BTC Voice Newsletter Sep 2022

249 Lewisham Way, Brockley SE4 1XF Tel: 0208 691 5898

IN THIS

AGM Highlights Pg 6

Choose Your BTC Logo Pg 3

Staff Farewell Pg 3

BTC Office Staff Pg 2

Meet Your New Manager Pg 4/5

Street Art Competition Pg 9

Street Art Winner Pg 8

Coffee Afternoon Pg 7

Margate Highlights Pg 6

Pets Corner Pg 10

Member Event Pg 10

Christmas Panto Visit Pg 7

Welfare Officer Pg 2

How to Pay Your Rent Pg 2

What's Cooking Pg 11/12

About BTC Voice Pg 5

S E P T E M B

I S S U E N

Hi, and welcome to another edition of BTC Voice Participation Group Newsletter!

We've got some great highlights for you to see from the trip to Margate, our first coffee afternoon meet up, an exciting winner from our children's mural competition, as well as other updates including the development of our new logo

We've got a delicious member recipe and a new section, 'Pets Corner' featuring your beloved pets and their funny little traits!

Tell us what you think about your Newsletter and if there's anything else you'd like to see in it. Email us by 15th November 2022

hello@brockley.coop

The Official Newsletter of Brockley Tenants Co-operative

OFFICER

Are you feeling anxious about making financial decisions or want to know more about your benefit entitlement?

BTC is offering an advice service to help you with such decisions. The service will start on Thursdays

To find out more, please contact the office to book an appointment.

Email: admin@brockley.coop

Tel: 0208 691 5898

RENT PAYMENTALLPAY

Do you pay rent by AllPay? We are requesting that all tenants change their rent payment method from AllPay to standing order or direct debit. There can be a 10 day delay for rent paid by AllPay before it’s credited to your rent account. For example, if you pay your rent on 6th May 22 by AllPay, the money will not be paid into BTC bank account until about 16th May 22. The Co op is also charged for the use of the AllPay service We are encouraging members to pay by their rent standing order:

Bank Name: Lloyds

Account Name: Brockley Tenants Co Operative Ltd

Account number: 17074568

Sort Code: 30 98 90

Sort Code: 30 98 90

Paying this way will also help promote more regular rent payments.

More info, email: admin@brockley coop

BTC Office Staff

Officer

Income OfficerFinance Manager

BTC's New Logo LOGO DESIGN CHOICE

Our Co op is on track to updating its presence both on and off line.

One of the things that we need to do is update our logo.

Working with designers we have a selection that we've been offered as possible contenders to replace the old one.

Have a good look, then get in touch with us as soon as possible and let us know which one of the designs you think best represents Brockley Tenants Cooperative. We'll let you know in our next newsletter which one you've chosen.

Deadline: 20th November 2022

Email

Farewell, All The Best!

Staff members, Marvelle Dublin and Shayon Hibbert are leaving BTC We wish them all the best in their new roles and thank them very much for all their hard work

The Official Newsletter of Brockley Tenants Co-operative

Marvelle Dublin Shayon Hibbert

Meet Michaela Clare

B T C O P E R A T I O N S M A N A G E R

Great news! We have a new Manager for the Co op and her name is Michaela Clare.

We had a quick chat with Michaela during her busy handover period between Marvelle Dublin, our previous Manager.

So, how did Michaela find out about the role and what's her career path in housing?

" ...

The job was advertised on Jobs Go Public and I saw it there My career in Housing started when I left University in 1988 at the height of a recession and was trying to find work, I had a vague idea that I wanted to be a social worker or work with children in care and set about trying to gain some experience through voluntary work One of the places I approached was Bristol Youth Housing Association who had been trying to get a young person to sit on their management committee as none of their tenants wanted to. I was given some training as a committee member and both my interest in housing and my preference for tenant led management was born... "

Michaela continues;

" I went on to study for a post graduate qualification in Housing Studies and did a traineeship with Bath City Council

I then moved to London (where I was born) to work for Centrepoint Soho where I worked with Care Leavers and young Mothers. I worked with CenterPoint for about 9 years in various roles the last with them being in a Mother and Baby Unit on Breakespears Road. After that I did a few years as a consultant, worked for housing associations, local authorities and charities.

