Sheltered Times News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents
ISSUE 6: Autumn 2015
Sixty years of wedded bliss
then enjoy making up; we also both like the same things and enjoy each other’s company. We’re always together and never go out on our own.” Bert added: “When I first saw June I admired her as she was a lovely dancer and we’ve been doing ballroom and Latin American dancing together from then until about 11 years ago when we had to give up. “We’ve both had double hip replacements but still like to get out and about. June and Bert with their telegram from HM The Queen
“Plenty of arguments and then enjoy making up” is the recipe for 60 years of enjoyable marriage according to June Morley of Fambridge Court. Commenting after celebrating her Diamond Wedding with husband Bert and friends at a party held in the communal lounge, June Morley said: “We met at a dance at Stoke Newington in 1947 when I was 17 and found we liked the same things, especially dancing, and we’ve been together ever since. “We didn’t get married until
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1955, but spent a lot of time together. . “We’ve lived in Havering since 1957, moving to Fambridge Court in 2002, and really enjoy it here.” Queen’s Congratulations June added: “The party was really enjoyable and we got a card from the Queen congratulating us, which was really nice.” When asked what was the secret to 60 successful years of marriage, June chuckled and said: “Plenty of arguments and
The happy couple on their wedding day
Contact details Housing Services Customer Contact Service The easiest way to contact us is by using www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Anti-Social Behaviour Email: asb@havering.gov.uk Email For rent queries housingrents@havering.gov.uk To find out about the Decent Homes programme capitalprojects@havering.gov.uk To get involved www.havering.gov.uk/ask housing
Ideas for this magazine If you have ideas for future articles contact Chelsea Potts (pictured) by emailing chelsea.potts@havering.gov.uk
Looking back If you want to check out a previous issue of Sheltered Times they are now on line at www.havering.gov.uk/shelteredtimes
Social Media Follow us on Twitter @LBofHavering. Facebook – log in and in the search box type: Get involved – Havering Council tenants and leaseholders Out of hours If you have a problem outside normal office hours that can’t wait ring 01708 756699.
Final managers appointed to complete team In the last issue of Sheltered Times we reported on the first eight managers and here are details of the final three who complete the team Nadine Quinlan was previously a Senior Neighbourhood Officer at Havering Council and will be looking after Beehive Court and Holsworthy House. “I’m looking forward to making these schemes enjoyable places in which to live.”
Ashley Cowlin will be managing Cockabourne Court, Delderfield House and Park Lane. She previously was manager of sheltered housing schemes in Brentwood. “As a Havering resident I am pleased to be looking after residents in my own Borough, helping to promote independent living and a good quality of life.”
Sharon Nunn is the new Sheltered Housing Manager and is in charge of the scheme managers. She has spent seven years as an area manager for a charity which provided supported housing and also worked in Havering Council’s Adult Social Care Team. “I’m really pleased to be working directly with people again and look forward to supporting the managers help residents enjoy as independent a life as possible.”
