January 2015
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INSIDE
RAISING THE ROOF
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Happy Healthy New Year Your Local Spirit Quarters magazine
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F E AT U R E D A
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REDEVELOPMENT Home Improvements- p4 New Year, New Start, New Homes - p5
HEALTH Money Advice- p6 Smokefree - p7 Exercise Health Benefits - p7 NHS Weight Loss Plan - p7 Tips on cutting down on alcohol - p8 Domestic violence & abuse services - p9
COMMUNITY Family Halloween Howler - p10 Moreton in Marsh tour - p11 Fireworks Spectacular - p11 Santa came to town.... - p12 Christmas comes to Moat House- p13 Fostering & adoption - p14 - p15 Free Boxing - p16
Moat House Trust Update - p17
P13 Christmas comes to Moat House
COMPETITION / RECIPES Spot the difference - p18 Budget Recipe - p19
COMMUNITY EVENTS Dates for your diary - p20
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SPIRIT QUARTERS As well as the Spirit Quarters website, there’s a Facebook page where you can find all the latest stories, information and events from across the area. It’s also an opportunity to have your say and comment on stories posted onto the SQ Timeline - we are really keen to hear from you! www.facebook.com/spiritquarterscoventry
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WELCOME TO WINTER EDITION SPIRIT QUARTERS On behalf of the Spirit Quarters Partners I wish you a Happy & Healthy 2015! Reflecting on the highlights of 2014: we have seen huge growth in children and parent activities; whilst community events have proved increasingly popular and attended by ever growing numbers – particularly notable was the first ever Bonfire Night firework display – congratulations to Moat House Community Trust for putting on a great event! The area continues to go from strength to strength; private properties are selling at record levels whilst Whitefriars’ tenants are moving in to new builds and many more homes have had major improvements – with more to come in 2015. The play equipment has been installed, looks really good and is already proving extremely popular; our schools are doing very well and we have a new look college on our doorstep. With so much progress being made towards achieving the objectives of the Spirit Quarters regeneration programme; in this edition of Spirit Quarters we address two other priorities, which affects every single one of us – our Health and Wealth. Did you know that most New Year’s resolutions, are either Health or Money related? – cutting down on smoking, drinking, losing weight, taking more exercise; getting a new job, saving money….but unsurprisingly most resolutions are broken within days! The best way to succeed is seek advice – so see inside for help and support. On a final note, well done to our local football team – Spirit Quarterly – who are sitting second in the Senior One division of the Coventry & District Sunday League, good luck in your push for promotion. Kevin Roach Project Director
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SPIRIT QUARTERS | REDEVELOPMENT
RAISING THE ROOF ON HOME IMPROVEMENTS As part of the ongoing commitment to improve the standard and quality of homes in Spirit Quarters, WM Whitefriars Housing have appointed Wates Living Space to carry out a major facelift to 214 properties in Wood End. Homes that were previously identified for demolition but are now being retained following the review of the Masterplan, will soon benefit from external wall insulation including some brick effect render, new double glazed windows and doors and new roofs. With physical improvements due to start in the Spring, Liaison Officers from Whitefriars and Wates will be starting to contact residents to discuss how the improvement works will affect them and what benefits they can expect to see in the energy efficiency of their home. Robert Swain, Whitefriars Project Manager for the scheme said “Customers whose homes already benefit from external wall insulation tell us that it has made a real difference to their quality of life. Their homes are warmer and whole streets look as if they have had a facelift. The improvement planned for homes in Wood End will have a real impact on the appearance of the area as well as making our homes more energy efficient.
Claudette Glave, Senior Liaison Officer (Wates Living Space) also said “We know that the scale of the improvements being carried out in Wood End will mean a certain amount of disruption and disturbance for residents. Once work begins we will be meeting with customers on a near-daily basis to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible”. Owner occupiers are also being given an opportunity to buy into the scheme with Wates carrying out an initial Green Deal Assessment free of charge. Based on this assessment, owners will be supported to apply for a Government funded grant to help meet the costs of the improvement works. In addition to the Wood End programme, a further nine homes in Watcombe Close, Henley Green will also benefit from external wall insulation. This complements the 700 homes in Spirit Quarters that have already been improved through similar schemes. For further information on this scheme please contact George Randhawa on 024 76 587067.
