HAVERING XMAS JUMPERS IN ROMFORD P14 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD FREE MUSIC LESSONS P16 WINTER DAYS OUT DEALS P2 raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2024
3 Raring2go! Copyright © 2024 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... It’s beginning to look a lot like… Winter! I don’t know where on earth 2024 has disappeared to and I can’t believe I have been working on Raring2go! Havering for a full year already. Thank you to all of the Havering Primary Schools which helped us distribute the Autumn Issue into your homes. I would also like to thank all of the advertisers for being great to work with too as always. I am sure this is going to be a really busy period for all of our readers, but I hope you manage to find some time to enjoy all of the great things taking place this Winter and across Christmas & New Year. Hopefully you enjoy the content which I have pulled together for you to navigate this time of year as well a guide for some great days out with the family. We have teamed up with some great attractions to offer you fantastic discounts so please check out the link on page 2. If there is ever anything missing that you would like to see within the ‘What’s on Guide’ please get in touch either on my email below or via Instagram on (@raring2gohavering). Have a great Christmas & Winter season! Craig x (craig.french@raring2go.co.uk) Please Follow us on Social Media: Instagram - @raring2gohavering Facebook – Raring2go Havering Tik Tok – r2ghavering Havering Raring2go! Readers – I need your help… Please, if you visit or purchase from any of the businesses you see within the Winter Issue let them know that you noticed them in Raring2go! It would go a long way to helping us all build a great Raring 2go! community. Also, if you know anyone who owns their own business that could benefit from appearing in front of our 40,000 Havering readers it would be great if you gave us a mention to them. Havering Businesses – Let’s work together… Our next issue (Spring 2025) will be distributed throughout Primary Schools & Shops from March 2025 with an Artwork Deadline at the end of February. It would be great to have a phone call, email or better still – a meet up to discuss your business and see if we can find a way that Raring2go! could help with your marketing plans. Please get in touch.
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Raring2go! 7 Santa’s Grotto (Romford) Nov 7th – Dec 24th (check availability) Level 1 - The Mercury Mall, Romford, Essex Meet Santa & His Merry Elves (Romford) Nov 16th – Dec 24th (On Selected Dates) The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, Essex Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield (Brentwood) Nov 20th – Dec 22nd (Weekends) Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood, Essex Santa @ Havering Christmas Land (Hornchurch) Nov 27th until Dec 24th Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Essex Breakfast with Santa (Dagenham) Nov 30th & Saturday’s Onwards | 10am The Pipe Major, Dagenham, Essex Santa’s Grotto (Romford) Nov 30th (Sat / Sun) including 23/24th Dec Romford Shopping Hall, Romford, Essex Breakfast with Santa (Harold Hill) December 8th 2024 | 9:30am-11:30am The Deers Rest, Harold Hill, Essex Meet Santa Claus (Gidea Park) December 8th 2024 | 10am-1pm The Ardleigh, Gidea Park Essex Afternoon Tea with Santa (Upminster) Dec 8th | 2pm-4pm Ye Old Plough House, Upminster, Essex Santa’s Grotto at Valence House (Dagenham) Dec 14th (Please Book in Advance) Valence House Museum, Dagenham, Essex Breakfast with Santa (South Ockendon) 22nd, 23rd, 24th Dec | 11am – 3pm Thurrock Garden Centre, Thurrock (Please check Santa’s availability in advance of travelling to the venue. He get’s very busy and tired too because he’s seeing so many children!) Where to find Santa this Christmas so you can be 100% certain he receives your list in good time!