Havering Council produces a monthly Active Living email update for the over 50s full of news and information on events, trips and much more. Sign up for your copy at www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates 2
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A day in the life of Gillian Wallis “It’s people that matter most,” is the philosophy that Gillian Wallis brings to her job as scheme manager for Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street Villas sheltered housing schemes, and it’s a philosophy that’s put into action every day. With responsibility for residents in 92 flats Gill is kept busy from her start time of 8.30am. Gill said: “I split my time between the three schemes so residents can pop in for a chat or ask any questions they may have. That’s a really important part of my job as many residents live on their own and just need a quick chat with someone about something they are anxious about. “I visit the more vulnerable residents at least once a day to have a chat with them. Many issues “There’s no such thing as a typical day. One minute I could be sorting out a breakdown in the laundry or the trip switch in a flat and the next I could be helping someone use a computer to claim the benefits they are entitled to receive. “But all the time I’m dealing with real issues; often people just need a little bit of help to boost their confidence and they can then do what needs to be done themselves, supporting such independent living is important.” Gill added: “It’s really easy for people to become
SHOUT Forum representative Sue Attfield helps Gill prepare for the Coffee Club
Gill checks out the apples in the garden
isolated and loneliness can be a big problem for older people so we try to make sure that doesn’t happen. The Tapestry Befriender Scheme has worked really well for some residents, providing someone to one visits and excursions. New clubs “Social events are important to bring residents together and encourage them to come out of their flats. When I came here there were no activities at Queen Street but good programmes of events at Cottons and Fambridge Court, so I’ve concentrated on starting some activities at Queen Street. “Our Coffee Club on a Tuesday morning is now attracting between 10 and 20 residents each week and the board games on Thursday afternoon is also proving popular. “These are simple things to organise but make a big difference for some residents. Time with people “There’s some good fun in the job too. We recently picked the plums from the tree in Queen Street Villas garden and enjoyed getting together to eat them. Soon we’ll be picking the apples from our tree which could mean apple pie on the menu at one of our Coffee Club mornings. “That type of activity generates community spirit. I like being able to spend time with individuals and bringing people together as that’s what makes the job worthwhile.” Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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June had a successful career as a seamstress. As well as making her own wedding dress she made Julie Andrews first wedding dress; a dress for the then Princess Elizabeth when she was bridesmaid at the wedding of Earl Mountbatten‘s daughter, Lady Brabourne; dresses for the late Duchess of Kent and also one of the dresses for Marilyn Monroe, which she wore in The Prince and The Showgirl. In that film Marilyn won the Best Foreign Actress award in The Crystal Star Awards 1959.
Over 50s Forum “We’re both on the Havering Over 50s Forum Executive Committee as we think it’s important to keep that up even though June’s 85 and I’m 89 in December. “We’re still members of the Royal British Legion’s Romford Branch and also sign up for the day trips the council organises for sheltered housing residents. “Since we moved here 13 years ago we’ve made some really good friends and spending time with them is always great fun.”
June and Bert cutting the cake at their Diamond Wedding party
The wedding party 4
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June in her wedding dress
Computers are well used
IT Training at Holsworthy House
The computers installed in the communal lounges are proving popular as the table below shows. If you haven’t yet had your training and want to get online please contact your scheme manager. Scheme Beehive Court Charlbury Crescent Holsworthy House Maygreen Crescent Brunswick Court Cotton and Fambridge Courts William Tansley Smith House Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts Queen Street Garrick House Dell Court Cole Court Lombard Court Bards Court Poplar Street Ravenscourt Grove Thomas Sims Court Royal Jubilee Court Cockabourne Court
Number of log ins 1197 1083 746 625 592 571 569 468 424 421 405 392 311 265 260 241 231 210 120
Keep up to date with the Council
Some new email updates have been launched to keep you informed of what is happening in your area – so if you want news on Robert Salmon at Queen Street Villas computer Cranham, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Hornchurch, Rainham, Romford or Upminster sign up today. Launching next month is an email update about health issues, covering news from Havering Council, local GPs and hospitals. At the Heart online is a monthly update containing the latest news from Housing Services. Click on the website below and choose the newsletters that interest you. More information www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates
Investing in webcams Each sheltered housing scheme should soon have a webcam on one of the computers in the communal lounges so residents can use Skype, or similar programmes, to chat with family or friends.
Facebook for housing news Havering Council Housing Services has its own page on Facebook which is used to provide information to tenants and leaseholders, including details of forthcoming events. You can also use the page to
share ideas and views with other tenants and leaseholders. The computers in the communal lounges can be used to access this page so do check it out and click ‘Like’ today. More information www.facebook.com/haveringhousing Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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Got a door that is sticking? Do your smoke alarm batteries need replacing?
Has your toilet seat fallen off? Is that tap still dripping?
Perhaps we can help?
