Friday 22 March 2024
A robber who assaulted women in Havering has been jailed following an operation by plain-clothes officers from the Havering Joint Taskforce.
Dean Wade, of Ethelburga Road, Romford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court at the end of February, to five years and six months imprisonment.
An investigation was launched by officers from the Havering Joint Taskforce, which includes five Council-funded S92 police officers, into incidents linked to Wade that had seen three women reportedly assaulted, and their handbags snatched in July 2023 in Romford and Ilford.
In a special operation in Collier Row last July, the officers tracked down Wade, who was driving a vehicle with cloned number plates.
Officers stopped the vehicle and following a struggle that saw one officer injured, they arrested Wade on suspicion of robbery.
Pleading guilty in court, Wade was charged in July 2023 with two counts of robbery, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. In February, additional offences of theft, actual bodily harm and dangerous driving, were added to Wade’s charges.
|
For those who didn't see it live, Havering Council featured heavily on this week's episode of the BBC's Panorama programme.
The Council has been working with Panorama since October to shine a spotlight on the funding crisis affecting councils across the country. 'Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis' explores Havering's social care costs, and takes a look at the real people being impacted by the funding gap.
You can watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer.
|
The applications for this year’s Havering Small Business Awards opens next Thursday, 28 March and the nomination process is changing to encourage even more businesses to get involved.
It’s a simple process - businesses will have a selection of ten awards categories to decide which one they want to apply for. We’ve provided details on the criteria for each award, and we’re asking for evidence on why they should win the award in 300 words or less.
For example, for our most popular category, ‘Best Small or Independent Business’, we’re asking businesses to demonstrate what their outstanding achievements are. This might include a clear vision for the future, all round achievements, sustained growth or success against the business' objectives. We want to know why and how your small business is a standard-bearer for success in Havering.
We have created some handy tips on how to submit the very best application and provided an update to the Terms and Conditions for this year’s awards.
The awards open to businesses on Thursday 28 March, with five weeks to enter, closing at 5pm on Friday 3 May.
You can also follow the Havering Small Business Awards 2023/24 on our social media channels or by searching #HaveringSBA.
|
 A reminder that there’s no change to rubbish and recycling collections days over the Easter holiday.
Residents should leave their bags out as normal from 7am on their usual day of collection.
Visit the website to check your collection day, report missed collections, learn more about what goes in your orange recycling sacks (including glass), plus tips on reducing your general waste.
Havering Council has been supporting a number of litter pick events in the borough as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s annual Great British Spring Clean, which runs until Sunday 31 March.
The Council’s street cleaning service, which operates under Urbaser Ltd, was on hand to collect bags of rubbish from the litter pick event that was led by the Romford BID on Saturday. Urbaser also provided litter pick equipment for the event.
The clean-up involved volunteers from across the community, including the Havering Volunteer Centre, staff from local branches of McDonald's, the Civic Society and local group, the Harold Hill Wombles.
Councillors and Council staff also took part in litter pick events at Harold Wood Park and in Elm Park recently as part of the annual campaign.
The theme for this year’s campaign is 'The environment belongs to everyone', and asks everyone to make a pledge to play a part in keeping the environment cleaner and greener.
Visit the Great British Spring Clean website for more information.
|
Havering Council is a proud member of the Core20plus5 programme from the NHS, set up to ensure the local community have a greater input into shaping and designing NHS services that work for them.
Havering is committed to improving health for people in the borough, including getting people registered with their local GP, ensuring those over 40 can access health checks, and improving awareness of preventative screenings for illnesses such as cancer and hypertension.
The programme is looking for Community Connector volunteers to help the programme meet its core goals:
- Working with local people to influence the way NHS services are planned and delivered
- Building a team of Core20plus5 volunteers with their own views and experiences from all walks of the local community
- Engaging with local people to ensure they are at the heart of decision making
- Help share information about the support and services on offer to anyone who needs help.
Becoming a Core20plus5 NHS Community Connector is a rewarding, flexible and influential role that can take as much or as little time as you can give. If you're interested in joining the team, please get in touch today.
|
 Advertisement
Do you need help with managing your weight and to live a healthier lifestyle?
If you are a Havering resident and have a BMI between 25 and 44.9 you may be eligible for a free 12-week Live Healthier Havering adult weight management programme, run by Everyone Active.
The next programmes are due to start in May 2024 and combine nutrition, education and physical activity, with up to a year of follow up sessions, and can support you to achieve a life-changing 5 per cent weight loss.
Everyone Active is keen to receive referrals from people who live in Rainham, Romford and Harold Hill and the surrounding areas. To find out more information and to refer yourself today visit the website.
|
Local England goalkeeper Hope McSheffrey played her part in securing a place for the young Lionesses in the finals of the Women's Under-17 European Championship.
