THE SHOW MUST GO ON! ...mustn't it?

Last week, you may have seen me on page 5 of the Romford Recorder supplement "What's On", advertising Havering Music Makers' show 'Those Good Old Days':

This was a hugely successful and fun day out - especially for older Cockney residents who moved to Havering from the old East End.

I've always loved theatre and performing. As a child I went to many local theatre groups and stage schools where I learnt how to sing, dance and perform - and I continue to do that.*

For these reasons I can't turn my back on my heritage, and I also can't ignore the political reality facing amateur theatre groups in our borough today.

Groups across Havering are on a financial knife-edge when it comes to keeping afloat, and it's only due to the real talent and professionalism of the actors, musicians and directors themselves that ensure their survival.

The Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch has provided entertainment since the 1950s. It was the first theatre in the UK to be funded by a local council - a highly radical move in those days! It's come a long way since its humble roots in Station Lane and continues to bring in audiences from across London, Essex and beyond. As a council-subsidised body, it must do all it can to support and help out local groups who want to showcase their talent on the stage of this great institution.

Young residents in our borough face fewer opportunities than our parents' generation. Therefore we all need to support local theatre and arts groups as much as possible so that the talent, skills and enthusiasm of our next generation won't be lost to the crippling economic climate.

*My next performance will be Havering Music Makers' production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado. Book now for what promises to be a brilliant show!

Helping Residents

I'm in the Romford Recorder, page 41, with Upminster and Cranham Residents' Association councillors. This was an eye-opening day talking to local residents about what concerns them in the area.

I spoke to one man who used a mobility scooter, and he told me the pavements are uneven and sometimes difficult to get around. An estimated 14,000 adults in Havering have a disability, and I think it's vital that those residents have the same opportunity to access our borough as non-disabled people. I passed on his details to the councillors.

A number of residents complained about the council's car parking charges in Upminster Park. I explained how RA councillors had fought tooth and nail against the proposals and also fought for free parking at Christmas. Sadly the Tory-dominated council rejected this affordable proposal and residents lost out, but our councillors continue to push this issue and stand up for council tax payers' interests.

Treat our elderly with respect

Check out my article I wrote for Havering Residents' Association on how the government is failing our elderly:

http://www.haveringra.org.uk/pages/oldtrespect.htm

Temporary theatrical break

From now until the 21st of this month I'm going to be rehearsing for a play and won't be as active in producing vlogs as I'd like to be.

I will, however, continue to tweet and write articles, so keep following me on Twitter @HaveringMeh.

If you'd like to come and see me perform in Havering Music Makers' production of Those Good Old Days at St Edwards School in Romford, please follow the link below: