Rainham Leisure Centre received the final piece of its external structure at a traditional topping out ceremony on Tuesday 31 January.
The topping out ceremony represents a significant milestone in the construction process, which began in January 2022.
With the steel frame and roof now firmly installed, the next steps will be to complete the external decor, as well as the tiling, before the centre opens its doors later this year.
The new centre is being built using a modern design structure and will include a range of facilities such as a six-lane swimming pool, dance and spinning studio and a 72-station fitness suite.
The Rainham Leisure Centre build bucks a national trend that has seen local leisure facilities come under pressure due to rising energy costs and lack of investment in infrastructure.
Councillor Ray Morgon spoke about the new facility and what it means for the people of Rainham. You can watch his video here.
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 Havering Council has raised the Progress Pride Flag to mark the start of LGBT+ History Month 2023.
The flag includes all the colours of the Rainbow Pride flag, widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities, a chevron of black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, and blue, pink and white for transgender people.
The flag raising, which took place on Wednesday 1 February outside Havering Town Hall, Romford, signals the start of a month of activities to celebrate LGBT+ history.
Nationally, this year’s campaign recognises the LBGT+ community’s contribution to cinema and film, from a ‘behind the lens’ perspective. This will involve showcasing various directors, cinematographers, screen writers and producers.
In Havering, the borough’s libraries will be presenting LGBT+ book displays, where residents will be able learn about pivotal LGBT+ figures.
To help struggling families with the rising cost of living, the Government has announced a new deal with a range of Internet Service Providers (IPSs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to offer low-cost packages for those on low incomes, called Social Tariffs.
Social Tariffs are available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, with some providers offering deals from as low as £15 a month.
This could represent a saving of around £180 per year, which is over 50% less than the average cost of broadband.
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 Rainham Community Hub, located at Rainham Library, is open every Wednesday (11am - 1pm) for free advice on money management, benefit support, developing skills, accessing employment and reducing bills.
Delivered in partnership by the Council and the community voluntary sector, the hubs play a key role in helping visitors with the increased cost of living.
Following the success of the Harold Hill Community Food Shop, from next Wednesday (8 February), a new Community Food Shop will be available at Rainham Community Hub, where for a small weekly membership fee of £5, visitors can choose a variety of non-perishable, chilled and frozen food, worth over £20.
Further to last week’s Census article on housing, our final update covers health, disability and unpaid care.
The data shows that 83% of Havering residents reported being in good or very good health at the time of the Census, which is slightly higher than the figures for London and England.
This is the final in a series of nine ‘Topic Summaries’ we have released over the last couple of months.
You can see the highlights from this latest release in our infographic below.
The UK Government has introduced new rules that require voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections.
This new requirement will apply for the first time in England for some elections from the Thursday 4 May 2023.
You can use any of the following forms of ID:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, take a look at our electoral services page online.
Havering does not have scheduled elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
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The Langtons Gardens & Fielders Field Project is now nearing the end and Havering Council want to hear your views on the works, in an online survey.
The project included building a play area and carrying out restoration works on the lake and orangery.
It also included adding new signage, holding more school events and online exhibitions, as well as activities such as wreath making.
The project was possible thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and support by Veolia Havering Riverside Maintenance and the Friends of Langtons Estate.
We are asking residents to give their general views on the works, what their favourite improvements are and what else they would like to see which will also help any future plans and works.
The consultation ends on Friday 24 February.
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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
Lifeline, Havering Changing & Havering Youth Services are hosting a Community Fun Day tomorrow, Saturday 4 February at MyPlace, Harold Hill
This is a free event starting at 11am and finishing at 2pm and everyone is welcome.
There will be lots of fun activities to take part in including glass blowing and pottery.
Come along and share your views on Harold Hill, the local community and future projects - there will be surveys available and friendly staff to chat with on site.
If you’re visiting the Thames Chase Forest Centre in Upminster, there’s good news as Zog the dragon is back. Based on the popular character in the children’s books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, there is a new family activity trail and a free interactive app to enjoy. Find out more on the Forestry England website.
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The monthly Big Smile Collective Clothes Swap takes place next Tuesday (14 February).
Come along and bring your clean clothes, shoes, bags and accessories you no longer wear, and swap them for a new wardrobe.
The event takes place at New City College, Ardleigh Green Road, RM11 2LL from 5pm - 7pm. Entry costs £3.
For further information, send an email or visit the website.
There’s a chance to chat & share experience around making Havering safer for women. The first of three pop-in informal sessions led by the Council’s community safety team, is taking place on Tuesday 14 February, 10:30am to 12noon, at Harold Hill Library.
Half Term Fairy Craft returns to Upminster Library on Wednesday 15 February, 11am to 12noon. Join the team for a fun fairy-making workshop, suitable for ages 4 and up.
Tickets cost £3.50, and all materials are provided. Please book in advance by sending an email, as places will fill up fast.
Do you enjoy knitting, crochet or sewing? Come along to Knit and Natter. Taking place at Harold Hill Library every Thursday between 10am and 12noon. Entry is free, but please bring all your materials with you.
Harold Hill Library hosts a free weekly Digital Skills workshop on Mondays between 10:30am and 12:30pm. The sessions teach computer skills to residents.
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There's still time to book tickets for Queen's Theatre Hornchurch's exclusive new play, Rebus: A Game Called Malice, which opened yesterday.
Based on the character created by Ian Rankin, the show runs until Saturday 25 February. Check out the cast list and book tickets online.
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch is also is showing a hilarious and moving new satire show, Colloquium, later this month.
Colloquium plays for just two nights, Sunday 26 and Monday 27 February, at 7:30pm. Book you tickets online now.
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London Road A1306 / A13 Wennington Overbridge over the A13 will be closed nightly between the Wennington Roundabouts from Monday 6 February to Sunday 26 February. The road will be closed between 9pm and 6am, Monday to Friday.
Fen Lane will be closed for electrical cabling works between its junction with Ockendon Road and Scorers Football field, from 7am on Thursday 9 February until Friday 31 March.
Angel Way will be partially closed between its junction with A118 St Edwards Way and numbers 1 - 9 Angel Way from 6am on Thursday 9 February until 7pm Friday 10 February. The one-way system will be partially reversed for the dismantling of a tower crane near the site. Follow on-street signage.
Allen Road remains closed from its junction with Upminster Road North for gas mains replacement works until 5pm on Sunday 12 February.
Public transport
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Due to late night engineering works, c2c services will not be running through Upminster tomorrow, Saturday 4 February, after 11:30pm.
The c2c Rainham line will not run on Sunday 5 February due to overhead line works between Barking and Grays. A rail replacement service will be available between Upminster and Grays via Rainham and Purfleet.
More details can be found on the c2c website.
The TfL Elizabeth line will not run between Whitechapel and Shenfield on Saturday 4 or Sunday 5 February.
Due to engineering works, Greater Anglia services will not run between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February.
Rail replacement services will be available. Check the Greater Anglia website for details.
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