October 2014
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Community Spirit Your Local Spirit Quarters magazine FREE MEALS
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REDEVELOPMENT Amazing demand for new homes - p4 New play area update - p5
EDUCATION Moat House Primary School - p6 School Term Dates - p6 Free School Meals - p7 Henley College Offers - p8
COMMUNITY Our 100 years Street Party - p9 Henley Green Community Centre - p10 Celebrating 5 years of MHLNC - p10 Church Update - p11 Summer Family Engagement - p11 Moat House Community Trust - p13
COMPETITION / RECIPES
P5 New play area update
Spot the difference - p14 Budget Recipe - p15
COMMUNITY EVENTS Dates for your diary - p16
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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 AUTUMN EDITION SPIRIT QUARTERS Welcome to the Autumn edition of Spirit Quarters magazine. It only seems like 10 minutes since the last edition was published in June but a lot has happened since then. The Summer saw a host of great local community achievements, not least the 100 years’ centenary celebration event hosted by Moat House Community Trust, which was a resounding success (page 9); and, as promised, work on the installation of the new play equipment running alongside the cycleway/ footpath of the River Sowe has commenced (page 4). You will have seen that our development partner Keepmoat have commenced construction on Phase 3 and homes are rising from the ground, you can see more information on this on page 5 in the article from Keepmoat’s Managing Director, Paul Degg on the amazing demand for homes on the next phase of build and how all sales records have been broken and expectations exceeded!! I have always been in awe of the dedication, time and enthusiasm that local residents give to making their community a better place to live. It is on that note that I want to convey my personal thanks and recognition to Pat Watson and John Marriott whom both retired from running the Henley Green Community Centre in June, they have achieved so much over the past 20 years and we ‘as the suits’ (a kindly reference from Pat) owe them a great deal of thanks for the support they have given us and I wish them all the best in their retirement. I hope you enjoy the magazine and please let us know if you would like us to feature your news, or any up and coming events or activities in the next edition. You can do this by contacting Shannon at the Moat House Community Trust on 024 7662 2964 or email her on admin@mhct.co.uk Kevin Roach Project Director
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SPIRIT QUARTERS | REDEVELOPMENT
PHASE 3 OFF THE GROUND AMAZING DEMAND FOR KEEPMOAT HOMES We always knew Spirit Quarters was going to be popular. The location, the choice of homes and the vision behind the development ticks all the right boxes. No wonder it has already picked up so many awards. But I’ve got to admit, even I’ve been bowled over by the incredible demand for our latest phase. We launched our eagerly awaited Phase 3 of Spirit Quarters back in May. Our plan is to build a further 232 homes, 174 of which are for private sale and 58 affordable homes. The previous two phases were really popular, and we sold all our homes very quickly. But demand for Phase 3 has broken all records. And it’s not hard to see why. The development is now a well-established thriving community and today’s buyers can see how it’s taken shape. Hardly surprising then, that more people want to be part of the Spirit Quarters success story. All of our 18 homes released so far have been snapped up by very happy families, professionals and first time buyers. We are working hard to make more homes available soon. Once again, we’ve got lots of people on our database ready to secure a number of these. The demand for Keepmoat homes at Spirit Quarters really has been amazing and we’re really proud to be part of a development that’s creating a real sense of community pride in the area. Paul Degg Managing Director, Keepmoat Homes
REDEVELOPMENT | SPIRIT
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PLAY AREA UPDATE On 26th August, and adjacent to Dragonfly Close, work started on the installation of the much anticipated new play area. The main play area has been prepared and is ready for the “eco rubber mulch” surfacing. This will provide a safe and durable surface surrounding key areas of the play equipment which includes gravity bowls, rota bounce, mega swings and a large embankment slide, together with “training buddies” in colours reflecting that of the Spirit Quarters logo. We will keep you updated on progress and once all the equipment has been installed and the area given time to re-establish itself; a community event will be held, planned by Whitefriars Housing, Moat House Community Trust, Deedmore Residents Group, WERAF, members of Regeneration Action Team and community.
WELCOMING BECKE AYRES, REGENERATION MANAGER
Hello, my name is Becke Ayres. As some of you may be aware, in April of this year I took over the reins as Regeneration Manager from Tony Greenwood. I joined the team having worked for 9 years previously on a major regeneration project in North Solihull on behalf of Whitefriars and prior to that in various housing roles across the City. I have already started to meet members of the community and can see the positive changes that Spirit Quarters regeneration programme is bringing to the area. I am very much looking forward to working with residents and partners during the next phase of the redevelopment project and continuing to support events and activities organised by the community.
