Sheltered Times 10 Autumn 2016

Sheltered Times News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents ISSUE 10: Autumn 2016

Better housing for older people Following a review of housing suitable for older people, which took place earlier this year, Havering Council is currently consulting with residents about proposals to provide suitable homes to meet demand for the next 30 years.

Interim Director of Housing, Neil Stubbings, has now spoken at all 19 sheltered housing schemes in the borough explaining the proposals the Council is considering and inviting comments.

Mr Stubbings said: “Havering Council currently has around 800 units of sheltered housing across 19 schemes in the borough.

“Around 300 of those units are not fit for purpose as they are:

»» Bedsit accommodation which people generally do not wish to rent and/or »» In schemes without lifts to all floors and/or »» In schemes which are very expensive to maintain due to their condition and situation. »» In schemes which have inadequate communal facilities.

Sheltered Housing Team Leader, Sharon Nunn, chats to residents at Brunswick Court

Review “A review of provision of accommodation for elderly people in Havering has been prepared identifying what will be needed for the next 30 years. This would include extra care housing for the elderly and housing with specialist dementia care provision.

“Part of the review includes proposals for investment in 12 sheltered housing schemes in Havering to improve the facilities so they can become

Neil Stubbings talks to residents at Serena, Solar and Sunrise sheltered housing scheme

community hubs for elderly people living nearby as well as within each scheme.

“The proposals also include the suggestion that seven of the existing schemes will close: »» It is proposed that the Royal Jubilee Court site and the Serena, Solar and Sunrise scheme could each become an older persons’ village »» It is proposed that the sheltered housing schemes at Brunswick Court, Delderfield House, Dell Court, Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane, and Queen Street would close with the land being used to provide Council housing for Havering people.”

Consultations All residents in the seven schemes are having individual meetings with Sheltered Continued on page 3

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 officer

Sharon is the Team Leader Sheltered Housing and is in charge of the scheme officers.

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 Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street in a job share with Lisa. Email Denise.smith@havering.gov.uk

Lisa looks after Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street in a job share with Denise.

Email Lisa.matthews@havering.gov.uk

Gillian looks after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House.

Email Gillian.wallis@havering.gov.uk

Continued from page 1

Housing Team Leader, Sharon Nunn, or manager sheltered scheme officer, so their individual needs can be identified.

The aim is to do all that is possible to meet those needs whether it is by moving to another sheltered housing scheme in Havering, to somewhere outside the borough or to general housing near a sheltered scheme.

Coach trips have also been organised so any resident wishing to visit the other sheltered schemes in Havering can see the facilities available, and, if possible, see a flat in each scheme.

Visits are also being arranged to an existing older persons’ village so residents can see the type of facilities that could be provided if the proposals to create two such villages in Havering go ahead.

Queen Street sheltered housing scheme

facilities that are available.

This is part of the Council’s commitment to reducing isolation among older people in the borough.

Decision A full report on the consultation responses will be made to

Havering Council’s Cabinet in the autumn when a final decision will be taken on what will happen at each scheme.

When that decision is made, a special newsletter will be issued for each of the seven schemes giving details of what will happen next.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/shelteredhousingdevelopments

Investment The other 12 schemes will see investment to improve the facilities available to residents and will also be developed as community hubs so older people living nearby can use the

Serena, Solar and Sunrise sheltered housing scheme

Details of each proposal For the seven schemes included in the proposals, regular newsletters are being issued and meetings held.

Each scheme also has its own web page which is regularly updated and the best way to keep in touch with the latest news: Brunswick Court www.havering.gov.uk/Brunswick Delderfield House www.havering.gov.uk/Delderfield Dell Court www.havering.gov.uk/Dell Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane www.havering.gov.uk/Maygreen Queen Street www.havering.gov.uk/Queen Royal Jubilee Court www.havering.gov.uk/RJC Serena, Solar and Sunrise www.havering.gov.uk/SSS Sheltered Times, Issue 10

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Continued from page 3

Investing in the future painting of communal areas in Garrick House to make them friendlier for people with dementia, similar painting schemes will be introduced elsewhere.

There will also be different projects identified, as part of the consultations taking place which will be reported in the newsletters for each scheme.