Meet Michaela Clare

B T C O P E R A T I O N S M A N A G E R ( C O N T . )

Michaela tells us about her work outside of the Co op.

" ...I have worked with a few Co ops and also a Tenant Management Organisation I am a Volunteer Board member for a Housing Association.

Michaela told us about some of the skills she brings to BTC

"

...I have experience of Coops, I think resident involvement is important and have always been involved in this in previous roles, I have worked in social housing for over thirty years

The most important thing is working with people to enable and support them. Having a decent home is one of our most basic needs and without this it is difficult to build a life "

BTC Voice

" ...I have lived in Brockley for over twenty years.

I have seen many changes in SE4 since I moved here from Peckham but there has always been a good sense of community in the area.

I was particularly struck by the campaign we had to save Lewisham Hospital and will never forget the day when the protest arranged to get enough people to link arms around the perimeter of the hospital generated enough people to go round the hospital five times in the pouring rain

I also enjoyed the victory dance at the Rivoli Ballrooms after the campaign had been won. I love that there is loads to do within walking distance that the area is very green..."

And by the way, Michaela says, " ...I love Marmite!"

The group is run by members of BTC and we'd love it if you could join us to build participation in the membership. There's sure to be something that you could contribute to. We meet monthly on alternate Sundays and Tuesdays.

If you would like to make a difference and support an improvement in participation within the Co op, get in touch by email: hello@brockley.coop We can't wait to hear from you!

The Official Newsletter of Brockley Tenants Co-operative

Coffee Afternoon

CAFE,

We had our first Coffee Afternoon in September and it was a very enjoyable event for all that attended. We see it as another opportunity for us to meet regularly for a cuppa, a slice of cake (on the house) and a getting to know you chat!

Old friends and neighbours had a chance to catch up and enjoy the last few days of the summer.

It can also be a time to contribute to other events that we can all enjoy!

We've already got a date for the next one, Sat 5th November at The Hilltop Cafe.

Please take note of updates via BTC Office emails and/or if you'd like to get involved email us now: hello@brockley.coop

Christmas Panto Trip

SUN 11TH DEC 2022

We're planning another trip, to Greenwich Theatre on Sunday 11th December at 1pm. This time we'll be going to see the pantomime, Robin Hood Watch out for the flyer emailed to you by BTC offices for more info.

Well, what's Robin Hood about?

"

The poor citizens of Nottingham have just about had enough of their scheming Sheriff; relentlessly raising taxes and forcing folks to move out to the forest!

...

But fear not, for our hero, Robin Hood, is here to right those wrongs! Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Let’s hope he can save the day alongside Maid Marion, Friar Tuck and the rest of the gang, who’ve all joined the good fight!.."

Find out more about the Robin Hood story on: www. greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Street Art Competition FOR BTC CHILDREN!

We Have A Winner! A magazine

We had a quick chat with Caiaphas our competition winner and he told us what he's gonna do with his winnings!

Caiaphas correctly guessed that the mural was of Ian Wright, which is currently painted on Upper Brockley Road!

" I support Arsenal and definitely know who Ian Wright is he’s a legend. I walk past it (the mural) every day and when it first came I was really happy to see it I’ve already spent my winnings on a new basketball jersey I was saving for it, so it was really lucky!

"

Caiaphas went on to tell us about his school;

"

...I’ve just started secondary school and only had one day, but it was really good My teachers all seem really fun and kind. Lunch time and being with my friends was my favourite part about school before, but it might change now and be an actual lesson or a club My favourite subjects are P.E. and English and Maths. Also music and history. I pretty much like all of my subjects "

What does Caiaphas like best about where he lives?

"

...I like the people best in Brockley. I like that I’ve got friends on my road and I can ride my bike and it’s easy to get to everything. My favourite thing to do is to go to the park, Telegraph Hill or Hilly Fields or Honor Oak with my friends and just play football, basketball, just play games...

"

Street Art Competition

FOR BTC CHILDREN!

Guess correctly the details of this Brockley street art and you could win £20!

The picture of this artwork was taken from a building in central Brockley.

