previously elected through the Havering Youth Council. Jan Booth, Havering’s Lead Youth Facilitation Worker said: “We are really excited to have so many young people involved, as we had to shortlist to ten candidates. The candidates all attended an interview conducted by Youth Council members and produced a manifesto stating their three pledges which they were standing for, which was also marked by the Youth Council. The ten candidates with the highest scores were then selected to stand for the four vacant posts. “There were some very determined young people amongst the candidates who were extremely keen to be elected,” added Jan.

Who will be your Euro stars?The whole continent also goes to the polls in May



Oasis ready to roll


Oasis ready to rollNew primary school gears up for first intake in September

Romford welcomes its newest primary school in September when the doors open at the Oasis Academy Romford. The new free

school will cater for 90 reception school children in its first year in a bid to soothe the high demand for school places in Havering.

It will be new ground for Principal Designate Claire McAslan, who will head up the Academy having taken up the role from her position as Deputy Head of Queensbridge Primary School in Hackney.

Admission applications closed in mid-January with places set

to be allocated in April this year, and Ms

McAslan hopes to offer her first intake an exciting new environment to start their school journey.

“We’re going to be focused on

every single child and be completely

inclusive,” she explains. “My vision is that the children will get to try many

different activities and find their niche in life while also getting their groundings in literacy

and maths to be able to move on. We want the children to leave the school confident and happy, having had a good first step in education before they move on.”

Oasis is in the process of finalising the academy’s temporary home in Romford while its permanent location on the old Oldchurch Hospital site is developed.

Project manager Julie Clay explains: “We’re

working on a couple of options and will have time to get them ready for September. The aim is to get in to the Oldchurch site as quickly as possible, but we will look to take the temporary site for two years with 12-month and 18-month break clauses should we be able to relocate sooner. We’ve just opened a school in Enfield with a brand new building for 1800 pupils which was built in a year, so they can go up quite quickly.”

The Oasis group funds 40 academies across the UK, with their ethos rooted in parent and community involvement in the direction of the schools. The Parent Steering Group and Academy Council will be established to give parents and local businesses a part to play in the school’s progress.

“Because we’re an academy, we have a bit more freedom in our curriculum. We will follow the national curriculum for the core subjects to prepare pupils for secondary school, but we will have scope to make sure the teaching is applicable to children we have at the

school, that’s a fantastic opportunity.”Councillor Paul Rochford, Havering’s cabinet

member for Children and Learning adds: “I warmly welcome and look forward to the opening of the Oasis Academy in Romford. It will make an important contribution to Havering’s expansion of Primary Places and provide additional High quality provision where it is very much needed. The Academy, I am sure, will add to what is already a strong educational offer within the Borough.”

For more information on Oasis Academy Romford email [email protected]

School places get £30million boost from GovernmentHavering Council’s plans to ensure it can continue to provide enough primary school places in the future, amid increasing pressure, has received a £30million boost in grants from the Government. This funding will be put towards planned expansions to existing schools, with the Council planning to provide 23 new classrooms for the next academic year. Other future plans, which Cabinet members agreed in November, include continuing to work with free schools, like Oasis, to encourage them into the borough, all-through schools, which could see primary and secondary education on one site, and split site expansions, using additional sites to provide more space for new classrooms.

“The children will get to try many different

activities and find their

niche in life”

22 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING Community Safety

Making Havering even saferHavering’s Borough Commander sets out his objectives for 2014

Chief Super-intendent Jason Gwillim has

completed his first full year as Borough Commander in Havering in February, having overseen a pleasing fall in burglary and other prevalent crimes.

The introduction of Safer Neighbourhood Teams, each with a dedicated, named sergeant, named PC and named PCSO operating full-time in each ward of the borough, has played a major part in the move towards Havering’s overall 20 per cent reduction target set by the Mayor of London’s Office.

By November 2013 police had brought burglary down by an impressive 12 per cent across residential and non-residential premises.

As Mr Gwillim peruses the latest figures, his finger hovers over those not yet coloured green, the red ink representing work still to be done to get certain statistics

heading in the right direction.

“We’re really knocking into the crime,” he says. “We’re actually looking at getting all these figures into negatives. In all but two, not only are we negative, but have hit our targets. In theft from motor vehicles we’re still in reduction

and in theft from persons we’ve seen a slight increase.

“But when you look at the numbers, it’s only nine incidents above where we were this time last year. Plans are in place to get those in to the green.”

As well as reducing

crime, detection rates are another priority in the borough, with detection of burglaries rising from 10.6 to 13.1 per cent, well on the way to an ambitious 18 per cent target. What’s made the difference?

“We have got very tight around our response times. It’s about getting there

earlier which makes us more likely to arrest

the offenders, or if we get

to the vicinity, we are more likely to

interact with the

people who have just burgled the

premises. We are a lot quicker at getting there now.”

The cluster approachAlongside the Safer Neighbourhood Teams model is the Cluster model. The vast 42 square-mile borough is divided into three clusters, with officers able to be pulled together to address any spikes in crime that occur in certain areas. Mr Gwillim explains: “It might be in the form of high visibility patrolling to design the crime out while officers are there, or working with both uniform and plain clothes officers to help detect more of these offenders.”

