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Front page of this months The Bulletin (click image to expand):

Sign up to our official HYR Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/390668587681594/

Annnnd check out our website: http://www.youngresidents.org.uk/

Havering Community Questions - 19/11/12

I decided to attend Havering Council's first Havering Community Questions (HCQs) last night where leaders of our borough's council, police and health services put themselves forward to answer questions from the public:

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On the video above at 21m 23s, I ask about our borough's infamous CCTV car which, having been caught parked on double yellow lines recently, disproportionately and unfairly targets some wards more than others and has been blamed for putting Upminster Farmers' Market out of business.

Cllr Michael White, Leader of Havering Council defended the car, so unfortunately we're not going to see it disappear any time soon.

I also asked our borough commander Chief Superintendent Mick Smith (at 1h 29m) - following on from this scheme in Gooshays which I think is very commendable - what further plans he has to engage young residents in reducing crime across Havering.

His response was encouraging in that he listed everything being done to engage young residents, but also conceded there's a "darn sight more" to be done. Very positive.

Not everyone's happy with the new HCQ format as a) it doesn't include other cabinet members with their own particular portfolios, and b) this event is quarterly unlike the previous formats which occured more frequently.

Personally, I'm cautiously optimistic. In order to engage a wider and more diverse audience, I've suggested Havering Council considers using Twitter to allow viewers at home to tweet in questions.

More young people need to be engaged in the democratic process and using social media is the most obvious way forward.

I've made it my mission to get younger residents interested in making Havering a cleaner, safer and fairer place for our generation which is why I've set up Havering Young Residents which you can follow on Twitter @youngresidents and also like our Facebook page.

At 3pm on Saturday 23rd February at Hornchurch Library, we will be meeting for a fun and interactive session to tackle issues affecting our generation, including youth unemployment, the shortage of affordable housing and saving our local environment.

I want to make it relevant to YOU so please email me your suggestions and if you'd like to attend: info@youngresidents.org.uk

Young residents suffer as youth unemployment rises

Below is my article from page 9 of this months Bulletin.

If you're a young resident in Havering (under 30) and have been affected by the economic crisis, I want to hear your story! If you feel strongly about this issue and would like to help me fight for jobs, please also get in touch: info@youngresidents.org.uk

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: