News
The Virtual Games - Team Havering
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The numbers are in....
This week we got some really positive feedback from London Youth Games regarding our participation in the Virtual Games competition last month.
We are proud to confirm that 751 children and young people represented Team Havering from 85 schools across the entire 4 week campaign! WOW!
A big thank you once again to everyone who got involved and a special mention to both Ollie and Jak who took home 2 of the possible 4 MVP awards.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information and updates about the upcoming 2021 Youth Games season.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haveringlyg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaveringActive
Instagram: @haveringlyg
Virtual Games Success
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The Virtual Games 2020
Over the last four weeks, young competitors from across Havering have been taking part in a unique competition set by London Youth Games.
Typically, at this time of the year, we would have competed in a variety of different sports tournaments across the city including both Redbridge Weekend and The Finals Weekend at Crystal Palace, in a bid to capture the Jubilee Trophy. However, due to the challenges associated with Coronavirus, all of that had to be cancelled and The Games went virtual.
Each week the team at London Youth Games HQ set three online challenges and our job was to rally as many competitors as we could for Team Havering. Being a virtual event, the idea was for everyone to complete the challenge, film and post their efforts across social media as well as submitting final scores which count towards our overall tally. It was a fantastic opportunity for many to represent the borough and get creative with the sport-related challenges. These included a 60 second Burpee Challenge, Kick-Ups Football Challenge, a Dance-Off Challenge and Throwing Accuracy Challenges.
We were blown away to see so many jumping on board and simply having a go. The local schools played a major role in helping spread the word with teachers uploading their own example videos and encouraging the students to complete their attempts from home, school or whilst out for their daily exercise. We even had Mums, Dads and Grandparents getting behind the movement. Our youngest participant was just four years old and his videos were a massive hit.
The biggest incentive, no doubt, were the Nike prizes that were up for grabs. At the end of every week, London Youth Games announced an MVP based on the creativity of a video or an exceptional result whereby the winning individual was given a pair of shoes of their choice. Incredibly, two Havering participants received this award. Ollie from Marshalls Park Academy was named MVP of Week Two thanks to his Basketball Crossover entry and Jak from Abbs Cross Academy picked up the award in Week Four for setting the fastest 1 mile run. Out of the 40,000 competitors that took part, this is a fantastic achievement for Havering.
Whilst we finished in 13th out of 33 boroughs, we discovered so many talented, passionate and enthusiastic young people along the way. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that dedicated time to participating week after week. We appreciate all of you.
Looking ahead, we are hopeful that the 2021 Youth Games season will be able to kick-start safely in November as planned with the Cross Country event at Parliament Hill. But in the meantime, please be sure to look out for all updates across our social media platforms and the Havering Active website for information about future trials and the restarting of leagues.
Until then, “Mission LYG Gold is still GO” – Abbigail Cleary
Sincerely,
Your Sports Development Team
London Youth Games - The Virtual Games
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BIG NEWS!
We are very excited to let you know about a brand new competition launched by London Youth Games this week. If you have kids at home right now who are cell phone/social media mad then this could be the perfect thing for them!
The London Youth Games have just announced the launch of ‘The Virtual Games’ – an online competition in place of the regular 2020 season which was cancelled due to Coronavirus.
Young people across the borough are encouraged to jump online and take part in the challenges that are set with weekly prizes up for grabs (like pairs of Nike trainers!) and points going towards Havering’s score and the overall trophy.
The Virtual Games are open to all children and young people from London. You do not need to be a footballer to complete the football challenge or a netballer to complete the netball challenge. All of them will come with suggested adaptations for space, equipment and ability to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.
The first challenge will be released Monday 8th June and participants are asked to upload their videos to any of their channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok etc) using the hashtags #ThisIsLYG and #TeamHavering as well as tagging London Youth Games to be in to win.
If you want to head across to our other pages then we will be posting the challenges and updates regularly:
Facebook: @Havering London Youth Games Team / @Havering Active
Instagram: @HaveringLYG
Twitter: @HaveringActive
TikTok: @HaveringLYG
Find out more about the competition here: www.londonyouthgames.org/virtual-games
Another #CreActiveAtHome Update
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Hello Everyone,
We hope that you are still managing to stay happy, healthy and occupied as we move through another week of Lockdown.
Over the last week we have been gathering more ‘At Home Activities’ for you and your families to get involved with so you can be #CreActiveAtHome. This list covers art, sport and music – so the range of options are varied.