Feet on the streetThere has also been a net increase of 50 more officers on streets and as well as improving response time, Mr Gwillim says it has given his force a “greater flexibility in way we deal with offending.

“Where you have a spike in crime you’ll see an awful lot more officers and PCSOs on the street because they’ll be tackling that

12% drop in burglary in Havering in 2013-14 financial year. Source: Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

“I check the figures every day. When I can

see another percentage coming off, it’s brilliant”


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crime in that area. We are identifying the risk and managing that risk appropriately.”

The year aheadOne of the main aims for 2014 is, says Mr Gwillim, “getting it right first time. I have got every confidence in the officers I lead that they do that for the vast majority of occasions, but sometimes we don’t get it right. It’s about dealing with that quickly and making sure we understand why we haven’t got it right.

“But my primary responsibility is stopping crime happening. Big targets again this year are burglary and motor vehicle crime and certainly anti-social behaviour.”

And if he could have one wish granted for this year?

“You can never have too many officers,” he says. “I think we’ve got the balance right here. When you look at how large the area is and the volume of crime, I think we’ve got the right amount, but you always want to do more with the officers you have.

“The more you have, the more creative you can become with them. I think more officers would make Havering even safer than it currently is.

“Crime is being driven down on a daily basis. I check the scorecard every day and when I can see another percentage coming of the figures it’s brilliant. We will get to a point where you can’t squeeze out any more crime, but the idea is to keep it to a level we can manage. I’m confident there is more we can do.”

Remove it, lock it, check it6 top tips on preventing vehicle crime

Secure your vehicle. In the era of electronic key fobs, we tend to press the button to lock our cars while we are walking away from them or even inside our homes. We cannot be sure they are actually locked. Make sure you press the button and then try the handle

Remove SATNAVs, their support cradles and suction pads when you leave your vehicle

Don’t leave anything in view in your car. Thieves have been known to break in for a few pounds in change

Consider using theft-resistant number plates or contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team for advice on tamper-proof screws to secure your number plates

Remove tools and work equipment from vehicles at night and ensure they are property marked

Never leave the keys in the ignition when the vehicle is unattended.

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Green Goddess

One of Havering parks team’s young apprentices is flourishing as she helps transform the borough’s green spaces

Raphael Park in Romford is in the final stages of a £1.8 million scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work

has seen the path network resurfaced and increased, a new café facility built by the Main Road entrance and a host of new flowerbeds and planted areas.

Pitching in with the parks team’s vastly experienced crew is Verity Joyner, one of the team’s horticultural apprentices. The 20-year-old from Upminster Bridge started her 20-month stint with the borough in January 2013.

“I was unemployed after deciding to leave university. I have always kept a garden as a hobby so the interest was always there, and this has been a learning experience in how to manage my work, what skills I should use in different circumstances and what to expect when working full-time.”

Verity and the other apprentices have been given a wide range of experience by the parks team, from planting at Raphael to caring for the heritage garden at Langtons in Hornchurch and marking out football pitches around the borough.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of community projects as well,” says Verity. “In Romford market

we regenerated the garden for St Edward’s Church which involved laying a new lawn, filling in flower beds and rotavating the ground.”

“It’s been great to see the cooperation between the young people and the experienced staff we’ve got here,” says Grounds Maintenance Manager Martin Haskell. “Around March time

the apprentices will be asked what they want to do for the rest of their apprenticeship,

so they can focus more on certain aspects where they have a greater interest.”

For Verity, that will mean more time in the heritage garden at Langtons.

“This has made up my mind, being based at Langtons with the

heritage garden there,” she says. “It does need a different sort of care

from an average garden - at the moment we’ve been removing the ivy off the walls,

so as we’ve been doing it, as much as you have to remove the unwanted growth you have to make sure the wall is stable and be mindful of the infrastructure as you go.

“When my time here ends in September I would love to find work in the heritage garden of a castle grounds. “Green spaces are fundamental. These are the places people meet up, have their social life as well as relaxing and improving their health.”

£1.87m from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of Raphael Park


Langtons next for upgradeLangton’s Gardens in Hornchurch will be the next green space given a new lease of life in Havering. The project, funded by £1.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to reconnect the gardens to the adjacent Fielder’s Field, encouraging people to visit and enjoy both sites.

Work will include: restoring the walls, railings and gates, introducing new entrances to improve public access, repairing footpaths and the driveway, creating new wildlife habitats, restoring heritage structures within the gardens, introducing a new refreshment kiosk and public toilets,

improve the serpentine lake, planting new shrubs and trees, adding new signage and seating.

DID YOU KNOW?If you take a stroll through the wooded area of Raphael Park you will come across the little wooden statue of Percy the Park Keeper in the picnic area, created thanks to funding secured by the Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks. He is the title character of a series of children’s stories written by Nick Butterworth, a native of the Gidea Park area.

