Author Archives: Ray Whitehouse

Harold Wood Running and Walking Club

New Running Club in Harold Wood.

Every day we pass numerous joggers and runners in the Harold Wood and Harold Hill area, sometimes alone and sometimes in small groups.

Good news! A new club has been formed, based at the Harold Wood Sports Club in the Harold Wood Park. Not only do we have access to the beautiful park and the surrounding areas, we also have access to the excellent facilities at the Harold Wood Sports Club which are surely the best in the region including change rooms, showers and a very social bar. The club is easily accessible through public transport, a ten minute walk from the Harold Wood Station and on bus routes.

The club caters for everyone from the beginner taking his or her first run, to experienced runners who want to share their enjoyment of the sport with fellow runners. Advice is available for training methods and programs, shoe selection, diet, health and injuries.

We also recognise that not everyone can run so we hope to extend the club to include walkers as well as runners.

The social aspect of sport is well catered for and runners and walkers will be welcome to stay at the club for something cool to quench their thirst after a good run!

The costs will be normal annual running club membership fees.

Meet every evening, Monday to Thursday at the Harold Wood Sports Club, 6.30 pm : Harold Wood Park, Harold View, Harold Wood, Essex RM3 0LX.

Contact Barry:

bwiseman46@gmail.com

Mobile: 07855447226.

Join us on our trip to St. Albans Wednesday 21st August

 

 st albans cathedral

Following our successful trip to Canterbury in April, we have now arranged a day trip to the charming town of Saint Albans.  The trip takes place on Wednesday 21st August, and will depart from Romford Town Hall at 10.00am.  There is plenty to do in Saint Albans, including a visit to the Abbey, bargains in the market, stroll down to the river and nice shops

The cost will be £15 per person.  Tickets will be available at our next Forum meeting on 13th August.  Tickets will also be available at out garden party at HADD on 15th August.

Please contact Diane Meid at the meeting or garden party, or email contact@havo50forum.org with your contact details if you can’t make either of these.

Two Family Friendly Off-Road Sky Rides this Weekend

essexway Bring your family and friends, suitable for all abilities and ages

 

The Essex Way Sunday 21st July at 10.00am

Starts Rainham station and goes to the RSPB Rainham Marshes and return.

This is an 8 mile flat off-road ride where you can spot a variety of interesting, sometimes rare, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as bugs and beasties of all kinds. RSPB Rainham Marshes is just a stone’s throw from London, easily accessible by public transport, on foot and by bike. Located on ancient marshland nestled beside the river Thames, it really is a special place to enjoy the great outdoors. – Register at www.goskyride.com

Hainault Forest Family Ride Saturday 20th July at 10.00am

Come and join us on this fantastic ride around the great Hainault Forest.  This 3 mile completely traffic free ride is perfect for familys and newby’s to cycling who want to enjoy being on the bike away from any traffic.  With plenty to see in the forest this is the perfect Sunday ride! – register at www.goskyride.com

Why not join us at the Forum Summer Picnic, Thursday 15th August at 13:00

Now that summer has finally arrived we are glad to announce that the Summer Picnic has been arranged for Thursday 15th August from 13:00 to 15:30.

To be held at H.A.D. (Havering Association for people with disabilities) from 13:00 to 15:30

Whittaker Hall,
1a, Woodhall Crescent,
Hornchurch,
Essex
RM11 3NN

On the corner of Woodhall Crescent and Wingletye Lane near to railway bridge and parade of shops.

Tickets will be available at the next Forum meeting on 13th August. Cost per ticket is £3.00 which includes admission and refreshments.

Havering Over 50s Forum concern over future of Freedom Pass

Following concerns raised by a number of members the following letter has been sent to

Dame Angela Watkinson MP
Andrew Rosindell MP
John Cruddas MP
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
Michael White, Leader of the Council

At our meeting in the Council Chamber on the 11th June our members raised their concerns with regard to rumours reported in the media from all sides of the political spectrum that their FreedomPass may be at risk.

As you are aware, Havering is physically a large Borough and with its growing aging population already has the largest number of over 50’s of all the London Boroughs.  We consider this Pass to be vital to the health and well-being of the older community, not just keeping them active and independent but allowing them to contribute to the economy of the Borough by providing child care, caring for elderly frail friends and family, spending money, and by probably providing the most effective volunteers in the Borough.

As you are no doubt aware Havering Over 50’s Forum is the largest group that meets in the Borough on a regular basis (and I believe the most well informed) and wish to make it very clear they do not wish to be looked on as a cost burden but as a benefit to society and the local community.

We would appreciate your support and comments and should you wish to attend any of our meetings, you would be made most welcome.

Kind regards

Cliff Reynolds
On behalf of the Members and Executive  Committee
Havering Over 50’s Forum

Launch of the 2013 Caring Neighbour Award

Cliff and Mayor 2  mayor and police

 

At the launch of the 2013 Caring Neighbour Award Scheme, Havering Over 50’s Forum were very pleased to welcome an impressive guest list and also received good wishes and support from those who were unable to attend due to other commitments.

