Shout it from the rooftop winter 16

EDITION 88

AUTUMN 2016

Celebrating An Olympic Year

DON’T FORGET

2017 Garden Competition is coming up

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT and old fashioned things like that

GOODBYE ROOFTOP Ian Hughes retires

Emergency repairs and anti-social behaviour can be reported even when we are closed on 0800 0421 800

Call us free on 0800 0421 800 or visit our website at www.rooftopgroup.org

Don’t be badgered into leaving Inkberrow Rural living is not out of reach, you can afford to buy within Inkberrow with shared ownership from Rooftop Housing Group with prices starting from £100,000 for a 50% share of a 2 bedroom home* #Sharedownership

*Rent is payable on the remaining 50%, terms and conditions apply. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

01386 442671

www.reedsrains.co.uk

You can change Rooftop Have you ever wondered why Rooftop does what it does?

Have you ever wondered how Rooftop makes decisions, starts new services and changes the way that it works?

Sometimes residents tell us it’s hard from the outside to see why we do things the way that we do.

Did you know that we have all sorts of steps that we need to take before we make changes? We need your help so that we make the best possible changes and improvements in our services.

That’s where the Resident Excellence Panel (REP) comes in.

The Panel is made up of Rooftop customers and it scrutinises and investigates the services we provide to residents. It works with our Customer Panel, making sure that you’re at the heart of the decisions we make.

So what does the REP do?

The customers that make up the Panel find which service to review, they look into that service and report back with how it can be improved.

We need more of you to get involved, and because we recognise how important the REP is to Rooftop, members will receive either payment (up to £1,000) or shopping vouchers for giving their time. We will also provide a tablet and training.

If you’re interested in taking part, and being at the heart of the Rooftop community, there are two taster sessions happening at our Head Office in Evesham on Thursday 10 November 3pm to 6pm. They’ll take about an hour and a half and will be a chance to ask questions about what the Panel members do.

If you are interested and want to know more about applying or the taster sessions please contact Kate Gallant, Community Investment Manager, on 01386 420800 extension 116 or by email on kate.gallant@rooftopgroup.org

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ISSUE ISSUE

ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

Money Saving Tips

page 5

Resident advice

Page 8

Benefit Cap

Page 10

Volunteering

Page 12

21 Years of Rooftop

Page 18

Neighbourhood Officers

Pages 20 & 21

Resident’s Panel Update

Pages 28 & 29

Gardening Competition

Pages 32 & 33 3

One million pounds sounds like a lot of money.

It could buy you 3 average detached houses, and you’d have enough left over for a nice car and a nice holiday…

One million pounds sounds like a lot of money, until you start to divide it, and see how far it can stretch.

That’s why Beverley, Rooftop Work and Money Advisor, doesn’t like talking about big figures. The one million pounds that Beverley has helped people get this year actually means that she’s been able to help 256 people claim the benefits that they were absolutely entitled to.

This isn’t extra money, this is money that should have been theirs in the first place.

“The figures don’t surprise me” says Beverley, “so many people are unaware of the help that’s available, and there’s lots of inaccurate assumptions.”

Beverley’s advice is simple “Always get accurate and professional benefits advice from advice agencies.

Even if you’ve had a benefits ‘MOT’ a year ago, try and get another one each year to make sure you don’t miss out.” She knows that rules change, personal circumstances change and hundreds of people in the Rooftop community are missing out.

It’s not all plain sailing getting to the magical million mark. “As a benefits advisor I find it very frustrating when I meet someone who could… who SHOULD have already claimed a benefit; they’ve missed out, benefits are rarely backdated!”

One million pounds sounds like a lot of money.

It means, on average, an extra £76 a week for the people Beverly has helped, and that extra £76 could be worth a million to them.

She knows what she’s talking about. She’s often heard “I’ve been told…” or “my friend said I can’t get that…” because well-meaning people have passed on half-truths and rumours.

To make an appointment with Beverley, or just a chat, please telephone on 01386 420800 extension 164.

This service is available to all tenants and their families.

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Money Saving Tips Household Savings It’s never a bad thing to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your energy bills. The Energy Saving Trust has a free home energy check tool on its website (energysavingtrust.org.uk) that can save some households £250 with its personalised advice.

Energy-saving lightbulbs might look a bit ugly and be more expensive than traditional bulbs, but they should still benefit you in the long-term. Some sources claim they give up to 25,000 hours of light compared to 1,000 for a traditional bulb.

Phones and Internet Dialing a number that starts 0870, 0845, 0871 or 0844 should ring alarm bells. They generally cost far more than a call to a normal 01, 02 or 03 number. Thanks to regulations introduced in 2014, these expensive numbers are less common than they used to be, yet you may still find them in certain cases – such as a sales line for a travel firm or the box office for a cinema or theatre. Not only do you have to pay, the company you’re speaking to may profit from the call – even if you’re calling to complain.

Many people have a Pay as You Go mobile phone, thinking that it will cost them less. But shop around.

Contracts can now be as low as £3.95 per month for 250 minutes of calls and unlimited texts, plus some only tie you in for one month at a time. Do your research! But remember, stick within the data limit of your broadband provider or go unlimited, or you could face high penalty charges.

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A water meter might not always be right for you, as it calculates the sewerage pumping costs as well.

The Consumer Council for Water has a calculator that can tell you if a meter is really worth it. Find it on their website www.ccwater.org.uk When buying an appliance do you look at cost, features, space, or energy efficiency. The latter could save you big money in the long-term.

Paying bills by Direct Debit has several advantages; it takes out the issue of remembering to pay (and therefore no black marks on your credit report) and spreads the cost. Timing your priority Direct Debits around when your regular income comes into your account means that you can ensure they’re always covered. Some companies, such as utility providers, offer a cheaper tariff if you pay by Direct Debit.

Finally, the summer is over but plan ahead….. phone up your Council and ask to see if you can get a free water butt for the spring/summer, to save on watering costs. Just stick it outside and let the weather do all the work!

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Not bad for 90!