Community Hubs

Older people living nearby will be encouraged to join in communal activities For the schemes that remain open, a programme of investment is planned to ensure they provide the highest possible level of housing and support for residents.

This includes investing in lifts so that all floors are accessible and lifts are

reliable, improved communal areas, improved toilet facilities for people with disabilities and, where possible, providing ramps instead of steps in the garden and other communal areas.

Following the success of the

The proposals include making communal areas at sheltered schemes community hubs so older residents living locally can join in activities and make new friends to reduce social isolation.

A review of the sheltered scheme officers’ role will also take place which aims to give them more time to make contact with older people in the community as well as those living in sheltered housing.

Bungalows, such as these at Poplar Street are a popular choice of home for older people

Garrick House communal areas have been painted in dementia friendly colours

Further information about each of these schemes can be found online at:

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1. www.havering.gov.uk/Bards

7. www.havering.gov.uk/Garrick

2. www.havering.gov.uk/Beehive

8. www.havering.gov.uk/Holsworthy

3. www.havering.gov.uk/Charlbury

9. www.havering.gov.uk/Poplar

4. www.havering.gov.uk/Cockabourne

10. www.havering.gov.uk/Ravenscourt

5. www.havering.gov.uk/Cole

11. www.havering.gov.uk/ThomasSims

6. www.havering.gov.uk/Cottons

12. www.havering.gov.uk/WilliamTansly

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Blooming lovely

David Addiman with his hanging baskets and planters at Adelphi Crescent

The communal gardens at Beehive Court

You need to move fast to enter the Housing in Bloom competition as the deadline is Wednesday 31 August 2016.

This year there are five categories you can enter, with something for everyone, from planting a small hanging basket

The communal gardens at Charlbury Court

or growing a single sunflower to getting a team together to beautify your communal areas.

The five categories are: »» Best back garden »» Best front garden »» Best communal garden

Will these sunflowers at Garrick House be winners?

Planters at William Tansley Smith House

»» Best hanging basket or planter »» Tallest sunflower So have a chat with your friends and neighbours and get started today.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/housinginbloom

Entry details You can enter in three ways: 1. Complete the online form at the Housing in Bloom webpage above 2. Email to getinvolved@havering.gov.uk 3. Post to Housing in Bloom 2016, Lee Osborne Housing Community Engagement Officer, Havering Council Housing Services, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill RM3 8YQ

31 Wednes

day

AUGUST

Don’t forget to include your name, address, contact details and which category you are entering. Closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 31 August 2016.

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Spotlight on William Nestled in the heart of Hornchurch is an oasis of calm and quiet – William Tansley Smith House is home to a host of wildlife as well as sheltered housing residents.

With 23 homes in the complex it is one of Havering’s smaller schemes but it is big in community spirit.

Scheme Officer, Andra Ramsay, said: “The community spirit is good here. For example, if someone is popping to the chip shop to buy their dinner, they first pop into the lounge to see if anyone else wants a fish supper. Thinking about others is what makes William Tansley Smith House such a pleasant place to live.”

“The gardens here are lovely and residents make the most of them in the good weather. There’s lots of colour in the flower beds, pots and planters while the trees attract a lot of wildlife including many types of birds and squirrels.”

SHOUT Forum representative, Lucy Proctor, added: “Because there are only 23 homes on the site it’s easy to make friends with your neighbours and we do a lot of things together.

But because you have your own front door you can also be on your own when you want to so we really have the best of both worlds.”

Fellow SHOUT Forum representative, Adrienne Bell, said: “We have plenty of activities for people to join in if they want. On Monday there is a coffee morning, Tuesday a knitting and craft afternoon while on Fridays we often have entertainment evenings with sing-a-longs. We’re always open to new ideas for other activities to hold or clubs to run so any suggestions would be very welcome."

Re us

More information www.havering.gov.uk/WilliamTansley

Residents celebrated VE Day with a party

Carefully positioned benches mean residents can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil gardens 6

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Residents enjoy the garden at W

Tansley Smith House

esidents make good se of the lounge

William Tansley Smith House

William Tansley Smith House and gardens

The plaque commemorating the opening of the scheme

What’s behind the name?

William Tansley Smith House is named after Councillor W T Smith, who was known as Bill. He was Mayor of Havering between 1969-1970 and was also a local Justice of the Peace.

