Head for Hilldene Shopping Centre on Thursday 3 December for a cracker of a Christmas lights switch on event. The fun starts at 4pm with a festive finale at 6pm.

Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and tell him your Christmas wish, then join in carols with local choirs.

There’s free face painting, stilt walkers and jugglers and free children’s rides before the count down to the Christmas lights switch on.

Children can make their own Christmas decorations at Harold Hill Library but email now to book your places.

Get full details of Havering's Christmas events here.

Radio training

Radio Harold Hill, based at St George’s Church Centre in Chippenham Road, has received a Big Lottery Fund grant to train more volunteers in radio production, script writing, radio interview techniques and customer services.

Trainees will learn in a live studio environment.

On the beat with Harold Hill Police

Each police Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) holds meetings for the public can attend and ask questions and get crime prevention advice.

In Harold Hill there are two SNTs - Gooshays and Heaton - and their next meetings are:

Thursday 12 November - drop in surgery

Thursday 12 November - public meeting

Saturday 14 November - drop in surgery

The Gooshays SNT also hold regular coffee mornings (pictured) at St George's Church.

More information about Gooshays SNT and Heaton SNT available here.

Free cycle maintenance courses

The Council's cycle maintenance classes are up and running again.

The free classes at myplace, in Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, includes a basic course, which covers how to fix a puncture, while the advanced course includes removal and installation of cycle parts. Get details of maintenance courses here. 

Volunteers needed

The Harold Hill and Harold Wood Division of St John Ambulance is looking for volunteers to join the unit. More information from Doug Croxall.

Help and advice

The Early Help Service runs drop-in sessions and other activities at two places in Harold Hill -  Chippenham Road Children’s Centre and Community Hub and the Ingrebourne Children’s Centre and Community Hub in Taunton Road.

More information available here.

If you see something that needs improving in Harold Hill please report it using the Council’s online forms.

The forms cover a wide range of issues from fly-tipping to potholes. Completing the correct form sends it direct to the right people to deal with that issue.

The proposals outline how we aim to make the savings by generating income through the introduction of a housing company, investing in renewable energy; encouraging residents to engage with us online, and limiting the amount of waste left out for collection.

The full Budget Report can be read here.

Extended bus service

Bus route 174, which runs between Harold Hill and Dagenham, has been extended to serve CEME on Marsh Way, Rainham, on Sundays, in line with the Monday to Saturday service. Plan you bus journey here.

Singing for Pleasure

Havering Adult College is offering a 10 week course to learn to sing and develop technique. It is open to all abilities. The course will start on Wednesday 13 January, 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Redden Court School. The cost of the course is £102. Find out about enrolment. More information on music courses.

Events in Harold Hill

If you are running a community event in Harold Hill get free publicity by completing the online form here.

Christmas bazaar

The Friends of Drapers Schools are holding a Christmas Bazaar at Drapers’ Maylands Primary School, Settle Road, Harold Hill on Thursday 3 December from 3pm.

Free dog chipping and advice

The Dogs Trust will be providing advice and help for dog owners on Friday 4 December, 11am - 3pm at Briar Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8AH.

What's on at Harold Hill Library?

Saturday 14 November Havering Police Gooshays SNT holds a drop in surgery for residents.

Tuesday 24 November, 11am - 12noon. Young at Heart Club with Len Taphouse speaking on The Spirit of the Iroquois. Email for more details.

Find out more about Harold Hill library.

Drop in for advice

Citizens Advice Havering holds a drop in advice service at Harold Hill Llibrary every Monday,10am to 2pm.

Need a helping hand?

Family Mosaic runs monthly drop in sessions at Harold Hill Early Children’s Centre.

Looking for work?

The London - Harold Hill Job Club is free to attend and is facilitated by Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

It is run in association with the local food bank working in partnership with St Georges Church. It meets each Wednesday between, 10am and 2pm, at St Georges Church Centre