When I was shown pictures of Audrey’s intricate knitting designs I thought that I would meet an ordinary 90 year old lady who dedicated a lot of time to her knitting.

Audrey sat in her knitting chair and I settled on the green sofa. Audrey explained she’d got home at 2am after being at the Evesham River Festival, I laughed slightly shocked.

“It was a wonderful day.” I’m captured by Audrey’s mischievous smile and I set up my camera in the corner; Audrey seems a little uncomfortable with it. I explain it’s mainly to help my memory. “My mother taught me to knit when I was three years old, so I could knit when I went to school.” “For school?” I ask. “Oh yes” she replies, “we did knitting and sewing and raffia”. I have to admit that I’ve never heard of raffia, Audrey explains it is a type of weaving used to make things like baskets. What about science and maths I wonder to myself.

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She shows me a picture of her mother she has on her fire place. The picture is of a smiling lady holding a white square cake engraved with the number ‘100’. “She was a wonderful woman. That was her on her 100th Birthday”, there’s a warmth to Audrey’s voice now as we look at the picture together. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask. “Oh yes, I was one of twelve,” she says proudly.

“Twelve?” I repeat astonished, as a mother of a chaotic one year old I can’t believe my ears. “I can’t imagine having twelve” I say. “I had six” she tells me and it’s clear that Audrey’s family are very important to her.

She tells me that she taught her daughters and her granddaughters to knit. She takes me to the fire place again and shows me a picture of twin girls. Next to the picture is a pink knitted hedgehog with sparkly brown knitted spines.

“My Granddaughter made this one” she glows.

Next to the fireplace stands a tall, powder blue post box decorated with flowers and a picture of Audrey on the front. “My granddaughter made this for my 90th” she tells me.

It’s a post box of family memories. It’s been carefully handmade. “I don’t like a fuss so I thought my birthday would be quiet you know, in the evening I went with my family and they surprised me with a big party. There was everyone I knew.

My daughters had been conspiring for months between themselves.”

Audrey explained that her daughters had flown over to the UK to be with her on her birthday, one from New Zealand and one from Canada. “Ive flown all around the world, I love flying.” Audrey shows me some pieces she’s done. There is a pastel yellow blanket which is her favourite and a grey teddy, which is mine.

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On a shelf in her lounge, proudly surveying the room are the Royal Family (well the knitted version) “The Corgis were especially fiddly” she laughs. “I made those for the Queens Diamond Jubilee, and they were displayed in the Church”. In fact the figures attracted so much attention that they were featured in My Weekly Magazine. “Have you made anything for charity?” I ask. “Yes” she replies, “I make a lot of clothes for premature babies” “Is there a particular charity that’s meaningful to you?” I sense a change in Audrey’s energy as she answers me. “Yes, I make things for the Red Cross, My husband was in the War and they were wonderful.”

For the first time Audrey’s smile falters and I’m relieved when she offers a subject change. She flexes her hands, “Not bad for 90 years old? It keeps my hands going.”

She reveals that she’s never suffered with arthritis or any joint pain at all… I had never considered knitting as a form of exercise. I ask Audrey if I can take some photos and she obliges posing with her creations. There’s a knock at the door as I’m leaving and Audrey’s son-in-law lets himself in. “He comes to check on me every day” she tells me happily.

“Yeah but I have to book months in advance to see you” he jokes, “she’s always doing something she’s busier than I am!”

I step out into the rain thinking of all Audrey’s adventures and I find myself as a 26 year old new mum, with a new perspective of age.

by Felicity Humphrey

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REPAIR CHANGES

Rooftop’s Repair Service has been through huge changes after the feedback you gave us. If you’ve had a requested repair (outside the usual cycle of renewing and replacing) since January 2016 you’ll have noticed the difference. We have 93.2% satisfaction for our repairs.

calls between Rooftop and Fortis Property Care will dramatically reduce and you’ll have to spend less time on the phone to us when you’re booking a repair.

We even have new opening hours on the repairs line, it’ll now be open from 8am to 4.30pm which means more of you will be able to book a repair before going to work, doing the school run, or both!

There have been some changes, including appointments training for staff and we’ve been trying out ‘handhelds’ for our Gas Servicing.

Handhelds mean that we get information back on your repair as it happens which reduces delays and means you know more about what’s going on.

The big change has happened on 3 October when the two teams, Repairs Administrators and Planners became based together. This means that

SWEEP UP TO STAY SAFE Real fires that burn coal, wood or solid material are ‘solid fuel fires’ and these need regular maintenance.

If you have a wood burner, stove or solid fuel heating system you’ll have an annual service and safety check as part of your tenancy. However, if you have an open fire as an extra form of heating (you also have central heating that’s gas, oil or electric) then it’s your responsibility to have your chimney swept and maintained to a safe standard. If your chimney isn’t properly maintained it can cause a build up of deadly carbon monoxide. To help stay safe…

• Empty and check the ash can every day.

• Flue ways at the back of the boiler should be cleaned once a week. Only do this when the fire is out and it’s gone cold.

• Throat plates should be removed and cleaned monthly.

• Get your chimney swept at least once a year by a recommended chimney sweep, preferably a member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps, Guild of Master Sweeps or Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps.

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LOOK OUT FOR SMART METERS All the Gas and Electricity companies are currently in the process of rolling out “smart meters”. These are meters that automatically send meter readings to your energy supplier. They do this using GPRS technology, just like mobile phones. You will no longer have to provide meter readings and will no longer receive estimated bills.

You will also receive an energy display which shows you how much energy you’re using and gives you a good idea of what it’s costing you. These smart meters are provided free of charge by your energy supplier.

Your gas and electricity meters are owned by your energy supplier, so you do not need Rooftop’s permission for the switch to a smart meter.

Each energy supplier is running its own smart meter roll programme, and they will notify you when they will be carrying out the meter switches in your area. If you want more details you will need to contact your energy supplier.

Most energy suppliers will provide smart meters for customers on both Direct Debit plans as well as Pay as You Go plans.