His wife, Councillor Mrs Angie Smith, opened the scheme on Wednesday 30 October 1985.

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SHOUT for your representative Each sheltered housing scheme can have up to two representatives attend the SHOUT (Sheltered Housing Users Team) forum. If you have a question or issue you wish them to raise please contact your representative.

8 Bards Court 26 Bards Court 40 Beehive Court 44 Beehive Court 15 Brunswick Court 45 Brunswick Court 94 Charlbury Court 126 Charlbury Court 6 Cockabourne Court 17 Cockabourne Court 10 Cole Court 13 Cole Court 82 Delderfield House 7 Dell Court 14 Dell Court 4 Fambridge Court 4 Fambridge Court 7 Garrick House 3 Vaudeville Close Garrick House

John Ashwell John Hunter Jeff Haimov Graham Board Ann Christian Paul Clark Rosie George Sandra Bristow Pam Lever Joan Dowling Doreen Richardson Patricia Payne Shirley Fletcher Maureen Marsh Maureen Piller Fred Distone Sheila Distone Malcolm Hales Maureen Goodey

35 Holsworthy House 29 Maygreen Crescent 35 Maygreen Crescent 87 Neave Crescent Poplar Street Poplar Street 14 Queen Street 90 Queen Street 147 Ravenscourt Grove 109 Ravenscourt Grove Royal Jubilee Court Royal Jubilee Court 13 Solar Court 3 Sunrise Court 6 Thomas Sims Court Thomas Sims Court 5 William Tansley Smith House 11 William Tansley Smith House

Stan Tackley Sue Hutton Mary Cross Margaret Boyd vacant – rep needed vacant – rep needed Ted Jones Sue Attfield Jim Clement Jean Garbett vacant – rep needed vacant – rep needed Frances Rowntree Brian Laws Peter Cox vacant – rep needed Lucy Proctor Adrienne Bell

SHOUT Forum dates The SHOUT Forum is scheduled to meet on: »» Tuesday 31 January 2017, 10am – 1pm Bards Court »» Tuesday 25 April 2017, 10am – 1pm Cottons and Fambridge Court »» Tuesday 25 July 2017, 10am – 1pm Cottons and Fambridge Court »» Tuesday 25 October, 10am – 1pm William Tansley Smith House »» Tuesday 31 October 2017, 10am – 1pm Garrick House

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These meetings are only open to your elected SHOUT Forum representatives.

If you have something you wish to be raised at one of these meetings please let your representative know.

Heard at the SHOUT Forum

Representatives share a joke during the meeting

Neil Bartle explains the Careline services available

Tina Sokhal advises on benefits that are available

SHOUT Forum representatives had a busy time at the meeting on Tuesday 26 July. The meeting was chaired

by SHOUT Forum Vice Chairman, Jeff Haimov from Beehive Court, and among the items they discussed were:

»» Proposals to regenerate seven sheltered housing schemes in the borough (see pages 1 and 3 for the full story) »» Proposals to invest in improvements at 12 sheltered housing schemes (see page 4 for the full story) »» The need to make sure that residents stayed with the electric doors until they were fully shut to prevent strangers entering behind them

»» The need for more computer training to give people more confidence in using them for reporting issues online to the Council »» The need to clarify what the bulk waste disposal and aerial elements of the rent mean – this will be reported to the next meeting. »» Whether CCTV could be installed at all schemes as part of the improvement programme

»» The need for the boundary fence at Thomas Sims Court to be repaired »» The need for the scooter sheds at Cottons Court to be moved to improve access »» The three yearly inspections that take place which identifies when pruning is needed and appropriate More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

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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 10

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Something fishy at Cockabourne Court Sixty-two years ago Peter Gardiner, as a 16-year- old, developed an interest in keeping fish at the family home in Charlbury Crescent, Harold Hill.

But when he did his National Service in the army it wasn’t possible to continue with the hobby and when he left the army and became an HGV driver there was no time to pick it up again.

But in February this year he decided to return to the hobby he enjoyed so long ago, and he is now looking for fellow aquarists to share ideas and chat with about the

Catfish

Peter Gardiner checks the chemical balance of his aquarium

fish they keep.