REDEVELOPMENT | SPIRIT
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NEW YEAR,
NEW START, NEW HOMES
2015 is going to be a year of change for many residents whose homes are affected by the redevelopment plans for Wood End. What better way is there to reassure residents about the moving process than to talk to a family who moved into to a new Whitefriars home and welcomed a new baby into their family within the space of a week! Sheila Hadebe and daughter Sue Mbulawa moved into the last of the new homes handed over to Whitefriars on the newly completed Phase 2 of the Spirit Quarters development, which has seen in total 230 new homes built, 65 of which have been provided to Whitefriars. Both were delighted when they were given an opportunity to move in November 2014. Timing however is everything and with Sue expecting to give birth a week before the moving date they gladly accepted help from the Whitefriars Regeneration Team, who arranged their move from start to finish. Another helping hand came from the Moving Support Group, a group of local volunteers some of whom have been through the re-housing process. Janet Barrett, local resident and Moving Support Group co-ordinator said. “we were delighted as always to support Sheila and Sue in their move. From measuring windows for new curtains to offering practical advice, its part of what the Moving Support Group was formed to do” Sheila said. “We were delighted when Whitefriars approached us and offered us this move. As local residents already we have watched the Spirit Quarters development flourish and are so pleased to now actually live in a new home and be a part of it”
HELPFUL HINTS & MOVING TIPS • The Whitefriars Regeneration Team can manage your move from start to finish. This includes arranging for a professional removal firm to provide packing boxes and move your belongings to your new home. If you decide to arrange your move yourself, ask friends to help. • Once a moving date is agreed, let your gas, electric and water suppliers know where you are moving to. Take meter readings from your current home on the day of your move. • Go to the post office and arrange for your post to be re-directed to your new home. • Make a list of everyone who should know about your move, your child’s school, DWP, Housing Benefits, bank, Doctors & Dentist. If you are moving out of the area you may need to register with a new GP or Dental Surgery • Check your home insurance- ensure you have cover from the day you move into your new home. If you don’t currently have home insurance, call the Housing Office in Riley Square on 024 76 708400 who can send you an information leaflet.
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
| HEALTH
NEW YEAR… NEW YOU?
Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Have you broken that resolution already? Perhaps you haven’t decided yet? Maybe you could do with some support? Year after year the world over; resolutions are made about those 2 main themes which worry us day in day out: Money and Health and we decide it’s time to do something different, sadly most of us give up before January’s over! So we thought we’d use this edition of Spirit Quarters to give a helping hand….
MONEY You’re not alone if you worry about paying the rent or mortgage; gas electric and other bills; credit cards; being in debt; future income; looking after the family; finding; keeping or changing jobs; pension etc. But we do worry and it can ruin our lives; causing anxiety, family arguments and affecting our health. There’s no magic solution; but you can be sure that it won’t go away if you ignore it. There are various organisations in Coventry that can give you free help and advice. Your local service based at Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre Coventry Independent Advice Service (Wood End Advice Centre) - 024 7661 3629 www.adviceservicescoventry.org.uk New Central Credit Union Ltd - 024 7663 3456 - www.newcentralcu.co.uk Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau - 024 7622 3284 - www.coventrycab.org.uk Coventry Law Centre - 024 7622 3053 - wwwcovlaw.org.uk Coventry Age UK - 024 7663 4600 - www.ageuk.org.uk/coventry/our-services Coventry Students Union Advice Centre 024 7679 5200 - www.cusu.org/support/advice/money-doctors They are all linked together under Advice Services Coventry; so don’t hesitate about who to contact, they will help you get to the right place; and if you are still not sure give Moat House Community Trust a call on 024 7662 2964. Plus the national Money Advice Service So don’t just worry; don’t risk backstreet lenders or payday loans – get that free advice first!
SMOKEFREE
HEALTH | SPIRIT
Many smokers want to quit but aren’t sure about the best way to go about it. There’s lots of free support on offer and by using the support that’s right for you, you’ll be boosting your chance of quitting. Thousands of people have quit for good with help and studies show that you’re up to four times more likely to quit successfully if you use a combination of stop smoking medicine and specialist help and support from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service. Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044 www.quitnow.smokefree.nhs.uk
EXERCISE HEALTH BENEFITS Given the overwhelming evidence, it seems obvious that we should all be physically active. It’s essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age. It’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have: • up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke • up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes • up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer • up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer • a 30% lower risk of early death • up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis • up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture • a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults) • up to a 30% lower risk of depression • up to a 30% lower risk of dementia www.nhs.uk/Livewell
GETTING STARTED ON THE NHS WEIGHT LOSS PLAN We want to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle so you can lose weight safely and learn the skills you need to keep it off in the long term. If people are overweight, it’s usually because they eat and drink more calories than they need. Losing weight - Getting started is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance. For most men, this will mean consuming no more than 1,900kcal a day, and 1,400kcal for most women. If you go over your limit one day, don’t worry, we’ve got that covered. It simply means you’ll have to reduce your calorie intake the following days. For example, if you’re a woman and you have 1,700kcal on Tuesday – that’s 300kcal more than your daily calorie allowance of 1,400kcal. To stay on track, you’ll need to remove 300kcal from your remaining calorie allowance over the rest of the week. Download the 12 week PDF guide to weight loss from www.nhs.uk/livewell/weight-loss-guide
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
| HEALTH
CUTTING DOWN ALCOHOL If you regularly drink more than the recommended limits, try these simple tips to help you cut down. Make a plan - Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you’re going to drink. Set a budget - Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
E M E RG E N C Y NUMBERS Police - 101
Let them know- If you let your friends and family know you’re cutting down and that it’s important to you, you could get support from them.
