Christmas Carols on the Village Green

Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens both attended the Christmas Carols concert on the Havering-Atte-Bower Village Green on Sunday evening. The event was once again organised by HABCOS, the "Havering-Atte-Bower Conservation Society" in conjunction with St Johns Church.

Over 120 local people braved the chilly evening to attend the outdoor service, held around a 20ft Christmas Tree, festooned in lights. Carols were song and prayers said, the service was once again led by the Revd David Marshall, of St Johns Church.

Cllr Mann said "Both myself and Denis had a great time at the concert, it was particularly pleasing to see this event established as an annual, being the 2nd year running and we very much look forward to attending next years concert".

For more information about HABCOS, go to their website at http://www.habcos.co.uk/

Bower Park School Christmas Carol Concert

Cllr Mann attended the annual Bower Park School, Christmas Carol Concert this week, held at St Johns Church, Havering-Atte-Bower. The Concert is long established in the School calendar and attracted approx 100 parents, friends and Governors, who all stayed for mince pies and tea and coffee.

All of the songs were sung by pupils, with music also played by the students, with a few of the more vocal music teachers joining in. Some of the pupils were singing and playing as part of their B-Tech courses and will count towards their exams.

The Service was overseen by Revd David Marshall, the Vicar of St Johns Church.

Over £1,000 raised for St Francis Hospice

Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association members, Cllr Andy Mann and Kevin Tonks, took part in a charity sponsored abseil back in September and two months later the amount raised has been announced.

Andy and Kevin dropped down the 120 foot YMCA building, at Roneo Corner, in aid of St Francis Hospice, who are based in Havering-Atte-Bower. The hospice offers specialist care to patients who have cancer or other life-limiting illnesses. It costs over £6.5 million every year to run the service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can care for more than 1,600 patients and their families each year.

Including Gift Aid contributions, Cllr Andy Mann & Kevin Tonks, raised over £1,017 in much needed funds for St Francis Hospice, which they recently handed over to staff nurse Ann Macleod at the Hospice.

Cllr Mann said “We both enjoyed ourselves taking part in the abseil, its great to be able to raise money and enjoy what you are doing at the same time. It’s a long way down from the top of the building with some fantastic views across Romford, but we were both glad to be back on firmer ground, with over £1000 for St Francis Hospice”.

The Village Stocks & Whipping Post

The Stocks and Whipping Post on Havering Village Green have recently been temporally removed to carry out repair and conservation works.

The proposed works to be carried out have been agreed with English Heritage. The works will involve repairing the Whipping Post and the end post for the stocks, refurbishing the ironwork and installing small timber props to the end posts (that previously existed and were shown on the old photographs).

It is hoped the work will not take to long and will be back as soon as possible.

2nd Annual Horseman Sunday Service

Cllr Andy Mann attended the 2nd Havering-Atte-Bower Conservation Societies “Horseman’s Sunday Service” held on the village green last Sunday.

The event started with a parade of horses from across the various stables based in the Village, approx 50 where on display whilst an open air service was conducted by the Revd David Marshall of St Johns Church, with songs being sung and prayers said for the horses and for the residents of the village.

After the horses had all been presented with a rosette by the M.P for Romford and myself. A BBQ was kindly laid on by the Church and HABCOS, which some 100 plus people took advantage of in the glorious Autumn sun that came out especially for the day.

The whole event was fantastic and really brought out the best of the village, my thanks to Nicky Gates and Heather Sherry (who are the Chairman and Secretary) and their team of helpers for putting the event together, I very much look forward to the 3rd annual service, next year.

Cllr Andy Mann

Charity Abseil down YMCA building

Havering Park Ward members, Cllr Andy Mann and Kevin Tonks, both took part in a sponsored abseil at the weekend. Andy and Kevin dropped in at the YMCA building during Saturday (the 5th Sept), to take part in the sponsored abseil event. Upminster and Cranham Residents Association Councillors, Clarence Barrett and Linda Van Den Hende also took part on Sunday.

They dropped down the 120 foot building in aid of St Francis Hospice, who are based in Havering-Atte-Bower. The hospice offers specialist care to patients who have cancer or other life-limiting illnesses. It costs over £6.5 million every year to run the service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can care for more than 1,600 patients and their families each year.

Its still not to late to sponsor Cllr Andy Mann & Kevin Tonks, who aim to raise over £700 for St Francis.

If you would like to sponsor Andy & Kevin please go to the just giving web site at http://www.justgiving.com/AndyandKevsbigabseil/ Or you can send a cheque made payable to St Francis Hospice to Andy Mann, at 380 Havering Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 4DE.