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
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Moat House PrimarY School I’m Alasdair Black and I started as Headteacher at Moat House Primary School on the 1st September. I feel privileged to work with the wonderful children who are here. They have looked after me well during my first few days! The teachers and other staff have also been great to work with and we aim to move the school from strength to strength over the coming months and years. Before I came to Moat House I worked as the Headteacher at a Junior school in Rugby and prior to that I was Deputy at another Rugby school and at a school in Willenhall. I am really looking forward to working with the local community where our children live and hope to meet many of you at school events.
Sports Day 2014 On a very sunny and hot summer’s morning in July – the Whitefriars Regeneration team made their way up to Moat House Primary School laden with Water Bottles in support of the schools annual Sports Day – each child was delighted when they were presented with a re-useable water bottle donated by Whitefriars Housing and eagerly rushed to fill them before their round robin of sports activities started. The team were also on hand to “top up” water supplies throughout the morning. Mr Gilmour said “we all had a thoroughly enjoyable morning, children, parents and staff - the sun shone and the donated water bottles were greatly appreciated”.
SCHOOL TERM DATES Term dates 2014-2015 (all dates are inclusive) Term dates for the academic year 2014 - 2015 in Coventry are: Autumn Term Tuesday 2 September 2014 to Friday 24 October 2014 (Monday 1 September 2014 is a teacher training day*) Half Term Holiday Monday 27 October 2014 to Friday 31 October 2014 Autumn term (continued) Monday 3 November 2014 to Friday 19 December 2014 Christmas Holiday Monday 22 December 2014 to Friday 2 January 2015 Spring Term Monday 5 January 2015 to Friday 13 February 2015
FREE T A S L MEA & L O O SCH E G E L COL Check it out! NEW Infant Free School Meals All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in Coventry schools can receive free school meals. From September 2014, the Government introduced Universal Infant Free School Meals, to ensure young children have a hot, nutritious meal at school; to aid concentration, learning and good health.
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NEW Further Education Free Meals now available at Henley College!
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In order to qualify for free meals, in schools and colleges; learners will have to meet the required eligibility criteria detailed below:
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Family Income: Free meals are for families who are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
Local primary schools have worked hard to make improvements to ensure that all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can enjoy a high quality hot meal every day, free of charge.
From September 2014 the Government has extended free school meals for eligible learners to include Further Education Colleges.
EDUCATION | SPIRIT
Income Support Income-based Jobseekers Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 The guarantee element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Working Tax Credit run-on, paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit During the initial roll out of the benefit, Universal Credit
The learner, or their parent/guardian, must submit an application for free meals to their school or college and provide evidence of the award of the qualifying benefits. For more information contact:
Course of Study: Must be in school or enrolled on a further education college course.
Henley College Student Services on 024 7662 6300 or pop in and see them.
Age: On 31st August 2014; aged up to 18 or 25 if they have a Learning Difficulty Assessment or Education Health and Care Plan.
Coventry City Council Free School Meals Department on 024 7683 1552 or your local school.
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Save £s with our exclusive offers from Henley College Spirit Quarters has teamed up with Henley College to bring you some great money saving autumn offers to try out their new facilities and pamper yourself at the same time. £1 off a 3 course lunch in Henley’s restaurant Why not treat yourself to celebrate a birthday or just to catch up with friends. Henley’s restaurant is offering £1 off a 3 course lunch valid until 21st November 2014. Henley’s restaurant is open for lunch during the week and is staffed by students working towards qualifications in Hospitality and Catering. A 3 course lunch is normally £6.95. To take advantage of this offer call 024 7662 6335 or email henleysrestaurant@ henley-cov.ac.uk and quote SQ001. Booking is essential as this is a training restaurant.
Henley College Coventry
Open Evening
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10% off any hair and beauty treatment Have a makeover, manicure, new hairstyle, perm or a colour for the autumn with Henley’s 10% off any hair or beauty treatment offer .Their students are training for nationally recognised qualifications and are supervised by industry experienced tutors, so you’ll receive a professional pampering for a fraction of the normal price! Appointments are available most days and evenings during term time. Call 024 7662 6445 to book your appointment and quote SQ001. Tour Henley College ‘s new facilities If you would like to visit Henley College please email admin@mhct.co.uk or call Shannon at Moat House Community Trust on 024 7662 2964.
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
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Our 100 year street party.... Trains, boats and just plain good fun. Our summer street party captured the imagination and excitement of residents of all ages. An unprecedented level of volunteers built a display of pictures, memories and stories recording life over the past 100 years, since the start of World War 1. With beautiful hand-made bunting, fluttering under sunny skies: faces were painted, corn popped, the poor rat was splatted, candy floss was spinning excitement; and the star attractions - the old fashioned swing-boats
and model steam trains packed them in! Dressed in period outfits, staff and parents served children who tucked into sandwiches and cakes; with music from five decades provided by local youth groups, setting the mood. 500 hundred visitors stayed well into the evening – the children leaving with their specially printed ration books
....proved a memorable success!!!
