Thousands of Havering residents took to Market Place, Romford yesterday (17 November), to celebrate the Havering Christmas lights switch-on.
Pop legends East 17 headlined the entertainment by performing a set that included ‘Stay Another Day’ – their Christmas number one from 1994, along with many other hits from their 18 top-twenty singles and four top-ten albums.
The main stage, which was hosted by Time 107.5FM’s Mark Dover, also showcased local artists including Harold Hill’s Miss Morgan, The 90s Show, Lit Youth and Mini’s, Razzamataz Theatre School, swing vocalist Mark Walker and Hornchurch singer, Jordan Smithy as seen on BBC’s Little Mix – The Search.
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and The Habbit Factory showcased previews of their Christmas pantos – a tradition at the Havering lights switch on.
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 A full cast of colourful characters courtesy of Lightnin Drama turned up to celebrate with the crowds, including the Grinch, Paw Patrol and many more. Romford Shopping Hall's Father Christmas also made an appearance.
The show concluded with the festive lights in Romford switched on by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Trevor McKeever and the Director of Romford BID, Julie Frost, followed by a spectacular fireworks finale.
 The event for 2022 was sponsored by the Romford Business Improvement District (BID), Razzamataz Theatre Schools and supported by Time 107.5 FM.
The lights switch-on in Romford kick starts a number of celebration events taking place across the borough in the run-up to Christmas.
This week is London Voter Registration Week, and we're joining the call to encourage everyone in Havering who can vote to ensure they are registered.
London has one of the lowest voter registration rates across the UK, but it's vitally important that citizens use their vote to make their voices heard.
Register to vote to have your say on the things that shape this great city and our communities, including things like transport, climate change and the environment, policing and public safety, as well as arts and culture.
Remember, #NoVoteNoVoice.
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As you may have read in our Cost of Living special edition of Living in Havering, the Council has committed an extra £1.6million to support residents with the cost of living crisis.
The extra money will be used to boost the existing Havering Helps emergency assistance fund, alongside providing additional support to vulnerable residents including children pensioners and care leavers.
The funds will be also be used to continue our School Holiday Meal Scheme, provide Council Tax and fuel support for vulnerable residents, pay for children’s accommodation and support families and children coming to the borough under the Ukraine Visa Scheme.
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If you're concerned about the rising cost of living, why not come to one of our drop-in sessions, which we are hosting across the borough, providing residents with help and advice to our communities.
There are more roadshows taking place next week. See the table below for dates and times.
With funding from the Household Support Fund, Havering Council will continue the School Holiday Meal Scheme to support families over the Christmas break.
The scheme allows eligible families to apply for £30 per child to purchase food to replace the meals their child would have received during the school day.
If you’ve previously received money for your child/children via the scheme and are still eligible, you do not need to apply again, and you will automatically receive the money into your designated account.
Parents and carers are reminded to check the claims criteria on our website as they may now be eligible to make a claim for an additional child or if their circumstances have changed.
Applications open at 9am on Friday 25 November, and will close at 5pm on Friday, 2 December.
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Thousands came out to mark Remembrance Sunday in Havering and pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of service men and women.
On Sunday (13 November), in Romford, members of the public lined Main Road as the Remembrance Day parade marched through the town to Coronation Gardens, led by the Royal British Legion Band, Corps of Drums Romford, and Parade Marshal Simon Moore.
The parade was joined by veterans, cadets, Brownies, Scouts and other members of the Armed Forces Community.
Father David Simpson led a Civic service of remembrance, which included interfaith prayers by Rabbi Lee Sunderland with Councillor Trevor McKeever, Mayor of Havering, laying a wreath on behalf of the Council.
Services and parades also took place in Rainham, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Hornchurch, Upminster, and Elm Park.
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 Havering Council is helping to promote awareness of support available for those affected by domestic violence.
Led by the community safety and enforcement teams, the Council is getting behind national campaigns, including the Home Office’s Enough campaign and the Mayor of London’s Have a Word campaign.
Both support victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, but they also encourage people to challenge threatening and abusive behaviour from others.
The FIFA Football World Cup 2022 kicks off this weekend and nationally, this presents a rise in the number of domestic abuse cases reported.
The Council will also be sharing information of where residents can get help in the borough and report concerns as part of the 16 Days of Action, also known as White Ribbon campaign, against gender-based violence (Friday 25 Nov - Saturday 10 December).
 Today marks the start of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (Friday 18 - Thursday 24 November).
This important campaign is helping to raise awareness about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and overuse of antibiotics.
AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites become resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines. This makes the medicine ineffective, and the illnesses harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.
We're encouraging people to only take antibiotics if they are really needed.
Here are three simple ways to keep antibiotics working:
- Don't ask for antibiotics for flu or cold - ask your pharmacist to recommend medicines to help treat cold or flu symptoms or pain
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, never save them for later, never share them with others
- Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about antibiotic resistance.
 If you haven't done so already, please take some time this weekend to have your say on our budget proposals for 2023.
