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Jill Luff

[Jill Luff]

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our secretary and long-standing campaigner Jill Luff, who passed away peacefully in December 2023 after a long battle with cancer.

Jill believed passionately in the importance of trees, green spaces and clean air for our spiritual wellbeing, as well as the health of the planet. She gave several talks about the vital role of bees and other pollinators, and wrote movingly about the calming benefits of connecting with nature. Jill's husband, HFoE co-ordinator Ian Pirie, praised her bright smile, warm spirit and positivity, all of which will be greatly missed at our meetings and events.

In addition to campaigning with HFoE, Jill chaired the Havering Climate Coalition, and was a highly regarded volunteer at Thames Chase Forest Centre. She also taught yoga, and was an accomplished singer with a beautiful voice.

Our thoughts are with Ian and their family at this difficult time.

Forthcoming Meetings

For more information about our meetings, and how to find us, please follow the About link on the menu bar above.

In the press

[Collage of illustrations]

Since December 2021, our members have contributed to a regular community column in the Romford Recorder newspaper. You can now read all of our articles on this site, by following the Articles link on the menu bar above.

In brief

Messengers at The Mercury

[HFoE stall at Mercury Romford]

We held a busy stall at a "Green Awareness Day" in Romford on 15 July. The event was organised by the management team at the Mercury Shopping Centre, where there's an estimated footfall of 30,000 on a Saturday!

ULEZ-vous?

[Traffic in Romford]

The extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to include outer London boroughs has proved divisive, to say the least. Even within HFoE there are differences of opinion, but it's fair to say we're united in wanting to breathe cleaner air.

Read more >

Back in business!

[HFoE at Langtons Eco-fayre]

We were grateful to Havering Green Streets for a pitch at their Eco Fayre on Sunday 30 April. This event, postponed from last November, was held in the courtyard at Langtons Gardens, Hornchurch. We met a great many visitors and exhibitors from other groups, and very much hope this will become a regular event.

Vegetation, vegetation, vegetation

[Romford-Upminster train]

Early in 2022, we supported residents in a campaign to halt Network Rail's wholesale destruction of trackside vegetation - including mature trees - along the Romford-Upminster and Romford-Gidea Park lines. Following meetings and a petition, they scaled back their operations significantly. We continue to monitor the situation.

Climate change

[Submerged houses (simulation)]

We took a close look at the Council's new Climate Action Plan. Despite encouraging noises from them in the press (including some kind words about our local group), we feel that their plan should put more emphasis on preventing climate change, rather than just adapting to it. As with previous issues such as air pollution, we need to move forward beyond monitoring and measuring (the easy bits!) toward actively planning, budgeting for, and implementing changes to reduce our Borough's carbon footprint.

Read more >

Glyphosate

[Workman spraying pesticide]

Together with other environmental groups, we've been putting pressure on Havering Council and its contractor to stop routinely spraying Glyphosate-based weedkiller on roadsides and pavements. We believe this chemical, which is thought to cause cancer, poses a risk to both people and wildlife. This started a wider debate about alternative methods to control weeds, and whether in some cases it would be better to accept and enjoy a natural carpet of attractive and beneficial wildflowers.

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