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Retiring with many happy memories On 31st July 2014 Patricia (Pat) Watson and John Marriott retired, after many successful years running Henley Green Community Centre. The story - 20 years ago Pat started a local residents group; organising a few activities including Bingo and lunches for the pensioners. Operating from just one room didn’t stop Pat from branching out: selling vegetables and introducing Adult Education classes. Then came the NDC; in her inimitable style Pat contributed her experience, energy and enthusiasm; as a member of Partnership Board for all 10 years, Acting Chair for 2 years. Pat worked to secure funds to build Henley Green Community Centre; although it was not the preferred location – HGCC went from strength to strength. John joined Pat and formed a successful partnership; creating a home for the community with a wide range of Adult Education courses, youth groups, nursery, café, community activities, trips and holidays. Never ones to miss the chance for a party – 26th July 2014; a sultry summer evening; Pat & John were joined by friends and colleagues at a lovely buffet – and presented with gifts; but it is the laughter and friendships they will treasure for ever.
Celebrating 5 years of Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre Yes it’s 5 years since the doors were opened on our long anticipated Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre; providing a stunning building run by Coventry Sports Trust offering sporting facilities; and Moat House Community Trust providing a community hub and café. With the weather uncertain, activities were in our fantastic indoor spaces - the sports hall and dance studio. Lively it was too! Bouncy castles proved as popular as ever; with giggling children queuing up to have their faces painted; fortunes were told, prizes were won on the tombola and raffle – all thanks to the unstinting efforts of our volunteers. Burgers and hotdogs were flying off the barbeque; whilst our huge Birthday Cake looked great - and tasted even better.
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Church Update Boys Brigade & Girls Association: 6.15pm every Thurs (5-9yrs) Church Open and Breakfast Drop-In: Every Fri 9.30 - 11am.
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Summer Family Engagement Families from the WHEM area enjoyed four family fun sessions during the summer holidays. Held at MHL&NC and following the theme - The Seaside, afternoons were spent creating a colourful mural with under the sea and on the beach art and crafts. The children also enjoyed, jewellery making, team games, and a bouncy castle. Moat House Children Centre supported the final day with fun activities suitable for families with pre-school children. Everyone enjoyed a family day out to Skegness. The sun shone, which enabled the families to spend time on the beach playing in the sand and paddling in the sea. Ice creams, fish and chips and fairground rides added to their enjoyment. It was a long but very successful day with over 95 people enjoying the trip, for some families this was their first visit to the seaside. Parents and Children were encouraged to offer comments, ideas and feedback. What went well? • “It’s been great having some free family time doing crafts and stuff together.” • “Thanks for a fabulous day out in Skegness.” How we can improve? • Take everyone’s ideas and thoughts on board when planning for future provision. • More activities for different ages. • Seven parents also volunteered their support in helping to organise future holiday provision. Carol Speed from the Trust said, “We are really pleased that so many families attended and enjoyed the summer provision and the outing to Skegness”.
Children’s Breakfast Church: 10am each Sunday (5-11yrs) Messy Church 3pm every 5th Sunday of the month: (next one Nov 30th) Little Chad’s Stay & Play Toddler Group 1-3pm Friday afternoons (starting Oct 3rd) Better-than-Hallowe’en Party 6.15pm Thurs 23rd Oct, free for families Christingle Service: 10.30am Sunday 14th Dec Carol Service: 10.30am Sunday 21st Dec Midnight Mass by candle light: 11.30pm Christmas Eve Toy Service 10.30am Christmas Day We would like to invite you to take part in a celebration of what is great in the Wood End, Henley Green, Manor Farm, Deedmore and Bell Green areas of Coventry. You and your neighbours do a fantastic job of being willing community champions and volunteers, and we would like to help you celebrate this. There are areas throughout the city where there are very few concerned citizens. Some volunteer in the short term but then lose interest or move on to other things – but this area is different. To celebrate this we have created the New Year’s Honours Awards. We would like you contact us and nominate people in your community who have made a difference. There are 3 categories and you can nominate in some or all of the categories. The categories are: • Group • Individuals (adults) • Individuals (youth) You will soon be able to pick up Nomination Forms in community buildings in your area. You can also nominate by telephone: please state who you wish to nominate and why. Awards will be presented by the Lord Mayor at St Chad’s church on Hillmorton Road, 4:30pm - 7:45pm, Saturday 17th January 2015. Refreshments will be available. All Welcome - Contact the Revd. Andrew Fisher for details: 024 76 612909
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Moathouse Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre Walk Do you want to increase your daily exercise without any hassle? Or just get out and meet some new people? Then join a free weekly walking group Every Tuesday Meet at 1.00pm to leave at 1.15pm Moathouse Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre Moathouse CafĂŠ (inside) For more information contact the Be Active Be Healthy team: Tel: 024 7678 5637
