Sheltered Times News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents
ISSUE 8: Spring 2016
Tell us how to get even better
Havering Council is working with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the national professional body for housing, to make sure that the services we offer are of the highest possible standard and include best practice from councils across the country. Speaking at the SHOUT Forum, CIH Inspector, Domini Gunn, explained national changes taking place in housing and how she thought they would impact on Havering. Doing well She said: “Havering does particularly well in the way it involves residents, those in sheltered housing have a particularly strong voice through the SHOUT Forum. “It does well with the way it allocates places and the help given to new residents by the scheme
managers, but where it is weak is that not all of its scheme are future proof and fit for purpose. For example, some don’t have lifts making it difficult for some residents living on the first floor.” Share your concerns Domini added: “The CIH is asking residents to let us know their top five concerns so we can prioritise these as part of our work with Havering Council.” If you have suggestions you wish to make to the CIH on how services can be further improved please complete the form on the website putting CIH improvements as the headline. More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
Contact details Looking back
Ideas for this magazine If you have ideas for future articles contact Chelsea Potts, from the Housing Services Community Engagement Team (pictured) by emailing chelsea.potts@havering.gov.uk
If you want to check out a previous issue of Sheltered Times, they are now online at www.havering.gov.uk/shelteredtimes Housing Services Customer Contact Service The easiest way to contact us is at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Anti-social Behaviour www.havering.gov.uk/housingasb Email For rent queries housingrents@havering.gov.uk To find out about the Decent Homes programme residents are now encouraged to look online for planned works or log an enquiry through the website at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing 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.
How to contact your scheme manager
Sharon is the Sheltered Housing Manager and is in charge of the scheme managers. Email: Sharon.nunn@havering.gov.uk
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Ashley looks after Cockabourne Court, Delderfield House and Park Lane. Email Ashley.cowlin@havering.gov.uk
Kelly looks after Thomas Sims Court Serena Court, Solar Court and Sunrise Court. Email Kelly.murray@havering,gov.uk
Emma looks after Charlbury Crescent and Cole Court. Email Emma.daly@havering,gov.uk
Nadine looks after Beehive Court and Holsworthy House. Email Nadine.quinlan@havering,gov.uk
Carol looks after Bards Court and Brunswick Court. Email Carol.foley@havering,gov.uk
Andra looks after Dell Court and Garrick House. Email Andra.ramsay@havering,gov.uk
Stephanie looks after Royal Jubilee Court and Poplar Street. Email Stephanie.johnson@havering,gov.uk
Denise looks after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House. Email Denise.smith@havering,gov.uk
Lisa looks after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House. Email Lisa.matthews@havering,gov.uk
Gillian looks after Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street Villas. Email Gillian.wallis@havering,gov.uk
Safety first is police message returned. They also give crime prevention advice including where to put window alarms for maximum benefit. “By working together we can make life difficult for the criminals and that makes them go away.”
PCSO Kaser Aleem explains crime prevention steps to the SHOUT Forum
Older people are often seen as easy targets by scammers and criminals, so although Havering Council’s sheltered housing schemes are generally secure, it’s always worth reminding people of simple steps they can take to make life difficult for criminals. That’s why PCSO Kaser Aleem was the guest speaker at the most recent SHOUT Forum. PCSO Aleem said: “What Havering Police wants to do is prevent crime before it happens and that’s where we need everyone’s help. “Crime prevention is basically common sense and just taking some simple steps can make it less likely you’ll become a victim. Door chains “Door chains are important in keeping people out of your home who shouldn’t be there. If someone knocks on your door, use your spyhole to see who it is and if you don’t recognise them put your chain on before opening the door. “If a visitor claims to be an official, but you weren’t expecting them, ask for their
identification pass, shut the door and then look up the number of the organisation they say they are representing and ring it to check them out. Don’t use a number printed on the pass as
PCSO Kaser Aleem chats with Peter Cox and Mike Droy of Thomas Sims Court
that could be part of a scam if they aren’t genuine.” Property marking PCSO Aleem added: “Havering Police has a Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) for each Council Ward so every housing scheme has its own team of officers who will call in and mark property, so if it’s stolen it’s more likely to be
PCSO Kaser Aleem chats with some of the SHOUT Forum representatives
More information www.havering.gov.uk/communitysafety Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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As part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations residents are being encouraged to clean up a local area. It could be an area where litter gathers, where graffiti needs painting over or just some waste land which needs clearing of weeds but if we all join in we can make our area an even nicer place to live. If you have an area you think needs clearing do let us know.