The aquarium now takes pride of place in his flat at Cockabourne Court, Harold Wood and attracts the attention of every visitor who calls.

Peter said: “My aquarium holds around 180 litres of water and is stocked with a selection of fish from South America and South East Asia, including Cardinal Tetras, Catfish, Angel Fish and male Guppies.

“It cost me about £650 to set up but gives me a lot of pleasure, watching the fish is often more interesting than watching TV. “It takes less than 15 minutes a day to feed the fish, test the water quality and make sure

everything is ok so it’s not very time consuming. Weekly costs are about £6 so it’s not expensive either.

“I’d like to hear from any other people who keep fish so we can share details of what we do and chat about our hobby together.”

If you keep fish and want to chat with Peter either fill in the online form below or have a word with your Sheltered Scheme Officer.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Male Guppy

Cardinal Tetra Sheltered Times, Issue 10

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Poetry please The poetry feature in our last edition proved popular and several of you noticed the gremlins had removed the last line of Brian’s poem, A Very Strange Barn.

The last verse should have read: I had a nice winter down on that farm In the company of an Owl in that very strange Barn I'm sad to leave and I have enjoyed my stay But my very best friends are returning today!

Our apologies for the error.

Brian Weston

NIGHT DRIVE rt

by Brian Weston, Cottons Cou untry lanes Driving through lonely co ness like flames Headlights piercing dark cks, rabbits and deer tra r ei th in ad de ng pi op St d so full of fear Their eyes glow bright an r miles On and on the lanes go fo ows and styles Objects appearing, hedger through the swirling mist Ghostly shadows appear hing being kissed Jackfrost is around, everyt so I thought A short cut I have taken or t be caught Time is a thief that won' ght Oh to be an owl in the ni n he's in full flight Nothing can stop him whe ss for so long I've been driving in darkne s are in full song Morning has broken bird a long drive I'm home at last after such mysterious ride.

I've seen so much on my

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Royal Jubilee Court book publishers

Patricia and Ken with a copy of Dragonfly Imago, Sailing the Dream

Patricia and Ken of Royal Jubliee Court are not your normal couple, not by a long stretch.

months later they set off again and this time they reached the Caribbean.

They have had more adventures, trials, tribulations, experiences and enduring times in their lives than most of us could imagine. Even now with ailments and health concerns, they both share the same lust and passion for life and the planet that they always have.

Patricia is a hobby writer and reader and has chosen to record those times in her recently published book, Dragonfly Imago, Sailing the Dream: A Personal Journey. She was spurred on by those around her, including her community scheme managers, to publish her incredible memoirs, but her greatest influence came from her husband Ken. Thirteen years ago Ken suffered a catastrophic stroke which left him in intensive care and unable to remember his own name. Patricia has since dedicated her life to caring for Ken and watching his remarkable recovery which has left medical professionals in disbelief.

She states, “Caring for Ken is as rewarding as anything I have ever experienced. No one believed he would make his 80th birthday so when we celebrated it, it was

Boat building In 1981, Patricia and Ken decided to build a boat with their bare hands to sail the world. Neither had any experience of sailing or boat building for that matter.

Paddy cannot put her finger on why they decided to embark upon such a feat but describes it almost as a rite-of-passage. Their first attempt was blighted off the South Coast of England where they got into trouble and had to turn back. They spent a year gaining important skills and making repairs to the boat. Twelve

The inspiration

magical. I decided to write the book as a tribute to him and to remind him of all our memories.”

The book follows the building of their sailing boat, their maiden voyage and how they overcame huge physical and emotional obstacles to build it. It is in an astonishing tale of perseverance, risk, personal sacrifice, courage and throwing caution to the wind, letting nature take control of their destiny. This analogy is the premise for Patricia’s second book, entitled, The Wind has Weight: Fate Bears No Malice, which is being published in November and documents the fifteen years they spent sailing round the world.

More about Ken & Patricia’s life at sea can be read in our next Sheltered Times edition Sheltered Times, Issue 10 | 13

An afternoon of fun t More than 60 residents from across Havering spent an afternoon at myplace in Harold Hill at an event aimed at helping them make new friends while gaining new information.