There are a few circumstances where smart meters can’t be installed: • Existing energy meters aren’t always located in easy to reach places, and at the moment it’s not possible to install smart meters for certain types of homes. For example, if you live in a block of flats your meter might be kept with others in a locked cupboard. You might also live a long way up from your meter, meaning the smart energy display can’t get a signal. And some gas meters may even be located underground, meaning the energy supplier cannot get access.

• Some smart meters do not work with solar PV panels. You will need to tell your energy supplier if you have solar PV panels on your roof and they will decide whether their smart meter will be suitable for your property.

Once your energy company has installed your smart meter, they’ll no longer send someone round to carry out meter readings. However, they will still send a technician around every couple of years to make sure that the meter is working properly.

Condensation Now that it’s winter you can help stop condensation, remember Rooftop only has a requirement to provide you with the facility to control the condensation.

• Keep the temperature up at home. You don’t need much. The advice is between 12 to 14 degrees for at least 14 hours a day. It makes sure the building stays above ‘dew point’ which is when moisture collects.

• If you have extractor fans use them, and keep them on until the steam has all gone or until they stop.

• If you have ‘trickle vents’ on windows keep them open.

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• Try not to dry washing indoors. Putting wet washing on radiators creates a lot of moisture in the air as the water leaves the clothing.

• If you get condensation, control it by drying, then using soap and water or products you’ll find in DIY shops to clean the area.

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BENEFIT CAP

Which benefits are not included in the benefit cap?

What is the benefit cap?

If you or a member of your household are receiving one of the benefits below then the benefit cap will not apply to you:

As part of the Government’s Welfare Reform changes, the total amount of benefit that can be received will be a set amount for both single people and couples. This is called the benefit cap.

£257.69 a week if you are a single person

• Working Tax Credits • Disability Living Allowance / PIP • War Widows / Widowers Benefits • Attendance Allowance • Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments • Industrial Injuries Benefits • Carers Allowance (this income only applies from Autumn 2016 when the new benefit cap amount is introduced) • Guardians Allowance (this income only applies from Autumn 2016 when the new benefit cap amount is introduced)

Which benefits are included in the benefit cap?

Which benefits will be reduced if I am affected by the benefit cap?

• Jobseeker’s Allowance • Employment Support Allowance • Housing Benefit • Child Benefit • Child Tax Credit • Carers Allowance • Bereavement Allowance • Widowed Parents Allowance • Incapacity Benefit • Income Support • Maternity Allowance • Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) • Widow’s Pension

If you receive Housing Benefit this will be reduced by the amount you are over the cap. If your Housing Benefit entitlement is reduced due to the cap amount, you will receive at least 50p of your Housing Benefit entitlement.

The benefit cap was brought in to make sure that no family received more in benefits than the average working household.

The cap is currently £500 per week for couples and lone parents and £350 per week for single adults.

From autumn 2016 (October/November) the cap amount will drop even further to:- £384.62 a week if you are a couple or have children

For example, a couple receives £585 in benefits and their Housing Benefit entitlement is £100. The benefit cap is currently £500 for couples. This means they are £85 over their entitlement and their housing benefit entitlement will be reduced to £15 per week.

From Autumn 2016 the cap will reduce even further for this couple to £384.62. That will mean they are now £200.38 over the cap and their Housing Benefit entitlement will reduce to 50p.

If you receive Universal Credit your entitlement will be reduced by the amount that you are over the cap.

If you would like confidential advice or more information from our Work and Money Advisors, please contact either Beverley Hiden or Philippa Sandt on 01386 420800 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduction Authority (registration number 713326) to provide an impartial, free and confidential credit broking, debt counselling and debt adjusting service.

Limited to carry out regulated activities as a not for profit firm.

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he took part in the Deaf World Cup in Italy scoring 5 goals including a hat trick. He’s hoping to build on the team’s success when it comes to the Deaf Olympics in 2017 after they finished in 7th place.

The Deaf Football teams aren’t funded by the FA or Government and rely on fundraising to take part in competitions and training. The Rooftop BSL group will be proudly supporting them with fundraising over the coming year.

Jamie also has an impressive modelling career, modelling for names such as Kenneth Cole, he’s been signed in New York, London and Japan. The ladies couldn’t contain their excitement to get a picture and steal a cheeky kiss...

Jamie Clarke Rooftops British Sign Language group (BSL) were excited to have a special visit from Jamie Clarke on Friday the 16th July. Jamie is a striker for Great Britain’s Deaf Football team.

He holds the record for top goal scorer in league history. Jamie has participated in the World Cup, the Olympics, and the European Championships. In June

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The BSL Group meet every Friday 2pm till 4pm at Seward Close. They’ve been learning basic sign language in a mixed group of deaf, hearing and hearing impaired people and hope to build on future activities. They’re currently planning a few day trips and other activities. The main focus has been to remove some communication barriers with learning basic sign language whilst raising deaf awareness.

The Rooftop BSL group has brought communities together despite different abilities. One member commented that at 78 learning sign language is something she’s wanted to do all of her life and is very excited to have had the opportunity. A Rooftop staff member said she was grateful to Rooftop for supporting her through training so that she can provide a constant service for all tenants. As well as bringing people together, BSL helps with flexibility in the hands (good for Arthritis) and keeps the mind active supporting wellbeing.

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Just a cuppa We always hope that we’ll have people around us; there’s the image of the traditional family, with grandparents helping out and spending time with their friends. The reality can be very different… children move away, or you don’t have children, the friends that you make dwindle, as they go to where their families are, you lose contact, they have difficulties with their health, you may suffer the loss of your partner… and suddenly the network of people around isn’t there anymore and you didn’t even notice it going.

We need volunteers to just be people… to do the things that people do; talk with someone, share a cuppa and a laugh, pop out with them, help them find the services that mean that they won’t be lonely, they won’t be isolated, they won’t be on their own again.

It’s something that we can all do, and if you feel you have the time to support an older person to overcome loneliness and isolation, have a caring and empathetic nature then please get in touch.

Loneliness can be a real problem, not just for our happiness and quality of life, but for our physical health and our wellbeing.

It’s a small thing that could mean the world to someone.

We want to tackle loneliness which is why we’re working alongside Age UK Hereford & Worcestershire supporting the Reconnections Project.

For further details or to arrange a meeting, call Ruth Heptinstall on 07854 717494 or 01386 420800 extension 188, or email: ruth.heptinstall@rooftopgroup.org

Reconnections wants to stop older people being lonely and isolated in Worcestershire and they want to do that by sorting out the causes of loneliness and isolation.

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Not sure if this is for you? Then come for a chat and we can talk about this and other volunteering opportunities.

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Communities Week Working for Rooftop means getting involved, whether it’s the job (making sure that people have a home) or the extra bits like baking for charity…or painting fences…or digging someone’s garden…

You know, the usual things other companies do…

Rooftop isn’t ‘usual’ and neither are the staff. We certainly proved that between 12 to 16 September this year in Communities Week.

42 members of staff gave their time, their effort, and in some cases the contents of their wardrobes, to help in our community.

There were two main things happening through the week, a pop up shop stocked with donations from staff, and a team of wandering gardeners.

The pop up shop on Evesham High Street with everything for a pound (down to 50p on the last day) made a hugely respectable £658 and that included a remarkable donation from HomeSmith House of £141. All of the proceeds of the shop went to the Air Ambulance and MacMillan Cancer Care. It was buzzing for the week.

The gardening got off to a flying start with a £100 voucher from Twyford Garden Centre which went to buy tools, and that was helped with a donation from BHGS. Everyone took part, and we mean everyone, it’s not often staff get to see their Chief Executive mowing a resident’s lawn.

It was wonderful to see the reaction from the people we helped, from the communities around them and from the people who work for Rooftop. It brought us closer as a community, and that’s what it was for.

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Supporting the Air Ambulance We have monthly Dress Down days at Rooftop to raise money for charity.

Recently we raised £1315.98 for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The Paramedics and staff at Midlands Air Ambulance were thankful for this fantastic donation. The money will help their operation enormously, especially when you consider that it costs on average £2500 per mission!

Ruth and Simon delivered our donation to the station at Strensham.

Have a look at the great work they do at www.midlandsairambulance.com

SEVERN AREA RESCUE ASSOCIATION (SARA) They are an independent Search and Rescue organisation. Staff voted for SARA as the chosen charity to receive a £1000 donation in January this year. The donation from Rooftop will help to support SARA and their fantastic work.

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Ready Steady ... Bake!

We gave our Macmillan coffee morning a twist by holding our own Rooftop Bake Off on 30 September. Staff put their skills to the test to see who would be crowned Star Baker. Whilst eating lots of yummy food we raised £70.20 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to staff member Natalie Briffett and her husband Colin who sadly died in an accident earlier this year.

This beautiful Loveseat was dedicated to their memory by Rooftop colleagues.

On June 16 Rooftop baked and iced and ate so much cake to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society on their Cupcake Day. We raised £90 for nibbling as we worked.

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queen for a day One Evesham woman found herself in pride of place as residents of Ferry View in Evesham celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

With bunting and finery Jess Barber became Queen for the Day on Friday 22 April.

Celebrations were opened by Mayor of Evesham, Councillor Fred Kaler and Rooftop Housing Group Chief Executive Ian Hughes.

The event featured a ‘Royal Lunch’ including a beautifully designed birthday cake.

Getting Digital With the help of some dedicated Digital Champions I’ve delivered many hours of FREE training.

We’ve helped you discover new hobbies and revisit old ones. Make contact with old friends and speak to loved ones in other counties and overseas. You’ve shopped online for that bargain from the comfort of your arm chair, and you’ve used the internet safely.

You can come along to one of the courses held throughout the area, you’d be most welcome.

If you are interested in taking part in a course or being a Digital Champion. Please contact me on 01386 420800 extension 263, send me a letter at Head Office (address on the back of the Magazine as always) or email me on andrew.gibbins@rooftopgroup.org 16

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Rewarding Study Rooftop and the Worcestershire Traveller Education Service (TES) have rewarded star pupils with laptops to help them study.

Children from the Gypsy and Traveller community are amongst the lowest achieving groups in schools in England, with typically low attendance.

The TES and Rooftop have been working together to turn this trend around and to give children from the Houndsfield Lane community something to work towards.

The project motivates children that fall below an 85% attendance rate to stay in school, and get the best opportunities that education can bring them.

Five children who now have over 90% attendance were awarded laptops by Rooftop Housing Group’s Chief Executive Ian Hughes at a special ceremony held at Wythall Library.

Tony Henderson, Rooftops’ Gypsy and Traveller Project Manager said “This is an exciting project that will help and enable the children at Houndsfield Lane to achieve educational outcomes and is the first step in Rooftop delivering more than just housing to our Gypsy and Traveller customers”.

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21 and a bit years of Rooftop We’ve just had our 21st Annual General Meeting so I’ve taken the opportunity to look back over what Rooftop has achieved. It’s actually now 22 years since Wychavon District Council transferred 4020 homes to the new Evesham and Pershore Housing Association.

Midlands Today newsreader Kay Alexander MBE made a video about the stock transfer, telling tenants it must be a democratic affair “your vote counts”. We showed the video at more than 70 local consultation meetings and our staff went out knocking doors to check that residents had all the information they needed. 87% of tenants voted for the transfer and that was where it all kicked off.

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So right from the outset residents were at the heart of what we do and that is as true today as it was then. A quarter of our Board Members are tenants, taking key decisions upon future strategies and making sure we deliver good homes and services to our customers.

The Customer Panel and Resident Action Team keep us on our toes, checking to see that we are doing what we say we will do. And if we get it wrong, yes it does happen, then residents are there checking satisfaction and helping us to continuously improve.