Stay Safe!
- Getting Active
Active Essex
Active Essex has launched a YouTube Channel to help you get fit from home and there's a workout for everyone. Whether you're getting back into exercise or setting new fitness targets, they've got the variety. Try seated aerobics, get the family involved with children's classes, or brush up on netball skills with an England Netball trainer. Check out the full schedule on the Active Essex website, which is updated every Sunday.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6884snA6rAX34ohUayf7gA?
NHS Gym-Free Workout
Put the fun back into fitness with these equipment-free workouts for all levels. These illustrated guides are designed to help make your workouts effective and easy to follow. Created with busy people in mind, these routines from fitness expert Neila Rey can be done anywhere, at any time. Many of these routines count towards your recommended 150 minutes of exercise too.
Link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/gym-free-workouts/
This Girl Can
A range of simple enough at-home exercises and relatable stories from many different women online. See what they have in store for you.
Link: https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/activities/home-exercise/
The Premier League
Premier League teams are using their expertise in fitness and putting together exercise videos to help keep us active. As the coronavirus outbreak forces football fans across the world to become socially isolated, clubs are sharing advice on how to keep your mind and body healthy from the comfort of your own home.
Find your team’s specific exercises here: https://www.premierleague.com/news/1647476
Everyone Active
Missing your favourite class or group fitness instructor? Why not follow their live and pre-recorded classes featured on their social media channels? From Bodycombat to Pilates, there’s no need to miss your weekly fix. Follow Everyone Active on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube channel to make sure you never miss out on free classes.
Facebook: @everyoneactive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/everyoneactive
London Youth Games Quiz
Back by popular demand! Come and test your knowledge by taking us on in the London Youth Games Quiz. Thursday 14th May at 1pm.
Link: https://myquiz.org/I/277368
- Getting Creative
Havering Arts At Home
Havering Council's Arts Development team and Fairkytes Arts Centre have created lots of videos for you to follow at home. So far your choices are:
- Learn to juggle
- Beginners clay craft
- Portrait drawing tips and techniques
- An introduction to macramé
- Make your own bunny hat
- Make your own pop up card
- Make your own unicorn clay hanger
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFSngA58KjA5WtH5FZ1j3Gg
For further information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fairkytes Arts Centre
This is a community arts centre (currently closed) in the heart of Hornchurch offering a wide range of activities for adults and children, rooms for hire, a large number of clubs and societies, and occasional events and demonstrations. You can keep informed about events and activities by following them online.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairkytesArtsCentre
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fairkytesarts
Para Arts Exhibition
Later in the year, Havering Arts Development team will be hosting the third Para Arts Exhibition. This exhibition is open to all local SEND artists. All ages are welcome to take part. Each artist can contribute a maximum of two pieces of art work. Perhaps now might be the perfect time to start working on your submissions. We are able to accept online submissions only at this time, so if you would like to enter your work now, please email a picture of just the art work, which should ideally be 1MB or larger in size to make for a good quality print out. Please include the artists name and age in the email. We will then print out the image and install it in the exhibition later in the year.
For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01708 434135
Havering Voice
*Calling all local singers* This is your chance to be the Havering Voice of the Year, 2020. Registrations are now open for our annual singing competition. The venue for this competition is Fairkytes Arts Centre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1AX
To register or for more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01708 434135
Rainbow Art
Can you create a piece of art that shows support for your community and will help people stay positive and smiling through this challenging time? Create anything from a beautiful landscape to a graphic design, perhaps including positive words and put it in your window for others to see. When it’s up in your window take a photo so that we can share your creations online.
Email your art to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let’s Waste Less
The Havering Council Arts Development Team, Waste Team and Havering Libraries have been working together and now challenge you to create a piece of art from something that you might have previously thrown away. Some examples include a picture out of milk bottle tops, a train with carriages made from empty toilet roll centres, a collage of old magazines/newspapers, or a sculpture made from cereal packets - just to name a few. If you want to get involved please email a photograph (ideally at least 1MB in size) of the finished masterpiece to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with the artists name and age.
For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01708 434135
Last Band Standing
Fairkytes Live Last Band Standing at Home invites every household in Havering to form a band and record a video of your group performing a song live. Open to all ages and abilities. The closing date is Friday 22 May (videos can be posted by WeTransfer or DropBox).
