HAVERING £10 OFF ONYX RESTAURANT P7 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD FREE FAMILY FUN - ROMFORD BID P10 10% OFF ROBIN HOOD P5 raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2026
3 Raring2go! Copyright © 2026 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage & retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the publishers. All information in this magazine is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission.Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses which are featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured. Printed by Gemini Print. Website Member E-newsletter emailed monthly with latest offers and events Download vouchers and save £££’s Access all our online competitions with great prizes to be won Become a CONTACT US T: 07892 402 687 E: craig.french@raring2go.co.uk www.raring2go.co.uk/Havering Hello Havering... Let’s hope those dark, cold, rainy days are behind us as we Spring forward in 2026 towards some sunshine! I visited Stubbers Adventure Park for the first time last month and that was a fantastic experience, I never realised there was so much to do. Archery, Axe Throwing, Off Road Driving, Climbing Walls and lots lot more – it is well worth a visit. They even have great function rooms and wedding venue rooms for hire too. Are we any closer to Gallows Corner Roundabout being reopened? Who knows but how nice will it be this year when that pressure on traffic in our backroads eases up? The Hildene redevelopment in Harold Hill has picked up pace with more shops closing in March ahead of the new look once demolition has taken place this year. I’ve spent some time with H.R.A – ‘Havering Residents Association’ and I have to say that you can really see the importance of considering a Local Party for your Local Vote in April. We may all support different parties for our National Vote but locally we need a party which are going to consider ‘Havering’, where we live, first and foremost. H.R.A have achieved lots of great things for our local community and work on projects which really help our area which include Schools, Green Land, Roads, Security, Sports Facilities, Christmas Trees and lots more. If there is anything missing that you would like to see in our ‘What’s on Guide’ please get in touch either on my email below or via Instagram. Craig x Please Follow us on Social Media: Instagram - @raring2gohavering Facebook – Raring2go Havering Tik Tok – r2ghavering Havering Raring 2go! Readers – I need your help… Please if you visit or purchase from any of the businesses you see within the Spring Issue let them know that you noticed them in Raring 2go! It would go a long way to helping us all build a great Raring 2go! community. Also, if you know anyone who owns a business that could benefit from appearing in front of our 40,000 Havering readers it would be great if you mentioned us to them. Havering Businesses – Let’s work together… Our next issue (Summer 2026) will be distributed throughout Primary Schools & Shops from June 2026 with an Artwork Deadline in May 2026. It would be great to have a phone call, email or better still – a meet up to discuss your business and see if Raring 2go! could help with your marketing plans. Please get in touch.
Raring2go! 4 raring2go.co.uk It’s not always easy to tell when a child is starting to struggle. They may say everything is “fine,” yet homework takes longer. Confidence dips. Small gaps in English, Maths or Science slowly begin to grow. At Kip McGrath Romford, the team work closely with families across Havering to provide calm, structured support in these core subjects. Every child begins with a comprehensive assessment.This gives you a clear picture of where they are performing well and where they may need a little extra help. From there, Kip McGrath create a personalised learning programme tailored to their individual needs. All tuition is delivered by qualified teachers in a focused and encouraging environment. Students work at their own pace, building skills step by step and gaining confidence as they begin to understand concepts more clearly. While the tutors support children preparing for SATs, 11+ and GCSEs, the main priority is strengthening foundations so that learning can feel manageable and progress can feel steady. Parents often explain the biggest change isn’t just improved results, it’s renewed confidence. Homework becomes less stressful. School feels more positive. Children begin to believe in their own ability again. Kip McGrath Romford is proud to support local families with personalised tuition in English, maths and science. If you would like a clear understanding of your child’s current level and how best to support their progress, you are invited as a Raring 2go! reader to book a FREE assessment. Helping Your Child Feel Confident Again Remember to Quote R2G when booking to receive your FREE ASSESSMENT
