Free swimming extended

Everyone Active offers free swimming for adults aged 50 and above, at specific times throughout the week, until October 2016.

B&Q operates a community reuse scheme

The scheme is in place to donate unsellable products and materials for re-use by local schools, other educational institutions and community groups, for the benefit of the local community and the environment. These items are donated on the understanding that they will be re-used or disposed of responsibly if they are not used. More details available here.

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.

Spring fair

Saturday 5 March, 11am - 3pm at Elm Park Baptist Church, Rosewood Avenue, Elm Park RM12 2LD. Come along for a variety of stalls with bric-a-brac, crafts, books, games and refreshments. Homemade cakes for sale too. Admission 30p.

Larry’s Music Quiz

Saturday 5 March, 6 - 9.30pm at Harold Hill Community Centre, Gooshays Drive, Romford RM3 9LB. Raising money for The Mitchell Huth Memorial Fund, we have an extensive music quiz by pop quiz guru Larry Foster, teams of up to six welcome, £10 each includes quiz, buffet and one raffle ticket. Pre-booking required by email.

Litter pick

The Friends of Bedfords Park are holding a 'Clean for the Queen' litter pick in Bedfords Park on Sunday 6 March, 11am – 3.30pm.  Light refreshments provided. Meet at the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor's Centre, Bedfords Park, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower,  RM4 1QH.

Garden history and follies

Tuesday 8 March, 7.15pm, a lecture by Caroline Holmes for Upminster and District Horticultural Society at New Windmill Hall, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster RM14 2QH,

A light hearted look at garden history from the 17th to 20th centuries, the design and plantings and in particular the fantasy. Open to non-members and new members. £2 non-members. Get more details by email.

Heartstart community first aid course

Wednesday 9 March, 1pm - 3.30pm at Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch Country Park. Run in association with the British Heart Foundation and London Ambulance Service, this course will cover basic lifesaving first aid skills. Places are limited to 12 adults. Delegates will receive a certificate of attendance. £5 donation to Essex Wildlife Trust per person. Advance booking and payment essential. Book at the visitor centre.

Italian cookery

Thursday 10 March, 7.30pm - 9pm at Hornchurch Library, 44 North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TB. Tickets £4/£5.50 Pre-booking required by email. Illustrated talk and demonstration on pasta by Alex Dunitzz of La Passione Italiana. 

Sinatra in Vegas

Thursday 10 March, 8pm at Brookside Theatre, 21a Eastern Road, Romford, RM1 3NH. Direct from sell-out performances at Ronnie Scott’s, London, Sinatra In Vegas is a glamorous and glitzy show in true Las Vegas style featuring the unique talents of Paul Holgate and his big band.

Book tickets here.

Dementia Friends training

Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. 

Come along to a free information session on Friday 11 March, 12.30pm - 1.15pm at Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ. Book your place here.

International Women’s Day event – Live, Love, Sparkle

Saturday 12 March, 11.30am - 4pm at Ardleigh House Community Association, 42 Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2LG. Free event open to all includes pamper treatments, interview tips and CV writing, health M.O.T’s, cookery demos and much more. More information available here.

Havering Inter Faith Forum

Social evening on Thursday 17 March, 8pm - 9.30pm at Salvation Army, High Street, Romford RM1 1JJ.

A time to chat and network with others.  Guest Speakers include: Compact for Havering and October Festivals. Everyone welcome. Email for more details.

Spring show

Saturday 26 March, 2pm – 5pm, Rainham Horticultural Society spring show at The Brenda Blakemore Community Centre, Davies Close, Rainham, RM13 9LJ.

Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps with the  Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas

Sunday 27 March, 7.30pm, The Queens Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps is one of the oldest independent youth military style marching bands in the country. Concert in aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. 

Book your tickets here.

Events at Havering Museum

Havering Museum, 19-21 High Street, Romford,  RM1 1JU.

Until Saturday 26 March, Pop it in the Post an exhibition by the National Postal Museum which includes two vintage pillar boxes.

Until Saturday 4 April, an exhibition of  local artist Fred Praver’s artwork covering 16 years devotion to mixed media art.

Reminiscence at Havering Museum

Friday 11 March – Changes in language and social attitude

Friday 18 March – Easter traditions

Admission £3, includes entry to the Museum and refreshments. Sessions take place from 1.30pm to 3.30 pm. Bring your photographs and memories to share or just come to listen to others. All are welcome at these friendly sessions.

London Cinema Museum talk

Saturday 12 March, 1.30pm.  Admission fee £5

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.

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.

Become a Community Health Champion

If you are interested in promoting good health and wellbeing, are a Havering resident or work in the Borough then you can become a Community Health Champion.

Tapestry has been commissioned by Havering Council, to recruit local people to undergo FREE, accredited training which leads to a QCA Level 2 award in  ‘Understanding Health Improvement’. It is an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle and help local people make more informed choices about their wellbeing.

The role is a voluntary one and health champions are only expected to engage with friends, neighbours, work colleagues and anyone else they come into contact within the course of their daily life. Email for more details.

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 - 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.

Knit and Craft Club

The Four Seasons Knitting and Craft Club meets every Monday 7 - 10pm at Rush Green Community Association and Social Club, Rush Green Gardens, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0LB.

If you knit, crochet, or machine knit, come along and we will make you welcome.

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 - 4 pm and Thursday, 6.45pm - 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 - 11am. Find out more about Nordic Walking. 

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.

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 - 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 - 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 - noon 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, 7.30pm - 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 7.30pm - 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, Romford, RM1 3BD.  For more information email.