Hope, a Hornchurch resident, donned the goalie's gloves to help the team with a 3-0 victory over Serbia on Saturday 9 March. The team went on to beat Greece 2-0 and Italy 3-1.
Unfortunately, Hope picked up an injury during training and wasn't able to play in the second two games. Fingers-crossed for a speedy recovery, so she can re-join the team for the finals in Sweden this May.
|
Havering Council’s Crematorium Team (based at the South Essex Crematorium) have been praised for providing an “excellent level of service provision”, following an inspection by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA).
Following a thorough inspection that took place in February, it was said the service demonstrated full compliance and that the service at South Essex was “excellent”, scoring a 97 per cent rating.
The inspection is required to ensure standards of high quality are maintained by Crematoria and provides confidence that national standards, set out by the Federation through its Code of Cremation Practice, are being met. All 290 Crematoriums across the UK are now inspected every three years.
|
Havering's very own giant redwood trees were featured on BBC News last week, following a scientific study into the growth rates of redwoods in the UK.
The study found that the trees, which grow in Havering Park, were growing at a similar rate to the native redwoods in California, though not quite to the same mythical heights.
Giant redwoods, or sequoiadendron giganteum, are amongst the biggest trees in the world and can live for more than 2,000 years. These trees were planted in the park after the Royal Palace in Havering was bought from the crown by the McIntosh family in the early 1800s.
The Council protects the site from development and keeps vehicles away to prevent any damage to roots and allow the giant marvels to thrive.
|
 The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Stephanie Nunn, joined pupils from Hacton Primary School, Branfil Primary School, and Upminster Infant School last week for their Infant Music Festival.
The performance, which took place at Hacton Primary School on Thursday 14 March, was led by Miss Morris from Havering Music School, and featured pupils singing and playing music on a wide variety of instruments.
Cllr Nunn said:
"The children were all so well rehearsed and really enjoyed themselves. I was very impressed and it was a lot of fun to watch."
The Mayor was joined at the performance by Deputy Lieutenant of Havering, Nick Bracken.
Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising, with outbreaks across the country.
Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability.
It is important for parents to take up the offer of the NHS free childhood immunisation programme as soon as they are offered it to ensure their child has the best protection.
Parents can check their child’s Red Book to see if their children have missed any vaccines or check with their GP if they are unsure.
Please visit the website for the full immunisation timetable and information on how to book.
|
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Brookside Theatre has announced early bird tickets for this year's Christmas musical, with its production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical.
Based on the iconic story, the musical tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard, Willy Wonka. When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he’s always dreamed of.
But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.
This spectacular show combines songs from the 1970s classic, such as The Candy Man and Pure Imagination, with new musical numbers. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs from Friday 6 December to Monday 23 December. Book your golden tickets online now.
The next Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) monthly Networking Breakfast will be hosted by Havering Indoor Bowls Club.
The event takes place on Wednesday 27 March, 8am - 9:30am. The networking and social event is free to members, £10 for non-members. Book your place online.
Phoenix Art Group returns to MyPlace with more Tutor-led Art Classes. Learn to draw and paint with a local artist tutor, and meet with other butting artists in a friendly environment. Basic materials are provided, but you should bring your own sketch book and paints. Classes are aimed at adults of all ages, and cost just £6 per session.
Classes take place every Saturday between 3pm and 5pm at MyPlace, 343 Degenham Park Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9EN.
The YMCA is holding a Charity Concert at the YMCA Romford on Sunday 24 March, 4:30pm.
Including hits from The Greatest Showman, Rogers and Hammerstein, Les Misérables, The Merry Wives of Windsor and more.
Tickets cost £6 and can be booked in advance by calling 07941 008278, or bought on the door. Tickets include tea and cakes during the interval.
|
Bookings are open for Easter holiday Activities for children at Fairkytes Arts Centre.
Register online and staff will be in contact to complete your booking within a few days.
Those eligible for the Holiday Activity & Food Programme (HAF) are welcome to book free of charge (please obtain your HAF referral code from the school before booking).
Bookings are also open for a Para Arts session for S.E.N.D. young people aged 5 and over on Wednesday 3 April (1pm to 2pm).
Parent/personal assistants/guardians must remain throughout for Para Arts sessions.
Bookings and payments must take place in advance of the session, please call 01708 433860.
The Havering and District Stroke Club is a social group for stroke survivors and helpers. The club meets every Monday from 12noon until 3:30pm, and holds talks with qualified stroke physiotherapists, as well as fun activities and games. Lunch is also available from £5, with free tea and coffee.
The club also runs additional social events, outings and even a group holiday. They meet on Mondays at the RAF Club, 18 Carlton Road, Romford RM2 5AA. Call Brian on 07850 365736 or Carole on 07979 290737 for more information.