More information www.havering.gov.uk/CleanfortheQueen
Party for the Queen The Queen will officially celebrate her 90th birthday on Saturday 11 June and across the country street parties will be held to celebrate this special occasion. These are great ways to bring communities together and we know a lot of sheltered housing residents will want to hold a party in honour of Her Majesty. This could be a fantastic opportunity to invite older people in your community, particularly those who live on their own, to come along and join in the fun. Organising a street party can take a lot of time but they are very rewarding so if you want to hold a birthday party for our Queen, start planning now.
More information www.havering.gov.uk/streetparties
Freeze out the cold callers The start of this year has seen a couple of occasions when cold callers have visited sheltered housing schemes claiming to represent charities, but when they’ve been challenged they’ve departed quickly. If you find a caller knocking on your door, put your door chain on before opening it and ask them 4
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for identification. If they try to push their way in or won’t provide an ID pass, pull your alarm cord or push your pendant button to alert our call centre. The call centre will alert the police. Remember: »» NEVER put yourself in danger »» ALWAYS make sure external
doors close behind you so strangers can’t follow you in »» If in doubt, keep them out!
Popular computers The computers installed in the communal lounges are proving popular as the table here shows. If you haven’t yet had your training and want to get online please contact your scheme manager.
Scheme Number of logins Beehive Court 1,870 Maygreen Crescent 967 Charlbury Crescent 787 Brunswick Court 766 William Tansley Smith House 729 Garrick House 701 Cotton and Fambridge Courts 612 Dell Court 535 Queen Street 517 Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts 498 Holsworthy House 497 Royal Jubilee Court 482 Cole Court 466 Thomas Sims Court 451 Bards Court 356 Lombard Court 355 Ravenscourt Grove 329 Cockabourne Court 162
Keep in touch by email update If you want to know what’s happening at your local library or the latest news from your GP, sign up for email newsletters from Havering Council. A new email update for voluntary organisations in the Borough has recently been launched. Remember we also send out At the Heart online each month, which is news just for Council tenants. All you need is an email address, then go to the website below and choose which newsletters interest you. You can use the computers in the communal lounge. If you’re not sure how, your scheme manager will be happy to help
EEB NEE
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More information www.havering.gov.uk/enews Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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Online for Council services During the next six months an increasing number of services from Havering Council will only be available online. You can now check your Council Tax record online as well as report faulty street lights, damaged pavements or potholes in the road. You can also apply for blue badges for your car or for a Freedom Pass online.
Going digital saves you money On average, for the Council to respond to an online query it is 20 times cheaper than a telephone call, 30 times cheaper than a letter, and 50 times cheaper than a face-to-face meeting. Money saved means more is available for front-line services such as social care and road repairs.
Training Free training is available for sheltered housing residents wanting to learn how to use the computers for online banking, shopping or accessing Council services, or even for keeping in touch with the grandchildren. Ask your scheme manager for more details.
More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
Use your mouse to manage your Council Tax, Council Tax Support and Housing Benefits online
Yo u r C o u n c i l , a n y
tim
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Help us bee more efficient and reduce costs
apply u pay u report u www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering
Library Opening Times From Monday 21 March 2016 library opening hours are changing. The opening hours for each library are set out below.
Monday and Thursday 10am – 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm
Collier Row, Elm Park Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch Monday and Tuesday closed Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm Thursday 2 – 8pm
Hornchurch Monday to Friday 1 – 10pm Saturday 10am – 3pm
Harold Hill, Romford and Upminster 6
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Rainham Monday and Wednesday 10am – 8pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sheba is a record breaker
One resident of Beehive Court, Harold Wood, has won a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest living cat in the United Kingdom. Sheba, aged 35, moved in with Jeff and Madeline when her then owner was moving house and wasn’t allowed pets in his new flat. Jeff said: “We were the first tenants in Beehive Court, moving in at the end of 1972 and Sheba has made it her home too. “She really likes it here and is very happy as the neighbours spoil her rotten.
They call her the complex’s cat. “For her age she is doing very well, thanks to care from her vet, Mr Loughton, who is based in Oak Road, Harold Wood, although she does have a touch of arthritis in her rear legs now.” Sheba, who is a Bengal Tabby, has a younger friend, five-year-old Simka, who sadly has three legs having lost one during a collision with a car. Do you have a pet with a claim to fame? If so please email details to shelteredtimes@havering.gov.uk
Tell us about your pet Do you have a beautiful budgie, a pampered pooch or a crazy cat? If so we want to hear from you as we are planning a feature in the next issue of Sheltered Times on what your pets mean to you. If you want your pet to be in the feature please send details, including how to contact you and, if possible, a photo of your pet to shelteredtimes@havering.gov.uk Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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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: 8 Bards Court 26 Bards Court 40 Beehive Court 47 Beehive Court 15 Brunswick Court 45 Brunswick 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 35 Holsworthy House
John Ashwell John Hunter Jeff Haimov Joyce Rafis Ann Christian Paul Clark 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 Stan Tackley
SHOUT Forum dates In 2016 the SHOUT Forum is scheduled to meet on: »» Tuesday 26 April Thomas Sims Court Hornchurch »» Tuesday 26 July Cole Court, Harold Hill »» Tuesday 25 October William Tansley Smith House, Hornchurch 8
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87 Holsworthy House 29 Maygreen Crescent 35 Maygreen Crescent 87 Neave Crescent 41 Poplar Street 41 Poplar Street 14 Queen Street 90 Queen Street 147 Ravenscourt Grove 109 Ravenscourt Grove 34 Royal Jubilee Court 21 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
Margaret Boyd Sue Hutton Mary Cross Margaret Boyd Daphne Clifford John Clifford Ted Jones Sue Attfield Jim Clement Jean Garbett Tom Walsh Pat Linsell Frances Rowntree Brian Laws Peter Cox Mike Droy Lucy Proctor Adrienne Bell
New Holsworthy House representative, Margaret Boyd
New Ravenscourt representative, Jim Clement
New Royal Jubilee Court representative, Pat Linnell
Heard at the SHOUT Forum
Chairman Paul Clark chairs the meeting
SHOUT Forum representatives representing local residents
»» Keeping in touch through regular surgeries where scheme managers and the SHOUT Forum representatives are available in communal lounges to meet residents and hear their suggestions, is one suggestion being considered to improve communication. »» Concerns that the new automatic doors stay open too long after people have gone through them were expressed. The contractor is
reducing that period. »» Automatic doors are due to be installed at Dell Court in the next financial year. »» Exterior gates at the Park Lane scheme are to be made more secure. »» Calendars are to be displayed on each scheme’s noticeboard showing communal lounge bookings so residents can plan ahead if they wish to use the lounge for a party or other event.
»» We have now appointed the housekeepers for all the schemes and they will be taking up post towards the end of March. There will be six full-time posts across all schemes with cover for holiday and other absences. »» Hedges that need trimming will be done by the end of March to avoid the bird nesting season. »» Inspections are taking place every six weeks at each scheme to check standards of cleaning and ground maintenance. SHOUT Forum representatives are invited to join the inspectors’ visits.
Representing you The SHOUT Forum aims to represent the views of every resident living in Havering Council’s sheltered housing. If you have an idea you want to express please tell your SHOUT Forum representative so they can ask for it to be discussed. Community Engagement Manager, Julie Bennett, briefs the SHOUT Forum
More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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Spotlight on Brunswick Court Merchant Navy. He said: “When I applied there was a waiting list to get in here. Over the years I’ve made a lot of good friends.” Malcolm is now unable to leave his home but gets lots of visitors including a daily visit from Carol to check he is ok and a weekly visit from one of Tapestry Befrienders who chats with him.