HANDYMAN SCHEME Meet our Handyman Paul Call 01708 434087 or 0800 1513444 to arrange for one of our Handymen to visit your home Do you need somebody to do those little jobs around your home? Our Handyman Scheme is a free service to Havering tenants to help people over 60, vulnerable or disabled residents who need minor repairs and maintenance to their home. Our Handyman Scheme can carry out many repairs for you including: • Door security such as fitting extra locks, • Fixing or replacing toilet seats security chains and spy holes on your • Minor repairs to taps front door • Securing carpets • Putting together flat pack furniture • Fixing curtain rails or blinds • Changing light bulbs • Hanging curtains • Moving small items of furniture • Putting up shelves, pictures or mirrors • Fixing a sticky door or window • Fitting smoke alarms or changing • Fixing or replacing doorbells the batteries
How can you find out more or request a repair? For more information or to ask for help from the Handyman, call us on 01708 434087. Our administrators can discuss your needs and assess whether our Handyman can assist you.
What the Handyman Scheme cannot do. • Electrical or gas work • Ladder work • Major works • Decorating • Gardening
• Fencing • Roofing • Cosmetic jobs • Emergency repairs • Private residents or leaseholders
Who can use this service? This service is open to all Havering Council tenants who are: • Elderly or frail • Have a learning disability • Have a physical disability • Have a mental health problem 6
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Warmer days in Park Lane On Thursday 5 May 2016 Havering residents will be voting for a new Mayor of London and Greater London Assembly representatives. Before you can vote you must be on the electoral register. Every property in Havering should have received a Household Enquiry Form, which lists the names of people registered to vote at that address. If you have not already checked, amended if necessary, and returned your form, please do so as soon as possible. This must
be done even if the details are correct. If you don’t return the form reminders will be sent out and election staff may personally visit that property to collect the form. Adding a name to the form DOES NOT add them to the electoral register, that should be done online by each individual living at the address. More information www.gov.uk/register-to-vote www.havering.gov.uk/elections
Direct Debit is best for bills Using Direct Debit means you don’t have to remember when your Council Tax or rent is due as the payment is made automatically and for the right amount every month. You can choose whether the payment is made on the 1st or the 15th of each month to suit your financial situation and it’s easy to set up too. All you need is your bank account details and your Council Tax or rent reference number and then contact us and we’ll
do the rest. The Direct Debit will continue until you cancel it, which you can do at any time, and we will tell you of any changes to the payments before they are taken so you know exactly where you stand. And as long as the payments are made you will never get in arrears. So why delay? Check out the website today and sign up to pay by Direct Debit.
Flats in Park Lane, Havering have recently received new PVCu windows and doors thanks to our window contractor Anglian Building Products. A tenant of Park Lane said “We love our new windows, my flat remains warm all day long and I can look out at of my window without feeling a draught.” Anglian Building Products has replaced the windows and doors to individuals’ flats and communal areas and updated the cladding as part of the Council’s major improvement programme.
Online for Council services During the next six months an increasing number of services from Havering Council will only be available online. Free training is available for sheltered housing residents wanting to set up their own email accounts and learn how to use the computers for online banking, shopping or accessing Council services. More information www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing
More information www.havering.gov.uk/pay www.havering.gov.uk/ counciltax Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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SHOUT for YOUR representative Each sheltered housing scheme has representatives who attend the SHOUT (Sheltered Housing Users Team) forum. If you have an issue you wish to raise please contact your representative. The current representatives are: Bards Court Bards Court 40 Beehive Court 47 Beehive Court 15 Brunswick Court 45 Brunswick Court Cockabourne Court 58 Charlbury Court 94 Charlbury Court 9 Cockabourne Court 22 Cockabourne Court 3 Cole Court 10 Cole Court 82 Delderfield House 7 Dell Court 14 Dell Court 11 Fambridge Court 18 Fambridge Court 7 Garrick House 29 Garrick House
vacant vacant Jeff Haimov Joyce Rafis Ann Christian Paul Clark vacant Barbara Hughes Rosie George Brian Morland Kenneth Turrell Beryl Lodge Doreen Richardson Shirley Fletcher Maureen Marsh Maureen Piller Bert Morley Jean Freeman Malcolm Hales Susan Moore
35 Holsworthy House 29 Maygreen Crescent 35 Maygreen Crescent 75 Neave Crescent Park Lane 35 Poplar Street 41 Poplar Street 41 Poplar Street 14 Queen Street 90 Queen Street 135 Ravenscourt Grove 109 Ravenscourt Grove 34 Royal Jubilee Court 39 Royal Jubilee Court 13 Solar Court 3 Sunrise Court 6 Thomas Sims Court 11 Thomas Sims Court 5 William Tansley Smith House 11 William Tansley Smith House
Stan Tackley Sue Hutton Mary Cross Bill Brace vacant Pamela Skipworth Daphne Clifford John Clifford Ted Jones Sue Attfield Lesley Duke Jean Garbett Thomas Walsh Gladys Collier Frances Rowntree Brian Laws Peter Cox Mike Droy Lucy Proctor Adrienne Bell