Easter & Summer Refuse & Recycling

Collection Dates 2014Collections will go ahead as normal on Good Friday (April 18th)

Normal Collection Date Revised Collection Date

April Monday 21 April Tuesday 22 April

Tuesday 22 April Wednesday 23 April

Wednesday 23 April Thursday 24 April

Thursday 24 April Friday 25 April

Friday 25 April Saturday 26 April

Collections will return to normal w/c Monday 28 April

May Monday 5 May Tuesday 6 May

Tuesday 6 May Wednesday 7 May

Wednesday 7 May Thursday 8 May

Thursday 8 May Friday 9 May

Friday 9 May Saturday 10 May

Collections return to normal w/c Monday 12 May

Monday 26 May Tuesday 27 May

Tuesday 27 May Wednesday 28 May

Wednesday 28 May Thursday 29 May

Thursday 29 May Friday 30 May

Friday 30 May Saturday 31 May

Collections return to normal w/c Monday 2 June

Aug Monday 25 August Tuesday 26 August

Tuesday 26 August Wednesday 27 August

Wednesday 27 August Thursday 28 August

Thursday 28 August Friday 29 August

Friday 29 August Saturday 30 August

Collections return to normal w/c Monday 1 September

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

For further Informationwww.havering.gov.uk/recycling

[PRIVATE HOUSING S O L U T I O N S

Unbeatable offers for landlords!The Council has launched a brand new property management service

We offer:100% guaranteed monthly rent payments in advance • property management

charges starting at 8% • with no hidden fees!

Other benefits of the service include:deposit paid by the Council • some free repairs • free annual gas safety checks

an experienced team of Council Housing Officers

Call: 01708 431515 or 431010

www.havering.gov.uk

Community Safety

EnvironmentReport it, it’s easy!New online service to report and track problems is up and running

You can register now for your own account, ‘My Account’, which means you will be able to quickly report a problem without having to fill out your details each time. The new facility comes with an interactive map, enabling you to point to the exact location of the problem and report the issue.

Havering residents, people who work in the borough and visitors to Havering can all sign up for an account.

By using ‘My Account’ you can even keep track of the enquiries you have made with us and the progress we have made in dealing with them. You no longer need to call us by phone to track the progress of your request.

And in Spring/Summer 2014, many Council services that you apply or pay for will be added to ‘My Account’. In the meantime you can still apply for and pay for a wide range of services using our existing online system. Simply go to www.havering.gov.uk/reportit


You can report Fly-tipping

An obstruction on a road

Missed rubbish or recycling collections (household waste)

Problems with street lighting

Problems with a road or pavement (for example, broken pavement)

Dog mess offenders

These are just some of the online services you can report. For more, please visit www.havering.gov.uk/reportit

4,000

Havering estimates by the end of the 2013/14 financial

year it will have dealt with 4,000 fly-tips, costing £175,000

Kids go green with food waste Pupils of Branfil Primary school show off their new Ridan food waste composter, on trial at the school as part of Havering Council’s Waste Prevention Programme. Following a grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government, both Branfil and Upminster Junior School are trialing units. It’s hoped that after the trials further food waste composters will be made available to other schools in the borough. It is estimated each school will save around five tonnes of food waste from disposal which is both very costly to the school and bad for the environment. Havering’s Waste and Recycling Team would like to say a BIG thank you to the StreetCare Depot in Harrow Lodge Park and to their contractors City Suburban Tree Surgeons for providing wood chip to the schools free of charge.

87% of Havering residents say your local parks are clean and tidy (Source: 2013 Your Council, Your Say Survey)

28 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING Environment

Dagnam Park Local Nature

Reserve is set to double in size. The diverse

wildlife site will gain 190 acres, bringing it to around 345 acres in all.

The extended park will complement Havering and Hornchurch country parks and will be managed in the same way to preserve and enhance nature

conservation and biodiversity.

Don Tait, Chairman of the Friends of Dagnam Park, local historian and wildlife photographer, said: “This is “excellent news. The beauty of this place is that you just don’t know what you’ll see.”

Councillor Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and

Communities, said:“Dagnam Park will

continue to play an increasingly crucial role in offering people access to an important nature conservation site where they can experience meadows, woodland, established hedgerows and natural ponds. I’m very proud that we have such a wonderful asset on our doorstep.”

The extension to the

north of the park includes 190 acres of former agricultural land, which was acquired by Havering Council, along with a further 9.7 acres adjoining the newly widened M25 near Great Warley.

The work is part of the Harold Hill Ambitions Programme, which aims to transform the quality of life for local people.

Dagnam joins the Country ClubHavering is set to become even greener with the upgrade of Dagnam Park in Harold Hill, which is set to gain an extra 190 acres

Radio DJ ‘Dr’ Neil Fox has backed Havering’s new

waste reduction and recycling card scheme which is replacing the Havering Card.

The scheme enables residents

to earn points for their efforts and win great prizes.

All homes are receiving

guidelines on how to join the

new London Green Points – Havering scheme. Residents can activate their accounts online, by post or by phone (020 7326 5055).