YMCA Charity Abseail Event

Its not to late to sponsor Cllr Andy Mann & Kevin Tonks, who will be literally dropping in at the YMCA building this Saturday (the 5th Sept), to take part in the sponsored abseil event. They will be dropping down the 120 foot building in aid of St Francis Hospice at 3.30pm tomorrow afternoon.

Andy and Kevin aim to raise £500 for St Francis, who are based in Havering-Atte-Bower, the hospice offers specialist care to patients who have cancer or other life-limiting illnesses.

It costs over £6.5 million every year to run the service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can care for more than 1,600 patients and their families each year.

If you would like to sponsor Andy & Kevin please go to the just giving web site at http://www.justgiving.com/AndyandKevsbigabseil/ or send a cheque made payable to St Francis Hospice to Andy Mann, at 380 Havering Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 4DE.

St Francis Hospice Celebrates 25 Years

Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens joined, staff, patients, and volunteers to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Saint Francis Hospice, which provides world class local care to people affected by cancer and other life limiting illness.

They were joined by various Mayors from Havering, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Brentwood at the outdoor anniversary service at the Havering-atte-Bower based charity on Thursday 23rd July. A specially commissioned book celebrating the history of the hospice was also launched. Two members of staff, Dave Bayfield and Caroline Bastian, were also awarded 20 years long service awards.

The outdoor service, led by hospice chaplaincy team leader Revd Stephen Henwood, featured hymns and hospice trustee and co-founder Joan Matthews recalled how Saint Francis Hospice became a reality and what the opening day was like - “I saw the first patient arrive, it was exciting and the end of many years’ hard work” .

Cllr Mann said, “It is always good to visit St Francis Hospice and see the good work that goes on, the outdoor service was excellent and the summer rain kept away long enough for the 70 plus people to enjoy the afternoon”.

Hospice chairman John McKernan, said: “Saint Francis Hospice has had some fantastic developments such as the creation of a telephone support service and day hospice. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our patients. All this has only been possible thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters and we hope your support continues as we look to the future and helping more people who need our care.”

When the hospice opened on July 23rd 1984 it initially had 10 beds but the forward thinking by trustees enabled a further 12 when needed. Since then it has constantly developed. In its first year the hospice cared for 208 patients and now more than 3,600 people are supported, free of charge, each year.

Today the charity has many services to support all a patient’s needs. These include the inpatient unit, day hospice, a specialist nursing team providing 24/7 care to patients at home with consultant support and an internationally recognised training facility.

If you would like to learn more about Saint Francis Hospice or get involved with fundraising or order the anniversary book please call 01708 753319 or email fundraising@sfh.org.uk

Dropping in for St Francis Hospice

Cllr Andy Mann & Kevin Tonks, will be literally dropping in at the YMCA building in September, when they take part in a sponsored abseil, they will be dropping down the 120 foot building in aid of St Francis Hospice.

Based in Havering-Atte-Bower, Andy and Kevin aim to raise £500 for the hospice, which offers specialist care to patients who have cancer or other life-limiting illnesses.

It costs over £6.5 million every year to run the service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can care for more than 1,600 patients and their families each year.

If you would like to sponsor Andy & Kevin please go to the just giving web site at http://www.justgiving.com/AndyandKevsbigabseil/

New sign for the Village green

The Havering-Atte-Bower Conservation Society has been successful in biding for a £5,000 grant from Grassroots (part of the Cabinet Office) for a sign to be erected on the Village Green and for repair of the circular seat.

A planning application has recently been submitted for the sign and Cllr Mann said "I was pleased to be able to write to the planners supporting the scheme, which has now been approved, HABCOS have done some wonderful work in the village and should be congratulated for all they do"

HABCOS have now set thee sites on a bid for a larger £10,000 grant to help enhance the village.

More information on what HABCOS have been doing to support the village are available on their website at www.habcos.co.uk

Havering Village Fete

The Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association was out in force yesterday, braving the weather to support 3rd Havering Scout Group in raising funs for a new minibus.

Denis Stevens once again came up trumpts with his stall of flowers and vegetable plants for sale, helping raise something, he was assisted by both Karen and Graham Price. Cllr Andy Mann also visited the fete, getting the chance to speak with many residents about their issues.

Although the afternoon was very windy, the rain kept away long enought not to spoil things. Amongst the highlights, were the Bouncy Castle, Morris Dancers (and their Cow) football, steam train, there was also a beer tent and indian food on offer.

Scouts May Fayre in the Village

If you have nothing on this Saturday, then why not come along to Havering-atte-Bower for the 3rd Havering Scout Groups May Fayre, in aid of their minibus fund. The fun starts at 1pm and ends at 4pm.

