A "topping-out" ceremony was held at the former Solar, Serena and Sunrise site in Hornchurch last week.
Topping out ceremonies are a time-honoured tradition that signify the successful completion of the structural phase of a project, marking the moment it reaches its highest point.
The Solar/Serena/Sunrise scheme will create a high-quality older persons retirement village in the heart of Hornchurch, next to Harrow Lodge Park.
It's part of a regeneration project being delivered by a joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential that covers 12 sites across our borough.
175 new properties will be provided for the over 55’s, including new council rented homes, shared ownership homes and properties for sale, with new homes to be available for local residents from Summer 2023.
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Havering Council is offering 77 brand-new, high-quality homes for affordable rent, in Rainham (pictured).
The new homes for local people come with an open plan kitchen/lounge, underfloor heating (with integrated water and heating charges for lower energy costs), and communal roof garden access.
There are several play areas for children and an innovative underground recycling and rubbish system to minimise disruption to residents.
The site at New Green, Rainham (formerly Napier and New Plymouth House) is around a 12-minute walk to Rainham station. Currently one, two and three bedroom options are available.
The homes were developed as part of the joint venture partnership between Havering Council and Wates Residential.
All the residents previously living at Napier and New Plymouth House, who vacated the site to allow the redevelopment to take place, have already been offered the right to return to the new homes. This is a promise to all residents under the 12 Estates regeneration programme.
If you’re already on the housing register, you can bid online for the new homes.
It is hoped that properties will be available from November.
You can register online to find out more about the shared ownership opportunities, including how Havering Council is prioritising social workers, teachers and NHS workers who live and work in Havering.
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Havering has bagged a number of top awards in the London in Bloom competition – placing the borough’s parks among the best in London.
The borough was awarded 12 Gold awards, a Silver Park award and were winners in Park of the Year categories, as well as coming up trumps in categories including Large Conservation Area, Extra-Large Park and Country Park.
Langtons Gardens in Hornchurch (pictured) was a Gold winner and also won in the Park of the Year category.
London in Bloom is a competition where London boroughs, communities, residents and businesses work together to improve their local parks and environment to make them greener and cleaner places to enjoy.
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Havering Council's Cabinet met last night (Wednesday 28 September) and agreed that parking charges should return to the levels charged before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Havering Council was one of the few local authorities to suspend parking charges as lockdown began, and is one of the last to resume pre-pandemic charges.
This means that the 20 per cent discount in all Council car parks where payment is made via the cashless RingGo app will be removed, and that the charge for on-street parking in Pay and Display bays is once again £1.50 for parking of up to one hour.
Free parking on Sundays will continue in all Council car parks and there is no increase in any charges compared to the period before the pandemic began.
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 Havering Council is continuing the School Holiday Meal Scheme by providing £15 per child to support eligible families during the upcoming October school half-term break to purchase food, helping us ensure no child goes hungry.
The £15 is issued by bank transfer - Havering Council does not issue meal vouchers as part of the scheme.
You do not need to re-apply if you have received money via the scheme previously.
The funds will be automatically paid into your nominated bank account during the week commencing Monday, 17 October.
If you have an issue concerning you or your neighbourhood, then contacting one of your local Ward Councillors may be the best way to raise or resolve the issue.
You can use our website to find your local Councillors, and their contact details, by entering your post code or ward name.
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This year it’s more important than ever for people at risk to get their free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster when they are invited by the NHS.
The best time to get vaccinated is in the autumn, before the cold temperatures start.
Find out more or speak to your local pharmacy or GP. School-aged children will be offered the vaccine at school.
The flu spreads from person to person – even amongst those not showing symptoms. The vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you.
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Due to the death of The Queen, the Homes for Ukraine sponsors' thank-you evening that was due to be held earlier this month was postponed.
Havering Council will now be hosting this event for local sponsors who have come forward to open up their homes to Ukrainian refugees on Monday 3 October, between 6pm and 8pm at the Salvation Army in High Street, Romford.
The event is also open to any residents who are interested in hosting Ukrainian guests to come along to hear more about sponsoring refugees.
It will be an opportunity to speak with existing sponsors on their experiences as hosts. You will also be able to speak with the Council's Homes for Ukraine team if you have any questions.
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Local authorities, like Havering Council, have a statutory duty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to produce an annually refreshed community safety plan.