The initiative has a reward points system plus access to special local discounts.

Residents will earn points for their waste reduction and recycling, which can be donated to local causes and schools or spent on a range of over 1,000 products in the Green Rewards online shop.

These include iTunes and M&S vouchers, alongside ‘green’ gifts and gadgets.

‘Dr’ Fox, presenter of Magic 105.4’s Breakfast Show and Ambassador for London Green Points said: “This is a great scheme as residents will be able to earn points for reducing, reusing and recycling their rubbish; these points can be donated to some fantastic community projects in Havering.

“When people sign up, they also get a card for discounts from lots of local retailers, so this really is a win/win!”

The ten chosen projects are: 7th Hornchurch Scout Group, Friends of Bedfords Park, Friends of Cottons Park, Harold Hill Foodbank, Havering Family Diabetes Group, Havering Mind, Local Schools Fund, Motorvations, St. Francis Hospice and the Thames Chase Trust.

Residents will receive a directory of participating businesses when they activate, but can also look out for the London Green Points stickers in shops or view the directory at www.localgreenpoints.com/havering.

You will be sent your card and be eligible for Green Points once you activate, so don’t delay!

Earn points and enjoy discounts with Havering’s new wastereduction and recycling card scheme

Keep your sacks off the streetKeep your pavements clear of rubbish this Spring. When it’s time to put your rubbish out for collection, ensure you place both household waste and orange recycling sacks on your property, just inside the boundary, rather than on the pavement. Bags should be out by 7am on day of collection.

64 Takeaways signed up to our No Litter Pledge. We are urging all takeaways, supermarkets and snack shops to sign up. Visit www.havering.gov.uk/takeaway for details.

Clean up and win!If you’re spotted using bins, cleaning up dog mess or other rubbish by our parks staff, litter collectors or Safer Neighbourhood Teams you will be given a prize draw entry card to fill in and hand back on the spot. You could win either a meal for two at Cosmo in The Brewery or tickets to a Queen’s Theatre show. Draws will be made at the end of February and March. Visit www.havering.gov.uk/rewardscheme


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www.havering.gov.uk

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CommunityDream Come TrueMum of three settles into new council home as part of Harold Hill Ambitions project

As Romford-born, mum of three Dee Liddard puts the finishing touches to her new home, she is still shocked that her garden-backed property is all hers.

She said: “We used to live in a two bed flat in Taunton Road and I was convinced we wouldn’t get out of there. I couldn’t let the kids play out on their own, but now we’ve got a garden and it’s like our dreams have come true.”

As a lifelong Havering resident, Dee and her family, husband, Michael, and kids, Jordan, 15, Alfie, nine and, Harry, three, were able to bid for and then move into the new properties built by Notting Hill Housing Trust.

The new homes, built on the 7.2-acre former sheltered housing site at Darlington and Chippenham Gardens in Hilldene, are a key part of Havering Council’s Harold Hill Ambitions programme which also includes revamped outdoor space, a new library and improved shopping area.

The properties have been allocated through a local letting scheme and are mostly houses with gardens, with a small number of flats no higher than three storeys.

Havering Council has been working with the Trust on the project and, to meet local housing needs, ensured that the majority of the new homes were for rent, but also for low-cost ownership.

Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Harold Hill Ambitions, Cllr Steven Kelly, said: “One of the main priorities of the Harold Hill Ambitions programme was to make sure that local people were able to benefit from the positive improvements to the area. It’s fantastic to see this happen.”

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Lesley Kelly, said: “These new homes for rent have been allocated via our local lettings scheme to make sure they meet local need and build a strong community. I’m glad to see a Havering family settle into their new home and I wish them all the best.”

Dee added: “A lot of my neighbours thought that these homes go to people outside the borough but I’m proof that they don’t. I would say to anyone that they should just keep positive.”


172 Affordable homes being built on the former site of Darlington and Chippenham Gardens

32 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING Community

Council’s lettings scheme hits the high street

Havering Council’s Private

Housing Solutions scheme will soon be setting up shop in Hornchurch. The Council is on the look-out for landlords who want to let their properties through the borough’s new private lettings scheme, and later this year will have a lettings agent-style premises in the town to promote its services.

Private Housing Solutions began in

January 2012 as a one-stop-shop for people living or wanting to live in the private

housing sector.It operates as

private rental property management service offering products including leasing and management of Assured Short-hold tenancies.

It also provided specialist housing advice and support for people affected by private housing sector

issues such as Welfare Reform, mortgage repossession or struggling to buy their first home.

The PHST is now the second largest landlord in Havering.

By the end of December 2013, the team had expanded to 21 officers with a total of 997 properties in management and a target of 390 lettings this year.

Joe Flack, 28, from Upminster, has been letting a number of his properties out through the council for the last seven years.

“The main advantage is the whole management side of it,” he says.

“You don’t get many phone calls from your tenants because the council deals with any minor problems, and you know you will get your rent money because it’s guaranteed by the council.

“I have never had any problems and have actually recommended the service to friends and family.”

The Property ShopThe new PHS Property Shop, will help the service introduce a more efficient service and become widely recognised as a reliable and competitive provider of property management services.

Cllr Lesley Kelly, cabinet member for Housing said: “Having a high street presence

The benefits of using PHS As a Council we offer stability, reliability and accountability

100% guaranteed rents in advance. Despite promotion materials used by other letting agencies suggesting the same offer, these are not guaranteed in the same way as the Council’s offer

No hidden fees. Our research shows the PHS is the only property management service that does not charge additional costs above the monthly management costs

We now pay market rents!

One-off incentive payments up to £1000

Deposit bond paid by us

Free gas safety check and some free repairs!

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will raise the profile of the outstanding housing work we do in the borough, as well as send the message to private landlords that we provide a safe, secure and reliable option for letting and managing their property. I would encourage anyone with a property to let to examine the benefits of using PHS.”

997 Properties in management under Private Housing Solutions at the end of 2013

Private Housing Solutions offers market rates and no hidden fees


Home comforts

‘Best kitchen ever!’

One happy home owner is enjoying her new surroundings after benefiting from advice she received at Havering’s home ownership fayre.

Natalie Thompson, 27, bought an apartment in the new Dunningfords development in Elm Park with her partner after learning all about the part-buy part-rent scheme that made it an

affordable option.“I always thought it

was an expensive option, but at the event in October there were people who could explain the concept to me,” explained Natalie, who attended the function at Queen’s Theatre. “There was a financial advisor who explained the money side of things to me. We went through our finances and worked out

how we could do it. Without the event Havering put on, I would probably still be living with my parents. It was extremely helpful.”

For more details on the next event this summer call 431010 or email [email protected]

Havering’s programme of kitchen and bathroom refurbishment has been lauded by Garrick House resident, Irene Everitt.

The 80 year-old said her kitchen was shaping up to be the best “she’s had in her married life”.

The work is part of the borough’s Decent Homes programme to replace old kitchens and bathrooms including in 19 of its sheltered homes.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Lesley Kelly, said: “It’s only right that those who live in our sheltered accommodation benefit from new amenities and general improvements.”

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34 | SPRING 2014 | living IN HAVERING |

The Borough of Enterprise

Havering’s entrepreneurs will be in the spotlight during Enterprise Week 2014 (March 3 to 7) with events and workshops aimed at helping local businesses be even better

Enterprise Week is almost upon us with a host of events designed to help

local businesses move forward. The week’s events start in

Rainham when the Natwest Business Bus will be at Viking Way car park from 10am until 3pm with experts on board to help with financial and other queries. The bus returns on Thursday March 6 to Romford Market Place from 10am to 3pm.

On Tuesday March 4 local accountants Kingston Smith, who work in partnership with the council, will be running Business Start Up workshops.

On Super Wednesday there are four events to choose from. The Havering Business Expo 2014 at Romford YMCA will have 40 exhibitors displaying the goods and services they offer for business colleagues. There are also ten free workshop seminars with expert speakers covering a range of topics from effective networking to marketing your

business.

Retailers aiming to attract more business or to train staff in customer care should check out the Retail Workshops at Havering Skills Academy in Romford High Street.

Havering has lots of small businesses, many of whom work from home and sell online. Such online retailers will have the chance to do some face to face selling from stalls in Romford Market which will be available to them just for the day. More details from Linda.watson@

havering.gov.ukAt 5.30pm at Havering College of

Further and Higher Education in Ardleigh Green Road the Women in Business Forum meets.

On March 7 the Council’s

procurement manager Hassan Iqbal will run a workshop on how to win contracts to supply the

council.

East London Business Place will be running two seminars

–

one in the morning and one in

the afternoon – at Havering Skills Academy in Romford High Street.

401 companies formed in Romford in the third quarterof last year, 16% up on theprevious year Source:Duport.co.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING2014 | 35

New rules for in-the-home traders

If you’re a trader selling goods or services to consumers in their homes, Havering’s Trading Standards Office is keen to ensure you are compliant with customer cancellation rights

Consumers have the right to cancel a contract for goods or services made during a visit by a trader, whether unsolicited or solicited. The visit may be to the consumer’s home, place of work, the home of another person, or on an excursion organised by the trader away from his business premises.

Consumers have a cooling-off period of seven days from receipt of a Notice of the Right to Cancel from the trader, during which they can decide against making the purchase. The Regulations apply to contracts where the price is £35 or more. This includes contracts for the construction of extensions, patios, conservatories and driveways where goods are incorporated in immovable property, and also repairs to immovable property. For more information, call Havering Trading Standards at 433416 or email [email protected]

Are you ready to be a winner? This year is the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Havering Business Awards and they promise to be even better than before.

Nominations will open May 6 with a deadline of June 30. The prestigious black tie awards ceremony takes place on October 3 at Thames Chase in Pike Lane, Cranham and is open to any business wishing to attend so do put the date in your diary!

Keep an eye on www.havering.gov.uk/businessawards for more details.

