Clean for the Queen

Clean for the Queen takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March and is a campaign to clear up Britain in time for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in June 2016.

When she came to the throne litter was not the problem it is today so during that weekend the aim is for community groups, businesses, schools and individuals to spend an hour or two clearing litter from part of their neighbourhood. We all know a local place where litter gathers so register your interest in a Havering Clean for the Queen event here and let’s get it cleared up.

Support for Dementia carers

Havering Council is hosting free sessions for family carers of people living with dementia to learn more about the support available and to meet others in a similar situation. Workshops will be held at Hornchurch Fire Station, 42 North Street RM11 1SH on Wednesday 17 February, noon - 3pm and Monday 14 March, 5.30pm - 8.30pm). Book your place here.

Freedom Pass renewals

If you have a Freedom Pass that expires on 31 March 2016 you should soon receive a letter explaining how to renew it. As soon as you receive your letter, which includes a unique renewal number, you need to log on here to renew your Freedom Pass.

In Havering there are 4,737 elderly persons Freedom Passes and 530 disabled persons Freedom Passes due for renewal. As passes take up to four weeks to arrive renewing as soon as you receive your letter is important.

More information on the Freedom Pass is available here.

Last chance to switch and save money

Havering residents now have the chance to lower their gas and electricity bills by taking part in the Big London Energy Switch.

Residents can sign up online for the scheme until Tuesday 1 February 2016. Get more information about the scheme and how to sign up at the Big London energy switch webpage​. ​

First Aid courses

St John Ambulance is running the following free courses at Pyrgo Priory Primary School, Harold Hill. Places are limited to 12 people on each course:

Basic Life Support for all ages, 9am – 1pm on Saturday 19 March

Further First Aid, 2pm – 5pm on Saturday 19 March

Paediatric Life Support, 9am – 1pm on Sunday 21 February and Saturday 30 April

Paediatric First Aid, 2pm – 5pm on Sunday 21 February and Saturday 30 April.

Book your place with Doug Croxall.

Free publicity for your events

You can get free publicity for your community event - just complete the online form on Havering Council’s events web page. There is no charge for this service.

Havering Interfaith Forum Discussion Evening – ‘Significant Women of Faith’

Thursday 4 February, 8pm - 9.30pm at Havering Islamic Cultural Centre, 91 Waterloo Road, Romford, RM7 0AA. More details available here.

Events at Havering Museum

Monday 8 February, 7pm. Beer and Food Tasting at The Golden Lion, 2c High Street, Romford, RM1 1HR. Tickets £15, pre-booking by email is essential.

Saturday 20 February, 1pm.  Antiques and Collectable with a Cream Tea at Havering Museum,  19-21 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU. Includes a fun mock auction. Tickets £6, book early limited ticket availability.

Sunday Night Live Special

Sunday Night Live Romford is back at Costa Coffee, The Brewery, Romford, RM1 1AU, on 14 February 2016 with a 'Valentine Special', with music from Glen Podd and band, and some spoken word from local performer, Izzyy Eze.

Music for a Winters Night: Clive Carroll (acoustic guitar)

Thursday 18 February, 8pm, Fairkytes Arts Centre. 51 Billet Lane, Hornchurch. RM11 1AX.

The final concert of our Music for a Winter's Night season features Clive Carroll, one of the UK's finest exponents of classical and acoustic guitar. Book tickets here.

Charity Quiz Night

A charity Quiz Night, in aid of St Francis Hospice, is being held at Collier Row Catholic Club, Lowshoe Lane, Collier Row, RM5 2AP on Saturday 20 February, 7pm – 11.30pm, admission £5. Book tickets by email.  

Shirley Tours

Shirley organises a variety of outings, events and short breaks - there’s something for everyone and it’s all in a good cause. All profits made are distributed between two local schools, Hall Mead School and James Oglethorpe School, as well as All Saints Church, in Cranham and 1st Cranham Scout Group. More information at Shirley Tours.

Library Volunteers wanted

We are looking for volunteers to help us in all of our libraries, particularly to help select and deliver books to housebound residents. Get more details here and sign up here.

Befriend a young person

Do you have three hours a week that you can use to befriend a young person and take them out into the community?

We will pay for your cinema tickets, refreshments or your game of bowling plus any out of pocket travel expenses you may incur.

We provide training and support you throughout your volunteering experience. You can learn new skills and make a genuine difference to a family all whilst having fun. Please email Lee Craythorne.