Please see the flyer below for all the details, Havering park Action member Denis Stevens will be running a stall in aid of the Scouts selling plants, including vegetables, such as runner beans, tomatoes and french beans.

Easter Fun at Bedfords park

There's a great chance this Easter Sunday 12 April to get involved in some fantastic fun activities at Bedfords Park, north Romford between 10am and 4pm. You can also find out more about Havering's plans to declare Bedford's Park a Local Nature Reserve.

You'll be able to try out the trails and guided wildflower walks, find out about Easter crafts, indulge yourself in preserves & pickle tasting, and treat the children to face painting. Most activities are free apart from a £3 per child donation for the trail and Easter crafts.

During the day you'll also be able to find out more about the exciting plans to declare the park a Local Nature Reserve. These are places that are of special interest locally and where people of all ages can enjoy coming into contact with nature. With the Local Nature Reserve designation comes better protection and potentially more opportunities for external funding.

Havering Council's Countryside Team are organising the day in conjunction with Essex Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Bedfords Park.

As part of the Easter Sunday event we'll be asking people what they think about the proposed Local Nature Reserve declaration. Bedfords Park is already a popular site with local residents and school groups who visit regularly for walking, informal recreation and events put on by Essex Wildlife Trust who manage the visitor centre. It's a great place to see wildlife, with important habitats such as woodlands and wildflower meadows and animals including bats, great crested newts and a huge variety of dragonflies and damselflies in summer.

In Havering we already have five Local Nature Reserves - The Manor at Harold Hill covering Dagnam Park and Duck Wood; The Chase at Rush Green; The Ingrebourne Valley covering Hornchurch Country Park and the adjacent marshes; and most recently, Cranham Marsh and Cranham Brickfields in Upminster.

For further information contact:Benjamin SandersonCountryside Projects OfficerEnvironmental StrategyMercury HouseMercury Gardens RM1 3RXTel: 01708 432873e-mail: benjamin.sanderson@havering.gov.uk

Havering Winter Walk

Time to put those New Year's resolutions into practice! Step out and beat the winter blues by joining one of 40 FREE, led walks on offer in Walk Londons Winter Wanders weekend.

Why not join the Redbridge/Havering walk on Sunday February 1st 2009

A surprisingly rural walk through farmland and along brooks. Pubs at Chigwell, Chigwell Row and Havering-atte-Bower. Cafes at Chigwell, WCs at Hainault Forest Country park and Havering-atte-Bower. 10.3 miles, approx 5 1/2 hours

Meet At: 11:15 at Chigwell Tube Station finishing at Harold Wood Station.

For more information www.walklondon.org email to info@walklondon.org.uk or ring Walk London on 0870 240 6094.

Christmas Lights in the Village

If you are looking for the best house in the Borough for Christmas lights, then pop up to Havering Villgae, Broxhill Road to be exact to see this wonderful display.

The lights are truly magical and bring a little bit of Santas Grotto to the Village and the best part of it, is the owner of the house has done the whole thing for charity, St Francis Hospice to be exact.

So if you have a spare 10 mins and are heading towards the village, take a drive up Broxhill Road.

Christmas Carols on the Green

Cllr Andy Mann, Kevin Tonks and Denis Stevens all braved the cold winter night last evening to attend the Havering-Atte-Bower Conservation Societies (HABCOS) Christmas Carols event. The service was hosted by the Revd David Marshall of St Johns Church.

Over 100 people attended, mostly residents of the village to join in with the signing of carols by torch and candle light. The event ended with mince pies and mulled wine, served by local residents.

Cllr Mann said "What a wonderful event organised by HABCOS for the village, it was fantastic to see so many people turn out, in particular as the evening was so cold, I will certainly be looking forward to the next event".

Bower Park Christmas Concert

Bower Park School held it annual Christmas Concert at St Johns Church, Havering-Atte-Bower on Thursday evening and as usual a wonderful evening was had by all, followed by a few mince pies.

Both Cllr Mann (Who is a Governor at Bower Park) and Kevin Tonks attended the show and heard a mix of students singing, either on their own, duets or as a bigger group. We also had students playing various instruments, from the Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Flute, Saxophone and Cello to name but a few.

Parents and guests were able to join in with a few carols and some sing along songs, such as the old favourites, Jingle Bell Rock, Last Christmas and Winter Wonderland.