How long do you want your grass? Making sure the gardens and grounds of sheltered housing schemes look good is important which is why SHOUT Forum representatives have been briefed on three options for the length of grass and frequency of shrub pruning in the new service level agreement. Estate Services Manager, Roy Ojelade, said: “The grounds 8
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maintenance service level agreement is being reviewed and before any changes are made we are asking residents what level of service they would like to see, bearing in mind the different costs involved. “Full details of the options available, including frequency of shrub cutting and emptying of dog waste bins as well as grass cutting standards, will be
circulated to residents who will be asked to choose between three options.” The proposals will go out to consultation with residents in late summer this year with the results then being used to help shape the grounds maintenance service delivered on your estate.” More information www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing
Heard at the SHOUT Forum »» Consultants are completing a three-month long review looking at how the Council can meet the future housing needs of older people in the Borough. The recommendations in the report will be discussed at the next SHOUT Forum meeting. »» Work converting existing bedsits at Beehive Court into flats is due to start by the end of the year. Bedsits are hard to let and the new flats should provide much-needed additional sheltered housing for local resiidents. »» If you want to move to a new flat in the same sheltered housing scheme you need to apply in the usual way. Priority will be given to people with medical or mobility needs. »» London Fire Brigade has made it clear that mobility scooters can no longer be stored, or have batteries charged, inside
Option 1
Current service, grass between 40mm and 60mm costs £3.83
Roy Ojelade explains the grounds maintenance proposals
housing schemes. Scooter sheds have been provided to allow mobility scooters to be kept secure when not in use and to charge batteries at the same time. If you need to use a scooter shed please talk to your scheme manager. »» With more people in sheltered housing getting involved in gardening, Havering Council is offering a free workshop on composting to help turn food and paper waste into useful compost for communal gardens. If you have 10 or
more people interested the workshop will be run at your scheme. »» On average Havering residents throw away around £60 worth of food each month but the Love Food Hate Waste Champions aim to change that. Free workshops explaining how to cut food waste are available to be held at each sheltered housing scheme.
Option 2
Option 3
Grass between 60mm and 90mm costs £3.61
More information www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing
Grass between 70mm and 110mm costs £3.52
Costs shown are per week over 48 weeks in any calendar year. Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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Spotlight on Ravenscourt Grove Having your own front door that opens on to a garden not a corridor is what makes Ravenscourt Grove, in Hornchurch, so popular with residents. Eileen Wiltshire, who moved in 19 years ago, said: “This is the best place I’ve ever lived, everyone is so friendly and when you open your front door there’s a garden and footpath rather than a corridor, which is what you often get in other sheltered housing.” That view is echoed by Thelma Lombard, who has also lived at Ravenscourt Grove for 19 years, who said: “I’m very happy here, there are lovely gardens to enjoy and very nice people – I’ve made some very good friends here.” Helping hand One of the people who helps keep the gardens looking so good is resident, Ivan Dobson. Ivan said: “It’s nice and relaxing to be able to work in the gardens and I enjoy seeing the end result and the pleasure it brings people.” Lillian Webster has lived at Ravenscourt for 31 years, longer than any other resident. She said: “I’ve seen some changes but am comfortable here.” Relative newcomer, Jean Garbett, has only lived at Ravenscourt for 15 years but has the trust of her neighbours, having been elected as one of their two representatives to the SHOUT Forum. 10
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Jean said: “Ravenscourt is great for me, I’m very settled here. The new managers are getting things done and you can see the improvements already.” Jean’s colleague on the SHOUT Forum is Lesley Duke and between them they make sure the views of the residents they represent are heard loud and clear. Social activities The social scene is good too, with darts every Monday evening and cards on a Thursday evening. Starting this summer is coffee, cake and quiz, a new event which will take place in the communal lounge every Thursday afternoon to get the ‘little grey cells’ working to test general knowledge with friends. Every Friday at 2pm it’s eyes down and look-in at the
One of the murals which brightens up the corridors
Jean Garbett has a chat with Lisa Matthews
Bingo caller Lillian Webster with Eileen Wiltshire, Jean Garbett and Denise Levy
communal lounge when residents gather to play bingo over a cuppa. Calling the numbers with her electronic scoreboard Is Lillian Webster who has been caller for eight years. She said: “People seem to enjoy the bingo as it’s a nice way to end the week.” Ravenscourt Grove has two scheme managers – Lisa Matthews and Denise Smith - who job share and between them, also look after William
Tansley Smith House. Lisa said: “We have 49 flats and three bungalows at Ravenscourt, and it took a little time for the new system to settle in, but all is going well now. “We’ve already managed some improvements in individual flats and also in the communal gardens, which have produced benefits for residents. That’s an important part of our job and we’re pleased it’s working so well.”