The Council faces some incredibly tough decisions in the next year, as the cost of living continues to rise, and inflation raises the costs we pay to deliver services.
Government grants have been dangerously reduced over the last 12 years, and now we have to decide where we can make savings to continue to be able to run statutory services.
We are hosting a number of in-person sessions across the borough, giving residents the chance to learn about the budget proposals in more detail. The dates and locations can be found on the website.
Please visit the consultation page below, take a look at the proposals, and help us to understand how they will impact you.
We are calling on the Government to address the unfair funding that has seen our grants cut by 98 per cent in the last 12 years. Lend your voice to our petition and help us fight for our fair share.
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Havering Christmas Land returns to Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch for another year. Presented by Havering Mind, and taking place in the gated 'Secret Garden for the Blind' beside Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, this festive event is a treat for the whole family.
Guests can walk the Christmas walkway, featuring lights and decorations as far as the eye can see, visit Santa in his grotto, ride the Christmas attractions and grab some great food.
Tickets are on sale now, and all the money raised goes to supporting Havering Mind's community work.
Thames Chase Forest Centre is hosting Music in the Cafe, featuring the Mick Foster Quartet. Taking place on Friday 25 November, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, this evening of well-known jazz and original music is the perfect remedy to chase away the moody blues and bring seasonal warmth this autumn.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own nibbles and drinks, with tea and coffee available. Tickets cost £10. For more info, or to book a place, visit the website.
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Thank you to everyone who entered our Sleeping Beauty competition to win tickets to this year's pantomime from Queen's Theatre Hornchurch. The answer to the question was, of course, Raury. Congratulations to Andrew Bach and Ronald Still, who have both won a pair of tickets.
Those who attended last night's Havering Christmas Lights Switch-On event will have seen a special preview of the show. Written by Andrew Pollard with original music and lyrics by Tom Self, Sleeping Beauty runs at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch from Friday 24 November to New Year's Eve. Book tickets online.
 Bring your little ones along for Storytime and Craft at Hornchurch Library, taking place on the first Tuesday of every month between 10:30am and 11:30am. These storytime and crafting sessions are perfect for children aged 2 - 5. Entry costs just £1 per child.
South Hornchurch Library is hosting Ken and Tom's 60s singalong and quiz on Friday 2 December, 11am - 12:30pm. Tickets can be booked at any Havering Library and are priced at £2.00 for members and £3.00 for non-members.
Refreshments will be available.
Next week is your last chance to see the Claire Harvey exhibition at Fry's Gallery, Fairkytes, before it closes on Thursday 24 November. Check the Facebook page for times.
This weekend
The New City College Open Event takes place tomorrow (Saturday 19 November) from 10am to 2pm at all the college campuses, including Havering Sixth Form in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch; Ardleigh Green campus in Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch and the Construction & Engineering campus in New Road, Rainham.
Head along to talk to teachers, see the facilities and find out what is on offer. More information can be found on the website.
Foundation Nurseries is holding an open day for its new Rise Park Nursery site on Saturday 19 November. Families can drop by to see the new building any time between 10am and 2pm, meet the team and find out more. Read more information on the website.
Havering Museum is hosting its annual Christmas Market on Saturday 19 November, 11am - 4pm. The event showcases the work of local crafts people and traders. There will also be a tombola, book stall, raffle and a pop-up cafe. Entry is free. Local traders interested in booking a stall should email the museum directly.
St Nicolas Church is hosting a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday 19 November at St Nicholas Church Hall, Elm Park, from 11am - 2pm. The bazaar will feature stalls full of Christmas gifts, raffles, games, and a chance to sit in the wam and catch up with friends.
The free Christmas fair at Langtons Gardens takes place this Sunday (20 November) from 10am - 2pm. With festive stalls and activities for everyone, including food, drink, craft, gifts, local businesses, community information and plus Guinea Pig Petting with Wellgate Farm.
Langtons in also hosting a free Christmas Wreath Workshop for adults early next week. The workshop will take place Monday 21 November, 1pm - 2pm. This will be followed by a Christmas Social at the Greenhouse from 2pm - 3pm. No booking required.
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There will be temporary restrictions in place on High Street, Hornchurch on Saturday 19 November, as part of the Hornchurch Christmas Event.
The right turn lane between Station Lane and High Street will be closed between 4:50pm and 5:10pm on 19 November.
Waiting or loading will also not be allowed between 8am and 6pm on 19 November. This includes the loading bays outside numbers 119 & 121, and 130 & 132 High Street.
Public transport
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Due to points work at Upminster on Sunday 20 November, the Basildon c2c line between Barking and Pitsea via Laindon will be closed.
Rail replacement services will be in operation between Upminster and Pitsea via Laindon.
There will also be no service between Barking and Grays via Ockendon on Sunday, due to points work.
Rail replacement services will run between Upminster and Grays via Ockendon and Rainham.
The TfL London Overground line will not run between Romford and Upminster on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November.
The Elizabeth Line will also not run between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November.
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