For information and entry criteria please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Towngate Stories
The Towngate are delighted to bring you stories online for the very first time. Their lovely Education & Outreach Leader Hayley will take you and your little ones on a magical adventure whilst they are closed to the public.
Short Play Submission Sundays, Greenwich Theatre
Are you a budding writer with the thirst for creativity? Every Sunday the Greenwich Theatre will set a theme for a piece of short writing to be submitted by the following Sunday. Their top picks will have the opportunity to be performed once the theatre is reopened in a sharing event or even an online table reading. Email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the chance of a performance for the Greenwich Theatre community.
Link: https://www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/greenwich-connects
Gareth Malone and The Great British Home Chorus
This is to give everyone the opportunity to contribute their voices and instruments to an ambitious digital music project, conceived in the light of many closures to communal rehearsal spaces nationwide. To get involved follow the link below and they will contact you by email with all the information you need.
Queens Theatre, Hornchurch - Seated Dance Workshops
Tuesdays at 11am.
Each session goes live on the Queens Theatres Facebook page at 11am on a Tuesday, and will be available to catch up through their Facebook and YouTube channels for the rest of that week.
Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZktkdMge68<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZktkdMge68>
Queens Theatre, Hornchurch - Musical Theatre Sing-A-Long
Thursdays at 11am.
Local musician and Musical Director Andrew Linham invites you to join him for a sing-a-long every Thursday at 11am. Warm up those vocal chords and learn a classic musical theatre number each week.
Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T5hasOBybM<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T5hasOBybM>
Facebook: www.facebook.com/QueensTheatreH<http://www.facebook.com/QueensTheatreH>
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/queenstheatrehornchu<http://www.youtube.com/user/queenstheatrehornchu>
Cecil Beaton’s Bright Young Things Competition
Use the time at home to create your own Beaton inspired portraits and enter the National Portrait Galleries photography competition. The deadline for submissions is Midday Monday 18 May 2020.
Find out more here: https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/cecil-beaton-bright-young-things/exhibition?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LMMKTWhat'sOnApril2020&utm_content=version_A&promo=6098
*When you follow the link, please scroll down the page to find information about the competition. Please read all terms and conditions before taking part*
3Foot People Festival, at home activity pack…
Help bring a little bit of 3foot magic to your stay at home adventure. The team behind this festival have put together a free downloadable activity pack. Each activity represents one of the festival's fantastic zones, offering something to entertain all our little festival goers.
‘Deafinitely’ Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe
Deafinitely Theatre created a new interpretation of Shakespeare's comedy, accessible to theatregoers of all backgrounds. This is the first time this has been attempted with a full Shakespeare play.
Performance Live on BBC iPlayer
The BBC are showcasing a spectrum of some of the most exciting artists working in performance today. Please check the age rating of each performance before watching.
Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b094rfj6/performance-live
English National Ballet
The English National Ballet is inviting audiences to join them for Wednesday Watch Parties, featuring full-length recordings of their performances.
Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnglishNationalBallet/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBHT8lX8cJ6y2V1barAKmvyfOlOiSWYGvXP0iN0jMyIVoOo8wEGdXigH2sXEBnn-0WX48-SEFJJyhOH
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDpj62qcW0k
Royal Albert At Home
This sees artists sharing their work from their homes to yours. Browse their free streaming programme. There are many more acts still to be announced – all sessions will be added to their website.
Virtual Culture Programme 2020
From Monday 6 April, Waltham Forest will be running a varied, accessible and free programme for all our residents and friends across / outside of the borough to get involved with from home. They are working in partnership with William Morris Gallery to bring these events to you, and the programme is supported by Great Place and the #GreatPlaceScheme.
Disney On Stage
Disney Theatrical Productions is offering free downloadable creative activities from The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Frozen and Aladdin. From costume making and designing your own set model to creative writing and behind the scenes videos.
David Walliams' The Midnight Gang musical
This is available to stream online for free by Chichester Festival Theatre. The venue's musical adaptation of David Walliams' The Midnight Gang will be available from 30 April for 30 days.
Link: https://www.cft.org.uk/
#OurHaveringHeroes
Havering Colleges have launched a fantastic opportunity for school pupils in Years 7 to 11. Students are being asked to showcase someone who inspires or has made a positive impact on them in a creative way. They could choose to draw a picture, take a photograph or perform a song. All entries will be showcased at The Havering Museum for visitors to view and will be uploaded to the Havering Colleges website. Entrants will also be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes, with the overall winner bagging a £100 voucher with another £100 cash going towards their school. The closing date for entries is Thursday 14th May 2020.