NHS - Emergency and urgent care services 111
Take it a day at a time - Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.
National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999
Make it a smaller one - You can still enjoy a drink but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.
Western Power Electricity Service Emergency: 0800 6783 105 0330 123 5008 Mobile friendly
Have a lower-strength drink - Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You’ll find this information on the bottle.
Severn Trent Water Emergencies 0800 783 4444
Stay hydrated - Drink a pint of water before you start drinking, and don’t use alcohol to quench your thirst. Have a soft drink instead.
Coventry Direct Emergency Out of Hours 024 7683 2222 - 0500 834 333 Mobile friendly 024 7683 4333
Take a break - Have the odd day each week when you don’t have an alcoholic drink. www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol
Whitefriars Housing Urgent ‘Out of Hours’ Calls 0247 625 7463 Whitefriars Housing 24hours including emergency repairs 0300 7906 555
Henley College Coventry
Open Evening
Tues 2 th 0
January
Come and take a tour of our wonderful new facilities and talk to tutors about what we can offer you - anytime between 5.30-8.00pm. “a thriving learning environment and culture allowing learners of all abilities and backgrounds to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual respect”
Visit henley-cov.ac.uk or call 024 7662 6444 for more info ONE OF THE TOP COLLEGES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS RATES IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
COMMUNITY
COVENTRY TO EXPAND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE SERVICES
DVA Victim English A3 NH copy.pdf
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Coventry City Council has invested an additional £250,000 into new domestic violence and abuse services which will see the specialist services provide advice, support and accommodation to more adults and children affeacted by this issue. This will be supported by key agencies in Coventry including the Police, health agencies and social care amongst others. C
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Please visit www.safetotalk.org.uk for information or ring 0800 035 5309 for the helpline.
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The Coventry Domestic Violence and Abuse Support Services demonstrates Coventry’s commitment to ending domestic violence and abuse. Organisations providing care include Refuge, Safe and Supported Partnership, Fry Housing Trust and Barnardo’s.
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www.safetotalk.org.uk or call the Coventry helpline on 0800 035 5309
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
| COMMUNITY
Family
Halloween Howler. Parents, carers, volunteers and very excited children all dressed up for a Halloween party at Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre. Costumes included, good and bad witches, ghosts and ghouls, baby pumpkins and little devils. Families enjoyed a fun filled evening with ghoul games, traditional apple and bobbing. Every child had their face or arm painted in an array of scary designs. The event was topped off with haunted hot dogs and warming drinks, and each child was given a spooky goodie bag to take home. Carol Speed from the Trust said. We achieved what we had set out to do, provide a fun packed evening of activities where children could join in the Halloween experience in a safe, warm environment. Parents agreed, It was a great evening where families could all join in together.
Scan me
DEEDMORE RESIDENTS ON TOUR - MORETON IN MARSH On 30 September a group of 29 residents departed on a sunny morning from Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre, to the beautiful Cotswold town celebrated for its weekly market. There was much lively chatter on the way down; Once unleashed onto the streets, Bags were
rapidly filled with a range of mysterious goodies. Food and ice creams were consumed; so that the return journey started with noisy conversations which for some subsided into the gentle hum of snoring…….but what goes to Moreton stays in Moreton……
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Moat House Community Trust has a reputation for delivering popular community events – but November 5th 2014 truly lit up the skies……….. With support from Coventry City Council, West Midlands Police Spirit Quarters Partners and the community; this fantastic event was, to date, the biggest and most successful, ever! Over 850 people of all ages attended; 400 children having wristbands for fairground rides; 200 pork batches, 300 hotdogs and 100 jacket potatoes were consumed; and new recruit Shannon was almost wrestled to the floor for the popular light sabres. The 15 minute professional firework display was widely praised, comments included: “I paid a fortune at Alton Towers last year, the Moat House display was far better”. So will there be a repeat in 2015? ..........we’ll keep you posted
COMMUNITY | SPIRIT
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
| COMMUNITY
Santa came to town.... Santa took time out of his busy schedule on the run-up to Christmas to drop into the Whitefriars Regeneration Team Christmas Grotto on Thursday, 18th December. He listened intently to what gifts and surprises local children wished for on Christmas Day. Kindly donated by Whitefriars Housing, over 100 selection boxes were given out to children that visited Santa in his Grotto together with coffee and mince pies which were enjoyed by all.
y t r a P & e m i Pantom Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf came to Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday 11th December. The pantomime, performed by Chaplin’s Theatre Company was paid for with funding secured for a second consecutive year from Coventry City Councils, Community Grant. The show was a great success with interactive songs, and lots of hisses, boos and banter between the performers and the audience of over 100 children. “He’s behind you………..oh no he isn’t ……. oh yes he is!!! At the end of the panto children were given a small goodie bag to take home The Trust said. By bringing the panto into our community we are providing the opportunity for more local children to enjoy this traditional Christmas experience.
Christmas comes to moat house
COMMUNITY
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QUARTERS
December 6th was the 4th Moat House Community Trust Christmas Fayre; with numbers growing year by year. Once again Father Christmas asked his special emissary Robert Hall (of Hall Brothers) to represent him, because Santa was of course, very busy preparing for the big day.
Sorry for the inconvenience No Fish & Chips will be served on Friday 20th December
There were also stalls, bouncy castles, fair rides, games and crafts, tombola plus the ever popular Christmas raffle – with prizes including two tablets, drawn around our beautiful Christmas tree. All only possible thanks to our community volunteers and Spirit Quarters Partners – particularly Whitefriars and Keepmoat.
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COMMUNITY
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
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FOSTERING & ADOPTION Coventry City Council has adoption and fostering high on its list of priorities; promoting the need for adopters to come forward, to give a new home and family to Coventry children currently in temporary arrangements: in residential care, with friends and family under private arrangements or in foster care. One of the city’s current adopters is John who, with his partner, adopted two young children recently. He said: “What I would say to prospective parents is that it’s an amazing and thoroughly enjoyable journey. You will learn so much about children,
parenting and yourselves. We would never have had imagined that we would have completed the adoption process feeling energised and more confident as individuals and stronger in our relationship with each other too.” The Council’s Family Placement Service organises free information and advice sessions to highlight the experience of adopting in Coventry. As well as giving a permanent home to children, adopters will be supported through their own allocated social worker and a range of training and resources. “While the city has already matched a significant number of children with families, we still need to do much more to make a difference to the lives of young people in Coventry. “Please come and find out more if you think your family could welcome a new member.” To find out more about adopting and fostering in Coventry, call the Family Placement Team on 024 7683 2828 or e-mail Rachel.brown@coventry.gov.uk. You can also visit www.coventry.gov.uk/ adoption or visit the Foster for Coventry Facebook page.
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The Moat House Boxing Club begins Saturday 10th January 2015 at 2pm, and will run every Saturday afternoon. Open to any young person aged 11 to 24 it is free of charge. Coach Chiemeka Eribenne is a qualified boxing coach and has been coaching boxing and other sports for over 20 years; teaching sports in Coventry schools and youth service for the last 6 years. The boxing sessions are fun, engaging and non-contact, with no sparring allowed. For more information or any queries email him on community_sports@ yahoo.com.
HOUSE AT MOAT
BOXING CLUB starts on saturday
10th January 2015 at 2pm
Open tO males & females
Age 11 to 24 yeArs every saturday from 2pm till 4pm at the moat House leisure Center Winston avenue, Wood end, Coventry CV2 1DX Just turn up on the dAy! these sessions are non contact, so sparring and one to one combat is not allowed
community_sports@yahoo.com
#box4free In pArtnershIp wIth *subjeCt tO Criteria
COMMUNITY
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
MOAT HOUSE COMMUNITY TRUST
2014 was an eventful year: 4 major community events – 5th Anniversary, the special Summer Street Party celebrating the last 100 years since World War 1, Bonfire Night and Christmas. Crafty Kids and Tots & Toast had their first full year, with numbers and enthusiasm growing -thanks to some amazing volunteers: Janet & John, Suzanne, Katie and Gillian - to name but a few. Under management of resident Vicky Scott, and her enthusiastic team; Moat House Café has seen amazing growth in counter service, events and outside catering – come and give us a try! Following retirement the Pat Watson & John Marriott, after many dedicated years; from 1st October 2014, Moat House Community Trust took on the running of Henley Green Community Centre. We are committed to carry on the good work, reaching out to the local community, in particular Manor Farm and other residents waiting to hear how they will be affected by redevelopment. Meanwhile we are delighted to see ongoing improvements to the WEHM area; demolitions, new homes continue apace, whilst many other homes have benefitted from ‘tea cosying’ with more to come shortly. Play areas have been installed along the completed Sowe Valley walk.