Volunteer befrienders

Do you like talking with other people?  Have you got some time to spare each week? Tapestry Befrienders are people from all walks of life who visit or telephone an older person each week, bringing a smile to their face. For more information please email Tapestry.

Havering Association for People with Disabilities (H.A.D) is also looking for volunteer befrienders to have a chat or share a pastime with a disabled person, so they can spend time independently from their carer. Full training is given. More information available here.

Seeking smokers

Smokers and former smokers are being asked to volunteer their help in the fight against one of the nation’s biggest killers – COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

London-based clinical research specialist MeDiNova, which recently opened its third dedicated research centre at Blackburn House, Eastern Road, Romford are seeking to recruit patients to volunteer their help in the fight against this disease, which claims tens of thousands of lives each year. Find out more by completing this form.

Havering Group Diabetes UK

The Havering Group Diabetes UK meets at North Street Hall, North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1QX on the third Monday of each month at 8pm, for support, information or advice. The meeting hosts a speaker on a medical topic, everyone is welcome.

Parkinson’s UK (Havering and District Branch)

Parkinson’s UK (Havering and District Branch) holds regular meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm, at Langtons House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1XJ.  For more information email Brenda Crissell.

Men’s walking football

Walking football is a slower paced version of the beautiful game, aimed at men who are keen to keep an active lifestyle despite their age or ability. £3 per session.  Booking is required. For more information email Stuart Robinson.

• Mondays 12noon, YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0PH
• Thursdays 7pm, Abbs Cross Health and Fitness, Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 4YB

Health and Wellbeing in Havering

This monthly email update has information from Havering Council, Havering Clinical Commissioning Group and Queen's Hospital.

Sign up to get your copy.

Citizens Advice Havering drop-in sessions

Victoria Road, Romford  RM1 2JT – Monday to Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm. A limited number of daily appointments will be issued depending on availability.  Doors open at 8.30am to issue tickets.

Hornchurch Library – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 2pm

Harold Hill Library – Monday, 10am - 2pm

South Hornchurch Library – alternate Tuesdays, 10am - 2pm (please ring 01708 763531 to check service)

Orchard Village Estate Office – Monday, 10am - 2pm

Telephone advice – Friday, 1pm - 3pm on 01708 629902

More information available here.

Techy Teas

First Thursday of the month 10.30am -12.30pm at Upminster Library, 26 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, RM14 2BB

Come along to one of our free sessions and learn how to use the full potential of your laptop, mobile phone or tablet at one of our Techy Teas sessions. An active Havering Library card is required.

Come Bend with Me

Every Thursday 11am – noon at Romford Salvation Army, High Street, Romford RM1 1JJ. Gentle exercise for seniors. Email for more details.

Tapestry Pub Clubs

Enjoy a good meal, a drink and a great laugh? Then come along to one of our Pub Clubs!

Pub Clubs offer the chance for local residents to meet new people in a cheerful setting, have a good laugh, and enjoy some hearty pub grub. Our clubs are held once a month from noon - 2pm on:

First Tuesday, The Bull, 74-76 Market Place, Romford, RM1 3ER

First Thursday, The Tollgate, High Road, Chadwell Heath, RM6 6QT

Second Wednesday, The Albion, Rainham Road, Rainham, RM13 8SS

Third Tuesday, The Village, Station Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 6NA

Last Wednesday, The Golden Crane, 117 Avon Road, Cranham, Upminster, RM14 1RQ

Book your place by email. 

Discovering Thames Chase

Coffee morning

Second Friday of each month, 10.30am - noon

Cream tea

Third Friday of each month, 2.30pm - 4.30pm. Book places by email.

Community Market

Third Sunday of each month, 10am - 2pm. Find out more by email.

Make and Take Card Class

Every Wednesday, 12.30pm – 3.30pm, at Worthington Scout Hall, Collier Row Road, Collier Row, RM5 2BE. More information from Maureen Hunter. 

Harold Hill Seniors Club

Social group for the over 60s, every Tuesday, 1pm - 3pm at myplace, 343 Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9EN . Further details available here.

Bridge Clubs

Harold Wood Bridge Club meets weekly, at the old school building in Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, on Wednesday and Friday 12.30pm to 4 pm and Thursday, 6.45pm to 10pm. Fees £1 per session for members and £2 for visitors. Email Ron Lockhart for details.

The Collier Row Bridge Club meets at North Romford Community Centre every Thursday, 7.30pm – 10.30pm and is looking for new members.

Eyes Down for Bingo

Every Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Markdyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham, RM13 8PJ.  £1 per game.  More details by email.