Beat business crime over breakfastLondon Riverside BID is holding a special crime prevention breakfast workshop on Thursday May 1 for businesses based on industrial premises. It starts at 9.00am at the CEME Conference Centre in Marsh Way, Rainham. For information call 01708 550279 or email info@london riversidebid.co.uk

Start trading at Romford MarketHavering Council is looking for new traders to join the historic Romford Market – from established businesses to start-ups. With more than 100 regular stalls three times a week, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, the outdoor market is in the heart of the town centre.

Casual traders’ prices start from £17.80 on Wednesday and Friday and £25.05 on Saturday. Licenced traders must trade on all three days. Prices start from £169.50 per month. To trade, three documents are required: Proof of Public Liability Insurance (minimum cover £5million), a utility bill and passport or photo driving licence. Email [email protected] or visit www.havering.gov.uk/romfordmarket

Take NoteIn December 2013 the Council published a Planning Advice Note which sets out its approach for dealing with proposals for non-industrial business and employment uses in Havering’s industrial areas.

The Note sets out clearly the factors that will be taken into account by the Council when providing advice and considering planning applications for business uses within Havering’s Industrial Areas. For further information contact [email protected] or call 433051.

Staff Training & Development Award winners New Beginnings Nurseries Ltd celebrate at last year’s event

March 27, 6 - 7pmCharles Dickens In his own words. An illustrated talk on the life and times of the great novelist, by Nick Dobson. £5.50 members /£6.50 non-members. Pre-booking required.

April 15, 2 - 3pmHainault Aerodrome during World War 1. A talk by John Barfoot. £3 members/£3.50 non members. Pre-booking required.

Hornchurch March 6, 9.30am - 1.30pmSew Good Workshop. Learn new sewing techniques or get advice on mending clothes from the TRAID Sew Good Team.Price: Free.

March 20, 2.30 - 6.30pmSew Good Workshop Learn new sewing techniques or get advice on mending clothes from the TRAID Sew Good Team. Price: Free.

March 20, 6 - 8.30pmCookery Workshop Learn how to save money and reduce the amount of food you throw away with professional chefs! Price: Free

March 27, 2.30pmMeet Adrian Teal, Author of The Gin Lane Gazette.Adrian cut his teeth on Spitting Image and cartooned for a number of national newspapers. The Gin Lane Gazette is a compendium of illustrated ‘best bits’ from a fictional newspaper of the latter 1700s. Price: £5 members, £5.50 non-members

March 27, 1 - 2.30pmAdult Craft Workshop. Use paper in different ways to create your own butterfly toppers and cards. These workshops are suitable for all, including complete beginners. All materials provided, but bring your own pencil, ruler and scissors. Price: £6.

Library

Central

March 5, 6.45 - 7.45pmA talk on Essex, concentrating on stories from this area, by John Debenham and Andrew Summers. Price: £2.50, £3 non-members.

March 6, 2 - 3pm Researching Ancestors using newspapers, a talk by Jane Finnett. Price: £2.50, £3 non-members.

April 2, 6.45 - 7.45pmWorld War 1, a talk by Nick Dobson using imagery and song. Price: Free.

April 9, 6.45 - 7.45pmAuthor Elizabeth Speller will be talking about and signing her latest book ‘At Break of Day’ Price: Free.

Collier Row

March 3, 5.30 - 8pm Love Food Hate Waste Cookery Workshops. Price: Free.

March 12, 5 - 8pmSwishing: Come along with items of unwanted good condition clothing & swish them for something new! Price: Free.

Listings

March 12, 6 - 8pm Vintage Ruffle Cupcake Class Learn how to decorate six beautiful Vintage Ruffle cupcakes to take home and enjoy with Tracy T-Cakes. Price: £25.

March 19, 6 - 8pm Posy Arrangement Floral Workshop. How to create a beautiful floral posy arrangement to take home.Price: £20 members, £25 non-members

March 22, 10.30am Mother’s Day Craft. Make a beautiful gift for Mum, Gran or special person this Mother’s Day, for Kids 4 years+. Price: £3 members, £3.50 non-members.

March 26, 6 - 8pmMother’s Day Floral Workshop Learn how to create a beautiful basket arrangement suitable for Mother’s Day. Price: £20 members, £25 non-members.

April 16, 6 - 8pmModern Hand tied Bouquet Floral Workshop. How to create a beautiful modern floral bouquet arrangement to take home. Price: £20 members, £25 non-members.

May 21, 7pmThe Great Train Robbery. A fascinating talk about the Great Train Robbery by Nicholas Russell-Pavier. Price: £5 members £6.50 non-members

Gidea Park February 27, 6 - 7pmExploring names in Family History A look at surnames and first names in family history by Jane Finnett. £3 members £3.50 non-members. Pre-booking required.

March 1,10am - 3pmRelax & Indulge: various therapy sessions offered. £6 per 20 min session. Pre-booking required.

If you would like your event featured for free in Listings, email: [email protected] or write to us (see page two). Copy deadline for the next issue is June 25, 2014.You can also put your item in the Council’s calendar of events on Havering’s website www.havering.gov.uk. All numbers are 01708 unless stated.

