HAVERING SHOPPING IN ROMFORD P15 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD EXERCISE IN HAVERING P27 DISCOVER WHAT’S ON P6 raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2023
3 Raring2go! Copyright © 2023 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! Welcome to the first EVER edition of Raring2go! Havering Edition. As a Havering resident myself I really hope that I can bring you both a fun and fact-filled magazine focusing on everything which is happening within the local area for you and your family. It has been a pleasure to take on the role as Editor of Raring2go! Havering and I have had the great pleasure already of speaking with so many families and business owners in the area who I am sure are going to be a great support for keeping Raring2go! the best place to be within the community for everything you need! Winter is such a wonderful time of year with Christmas just around the corner followed by what is hopefully going to be fantastic New Year to welcome in 2024! Have a look at our What’s On Guideto see what is happening in Havering over the coming months to keep everyone entertained. You will also see some great tips and hints to help get you through the winter months. Raring2go! Havering will be making its way into your home via the school bag in 2024 so remember to keep an eye out for a copy of the magazine. You can however also always check out www.raring2go.co.uk/havering to stay up to date all year round! Have a great Christmas & New Year and I look forward to catching up with you all next year. Craig PS – I would always love to hear from readers so always feel free to drop me an email whenever you like (craig.french@raring2go.co.uk) To Advertise With Us or to have Raring2go! delivered to your School or Business Please Contact: Craig French Email: craig.french@raring2go.co.uk Whatsapp or Tel: 07892 402 687 Please Follow us on Social Media: Instagram - @raring2gohavering Facebook – Raring2go Havering Tik Tok – r2ghavering
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Raring2go! 6 raring2go.co.uk Please ensure you check dates and times with venues before venturing out to avoid disappointment as some details may have changed since this edition went to print. WHAT’S ON IN HAVERING THIS WINTER Havering Christmas Land Date: Dec 1st until Jan 1st Venue: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Essex A Magical Christmas Lights Trail For All The Family! Food | Mulled Wine & Beer | Photo Ops Enlightened by Barleylands Farm Park Date: Dec 1st until Dec 24th Venue: Barleylands Farm Park, Essex Enlightened is a magical outdoor trail. The 2023 events include lots of new installations & interactive elements making this the biggest and brightest winter event. The unique trails are a magical experience for all the family. This illuminated and enchanted gives you all the chance to join together and immerse in the magic. Author Ross Baker Visits Harold Hill Date: Dec 7th / 5:30pm Venue: Harold Hill Library, Hilldene Ave, Harold Hill On Friday 7th December at 5:30pm Ross Baker will be visiting Harold Hill Library. The local author will be reading from his book ‘The Octopus in the Bath’ as well as his other well known book ‘The Christmas Magical Bus Story’.Ross will also take time with the children to share his own story and how he first became a writer. This is a FREE EVENT but you must book in advance. Disney’s Little Mermaid Theatre Show Date: Dec 7th to Dec 23rd Venue: Brookside Theatre, Eastern Road, Romford Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World. An unforgettably magical production. Ticket price £19 - £23 | Running Time 140mins | Age restrictions 3+ Inflatable Day at Camp Date: Dec 20th Venue: Langtons, Hornchurch, Essex WE HAVE AN INFLATABLE DAY at our camps in Hornchurch, Ingatestone, Dagenham and Rainham over the coming months. HORNCHURCH INFLATEABLE DAY- Wednesday 20th December 2023 Follow link to book your child’s place at one of our fantastic camps! Please visit: https://superstarsport-oel.classforkids.io/camps
Raring2go! 7 Oxygen Trampoline & Activity Park Date: Dec 22nd | 9am Venue: Oxygen, Spilsby Road, Romford OXYGEN ROMFORD's brand-new supercharged experience appeals to all the family, from toddlers to teens - bringing an exciting new ‘trampolining-parkour-free running’ experience; a dedicated toddler area; an impressive range of climbing challenges; Romford’s first ever air-track, plus Oxygen’s signature excite tunnel; brilliant cafe; epic VIP birthday party areas and lots more... Inflatable Day at Camp Date: Jan 2nd Venue: Super Star Sports, Rainham WE HAVE AN INFLATABLE DAY at our camps in Hornchurch, Ingatestone, Dagenham and Rainham over the coming months. RAINHAM INFLATEABLE DAY- Tuesday 2nd January 2024 Follow link to book your child’s place at one of our fantastic camps! https://superstarsport-oel.classforkids.io/camps Feel Good In The Forest Date: Jan 13th 2024 | 10am-6pm Venue: Thames Chase Community Forest, Havering Feel good in the forest this winter with Thames Chase and Forestry England. Join us at Thames Chase Community Forest for a FREE day of activities. All ages and abilities are welcome. Come and explore your local Community Forest and all it has to offer: Wildlife Walk with a Forestry England Ranger, Wellbeing Walkies with Lola and pals (dog walk), Wellbeing and Tree Walk, Wellbeing Yoga, Wellbeing Walkies with Lola and pals (dog walk), Meditation, Sound Healing Food and refreshments will be available to buy. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Bluey’s Big Play Show Date: Jan 28th Venue: Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea, Essex When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush The Gruffalo’s Child Show Date: Feb 6th Venue: Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford Essex All Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults... 'Lovingly and simply brought to the stage' Under 16’s Film & TV Make Up Boot Camp Date: Feb 20th | 10am Venue: Final Checks Make Up & Hair Academy, Romford, Essex FEBRUARY 2024 HALF TERM Come and join us on 20TH and 21ST FEBRUARY for our Under 16 Makeup Bootcamp. CREATE YOUR OWN GLAM GLITTER MAKEUP LOOK CREATE A SPECIAL FX MAKEUP LOOK To book please visit our website and click events!
9 Raring2go! raring2go.co.uk/Havering Where to find Santa this Christmas ... Havering Christmas Land, Date: Dec 1st until Jan 1st, Venue: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Essex Santa’s Grotto, Date: December, Venue: Romford Shopping Hall, Romford Market, Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield, Date: December Weekends, Venue: Hopefield Animal Sancutary, Essex A Christmas Journey, Date: Dec 8th-10th, 16th – 24th, Venue: Old MacDonalds Farm, Romford The Jolly Grotto, Date: December Weekends, Venue: Thurrock Garden Centre, Thurrock Breakfast with Santa, Date: Dec 2nd, 9th, 22nd, Venue: Old Plough House, Upminster, Essex Meet Santa, Date: Dec 7th-10th & 13th-24th, Venue: The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, Essex The Father Christmas Experience, Date: December Weekends, Venue: Barleylands Farm, Billericay, Essex Breakfast with Santa in The Harvester, Date: December Weekends, Venue: Harvester, Main Road, Gidea Park & Abbs Cross Road, Hornchurch
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11 Raring2go! Christmas Lights in Romford are looking great for 2023 but Christmas Lights themselves have an incredible history that can be traced back to the late 19th century. It all began when electric lighting technology started to revolutionise cities, transforming their landscapes during the festive season. Before this innovation, traditional decorations like candles, lanterns, and gas lamps were used to celebrate Christmas in the 19th century. Walking around Romford Town Centre this year it is great to see some lovely decorations around the main shopping areas. It got the brain ticking over – when did Christmas lights first become ‘a thing’? Was it in Covent Garden? Was it Oxford Street? Could it of been Romford in Havering? The first recorded instance of electric Christmas lights in a city took place in 1882 in New York City. Edward H. Johnson, a close associate of Thomas Edison, set up an extraordinary display in his Fifth Avenue home. He hand-wired 80 light bulbs in red, white, and blue colors and adorned them on a magnificent Christmas tree. The sight attracted passersby who were amazed by this spectacle. Newspapers covered the event and spread the excitement, sparking a trend of using electric Christmas lights in cities. As electricity became more accessible, cities embraced the festive spirit by decorating their streets, parks, and buildings with dazzling displays of lights during the festive time of year. They created mesmerizing scenes intertwining strings of electric lights across buildings and along streets or wrapping them around trees. Town centres and shopping high streets featured grand Christmas trees full with countless lights that became central attractions for Christmas celebrations. Today, cities worldwide continue the tradition of Christmas lights during the festive season. From iconic displays like London’s Oxford Street to spectacular light festivals around the globe, these shimmering, enchanting decorations add an extra layer of magic to the festive season, captivating both locals and visitors alike. Christmas Lights in Romford can be proud of helping add to this fantastic tradition! Christmas Lights in Romford
Raring2go! We are hoping to offer you some key advice for starting 2024! Saving Money: As the new year begins, many of us are looking for ways to save money and navigate the credit crunch. With rising costs of living and economic uncertainties, it's essential to find some practical strategies to stretch our budgets. We are going to explore expert advice and discover how his tips can help save money in January. These money-saving tips are applicable to everyone in the UK but we want to make sure that everyone in Havering is well aware of the advice on offer. Understanding the Credit Crunch: The credit crunch refers to a period of economic difficulty with a lack of available credit and reduced consumer spending. It often leads to higher interest rates, limited access to loans, and increased financial stress for individuals and local businesses. Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, has been a trusted voice during such challenging times. His expertise and practical advice can help us navigate the credit crunch and make smarter financial decisions. Martin Lewis has become a household name in the UK for his money-saving expertise. His website, MoneySavingExpert.com, offers a wealth of information and resources to help individuals save money in various aspects of their lives. From reducing utility bills to finding the best deals on food, Martin Lewis provides practical tips that can make a significant difference in our monthly expenses. By following his advice, we can learn how to cut costs without compromising on our quality of life. Saving Money on Everyday Expenses: One of the key areas where we can save money is by reducing our everyday expenses. There are several strategies, like switching to cheaper energy providers, using cash back websites for online shopping, and taking advantage of loyalty schemes. By implementing these tips, we can lower our monthly bills and have more money left in our actual pockets. The importance of budgeting and tracking our expenses to identify areas where we can make further savings is very key to keeping track of this. Cost of Living in Havering: While the cost of living may vary depending on the location, the principles of saving money remain the same. Romford, a vibrant town in Havering, has its own unique challenges when it comes to expenses. By being mindful of our spending habits, comparing prices, and seeking out the best deals, we can effectively manage our finances and save money regardless of where we live. As a local community in Havering we are all navigating this time of life together and shopping local with trusted businesses will help give you peace of mind with quality control and value for money. Long-Term Financial Planning: As well as immediate savings, the importance of long-term financial planning needs to be considered. This includes setting financial goals, creating an emergency bank fund, and investing wisely. By taking a proactive approach to our finances, we can secure our future and be better prepared for any economic uncertainties that may arise. Saving money in January and navigating the credit crunch won’t be easy. Guidance from experts and discussing with friends and family will make things more manageable. By implementing practical tips and advice, we can make huge savings on everyday expenses, regardless of whether we’re in Havering or beyond. Saving Money in Havering This January: Navigating the Credit Crunch