Thelma Lombard in the laundry
Ivan Dobson tends one of the hanging baskets in the gardens Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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Party to meet the new neighbours Moving into a new home is always stressful but the residents of the nine new bungalows at Vaudeville Close soon found they had great neighbours at a special party thrown in their honour. The bungalows were built next to Garrick House so residents looking to move from a large council house would have somewhere suitable for them. Garrick House manager, Andra Ramsay, said: “We decided it would be a good idea to hold a ‘get to know your neighbour’ party so the residents from the
Nominate your neighbour If your neighbours go that extra mile to give you a helping hand you still have time to nominate them for the Havering Council Housing Services Good Neighbour Awards 2015. The help they give could be to individuals or to the wider community. It can be from doing your shopping to maintaining a housing scheme’s communal garden – the list is endless. To make your nomination complete the form on the website to let us know who you think should win. Closing date is Wednesday 30 September. More information www.havering.gov.uk/ GoodNeighbourAward 12
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nine new bungalows (pictured) could meet Garrick House residents and make some new friends. “We provided a buffet and one of our residents, Matthew Hales,
spent the afternoon in the kitchen making sure the tea and coffee flowed. “Everyone had a great afternoon and our new neighbours were made very welcome.”
Pets welcome here Pets can make great companions, which is why residents in Havering Council’s sheltered accommodation can have a cat or dog to keep them company. Tenancy agreements allow residents in sheltered housing to have one pet, but please make sure they don’t cause a nuisance to other residents. Maureen Goodey, and her cat Tiggy, recently moved into the new bungalows at Vaudeville Close, next to Garrick House in Hornchurch. Maureen Said: “We’re both really happy here. Tiggy is often bringing home voles and field mice which we let loose in the garden, hoping they don’t get caught again.” Garrick House Manager, Andra Ramsay, added: “Maureen knows that it’s only one pet per flat but we haven’t taught Tiggy that yet so she keeps bringing home her own pets which we have to release so they can go their own homes.” If you want more information please contact your scheme manager.
Time for a cuppa and a chat
A nice cuppa and a regular friendly chat at home or on the phone can make all the difference when you live on your own. Regular visits Tapestry’s befrienders are volunteers who will visit you at home or phone you on a regular basis. “I look forw ard to my befriend er coming each week, we have a good laugh. She’s fantastic. T hank you.” A service us er.
If you are a Havering resident, live on your own and are aged over 60, or you care for someone who fits the bill, please do contact us. They’ll call in for a chat to make sure befriending is right for you. If it is, they’ll get the ball rolling. If one of Tapestry’s other services might be better, they’ll recommend something more suitable. Use the service in confidence: all befrienders are specially trained and criminal record
The Tapestry Befriending Team - Pat Mattock, Brian Reeves, Mel Dukelow and Ranmal Burkmar
checked to ensure the safety of everyone they visit. “I really enjo y visiting my client, he loves his music and we talk abo ut the good old days. He has a wonderful s ense of humour.” A befriende r.