Residents enjoy watching the Koi Carp in the pond
Just a short walk from Cranham shopping centre is Brunswick Court, a Havering Council sheltered housing scheme that has 47 flats, a large communal lounge, laundry, kitchen and massive landscaped garden complete with an impressive pond, which is home to scores of Koi Carp. Scheme manager, Carol Foley, said: “Many of the residents have lived here a long time so know each other well but because the flats are in 12 different blocks people have plenty of space. “The lounge sees a lot of activities from Bible Studies to bingo (see page 18 for full details) and the garden is very well used when the weather is nice, watching the fish in the pond. “There’s even a regular visit 10
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from a local hairdresser to keep everyone looking well groomed.” Family connections One of the reasons residents choose Brunswick Court is family connections. Annie Rugg, who has lived there 15 years took time off from her art club work and said: “I like it here as it’s near to where my son lives so it’s easy to visit.” Fellow artist, Brenda Draper who has lived there 12 years, added: “It’s also close to my family which is handy. There’s a good bus service and a nice range of different activities if you want to join in.” Waiting list Malcolm Hallows has lived at Brunswick Court for 24 years and was one of the first residents to move in, having previously served in the
Stories Carol added: “Everyone living here has a story to tell. Malcolm served in the Arctic while with the Merchant Navy and has some fascinating tales of his voyages. “Iris Curtis, who is 86 and has lived here 12 years, does some fantastic knitting. She’s even knitted a mascot of darts player, Eric Bristow, out of wool and sent it to him. Her knitted fruit is amazing and so life-like, she even puts a button them so you can peel away the outer skin to see the fruit underneath. Enjoyment “I really enjoy working here, it’s
The exterior of Brunswick Court was recently refurbished
so rewarding when something comes together.” SHOUT Forum representative, Paul Clark, said: I enjoy being the SHOUT Forum rep, at least most of the time, as I believe it’s important that the voice of residents is heard and then action needs to happen to meet their needs.”
The entrance to Brunswick Court includes seats and attractive landscaping
Resident Iris Curtis is a great knitter making all sorts of creatures
Scheme manager Carol Foley in her office
2nd Upminster Brownies carol singing
Malcolm Hallows shares a joke with scheme manager Carol Foley during her visit
Len Male uses a computer in the communal lounge
Gladys Smith and Ann Christian enjoy a game of dominoes while Brenda Draper takes part in the art club Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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TV licences
There is some confusion about which residents should pay for their licence so please see the summaries below. If you have any questions please ask your scheme manager. If aged 75 and above All are eligible for free TV Licences. The scheme manager will action this on your behalf directly with TV Licensing on an annual basis. Anyone turning 75 will be included for a free licence. If aged under 75 For residents under the age of 75, a TV Licence will need to be personally arranged, at your own cost, at the current Licence Fee, and renewed on an annual basis. ‘Protected Rights’ Some sheltered schemes have a ‘Protected Rights’ agreement for reduced cost TV Licences. Each has an individual cut-off date, which means that only residents under the age of 75 living at the scheme before that date will qualify for a reduced price licence. The scheme manager will action the TV Licence directly each year, which will include payment of the Protected Rights Concessionary Fee. For residents under the age of 75 who qualify under this agreement, the cost of the concessionary fee is reflected in individual rent breakdowns. 12
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Jenny Holly gets ready to cut her cake surrounded by her family
“She loves to look after people.” That was the message from family and friends who gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Jane Holly or Jenny as she is better known. Jenny, who lives in Cottons Court, Romford, whose birthday was on Monday 14 December, started celebrating the previous Friday when her family and the committee at the sheltered scheme organised a special party for her, including
entertainment from singer Dave Wallis. Scheme manager, Gillian Wallis, said: “Jenny is well-loved and well thought of by everyone in the scheme. “She goes everywhere with her neighbour and friend, Elsie Cross, who is 98. “Every week they join in the bingo and any other activities that are taking place. “I visit Jenny every day, as she doesn’t have a carer and looks
Jenny Holly opens some of her presents and cards
00 years young after herself preparing her meals and everything.” War story Jenny was born in Bethnal Green and during the Second World War was living in Hazard Street when the family home got bombed. Her sister-in-law was killed in the explosion and her mother badly injured. Jenny was also taken to hospital for treatment. Her niece, Brenda Burkey, explained: “The hospital staff thought Jenny was ok until she got out of bed and just collapsed on the floor, that’s when they discovered she’d broken her back during the bombing. “When she was released from hospital she was soon out looking after her mother and nieces, despite being in a plaster cast from her neck to the base of her spine. She brought us all up, but still found
time to go dancing. “She used to work as a tailor in London and also looked after her husband, who died many years ago from cancer. “All her life she has loved looking after people and still does so today.” Funny falls Brenda added: “She does seem to enjoy a fall. When shopping with her sister, Louise, at Tesco in Hornchurch some years ago they fell down the travelator bouncing their way to the bottom where they were covered in bruises and both had black eyes. “The Tesco staff wanted to call an ambulance but they both said no as they were laughing so much they wouldn’t be taken seriously but they did accept the taxi Tesco offered to take them home!”
Singer Dave Wallis serenades Jenny
Jenny with her best friend and neighbour, Elsie Cross Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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Young Santas bring festive cheer Pupils from Gidea Park Primary School brought festive fun to Royal Jubilee Court when they crossed the road to sing carols for residents and also presented them with hand-made cards. Scheme manager, Stephanie Johnson, said: “The cards were beautifully decorated with glitter and bright colours and each contained personal festive greetings from the children. “The tenants loved receiving the cards most especially the ones who were alone for Christmas.”
Carols at Cole Court Pupils from Drapers Academy in Harold Hill visited Cole Court to provide residents with a carol concert as part of the festive celebrations.
A Craft Fayre at Brunswick Court, run by students from Havering College of Further and Higher Education, had plenty of goodies for residents to choose from.
Christmas quiz Three teams put their thinking caps on for the Christmas quiz hosted by William Tansley Smith House. Heads down and thinking caps on
The Ravens display their prizes 14
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There were four rounds – It’s Christmas, W is for…., Sixties music and Ends with a T – and a total of 60 questions as The Holsworthy Eight, The Ravens and The Tansley Terrors battled for the prize of chocolates and the coveted Sheltered Housing Quiz Trophy. Holsworthy Eight were leading until the bonus round when they were knocked out with 59 points, just one behind joint leaders The Ravens and Tansley Terrors. The tie breaker question saw both teams guessing How tall, in feet, was the world’s tallest Christmas tree erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950? The Ravens came closest with 221 feet to scoop the prize.
Poetry please The Christmas Time is Right for Rhyme competition in our Winter edition attracted a lot of entries and gave the judges some difficult decisions to make. At the end of the day three winners were chosen and we publish their poems here. A Christmas poem by Donna Wilkes December arrives crisp and bright, fires are lit for warmth at night. A tangible excitement is in the air, as stores start to fill with Christmas fair. Plans are made for Christmas day, hopes to see those from far away. Cards are sent, presents wrapped, decorations light up as energy is zapped. Nativity plays and pantomimes seen, now time is taken for what has been. Christmas day arrives in all its glory, each one of us will tell our story. Laughter, joy and love is given, but thoughts are there for those in heaven. Memories are made as another year passes, and now we all raise our glasses. A Merry Christmas is wished to each of you, and hope the next year will be good too.
2nd Place Christmas poem, Donna Wilkes, 169 Ravenscourt Grove
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Christmas is com
ghts ss of the October ni With all the darkne frights en we g up to give Hallo And children dressin n fu g is so much Tricking and treatin e Holy son to Christmas and th As we head closer ing made g built and guys be in be s re nfi bo ith W has raised with funds the guy ht ug bo en be ve ha es ablaze Fireworks coming from the fir e ok sm e th m fro displays With the haze m all the sparkling The Sky lights up fro ing embers dancing on the burn es m fla g in er ck fli The bers ies of all my Decem Bring back memor rush e of the Christmas The hustle and bustl sh slu to g in ow now turn And the melting sn in June tdown that started The Christmas coun be arriving soon ssed and Santa will pa s ha ar ye a f al H d sent ve been stamped an Christmas cards ha r this year’s Advent Arriving in time fo oel ging the songs of N Carol singers are sin e bell th of urch by the sound People called to ch the fun r fo ther arrived, families ga s ha y da as m ist hr do C be ne t over and soon will Another year almos
1st Place “Christmas is Coming” Brian K Weston, 30 Cottons Court (pictured with his hamper) 3rd Place “I’m feeling fine” Irene Ormiston, 76 Queen Street Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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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. Through the scheme many repairs can be carried out 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 16
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Dogs must have their chips
If you own a dog a new law means it must be microchipped before Wednesday 6 April. The aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and help councils reunite stray dogs with their owners more quickly. In Havering, during 2014-15, the Council picked up 245 stray dogs and only returned five dogs to their owners.
The rest were rehomed. If you become the owner of a dog you will be committing an offence if you do not update the microchip database with your details. You can get your dog microchipped by The Dog’s Trust on Thursday 24 March 11am – 3pm Kingsbridge Circus Harold Hill RM3 8PB.
Renew your Freedom Pass now
The Freedom Pass gives older and disabled residents free travel on almost all public transport in London. If you have a Freedom Pass that expires on 31 March 2016 you should have received a letter explaining how to renew it. That letter has a unique renewal number to use online when you renew your Freedom Pass. As passes take up to four weeks to arrive, renewing as soon as you receive your letter is important. More information www.havering.gov.uk/freedompass
Touch in and touch out to keep costs down When using your Freedom Pass for a journey it’s important that you touch in at the place your journey starts and touch out at the station where your journey ends. This means Havering Council gets charged just for the journey you actually make. If you don’t touch out at the end of the journey the Council is charged as if you went to the very end of the line. Touching out at the end of your
journey means we save money, which can then be spent on other Council services.
More information www.havering.gov.uk/freedompass
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Activities for you to enjoy There are lots of activities for you to enjoy as you can see below, check scheme noticeboard for details. Scheme
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Bards Court
Coffee Morning, Afternoon Tea and Darts Fitness Club Morning
Computer lessons in Morning, Coffee Morning, Games Afternoon Afternoon Tea
Coffee Morning 11am -1pm Computer Training Bingo Afternoon Lunch, Hoy Bingo afternoons
Coffee Morning Quiz Afternoon
Beehive Court
Coffee Morning, Games Club meet in Afternoon Tapestry Morning Bingo Evening
Brunswick Court
Bingo Afternoon
Table Games Afternoon; First Tuesday of each month at 2pm, Supported Housing Surgery
Perky Pensioners Lunch
Bible Studies Morning Hairdresser Visits Afternoon Darts Evening
Charlbury Crescent Cockabourne Bacon Sandwiches Court Morning Cole Court Coffee Morning
Cottons Court
Dell Court Fambridge Court
Garrick House
Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening Bingo Afternoon
Pool Afternoon
Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening Bingo Afternoon
Pool Afternoon
Holsworthy House Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon Lombard House Maygreen Crescent Park Lane Poplar Street Queens Street Ravenscourt Grove
Bingo
Bingo Afternoon Coffee Morning Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon
William Tansley Smith House 18
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Entertainment Evenings
Lunch every other Wednesday Activities Evening Breakfast Morning Pool Afternoon Bingo Evening Darts Afternoon
Line Dancing Afternoon Coffee Morning
Keep Fit Afternoon Board games afternoon Breakfast Morning Pool Bingo Evening Bingo Afternoon
Tea and Cake Afternoon Bingo Evening
Computer Lessons Coffee Morning Bingo Evening Coffee Morning Breakfast Morning Knitting Afternoon
Keep Fit Coffee Morning
Snooker Evening Snooker Evening