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Raring2go! Remember to mention Raring 2go! when you attend the below to unlock deals / Please check online before attending for availability to ticket based events WHAT’S ON IN HAVERING THIS SPRING! Kidz World Fun Fair Date: March 28th to April 12th / 1pm-7:45pm Venue: Fairlop Waters, Fairlop, Essex Details:The no.1 place for value family fun. £1.20 per token or £10 for 10. Easter Aerial Gymnastics Circus (Ages 5+) Date: Monday 30th Mar – Wed 1st Apr | 10am-12pm Venue: EPAT Studios, Knightsbridge Gdns, RM7 9AD Details: Aerial Skills Workshop packed with Fun, Fitness and Festive Games for all children to enjoy. Your child will learn Aerial Hoop & Silks with elements of Dance. Build Strength and Communication. Pre booking required. The Romford Brick Trail – by Romford BID Date: 31st March – 1st April / Open All Day Venue: Romford, Essex Details: Follow the trail around Romford to discover Giant Panda, Indian Elephant, Asiatic Lion, Gorilla, Clouded Leopard,Tapanuli Orangutan. Each model celebrates the beauty of these animals, and you can find them all. Easter Egg Hunt Date: Wednesday 1st April / 10am Venue: Romford Shopping Hall, Romford, Essex Details: Follow the map to find Easter treats. £3/ child Pirate Pete’s Easter Egg Hunt Date: Wednesday 1st April 2026 / 11:30am-12:30pm Venue: Havering Museum, Romford, Essex Details: Pirate Pete is back for some easter fun. Join him on this great Easter Egg Hunt. £5 per child. A Curious Spring – Wonderland Crafts (Ages 3+) Date:Thursday 2nd April 2026 / from 11am Venue: Valence House, Dagenham, Essex Details: Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this wonderfully whimsical workshop promises laughter, colour, and a little bit of Wonderland magic NW & District Miniature Railway – Easter Express Date: 3rd, 4th, 5th April / 11am-4pm Venue: Harlow Garden Centre, North Weald, Essex Details: Each Child sees the Easter Bunny by Train and receives an easter egg! 8 raring2go.co.uk
9 Raring2go! Atanya’s story Easter Kids Party Date: Sunday 5th April 2026 | 2:30pm Venue: The Phoenix, The Broadway, Rainham, Essex Details: Full of Magic, Laughter & Family Fun! Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunt, Wacky Magic, Face Painting, Art & Craft Table & Games. Children’s Easter Party Date: Monday 6th April / 3pm – 5:30pm Venue: The Plough, Upminster Details: Easter Bunny Storytime, Party Dances, Face Painting, Easter Eggs and lots more! FREE ENTRY. Family Fun – Easter Craft Activities Date: Wednesday 8th April / 11:30am-12:30pm Venue: Havering Museum, Romford, Essex Details: Fun easter crafts for all to enjoy! Kosho Reunion (Adults ONLY) Date: Sat 11th April / 4pm onwards Venue: 72-74 South Street, Romford, Essex Details: Who remembers ‘Kosho’ in Romford from the TOWIE days? All original DJ’s taking you back in time across the afternoon/evening. Create & Sip Crafting (Adults ONLY) Date:Thursday 23rd April / 6:45pm-9pm Venue:The Deer’s Rest, Harold Hill, Essex Details: No experience needed for this fun, hands on, crafting workshop with all materials and guidance included. Bring your own drinks. Family Festival Date: 2nd May – 4th May / from 4pm Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood. Details: Inflatables, Rides, Crazy Legs Children Entertainer, Hands on Kids Craft, Live Singers & Musicians, Soft Play Bus, BBQ & much more! Papalarny The Magic Man Date: 2nd May 2026 / 10:30am-11:30am Venue: Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, Essex Details:This mad magic show shows his fun loving sense of humour which will make all children laugh. His slapstick,‘Tom & Jerry’ style magic is both compelling and addictive to watch. Cards & Collectables Convention Date: Sunday 10th May / 10am onwards Venue:The City Pavillion, Collier Row, Essex Details: For ultimate fans of Pokemon, Sports,TCG’s and other collectable cards. Character Appearnces & Live Entertainment with huge line up of vendors.The venue also has lots of other family activities to enjoy. Hylands Tennis Camp (Ages 4-16) Date:Tuesdays,Wednesdays & Fridays / 9:30am-2pm Venue: Hylands Tennis Club, Hornchurch, Essex Details: Friendly, Safe & Inclusive environment for all levels. Contact for more information. You can read more on page 15. Robin Hood – The Panto – Winter 2026 Date: 18th Nov – 3rd Jan 2026 / 6:30pm onwards Venue: Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, Essex Details: 10% off if you book before April 1st for this year. More info online. Royal Air Forces Association Date: Every Day until 11pm. (Saturday 11:30pm / Sunday 8pm). Venue: RAFA Club, Carlton Road, Romford Details: Family Friendly Social Club. Lots of great entertainment, food & events to enjoy for all the family.