Over the years our number of homes has steadily increased as we worked with local authority and other

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOP

how you rated our homes and services and they awarded us a top three-star rating based on what you said. This was one of my proudest moments but I have to say that it actually reflects the commitment of everyone at Rooftop working together; involved customers, board members, employees and partners doing their best for the community. partners to meet housing needs across an expanding area. Now we provide over 6500 homes and housing services to around 15000 customers. Our priorities are still firmly focussed upon local communities but our patch has grown well beyond Wychavon to include meeting affordable housing needs with other local Councils in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and providing homes for key NHS staff as far afield as Somerset and Shropshire.

We have had lots of memorable events, too many to include here but I have several favourites. The first was the opening of Yates Court in the heart of Evesham in 1999 to provide much needed extra care accommodation for older people. Helping older people to remain living independently in the community was one of the key objectives for the stock transfer and I was delighted when we were able to double the number of apartments at Yates Court last year when ‘Strictly’ stars Anton du Bec and Erin Boag cut the ribbon and wowed residents and guests with their charm. We also opened two more extra care schemes last year, Dora Matthews House in the Forest of Dean and Dorothy Terry House in Redditch.

Quite a few of us have had health care at Worcester Royal Hospital but did you know that Rooftop built their nurses and doctors homes when the new hospital was built? That was the start of several partnerships with NHS Trusts to house vital key workers, and now we are helping to get patients out of hospital, through our extracare services and back into their own homes.

These few examples show how Rooftop is constantly reinvesting our resources to improve the quality of life of people and the communities they live in. It has been a real pleasure and an honour to work for Rooftop and our residents. We all know that society is facing a lot of pressures but you can be sure that Rooftop people will keep doing their best to make our communities a better place to live.

Residents in Bishop’s Cleeve trusted Rooftop to become their new landlord because we promised to modernise their homes and build new homes for local people. We delivered those promises and several other landlords have since chosen to join Rooftop to meet the future needs of their residents.

Residents played a major role when the Audit Commission Inspectors called in 2008. You told them ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

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Ryan Williams

Patch

ryan.williams@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 269 07854717527

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Apart from the name, not much has changed.

Find out who is looking after your community and how to contact them.

Your Neighbourhood Officer is the person you need to contact regarding any questions you have about your tenancy or your neighbourhood.

They will be your point of contact from the minute you are offered a property right through to when you leave us.

Harriet Brown

If you see your Neighbourhood Officer out and about, feel free to approach them, they will be happy to speak to you. Alternatively if you prefer, you can make an appointment to see them at our offices or they can come and visit you at home.

Stroud Acorn House Spa Villas Jubilee Court 41 High Street

Pinvin Throckmorton Bishampton Lenches Inkberrow Peopleton Whittington Patch

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Corinne Little

corinne.little@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 304 07854 717460

Abbey Estate Station Rd Estate Pershore Central

Patch

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Patch

harriet.brown@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 190 07854 717456

The number of properties that each Officer looks after is now much smaller so that they have more time to spend out and about in their communities getting to know you all and nipping any issues in the bud.

They can help with a number of issues including rents, repairs, welfare advice, tenancy visits, abandoned vehicles, mutual exchange and tenancy enforcement.

Bredon Bredons Norton Westmancote Kemerton Kinsham Beckford Bishop’s Cleeve Ross-on-Wye

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Lydney Gateway Nettleton Road Old School House St Catherines Street Frampton Corner Gloucester Gateway

Upton Snodsbury Broughton Hackett White Ladies Aston Dormston Naunton Beauchamp Drakes Broughton Sneachill

Gloucester Cheltenham Winchcombe Forest of Dean Acorn House Berkeley Street

Stoulton Wadborough Littleworth Norton Pirton Worcester

Terry Shutt

terry.shutt@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 132 07854 717542

Droitwich Fernhill Heath Kidderminster Stourport Dudley Lower Sapey Kinswinford

Astwood Bank Cookhill Redditch Bromsgrove Wythall Solihull

Tony Henderson

tony.henderson@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 157 07815 645613

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Peter Stock

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Sian Clements

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peter.stock@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 139 07854 717482

sian.clements@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 199 07876 839259

Four Pools • Harvington Offenham

Evesham Central Rynal • Norton

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Lisa Tandy

lisa.tandy@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 241 07854 717441

Fairfield Hinton on the Green Sedgeberrow Ashton Under Hill Aston Somerville Childswickham

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Tommy Collins

Catherine Wood

tommy.collins@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 187

catherine.wood@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 113 07854 717422

South Littleton North Littleton Middle Littleton Cleeve Prior Badsey

Bretforton Honeybourne Pebworth Aldington

Broadway Wickhamford Moreton in Marsh Bengeworth

Debbie Price

debbie.price@rooftopgroup.org 01386 420800 ext 245 07854 717449

Hampton Elmley Castle Combertons Cropthorne Charlton

ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

Fladbury Lower Moor Wyre Piddle Pensham Wick

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Besford Eckington Birlingham Defford Strensham

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Joy & Mike

I’m excited today as I set off to The Court in Broadway to meet two residents who are busy planning their wedding. The door opens before I can reach for the bell. ‘I saw you coming’ announces Joy. She has pink cheeks and hazel eyes. She greets me warmly, she is dressed in grey trousers, a powder blue top and a smart cardigan. As I follow she gestures me towards the lounge. ‘Mike’s in there, I’m just going to change my top, I don’t like this one.’ I nod politely.

I walk in to find Mike sitting comfortably in his chair. We smile as I sit and we listen to the sound of Joy bustling in the next room. She appears in a vibrant top, it’s glamourous with large purple flowers. It matches her lilac framed glasses and soft eye shadow. She seems more comfortable and I think it suits her much more.

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“I lived in Redditch, and I was in a line dancing group called the Deputy Dogs”. Mike turns towards her in his chair, a gentle smile spreads as he watches Joy speak.

She tells me they met in 2003 when her Line Dancing group did a show in Pershore on Mike’s birthday. “We met again when we did another Line Dance, and apparently,” she looks at Mike with mock disapproval and he chuckles, “he said to one of the fellas ‘I like her’.”

Their romance blossomed quickly and at the end of 2003 Joy moved from Redditch to be with Mike in Broadway.

“Did you click instantly?”