Email entries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. along with the entrant’s full name, year group and school.
Bedroom Superstar
Seetickets are passionate about bringing this nostalgia-inducing, boogie session back where, in the comfort of your own home, you can blast out the tunes, put your leg-warmers on and get on a sweat with these iconic music video dance routines. Please check the video content is suitable for those watching.
The Brookside Theatre, Romford
The team will continue to make a new show available on their YouTube Channel every Wednesday evening. You can follow them on social media via:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEemYaGEd_DFWnWAnxGlSbw?sub_confirmation=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrooksideTheatre
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooksideth
Instagram: https://twitter.com/brooksideth
#CreActiveAtHome
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Hello Everyone,
We hope you were able to have a nice Easter at home with your families.
As we head into another week of Self-Isolation, we have been working to collate a range of exercises that you can take part in from the comfort of your own home. We have teamed up with our friends in the Arts Department to share with you some activities from them as well.
Let’s get Creative
Let’s get Active
Let’s get #CreActiveAtHome
- Getting Active*
*Whilst we are advising you to remain active, please do so in line with current government guidelines around isolation and social distancing. As always, please ensure that anyone engaging in any physical activity is wearing appropriate clothing and have the necessary space at home to do the activities. Please take guidance from the instructor you are following and note that any activity being done is at your own risk.
Sport England - Join the Movement
Sport England recently launched #StayInWorkOut. They’ll be posting inspiration, tips, and more from people across England and want you to join in. This includes free exercise content and advice from organisations such as the NHS.
British Cycling
British Cycling has launched a daily activity calendar to keep kids moving and help them to develop new skills, as millions across Britain adjust to life out of school.
London Sport - Transfer your classes online
Deliverers and instructors are under pressure as face-to-face sessions come to a halt due to the coronavirus outbreak. London Sport recently spoke to Marie Page, a digital marketing expert and part-time yoga instructor, about how to shift to delivering online classes. You can too.
Havering Sports Collective
The team are posting regular challenges and useful resources via Twitter and their website. They also have their Havering Big Dance online which you can be a part of.
Link: https://haveringsportscollective.org/
Twitter: @HavSchoolSport
3D Leisure at Home
The team are hosting live exercise and workout classes for adults and children. Thankfully, if you miss the live time they add them all to their YouTube account so you can do them later.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmdJqfUWFraeAETOQNZdLYQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3dIeisureathome/
Our Partners
All of the following are partners whom we work with and are posting challenges and exercise routines for people to follow regularly online. Take a look at the corresponding links and find something that suits you.
Right Development Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/RDFsport/
Disability Sport Coach: https://www.facebook.com/DisabilitySportsCoach2013/
Above Parkour: https://www.facebook.com/Above-Parkour-269205153626561/
West Ham Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/WHUFoundation/
She Can Play: https://www.facebook.com/SheCanPlayUK/
Everyone Active: https://www.facebook.com/everyoneactive
Dance 4 Fitness
Online Dance Aerobics classes for those aged 18+, every Wednesday from Facebook Live.
Search on Facebook: Dance 4 Fitness with Crazy Craigy
Walking for Health #RoamSweetHome
#RoamSweetHome aims to help people stay connected and active by roaming close to home and connecting with walking friends from afar. You can see what everyone is up to on the #RoamSweetHome campaign be following the link below
- Getting Creative
Havering Arts At Home
Havering Council Arts Team are busy making videos for you follow whilst you are at home. Subscribe to the Havering Culture YouTube channel to be informed about our newest releases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zan0tz8BD8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UXRisTAr4Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3cjNp5f5Pg
Primary Colours
This is an online art competition & exhibition for School Years 1 – 6. The entry deadline 27th April 2020. Please submit your entries by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and for more information please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Culture At Home
Havering Council Arts Team is sharing a daily ideas with you to try at home. It might be an activity that you can do or something that you can watch to help you relax. Please follow us on social media to receive this information on a daily basis.