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 WINTER! Ice Kingdom at Fairlop Waters Date: Nov 22nd – Jan 6th / 3pm-8pm Venue: Fairlop Waters, Hainault, Essex Details: Family Rides & Attractions. Refreshments. Stalls. Festive Food. Mulled Wine & much more! Old Macdonald’s Christmas Journey Date: Nov 22nd - Dec 24th (Check before visiting) Venue: Old MacDonalds Farm, Brentwood, Essex Details: Gingerbread Hunt, Winter Wonderland, Doggy Roller Coaster, Christmas Animated Chickens, Christmas Train Ride, Meet Santa, Christmas Parade and much more! Santa’s Special Train – Epping Ongar Railway Date: Nov 23rd to Dec 24th (On Selected Dates) Venue: Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar, Essex Details: Bring the family to see Santa on his special train with the fantastic Christmas special. Every child receives a present from Santa. Join the vintage bus service at Epping to Ongar and meet Santa and friends along the way. Havering Christmas Land Date: Nov 27th to Jan 1st 2024 / From 4:30pm Venue: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Essex Details: Magical Outdoor Light Walk Way through a ‘Secret Garden’. Including Santa’s Grotto, Food, Mulled Wine, German Beer & Rides. Jack & The Beanstalk Date: Nov 28th 2024 – Jan 5th 2025 7pm onwards Venue: Towngate Theatre, Basildon, Essex Details: Following the success of Cinderella in 2023 the team are back with a magical, mystical and fairytale adventure. The jewel in the crown of Essex with Towngate’s Award Winning panto’s. A Show not to be missed. Snow White Panto Date: Nov 29th 2024 to Jan 5th 2025 Daytime & Evening Performances Venue: Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford, Essex Details: A fun version of this all time classic tale. This Christmas treat will see Snow White glide into Chelmsford City along with an all too honest Magic Mirror and evil Wicked Queen. Mrs Claus Kitchen at Thames Chase Date: Dec 1st – Dec 23rd (on selected dates) Venue: Thames Chase, Upminster, Essex Details: While Father Christmas is busy making toys, he has asked Mrs Claus to meet the children in her kitchen to make some delicious treats for them. Decorate biscuits and hear some great stories before receiving a gift. Winter Adventure Date: 4th to 31st December Venue: Stubbers, Upminster, Essex Details: Action packed adventure for the whole family. This 130-acre adventure park will help you kids burn of excess Christmas excitement or get the whole family some fresh air around the madness. Including winter walks and discovery trails. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory - The Musical Date: Dec 6th to Dec 23rd / 7:30pm Venue: Brookside Theatre, Romford Details: Based on Roald Dahl’s iconic story come along and escape to a world of pure imagination with this sensational production. 8 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! CHRISTMAS Date: December 7th 2024 / from 12pm Venue: Romford & Gidea Park Rugby Club, Romford Details: Charity Santa Run, Christmas Market, Santa’s Grotto, Snow Machine, Lights Switch on and much more for all the family to enjoy! Kids Sushi Making Class Date: December 15th 2024 Venue: Fumiko, Hornchurch High Street, Hornchurch, Essex Details: Kids enjoy learning the art of crafting perfect sushi while becoming the best sushi ninja in Hornchurch! Children will craft 14 pieces of sushi and complete their class with a certificate. Adults enjoy 20% off in the restaurant. Neon Night Before Christmas Date: Dec 20th – 6pm-8pm Venue: Oxygen Active play, Spilsby Road, Harold Hill, Essex Details: 2hours of festive fun. Live DJ with Christmas music. Hot Dog and unlimited squash. Games & Prizes to be won. Ninja Warrior UK Date: Open Daily 10am-7pm Venue: Chelmsford, Essex Details: Inspired by ITV’s hit TV show this supervised activity and fitness venue will test your ninja skills while climbing, balancing and swinging across obstacles and bouncing on inflatables. Great fun for all the family. Winter-Ful Offer Date: Winter 2024 Venue: Colchester Zoo, Colchester, Essex Details: Some great deals to visit Colchester Zoo this Winter. The animals still need and want your love and affection during the cold months so please give the zoo a visit with your spare time. Lots of indoor activities to be enjoyed at the zoo for children. Nickelodeon Adventure Date: Open Daily 10am-3pm Venue: Nickelodeon Adventure, Lakeside, Essex Details: Come along and meet your favourite characters. Explore the different zones which include Sponge bob, Paw Patrol, Rugrats,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and lots more. 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. 9
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11 Raring2go! Christmas Lights in Romford are looking great for 2024 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 major cities, transforming their landscapes during the festive season. Before this innovation however, traditional decorations like candles, lanterns and gas lamps were widely 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 colours and adorned them on a magnificent Christmas tree. The sight attracted passersby who were amazed by this spectacle. The Media (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 by 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 Oxford Street in London to the spectacular light festivals around the globe, these shimmering and enchanting decorations add an extra layer of magic to the festive season and captivate both locals and visitors alike. Christmas Lights in Romfordcan be proud of helping add to this fantastic tradition! Christmas Lights in Romford