Friendly encouragement Tapestry’s befrienders are great at inspiring confidence and independence where it’s helpful. They can also offer basic advice on things like local services and help with day to day matters too. For anything else they might need, like someone to accompany them to appointments or look after their home or personal care needs,
other services are available, so talk to Tapestry. More information www.tapestry-uk.org
“I am now enjoying go ing to the club and meeting other people . Thanks to my befriend er, who encouraged me to take the firs t step.” A service us er.
“I really enjo y being a befriende r. I like to lift people’s spirits and listen to the ir stories.” A befriende r.
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Havering’s Silver Week
Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK. Held on the first Sunday in October it celebrates the value and knowledge older people contribute to our communities, while bringing people together to combat loneliness and isolation. This year Silver Sunday takes place on 4 October. The week before Havering Council is planning a programme of popular events, so reserve your place soon using the Ask Housing form online. Current plans are: Monday 28 September Charlbury Crescent, Harold Hill 1pm – 2.30pm The Great Havering Bake Off Bake your best cakes and bring them along for the judges to
examine and see if your sheltered housing scheme’s entries win the prize (A Cup Cake perhaps?). After the judging enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea while chatting with fellow bakers. Tuesday 29 September Hacton Lane Hall Hornchurch 1pm – 2.30pm Countdown for Havering You’ve seen the popular word and number game on TV and now it’s your chance to get a team together to test your word and number knowledge. Prizes are there for the winning team. Coffee and tea will be available but bring your own nibbles.
Wednesday 30 September Dell Court, Hornchurch 1pm start Film afternoon Blue Hawaii, starring Elvis Presley.Popcorn and ice creams will be available.
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Thursday 1 October Pool Tournament Details to follow but start practising now.
Friday 2 October Hacton Lane Hall, Hornchurch 1pm – 2.30pm Tea Party Buffet lunch, entertainment and a free raffle. More details will be announced as they become available. More information www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing www.silversunday.org.uk
Sizzling good fun The summer may not have been as sunny as we wanted but there was still plenty of good barbecue weather. Each cluster of sheltered housing schemes had chefs Mark and David cook up a barbecue feast for residents to enjoy. SHOUT Forum Chairman, Paul Clark, said: “The barbecues were a great way to bring residents from different sheltered housing schemes together so they could make new friends and enjoy some great food. “Bringing together people from different schemes is important so ideas can be shared.
SHOUT Forum chairman, Paul Clark (in check shirt) joined residents at William Tansley Smith House for their barbecue
“Our thanks go to the team which organised these barbecues and to Mark and David for doing all the cooking.”
A shady corner at Bards Court helped these residents enjoy the barbecue away from the hot sun
Chefs Mark and David with another satisfied customer at Bards Court barbecue
Ready, steady, cook – chefs Mark and David get ready for another barbecue
Salads and sausages galore at Serena, Solar, and Sunrise Court Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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New panel helps make wishes come true A new panel of tenants has helped decide how £40,000 will be spent on the 19 sheltered schemes run by Havering Council. The SHOUT Committee met recently and recommended to the Cabinet Member for Housing that a number of projects be approved to start soon. Community Services Manager, Marina Crofts, said: “Our environmental improvements budget is much smaller this year and the panel has worked hard to spread the money across as many schemes as possible, while still allowing worthwhile projects to go ahead and getting good value for money. “It will take some time for all the projects to be completed but work on the projects should
Dave King, a Charlbury Crescent resident, planting, runner beans with Layla Hicks,the granddaughter of fellow resident Rosie George 16
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begin this summer and all should be finished by March.” Fencing and nets At Beehive Court renewing fencing, installing handrails and buying some cushions got the green light, while at Brunswick Court new net curtains and work on the pond and installing an external hose for the garden were agreed. Security lights, work on the patio and new net curtains have been approved for Charlbury Crescent and patio work and new net curtains were agreed for Cole Court. Washing machines New washing machines and pictures are to be installed at Cottons Court and Fambridge Court. Dell Court will get some new taps while improved parking and a new cooker were
Great grandsons of long term resident Betty Dean, Lennie Milton-White, Harley Bristow and George Milton-White at Charlbury Crescent’s Jaws ‘n’ Claws afternoon
agreed for Garrick House. Approval was given to a new patio area at Holsworthy House, new pictures at Queen Street Villas and pond improvements and new shrubs at Ravenscourt Grove. At Royal Jubilee Court approval has been given for repainting walls and a new door mat. Sunrise Court will get some new pictures and have the mound in the grounds flattened which will also happen at Thomas Simms Court where residents will also benefit from new curtains in communal areas and maintenance of the lift. Residents at William Tansley Smith House will have a fire installed in the lounge, walls painted and new pictures.