“Well,” starts Joy coyly “when I first saw him I thought hmmmm… I like him. I s’pose you can say it was love at first sight and all that old fashioned stuff.”

When they first spoke, Joy was surprised to find a thick accent “I didn’t know he was Polish,” she says.

“He’s the reason I started drinking Vodka” she jokes and they share a cheeky grin together. But Mike is still silent. “Can you hear me?” questions Joy. “He’s not got his hearing aid in” she says to me shaking her head. Joy gets up from her chair and begins to search for Mike’s aid. She fusses around him until she finds it and helps him to put it on.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing for Joy and Mike. The wedding was originally planned for 2008 but after difficult few years, with health, family loss, and bad financial advice they made the sad decision that they couldn’t marry. All plans were cancelled.

Joy tells me that one night, when they’d settled down together on the sofa they said their own vows, promising their love in the only ceremony they thought they would have.

Then one day Joy found out that the financial advice they were given was complete rubbish! Joy knew they could get married. “I remember when you come in” Mike starts with a sudden energy. His accent has stayed with him over the years and his English is slightly broken. “I was still ready to sleep,”

“He was asleep in bed” Joy helps and they tell the story together. “She comes and says ‘News’” Mike waves his arm impersonating Joy throwing open the door “I leant over him” says Joy “Do you still want to marry me?” she questions her lap as if leaning over a sleeping Mike.

“Yes! I do!” he exclaims with passion. “I jump straight away.” They tell me that they began to plan again that day and have organised their big day in just 5 weeks.

Both Joy and Mike have been married before and have incredibly different backgrounds. Mike tells me of how when he was 19 he was taken from his home

by Russian soldiers in 1939 and was sent to a Siberian labour camp before joining a new Polish Army in 1941 and going to Egypt in 1943 to join the British 8th Army.

“And whilst he was doing that, I was a babe in arms” laughs Joy nudging Mike. “Tell her about the mine” she prompts excitedly, Mike tells me of a time when he and his comrades were working in a mine when it collapsed, trapping the terrified men inside. He recalls having to dig his way to survival.

Joy knows all of Mike’s history as if she’s lived it. She prompts him and reminds him of stories, helping him when he loses his words.

“And he got the Polish equivalent of our Victoria Cross” Joys speaks proudly. “For leading a group through a minefield. He put a white towel on his back and said when I go, the next one needs to take over – he thought he was a gonner.”

While she speaks, Mike has found something that he holds shyly in his hands. “Oh go on then, you show her,” allows Joy. Mike hands me the something delicately as if passing me his most prized possessions. I look and see that they are pictures of them together from various occasions and holidays.

“I don’t like having my picture taken” explains Joy “I’ve always thought I looked heavy”. But it’s obvious that Mike is besotted with her. I hope that in 40 years my husband is that proud of me.

by Felicity Humphrey

ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

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JOB FAIR

I suppose the weather could have been kinder – Monday 26 September was pouring down. Thankfully Evesham Library had kindly offered their upstairs area to host Rooftop’s second Evesham Job Fair.

Fifteen agencies, partners and employers joined with the Library, Evesham Job Centre Plus and Rooftop to offer what is likely to become a regular event. Visitors were able to chat to real employers, have their CV checked, find out what their local libraries can offer, check out the local college courses, chat to Rooftop about casual opportunities and volunteering with us.

At least 80 people entered the draw to win an iPad Mini. Zahra Novinpoor from Badsey was the lucky winner. Zahra called into the event to discuss volunteering opportunities with Rooftop.

By Philippa Sandt Work and Money Advisor 01386 420800 extension 173 Philippa.Sandt@rooftopgroup.org

Personal Success Sue Hartiss

Connie Massey

I’m on Universal Credit, it can be a bit of a nightmare when you’re in and out of work like I have been recently. I sometimes forget what day of the week it is, what with job seeking, keeping a record of hours worked, calling Universal Credit to let them know of any changes.

Much as I thought my current work is OK I always had a tiny ambition to study. I had left school with some qualifications but often wondered if I could have got more.

I love curling up with a good book, something I could get my nose in to. So what did I do in September 2015? I enrolled at my local college for a GCSE in English.

I’ve experienced work recently and I know the benefits that earnings bring. Philippa and I work hard together to keep my claim and job seeking activity well on track – I’m positive and confident that I will find work again soon. Until I do Philippa and I will keep in regular touch.

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25 August 2016 Philippa and I went to collect my results – I’d passed!!

Life is on the up for me, a GCSE, a place on Open University Foundation Access Course, the possibility of starting University in a years’ time. What with my partner moving into the area too, life is certainly on the up.

Mick Wells Life on Job Seekers was dull, dismal and disheartening, I’d worked in Horticulture until my last employer closed down. I’d assumed work would be easy to find – how wrong was I? To make it worse my health began to decline.

I heard a major retailer was moving into the area, I wasn’t successful at the first interview with them but was offered some work experience with them. I helped get the store ready for opening, worked hard and after a few weeks was offered a part time contract, I worked hard and showed my willingness to learn, fit in and be a team player. Here I am now with a full time contract.

What a difference to my life; off benefits, a busy life, not one day the same. My disabilities still exist but I overcome these by staying upbeat and positive.

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOP

a e v a H ’s o d Nan y t r a P p o t f Roo Rooftop Support and Care have been making young people’s lives tastier in Gloucestershire thanks to Nando’s in Gloucester, and they haven’t even tried cooking Galinha à Africana (piri piri to you and me).

Nando’s donated their extra chicken to help young people in Gloucestershire come together, share good food and learn new skills.

It all started with an Indian night, where fresh food was prepared by the young people who use Rooftop Support and Care services in Gloucester, Tewkesbury and The Forest of Dean. It was a challenging menu with lots of complex authentic dishes, using ingredients that the young people hadn’t heard of or seen before, let alone handled and cooked with.

Next came the Mexican night, with simple food and great conversation.

Sam Treffrey, Night Worker for Rooftop Support and Care said, “The next night will be an Italian, and I’m hoping for a full house”. “We’ve really achieved our goals and so have the young people”.

