 Havering's Memorial Woodland (pictured) was opened last week at Hornchurch Country Park.
It is a living testament to those who have lost their lives, family or loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also honours the significant efforts of key workers and residents who kept the borough safe during the pandemic.
The site has been designed with nature in mind and will develop over time to benefit wildlife. Features include a swale (a low lying area between ridges) to combat flooding in the area, and grasssy woodland edges, making it an ideal habitat for butterflies.
Once the 4,000 trees mature, they will absorb large amounts of carbon each year.
Havering Council is once again supporting 2022's Great British Spring Clean.
This year’s campaign, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, has the theme of One Bag, Big Difference.
Even the smallest of actions, can help to keep communities cleaner and tidier.
Residents can borrow litter pickers, gloves, sack holders and waste bags from the Council. If you want to do that send an email. A maximum of 10 litter pickers can be borrowed per event.
Once a booking is confirmed, residents can collect the equipment from the Harrow Lodge Depot, in Hornchurch Road. Collections can be made between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday.
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The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins this Saturday (2 April).
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has launched a guide welcoming Ramadan 2022.
For those interested in learning more about Ramadan, this guide offers key information on what the holy month means for Muslims and how it is observed, whilst also providing practical guidance for employers on how they can support Muslim colleagues during this month.
For those observing Ramadan, this guide also includes information on how to maintain physical and mental health during the holy month, alongside providing top tips on fasting whilst working or studying from home.
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Free swimming for school-aged children is back for the Easter holidays.
You can book now for sessions starting next week (4 April).
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On Havering Council's website you can see details of any applications to change a Premises Licence.
There are currently two applications open for consultation.
These applications are from the SmartHub Logistics Unit 6 on the Segro Industrial Park, Consul Avenue in Rainham, and Saffashaq, Unit D6, The Seedbed Centre in Romford.
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Now that the Government has ended free COVID-19 testing, you are encouraged to follow five simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19:
1. Stay home – for at least five days if you’re feeling unwell, have symptoms or test positive.
2. Get vaccinated – protect yourself and others.
3. Ventilate your space – ventilate and let fresh air in during meetings.
4. Wear a face covering – especially around those who are not part of your household.
5. Wash your hands regularly – for at least 20 seconds.
Earlier this week the Government published updated guidance on who will still be able to get free COVID-19 testng.
Vaccinations remain free and are available at vaccination centres, and pharmacies for everyone over the age of 12, or anyone over the age of five with a weakened immune system.
See the NHS website for more information on vaccinations, including spring boosters for people aged 75 years old and over.
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Throughout the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, the Royal British Legion (RBL) will be commemorating the service and sacrifice of all those involved
RBL’s activity will begin on the anniversary of the start of the Falklands War on 2 April, culminating in a national event to commemorate the end of the conflict on 14 June.
The RBL is inviting veterans, civilians and members of bereaved families to attend the service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire which will include a live link to the Falkland Islands.
The RBL is encouraging individuals and groups that would like to attend the event at the National Memorial Arboretum on 14 June to register their interest via their Regimental Association. You can find full details on the RBL website.
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 The Elm Park Horticultural Guild Spring Show takes place this Saturday (2 April). The venue is the Assembly Hall in Eyhurst Avenue, Elm Park (next to Elm Park Library).
The show runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Refreshments will be available and admission is free.
As well as displays of flowers, there will be exhibits for floral art, photography, children’s classes, handicrafts and baking. There will also be a number of tables selling locally home-produced and hand-made goods.
An Easter egg hunt is being held on Thursday 7 April. Running from 10am to 4pm in the Romford Shopping Hall. It's just £3 per child to take part. Pre-booking is essential.
Harold Hill Knit and Natter meet every Thursday from 10am to 12 noon at Harold Hill Library in Farnham Road. Bring your knitting, crochet or other crafts and join the chat. Everyone, from beginners to those with experience, is welcome.
South Hornchurch library is holding an Easter craft session on Friday 8 April between 2pm and 3pm. Easter decorations will be made. The event is suitable for all children aged three and over, and all materials will be provided. The cost is just £2.50.
The Arts Society Havering meets again at 10.15am on Tuesday 12 April at New Windmill Hall, in Upminster. The subject will be William Kent, architect and garden designer.
The talk will be given by Caroline Knight, an architectural historian. Visitors pay £8. More details on the Society's website.
One of the most controversial incidents in the fateful story of the ship Titanic is to be brought to life at the Brookside Theatre, Romford.
The Man Who Left The Titanic is a powerful and moving play, staged to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the tragic events of 1912.