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11 Raring2go! Easter Trail at Belhus Woods, South Ockendon Help the easter bunny find and count the eggs which have been hidden around the park? Date: March 28th to April 12th 2026 /10am-4pm Venue: Belhus Woods, South Ockendon, Aveley The Easter Festival Easter Egg Hunt, Magical Easter Show, Baby Animal Encounters, Circus Workshops & Arts & Crafts! Date: Friday 28th March – Sunday 12th April Venue: Old MacDonalds Farm, Brentwood, Essex Bedford’s Park Easter Family Forest Run Outdoor Easter Activities For all the Family to take part. Date:Tuesday March 31st 2026 / 1pm-3pm Venue: Bedford’s Park, Havering-Atte-Bower, Essex Easter Adventures in Rainham Honey Hoopla, Bee Tag & Collect the Nectar before collecting your Easter Treat. Date: Wed 1st April | 11am-4pm Venue: Rainham Hall, Rainham, Essex Easter Eggstravaganza Jump aboard the Easter Express & Vintage Buses to find aster Eggs, Meet the Easter Bunny & join Mingle Magic. . Date: April 3,4,5 & 6th 2026 Venue: Epping Ongar Railway, Epping, Essex Meet The Easter Bunny - Afternoon Tea in Upminster For Family & Friends to enjoy together. Date: Saturday 4th April | 11am-2pm Venue: Thames Chase, Upminster, Essex Easter Fun Weekend Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Storytime, Easter Egg Trail & so much more! Date: 4th to 6th April / 10am-4pm Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood, Essex Easter Bonnet Decorating in Romford Get creative this Easter. All materials provided. Perfect fun for all ages. Date: April 8th 2026 / 10am-2pm Venue: Romford Shopping Hall, Romford Essex Robin Hood The EASTER Panto Laugh Out Loud Egg-Stravagant Easter Adventure for all the family to enjoy. Date: April 9th 2026 / 2pm-6pm Easter Activities and lots of Eggscellent Fun! in and Around Havering!
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Raring2go! 13 20% OFF COURSES UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER USE THIS CODE TO CLAIM: RARING2GO!
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15 Raring2go! Sport is one of the simplest ways to support young people’s physical health, confidence and wellbeing and tennis is a brilliant option because it can be enjoyed in every season, at almost any level. At Hylands, we’re proud to offer a friendly, structured pathway that helps children (and adults) keep active, learn skills for life and feel part of a positive community. Tennis is often described as a “lifetime sport”, and that’s true at Hylands: players can start young, progress steadily, and keep playing right through secondary school and beyond. Because tennis is non-contact and naturally spaced, it’s also a reassuring choice for families who value a safe, well-run environment. We’re fortunate to have full-size and kid-size courts, plus floodlights and access to a sports hall, which helps us keep tennis going all year round, whatever the weather and whatever the season. Our Learn & Play programme supports ages 4–17, with opportunities to begin at a comfortable pace and build up skills and confidence through regular sessions. As the programme has grown, we’ve added extra junior groups, additional holiday camp days, and performance groups for players who are ready for a more challenging pathway. We also work with our coaching provider of choice, the JW Tennis Academy, whose coaches are all LTA accredited and committed to ongoing professional development. Holiday camps are a great way to stay active in the school breaks, meet new friends, and return to school feeling sharper and more energised. And for those who prefer a more individual approach, there are private lessons and adult sessions available too. If you’re looking for a sport that supports fitness, focus and friendships across the whole year, we’d love to welcome you at Hylands. Giorgio Bugnatelli B.E.M. Club Administrator & Secretary to the Trustees Master Coach (LTA) A Lifetime Sport, Right on Your Doorstep: Hylands Tennis
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Raring2go! 19 Performing arts classes such as Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) are a wonderful opportunity for children in Havering to enjoy themselves while learning valuable life skills.Through acting, singing, dancing and filmmaking, children explore their creativity in a fun and supportive environment.These activities encourage imagination and self-expression, helping young people grow in confidence and feel proud of their achievements. Taking part in performing arts classes also improves communication skills. Children learn to speak clearly, listen to others and work as a team while rehearsing and performing.This teamwork builds friendships and teaches respect, patience and responsibility. Classes like PQA help children step outside their comfort zone, which strengthens resilience and selfbelief that carries over into school life and everyday situations. Performing arts can also support emotional wellbeing. Having a safe space to express feelings through music, movement and storytelling can reduce stress and boost happiness. Joining a local club builds confidence by encouraging kids' expression, teamwork, and resilience. Rehearsing regularly, facing auditions, and performing before audiences teach them to manage nerves, accept feedback, and celebrate their progress. Naturally, they will grow braver in everyday life situations from their learning. For children in Havering, local classes offer a positive community where they can meet new friends, stay active and develop new talents. Whether or not they pursue performing in the future, the confidence, creativity and teamwork skills they gain will benefit them for years to come. The benefits of getting involved in The Peforming Arts
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Raring2go! 25 Havering has a proud history of Residents' Associations, each dedicated to supporting the people they represent. In 2019, many came together under the umbrella of H.R.A. This allowed for collaboration more effectively for the benefit of all residents across the Borough of Havering. HRA are a collective representing local interests, with the Hornchurch Residents' Association and Upminster Residents' Association existing as established groups, while the rest come under the HRA. As local residents themselves, the team focus on what matters to families and communities. HRA continue to lobby Government for fair funding for Havering and to ensure better council services.They challenge the loss of our precious green spaces, as well as challenge overdevelopment to preserve Havering's character. Importantly they will also challenge and get your concerns heard by the decision-makers to ensure the improvement and wellbeing of Havering Residents. Today, H.R.A is the largest group on Havering London Borough Council, with 25 councillors, leading as a minority administration.The councillors work hard every day to deliver practical improvements, challenge unfair policies, and put residents first – always putting community needs ahead of party politics. HRA are here FOR YOU: listening to all families, supporting schools and young people, advocating for safer streets, cleaner environments, and sustainable growth that benefits everyone. H.R.A fights for fair, common-sense solutions that make Havering a great place to live, learn, and grow within. Whether it's bin collections, road repairs, youth activities, or protecting local heritage the team look after Havering. Your independent local voice - working for Havering! Get involved, share your ideas, find out more: www.haveringra.org Email: haveringra@gmail.com Your Borough, Your Future – Together We Make Havering better!
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Raring2go! 27 If you are planning on spending more than 45 minutes in Romford Town Centre, then I would highly recommend taking the time to have your car cleaned by Daniel and the team at Car Valet Zamfir Ltd. Located on the ground floor of the Mercury Shopping Centre this gives you the opportunity to park in the cheapest car park in Romford Town Centre (FREE when you spend over £5 in Asda) and have your car cleaned to an incredibly high quality for an incredible low price. I have had my cars cleaned in many places around the area but for an equal mix of value for money as well as top quality work and surface it would be incredibly hard to beat Car Valet Zamfir. Small Cars can be as cheap as £10 with lots of different additional services available including Full Hand Polish & Deep Seat Valet too. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 8:30am – 5:30pm CALL: 07482 206 220 EMAIL: zamfir_dan2007@yahoo.com Nestled on North Street in Romford town centre is Kenlee. The locals know it as a reliable, friendly business that’s been serving the Havering community with quality car parts and customer service for years… Open seven days a week from 9 am to 10 pm, Kenlee offers an impressively wide range of components from essential servicing products like oils, fluids and filters to tools and specialised items for mechanics. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to help customers find the right part for their vehicle, whether you’re replacing brake pads, fitting new lights, or upgrading car audio. Lots of customers praise the team for being approachable, honest and keen to offer advice rather than just selling them parts. Beyond its shelves, Kenlee supports local drivers by offering same-day fitting services at low prices on many items, helping families keep cars on the road with minimal fuss.With consistently strong reviews highlighting helpful service and fair pricing, the business has earned a reputation as Romford’s most dependable independent motoring shops. WWW.KENLEE.INFO TEL: 01708 728 619 OPEN 9am-10pm - 7 DAYS A WEEK
Raring2go! 28 raring2go.co.uk This recipe is courtesy of www.bakingmad.com
Raring2go! 29 Fish’n’Chick’n on Hildene Avenue, Harold Hill - owned by the same family since 1952 - will serve its final fish and chips from its current premises on Friday 13 March, as the building makes way for redevelopment.The business will reopen in the new Hildene venue development in 2028, continuing a remarkable local story that began in the years after World War Two. The Hildene Avenue shop has been part of the fabric of Harold Hill for more than seven decades. It was purchased in 1952 by John Lipscombe and his wife Dorothy, shortly after John returned from military service following the Second World War. Since then, the shop has remained in the Lipscombe family, with three generations managing the Harold Hill location - John, then his son Hugh, and Hugh’s son James Lipscombe, who is now the company’s CEO. Over the years, the Harold Hill shop has been far more than a place to pick up tea. It has been a first job for local teenagers, a reliable employer for families, and a familiar stop on Friday nights, celebrations, and “just because” visits. Families have grown up with it - and in some cases, within it. Two such examples are the Carter and Goodgame families who have seen up to four generations work behind the counter and for the business, with Paul Goodgame junior, starting his career in the shop as a kitchen porter, becoming the Managing Director of the business in 2020. Another much-loved figure from the Goodgame family is Paul Goodgame snr, who started at the shop at just 16 and recently retired after more than 50 years of service - a testament to the close-knit nature of the team and the pride taken in doing things properly. From its roots in Harold Hill, Fish’n’Chick’n has grown into a national business, now owning and operating 35 fish and chip takeaways and restaurants across the UK - but the Hildene Avenue shop remains a special place in the company’s story. A heartfelt thank you, and a promise to return While the closure is necessary due to the building redevelopment, Fish’n’Chick’n says this is not goodbye, but a pause, with a clear plan to return in 2028 in a new, modern unit within the development. James Lipscombe, CEO of Fish’n’Chick’n, said: “Harold Hill is where so much of our story truly lives.This shop has served generations of local families, who have contributed so much to the success of the shop and our family business, from long-serving team members to families like the Carters and Goodgame’s. We’re incredibly grateful for the loyalty and kindness our customers have shown us over the years.We also want to thank every single person who has worked in this shop - the people who’ve turned up on busy nights, learned how to cook and serve great fish and chips, served neighbours and friends, and helped us maintain the standards we’re proud of. It’s never easy to close a place that holds so many memories, but we are looking ahead with excitement, to open in our brand new shop.We reopen here in 2028 as part of the new development - continuing the tradition started by my grandparents John and Dorothy back in 1952, and will once again be proud to create local jobs for local people.” A community cornerstone since 1952 Fish’n’Chick’n will share updates with customers throughout the transition period, including plans for the reopening as 2028 approaches. Manager Nick Smith and his team invite everyone to come in and say hello/goodbye for now and enjoy the food they know and love before the store ceases trading on 13th March. Harold Hill Fish & Chip Shop Set To Close its Doors
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