Facebook: Havering Culture
Twitter: @HaveringCulture
The National Theatre
Enjoy a new full length play every week. The play is released Thursday and is available for streaming for the following week. Please check the age rating of each play before watching.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDq1XzCY0NIOYVJvEMQjqw
Andrew Lloyd Webber
ALW is releasing a different musical for our enjoyment each week, which can be viewed for 48 hours after release. Please check the age rating of each release before watching.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon
Sadler’s Wells - ‘Take Part’
A series of projects available to the wider community presenting online workshops and activities for audiences to dance along to in their own homes. These workshops have been specially created for families with younger children now unable to attend nursery or school.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAC0ZTI5pkuzlbdGtV_-bimq6JL5ArVit
The Natural History Museum
Dive into a virtual self-guided tour of the galleries, an interactive experience about Hope the blue whale and audio guides narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Link: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/virtual-museum.html
Tate Kids
Be inspired and create with Tate Kids. You could choose from many activities such as making an amazing messy painting, collaging a Matisse snail, making your own string den, playing a game or quiz, and taking a look at the online Tate kid’s gallery.
Link: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids
Home Learning with the Royal Shakespeare Company
Whether you are a parent or carer looking for inspiration or a student wanting to get creative, the RSC have lots of resources and ideas you can use.
Link: https://www.rsc.org.uk/education/about-rsc-education/home-learning-with-the-rsc
Cirque du Soleil
Come and witness their new CirqueConnect hour-long special. Enjoy a front-row seat to awe-inspiring moments of some of their iconic shows. You can then go behind the scenes to learn more.
Link: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect
Artist Activity Packs
As recommended by the BBC, Firstsite’s artist-created activity packs feature contributions from UK artists like Antony Gormley, Gillian Wearing, Idris Khan, Jeremy Deller, Mark Wallinger and more. Please check that each activity is suitable for the age conducting it before proceeding.
Link: https://firstsite.uk/art-is-where-the-home-is/
The Royal Ballet
In collaboration with The Royal Ballet School, see them perform Matthew Hart's Peter and the Wolf, choreographed to Prokofiev's charming music. Broadcast free online as part of the Royal Opera House's #OurHouseToYourHouse series. Designed for ages 11-16.
Link: https://www.roh.org.uk/streaming/peter-and-the-wolf
Silver Swans Ballet Classes
The Royal Academy of Dance is bringing ballet to you. Join RAD teacher Sarah Platt on Wednesdays as she brings her motivational and free virtual ballet classes directly to you at home - even if the kitchen counter is your makeshift barre. This programme is designed to get the older generation moving to music at home.
Find out more about #RADathome via this link: https://bit.ly/2vYLqD3
The British Museum
You are invited to discover the British Museum; a unique resource to explore the history of humankind, its past and its present, and to think about a better future. You could visit the online collection, the galleries, read their news and even listen to their podcasts.
Link: https://www.britishmuseum.org/closure#stay-connected
Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Watch ‘#MercuryPanto Cinderella’ via YouTube and ‘Story Time with Dale’ on their Facebook page on Tuesday afternoons at 3.30pm (Cinderella will remain available for you to watch until Sunday 19 April. Please check the content is suitable for those watching)
Cinderella: https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/cinderella-online/
Story Time with Dale: www.facebook.com/MercuryTheatre/
National Portrait Gallery
The Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Search online over 215,000 works, 150,000 of which are illustrated from the 16th Century to the present day.
Link: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LMMKTWhat%27sOnApril2020&utm_content=version_A&promo=6098
Matilda the Musical
Calling all budding playwrights, lyricists, or composers. Would you like to learn how to create a character like Matilda? Alternatively, perhaps learn how to create music and lyrics? Well this website could help you do just that.
Website: http://uk.matildathemusical.com/schools/matilda-school-resources/
Havering Mind
The #WeAreNotAlone online campaign has launched. Havering Mind are asking people to share a few inspirational words of advice and support with one another. By doing this we can help everyone that views them feel more together and less isolated.
- Create your own short video and add it onto the post on our Facebook page. Videos should ideally be simple, on point and be no longer than 4 minutes.
- Alternatively you can take a picture of yourself holding up a #WeAreNotAlone sign and post that
- Add the #WeAreNotAlone frame to your Facebook profile picture
- Share the campaign across your networks to encourage others to get involved
You can view the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haveringmindcharity/
Please Share
Please share images of your creations and any reviews of the shows that you watch from the above list via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We want to hear about your thoughts, experiences, exercises, and creations on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #CreActiveAtHome so we can see what you’ve been up to.
Questions? Email us!
Arts Team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Havering Active: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.