Perky Pensioners in Upminster

Tapestry Perky Pensioners Club meets fortnightly 10am-12noon at Upminster Baptist Church, Springfield Gardens, Upminster, RM14 3EH

No need to book - just come along and you will be made to feel welcome. The next meeting is on Thursday 7 January.

Whist Club needs new members

If you enjoy playing whist, head to Cranham Community Centre, Marlborough Gardens, Cranham, RM14 1SR, every Wednesday and Friday, 7.30pm until 9.30pm, to join this Whist Club.

Join Nelmes WI

Nelmes (Hornchurch) Womens’ Institute meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Nelmes United Reformed Church. New members welcome and further details from Ruth McDougall.  

Folk Dance fun

The Romford and Brentwood Folk Dance Group meets every Wednesday 8pm until 10pm at Chadwick Hall St. Michael's and All Angels Church, Main Road, Gidea Park, RM2 5EL.

Come on your own or with friends and learn English Folk Dancing.  Historical and modern dances taught.

Nordic Walking

This fun exercise takes place at Thames Chase Community Forest each Saturday, 10.15am to 11am.

Give and Take Days

Give and Take Days are on the last Wednesday of every month at Romford Central Library, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Caligraphy and crafts

Meet on Tuesday mornings at Fairkytes Arts Centre, 51 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1AX.  For the over 60s.  For more details call 01708 222365.

..... and two

Drop in on any Friday between 10am and 12noon for friendly conversation over a cuppa at Elm Park Community Association Assembly Halls, Eyhurst Avenue, Elm Park, RM12 5UA. 

Social Hub

The Silver Linx Social Hub meets every Monday between 10am and 2pm at Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ.

Ten Pin Bowling

The 50+ Ten Pin Bowling Group meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.15am at Namco Funscape Bowling at The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, RM1 1AU for unlimited bowling and a hot drink for £5 per head. For more details email Ruth Symons.

Events at Havering Museum

Havering Museum, 19-21 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU. For more details email Havering Museum.

Friday Afternoon Reminiscence

Every Friday at 1.30pm until 3.30pm, £3.00 per person. Fridays are fascinating when local people gather to share their memories and pictures with others in the Museum. Come along and join in or just sit and listen.

Sunday stroll at Rainham Marshes

Join one of our experts to discover the wonderful wildlife on the reserve. This is the perfect opportunity to improve your identification skills, meet like-minded people and walk off that Sunday lunch. Takes place every Sunday 1pm to 3.30pm. No need to book.

Meet at RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ.  Admission £5 (£4 RSPB members). For more information email Rainham Marshes.

Sunday night live….

Sunday Night Live Upminster, Costa Coffee, 34 Station Road, Upminster, RM14 2TR, second Sunday of every month 5.30pm to 7.15pm. Host: Kevin Nichols 07876 682402.

Sunday Night Live Romford, Costa Coffee, The Brewery, Romford, RM1 1AU, second Sunday of every month at 5.30pm.  Host: Justin Lewis 07877 843060.

A stitch in time

The In Stitches sewing group meets every Thursday from 10am until 12noon at Harold Hill Library, Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill, RM3 8DJ and at Hornchurch Library, 44 North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TB every Tuesday from 2.30pm.

Growing Friends over 50’s club

Growing Friends, an over 50's club, is held on the first Wednesday of each month in the garden at Bedford’s Park Walled Garden, Broxhill Road, Vyner Street, Havering-atte-Bower,  RM14 1QH. More information is available by emailing Kirsty.

Dancing Classes

Every Friday, 7.30 - 8.30pm, Diana Clifford, Anthony Clifford Studios, 66 Albert Road, Romford, RM1 2PP. The class is pay as you go £8.50 per person. More information available here.

Dukes Modern Sequence Dance Club, Tweedway Hall, Tweed Way, Rise Park, RM1 4AZ. Dancing every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, £3.50 per person. Email for more details.

Harold Hill Modern Sequence Dance Club, Harold Hill Community Centre, Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9LB. Dancing every Monday, £3 per person. Email for more details.

Tweed Modern Sequence Dance Club, Tweedway Hall, Tweed Way, Rise Park, RM1 4AZ. Dancing every Thursday 7.30- 10pm, £3 per person. Email for more details.

Havering Over-50s Forum

Havering Over-50s Forum is a non-political organisation that offers a platform where the over 50s can find information and raise issues which are of concern to them.

The Forum is open to Havering residents.  The first monthly meeting is free, then £5 annually. Meetings are usually on the second Tuesday of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Council Chamber, Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Roford, RM1 3BD.  For more information email or call 07504 654686.