April 24, 2pmThe Tudors and Shakespeare’s London. A talk by Ian Porter. Learn about Henry, Elizabeth, Bloody Mary, Lady Jane Grey and other notables such as the Earl of Essex, Sir Thomas More and Archbishop Cranmer. Heresy, sedition, plots, trials, executions, dissolution – it’s all here, with a bit of Shakespeare thrown in. Price: £6 members, £6.50 non-members

April 25, 2pmA talk by Louise Miller, author of A Fine Brother: The Life of Captain Flora Sandes. The only woman to serve as a soldier in World War 1. A Cityread free event.

May 8 2.30pmGardening for Wildlife. David Bevan, London Secretary of the Wild Flower Society, will be giving an illustrated talk on gardening for wildlife.

Upminster

March 19, 1.30 - 3pmAdult Craft Workshop – Butterflies. Try different craft techniques in a friendly, relaxed environment. All abilities welcome. Price: £6/£6.50. Booking Essential

March 20, 2 - 3pm or 3.15 - 4.15pmAncestry Workshop. Learn search techniques for Ancestry.com in these hands on sessions. You will need basic computer skills. Price: £2/£2.50. Booking Essential

April 8, 10.30 - 11.30amEaster Storytime, Songs and Craft. Suitable for ages 3-5 years. Listen to some fun stories and join in with some singing and an Easter Craft. Price: £3/£4. Booking Essential

April 9, 11am - 12 noonFrightful First World War with Explore Learning. Suitable for ages 9-14 years.Crack the German spy code and try to survive on rations in this interactive writing workshop which brings the world of the soldier to life. Price: Free. Booking Essential.

April 10, 7pmMeet the author Jean Fullerton who will be talking about her work and life as an author. Price: £3/ £3.50. Booking Essential

36 | SPRING 201 4 | living IN HAVERING

We’re here to support you and your carer

With regular gatherings, day trips and events,

there’s no need to feel alone

You’re welcome to join us

at Langton’s House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1XJ

on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month

in the main hall, between 2 and 4pm

Why not come along and see what we get up to?

Just turn up at our next meeting, or for further details

please call Alan Davey on 020 8590 1302

or Brenda Crissell on 01708 345424

Havering & District Branch

April 15, 1.30 - 3pmAdult Craft Workshop Try different craft techniques in a friendly, relaxed environment. All abilities welcome. Cost : £6/£6.50. Booking Essential

April 15, 10.30 - 11.30amAnimal Masks. Suitable for ages 5+ years. Make your own animal mask. Price: £3/£3.50. Booking Essential

April 16, 11am - 12noonThe Gruffalo with Explore Learning Suitable for ages 5-7 years. Get set to meet the Gruffalo in this fun filled workshop designed to develop literacy skills through rhyme and description. Price: Free. Booking Essential

April 26, 10.30 - 11.30amChildren’s Craft Workshop Suitable for ages 5+ years. Make a hot-air balloon mobile. Price: £3/£3.50. Booking essential

May 20, 1.30 - 3pmAdult Craft Workshop Try different craft techniques in a friendly, relaxed environment. All abilities welcome. Price: £6/£6.50. Booking Essential

May 21, 6.30pmWestern Front Association. A talk about the work of the association to ensure that those who served their country are not forgotten. Price: £3/£3.50. Booking essential

May 29,10 - 11am or 1 - 2pmJewellery Making Workshop. Suitable for ages 5+ years Learn how to make your own stunning memory wire bracelet. Price: £6/£6.50. Booking Essential

Havering Libraries hold many regular and one-off events, of interest to all ages. For details call them on

Collier Row – 434936Elm Park – 434919Gidea Park – 434978Harold Wood – 434975Harold Hill – 434973Hornchurch – 434903Rainham Library – 434970Romford – 432387/89South Hornchurch – 434921Upminster – 434933

www.havering.gov.uk/living | SPRING2014 | 37

Theatre & Music

QUEEN’S THEATREMarch 7 – 29Two and Two Make SexWhen two troubled couples find themselves at the same party one day, the confusion spirals out of control! They’re going to need more than wine and nibbles to sort this mess out...

April 11 - May 3The Great GatsbyAmid the glitz of the roaring ‘20s, mysterious young millionaire Jay Gatsby moves into town. Glamour, extravagance and passion in F Scott Fitzgerald’s action-packed drama.

May 16 - Jun 7GodspellThe team that brought you Return to the Forbidden Planet and Love, Lies and Lust presents a heavenly new production of the original feel-good musical, with soul-stirring pop, folk and rock hits such as Light of the World and Day by Day.