St Edwards Church in Romford is hosting a Messy Church family fun event for all ages on Saturday 23 March, 1:45pm to 4pm. Hear stories, have fun with arts and crafts, and play games while enjoying refreshments. The event is totally free.
|
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch (QTH) presents a SILENCE, a staggering new play focused on communal storytelling – presenting a shared history inspired by the remarkable personal testimonies of people who lived through the last days of the British Raj.
Commissioned to mark the 75th anniversary of partition, SILENCE is adapted from Kavita Puri’s acclaimed book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories and was originally co-produced with the Donmar Warehouse.
Original production directed and developed for tour by Abdul Shayek Directed by Iqbal Khan. From an original co-production by Tara Theatre and Donmar Warehouse in association with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. SILENCE runs at QTH for one week, from Saturday 6 April until Saturday 13 April. Please note, the play contains strong language and adult themes. Tickets start at £12.50 - book your place online now.
You can meet British Boxer Sam Noakes at a special fan event at Worldwide Signings tomorrow, Saturday 23 March, 12noon until 2pm.
The champion boxer will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans at the store in Romford Shopping Hall. Entry is free.
Elm Park Horticultural Guild is holding its Spring Show tomorrow, Saturday 23 March, 2:30pm until 4:30pm.
Come along to see spectacular flower displays, floral arts exhibits and photography. There will also be children's classes, handicrafts and baking, as well as stalls selling home-made goods.
Cakes and refreshments will be available, and entry is free for everyone. The show takes place at St Alban's Church Hall, Elm Park, RM12 5LA.
It’s Open Day at Langtons House, Hornchurch, tomorrow, Saturday 23 March, 10am-2pm. Staff will be there to answer any questions on what is available when it comes to booking a wedding, what other ceremonies take place there, how to book rooms at the house for other events and much more.
|
Upcoming road closures
Tawny Avenue in Upminster will be closed daily for sewage works outside number 55, 8am to 5pm from Monday 25 March until Tuesday 9 April.
Laburnum Walk in Hornchurch will be closed daily for resurfacing works between its junctions with Lancaster Drive and Farm Way, 8am to 5pm, from Monday 25 March until Friday 12 April.
Noak Hill Road in Romford will be closed for resurfacing work between its junctions with Noak Hill Roundabout and Kynance Close, 8am to 4pm on Tuesday 26 March.
Hall Lane in Upminster will be closed daily for drainage works between its junctions with The Fairway and Ingrebourne Gardens, 7am to 5pm from Friday 29 March until Sunday 14 April.
Ongoing closures
Northumberland Avenue in Hornchurch remains closed daily for gas mains work at its junction with Squirrels Heath Lane, 7am to 7pm until Sunday 24 March.
Parkstone Avenue in Hornchurch remains closed daily for gas mains work, 7am to 7pm until Monday 25 March.
Cotleigh Road in Romford remains closed daily at its junction with London Road for gas mains work, 7am to 7pm until Saturday 30 March.
Upper Brentwood Road in Romford remains closed daily at its junction with Main Road for gas mains work, 7am until 7pm until Sunday 7 April.
South Street in Romford remains closed day and night at its junctions with Havana Close and Eastern Road for crossing, traffic island and cycling infrastructure installation, beginning 9:30am until 7pm on Friday 26 April.
Parts of the A127 (Southend Arterial) remain closed to all traffic for drainage works, between 10pm and 5am, until Tuesday 18 June. The on-slip road connecting the eastbound carriageway with M25 junction 29 roundabout, and the off-slip road connecting the M25 junction 29 roundabout with the A127 will be closed during this time.
Public transport
|
Due to engineering works between Barking and Grays via Rainham on Sunday 24 March, the c2c Basildon line services will not run between Liverpool Street and Barking until 2:25pm. Services will be diverted to Fenchurch Street and will call additionally at West Ham but not Stratford.
The full c2c Rainham line will also not run before 2:25pm on Sunday 24 March. Rail replacement services will be running between Upminster and Grays.
Engineering works between Fenchurch Street and Barking are affecting late night services on all c2c lines between Monday 25 March and Thursday 28 March.
A reduced Bank Holiday service will be in place on all c2c lines on Friday 29 March.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
Engineering works between Maryland and Romford are affecting Greater Anglia services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield on Sunday 24 March. Services will take longer than expected over this area, and trains may leave Liverpool Street up to 15 minutes earlier than normal on this route.
A reduced Bank Holiday service will be in place on Greater Anglia on Friday 29 March.
Check the website for full details on all Greater Anglia service changes.
The TfL London Overground line will not run between Romford and Upminster on Sunday 24 March.
Check the website for full details on all TfL service changes.
|
Advertisements
|