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Raring2go! 15 Being well prepared this year will give you a chance to get maximum use out of your jumpers. There are literally unlimited opportunities to wear a Christmas Jumper. Whether you are attending a Christmas party, going Christmas shopping, or simply want to show your festive cheer, you can wear a Christmas Jumper wherever and whenever you like! Thursday 7th December 2023 is the official “Save The Children” Christmas Jumper Day which will be supported by most schools. There will also be Christmas parties in Schools and plenty of Christmas Day’s out over the next couple of months. Here are some of the best places to buy children’s Christmas jumpers in Romford: H&M: H&M has a fun and festive collection of kids’ Christmas jumpers, with plenty of different styles for girls and boys to choose from. Their prices range from £2.99 to £21.99. Next UK: Next offers a range of cute Christmas jumper designs for kids and free returns. They have various styles, including classic Fair Isle prints, fun Christmas sweatshirts with favorite characters, and knitted jumpers. Prices range from £15 to £26. TKMaxx, Asda, and Primark: These stores were recommended by users on TripAdvisor for their wide selection and very affordable prices over the last few years. Primark, in particular, was recommended for its choice and fit into a low budget. Shopping in Romford for a Christmas Jumper? When and Where will you be hunting for a 2023 Christmas Jumper? Will your destination of choice be Romford?
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Raring2go! 27 January is the perfect time to kickstart a healthy lifestyle and involve the whole family in this process. By combining a balanced diet with regular exercise and engaging in keep-fit activities, families can bond, have fun, and achieve their fitness goals together. 1. The Importance of Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for overall wellbeing. Encouraging your family to eat nutritious meals can help prevent chronic diseases, boost energy levels, and improve mental health. Start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins into your meals which you cook at home. You need to try as best you can to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, opting for water and natural fruit juices instead - even if it is just for January. Exercise is equally important for the whole family. Regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also strengthens muscles and bones, improves cardio health, and enhances mental well-being. Engaging in exercise together as a family promotes bonding and creates lasting memories which the kids will eventually thank you for and always remember. Exercise can be fun! 2. Keep-Fit Activities for the Whole Family: Finding activities that the whole family can enjoy is key to maintaining a consistent exercise routine. Havering offers a variety of options suitable for all ages and fitness levels. a) Outdoor Adventures: Havering boasts beautiful parks and nature reserves, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. b) Sports and Games: Engaging in sports and games is a fantastic way to keep the whole family active and entertained. c) Family Fitness Classes: Joining a family fitness class can be a fun and motivating way to exercise together. Havering offers a range of classes suitable for all ages, such as family yoga, Zumba, or dance classes. 3. Making Family Exercise a Habit: To make family exercise a habit, it's important to set realistic goals and create a routine that works for everyone. Start by scheduling regular exercise sessions that fit into your family's daily routine. This could be a morning walk before school or a weekend bike ride. Make sure to involve everyone in the planning process and allow each family member to choose activities they enjoy. You could get a fun chart mounted on your fridge or the kitchen pin board which everyone can refer to. Additionally, make exercise fun by incorporating games, challenges, or rewards. Set achievable milestones and celebrate each family member's progress. By making exercise enjoyable, it becomes something to look forward to rather than a chore. Lastly, lead by example. Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits if they see their parents actively participating. Be a role model by prioritising your own health and fitness. Encourage open communication about the benefits of exercise and the importance of staying active as a family. Incorporating diet and exercise into your family's routine is a valuable investment in their long-term health and well-being. By engaging in keep-fit activities and family exercise in Havering, you can create a positive and supportive environment that encourages everyone to stay fit and active. So, gather your family, lace up your new Christmas Trainers, and embark on a fun Essex fitness journey together to kick start 2024 in the best possible way! A Guide to Family Exercise in Havering: Keeping the Whole Family Fit and Exercising in January As the new year begins, many families set new year resolutions to improve their health and fitness.
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