Havering Dementia Action Alliance

The Dementia Action Alliance is a movement with one simple aim: To bring about a society-wide response to dementia. It encourages and supports communities and organisations across England to take practical actions to enable people to live well with dementia and reduce the risk of costly crisis intervention.

Here in Havering we are establishing our own Dementia Action Alliance and members so far include Lloyds TSB Romford, Bluebird Care, Home Instead, Debneys Opticians, Queens Theatre, London Fire Brigade, Havering Museum, Havering Dementia Partnership Board, Alzheimers Society Havering, Havering Mind and The Priory Care Home.

If you are a public body, business or charity that would like to make a public on-going commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia, then you should get involved and start making a difference - sign up and become a member of the Dementia Action Alliance. All you need to do is complete a three-point Action Plan stating what you will do to help people living with dementia when they are using your services. 

For information and help with completing your Action Plan contact Keely Chalker T: 01708 739293

River cruise day trip

Saturday 12 July – Mississippi Paddle Boat, River Bure, Norfolk.  A river cruise chartered solely for our own use.  Two course lunch, bar on board and free tea/coffee throughout time on board.  Leave Ardleigh House 8.30am.  Ticket price £50.00, Members price £47.50. 

For more details contact Ardleigh House Community Association T: 01708 440660.

Two evening walks

Monday 7 July, 7pm until 8.30pm at Cranham Marsh Nature Reserve (pictured).  Meet at the end of Park Drive, Upminster, RM14 3AL. Led by Essex Wildlife Trust, looking at trees and flowers.  Requested donation £2. 

Wednesday 9 July at Bedfords Park, Lower Bedfords Road, Romford.  Meet at Lower Bedfords Road, Rise Park, RM1 4DG entrance.  Led by Essex Wildlife Trust, looking at wildlife.  Requested donation £2. 

For more information on both walks contact 01708 440297.

Courses for the mind and the body at 50+

Havering Adult College has launched its new prospectus for 2014-2015 which includes lots of courses to celebrate its 50th anniversary year.

Book a course before 31 August 2014 and get a 10 per cent discount on the course price.

Examples of popular courses are:

Keep Fit for 60+ which is a low impact workout suitable for mature adults to get fit.  This is not just for the overs 60’s any age can join.

One learner last year commented on this class: “As a retired person it gets me out, keeps me fit and I meet new people”.

A Tale of Two Cities – City of Westminster - During this course you will learn about the historical events which shaped the City, the key institutions located in each settlement, as well as the political, social and economic character of each area.  Each classroom-based session will be followed by an appropriate visit the following session.

Download the prospectus and check out which courses are the right ones for you.

Double-bill at the Queen's Theatre

Two shows in July at the Queen's Theatre, Billiet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT.  More information on the website. Box office:  01708 443333.

D’Ukes Fest 2014 is on Saturday 26 July, 12noon until 5pm. The free festivities include performances by various ukulele acts, an Open Mic and stalls. D'Ukes Ukulele Workshops ending in a massive ukulele jam at 5pm. Just turn up and join in.                                   

Paper Planes – The Queen's Theatre Community Play

The story of William Leefe Robinson VC runs from Wednesday 30 July until Friday 2 August.  A cast of more than 60 local performers take you back 100 years with this awe-inspiring new musical drama set in London during 1916 when German Zeppelin ‘Baby Killers’ are indiscriminately dropping bombs on innocent targets. People are in fear for their very existence. After an 18 month campaign which brought devastation to the people of London, Robinson emerges as victor after shooting down a Schutte Lanz SL11, to the cheers of the ordinary man. Elevated to the status of hero, Robinson wins the Victoria Cross and with this his life was to change forever.

Buses go cashless from 6 July

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that cash fares will no longer be accepted on London buses from Sunday 6 July.  Currently 99% of bus journeys in London are made using Oyster, prepaid tickets, contactless payment cards or concessionary tickets. 

Removing cash fares will speed up boarding times, leading to faster journeys. 

TfL has launched a number of initiatives to assist customers with the change including introducing a new ‘one more journey’ feature on Oyster that will allow passengers who do not have sufficient credit for a bus fare, but who have a positive balance on their card, to make one more journey. 

TfL has also introduced more Oyster top up facilities, particularly in outer London.  

Check here for more information. 

Para Sport Week

A week of activities for disabled people of all ages from Monday 30 June until Friday 4 July. 

Monday 30 June

Inclusive Club 50+  8am-12noon – Badminton, gym.  9.45-10.45am BodyBalance.  £3.25  Romford YMCA 01708 766211.

1.30-3pm Chair Based Exercise, for people with reduced mobility.  Phone H.A.D 01708 476554 to book a free taster session.

Wednesday 2 July

Inclusive Club 50+ Wednesday 1-3pm – Badminton, circuits, gym.  £3.25 Romford YMCA.

1.30pm until 3pm Chair Based Exercise, for people with reduced mobility.  Phone H.A.D 01708 476554 to book a free taster session.

Thursday 3 July

1.30pm until 2.30pm 50+ Yoga (inclusive) £3.25 at Romford YMCA.

Friday 4 July

1.30 until 3pm Stroke Rehabilitation Flexibility & Movement Class.  Aimed at stroke survivors and people with mobility needs.  £3.25 at Romford YMCA