Housing Community Engagement Officer, Kim Miller,

said: “The aim of the event was for residents who may feel isolated to meet and interact with new people as well as find out what local services are available for them to help with their wellbeing. “ The event started with a sandwich lunch and then there

were a number of talks, demonstrations and entertainment as well as a free raffle.

“This may lead to them joining clubs to help them not feel so isolated and lonely in the future.” said Kim.

Community Warden Terry Broad explains emergency medicine boxes to Felix Oyewole and Win Treadway

Denise Reece explains Careline services to Bert and June Morley

Ben Miller proved a hit

George and Joan Price clap along to the mus

Transport for London Ambassador Natasha Robertson chats about discount rail fares to Robert and Lilian Elgram 14

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Trading Standards Officer David Turner gives advice on telephone scams to Leslie Bone

to make new friends

PCSO Angela Gilham shows Louisa Dixon of Hornchurch how a purse chain protects against pickpockets

Kim Miller compared the event

Ben Miller entertains his audience

Hearing good advice

sic with Olive Goodfellow

Tapestry Health Champion Debbie Bailey explains the Get Active programme to David Overland

Information stands Information and advice was available from: »» Get Active »» Social Inclusion Team »» Havering Council Trading »» Tapestry Standards »» Transport for London »» Community Wardens Community Ambassadors »» Careline

The talks were: »» Trading Standards regarding scam awareness (David Turner) »» Flower arrangement demonstration from Havering Adult College (Tina Peters) »» Tapestry regarding Dementia (Karen Speller) »» Arm Chair exercise demonstration by Exercise with Sally Guise »» Social Inclusion Team about Vizbuz.

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Homes for gnomes

John and Daphne hard at work at their painting station

John and Daphne Clifford of Poplar Street, Romford take great pleasure in their hobby which gives new leases of life to old, broken and tired gnomes.

Every few months the couple both take a trip to a factory outlet in the Isle of Sheppey, where they pick up new stock cheaply. The gnomes and figurines are damaged and broken and often contain cracks and holes in the concrete. John takes them home and then begins fixing them up. He uses filler, then treats the surface with a wire brush. Next he adds acrylic paint and finishes up with a coat of varnish to keep them weatherproof. Once dry, the result is as good as new.

Their hobby keeps them very busy and is a great way to relax.

A slightly unwilling starter, Daphne got involved a year ago and is now as enthusiastic as John. She said, “Both of us have got to rest up due to various ailments and our hobby means 16

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we can while away the time in the garden for hours.”

What started as just one gnome has now branched out into cars, boats, lighthouse, foxes, birds, owls and even a birdbath, which adorn their front and back gardens. “The neighbours and children love it when they walk past,” says Daphne.

They have many projects on the go at once and are always looking to take on more. John has recently acquired a boat, which he is looking forward to starting, “It’s my first boat and

my favourite ornament so far, I think it’s because it brings out the boy in me. It’s a large project and could take up to 3/4 weeks to finish,” he says.

After that the next project is a stone Staffordshire Terrier for their son, which they will restore to perfect order in return for a free dinner. “Then there is the great grandson to consider,” they both acknowledge, “he would like a gnome for his garden. The orders keep on coming, we’re never quite sure what to expect next.”

John with one of his favourite gnomes

A selection of some of their figures including lots of woodland animals

Cabinet Member’s Surgery Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries so tenants and leaseholders can call in and discuss any issues with him.

Future dates and venues are shown below and people are seen on a first come, first served basis.

Friday 19 August 2016

4pm – 6pm Town Hall Main Road, Romford RM1 3BB

Friday 23 September 2016 4pm – 6pm Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ Friday 21 October 2016

4pm – 6pm Macon Way Council Office 98A Macon Way, Upminster RM14 1NY

Friday 25 November 2016

4pm – 6pm Hacton Hall, Haydock Close, Hornchurch RM12 6EA

Friday 16 December 2016 4pm – 6pm Town Hall Room CR4, Main Road Romford RM1 3BB Friday 20 January 2017

4pm – 6pm Hacton Hall, Haydock Close, Hornchurch RM12 6EA

Friday 24 February 2017

4pm – 6pm Macon Way Council Office 98A Macon Way Upminster RM14 1NY

Friday 24 March 2017

4pm – 6pm Highfield Towers Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

Friday 28 April 2017

4pm – 6pm Hacton Hall, Haydock Close Hornchurch RM12 6EA

Green light for environmental improvements SHOUT Forum representatives recently met Senior Estate Inspector, Jaya Leal, and Community Engagement Officer, Chelsea Potts to discuss how to allocate the £40,000 budget forenvironmental improvements.The table below

shows the priorities which were agreed for each scheme and these are now being costed to see what can be done within the available budget.