Coffee Morning Darts Evening Let’s have a chat Current affairs Discussion evening Board Game evening Royal Jubilee Court Coffee Morning Computer Games Serena, Solar and Sunrise Court Thomas Sims Court
Bingo Evening Coffee Morning
Lunch Dinner/ Entertainment Evenings Lunch Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon
Coffee Morning Tea and Coffee Morning Bingo and Bonus Ball Game Lunch
Tea and Coffee Morning Pool
Coffee Morning
Knitting /Craft Afternoon
Breakfast Morning Knitting Afternoon Board Games Afternoon Coffee, cake and quiz, Bingo Afternoon, Cards Evening , alternate weeks Social Brunch from 11am Coffee Morning Computer Games Coffee Morning Computer Games Computer Games Coffee Morning Fish and Chips Night Tea and Coffee Tea and Coffee Morning Morning Silver Linx Craft Bacon and Club Afternoon Sausage Cards Evening Sandwich Lunch Entertainment Evenings
Cabinet Member’s Surgery Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so residents in Sheltered accommodation can call in and discuss any issues with him. Delderfield and Poplar Street bungalows do not have communal lounges, however a visit can be arranged if requested. Residents can attend any date or venue. All discussions will be confidential. The next meeting dates are: Monday 04 April 2016
Cottons Court /Fambridge Queen Street Park Lane Garrick House
Friday 29 April 2016
10am 12 noon 2pm 3.30pm 2.15pm 3.45pm 9.30am 11.30am 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 1.30pm 3pm
Friday 06 May 2016
2.15pm 4pm
Royal Jubilee Court Cockerbourne Court
Friday 08 April 2016 Monday 11 April 2016 Monday 25 April 2016
Holsworthy House Beehive Court Bards Court Charlbury Crescent William Tansley Smith Ravenscourt Grove Dell Court Solar, Serena, Sunrise (SSS) Thomas Sims
Listings Tea Dance Every Thursday 1.30 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 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
Volunteers needed at local libraries There are already more than 290 local residents who volunteer at the 10 local libraries and the local studies and family history centre. But we need more, so if you have a couple of hours, please do get in touch. Among the things we are looking for volunteers to do are:
»» Promoting books, reading and learning »» Delivering books to residents who are stuck at home »» Running events and activities for children, young people and families »» Offering IT sessions to improve computer and digital skills from setting up email accounts to ordering shopping online »» Joining our shelving squad
making sure that the books are where our customers need them »» Helping residents explore our local history and archives.
More information www.havering.gov.uk/LibraryVolunteers Sheltered Times, Issue 8
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Voting for London’s Mayor, the GLA and in EU referendum The Greater London Assembly and Mayor of London elections are on Thursday 5 May and the European Union referendum will be on Thursday 23 June. You need to be on the electoral register to vote. If you are already registered, you don’t need to reapply. Register to vote at www.gov.uk/registertovote If you need to update your details on the electoral register or if somebody has moved out, you must email the elections team with the details.. If you can’t get to the polling station you can choose to vote by post or by proxy, where someone else votes on your behalf. Application forms for postal and proxy vote are available on the elections website. Deadlines for the Greater London Assembly and Mayor of London elections If you are not already registered to vote, you must apply by Monday 18 April 2016. The deadline for us to receive new postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April 2016.
This is also the deadline for amending or cancelling existing postal and proxy votes. The deadline for us to receive new proxy vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2016. Deadlines for the European Union referendum If you are not already registered to vote, you must apply by Tuesday 7 June 2016. The deadline for us to receive new postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 8 June 2016. This is also the deadline for amending or cancelling existing postal and proxy votes. The deadline for us to receive new proxy vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 15 June 2016. More information www.havering.gov.uk/elections elections@havering.gov.uk
Have your say on three key housing policies
The consultation period ends on Monday 4 April 2016 and you can make your views known using the online form.
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What we are consulting on? Havering Council is consulting on the following housing policy areas: »» Housing Allocation Policy »» Homeless Placement Policy »» Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy. The policies explain how Havering Council intends to allocate homes and ensure the people with the greatest needs are housed. More information www.havering.gov.uk/housing
Design & Print by London Borough of Havering. Job No: D4591
Local residents, tenants, organisations and other partners are currently being asked to take part in an online consultation survey about the changes the Council is proposing to make to key housing policies.