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Thursday 18 June 2020
 Whilst it is disappointing that we cannot celebrate this year’s Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June with a parade like we usually do, the safety of residents must always come first.
We are incredibly proud of our armed forces and it’s important that we still pay tribute to them as best we can, so Havering Council will be marking the day with an online celebration of readings and performances.
A virtual flag-raising ceremony will take place prior to the day to mark the celebrations and show the Council’s support. (See below for details of some of the other events that we are orgainsing to mark this day).
Each year this special occasion receives an incredible response from people across Havering, and whilst we must celebrate differently this year, our appreciation for our armed forces in keeping us safe remains as strong as ever.
As more shops open as the lockdown eases, we must continue to keep ourselves and others safe by avoiding public transport, where possible, to free up the limited space available to those who have no alternative way to travel.
For many of us going to the high street is a welcome return to normality, but please remember that for some, who have been self-isolating or shielding, this is a daunting prospect. They need us to respect their space, both inside and outside the shops. COVID-19 is still out there, so keeping to the 2-metre rule remains crucial.
Lastly I have received a few emails from residents wondering why they were receiving these bulletins a number of days after they had been published. It appears that some subscribers opted to receive email bulletins in a weekly digest rather than immediately they are published. If that is the case for you, and you would now like to receive the bulletins on the day they are produced, please email our Publications Officer, peter.stremes@havering.gov.uk.
If you want to contact me directly, email me.
Please stay safe.
Cllr Damian White,
Leader, Havering Council
 Saturday 27 June is Armed Forces Day.
It's a day to say thank you for their hard work, dedication and efforts of our armed forces to keep us safe in the UK and across the globe.
Among the events we have planned to mark the day is a WW2 – Vocal Tribute.
Lightnin Drama group has produced this vocal tribute for Havering Council which has been adapted from their 'On A Wing and A Prayer' production to commemorate Hornchurch Airfield.
You can also take part in Havering's tribute by submitting a photo of you saluting.
Email: events@havering.gov.uk
Pictures need to be sent by Monday 22 June. A large collage of pictures will then be shared across social media platforms.
Details on other events available soon.
It is important to remember that although the lockdown has eased, COVID-19 is still a threat, and we must all do our bit to stay safe.
To help shops protect their customers at this time, we have prepared several downloadable posters for shops to display in their windows.
We are encouraging all businesses that have reopened, or are planning to reopen, to print and display the posters, which remind customers of how to keep safe, and allow them to set a sensible limit on how many people can enter their shop at one time.
For the latest updates for businesses, please subscribe to our free Business Briefing email newsletter.
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 We know how important it is for our residents to have life return to normal as quickly as possible.
The NHS Test and Trace service is designed to help control the rate of reproduction (R), and reduce the spread of the infection and save lives.
Follow the Government's guidelines to help protect your friends and family and stop the spread.
- If you are in isolation and develop symptoms, you can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
In addition, a COVID-19 mobile testing unit will be at Havering Town Hall, rear car park, at Park End Road in Romford this Friday and Saturday (19 and 20 June).
Before you attend the site in Romford, you will need to make an appointment.
Testing is being carried out between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Vehicles and pedestrians should enter via Park End Road where a one way drive and walk through system will be in place. Please do not try to enter from Main Road.
If there is more than one case of COVID-19 associated with a workplace, employers should contact their local health protection team to report the suspected outbreak.
The heath protection team will then undertake a risk assessment, provide public health advice and, where necessary, establish a multi-agency incident management team to manage the outbreak.
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Please support the foodbanks in Harold Hill, Collier Row/Romford, and in Rainham, if you can.
The #HaveringHeroes are working hard to combat poverty and hunger.
They are running a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds.
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If you're having a barbecue in your back garden this weekend, remember to let the ash cool down completely before throwing it away.
Recently, our waste contractors, SERCO, had to call out the London Fire Brigade to deal with a bin fire (pictured), caused by hot ash.
You should let barbecue ash cool for 48 hours or more, before placing it into a black sack. Using sand and water can help cool it down.
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The Havering Arts Festival launches on Sunday (21 June).
Online this year, the festival will promote arts and cultural activity across the borough throughout the summer.
Local artists, performers and arts organisations are invited to join forces to contribute content and opportunities for people of all ages.
On Sunday, Havering will join the national Make Music Day initiative by showing performances by Havering musicians and bands on Havering Culture's YouTube channel.
Any singers or musicians who would like to contribute should email arts@havering.gov.uk
On Thursday 25 June at 5.30pm, Havering Music School is launching a new Singing for Health initiative live on its Facebook page.
There will also be new exhibitions by local photographer Sean Burke and Havering artists Poppy O'Brien and Lauren Matthews, while a series of live online dance fitness sessions, arts classes and tutorials are planned.
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Transport for London (TfL) are making a number of temporary changes to the central London Congestion Charge.
The temporary changes are designed to reduce traffic in central London and enable more journeys to be made safely by foot or bike, while keeping the bus network reliable for those making essential journeys.
The temporary changes will apply from this Monday, 22 June.
These include increasing the Congestion Charge to £15 per day, removing the £1 Auto Pay and Fleet discounts, and extending the hours of operation to between 7am and 10pm seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day).
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Local schoolgirl, Tiana, from Romford, has been hosting a range of online activities in order to entertain and educate other children, as well as bring the local community together during lockdown.
St Edward's School pupil, Tiana who is six years old, records a range of activity videos, which are then hosted on The Liberty Shopping Centre’s Facebook page.
These activities include telling stories that educate and inform children on diversity and inclusivity, as well as important life lessons, arts and craft, top tips and baking lessons that are available every week for viewers.
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