Scheme

Priority 1

Priority 2

Bards Court

Painting of the internal walls in the communal lounge

Internal lights in the communal lounge.

(Two wall lights)

Priority 3

Beehive Court

Rotting woodwork near the hanging line Double yellow line requested in the car in communal garden park (Near driveway)

Adaptation to toilets to make them disabled friendly

Brunswick Court

TBC

TBC

TBC

Charlbury Court

Patio paving stones are very wobbly with raised gaps. Patch repairs needed

Fencing in communal garden

Lights in communal lounge not working

Cockabourne Court

Tree in back garden blocking sunlight. It has fallen down and is a hazard

Rotten window seals

Rotten window seals Railings on walkways need painting

Cole Court

Fire door communal lounge needs ASSA lock

Washing lines – area needs levelling (x2 lines)

Cottons Court and Fambridge Court

More car parking spaces needed

External painting of Fambridge Court

Delderfield House

Pathway back communal garden – Broken Tarmac

Fencing communal garden

Dell Court

Fence – Communal garden

Patio extended

Paint ceilings of communal areas

Garrick House

Fire door by the office needs repairing

Interior lights need repairing and a “scheme plan" needs to be put up on wall

Block drains need repairing.

Holsworthy House

Washing area – Would prefer drying lines. Access to scooter stores needs to be Area is in a bad state looked at

Water tap in back garden is not working.

Maygreen Crescent

No attendance at meeting

No attendance at meeting

No attendance at meeting

Queen Street

Scooter sheds need to be moved for better access

Improve access to back gate of main block

Block 1-12 alleyway, shrubs and crazy paving inside the fence need to be addressed

Ravenscourt Grove

Inside windows and stairwell

Washing lines need upgrading

Fencing in the back communal garden

Royal Jubilee Court

No attendance at meeting

No attendance at meeting

No attendance at meeting

Serena, Solar and Sunrise Court

Surveyor to visit due to various issues

Thomas Sims Court

Fencing communal garden

Security lighting outside of number 6 needs repairing

Trees need trimming

William Tansley Smith House

Pathway in the communal garden

Shrub bed at the back of the communal garden and pond needs sorting

Fencing communal garden Sheltered Times, Issue 10

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Activities for you to enjoy Scheme

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Bards Court

Coffee morning, afternoon tea and darts

Coffee morning, club meet in afternoon

Computer lessons in morning, coffee morning, games afternoon

Coffee morning, Coffee morning 11am to 1pm computer quiz afternoon training courses, afternoon bingo

Beehive Court

Fitness Club morning Age Concern morning Bingo evening

Afternoon tea

Lunch Bingo evening

Lunch Dinner/ Entertainment Evenings

Brunswick Court

Bingo afternoon MSW visits and sheltered surgeries

Bible studies morning, hairdresser visits afternoon, darts evening

Lunch, Silver Linx club afternoon,

Tables games Perky pensioners afternoon; first lunch Tuesday of each month at 2pm, Supported Housing Surgery

Charlbury Court

Bingo evening Bingo evening

Friday

Alternate weeks brunch

Cockabourne Court

Bacon sandwiches morning

Cole Court

Coffee Morning

Cottons Court

Activities Club Afternoon Bingo evening

Pool afternoon

Dell Court

Bingo Afternoon

Cards afternoon Darts Afternoon

Keep fit afternoon Cards afternoon Board games afternoon

Fambridge Court

Activities Club Afternoon Bingo evening

Pool afternoon

Breakfast morning Bingo evening

Pool

Garrick House

Bingo afternoon

Line Dancing afternoon

Bingo afternoon

Tea and Cake afternoon Bingo afternoon

Holsworthy House

Coffee morning Bingo Coffee morning afternoon

Coffee morning Computer lessons

Coffee morning Bingo evening

Lombard House

Bingo afternoon

Breakfast morning

Knitting afternoon

Maygreen Crescent

Coffee morning

Snooker evening

Park Lane

Coffee morning

Snooker evening

Poplar Street

Bingo afternoon

Darts evening

Royal Jubilee Court

Coffee morning

Pool afternoon

Keep Fit Coffee morning Snooker evening, evening meal

Breakfast morning

Computer Games Coffee morning Computer Games

Thomas Sims Court Tea and coffee Tea and coffee morning morning Bingo and Bonus Ball Pool afternoon Game lunch