When Renee Smith, of Park Lane, heard that friend and neighbour Minnie Jennings had never had a birthday cake and was approaching her 80th birthday, she decided it was time for a party. Friends and neighbours organised the party and Minnie was able to blow candles out on a birthday cake for the first time in her life. That’s what friends are for
Egg-heads battle it out
The joint team from Cottons Court and Fambridge Court with their prizes
donated by CUBE, as they knew that 17 was the answer to the tie-break question – How many UK number ones did The Beatles have? The Ravens won the consolation prize of two bottles of wine, donated by Trident. Dorothy Coote, Len Male and Pearl Morris won the raffle prizes which had been donated by contractors CUBE, Trident and Breyer Group.
Some of the questions
(answers at foot of page)
1. In which bay is Alcatraz? 2. How many Carry On films were made? 3. Who had a Heart of Glass in 1979?)
Doing the Lambeth Walk at Charlbury Crescent’s popular Cockney Night
Answers Raffle prize winner Dorothy Coote from Thomas Sims Courtbridge Court
1. San Farncisco Bay 2. 29 between 1958 and 1979 3. Blondie
It was a battle of the egg heads as teams from different sheltered housing schemes across Havering took part in the Quiz of the Year. Quizzers from different schemes joined forces to form four teams to represent their respected sheltered residences in a battle over four intense quizzing rounds: »» Lucky People (Bards Court and Brunswick Court) »» Micks Marauders (Thomas Sims Court) »» The Intellectuals (William Tansley Smith, Cottons Court and Fambridge Court) »» The Ravens (Ravenscourt Grove) After answering questions that called on knowledge of a wide variety of topics including geography, movies and punk rock .two teams – The Intellectuals and The Ravens were tied for first place. But it was The Intellectuals that won the two Marks and Spencer luxury hampers,
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Activities for you to enjoy There are lots of activities for you to enjoy in each of the Sheltered Housing Schemes as you can see below: Scheme
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Bards Court
Coffee Morning, Afternoon Tea and Darts
Coffee Morning. Club meet In Afternoon
Computer lessons in Morning, Coffee Morning, Games Afternoon
Coffee Morning 11am -1pm Computer Training Bingo Afternoon
Coffee Morning Quiz Afternoon
Beehive Court
Fitness Club Morning
Tapestry Morning Bingo Evening
Afternoon Tea
Lunch Bingo Evening
Brunswick Court
Bingo Afternoon
Table Games Afternoon; First Tuesday of each month at 2pm, Supported Housing Surgery
Perky Pensioners Lunch
Charlbury Crescent Cockabourne Bacon Sandwiches Court Morning Cole Court Coffee Morning
Cottons Court
Dell Court Fambridge Court
Garrick House
Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening Bingo Afternoon
Holsworthy House Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon Lombard House Maygreen Crescent Park Lane Poplar Street Queens Street
Bingo Afternoon Coffee Morning Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon
Ravenscourt Grove
Darts Evening
Bingo
Pool Afternoon
Pool Afternoon
Keep Fit Afternoon Pool
Line Dancing Afternoon Coffee Morning
Bingo Afternoon
Tea and Cake Afternoon Coffee Morning Bingo Evening
Computer Lessons Coffee Morning Breakfast Morning
Bingo Afternoon Keep Fit Coffee Morning
Knitting Afternoon
Snooker Evening Snooker Evening Breakfast Morning Coffee Morning
Serena, Solar and Sunrise Court Thomas Sims Court
Coffee Morning
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Lunch every other Wednesday Activities Evening Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening
Entertainment Evenings
Darts Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening
Computer Games
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Bingo Evening Coffee Morning
Bingo Pool Afternoon
Royal Jubilee Court Coffee Morning
William Tansley Smith House
Lunch Dinner/ Entertainment Evenings Bible Studies Morning Lunch Hairdresser Visits Silver Linx Craft Afternoon Club Afternoon Darts Evening