Bonfire Night Wednesday 5th November River Walk Coventry Starting at 4:30pm For more information please contact: Vicky on 024 7662 2964 or email on vicky@mhct.co.uk
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MOAT HOUSE COMMUNITY TRUST Welcome to our autumn edition of Spirit Quarters. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself – my name is Shannon. I joined Moat House Community Trust 1st August, having completed my Apprenticeship with Henley College whilst employed at Henley Green Community Centre, where I also volunteer at the Youth Group. I have lived with my family, all my life in the area and I feel really privileged to continue working in my community; give me a call if there’s anything I can help you with. I have been really impressed by all the things going on at Moat House – here are just a few: ..……it’s just one year since Crafty Kids; then the pre-school Tots and Toast group started; nobody expected there would so many kids and parents, we’re now 75 plus. There were lots of events over the spring and summer: 5th anniversary event in April; was followed in July by a very special 100 year celebration - I was amazed at how many people were here. The kids’ holiday scheme took two coachloads to Skegness for the day in August – a noisy journey, excitement on the beach - bleary eyes on the way home………that was just the parents of course! Shannon Haywood
BOARD UPDATE
I am pleased to report that our recruitment exercise was successful and we are delighted to welcome 3 volunteer residents onto Moat House Community Trust Board: Janet Barrett, Diane Evans and Suzanne McBride. Chair : Martin Smith
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SPIRIT QUARTERS
| COMPETITION
For a chance to win the following prize in our ‘Spot the Difference’ competition, see if you can circle 5 differences in the bottom picture compared to the top picture. Win a family meal for 4 at MH Cafe, Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre Winston Avenue Coventry CV2 1EA
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CLOSING DATE 5TH NOVEMBER 2014 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
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36-45
46-55
Over 55
RECIPES | SPIRIT
BUDGET MENU EXCHANGE Loaded Chilli Potatoes A dash of cocoa powder adds richness and depth of flavour to the chilli mixture. Ingredients: • 4 large baking potatoes • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1 Onion, finely chopped • 1 Garlic clove, crushed • ½ tbsp. Chilli powder • 400g (14oz) beef mince • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 1 tbsp. tomato puree • ½ tsp Cocoa Powder (optional) • Worcestershire sauce, to taste • Large handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped (optional) • Low fat Sour Cream or Greek yoghurt, to serve • Cheddar Cheese, grated to serve Method 1. Preheat over to 200oC (180oC fan) Mark 6. Pierce Potatoes all over with a fork and place on a heatproof plate, Microwave on high for 15 minutes, or until they are beginning to soften. Transfer to oven to crisp up for 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan over a medium heat and fry onion until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic, chilli powder and mince and brown all over, about 5 Minutes. Stir through tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato puree, cocoa powder and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Stir in most of the coriander and season to taste. 3. To serve, cut a cross in each potato. Top with quarter of the beef mixture, sour cream/yoghurt, cheese and remaining coriander. Preparation time: 10 Minutes Cooking time: 25 Minutes Serves 4
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Dates for your diary Group
Venue
Schedule
Oct
Nov
RATS
Whitefriars Regen Office
6pm Thurs Quarterly
WEHM
M/H Leisure Centre
6pm Thurs Monthly
WERAF
St Chads Church Hall
1-2pm 4th Thurs Monthly
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27
Safer N/Hood Group
M/H Leisure Centre
10am 2nd Thurs Monthly
09
13
Dec
30
08
20
22
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7pm 2nd Thurs Monthly
Henley Residents
To be Confirmed, any queries please contact Rose Tyrrell on: rose.tyrrell@btinternet.com
Manor Farm Residents
To be Confirmed
6pm Wed 6 Weekly
25
Deedmore Residents
M/H Leisure Centre
12.30pm 3rd Thurs Monthly
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Moving Support Group
Whitefriars Regen Office
12pm Weds Fortnightly
15 29
13 27
MHCT Event Planning
M/H Leisure Centre
1:30pm Tuesday
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04 18 25
Henley College Open evenings
5.30-8pm
Henley College
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Bank Holidays 25th, 26th December 2014 and 1st January 2015 School Holidays: Half term: 27th to 31st October 2014
M/H Leisure Centre
1 - 4pm Saturday
Holidays
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Friends of M/H Park
M/H MHCT Community Leisure Event Centre
Jan
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08 Christmas 22nd December 2014 to 2nd January 2015
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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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Henley Ward Councillors
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Cllr. Kevin Maton T: 07941 827229 E: kevin.maton@coventry.gov.uk Twitter: @Cllr_KevinMaton
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