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Breakfast morning Bingo evening

Knitting afternoon

Mobile support workers surgery

Ravenscourt Grove

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Entertainment evenings

Lunch every other Wednesday, activities evening

Queen Street

William Tansley Smith House

Coffee morning, evening – card games and darts

Coffee morning

Knitting /Craft morning

Tea and Coffee Morning Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon Cards Evening

Cards evening

Bingo evening

Computer Games

Coffee morning Computer games Tea and coffee Morning Bacon and Sausage Sandwich Lunch Entertainment Evenings

Commit to be Fit! Armchair Exercise

After successfully securing a bid with the Big Lottery fund, Holsworthy House will be starting a 12 week armchair exercise class from Tuesday 6 September from 1pm – 2pm.

The residents of Holsworthy House worked with Community Engagement Officer, Chelsea Potts, to secure the funding and are very much looking forward to beginning the exercise classes.

Commit to be Fit is open for all sheltered housing residents and booking is not required.

Listings

Tea Dance Every Thursday, 1.30 – 3.30pm New Windmill Hall, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster RM14 2QH More information www.nwhall.org.uk

Techy Teas First Thursday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm Upminster Library, 26 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster RM14 2BB Learn how to use the full potential of your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. An active Havering Library card is required.

More information upminster.library@havering.gov.uk

Armchair exercise taking place

Future Trips Future trips, all costing £10 per person, include: Tuesday 30 August Clacton-on- Sea Tuesday 13 September Windsor Booking is essential More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Sheltered Times, Issue 10

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Computers are well used The computers installed in the communal lounges are still proving popular as the table of logins for July 2016 below shows.

If you haven’t yet had your training and want to get online please contact your scheme manager.

Scheme No of logins

July 2016 Beehive Court 2,094 Charlbury Crescent 1960 William Tansley Smith House 1077 Queen Street 1049 Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane 953 Brunswick Court 880 Garrick House 885 Holsworthy House 780 Cotton and Fambridge Courts 681 Royal Jubilee Court 673 Thomas Sims Court 590 Bards Court 565 Cole Court 560 Dell Court 546 Ravenscourt Grove 542 Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts 521 Cockabourne Court

Once you have got a basic knowledge of IT from the training courses, in your scheme there are a number of ways you can develop extra skills Havering Adult College run an IT course with a concessionary rate for people over the age of 60.

More information www.havering adultcollege.co.uk Tapestry offers some computer skills courses.

More information www.tapestry-uk.org

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Havering Citizens Advice Bureau offers help and support with IT skills.

More information www. haveringcab.org Techy Teas Learn how to use the full potential of your laptop, mobile phone or tablet at one of our Techy Teas sessions. The first Thursday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm Upminster Library, 26 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, RM14 2BB. An active Havering Library card is required.

More information upminster.library@ havering.gov.uk

More information www.havering.gov.uk/enews

ICT Champions A team of ITC Champions is being brought together to visit sheltered housing schemes and help residents get online.

Community Engagement Officer, Kim Miller, said: “The volunteers are really valuable to us as they help our residents become more computer savvy and help them to be digitally included.” »» Gary Narborough has run courses at Dell Court, Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House »» Helen Wright has run courses at Charlbury Court and Poplar Street. »» Kevin Troughton volunteers at Park Lane »» Ray Allaker volunteers at Garrick House There are also a couple of volunteers interested in giving IT lessons in the sheltered housing schemes who will be allocated to a scheme once they are available.

Design & Print by London Borough of Havering. Job No: D4662

Courses to develop skills

No of logins March 2016 1,896 1,686 1,000 802 950 847 828 497 642 581 548 503 508 540 462 508