Rooftop Support and Care is a voluntary organisation that works across the counties of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire to house and support young people between the ages of 16 and 25 and older people aged 55+.

ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

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Rio 2016 Rooftop’s Indoor Olympic Medals Ceremony Friday 19 August 2016

After weeks of competing, the rounds had ended and the awards ceremony had arrived. Ceri Jones, Board Member and Sue Bentley, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Sports Partnership, were invited to hand out the medals to the winners and participants of Rooftops Indoor Olympic Games.

The ceremony was due to start at 11.00 am but Ferry View lounge was buzzing by 10.30, tables were laid, decorations were up, food was being prepared and the ceremony began.

The Bowls winners were given their medals and certificates first:

The New Age Bowls winners were presented their medals and certificates next:

• Bronze was awarded to The Court Jesters who scored 22 points.

• Bronze was awarded to Evesham Connect for taking part.

• Silver was awarded to Fairey View who scored 36 points.

• Silver was awarded to The Can Do Group who scored 600 points.

• Gold was awarded to The Cherry Berries who scored 62 points.

• Gold was awarded to Bewdley Court who scored 1070 points.

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The final medals and certificates were awarded for the Archery.

There was a tie break for 2nd and 3rd place so another set of arrows were shot to find the winners:

• Bronze was awarded to Sheila Bradnock who scored 8 points.

• Silver was awarded to Christine Grove who scored 12 points.

• Gold was awarded to Doreen Recardo who scored 36 points.

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOP

Certificates were awarded to everyone who took part or were playing as reserves.

The competitors were then treated to a three course lunch, with staff and volunteers waiting on tables. The menu was: Melon and Grapes Ham, Salad, New Potatoes, Coleslaw and French Stick Strawberries and Ice Cream with wafers The afternoon came to a close with a fabulous musical sing along with The Harvington Ukulele Band who played for over an hour. Tea, coffee and cakes were served during the interval, one of Kim’s famous raffles and Catherine organised a ‘how many sweets in the jar’ competition. £103 was raised, £50 was donated to the band for their funds. The remainder will be used for further activities, within the community and schemes.

The day was a tremendous success with plenty of fun and laughter. The staff and volunteers put a lot of hard work into this and felt rewarded by the amount of thanks and comments about the day.

It was superb ‘team work’ and my greatest thanks for all the hard work and support.

What a Fabulous day!

Caroline Maxwell Active Lifestyles Facilitator ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

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Rooftop Resident Panel’s Update The Customer Panel held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 7 September and reviewed resident involvement activity for 2015-16.

The key successes were: • New service standards for repairs, maintenance, anti-social behaviour and customer service were discussed and published to all residents (you can find these on our website). The standards are short and provide a guide to residents on the standard of service they can expect from Rooftop.

• A scrutiny review of how Rooftop communicates with residents was completed and recommendations made on: • A new customer service standard.

• Monitoring the number of visitors to reception and other ways that Rooftop residents contact us.

• Putting more services online.

• A computerised system to manage customer contacts with Rooftop.

• A review of how Rooftop has responded to the programme of changes to welfare benefits introduced by the government was carried out by the scrutiny panel. The Panel were satisfied with the introduction of the new work and money advice service but made a number of recommendations on improvements including: • Rooftop should increase support provided to residents affected by debt.

• Rooftop should encourage residents to pay by Direct Debit rather than through an All Pay card.

• Residents in rent arrears should be referred to the Work and Money Advice service at an earlier stage and work should be done to ensure that residents know they can view their rent balances online.

The AGM also discussed how much had been spent on resident involvement activities last year. It noted that 38 services had been changed or improved as a result of resident feedback and that customer surveys had been carried out with 33% of all tenants.

The Customer Panel has been increasing its membership and the meeting was joined by six new residents. The Panel are still looking for new members and can be contacted by email: customerpanel@rooftopgroup.org Or by phone 01386 420800 extension 116 – Kate Gallant, Community Investment Manager

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How we plan to work with local communities in 2016-17 At Rooftop we are committed to working with local communities to improve neighbourhoods, offer a range of activities and opportunities to get involved. We have recently changed how our neighbourhood teams will work with local areas and during the year we will be looking at how we can work more closely with you.

If you would like to get involved please contact the Community Investment team on 01386 420800 extension 116.

Volunteers are essential to all that we do. Please read our annual report to find out what we got up to in 2015-16.

Neighbourhood and community

Community volunteering

• Participate in communities week in September 2016.

• Investigate options for an online and telephone befriending service.

• Develop a pack for use by local communities on how to set up a neighbourhood group.

• Explore options for new approach to community projects with new neighbourhood teams.

• Organise the 2017 Garden competition.

Involving residents • Implement the recommendations on how we involve residents in improving services.

• Work with an external consultant to recruit new members for the Resident Panels who provide a view on Rooftop services.

• Complete scrutiny reviews of the Cost Sharing Vehicle (CSV), repairs and maintenance services and the empty homes service standard.

Health and well being • Arrange activities alongside the Rio Olympics.

• Increase the number of volunteers recruited by the neighbourhood teams.

Work and money advice • Recruit and support four apprentices to work in the Housing Team.

• Organise a Job Fair in Evesham with local partners and employers.

• Recruit and implement a programme of employment support through the Building Better Opportunities programme, to provide job coaches to support people into employment.

• Develop a money tips section for the Rooftop magazine.

• Support the Pershore and Evesham job clubs working with the local library to offer good quality support.

Helping residents get online

• Organise an inter-generational sports activity with Prince Henry’s High School.

• Evaluate outcomes of Digital Connector post and plan for future support to help residents get online.

• Increase referrals from the neighbourhood teams and partners to health programme.

• Increase the number of volunteer digital champions.

• Install wi-fi in communal areas of all schemes.

• Improve knowledge and information on mental health services and understanding of how to refer residents to local services and provide relevant training to staff.

• Improve resident access to online services in head office reception.

• Participate in a mental health campaign to raise awareness of the issues and local services.

ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

• Provide new webpages supporting resident information on options for getting online including advice on technology and broadband packages.

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ACTIVE LIFESTYLES Black Country Living Museum On 13 September a group of Rooftop residents and friends had a day out, back in time, at the Black Country Living Museum.

The Silver Sunday Event The Silver Sunday Event in October brought lots of the community together to support Reconnections (more info on Page 12).

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Weston Trip Do you remember July? That’s when Active Lifestyles took a trip to Weston-super-Mare.

Walking Group As part of the Ramblers Walk About festival, the Active Lifestyles team organised a walk into the wetlands…

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Throughout our properties there are many residents who deserve recognition for the care and creativity they have put into their garden. From home grown vegetables to upcycled planters it’s time to celebrate these little oases and their green fingered owners!

During the spring residents were invited to enter their gardens, containers and with support of their neighbours, their street or community space. Members of the judging committee, made up of members of staff and resident experts, went and visited each property awarding points for layout, design, maintenance and condition of the planting.

The judges found the quality of entries was again very high, making it very difficult to decide on the winners. However, after much consideration the winners were chosen and at an awards ceremony at Ferry View, presented with some very generously donated prizes.

The Gardening Competition will be back in 2017 and we’re looking for entries. There will be more information in the next issue, so why not be proud of your plot and get involved!

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Best overall garden

1st Mrs Gallagher, Evesham.

The garden has been designed with all raised beds to help enable Mrs Gallagher to continue gardening. The use of clean lines, interesting features and use of recycled items made this garden a stand out winner.

2nd Mr and Mrs Saunders, Evesham 3rd Mrs Mason, Church Lench

Best hanging baskets or containers

 2nd: Mr & Mrs Saunders, Evesham  3rd: Mrs Mason, Church Lench

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1st Sue Harness, Little Beckford 2nd Mr Harris, Gloucester 3rd Mrs Fryer, Great Comberton

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Most improved garden

1st Mrs Hackling, Ashton under Hill 2nd Mrs Spencer, Pershore 3rd Mr Rea, Evesham

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Best street

Western Hill Road, Little Beckford

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Best scheme

1st The Court, Broadway 2nd Meade Court, Evesham 3rd Cherry Orchard House, Pershore

Best fruit and vegetable garden st

1 Mrs Lisle, Westmancote 2nd Mrs Keyte, Broadway 3rd Sally Keen, Pershore

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Rooftop would like to thank all the businesses who have generously donated the prizes for this year’s competition.

Hillers • Vale Gardens • Hartwells & Co • Blooms • Hayloft Nurseries • Golls Garden Centre • 3 Counties Showground • Croome Park • Countrywide Farmers Stores • The Wood Norton • Broadway Hotel • Coach and Horses, Harvington • Midcounties Cooperative Society • Kings Head, Bishop’s Cleeve

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S E G A P E L Z Z U P

Take a break, sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy our puzzle pages!

Some puzzles are just for fun, but our prize crossword you have the chance to win a

£20 HIGH STREET VOUCHER

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Find the words below in the New Year’s word search grid. The words can be forwards, backwards, vertical, horizontal or diagonal. When the New Year’s word search puzzle is complete, there will be Find the words from the bottom one word left over. Tell us what the word is NEW and you couldEVE win a £20 High Street Voucher!

YEARS CHAMPAGNE in the New Year's word search TRADITIONAL FIREWORKS NEW YEARS EVE can be PARTY FIREWORKS AUL LAND SYNE grid.

The words forwards DECEMBER MIDNIGHT TRADITIONAL PUB MIDNIGHT SUPERSTITION or backwards, vertical, horizontal, WINTER CHIMES DECEMBER LUCK CHIMES FIRSTFOOTING or diagonal.

FAMILY PIPER PIPER HAPPY NEW YEAR WINTER DRINK FRIENDSBAGPIPES BAGPIPES FAMILY When the New Year'sTOAST word search PARTY SONGS FRIENDS CHAMPAGNE SONGS puzzle is complete, there will be PUB AULD LANG SYNE one word left over. Tell us what LUCK SUPERSTITION SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOP 34 the word is and you could win a DRINK FIRSTFOOTING £20 High Street Voucher!

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READER’S PHOTO: Thank you to Sue Bishop for this photo of a murmuration of starlings over Cherry Orchard House in Pershore.

If you have taken a photo that you would like to show off, or if you have found a really old photo of your local area, send it in to us and it may appear within the magazine, perhaps even on the cover!

Please send your photos to: comms.web@ rooftopgroup.org or to the Communications Department at Rooftop Housing Group.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you find the seven differences between the two pictures?

CONGRATULATIONS MR MATTHEWS! As winner of last edition’s word search competition, you will receive a £20 Tesco voucher.

The answer not found on the grid was Corgi.

ISSUE 88 AUTUMN 2016

Competition terms Please note that winners will be picked at random from the correct entries, by the Communications Panel, and their decision is final.

Closing date for entries is 27 February 2017.

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Competition entries Use our back page to send in your entries for our competition. Just fill in the details below and send it to the address to the right of the page.

www.rooftopgroup.org

You can also email your competition entries to communications@rooftopgroup.org

enquiries@rooftopgroup.org

The closing date for the competition is 27 February 2017.

0800 0421 800

NAME

Rooftop Housing Group 70 High Street, Evesham WR11 4YD

ADDRESS

 @Rooftop_Housing  Rooftop Housing Group Our head office is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (except on Wednesday when we open at 9.30am)

PHONE EMAIL AUTUMN WORD SEARCH ANSWER:

Christmas and New Year Opening times 2016/17 We close as usual at 5pm on Friday 23 December and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2017.

Emergency repairs and anti-social behaviour can be reported even when we’re closed on 0800 0421 800.

Emergency repairs and anti-social behaviour can be reported even when we are closed on 0800 0421 800 If you would like the information in this magazine translated into another language, audio, or larger print, please contact your neighbourhood officer.

If you would like to make a complaint, please complete the online form on www.rooftopgroup.org or phone your neighbourhood officer and ask for our complaints form.