Apart from the public, guests included the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Eric Munday; Chief Inspector, David Hay; Councillors and Senior Officers of the Local Authority, also Chief Executives from the Voluntary Sector and Community groups, and not least the sponsors of the event, Pinney Talfourd LLB, Frank Rivett & Sons and the Community Police Consultative Group.  Our guests were entertained by a local pianist Davide Di Blasio and afternoon tea was catered for by the Queens Theatre.

Impressively through our guests on the day, 3600 nomination forms have been distributed and within 24 hours the first nominations were received and continue to arrive.  We look forward to a Summer of recognising the community spirit that exists in the Borough and intend to celebrate this at an Awards Ceremony in October. So on behalf of the Executive Committee we would like to thank everybody for being involved.

Cliff and Mayor

Skyride Local schedule guided cycle rides for NE London and Havering

Free guided rides in your area

Sky Ride Local rides are free, fun guided bike rides that offer a great way of getting out and exploring the local area with friends and family. The rides are guided by friendly British Cycling Ride Leaders along scenic planned routes. With different levels, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re building your confidence or already comfortable on a bike and looking for a challenge.

For details of all the rides available and to register free goto       www.goskyride.com

Havering

Date

Ride

Location

Time

EasyGoing

Sunday 9 June

Romford ride through Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks

Lodge Farm Park

10am

Sunday 7 July

Follow the Leader

Thames Chase Visitor Centre

2pm

Sunday 4 August

Romford ride through Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks

Lodge Farm Park

2pm

Sunday 7 July

Follow the Leader

Thames Chase Visitor Centre

10am

Steady

Sunday 23 June

Havering Country park and Beyond

ClockHouse Lane

10am

Sunday 21 July

The Essex Way

Rainham Station

10am

Sunday 18 August

Historic Byeways and Greenways

Hornchurch Stadium

2pm

Sunday 29 September

Historic Byeways and Greenways

Hornchurch Stadium

10am

Challenging

Sunday 15 September

South Havering Circular

Upminster Library

10am

Sunday 6 October

South Havering Circular

Upminster Library

10am

Barking and Dagenham

Date

Ride

Location

Time

EasyGoing

Sunday 16 June

Barking Park Figure of 8

Barking Park

2pm

Sunday 11 August

Dagenham’s Green Spaces

Central Park

2pm

Sunday 8 September

Barking Park Figure of 8

Barking Park

10am

Steady

Sunday 30 June

Eastbury and Parks Your

Valence Partk

10am

Sunday 28 July

Tour of the Parks

Barking Station

2pm

Sunday 25 August

Chadwell Heath and Dagenham Parkway

Chadwell Heath Station

2pm

Sunday 22 September

Tour of the Parks

Barking Station

10am

Challenging

Sunday 14 July

Exploring Barking and Dagenham by Bike

Barking Station

10am

Sunday 6 October

East London Marathon Ride

Central Park

10am

Redbridge

Date

Ride

Location

Time

EasyGoing

Sunday 23 June

Fairlop Waters Family Ride

Fairlop Waters

2pm

Saturday 20 July

Hainault Forest Family Ride

Hainault Forest

10am

Sunday 25 August

Fairlop Waters Family Ride

Fairlop Waters

10am

Saturday 14 September

Hainault Forest Family Ride

Hainault Forest

10am

Steady

Sunday 9 June

South Redbridge Parks Tour

Loxford Park

10am

Sunday 4 August

Goodmayes Tour of the Duck Ponds

Goodmayes Park

10am

Sunday 18 August

Roding Valley Off-Road Tour

Wandstead Flats

2pm

Sunday 30 September

Goodmayes Tour of the Duck Ponds

Goodmayes Park

10am

Challenging

Sunday 7 July

Redbridge Cycle Centre to Blackmore Burner

Redbridge Cylce Centre

10am

Sunday 1 September

Redbridge Cycle Centre to Blackmore Burner

Redbridge Cylce Centre

10am

 

Caring Neighbour Awards 2013

Do you have or do you know of a Caring Neighbour? If so let us know

Good neighbourliness is now so important in the community, maybe you need a little bit of help and support especially if you are living alone.We would like to recognise what people do for each other.

So if you would like to thank someone who has helped you with household tasks, odd jobs or perhaps prevented you from being at financial risk, why not thank them by nominating them for an award.

The Scheme is now into its fifth year, with an ever increasing number of nominations. The Launch of 2013 will be Thursday 20th June. In the Queens Theatre foyer Hornchurch 3-5pm. Free admission by ticket only, obtained from the box office 01708 443333.

Please download the nomination form and send it to

HOFF c/o Town Hall, Main Road, Romford or

HOFF c/o Pinney Talfourd LLP, 40 North Street, Hirnchurch, RM11 1EW

Closing date for nominations is 1st September 2013.