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Monday 19 April 2021 (Update #206)
 Today's newsletter is full of positive news. Positive news for businesses in Havering, for people who want to enjoy the arts and entertainment in our borough, and for those who want to celebrate Saint George's Day.
Thanks to the consideration of the vast majority of residents we were able to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend whilst at the same time keeping up relentless downward pressure on the awful coronavirus by continuing to follow the Government's guidance: social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, regular testing, and only meeting people outside our household or bubble in the fresh air outdoors.
We at the Council are doing our bit to help us all recover from the necessary lockdown. To boost local businesses we are providing free parking for shoppers in all Council-owned car parks and on-street parking bays until 9 May 2021. This is in addition to the free parking on Sundays already in place, which will continue after 9 May.
We have also extended our Havering Heroes parking permit for NHS and other key workers until 21 June 2021.
Last week we began to deep clean our high streets to make our town centres nicer, cleaner places in which to shop or visit.
The first area to be spruced up was South Street in Romford town centre (pictured). The machine used scrubs grime and chewing gum off the pavements.
In future weeks the cleaning team will also be visiting Collier Row, Elm Park, Hilldene Avenue in Harold Hill, Rainham Village, Hornchurch and Upminster.
At the weekend our high streets and shopping centres, including Romford Market, were busy and let's hope that continues. With a renewed sense of optimism, and with COVID-19 infection rates low, we can look forward to Step 3 on the Government's roadmap out of lockdown on 17 May.
If you want to contact me directly, you can email me. However, please be patient as there may be a delay in getting back to you due to the volume of messages I am receiving.
Please stay safe.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
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If you are aged 45 or over you can book your COVID-19 vaccination now.
In Havering more than 120,000 residents have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That's more than 90 per cent of all those aged over 50.
Take up of the vaccine is how we will get things back to normal and will protect you, your friends and your family.
If you're a member of the BAME community, or just want to find out more about the vaccine programme, how it works and why you should have it when offered, you can watch an informative video presented by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo from KICC.
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 Many people with COVID-19 don't show any symptoms but regular, twice-weekly rapid testing is now open to everyone in Havering to help make sure you're not passing on COVID-19 without knowing.
You can collect home test kits without an appointment from any of Havering's Local Testing Sites, but do check opening times on our website before travelling.
Alternatively, you can order a test kit online.
We are encouraging everyone to 'Test first, collect second', by booking a rapid COVID-19 test at one of our rapid testing sites. Trained specialists will show you how to properly complete a test, before you collect your home testing kit to continue twice-weekly testing.
You should still use testing even if you have had one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Have symptoms?
Of course, it also remains vitally important to book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms. There is information on booking procedures, and opening hours for all our local testing locations on our website.
 On Thursday 6 May, the elections for the Mayor of London and Members of the London Assembly will take place.
Eligible voters in Havering will be able to vote for:
✖️ The Mayor of London
✖️ The London Assembly Member who will represent the Havering and Redbridge constituency
✖️ The London Assembly Members who will represent the whole of London (London-wide Members).
The deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes is 5pm tomorrow (Tuesday 20 April).
When you go to a polling station or receive your postal ballot papers you will have three to fill in: a pink one for the Mayor, a yellow one for your constituency member, and an orange one for the London-wide list.
Watch a video to see how to use your votes.
Advertorial
 19 - 25 April is Real Nappy Week.
Apply for a free sample pack and for more information.
Join the virtual real cloth nappy chat tomorrow, Tuesday 20 April, at 10:30am.
Email Debbie Lee for your invite.
 Have you got questions about the latest rules, the vaccine and about testing?
Join our Zoom meeting to help you ease your way out of lockdown.
Speak directly to public health professionals on Monday, 26 April at 6pm.
Register now.
If you haven't yet completed Census 2021, there's still time to do so.
Perhaps you know someone who might need help completing ?
Support is available.
Phone free on 0800 141 2021.
Rest assured that Government officials cannot see your census information. Any information published by the census is anonymous. Taking part will not affect anything like your benefit claims, immigration status or your taxes.
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 This Friday, 23 April, is Saint George's Day and, as is traditional, on the closest Saturday to that date events are put on by Havering Council to celebrate.
Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions, live events in Romford Market will not be possible again this year, but a series of online events can be enjoyed.
They include a traditional Punch and Judy show at 2pm on Saturday, a cockney sing-a-long at 3pm, and at noon a guide to how to make your own Concertina Dragon.
A Harold Wood resident got in touch with us over the weekend to tell us about deer roaming his street on Saturday morning.
Alex Sarzi-Sartori said he was woken up by his neighbour ringing his mobile to tell him there were deer just sat in the shade of a tree just outside their houses.
It seems that because of lockdown the deer have become a bit more adventurous in venturing away from their usual home in parks around Harold Hill. On this occasion they had crossed the A12 road around 6.30 in the morning to reach Alex's street. Sadly one of them was run over and didn't make it.
Alex's neighbour called Harold Hill Deer Aid and they were able to visit and help guide them back across the busy A road to their normal home.
Alex said that the deer seemed to be very well-behaved and at ease around humans, although fortunately no-one tried to approach them too closely.
Thanks for the lovely picture Alex!
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Since last Monday (12 April) Fairkytes Arts Centre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch (pictured) has been open again to the public.
However, restrictions such as social distancing, one-way systems and room capacity limits remain in place.
Initially the centre will be open for under 18's activities only, however not all activities will return immediately, so please check before you visit by either contacting the centre or your class tutor or group leader.
The centre will temporarily have an earlier closing time of 8pm most weekdays with weekend opening hours remaining as usual.
For more information please call 01708 456308.
- As part of Havering Culture's Online Fairkytes Live programme, Lizzie Bing will perform a live acoustic set via Zoom on Friday 23 April, at 8pm. Lizzie's performance will include both original and cover performances, and is suitable for all ages. This performance is accessible by both telephone audio and computer. For more information including event access details, or to register to perform, please email arts@havering.gov.uk.
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Subject to the Government's coronavirus roadmap remaining on track, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch will reopen its doors to the public as we reach Step 3 on Monday 17 May.
The new season at the theatre gets underway with a new production of Tim Firth’s hit comedy Neville’s Island.
It runs from 20 May to 12 June and again from 22 June to 3 July. Socially distanced seating will remain in place at least throughout the May and June performances.
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