Therefore a Cabinet meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday (5 October) where Cabinet members will be asked to approve the Community Safety Plan for 2022-2025.
More details about the plan, and the background to it, can be found on our website.
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 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
This Saturday (1 October) between 11am and 3pm Havering Museum is holding a Family Open Day.
Thanks to sponsorship from Moore Kingston Smith, Accountants, the event is free to attend for a maximum of two adults accompanied with up to four children.
Teachers (with ID) who want to look around the galleries are also welcome.
Havering Museum can be found at 19-21 High Street, Romford, near the Brewery shopping centre. More details on the Museum's website.
The Second meeting of Havering’s Green Forum will take place on Tuesday 4 October at 7.30pm.
The event will be chaired by Cllr Keith Darvill, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change.
It will include presentations from the London Cycling Campaign along with the Council’s view regarding active transport, as well as an update on the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan. You can join the meeting online by Zoom.
Havering Council's Arts Development is inviting Havering-based artists to register their interest for a new art trail set to take place this autumn.
RM ART will take place across the borough's towns showcasing pop-up exhibitions that will include painters, photographers, mixed media, textile artists, sculptures and ceramicists, jewellers and more.
Register by email.
Fairkytes Live is set to return with the Last Band Standing, Battle of the Bands competition.
Havering-based bands from ages 12 to adult should register their interest for the next programme of competitions.
The Comedy Loft at Coopers presents a night of the fresh, alternative stand-up comedy this Saturday, 1 October, at the Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in St Mary's Lane, Upminster.
It starts at 7.15pm and tickets are £15 in advance and £20 on the night. This is an 18+ event and there will be a cash bar. All proceeds go to the Coopers Coborn Parents Association.
Tickets can be bought online.
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Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Kinky Boots is now playing at the Queen's Theatre Hornchurch.
The production marks ten years since the musical’s debut.
Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited a struggling shoe business from his dad, which he's desperate to save. He unexpectedly bumps into a larger than life drag queen Lola, who's looking for some sturdy stilettos.
They think they've nothing in common, but as the unlikely pair ruffle a few feathers, designing some fabulous footwear for the factory floor, perhaps they do...
Based on the film production, the musical features music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and plays until 22 October.
Do you know someone who lives with Dementia? Learn more about Dementia and how to support your loved ones with dedicated training.
One hour sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Harold Hill Community Hub, Harold Hill Library, 19A Farnham Road.
The sessions run from 12 noon to 1pm with the first to be held on Tuesday 4 October.
More details can be found online.
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October is Black History Month.
As part of the month you can join Havering Changing for Rice & Peas - an immersive West Indian dining experience from Blouse & Skirt theatre company.
After performances at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, and Harold Hill, the show is now visiting two community venues in Rainham. Get a flavour of what to expect by watching a short video.
Tickets are available at a special rate of £10 - which includes the show and a 3-course meal. Check the venues and times online.
You can also book tickets online.
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Also, as part of Black History Month, Havering Libraries is hosting an online Zoom event with author Sarah Lee (pictured) on Saturday 8 October between 2pm and 3pm.
Her novel is inspired by real-life stories of the Windrush Generation and her mother’s own experiences as a nurse coming to Britain from the Caribbean.
It’s 1954 and, in Barbados, Ruby Haynes spots an advertisement for young women to train as nurses for the new National Health Service in Great Britain.
Her sister, Connie, takes some persuading, but soon the sisters are on their way to a new country – and a whole new world of experiences.
'An Ocean Apart' is a free event but you should book in advance at any Havering Library or send an email to book your place.
There's more information on the libraries' website.
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 A music session for young people with special educational needs or disability will be held at Fairkytes Arts Centre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, during the October half-term holiday.
Parents, personal assistants or guardians must stay throughout the session. You must book in advance. Bookings can be made by phone or email.
Lastly, Charles Dickens' magical mid-winter ghost story, A Christmas Carol, will be presented by the Guildonian Players and young actors from Storeroom Youth Theatre at The Little Theatre, Methodist Church, The Drive, in Harold Wood in the run up to Christmas.
You can see it from 30 November until 3 December starting at 8pm each night. Tickets are just £9.
There's more information on the Guildonian's website.
 Your home may be able to get funding for energy-saving improvements, to help keep you warmer while saving you money on your energy bills and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
To get these improvements your home should have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E, F or G and you are likely to be an eligible household if you are on a low income. For example, with an annual household income under £30,000 or on means-tested benefits.