Do you know the correct answers to the following questions?

The name of the road/street the artwork can be found.

The name of the business the artwork is painted on

Hurry! Send your answers in by email: hello@brockley.coop

Or you can post by mail or by hand to BTC offices: 249 Lewisham Way, SE4 1XF

PUBLICISE YOUR EVENT

Do you have an event that you'd like us to support?

Why not publicise it in this Newsletter? Email us full details: hello@brockley.coop

Your next Newsletter will be with you by w/c 5th December 2022.

Competition Rules

One prize per household only Child, means a person aged between 8 and 15 years

Open to all children who has a parent/guardian who is a full member of Brockley Tenants Co op. Conflict of interests i.e. if you know the artist, if you are a family/friend member of the artist, you cannot enter.

All entrants must supply their names, addresses and email addresses (so we can send you your prize), which will be held by BTC Office only Deadline: 18th November 2022.

BTC Voice Participation Group decision is final.

The Official Newsletter of Brockley Tenants Co operative

Pets Corner

Meet Tortellini

A new addition to our Newsletter is Pet's Corner. Meet Bettina Ganser's family pet, Tortellini.

Bettina says, "They are around 3 years old and weigh about 160g, roughly the weight of a large chocolate bar.

Tortellini enjoys the great outdoors or simply having a walk around our living room They'll peck the glass until someone comes along to take Tortellini to the enclosure we built in the garden. We have to be careful, as our cats are a bit too interested in this latest edition to our family. Tortellini's favourite food is rocket from our allotment"

Member Event

Celia has an event on shortly. She says;

"I wanted to share this with you. I've been with Co-op for over 20 years and some of you may have seen my shows at Brockley Max or Telegraph Hill festivals.

I'm preforming this show in Brighton this year and would love it if some Co op members could come down to Brighton to enjoy it.

Perhaps we could organise a minibus?

Email: hello@brockley.coop

What's Cooking?

MARBLE CAKE

As the Autumn months draw closer, we tend to want to eat comfort food and what better comfort is there than home made cake!

One of our members, Bettina Ganser, shares with us a classic recipe for marble cake. Bettina says;

" This cake is an all time favourite of the whole family.

It’s a traditional cake that is often made for birthdays in Germany.

Years ago we bought a Children’s recipe book “Cooking and baking with the mouse”, which this recipe is taken from

So really anyone can do it!... "

Ingredients

For a 22cm round quite high baking tin:

A little butter and flour for the baking tin

250g soft butter 250g sugar

1 pack of vanilla sugar (from a Polish shop) or alternatively half a teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 pinch of salt 4 eggs

300g flour, plain if you have but self raising also works

2 table spoons of baking powder ONLY needed when using plain flour

5 table spoons of milk

2 table spoons of Cocoa powder

2 table spoons of icing sugar

What's Cooking?

CAKE (CONT)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 Degrees Celsius

Grease the baking tin and lightly dust with flour

Cut the butter into small bits and mix with a mixer until creamy Take away 3 Table spoons of sugar and set aside

Add the rest of the sugar, vanilla sugar (or extract), the pinch of salt, and the eggs one at a time Mix together until the colour is light yellow and a bit fluffy Mix flour with baking powder OR add self raising flour and 3 table spoons of milk gradually to the mixer

Pour two thirds of the dough in the baking tin this is your light dough done

Now add the cocoa powder, the remaining sugar and the remaining milk to the rest of the dough and mix

Pour the chocolate dough onto the light dough. For the marble effect use a fork and pull it in a spiral motion through the dough Don’t be tempted to do too much mixing : )

Place the cake in the bottom shelf of the oven and check after 1 h by using a chopstick or similar. If it comes out clean, it’s done Otherwise put it in for another hour. It should be done after this Leave the cake to rest for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a plate or similar Wait until it’s completely cooled off then dust with the icing sugar

Do you have a recipe that you cook regularly? Why not share it with the membership in the next newsletter? We'd love to hear from you. Email us by 10th November. Email: hello@brockley.coop

Next Newsletter will be with you w/c 5th December 2022.

The Official Newsletter of Brockley Tenants Co-operative