Raring2go! 12 raring2go.co.uk Saving Money in Havering This January: Navigating the Credit Crunch - we are hoping to offer you some key advice for starting 2025! 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 practical strategies to stretch our budgets. We are going to explore expert advice and discover how his tips can help us 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. Lewis has become a household name in the UK for his expertise. His hugely populr websute site 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 very best deals on groceries, Martin Lewis provides practical tips that can help 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, such as switchingto cheaper energy providers, using cash back websites for all online shopping, and taking full 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 good 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, quality control and value for money. Long-Term Financial Planning: In addition to 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 may seem challenging, but with the guidance from experts as well as openly discussing with close friends and family for tips will make things more manageable. By implementing practical tips and advice, we can make big savings on everyday expenses, regardless of our location, whether it's in Havering or beyond. Saving Money in Havering This January: Navigating the Credit Crunch
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Being well prepared this year will give you enable you to get maximum use out of your jumpers. There are countless occasions where you can wear a Christmas Jumper. Attending a Christmas party....going Christmas shopping... or simply wanting to show your festive cheer .... wear your Christmas Jumper whenever you like! Thursday 12th December 2024is the official “Save The Children” Christmas Jumper Daywhich 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’s our roundup of some of the best places in Romford to buy children’s Christmas jumpers: 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 favourite characters, and knitted jumpers. Prices range from £15 to £26. TK Maxx, Asda, and Primark: These stores were recommended by users on TripAdvisor for their wide selection and affordable prices over the last few years. Primark, in particular, was suggested for its wide range at prices to suit all budgets. Shopping in Romford for a Christmas Jumper? When and Where will you be hunting for a 2024 Christmas Jumper? Will you be shopping in Romford for one? Raring2go!
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Raring2go! 30 raring2go.co.uk January is the perfect time to kickstart a healthy lifestyle and involve the whole family in this process. Combining a balanced diet with regular exercise and engaging in keep-fit activities, heps families bond, have fun and achieve their fitness goals together. We want to focus on how important it is to diet and exercise, and highlight some exciting family exercise options in Havering. 1. The Importance of Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for overall well-being. 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! We can recommend checking out the book series "Pinch of Nom" which make great healthy recipes for all the family which are fun to create and certainly make eating healthy - fun! They have a great 'fakeaway' section which the children will enjoy helping you create so they don't feel like they are missing out while eating healthy in January. 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. Take your family for a hike, bike ride, or nature walk in Raphael Park, Romford or Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also allow you to connect with nature and enjoy quality time together as a family. b) Sports and Games: Engaging in sports and games is a great way to keep the whole family active and entertained. Havering has numerous sports facilities where you can play tennis, basketball, football, or cricket. Alternatively, you can organize friendly competitions in your own garden, such as relay races, obstacle courses, or scavenger hunts. These activities encourage friendly competition and teamwork while keeping everyone moving. 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. These classes not only provide a structured workout but also allow family members to learn new skills and enjoy each other's company. You will be able to find these in many places from both local gyms as well as social clubs and village halls. 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 more fun by incorporating games, challenges and 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. Lead by example. Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits if they see their parents actively participating. So be a role model and prioritise 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 an investment in their long-term health and well-being. By doing keep-fit activities and family exercise in Havering, you can create a positive and supportive environment that encourages everyone to stay fit and active. Remember, the journey to a healthier lifestyle starts with small steps, and the benefits will extend far beyond the month of January. So, gather your family, lace up your new Christmas Trainers, and embark on a fun Essex fitness journey together to kick start 2025 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 health and fitness.
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