BROOKSIDE THEATRE, ROMFORDMarch 5 - 8Bouncers A hilarious comedy set in and around a northern nightclub, with the action focusing on the exploits of the four doormen and their customers. The play creates a vivid picture of the relentless hedonism of northern night life with its raw energy, flashing disco lights, and raucous lads and lasses out on the town.Prices: £10 concessions, £13 full, £9 groups 10+

April 17-26Avenue QThe laugh out loud, Tony Award-winning AVENUE Q is the irresistibly charming

38 | SPRING 201 4 | living IN HAVERING Listings

musical about the lovably hopeless characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues: love, work, relationships, and above all, just how are you supposed to pay the bills with a BA in English? Prices: £10 concessions, £13 full, £9 groups 10+

May 18 8pmFreddie & The MercurysThis thrilling show features all the hits that made Queen unarguably the greatest rock band the world has ever known. A high-energy night of rock, not to be missed. Price: £15

Special Events

Monthly 11am - 3pmOn the first Saturday of each month the Community Safety Team will be security coding cycles free of charge at the South Street end of the market place between Lloyds Bank and the Cooperative Bank.

March 2 10am-4pmItalian MarketThe market returns to Upminster along Corbets Tey Road, with Italian street entertainment performers, and Italian quiz delivered by the Adult Collegeand children’s themed craft workshops.

Saturday March 8 2014Havering NCT Nearly New SaleTop quality baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment at bargain prices.

Frances Bardsley School10.15am – 12 noon(10am for members with cards). Price £1 (in aid of NCT Charity, children free)Contact: [email protected] 0844 2436158

April 26 8pmSt Georges Day DanceJoin the Upminster Wine and Social Club at their St Georges Day dance at Hall Mead School. Dancing to Martin le Beau with supper provided. Bring your own liquid refreshments. This will be an excellent evening of music, dancing and socialising. Tickets £12.50. Call Vic 01708 470465.

Groups & Societies

Every Friday 7.30 - 10pmWidows and Widowers’ ClubA chance for members of the community who have lost their loved ones to share an evening of talks, activities and outings with like-minded folks. Join us each Friday for a variety of activities and talks. For more information call Bernard on 450572 or Sue on 440255.

First Tuesday of the month 8.15pmGadabouts Social ClubEstablished club for single people aged 40+ meets at Havering Indoor Bowls Club, Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch. Full monthly programme of events. For further details call: 07528 370643 or email [email protected]

MondaysHornchurch Photographic Society Beginners and experienced photographers welcome. Ardleigh House, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch. Call 472301

First Wednesday of the month 7.30pmFairkytes Accordion ClubFairkytes Centre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch. We welcome players and non-players. Price: £5 on the door non-members and £4 for members. Call 01708 225313, or email [email protected]

March 1, 1.30 - 3.30pmBritish Sugarcraft GuildHornchurch and Upminster Branch meeting. Hornchurch Library meeting room. A demonstration on ‘Car Cake’ by Pam Rogers. Price: £6 incl. tea and cake.

April 5 British Sugarcraft GuildLocation as above. A demonstration on gelatine flowers by Kusam Mendis. Price: £6 incl. tea and cake.

April 5 British Sugarcraft GuildLocation as above. A demonstration on Penguin Cakes by Chris Berry. Price: £6 incl. tea and cake.

MonthlyLadies Guild, RomfordMeets in the Salvation Army Citadel, Romford at 8pm on March 27, April 24, May 24 and June 24. New members welcome, call 749864.

Greenfingers Gardening Club, CranhamCranham Community Centre, Marlborough Gardens. Horticultural speakers, raffle and tea break. A small, friendly and informal group, everyone welcome. For more information call Sheila 228752.

Second Tuesday of the month 10.30am-12.30pmHavering Over 50s ForumCome along to our monthly meeting in the council chamber at the Town Hall on Main Road. 2014 dates: March 11, April 8, May 13 and June 10.

Sports & Activities

Every other Tuesday 8-10pmTweed Way (50+) Sports ClubTry your hand at darts, short mat bowls, snooker, table tennis, rummikub, scrabble and cards. £3 each includes tea and biscuits. New members welcome. If you’re 50 or over come and give it a try. Further details from Pete on 728448 or [email protected]

Thursdays 10-11.30amYoga ClassEmerson park Community Association hall, Slewins lane, Hornchurch. Call Donna 01708 747491 or email [email protected].

Every Saturday 9amHarrow Lodge parkrunFree, 5km run in Harrow Lodge Park from the Warren Drive car park. Register for free at www.parkrun.org.uk, email [email protected]

Jill’s Story

“ I’ve been a foster carer for seven years and I like looking after teenage girls. It fits in well with my lifestyle as a single carer. The relationship I’ve developed with Sarah is really important as I’m helping her to find her way through her teenage years. I love helping with life’s ups and downs and supporting her to prepare for adult life. ” Sarah’s Story

“ I was 12 when I came to live with Jill, my mum was having some difficulties and she couldn’t look after me properly. At first I felt lost, confused and angry, but spending time with Jill has helped me to learn to trust her, that she will be there for me. I enjoy school a lot more now and have made some friends. I’d say I am a happy teenager now. ”

Fostering in Havering

Havering Council is looking for people like you to foster teenagers. If you could open your home to local young people, call us to find out more. rise to the challenge | reap the rewards

Fostering

www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

For more information on fostering in Havering, please contact us: Telephone: 01708 434574 or email: [email protected]

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