The British Red Cross is delivering its Winter Scheme in Havering to vulnerable residents over the age of 60 between now and March 2014.

The service entails an extensive Winter Readiness Check that we complete with people in their own homes. We check up on things like insulation, heating/heating maintenance, general safety (e.g. smoke alarms), food reserves and ability to collect medication during severe winter weather spells.

Additionally we support people to be better prepared by handing out winter packs (containing a blanket, socks, a thermos cup, cup-off-soup, carbon monoxide alarms etc.) and by stocking up on food by doing shopping with/for them.

We also signpost to other (winter scheme) providers in Havering for benefit checks (especially regarding the fuel allowance), befriending, cold alarms that makes people aware of dropping temperatures and insulation to their house.

This service is free to Havering residents.

I would like to kindly ask you to share this email with the Older Peoples Forum and other groups who might benefit from being made aware of the service.

Individuals can contact us directly regarding a Winter Readiness Check by completing the attached form and emailing that to HNH@redcross.org.uk  (Please mention winter check in the subject line).

Alternatively people can call contact me on 07507889022.

Warm Regards, Debby Mulling

IL Project Officer / London Area Office, 28 Worple Road, Wimbledon, SW19 4EE
Tel: 02089718368 / Mob: 07507889022

Referral form – Havering Fuel Poverty 2014

http://intranet.redcross.org.uk/BRCS/whatwedo/ukservices/healthandsoci

Romford Library is holding 4 interesting talks this spring.

March 5th John Debenham and Andrew Summers are doing a talk about Essex, concentrating on stories from this area. ( £2.50 a ticket for members)

March 6th Jane Finnett will be talking about researching Ancestors using newspapers ( £2.50 a ticket for members)

April 2nd Nick Dobson will be talking about WW1 and illustrating it with not only pictures but song as well ( This event is free)

April 9th Author Elizabeth Speller will be talking about and signing her latest book At break of Day ( This event is free)

Timings are on the following flyers, there will be 60 tickets available for each of these events which can be booked directly with the Library.

The Christmas lunch held at “The Bull”, Romford was a huge success which everyone enjoyed.

A big thank-you to Kay for organising the lunch and she was justly rewarded by winning “The Best Hat” competition.

Below are some of the photos taken at the event.

Dear Over 50’s Forum,

From Tuesday 14^th January we will be running our Over 50’s Musical Theatre Workout! Join us for a fun hour of dance workout to your favourite musical numbers. These toe-tapping Tuesdays especially designed to keep you young, fit and healthy. Enjoy all your favourite show tunes, whilst being put through a workout by a  professional dance and fitness teacher. Each class is £5 and will take place in the Queen’s Theatre Bar.

Kind Regards
Patrick O’Sullivan
Education & Outreach Manager
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Paula Lewis receiving her “Just for being there” caring neighbour award, sponsored by Frank Rivett & Sons,  at the October 2013 forum.

Paula was presented with her award by Mark Masters and Jack Harris.

Hello

As we approach the end of the first year of Havering Circle, I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who has been involved in making it happen. This time last year we were just starting out and now we have almost 250 members and regular coffee mornings attracting up to 40 people which is fantastic!

I have attached our bumper December/January newsletter. We are always on the look out for new events, so please do get in touch if you would like to work on any projects or if you require any flyers. I am also happy to come and speak to any groups about Havering Circle.

Kind regards
Claudia Gold
Havering Hub Manager
London Circle
claudiag@londoncircle.org.uk
07944 630275
www.haveringcircle.org.uk

Havering Circle Dec & Jan Newsletter

In late 2012 and early 2013 London Councils wrote to all 69,000 Freedom Pass holders who have moved from the address listed on the database to ask them to either confirm they were still living in London or to return their Freedom Pass if they had moved out of the capital. This letter was sent to the new address, if known, and to the address listed on the Freedom Pass database.

London Councils is now sending a final reminder to 39,530 people who have not yet responded to confirm their eligibility to request they verify whether or not they are still eligible to have a Freedom Pass.

If the Freedom Pass holder still lives in London, they must complete the slip at the end of the letter confirming their address and return it to: London Councils, Mid-Term Review, Journeycall Ltd, Laurencekirk Business Park, Laurencekirk AB30 1AJ enclosing a copy of a recent bank statement, utility bill or council tax statement.

Alternatively they may scan their bill or statement and email it with their details to freedompassadmin@londoncouncils.gov.uk

People who do not respond by 13 December 2013, will have their Freedom Pass stopped in January 2014.

Following today’s forum meeting the following is an extract from the original post as a reminder.

Starting this weekend, the local NHS 111 service can book an urgent weekend GP appointment for you, if needed, at a nearby surgery.

If the problem can wait until Monday, you will be given a ‘passport slip’ that will ensure your own GP contacts you. This will also help reduce the pressure on GP surgeries at the start of the week as patients will not have to wait until Monday to phone for an appointment.

Patients access the new service by calling 111 to ensure they get the right care. Some services, such as x-rays, stitches and medical certificates are not available through the new scheme.

The festive season is finally here and Pinney Talfourd Solicitors has once again teamed up with Queens Theatre Hornchurch to host ‘Carols at the Queens’ on Friday 13 December; 11am – 1pm.

This free carol service will be held at the Queens Theatre in aid of Saint Francis Hospice and Queens Theatre charitable trust with all proceeds being split equally.

Now in it’s third year, this event has attracted a full house each time when held in the theatre foyer. Due to it’s popularity it will now be held the main auditorium – meaning that even more residents and local businesses can join the fun!

Traditionally opened by the Mayor of Havering, the Dawn Chorus and Saint Francis Hospice choir will then lead the crowd in singing some upbeat Christmas songs as well as more traditional carols.

Havering Chamber of Commerce are also delighted to give this event their backing and will be encouraging local businesses to back the event by donating some fabulous prizes again this year for a raffle. Finally, everyone can retire to the bar area for a well-earned cup of tea and a mince pie courtesy of Pinney Talfourd.

Booking is now open and so call the Queens Theatre Box Office on 01708 443333 to reserve your space early or visit http://www.pinneytalfourd.co.uk/ for more details.