Cllr Mann read a short reading from LUKE, Chapter 2, verse 1-7 and we had a short sermon from Revd David Marshall, the Vicar of St Johns. Head teacher, Mrs Morrison ended the evening with words of thanks, to all of the students and staff for putting the show together and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Tree Planting in Havering Country Park

Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens joined the Friends of Havering Country Park, along with residents, the Havering Park SNT Police team, Councillors, including the Mayor of Havering, for the event to mark National Tree Planting week.

8 Giant Redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) were planted along Wellingtonia Avenue, in the middle of the Park and will form part of the existing Avenue of mature trees.

This Avenue was originally planted during the 1890s by the owners of Machiters Manor House. Some of the new trees have been donated by members of the friends group and the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

One tree was donated by the Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association, with Andy and Denis on hand to help with its planting.

As Denis Stevens is a dab hand in the greenhouse, he has also taken some cuttings and hopes to be able to nature a few more trees for the park over the next few years, there are still many gaps in the avenue and more need replacing, but at £60 each, its not cheap replacing them.

Havering-Atte-Bower Horseman Show

The Havering Park team of Cllr Andy Mann, Kevin Tonks and Denis Stevens all attended the Havering-Atte-Bower Civic Societies first “Horseman’s Sunday Service” held on the village green. (I say first, the last one was held some 30 years ago, so it was the first event in modern times).

The event started with a parade of horses from across the various stables based in the Village, approx 40 where on display whilst an open air service was conducted by the Revd David Marshall of St Johns Church, with songs being sung and prayers said for the horses and for the residents of the village.

Tea and cake was kindly laid on by the Church, which some 100 plus people took advantage of in the glorious Autumn sun that came out especially for the day. After the horses had all been presented with a rosette by the M.P for Romford and a few by myself, it was over the road for daffodil planting.

Huge trenches had been dig for everyone to get on their hands and knees to plant some daffodils around the pond and green area. So next spring, we should expect to see hundreds of yellow flowers popping up through the grass.

The whole event was fantastic and really brought out the best of the village, my thanks to Nicky Gates and Heather Sherry (who are the Chairman and Secretary) and their team of helpers for putting the event together, I very much look forward to next years.

Cllr Andy Mann

Another New Road Surface for the Village

The long running saga of the road condition in Wellingtonia and Elmer Avenue’s in Havering Village looks set to be resolved again, later this month, with the laying of tarmac over the work that was carried out last year at a cost of approx £30,000.

The new work is being carried out, due to a huge dust problem that was created by the type of surface dressing used. Every time, the sun came out the surface dried off and a fine dust was thrown up into the air, causing a huge health issue and covering the resident’s cars and homes in a fine powder. No cost has been placed on the new work yet.

Cllr Mann set up a meeting with residents some 6 months ago to discuss the problems of the badly neglected roads, work was then carried out by StreetCare to replace the old road surface, which over the years had become badly neglected and was in need of major works to level the road and to remove all of the holes.

The problem with the road has been the reluctance of Havering Council to acknowledge that it has to deal with the road, although it is a private road and not an adopted highway (like almost all of the roads in the Borough) the owners of the said private road, or actually Havering Council.

As land owners, the Council owns many roads in the Borough and in particular all of the approach roads to Havering Country Park, including Wellingtonia Avenue, Elmer Avenue, Pinewood Road, Kilnwood Lane and Clockhouse Lane (by the Pinewoods Pub).

They where all compulsory purchased by the former Greater London Council in 1982 when the Country Park was formed; the idea was to protect the park from the ingress of new buildings and as the Park is land-locked, would safe guard any unauthorised development on and around its entrance.

Cllr Mann said, "I have been involved with the residents in trying to get the Council to take its responsibilities seriously and to resurface the roads around the Country park for almost 4 years, after hitting my head on a brick wall for a lot of that time, I finally enlisted the help of the former Chief Executive of Havering (Stephen Evans, now retired) to push this along, to his credit he did start getting officers to deal with this situation before he retired.

However, it took the threat of Court Action under the Highways Act 1980 to get it going, I am just glad at long last the residents have got some justice for their campaign, all that leaves now is for the Council to start working out how it will deal with the other roads in Havering Park Ward that are privately owned by the Council and need repairing".

The New work is set to start in the next two weeks and involves the existing surface in Elmer Avenue being converted to tarmac, leaving a narrow drainage strip of 0.85m either side of the tarmac. In Wellingtonia Avenue, the area from Bower Farm Road to the park gates will be converted to tarmac leaving natural drainage where the grass strip runs along the frontage of the properties and to the side of the community hall which was previously untouched..

Cllr Mann said “Let us hope that this time the work actually improves the roads in the village, this has gone on long enough and our residents deserve better then this, they have suffered for many years”