Tea and Coffee Morning Bingo and Bonus Ball Game Lunch
Tea and Coffee Morning Pool
Coffee Morning
Knitting /Craft Afternoon
Coffee Morning Computer Games
Knitting Afternoon Board Games Afternoon Coffee, cake and quiz Afternoon Cards Evening Computer Games Coffee Morning
Tea and Coffee Morning Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon Cards Evening
Bingo Afternoon
Coffee Morning Computer Games Fish and Chips Night Tea and Coffee Morning Bacon and Sausage Sandwich Lunch Entertainment Evenings
Special Events Holsworthy House
Tuesday 15 September Afternoon Quiz
Lombard Court
Tuesday 22 September Afternoon Quiz
Poplar Street
Tuesday 22 September Afternoon Quiz
Ravenscourt Grove
Monday 28 September Afternoon Quiz
Royal Jubilee Court
Tuesday 8 December London’s Christmas Lights tour
Thomas Sims Court
Tuesday 8 September Trip to Broadstairs Saturday 7 November Fireworks Party Monday 14 December London’s Christmas Lights tour
William Tansley Smith House
Thursday 17 September Afternoon Quiz
Tea Dance Every Thursday 1.30pm to 3.30pm New Windmill Hall St Mary’s Lane Upminster RM14 2QH More information www.nwhall.org.uk
Techy Teas Every Thursday 10am to 12 noon Nat West Bank 10 South Street, Romford RM1 1RD Active Living 50+ is working in partnership with Nat West Romford Town Branch to deliver FREE Techy Tea sessions. If you would like to find out how
better to use your mobile phone, laptop or tablet device why not bring it along and join us for a cup of tea or coffee while you learn some new skills. More information: kim@haveringcab. org.uk
Silver Sunday Sunday 4 October Why not organise a special event to mark Silver Sunday? More information www.silversunday. org.uk
Cabinet Member’s Surgery During 2015 Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so Council tenants can call in and discuss housing issues with him The surgeries are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and any tenants are welcome to come along. All discussions will be confidential. The next meeting dates are: Friday 25 September 4pm to 6pm Friday 23 October 4pm to 6pm Friday 20 November 4pm to 6pm
98A Macon Way Cranham RM14 1NY Hacton Hall, Haydock Close Hornchurch RM12 6EA Highfield – room next to Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road Collier Row RM5 3DQ
Care Act financial changes delayed The Government has postponed phase two of the Care Act until 2020. The changes, which were due to be introduced in April 2016, planned to cap the amount people pay for their care and give more people help with their care bills Havering has London’s oldest population and this decision has implications for anyone planning for their future care needs - or for those who unexpectedly find themselves having to pay for social care. More information www.havering.gov.uk/careact Sheltered Housing , Issue 6
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Pond dipping with a difference Sitting alongside a pond, watching the fish is a relaxing way of spending a summer afternoon but those ponds need maintaining. And one afternoon recently saw a team of willing volunteers join Ravenscourt Grove manager, Lisa Matthews and her colleague Andra Ramsay, in their wellies and rubber gloves to clear out the over-grown pond at Ravenscourt Grove in Hornchurch.
Denise Levy and Andra Ramsay in their wellies clear the plants
The cleared pond is heaven for the fish 20
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Design & Print by London Borough of Havering. Job No: D4409
Paul Clark, Lisa Matthews, Thelma Lombard and Steve Davies clear the plants removed from the pond.
Lisa said: “The plants in the water had started taking over the whole pond so we needed to take drastic action. “A lot of them were cut back and taken out to give the fish more room in which to swim as well as giving us room to put some more water plants in. “It took the six of us the full afternoon to complete the job but it looks a lot better now and is being enjoyed much more by the residents.”