We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 

Here we are almost at another Christmas after the trials and tribulations of 2009.  It is so easy to look back and regret things that we have done or not done, but it isn’t so easy to make amends.  Please try to build bridges within the community, as we need a cohesive unit to continue our progress as an association.  The sense of community is of paramount importance not what we each of us think that we need, but what is best for the village.  Enjoy your celebration and appreciate the company of your family and friends.

 

Another Drugs Bust!

Congratulations to the Rainham & Wennington Safer Neighbourhood Team, who have orchestrated another drugs bust locally.  It seems fantastic that people have the audacity to grow drugs in a residential area! Good team work!

 

Bulb Planting

In January a team from Havering Council will be planting bulbs in our village.  It would be great if some volunteers could help.  The cold frosty weather will prevent this happening, so we will have to wait for a milder spell.  Please help, even if you just plant ten bulbs each!

Our Condolences go to Tony and his family

We send our condolences to Tony, Vicky and their family on the sad death of Rosie.  She had a stroke and gradually slipped away last month.  Her funeral took place in Wennington Church and the interment followed in the churchyard.

 

Beware of Rogue Builders

If we have bad weather and damage occurs to your home, please be careful if you are approached by unfamiliar tradesmen, who offer to replace your loose tiles or cement your chimney breast where it is cracked.  Do not be taken in by these forceful tricksters, we do have some very reliable builders in our village, so please seek advice from known craftsmen or contact Age Concern, as they have a list of reputable professionals.

 

Adverse weather conditions

Please be very careful in the snow and the ice.  We all know how wonderful it is to look out over the dazzling white fields, but it is so much more comfortable to stay indoors by the fire.  The ice is treacherous at the moment and we do feel that you ought to restrict your outings in order to curb the risk of accidents.  If you want any shopping and you don’t feel confident enough to venture out, please ask any neighbours who are more able.  It has been suggested that when you walk on snow or ice, you should walk pigeon-toed, as it stops you slipping, well you can try!

 

Best Wishes to those who are unwell

Our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Olive who has been in hospital.  She is always around and so active, we look forward to her wellbeing.  Also to Jim whose face looks rather bruised, we hope that it heals  quickly.  Our thoughts are with Jack and Eileen that their needs will be met.  Best wishes to Ivy, as she enjoys the company of her family.  For Carole news of her scan will be clear and also for Gary.  We hope that Jan is making good progress and that she will gain more strength for the future.  

Bereavement Register

There is a bereavement register, which is for the names of those who have passed away, so that they do not receive junk mail or catalogue communications.  It is very distressing to receive letters etc particularly unsolicited ones, addressed to departed family members.

 

E-mail from Paul Long

Sent November 27th - I escaped from the rehab unit about a week and a half ago.  I cannot climb the stairs yet, as I have use of my left arm only.  I am making truly remarkable progress.  Many thanks to the Wennington and Rainham people who have sent their best wishes.

We do hope that Paul makes steady and sure progress.

Hate Crime

A new service has been launched by the charity Stop Hate UK.  It will mean that victims of hate crime can report incidents online or via web chats.  In terms of time this will be more efficient.  The service will be available 24 - 7.

Hatred is the targeting of individuals, groups or communities because of who they are.  A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon the victim’s disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender.  

Later you will get a copy of the guidance sent out by the Home Office.  I found this quite thought provoking!

 

Refuse Collections

We normally have our refuse collected on a Wednesday, but due to the Christmas holidays our collection will be on Saturday 2nd January, then the next week it will be on Friday 8th January and the following week Thursday 14th .  After that we will resume our normal day of Wednesday.

Please try to tie up your bags carefully and recycle in the orange bags as much as you can.  At this time there will be a number of bottles to dispose of, you can take these to Tesco’s recycling facility and gain extra points if you remember your card.

Freedom Pass

Your Freedom Pass will need to be renewed in 2010.  You should have received a letter indicating when you can apply.  There are five weeks and you are allocated a week in alphabetical order.  You need to go to a post office with your application form, proof of name, age and your address and a recent passport size photograph.  Your freedom pass will be sent to

you within 10 days.