HAVERING SPECIAL DEALS ON DAYS OUT P19 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD ENERGY COST SAVINGS P20 15% CAKES AND DESSERTS P11 raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2025 SAVE £££’s ON YOUR BILLS
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3 Raring2go! Copyright © 2025 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... Where has time gone? Summer, Back to School, Halloween & Fireworks Night seem to have all happened in a flash and here we are getting ready for Christmas and those cold Winter nights. Watching TV - ‘I’m A Celebrity’ has probably just started by the time you are reading this, while Marks & Spencer, Aldi and all the other supermarkets are rolling out their Christmas ads. I am a big fan of the 2025 John Lewis Ad – probably due to my own emotional connection with the 90’s dance track ‘Where Love Lives’. Raring 2go! Winter edition will hopefully help you navigate the next few months while you are looking for things to do, places to go across Christmas as well as some advice for how to make the most of a cold January. Have a great Christmas and next few winter months and let’s hope by the time my spring issue rolls around we are talking about the joys of Gallows Corner being back open! Raring 2go! Havering is made possible by our great list of schools which kindly distribute the magazine home for you to enjoy but also by local businesses which support us by advertising with us. If you own your own business in Havering or know someone who does please remember to mention Raring 2go! and we would love to have a chat about working together. 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). 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 Winter 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 their own business that could benefit from appearing Infront 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 2026) will be distributed throughout Primary Schools & Shops from March 2026 with an Artwork Deadline in 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 Raring 2go! could help with your marketing plans. Please get in touch.
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5 Raring2go! Santa’s Magical Elevator (Romford) Date: Nov 10th – Dec 24th (check availability) Venue: The Mercury Mall, Romford Santa’s Ice Kingdom Grotto (Romford) Date: Nov 15th – Dec 24th (On Selected Dates) Venue: The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield (Brentwood) Date: Nov 29th – Dec 22nd (Weekends) Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood Santa @ Havering Mind’s Christmas Land (Havering) Date: Nov 28th until Dec 24th Venue: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch Breakfast with Santa (Dagenham) Date: Saturday’s In December (Book in Advance) | 10am Venue: The Pipe Major, Dagenham, Breakfast with Santa (Harold Hill) Date: December 22nd 2025 (Book in Advance) Venue: The Deers Rest, Harold Hill, Essex Meet Santa Claus (Gidea Park) Date: December 13th & 14th 2025 | 10am-12pm Venue: The Ardleigh, Gidea Park Essex Breakfast with Santa (Upminster) Date: Dec 7th 2025 | 10am-11:30am Venue: Ye Old Plough House, Upminster Afternoon Tea with Santa (Upminster) Date: Dec 7th 2025 | 2pm-4pm Venue: Ye Old Plough House, Upminster Santa’s Grotto at Valence House (Dagenham) Date: Nov 29th 2025 – 10am-3pm (Please Book in Advance) Venue: Valence House Museum, Dagenham Breakfast with Santa (South Ockendon) Date: 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th Dec 2025 | 11am – 3pm Venue: Thurrock Garden Centre, Thurrock (Please check Santa’s availability before you travel to the venue. Santa get’s very busy and tired too because he’s seeing so many happy children!) Where to find Santa this Christmas so you can be 100% certain he receives your list in good time!