The production tells the tale of J Bruce Ismay, Chairman of the company that owned the ship. He survived the tragic event by stepping into one of the ship’s lifeboats and sailing away from the stricken ship.
This play evokes that terrible voyage and asks whether Ismay was a coward, or merely human. The play will be performed on Friday 15 April at 8pm. For tickets telephone the theatre on 01708 755775 or book online.
Green Streets at Langtons is a group that will meet weekly on Fridays between 10am and 3pm, starting from 15 April.
The group meets at the Greenhouse at Langtons and is working towards growing plants on a sustainable basis to then plant around Havering. Members of the group will be creating a herb garden in one part of Langtons, and creating a community garden with fruits and vegetables in another area.
For more information on the group's activities send an email.
A keep fit music and dance session for those over 50 years old will be held on Wednesday afternoons at St. Laurence Church Hall, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, starting on 20 April. It's from 2pm to 3.30pm and the first class is free. Everyone is encouraged to work to their own ability and needs.
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This Saturday (2 April) is World Autism Awareness Day.
Whether you have autism, love someone who does, or are looking to support a diverse, accepting and kind community – you’re invited to take the pledge to help create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.
The National Autistic Society has branches nearby in Bexley, Greenwich and Hackney.
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Six former Havering Sixth Form students recently returned to the college to encourage and motivate current students, and give them a valuable insight into future careers.
Among them was Jake Banfield (pictured), a former student at the college who studied A Levels in Business, Biology, Maths and IT and went on to achieve a First in Business at Essex University. He now works as a successful magician with sell-out shows in London.
More former students will be returning for the college’s special awards evening in June. That night will recognise how Havering Sixth Form has shaped the lives of so many former students since it was opened 30 years ago on the site of the old Dury Falls School in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch.
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Expectant mothers in Havering can now get relevant local pregnancy information on their smart phone.
The NHS's North East London (NEL) Clinical Commissioning Group has launched a localised version of the free Baby Buddy app, which includes Queen’s Hospital.
Working in partnership with Queen’s, The Royal London, Homerton, Whipps Cross and Newham hospitals, NEL is the first region in the capital to include localised content on the app which features helpful information from each of the maternity units.
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Today (Thursday 31 March) is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
The day aims to celebrate transgender and non-binary people and their contributions to society, and raise awareness of the discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
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Last week, fifty Year 10 pupils from St. Edward’s Church of England Academy in Romford attended a CyberFirst training day led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - part of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
The training day was to educate and motivate local students to pursue further education and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and cybersecurity.
The training day covered key areas of cyber security including digital forensics, and cryptography and was designed to provide practical learning in the real world.
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Until tomorrow (Friday 1 April), road closures for essential maintenance will mean that there is no access to the Gerpins Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre from the Warwick Lane direction.
All vehicles must approach and leave Gerpins Lane from Aveley Road. This may lead to longer queuing times for the recycling centre.
Broadway in Rainham, between the War Memorial and the Phoenix pub, is closed to road traffic for around seven weeks until around 23 May while developers Persimmon Homes carry out essential building works on the site of the old Rainham Library.
Resurfacing and drainage work in Tomkyns Lane, Upminster is expected to be completed by 4 April.
Ardleigh Green Road is being resurfaced between its junctions with Slewins Lane and Nelmes Way, Hornchurch, until 5 April.
Temporary traffic signals will be in use overnight from 11.30pm on Friday 1 April until 5.30am on 2 April in Ockendon Road, Upminster, during inspection work.
Road resurfacing work will be carried out in Melville Road, Rainham, from 5 to 8 April, and in Cowper Road, also in Rainham, on 11 and 12 April.
Essex and Suffolk Water will be working in Sylvan Avenue in Hornchurch from 8 to 12 April and during that time temporary traffic signals will be in use.
The Lanes Group will be cleaning sewers in Havering Road on Thursday, 14 April.
Lastly, Randall Road in Hornchurch will be resurfaced between 13 and 21 April, as will Thorn Lane in Rainham on 27 April.
On the tracks
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Due to Network Rail's overhead line work between Barking and Grays, c2c trains on the Rainham line will not be running this weekend (2 and 3 April).
Rail Replacement buses will run between Upminster and Grays via Rainham.
Also, due to overhead line work between Grays and Pitsea, c2c trains on the Ockendon line will start and terminate at Grays this Sunday (3 April). Rail Replacement buses will run between Grays and Pitsea via Tilbury.
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From today, this Living in Havering email newsletter will be published weekly each Thursday.
If you have a local event that you would like us to consider for inclusion in the What's Happening section, email me brief details, or use the online notification form.
Peter Stremes
Editor, Living in Havering
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