COME ALONG TO
So here’s to a happy, healthy 2015 for all our residents!
Every Tuesday 2:00 - 3:30pm Moat House Leisure Centre Every Friday 1:30 - 3:00pm Henley Green Community Centre
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
| COMPETITION
For a chance to win a free hamper; enter our ‘Spot the Difference’ competition. See if you can circle 5 differences between the top and bottom pictures of Coventry City Ladies Football Club.
Win chocolate and biscuit hamper.
cut out
CLOSING DATE 31ST JANUARY 2015 You can drop off your cut out entry form to the following locations: 1) Moat House Cafe 2) Whitefriars Regeneration Office 3) Henley Green Community Centre 4) Wood End Community Centre 5) Riley Square, Whitefriars office
Name: Address:
Phone number: E-mail address: Age (please circle): 0-16
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
Over 55
RECIPES | SPIRIT
QUARTERS
U N E M T E BUDG S E P I C E R SHEILA’S Hearty pasta soup Do something different with a pack of tortellini. This filling soup is full of fibre, low fat and full of veg. Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •
1 tbsp olive oil 2 carrots, chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 1l vegetable stock 400g can chopped tomatoes 200g frozen mixed peas and beans 250g pack fresh filled tortellini (we used spinach and ricotta) Handful of basil leaves (optional) Grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), to serve
Method 1. Heat oil in a pan. Fry the carrots and onion for 5 mins until starting to soften. Add the stock and tomatoes, then simmer for 10 mins. Add the peas and beans with 5 mins to go. 2. Once veg is tender, stir in the pasta. Return to the boil and simmer for 2 mins until the pasta is just cooked. Stir in the basil, if using. Season, then serve in bowls topped with a sprinkling of Parmesan and slices of garlic bread.
Preperation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 25 mins
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Dates for your diary 2015 Group
Venue
Schedule
RATS
Whitefriars Regen Office
6pm 1st Thursday Quarterly
WEHM
M/H Leisure Centre
6pm 1st Thursday Monthly
WERAF
St Chads Church Hall
6pm 3rd Monday Monthly
Safer N/Hood Group
M/H Leisure Centre
Friends of M/H Park
M/H Leisure Centre
Henley Residents
To be Confirmed, any queries please contact Rose Tyrrell on: rose.tyrrell@btinternet.com
Manor Farm Residents
To be Confirmed
Deedmore Residents
M/H Leisure Centre
12.30pm 3rd Thursday Monthly
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Moving Support Group
Whitefriars Regen Office
12pm Weds Fortnightly
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MHCT Event Planning
M/H Leisure Centre
1:30pm Tuesday TBA
M/H MHCT Community Leisure Event Centre Henley College Open evenings
Henley College
Jan
Feb
Mar
08
Apr
02
05
05
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16
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10am 2nd Thursday Monthly
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12
12
09
7pm 2nd Thursday Monthly
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12
12
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Saturday Or as arranged
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Holidays 2015 Bank Holidays Easter: 3rd, 6th Apr Early Spring: 4th May Spring: 25th May Summer: 31st Aug Christmas: 25th, 28th Dec School Holidays Half Term Spring: 14th to 22nd Feb Easter: 3rd to 19th; Apr Half Term Summer: 23rd to 31st May Summer: 22nd Jul to 1st Sep Half Term Autumn: 24th Oct to 1st Nov Christmas: 19th Dec to 3rd Jan 2016 (All dates are inclusive)
Henley Ward Councillors Cllr. Ed Ruane T: 07817 218137 E: ed.ruane@coventry.gov.uk
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Cllr. Lynnette Kelly T: 024 7671 1682 E: lynnette.kelly@coventry.gov.uk Twitter: @lynnettekelly
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Cllr. Kevin Maton T: 07941 827229 E: kevin.maton@coventry.gov.uk Twitter: @Cllr_KevinMaton
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FOOD BANK
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DONATION POINT
5.30-8pm
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Available at Whitefriars Office Hillmorton Road, CV2 1SG
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