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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 WINTER! Jack & The Beanstalk Date: 19th November – 3rd January / 2pm & 6:30pm Venue: Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, Essex Details: Join Jack and his mum in their family run dairy farm where they need to sell Pat The Cow at Romford Market. RHS Glow 2025 Date: 21st November – 27th December / 5pm-8pm Venue: RHS Hyde Hall, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex Details: An enchanting experience of glow illuminations with festive food and lots more to enjoy The Santa Experience Date: 22nd Nov. – 24th Dec. 9:30am – 4pm Venue: Colchester Zoo, Colchester, Essex Details: Lots of Christmas fun to be had around the zoo including meeting Mr Claus in her very own Christmas kitchen while you wait for the big man! Havering Mind’s Christmas Land Date: 28th November – 2nd Jan / 4:30pm-8:30pm Venue: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Essex Details: Book Tickets In Advance. Magical Christmas Light Trail to enjoy. Date: Weekends & Half Term in Dec. 9:30am-2:30pm Venue: Romford Shopping Hall, Romford Market, Details: Meet Mrs Claus and step inside 5 minutes of snow globe fun including a free gift for all children. North Weald & District Miniature Railway Date: 6th, 7th, 20th, 21st, 24th Dec. 12pm-5pm Venue: North Weald, Essex Details: Christmas Family Fun day out at Harlow Garden Centre this independent business allows you to use the 71/4 Gauge Railway. Toby’s Christmas Market Date: Saturday 6th December 2025 | 6pm-10pm Venue: Toby Cavery, The Brewery, Romford, Essex Details: Fancy some Carols & festive cheer at our local Christmas market. Great for kids to buy some presents while their parents enjoy dinner! Beyond 30 – Daytime Clubbing (Adults ONLY) Date: 6th December 2025 / 4pm-8pm Venue: Jukebox LDN, South Street, Romford, Essex Details: Fun for the Over 30’s with this daytime 8 raring2go.co.uk
9 Raring2go! Atanya’s story Christmas clubbing event. Expect 80’s, 90’s and lots of festive dancefloor flare! Havering Miniature Railway Club – Christmas Run Date: 6th December 2025 / 10am-4pm Venue: Lodge Farm Park, Romford, Essex Details: Santa comes to Lodge farm Park.Ticket includes treats, gift bag and a train trip all the way to Santa's grotto Christmas Movie Day Date: 7th December 2025 / from 3pm-5pm Venue: The Crumpled Horn, Upminster, Essex Details: Family Films, 4 Screens, Surround Sound, Festive Movie Menu Beauty & The Beast Family Panto Date: 13th December – 4th Jan | 2pm & 6pm shows Venue: The Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, Essex Details:Traditional family panto produced by an award winning team and perfect for the family to enjoy. Meet Santa in Romford Date: 13th December 2025 / 11am-2:30pm Venue: Havering Museum,, Romford Details: Please book in advance online to come along to the museum and meet Santa while visiting. Xmas Family Party Date: Saturday 22nd Dec. 2025 from 1:30pm- 7:30pm Venue: Rainham Working Mans Club, Rainham, Essex Details: Meet Santa, Xmas Disco, Get A Selfie with Elfie, Blippi Show & much more! CappARTcino Date: 22nd December 2025 / 2pm-3:30pm Venue: Hainault Forest, Hainault, Essex Details: Family Christmas Nutcracker painting workshop Dick Whittington Date: 29th Jan – 31st Jan 2026 / 10am-4pm Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Ardleigh Green, Essex Details: 7:30pm-10pm on all 3 nights for all the family to enjoy. 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.
Raring2go! 10 raring2go.co.uk Christmas Lights in Romford are looking great for 2025 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
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Raring2go! 13 20% OFF COURSES UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER USE THIS CODE TO CLAIM: RARING2GO!
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Raring2go! 21 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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www.raring2go.co.uk/worthing Raring2go! 23 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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Following the ★★★★★success of Jack and the Beanstalk 2024-25, the Towngate Theatre’s spectacular panto for 2025-26 will be the fairytale story of Sleeping Beauty! This dreamy show will bring all the magic of panto to the Towngate stage and have you rolling in the aisles with laughter, with this sparkling adventure for all the family! Basildon favourites, Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard, will return to the Basildon-based Theatre as everyone’s favourite panto villain and dame! Sophie will be playing the evil Carabosse and Ian returns as sassy Dame Dolly. Joining Ian and Sophie will be Sophia Ragavelas as Fairy Moonbeam,Thomas Griffiths as Prince Charming, Michael Ayiotis as Jangles and Jazz Cave will be making her professional debut as Princess Aurora! This local gem is the jewel in the crown of Essex, boasting an award-winning, critically acclaimed panto team. Featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic live band at every performance, Sleeping Beauty Beauty promises to be a non-stop, musical extravaganza that is not to be missed! With fantastic family offers and discounts for Groups of 10+, even the most budget conscious bookers can enjoy this magical show this festive season. And if you’re looking for a Relaxed Performance, the Towngate’s performance is being held on 8 December and Carers go free! You snooze, you lose – so don’t dream it, book your tickets today! www.towngatetheatre.co.uk If you require any Listing Info, here you go. LISTING INFORMATION Sleeping Beauty in Basildon, Essex The Pantomime of your Dreams from the Towngate Theatre’s ★★★★★panto team! PRODUCTION: DATE FROM: DATE TO: VENUE: TICKETS FROM: BOX OFFICE: WEBSITE: YOUTUBE: FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: SLEEPING BEAUTY THURSDAY 27/11/2025 SUNDAY 0401/2026 TOWNGATE THEATRE, ST MARTIN’S SQUARE, BASILDON, ESSEX, SS14 1DL £15 - £29. FAMILY TICKETS AND GROUP RATES AVAILABLE 01268 205 300 www.towngatetheatre.co.uk @towngatetheatre /towngate @towngatetheatre Raring2go! 25
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