For further information send an email, call the Energy Saving Trust free on 0808 196 8255, or complete the online application form.
Healthwatch Havering is running a survey on behalf of the Havering Safeguarding Adults Board.
Understanding public attitudes in general to safeguarding is an important issue for the Board and the survey is designed to help them do that.
You don't have to have had experience of safeguarding to take part, but if you do want to complete the online survey, please be quick as it closes on Friday 7 October.
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If you are a landlord, join Havering Council and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) for an online forum next Tuesday, 4 October, at 7pm.
You can hear all about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, energy efficiency, licensing and the latest NRLA news.
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Young people with disabilities are being offered training to help them travel more independently on public transport in the borough.
The offer comes following a recent survey which asked young people with disabilities about their experience of travelling by themselves and how improvements can be made.
The research was carried out by Young Advisers Havering, a local group helping people with disabilities to get their voices heard.
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Women into Construction is now accepting applications from unemployed women living in London who are interested in working in finishing and interiors.
An enrolment event will be held on Tuesday 11 October between 11am and 2pm.
It's open to women of all ages in London and if accepted on to the course you will begin the six-week programme on 31 October. The course includes training to obtain a CSCS card as well as work placements in a variety of trades such as dry lining, plastering and interior systems installations.
Support, including childcare and transport costs, will be provided by Women into Construction.
If you're interested you must enrol before midday on Thursday 6 October.
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Night-time survey work by Transport for London (TfL) on the A127 Southend Arterial Road means that the slip road connecting the eastbound carriageway of the A127 with the M25 junction 29 roundabout may be closed at certain times between 9pm and 5am.
This survey work may continue until 17 November.
TfL is also carrying out surveys on the foundations of the Gallows Corner flyover. This work will continue until early November. It will take place overnight on weekdays only from Mondays to Fridays between 9pm and 5am.
During these times there will be a single lane closure on the A12 (Eastern Avenue East), the A127 (Southend Arterial Road), and the inner ring of the roundabout.
Grosvenor Gardens in Upminster remains closed from the junction of Ingrebourne Gardens to its junction with Deyncourt Gardens for gas mains work. Work should be complete by 28 October.
Mawney Road, Romford, between Palm Road and the A12, will be resurfaced between Monday 3 October and Thursday 6 October. This work will take place overnight between 8pm and 5am.
During these times Mawney Road will be closed to vehicles.
Glanville Drive in Hornchurch will be closed from its junction with Maywin Drive to number 35 Glanville Drive for daytime work by Thames Water on Wednesday 5 October.
Seaforth Close in Chase Cross will be closed for road resurfacing work on Monday 10 October between 8am and 5pm, and nearby Helmsdale Road will be closed for resurfacing between 8am and 5pm on Tuesday 11, and Wednesday 12 October.
Public transport
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National rail strikes are due to take place on Saturday 1, Wednesday 5 and Saturday 8 October.
The majority of TfL's train and underground services will run, but some disruption is expected for services that rely on sections of track operated by Network Rail.
No service is expected on London Overground on Saturday 1 and Wednesday 5 October as a result of the national ASLEF dispute.
Elizabeth line trains serving stations in Havering will run a reduced service of only two trains per hour on Saturday from around 7.30am until 5.30pm.
Some disruption is also expected on the District line between Wimbledon and Parsons Green, and between Richmond and Turnham Green.
For the latest information on strike action affecting TfL services see their website.
No Greater Anglia trains are expected to be running on these strike days.
The strike action on 5 October will not affect c2c services but trains may be busier than usual.
Due to engineering works between Liverpool Street and Barking on Sunday (2 October) c2c trains will be diverted to Fenchurch Street.
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Finally, in a bit of good news, from Sunday 6 November, passengers using Elizabeth line trains from stations in Havering will be able to go directly to Bond Street station without having to change trains at Liverpool Street station.
The new Bond Street station is step free from street to train with two lifts.
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This is my last edition of Living in Havering as editor.
After six years in Havering Council's Communications team I am leaving under the Voluntary Release scheme that is designed to help the Council bridge the gap in its budget and make savings.
This newsletter will continue to be published each week by my colleagues, and if you wish to contact them, please email: living@havering.gov.uk.
Over 60,000 people now receive this newsletter - but if you know someone who lives or works in Havering who doesn't, please encourage them to sign up, for free, using the Havering Council website.
Peter Stremes
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